NSSA - National Scholastic Surfing Association

The National Scholastic Surfing Association (NSSA) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to encourage and assist its members in their interest to learn and develop the fundamentals and skills of surfing competition while competing in structured and quality events. The NSSA promotes the qualities of discipline and competitive excellence while supporting the merits of academic achievement to young surfers. The NSSA strives to provide a fun surfing experience for all of its members.

The NSSA is one of the few national youth sports organizations that require its participants to maintain academic standards in order to compete. Since 1978, the NSSA program philosophy has been that athletics and scholastics go hand in hand. More than 80 NSSA events are run nationwide that culminate with the annual National Championships which is regarded as the highest profile youth surfing event in America.


2006 NSSA EAST COAST CHAMPIONSHIPS RESULTS

Wednesday, April 12, 2006 | Written by Janice Aragon

HURLEY PROUDLY PRESENTS:

THE 2006 NSSA EAST COAST CHAMPIONSHIPS 

 

 

RIGHT COAST RULERS!

 

NSSA CHAMPIONSHIP INFOMANIA: The NSSA and Hurley proudly presented the 14th annual NSSA East Coast Championships.  All the action took place March 30-April 2 at the legendary surf haven of the East Coast – Sebastian Inlet snuggled right in between Melbourne and Vero Beaches.  Approximately 500 contestants went to battle for prestigious NSSA East Coast titles and a chance to qualify for the 2006 NSSA National Championships at Salt Creek and Lower Trestles June 22-July 1.  The East Coast Championships consists of four separate championships – the Open Championships, the Explorer Championships, the Airshow Championships and the Collegiate Championships.  The East Coast Championships is one of the three Regional Championships administered by the NSSA (West Coast Championships and Hawaii Championships service the west coast and Hawaii conferences respectively) which qualify surfers for invitation to the National Championships. 

PROUD SPONSORS: HURLEY, BODY GLOVE, OAKLEY, FREESTYLE, HSS, SURFING MAGAZINE, SEX WAX, SURFLINE, OP.

 

MOTHER NATURES BLESSING:  The NSSA’s incredible karma with Sebastian Inlet continues.  Even "First Peak” was working!  ESM’s Tom Dugan said, "I can’t believe it.  It’s been flat for weeks here and then the NSSA rolls into town and there’s surf!”  Over the four day championships with dawn til dark heats, the Inlet delivered consistent shreddable surf in the waist to shoulder high zone with splendid toasty weather. 

 

EG SOARED TO HIS TRIFECTA WITH SLICK MOVES LIKE THIS!

 

ERIC GEISELMAN MAKES HIS STATEMENT

After a rocky Explorer Juniors final which he won despite a last minute interference call, Eric Geiselman was all business when it came to the main event-the Open Men’s division.  EG smoothly took the reigns of the final from the onset opening up with a good 6.67 wave.  The 17 year old New Smyrna Beach local controlled the action for the entire 30 minute final and by mid heat had things pretty much in the bag adding another good 7.0 score.  For good measure in the final minute of his farewell East Coast Championships, EG put on the finishing touches picking up a screaming right wedger, unleashing on every turn and capping it with a crowd pleasing, flawless frontside three.  The wave came in at a 9.17-the high scoring wave of the championship finals.  Without a doubt, Eric was eager and focused to do damage at this event building momentum going into the Nationals.  The kid they call "Geiselgrease" was so slick he even defended his Airshow title launching a perfectly executed double grab standard air.  Eric made his statement loud and clear that he has the weapons to blow the East Coast curse to smithereens by becoming the first to win the prestigious National Open Men’s division this June.  "I am just super stoked to finally win the Open Men’s,” said Eric.  "After I did that (the interference) in the Explorer Juniors final, I tried to get it out of my head.  In the Open final, I sat a little wide and away because everyone was super aggressive.  I got a couple waves under my belt and then went back to first peak to grind it out with everyone.  Hopefully I’ll keep this momentum going into the Nationals.  My main goal is to win a National title.  I want it bad, even my brother has one!” 

 

DAYTONA BEACH CRACKED THE WHIP IN THE COLLEGIATE CHAMPIONSHIPS.

 

MORE EAST COAST CHAMPIONSHIP HIGHLIGHTS:  Although EG’s hat trick performance generated a major buzz, there were others who had sensational moments at the Inlet.  Jesse Heilman was on Eric’s tail throughout the event nailing runner up finishes in both the Open Men’s and Airshow and fifth in Explorer Men’s.  Puerto Rico’s Wesley Toth flexed his muscle by coming close to replicating his big brother Brian’s East Coast triple triumph in 2003 (Open and Explorer Men’s and Explorer Juniors).

 

Just when Kris Wiernicki’s bid for his fifth East Coast title seemed lifeless, he showed a pulse in the closing moments of the Juniors final ripping a heat high 6.83 wave to clinch the win in a photo finish over Eric "Monkey Boy” Templeton.  Kris got the nod by an ultra slim .17 margin.  Meanwhile at the ripe old age of 12, Evan Geiselman is rapidly becoming one of the greatest NSSA surfers of all time.  Clinching both the Open Boys and Explorer Menehuene victories, gives Evan his 6th and 7th East Coast titles, two shy of the NSSA Regional Championship record held by Eric Taylor.   Jacksonville’s Tristan Thompson was on fire in the Mini Grom division and defending National Explorer Longboard Champion Justin Quintal celebrated his third East Coast crown winning the Open Longboard division.  Christa Alves ruled the Women’s divisions with a dominating performance in both the Open and Explorer divisions.  The 16 year old from Cocoa Beach powered in the Explorer division nearly triple combo-ing her opponents and then cruised to victory in her Open final. 

 

In the collegiate division, Daytona Beach Community College (DBCC) stepped up to the plate and slammed home a 126-105 victory over 2006 Conference Champion Flagler College.  Tommy Grooms and Todd Kinsey claimed the Men’s and Longboard divisions respectively for DBCC.  Ashley Francis triumphed in the College Women’s category for UNF while UCF’s Todd Rhoten rolled to victory in the Bodyboard division.  

 

THE UNSUNG HEROES:  The Northeast Conference emerged at this year’s championships as the new force to be reckoned with.  After years of down south supremacy, the Northeasters proved they could match up with the powers that be.  "I’m proud of the troops!” exclaimed Northeast Conference Director Joe Keenan.  "At this event, we had two champs and multiple finalists and I am convinced that the days of Florida slaughter are behind us.”

 

YOU WANT STATS, WE GOT STATS!

High Scoring Wave of the East Coast Championships-Eric Geiselman 9.67 in Explorer Men’s Round 1.

High Scoring Totals of the East Coast Championships-Eric Geiselman 16.17 in the Open Men’s Final.

High Scoring Wave of the Women’s Categories-Christa Alves 8.33 in the Explorer Women’s Final.

High Scoring Totals of the Women’s Categories-Christa Alves 15.50 in the Explorer Women’s Final.

 

TRIPLE DUTY (surfers with three or more finals appearances!)

1-Eric Geiselman: Open Men’s, Explorer Juniors, Explorer Men's, Airshow

2-Jesse Heilman: Open Men’s, Explorer Mens, Airshow

3-Kris Wiernicki-Open Men’s, Explorer Juniors, Open Juniors

4-Wesley Toth-Open Men’s, Explorer Men’s, Explorer Juniors

5-Evan Geiselman-Open Boys, Explorer Boys, Explorer Menehuene

6-Ricky Carroll-Explorer Seniors, Explorer Super Seniors, Explorer Longboard

7-Lauren McLean-Open Womens, Explorer Womens, Collegiate Womens

 

2006 NSSA EAST COAST CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS

FINAL SCORES BASED ON TOP 2 WAVES

 

EAST COAST OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS

 

OPEN MENS

1.      Eric Geiselman-New Smyrna Beach, FL 16.17

2.      Jesse Heilman-Daytona Beach, FL 11.16

3.      Kris Wiernicki-Melbourne Beach, FL 9.16

4.      Ben Graeff-Longport, NJ 8.66

5.      Jensen Callaway-Tequesta, FL 7.00

6.      Wesley Toth-Aquadilla, PR 6.50

 

OPEN JUNIORS

1.      Kris Wiernicki-Melbourne Beach, FL 12.33

2.      Eric Templeton-New Smyrna Beach, FL 12.16

3.      Jon Leaf-Satellite Beach, FL 7.00

4.      Graham Wade-Pensacola Beach, FL 6.50

5.      Fisher Heverly-Emerald Isle, NC 5.50

6.      Liam Michelbrink-New Smyrna Beach, FL 3.67

 

OPEN BOYS

1.      Evan Geiselman-New Smyrna Beach, FL 11.67

2.      Michael Ciaramella-Stone Harbor, NJ 10.17

3.      Tanner Strohmenger-Deerfield Beach, FL 6.17

4.      Christian Miller-Lantana, FL 5.83

5.      Nathan Colburn-New Smyrna Beach, FL 5.33

6.      Tyler Thornsley-Cape Canaveral, FL 5.17

 

OPEN MINI GROMS

1.      Tristan Thompson-Jacksonville Beach 9.17

2.      Corey Howell-Wilmington, NC 7.67

3.      Cam Richards-Murrells Inlet, SC 6.83

4.      Noah Schweizer-New Smyrna Beach, FL 5.17

5.      Logan Hayes-Vero Beach, FL 4.17

6.      Justin Croteau-Juno Beach, FL 3.33

 

OPEN WOMENS

1.      Christa Alves-Cocoa Beach 10.67

2.      Lauren McLean-Cocoa Beach, FL 8.50

3.      Lindsey Bowman-Virginia Beach, VA 8.17

4.      Amy Nicholl-New Smyrna Beach, FL 7.17

5.      Ashley Francis-Satellite Beach, FL 6.00

6.      Niki Spadaro-Jacksonville, FL 3.50

 

OPEN LONGBOARD

1.      Justin Quintal-Neptune Beach, FL 10.50

2.      Tony Silvagni-Kure Beach, NC 10.16

3.      Joe Pulido-Jacksonville, FL 7.00

4.      Dylan Andrews-Callahan, FL 5.50 tiebreak

5.      Nick Gregory-Jacksonville, FL 5.50 tiebreak

6.      J.T. Roberts-Hilton Head, SC 3.67

 

EAST COAST EXPLORER CHAMPIONSHIPS

 

EXPLORER MENS

  1. Wesley Toth-Aquadilla, PR 11.50
  2. Michael Powell-Ocean Isle Beach, NC 10.83
  3. Eric Geiselman-New Smyrna Beach, FL 9.67
  4. Travis Beckmann-Vero Beach, FL 8.16
  5. Jesse Heilman-Daytona Beach, FL 8.00
  6. Cody Thompson-Jacksonville Beach, FL 6.33

EXPLORER JUNIORS

  1. Eric Geiselman-New Smyrna Beach, FL 8.83
  2. Blake Jones-Melbourne Beach, FL 8.67
  3. Wesley Toth-Aquadilla, PR 7.84
  4. Kris Wiernicki-Melbourne Beach, FL 7.00 tiebreak
  5. Cody Thompson-Jacksonville, FL 7.00 tiebreak
  6. Zack Humphreys-Margate, NJ 4.00

EXPLORER BOYS

  1. Fisher Heverly-Emerald Isle, NC 14.00
  2. Tayler Brothers-Osprey, FL 11.00
  3. Cole Richards-Murrells Inlet, SC 10.84
  4. Ian Bloch-Margate, NJ 9.17
  5. Evan Geiselman-New Smyrna Beach, FL 7.34
  6. Tommy Orsini-Satellite Beach, FL 7.00

EXPLORER MENEHUENE

  1. Evan Geiselman-New Smyrna Beach, FL 12.66
  2. Cam Richards-Murrells Inlet, SC 10.50
  3. Tanner Strohmenger-Deerfield Beach, FL 9.17
  4. Tyler Thornsley-Cape Canaveral, FL 7.00
  5. Tristan Thompson-Jacksonville Beach, FL 6.34
  6. Corey Howell-Wilmington, NC 5.67

EXPLORER WOMENS

  1. Christa Alves-Cocoa Beach, FL 15.50
  2. Lauren McLean-Cocoa Beach, FL 6.83
  3. Amy Nicholl-New Smyrna Beach, FL 6.76
  4. Leilani Pickett-Wilmington, NC 5.00
  5. Allison Kendro-Ocean City, NJ 4.84
  6. Kim Vanderpol-Jupiter, FL 4.34

EXPLORER GIRLS

  1. Quincy Davis-Montauk, NJ 11.33
  2. Savannah Bradley-Cocoa Beach, FL 9.00
  3. Alexis Engstron-Rincon, PR 6.33
  4. Jasset Umbel-Melbourne Beach, FL 5.00
  5. Ariel Engstrom-Rincon, PR 4.50
  6. Danielle Clow-New Smyrna Beach, FL 3.00

EXPLORER MASTERS

  1. Jean Lacerte-Melbourne Beach, FL 10.00
  2. Dan Conover-Palm Beach Gardents, FL 6.67
  3. Lyn Meyers-Jupiter, FL 6.00
  4. Jason Motes-Atlantic Beach, FL 4.84
  5. Anthony Passarelli-Satellite Beach, FL 4.50
  6. TJ O’Donnell-Deerfield Beach, FL 3.34

EXPLORER SENIORS

  1. Ricky Carroll-Satellite Beach, FL 10.00
  2. Kevin Moon-Satellite Beach, FL 6.00
  3. Bill Miller-Melbourne Beach, FL 5.42
  4. Billy Compton-Indian Harbour Beach, FL 4.67
  5. Jim Tolliver-Palm Beach Gardens, FL 3.67
  6. Rob Persan-Orlando, FL 3.33

EXPLORER SUPER SENIORS

  1. Ricky Carroll-Satellite Beach, FL 10.00
  2. Craig Colburn-New Smyrna Beach, FL 9.16
  3. Tobias Hayes-Vero Beach, FL 5.50
  4. Jim Miller-Lantana, FL 5.17
  5. Gary Magee-Destin, FL 5.00
  6. Bill Miller-Melbourne Beach, FL 4.00

EXPLORER LONGBOARD

  1. Jason Motes-Atlantic Beach, FL 12.33
  2. Justin Quintal-Neptune Beach, FL 12.00
  3. Tony Silvagni-Kure Beach, NC 9.84
  4. Dylan Andrews-Callahan, FL 8.67
  5. Alex Metz-Destin, FL 4.67 tiebreak
  6. Michael Wood-Cocoa, FL 4.67 tiebreak

EAST COAST AIRSHOW CHAMPIONSHIPS

1.  Eric Geiselman-New Smyrna Beach, FL

2.  Jesse Heilman-Daytona Beach, FL

3.  Blake Jones-Melbourne Beach, FL

=5. Marshall Alberga-Melbourne Beach, FL

=5. Travis Beckmann-Vero Beach, FL

=5. Tyler Crawford-Ormond Beach, FL

 

EAST COAST COLLEGIATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

 

COLLEGE TEAM

1.      Daytona Beach Community College 126

2.      Flagler College 105

3.      University of Central Florida "A” 83

4.      University of North Florida "A” 53

5.      University of North Florida "B” 48

6.      University of Central Florida "C” 35

7.      University of Central Florida "B” 31

8.      Florida Atlantic University 29

9.      Florida State University 28

 

COLLEGE MENS

  1. Tommy Grooms-Daytona Beach CC 9.50
  2. Ricky Pasternak-Daytona Beach CC 8.00
  3. Chris Egan-UCF A 7.34
  4. Aaron Lichter-UNF A 6.00
  5. Bill Stanley-Flagler 4.17
  6. Andrew Gregorie-Flagler 3.33

 COLLEGE WOMENS

  1. Ashley Francis-UNF A 8.16
  2. Laurin McLean-UCF A 7l83
  3. Molly Miller-UNF B 6.33
  4. Jamie Wylan-Flagler 3.67
  5. Jacqui Damore-Daytona Beach 3.17
  6. Amanda Mattair-FAU 2.50

COLLEGE LONGBOARD

  1. Todd Kinsey-Daytona Beach CC 12.50
  2. Brandon Bannardo-UCF C 4.33
  3. Brad Long-UCF A 4.16
  4. Nick Gregory-UNF B 3.34
  5. Jeff Little-Flagler 3.16
  6. Chris Wessels-FSU 2.83

COLLEGE BODYBOARD

  1. Todd Rhoten-UCF B 9.17
  2. Aaron O’Brien-Flagler 8.83
  3. Todd Kinsey-Daytona Beach CC 6.66
  4. Chris Egan-UCF A 5.83
  5. Juan Lopez-UCF C 3.33

For all inquiries regarding the 2006 NSSA East Coast Championships, please email NSSA Executive Director Janice Aragon at jaragon@nssa.org.