Coach Motes with the All-Stars & Developmental team members in the OBX
The Eastern Surfing Association (ESA) just finished its annual All-Star team training trip to the Outer Banks last week and brought along some of its Developmental team members as well. Surfers from all over the East Coast met in Nags Head for a week of team building, coaching, surf sessions and ice cream runs while supporting the ESA All-Stars who competed in the WRV WSL QS Outer Banks Pro at Jennette’s Pier.
“Everyone looks forward to our Outer Banks team training trip each year,” said ESA’s executive director Michelle Sommers. “This is another way that the ESA makes memories for those involved in the individual sport of surfing by creating a team environment for making friends and memories, in addition to working on skills necessary for competitive surfing.”
All of the surfers who participated will be surfing in ESA’s 2024 Easterns that is held at Jennette’s Pier each September.
“I’m so thankful to be able to do this with all these rad kids,” said ESA All-Star coach Jason Motes. “The Outer Banks is so iconic for East Coast surfing, and I’m stoked to be able to teach these kids about the history that this place has for the ESA.”
ESA All-Star Ayla Stutzman power-surfed her way to the round of 16 in the WSL QS WRV Pro last week. Photo: Robert Bennett
All-Star Ayla Stutzman came all the way from Maine and her mom, Tracy, shopped, cooked and cleaned for the team members throughout the week. Ayla’s strong surfing helped her advance into Round 16 of the WSL QS event, which is the highest to date for her in the WSL QS series. 
“This year’s ESA All-Star OBX trip was a huge tipping point in my surfing where I dialed in my small wave equipment with the help of Coach Motes who helped me get one of my best results in a WSL QS event, 3rd in quarters,” said Stutzman. “Not only did my surfing get pushed by the team members, but I also developed friendships that are bonded by our passion of surfing and acai bowls. Thanks to Michelle, Coach Motes, and everyone else involved with organizing these valuable experiences for us.”
ESA All-Star Matton Bain surfing on the event’s round of 16. Photo: Robert Bennett
ESA All-Star and Wrightsville Beach native Matton Bain surfed into the Mens Round of 16 as well in the event. Bain was on fire throughout the entire event and proved that hard work paid off from his dedicated training over the last year or so.
Former All-Star and Jacksonville Beach local Lanea Mons won the event, which was her first WSL QS win. Coach Motes along with her Jacksonville family and friends were there to carry her up to the podium to celebrate this monumental moment. Mons attended the ESA OBX and Hawaii training trips over the years and is now concentrating on the WSL events.
ESA Developmental team member Ashley Howard traveled from Florida for her first ESA OBX training trip.
“This trip was by far my favorite trip ever,” said Howard. “I had such a fun time traveling the coast of the OBX and searching for fun waves. Every day was an adventure and I’m so grateful to have experienced it!”
Stay tuned as all of these surfers will be at Easterns September 15-21.
