The Eastern Surfing Association held its annual All-Star Team induction ceremony at Surf Expo on Friday, January 15th on the Expo’s main stage. The ESA All-Star Program, which began over 30 years ago, includes some of the best competitors the ESA has to offer. Each All-Star Team member has had to meet a variety of criteria in order to have been chosen for the 2016 team by the ESA All-Star Committee.
“Our All-Star Team truly exemplifies the best of the ESA,” says ESA Executive Director, Michelle Sommers. “Not only does one need to be a strong competitor to make the tea set, but must also set a good example with regard to sportsmanship and dedication to the organization.”
The 2016 All-Star Members are:
- Maria Barend
- Spencer Bridges
- Patrick Conklin
- Ryan Conklin
- Georgia Cook – Jr. Mentor
- Braidyn Cunningham
- Cierra Cunningham – Jr. Mentor
- Noah Dovin
- Julia Eckel
- Sophie Falzone
- Cooper Fortney – Jr. Mentor
- Nohea Futrell
- Lars Hamilton
- Logan Kamen
- Jordan Montgomery
- Alexa Muss
- Kai Nichols
- Leah Thompson
The adult mentors are:
- Chuck & Ana Barend
- Haley Watson
- Rodney Logan
- Lenny Nichols
The All-Star Team is very excited to have Rip Curl’s continued support as an “Official Team Sponsor” for 2016. “Rip Curl supports some of the best surfers in the world and we are thrilled to have them support our All-Star Team,” says Sommers.
Dylan Slater, Rip Curl’s Vice President of Marketing says, “”Rip Curl is excited and honored to support the next generation of the East Coast’s top talent. The ESA All-Stars have a prestigious legacy, and Rip Curl is happy to be a part of it.”
New All-Star Team sponsor East Coast Customs presented each incoming team member a custom-made longboard surfboard that includes the All-Star logo and the recipient’s name. Shawn Arlock, East Coast Customs owner, says “We are excited to be an All-Star sponsor for this awesome group of young adults, and look forward to helping them achieve all of their dreams and aspirations.”
Team members will be traveling to the North Shore of Oahu in March for professional training with several elite surf coaches. Photos of this trip will be provided by ESA’s official photographer Mickey McCarthy so please be sure to follow the ESA All-Star Team on social media.
Social media for the ESA All-Stars:
Facebook – “ESA All-Stars”
Instagram – “esa_all_stars”
Webpage – www.surfesa.org/allstars
The All-Stars will be surfing in ESA’s post-season championships that begin in April. Dates for these events are posted on the ESA website at www.surfesa.org.