About the ESA

The ESA is the largest amateur surfing association in the US with thousands of members of all ages. Our family-oriented programs promote a healthy and active lifestyle. It is not uncommon to find two or three generations of the same family involved as members of the ESA, and actively competing in our program.

Mission Statement

The Eastern Surfing Association (ESA) is dedicated to the sport of amateur surfing, to the operation of a program of amateur competition for surfers of all ages and abilities, and to the establishment and preservation of free access to a clean shoreline and ocean environment. It was founded in 1967 by East Coast surfers to promote, preserve, and protect the sport of surfing on the East Coast.

The ESA has 23 districts extending along nearly 2,000 miles of coastline stretching from Maine through the Gulf Coast of Florida, and the Great Lakes.  Every district is run by a group of dedicated volunteers.

Eleven-time World Champion Kelly Slater along with World Champions CJ Hobgood, Lisa Anderson and Freida Zamba all learned their competitive skills through the Eastern Surfing Association.

WCT pro surfers Damien Hobgood, Shea Lopez and Cory Lopez surfed the Florida ESA Districts. WCT pro surfer and 1996 World Amateur Junior Champion, Ben Bourgeois, is a product of the ESA, Southern North Carolina District.

Professional WQS surfers Dean Randazzo, Noah Snyder, Jesse Hines, Rob Kelly, Cassidy McClain, Asher Nolan, Falina Spires, Eric Taylor, Jamie DeWitt, Karina Petroni all began their careers through the Eastern Surfing Association.