This week-long trip brought ESA All-Star coach Jason Motes and his team of All-Stars together to surf, train, run mock heats and support for those who competed in the WSL QS WRV Pro contest that was held at Jennette’s Pier.
“This is one of my favorite trips of the year,” said Motes. “I get to chase waves and hang with the coolest surf groms from all over the East Coast. It’s non-stop laughs combined with non-stop ripping!”
This year, team members made the journey from various locations along the East Coast, including Maine and Florida, to stay together in a large OBX house and hang with surfers who they usually compete against.
Coach Motes with ESA All-Stars. Motes says everyone gets an ESA history lesson with him while traveling throughout the OBX searching for waves.
“Surfing is an individual sport so we work hard to create a team environment through our All-Star Team,” said ESA’s executive director Michelle Sommers. “These young adults are creating lasting friendships and memories that will remain with them forever, even if the competing ends”
The ESA is the only organization that offers a true “team” experience when surfers are invited to become a part of the All-Star Team. This is a real sports team experience with groms who travel, train, and compete together while supporting each other.
Many current and former ESA All-Stars competed in the WSL WRV Pro, with several advancing through the first few rounds. ESA women standouts Ayla Stutzman and Skye Dominguez both advanced through the event with Stutzman making it to the round of 16 and Dominguez to the round of 32.
“I’ve had a blast scoring waves, hanging with the team and competing in the WSL QS event,” said Maine’s Stutzman. “Being surrounded by all these All-Star rippers is so inspiring and has given me extra motivation to keep bettering my surfing and competing.”
ESA All-Stars Skylar Steinmetz, Charlie Gallo and Christian “Meeps” Castiglione also competed with this being the first WSL QS event for both Gallo and Castiglione.
“Watching our All-Stars, even the ones who have graduated from our program, support each other and their fellow competitors is what makes me proud,” said Motes. “No other surfing organization does what the ESA does for the future of East Coast surfing.”
Team members also chased waves throughout the Outer Banks when the contest wasn’t running. They had some help finding the best spots with lots of local knowledge and scored a lot of fun surf the first part of the week.
“I was stoked to hang out with the ESA All-Star team and Coach Motes,” said ESA Delmarva’s All-Star Reef Henson. This was Henson’s second year attending this trip.
Delmarva’s Morgan Cushing and Central Florida’s Madison Bennett showcased their longboard style throughout the week. Surf City’s Holden Krantz stepped into All-Star status from the ESA’s Developmental Team during this trip as he proved to Coach Motes that is ready to represent, and his surfing showcased it.
The ESA will be back at Jennette’s Pier September 14-20 for its 2025 Easterns Surfing Championship.
“I can’t wait for Easterns to be back in my favorite place with my favorite people,” said Stutzman.
This is what surfing is all about……..