The ESA All-Star ladies with Shane Beschen and Coach Jason Motes at Ehukai Beach Park. Photo: Terry Reis
The ESA All-Star ladies are making the most of their time on the North Shore this week by charging big waves and learning from elite professional surfers, including Shane Beschen, Tamayo Perry and 11-time World Champion Kelly Slater.
A massive NW swell arrived on the same day that the second group of ESA’s top female competitors, ages 11-17, flew in for their seven-day adventure. After getting acclimated surfing the famous breaks on the West Side, and North Shore, the girls had their chance to paddle out with Tamayo Perry to surf Sunset.
Tamayo Perry from Oahu Surfing Experience with ESA All-Stars Abigail Remke and Gabby Viorel following their amazing session at Sunset. Photo: Krissy Torelli
ESA All-Star Gabby Viorel on a big Sunset wave. Photo: Krissy Torelli
“These girls have really stepped up and learned so much on this trip,” said ESA’s All-Star coach Jason Motes. “They have encountered some pretty big surf while facing and conquering their fears. I couldn’t be more proud of each and every one of them.”
Local Hawaiian photographer/videographer Terry Reis, aka Surfshooter Hawaii, captured all the action and posted the video below:
Kelly Slater heading out with the ESA All-Star ladies for a surf session. Photo: Terry Reis
Pro surfer Shane Beschen, who was ranked number two in the world years ago and an ambassador for Amavara Skincare, coached the All-Stars for two days that included running mock heats. Kelly Slater joined the ladies for a surf session on Saturday after they finished working with Beschen.
Kelly Slater showing the ESA All-Stars how it’s done. Photo: Terry Reis
Indojax Surf Charities sponsored a night out for the team members to Cholo’s in Haleiwa to celebrate their achievements while surfing in Hawaii.
“We are so thankful to the people who have provided our All-Stars with an experience that they will never forget,” said Michelle Sommers, ESA’s executive director. “Everyone gave so much of their time, energy and knowledge to these East Coast surfers. They are truly showing so much Aloha to our youth.”
The All-Stars will train with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu master Kid Peligro on Monday to learn how to physically train for surfing. They will wrap up their week on Tuesday with a final surf session before they fly back to the East Coast to implement all that they have learned.
ESA All-Star Coach Jason Motes hugs 11-year-old Camden Hoover on her session at Sunset. Photo: Krissy Torelli
“The friendships that have developed over this past week among the group has been above and beyond what we expected,” adds Motes. “The bonding with one another is what really matters the most to me. These relationships, along with the memories, will last these girls a lifetime.”
Be sure to check out all the photos and videos posted on the ESA and ESA All-Stars Facebook & Instagram pages. Eastern Surf Magazine will be posting a mega gallery of the entire trip in coming weeks. Thanks to ESA All-Star sponsors Rip Curl, Amavara Skincare, Terry Reis Photography and the Velzeyland Hale for lodging.
ESA All-Star Abigail Remke surfing Sunset during her session with Tamayo Perry. Photo: Krissy Torelli