The Eastern Surfing Association is proud to announce the 2015 All-Star Team. The ESA’s All-Star program has been in transition throughout 2014 and, in order to make the program better than ever, the 2015 Team will include many familiar faces as well as some outstanding newcomers.
“We are excited to present an All-Star Team that exemplifies the best of what the ESA has to offer,” says ESA Executive Director, Michelle Sommers. “Not only does one need to be a strong competitor to make the team, but must also set a good example with regard to sportsmanship and dedication to the organization.” Marshall DePass, Southern South Carolina District Director and All-Star Committee member, adds “The members of the ESA All-Star team have served and will continue to serve as positive role models for the next generation coming up behind them. That is our goal.”
The majority of the 2014 All-Star Team was invited back for 2015, with the exception of those who aged out of the program, several of whom, such as South Jersey’s Cassidy McClain and Central Florida’s Kieran Grant, have their sights set on a pro career. Graduating All-Star McClain comments, “My years as an ESA All-Star not only made me a better surfer, but helped me grow confidence in myself and my ability. I’m hoping what I accomplished as an All-Star will help me realize my dream of becoming a pro surfer.”
The 2014 All-Stars remaining on the 2015 squad include:
- Jared Bono
- Spencer Bridges
- Laney Brooks
- Georgia Cook
- Charlie Current
- Noah Dovin
- Julia Eckel
- Nohea Futrell
- Simon Hetrick
- Thomas Horner
- Patrick McCarron
- Selena Moberly
- Jordan Montgomery
- Gabe Morvil
- Kat Neff
- Kai Nichols
- Robert Powers
- Parker Sawyer
New invitees to the 2015 All-Star Team include the following:
- Maria Barend
- Trip Chandler
- Grey Copenhaver
- Braiden Cunningham
- Shealyn Cunningham
- Hartley DePass
- Olivia Dilling
- Cooper Fortney
- Lars Hamilton
- Cory Jackson
- Kallie Leonik
- Evan Micele
- Kyle Tester
- Douglas Wendell III
- Lily Whatley
Also new to the 2015 All-Star Team are regional adult mentors, who will be working closely with the team members in their respective areas of the East Coast and during travel. The new mentors include:
- Chuck & Ana Barend
- Kai Dilling
- Ricky Judalena
- Rod Logan
- Lenny Nichols
- Jo Pickett
- David Taylor
- Haley Watson
The ESA’s Easterns®, held last month at Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head, North Carolina, featured a very successful training event for the 2014 All-Star Team. Erik Krammer from International Surf Services held daily training sessions with team members. “The feedback was phenomenal,” says Sommers. “Erik really understands coaching and how to work with young surfers to get them to the next level. We hope to bring Erik back, as well as introduce other experienced coaches to work with our All-Star Team, as soon as possible.”
Local Outer Banks pro surfers Jesse Hines and Noah Snyder, along with top shaper and shop owner Lynn Shell, hosted a round-table discussion with the All-Star Team to give them useful information on managing all aspects of a professional surfing career. The event was held at Hines’ business, The Surfin’ Spoon, and everyone learned a great deal about what it takes to move their surfing forward. Snyder, a former ESA All-Star himself, spoke to the team about the sacrifice and commitment needed to get to the top in this extremely competitive time. Hines encouraged the team to find what they are really good at and pursue it with passion, whether it’s surfing heats, or working with photographers in print work or videos.
First Flight Adventure Park in Nags Head also hosted the All-Star Team for an afternoon adventure. “It was a great team-building activity,” says ESA Virginia District Director and All-Star Committee Chair Jeanine Montgomery. “These kids were able to conquer some fears while supporting each other along the way. That’s what teams do. It was a fantastic afternoon, and a wonderful week together!”
The ESA, which is in its 47th year, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit amateur athletic organization dedicated to the sport of amateur surfing. The organization promotes amateur competition for surfers of all ages and abilities, and is dedicated to the establishment and preservation of free access to a clean shoreline and ocean environment.
Press Contact:
Michelle Sommers
Executive Director
Eastern Surfing Association
[email protected]
302-988-1953
www.surfesa.org