Contests #1-4 are set. While I was hoping to kick off the contest season in Harvey Cedars, the extended beach replenishment project put a damper on those plans. Since the first contest is set for April 18th, it would be pretty difficult to secure a permit on such short notice for most locations. Therefore, we are going to run in Ocean City NJ, where the local authorities have always been very helpful. Thanks to the effort of Nick Bricker we were able to secure a permit on short notice and the season will kick off in April as planned on 4/18 with a no wave date of 5/2.
For contest #2 we will be packing up all the gear and heading north to Long Beach NY. For the first time in a long time, NSSA Northeast will be running a contest outside of NJ. This will hopefully attract some new talent from points north, as well as provide some relief to those NY parents that have been making the trek to southern NJ for years. Contest dates are 5/9 or 5/16 depending on waves.
Contest #3 will also be running at a new locale. While I am still awaiting final permit approval, things are looking good for us to have a contest in Seaside Heights. Final beach will be determined upon permit approval, but this should be a good event. Dates for Seaside are 6/6 or 6/13 depending on the cooperation of the surf. The other good thing is that this event will be held right before the beaches open for the season so no badges will be required, which they tend to enforce strictly in Seaside.
After Seaside there will be a break as those who qualified will be heading out to California for Nationals. Once we are all back on the Right Coast, I will be running event #4 in Ocean City NJ. While not the most popular summer contest venue amongst competitors, they are one of the few beaches that will allow us access on a weekend day during the busy summer season. Dates for Ocean City are 7/18 or 8/15 with the possibility of 8/8 as a secondary back up date.
My goal is to run contest #5 somewhere in NY and I am leaning strongly toward Manasquan for #6. I am currently looking at dated in September and October respectively for these contests and will keep everyone posted.
The final event of the year will be the High School championships for which a date and location are TBD.
Current Schedule
#1 AA - Ocean City NJ - 7th Street - April 18th (no wave date May 2nd)
#2 A - Long Beach NY - Lincoln Blvd. - May 9th (no wave date May 16th)
#3 AA - Seaside Heights NJ - (TBD) - June 6th (no wave date June 13th)
# 4 A - Ocean City NJ - 7th Street - July 18th (no wave date Aug 15th, possibly 8/8)
# 5 AA - TBD (would like to run in NY again)
#6 A - Manasquan NJ (beach and date TBD)
I am working on a revised entry form with the National Office that will be available sometime in the near future. Entries must be received by the Thursday prior to the event. Late entries will be accepted based on availability and will be charged the beach entry rate.
I am looking forward to a great season and welcome your feedback.
