The Eastern Surfing Association (ESA) kicked off its online content this week by creating a series entitled “Talking Story.” The live online episodes bring former ESA competitors who are now well-known surfers, pro surfers and industry leaders together with ESA All-Star coach Jason Motes for a fun discussion and Q&A from viewers.
ESA All-Star coach Jason Motes and viewers chatted online with WSL World Champion CJ Hobgood this past Tuesday during ESA’s first episode of “Talking Story.”
“The saying ‘Talking Story’ is when people come together to share stories, history, opinions and ideas,” said ESA’s executive director Michelle Sommers. “It’s when two or more people choose to take time out of their day to slow down and talk.”
The first episode that streamed on Tuesday evening was with WSL World Champion CJ Hogbood. Hobgood surfed in the ESA before moving up the ranks to become a pro surfer and is now leading the brand Salty Crew. Recently, CJ, and his brother Damien, who is also a pro surfer, released the documentary “And Two if by Sea” that is now available on all digital platforms, including Amazon Prime.
Thursday’s episode was with pro surfer Rob Kelly. Kelly is known for traveling the globe surfing big, heavy waves, but told Motes that he’s just as happy surfing a perfect day at his home break in New Jersey. Kelly continues to surf in the World Surf League’s (WSL) QS events, but also finds time to judge for the ESA’s championship events and is the Northeast Marketing Manager for Billabong.
“This is an awesome initiative that the ESA is doing,” said Kelly. “I am stoked to be a part of it.”
Episodes will be offered live online on ESA’s Facebook page, SurfESA YouTube channel and ESA’s website every Tuesday and Thursday evening at 7 pm through May. If people miss the live broadcast, they can be viewed on ESA’s Facebook page and SurfESA YouTube channel.
Rob Kelly joined ESA All-Star coach Jason Motes to “Talk Story” on Thursday evening.
“We encourage viewers to comment and ask questions throughout each episode,” said Sommers. “Our goal is to give viewers the opportunity to truly interact with these surfing legends.”
Upcoming episodes include:
Tuesday, April 21 – Cory Lopez
Thursday, April 23 – Matt Kechele
Tuesday, April 28 – Ben Bourgeois
Thursday, April 30 – Ricky Carroll
Tuesday, May 5 – Brett Barley
Thursday, May 7 – Asher Nolan
TBD – Jesse Hines
TBD – Noah Snyder
TBD – Kelly Slater
TBD – Damien Hobgood
TBD – Todd Holland
TBD – Shea Lopez
For inquiries, please email [email protected]