Last weekend Surf Asylum had the privilege of traveling down to Melbourne, FL to see the current level of amateur competitive surfing in Florida. We wanted a benchmark, something to aspire to as we teach a new generation of surfers. Friday we got to see an in form Freida Zamba riding a quad and executing precision backhand snaps, carves, and foam climbs in somewhat weak choppy surf. She was coaching Rachel Presti, one of the event’s standout performers, on wave reading and selection. The surf picked up for Saturday and Sunday with Pete Mendia and Shea Lopez joining the line-up with the kids who will soon be following in their footsteps. Below are images from the weekend and video of the final two days of competition:
Rod Logan’s power surfing distanced him from competitors half his age and younger in his first Open Shortboard heat.
Kaleb Kirshenbaum surfed with remarkable precision in the Menehune division.
Competitors in the Girls and Junior Womens divisions had a great read on the somewhat mushy waves.
Several Menehune (11 & under) competitors exhibited polished, mature style.
Kaleb Kirshenbaum showing commitment.
Kelton Beardall was spending a lot of time in the water in the lead up to the event and it showed. (We didn’t get his 9 point air reverse off of a wave that looked like a giant close out on film).
It took a couple tries in his heats but Charlie Current nailed this one and rode out clean.
Nick Groshell was getting a lot of extension out of his turns while managing stay over his board and complete his waves.
Freida Zamba’s protege Rachel Presti linking turns like a pro.
Autumn Cockrill showing solid, traditional rail work.
Lily Whatley spending plenty of time on the nose in the Junior Womens Longboard Final.
Ryan Conklin pulling off one of the steeper noserides in competiton.
Video of Saturday and Sunday: