Local Surfing Community Unites for an Epic Day at the COA Open

Great surf conditions, offshore wind, gorgeous warm weather, soldout event, and hundreds of fans combined to create an epic day on Sunday, October 7 for the Clean Ocean Action Open Surf Contest at Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park in Long Branch, NJ. Surfers in eight divisions included a wide-range of ages and skill levels, from four-year old grom Kevin Flaherty to men 60+ years of age. Some of the best professional surfers in NJ and NY, including Mike Gleason, Sam Hammer, Tom Ihnken, Tom Petriken, Jon Smyth, and Brendan Tighe competed in the event. Sam Hammer,
owner and coach at Hammer Surf School and star of the acclaimed surf film, “Under the Arctic Sky”, took 1st Place in the Pro Division. Sam decided to generously donate his $1,000 winner-take-all prize to COA.

Kyle Hopfensperger, chef and co-owner of North Sea Bright, NJ-based restaurant, 2^nd Jetty Seafood (left); Scott Thompson, founder of the first COA Open in 1987 and one of this year’s contest organizers; Cindy Zipf, Executive Director, Clean Ocean Action; Jack Murphy, Manager of 2^nd Jetty Seafood; and Danny Ciambrone chef and co-owner of 2^nd Jetty Seafood, enjoying the surf contest from the beach.

Surfers and spectators enjoyed perfect weather, great waves and free Coffee Surf Co throughout the day-long contest. Buddy Pendergast, Store Manager at Patagonia Bowery traveled from New York City to support Clean Ocean Action. COA is grateful to be one of Patagonia’s partners.

Sam Hammer, 1^st Place Winner of the Men’s Pro Division

at the COA Open, donated his $1000 winnings back to Clean Ocean Action. Robert Siliato Photography

The day long contest was followed by a short Beach Sweep and an After-Party presented by 2nd Jetty Seafood in north Sea Bright where the award ceremony took place. See COA’s blog for the full list of
winners and visit COA’s Facebook page to view the photos.

Surf Contestant with young grom, Joe Descenza, demonstrating the spirit of the local community and the need to protect the ocean for the next generation to enjoy. Dano Descenza Photography

Up-cycled trophies, donated by Scott Thompson, founder of the original COA Open in 1987, were presented to contest winner at the after party hosted by 2nd Jetty Seafood in north Sea Bright, NJ

The after party included free beer from Asbury Park Brewery and Belford Brewery, wine donated by Court Liquors, and vodka donated by Tito’s Handmade Vodka. Partygoers enjoyed live music from Anthony Lee Loops Trio and Friends, plus a five-star local food spread from Lusty Lobster, GiGi’s
Pizza, Anjelica’s, Tommy’s Tavern+Tap, and Woody’s Ocean Grille!

Anthony Lee Loops Trio at the 2nd Jetty After Party