Hanging Ten For The Ocean: 7th Annual Surf Open

The 7th Annual COA Surf Open on October 20th was a spectacular day of surf, sun, and ocean advocacy at Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park in Long Branch. Surfers of all ages hit the waves under perfect conditions, and the crowd soaked-in the excitement all while supporting COA’s mission to protect our sea! Leading the charge was Contest Director Tyler Thompson who said, “It’s incredible to see how much this event has grown over the years. It’s a true community effort. To showcase the incredible talent, we hold the surf conditions to the highest standards. After postponing for several weeks (and losing sleep over every postponement), mother-nature didn’t let us down! I am humbled every year from the support of sponsors, volunteers, judges and contestants who prove the passion for ocean stewardship continues to run deep on the Jersey Shore!”

A dedicated team of judges generously volunteered their time and expertise, evaluating competitors in each division. 

The panel was led by Head Judge Joe Schluter and Co-Head Judge Jon Smyth, and included Steve Walker, Rol Woolson, Scott Thompson, Tom Eadon, Mark Thompson, Kelly Krystopowicz, Hugh O’Hare, Brian Parnagian, Drew McCoy, Brian Zinski, and Jason Mitchell. Special thanks to Max Berry, who not only served as a judge but also co-hosted as the event’s beach commentator alongside Tyler. The two shore-ly kept the crowd entertained!

COA is thrilled to announce the winners with their impressive performances, making the 7ᵗʰ annual event one to remember! Winning the pro division, Paul Francisco took first place and took home a Gozney Pizza Oven! 

In the Grom Boys 12 & Under division, Fletcher Heinle took the top spot, while Keira Soleau claimed victory in the Junior Women’s 13-17 category. The Junior Men’s 13-17 title went to Gavin Mitchell, and in the Women’s 18 & Up division, Makena Taylor emerged as the champion.

 
Garrett Servis dominated the Men’s 18 & Up category, while Gary Finnigan, Sr. was crowned the winner of the Legends 45-59 division.

Lastly, Jake O’Donnell defended his Open Longboard title, winning two years in a row. Congratulations to all the surfers and a special thank you to all the contestants and their families. Your commitment to the sport and the ocean makes this event a success.

From pre-event planning to the bustling day of the event, the dedication of volunteers made all the
difference. Their support ensured that everything ran smoothly while encouraging ocean stewardship
among all attendees. Volunteers included Rick Jones, Bob Sickler, Mary-Beth Thompson, Scott
Thompson, Maryjane & Guy Gallo, Pat Raphael, Kelly Krystopowicz, Meghan Grandal, Ann-Marie Carey, Doug Lynch, Diane Ruggiero, Nicky & Kevin Kelly, and COA’s education volunteer team (see “Education Volunteer” article).

A big thank you to the talented photographers who captured the event’s action and beauty: 

Brian Shea, Jo Arlow, and Robert Siliato.

 For more event photos, visit our website CleanOceanAction.org or see our social media posts on the event. 

We are also grateful to the Monmouth County Board of Commissioners and the Monmouth County Park System for their continued support as the host location, along with the staff and rangers at Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park for providing assistance and a welcoming and well-maintained venue.

Lastly, thank you to our sponsors who contributed to making the event a huge success!

Double Overhead Sponsors

• Land Rover Monmouth

• Warshauer Electric

Overhead Sponsors

• 2nd Jetty Seafood

• Hatteras Printing

• Marinus Financial LLC

• New York Life

• MCM Electric

• Red Rabbit Aesthetics

• Suneagles Golf Club

As the COA Surf Open continues to grow in size and prestige, COA is excited to see how this event 

will continue to evolve and inspire more people to join the movement for ocean protection. “Sea” 

you on the waves again next year!