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ESA Mission Statement
The Eastern Surfing Association (ESA) is dedicated to
the sport of amateur surfing, to the operation of a program
of amateur competition for surfers of all ages and abilities,
and to the establishment and preservation of free access
to a clean shoreline and ocean environment.
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ESA
Directors 2000 |
The
ESA, a non-profit organization with IRS tax-exempt
status, is the largest amateur surfing organization
in the world. With a current membership of 7,500
surfers, it was founded in 1967 by East Coast surfers to promote,
preserve and protect the sport of surfing on the East Coast.
ESA's family oriented programs promote a healthy, active lifestyle,
and it is not uncommon to find two or three generations of
the same family involved as members of the ESA and actively
competing in our program!
For over thirty years the ESA has been dedicated to the sport
of amateur surfing, to the operation of a program of amateur
competition for surfers of all ages and abilities, and to
the establishment and preservation of free access to a clean
shoreline and ocean environment. ESA is a part of the member
Association of the USSF (United States Surfing Federation)
with over 10,000 members.
Each year the ESA has over 150 competitions, which are organized
into twenty-six districts, extending along over 2,000 miles
of coastline, stretching from Maine through the Gulf Coast
of Florida to Alabama and also around the Great Lakes. Each
district's programs are developed and operated by volunteer
directors and a staff of other volunteers who assist them
in tasks. Competitors advance from the local district level
to Region Competitions, then on to the East Coast Championships
and U.S. Amateur Surfing Championships, and finally to the
U.S. National Team trials.
The ESA All-Stars
Each year the Eastern Surfing Association recognizes the need
for an All Star Team which represents the organization as
official surfing ambassadors. The selection criteria for this
team is very strict. All members have to meet these standards:
1. “style” - how you are perceived, how you
carry yourself, your personal reputation
2. “attitude” - your beach and water attitudes
and your overall person; your reception to constructive criticism
and improvement; what you put back into the organization;
and your willingness to help other surfers and the directors.
3. “performance” - your competition record
which encompasses your district, region, East Coast Scholastic
Championship, United States Championship, and East Coast Championship
records.
The All Stars, who travel extensively, are representative
of the intensive programs that the ESA conducts. Drug free,
committed and involved, the All Stars are our pride.
Since the implementation of the ESA's Marsh Scholarship
fund in 1981, over $43,000 in scholarship grants have
been awarded to deserving ESA students. In addition, thanks
to a generous donation from FreeStyle Watches, over $30,000
in Scholarship grants have been awarded to division finalists
in the FreeStyle East Coast Scholastic Surfing Championships.
The purpose of the program is to offer financial aid to deserving
student surfers who wish to continue their education beyond
the secondary school level. The grants are awarded on the
basis of academics and citizenship rather than athletic ability.
A detailed application and letters of recommendation are the
major criteria for the selection committee, and while
there are no application fees involved, applicants must be
members in good standing of the ESA. All in all, the association
is very proud of this program, as it presents a positive public
image and also fills a genuine need - financial aid for students.
A Message From ESA Executive Director Paul West
The Eastern Surfing Association is the most comprehensive
and diverse competition program in the sport of surfing. Watching
the growth and development in the membership, the programs
and the events has been very exciting. We are setting the
example for all other programs in the United States. Our surfers
continue to do well in post competitions both Nationally and
Internationally. It is no accident that East Coasters are
successful on
the WCT and WQS level of professional surfing. We continue
to offer a viable medium for beginners as well as advanced
surfers, and we will always look to our members for suggestions
and ways to improve our competition programs. The family atmosphere
created by so many district directors in a fierce competitive
environment is a positive reflection on all the members of
the ESA. Remember, surfing is the sport of kings, and it is
a privilege and an honor that we have been fortunate enough
to enjoy it. Contest results will come and go; however, your
character and integrity will stay with you forever. Surf hard,
do your best, play it clean - after all you are a member of
Royalty.
See you in the water.
Paul West
United States Surfing Federation Executive Director
United States Surfing Federation Competition Director
Former Eastern Surfing Association Competition Director
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