Regular Joe Surf Contest Wrap-Up!
By: Eric Schwarze, Vice Chairman Sebastian Inlet Chapter.
The Sebastian Inlet Chapter of Surfrider Foundation debuted it's entry into hosting a surf contest and by all accounts it appears to have been a rewarding experience. The location of the event was the north side of Sebastian Inlet and it's famous First Peak. The two day event was held on September 20 & 21 and was greeted by a nice swell courtesy of Hurricane Humberto. The format of the competition allowed for plenty of uncrowded time in the water as contestants were judged on a total point basis with no eliminations. Another highlight was the Surfer Stomp party on Friday night that featured the band the Shrednecks who filled the dance floor. The party was hosted by Sebastian Inlet Surf & Sport whose owners are chapter members and went above and beyond in providing valuable assistance to ensure a successful event. The chapter was able to present the Melbourne High School Surf Team with a check for $300.00 to help with travel expenses to California to compete in NSSA Nationals. This year they placed third out of all high schools entered and hope to improve on that result this coming year. Also we raised funds for our chapter to foster the campaigns and initiatives we're presently working on as well as spreading the Surfrider message to the general public in a fun based contest. Check out the contest website- regularjoesurffestival.com - for more coverage, and planning is already underway to make next years event bigger and better.