ESA CROWNS EASTERNS OPEN DIVISIONS IN EPIC WAVES

September 21, 2017 – The ESA resumed The Easterns® on Wednesday at Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head, North Carolina. After two lay days due to storm surf from Hurricane Jose, competitors paddled out in clean, double-overhead waves on Wednesday morning. Tuesday’s canceled heats were rescheduled to Wednesday, and those who were scheduled to compete were very happy.

GoPro Open Shortboard champion Logan Kamen in deep. Photo: MEZ/ESM

“Everyone was so excited to surf in the clean, barreling waves after the crazy conditions at the beginning of the week,” said Michelle Sommers, ESA’s executive director. “It was nearly perfect, and those who were scheduled to compete were stoked.”

ESA All-Star Logan Kamen claimed first in the “GoPro” Open Shortboard division and is taking home a Hero 5 camera. All-Star Kainalu Nichols scored the highest wave in the heat with a 9.5 for a barrel that had everyone cheering.   Southern North Carolina’s Kai Nau claimed victory in the Open Bodyboard division. ESA national sponsor Phunky apparel provided t-shirts to all of the finalists.

While the surf proved fun for most, those competing in the Open SUP division had a difficult heat with several competitors losing their paddles after massive wipe-outs, and another’s leash broke. Brycen Jernigan is the 2017 Easterns® SUP champion. “They charged the heavy waves and put on a great show for those watching on the beach and online on the live webcast,” said Sommers. Chums provided product-filled, waterproof packs for the SUP finalists.

Open SUP champion Brycen Jernigan. Photo MEZ/ESM

Cafe Lachine provided fantastic meals for the ESA officials throughout the day, and The Spot was selling acai bowls to spectators on the summer-like day. Hatteras Island Christian Fellowship has been offering logistic support throughout the event, as well as snacks and water for everyone on the beach. Sponsors including Phunky, Beach Gladiator, Sharkbanz, Whalebone Surf Shop, Kitty Hawk Surf Company, The Spot and Zane’s of Carolina continue to offer prizes, products, samples and discounts to those attending the event.

Current results are posted on the ESA’s Easterns® webpage.  The Easterns® event runs through Saturday afternoon and will be live via webcast at www.surfesa.org.