Admittedly, the ESA birthday rule is a bit confusing.  However, it makes sense when it comes to post season competition.  Please make sure you are surfing in the correct age group.  The ESA website has a handy chart that makes it easier for you to figure out.  Go to: www.surfesa.org  scroll down on the home page for the Age division chart.  Your competition age is determined by answering the following question:  How old will you be on 1/1/2009?  If you are 14 for most of 2008 but turn 15 before 2009, then you would be in Jr. Men’s.  Same applies to the other divisions.

Stevie Pittman placed 2nd in the mini-grom division (10 & under) at the NSSA Eastern finals in Florida.  Congratulations!!

I just got word that there was an error on the Regional entry form concerning the competitor banquet.  This year’s banquet will be held on Friday evening, NOT Saturday. 

The following divisions surf on Sunday at the Crystal Pier in Wrightsville Beach: legends longboard, men’s longboard, boys, jr. men, menehune, ladies, open, menehune longboard, legends, ladies longboard.

The following divisions will compete on Day 1 of our first contest with the SNC district.  We will start and finish divisions in 1 day. 

Masters Longboard, Jr. Longboard, Men, Masters, Open Longboard, Women, Open Bodyboard, menehune bodyboard, Sr. Men, Grandmasters, Jr. Women, Girls, & Women’s Longboard.

If your division is not listed, then you will compete on Day 2.  Check the voicemail or your email for the early morning events and contest location.

Here are directions to the back up locations for Contest 1.  The first is the Crystal Pier in Wrightsville Beach.  The second is Hamlet Ave in Carolina Beach.  Both have metered parking so be prepared.  We’ll announce the location at the end of the week when we know the swell direction.

South of Crystal Pier in Wrightsville Beach (site where we held Wahines last year).  Take 17 south make right onto 74/76 East go towards Wrightsville Beach, stay straight going over both bridges, make right – South Lumina towards coast guard station and turn left and go to park in general parking lot that has a bathroom by Crystal Pier or any other marked spot by Surf Motel.

or Hamlet Avenue access in Carolina Beach (where we held the 2004 Regionals)  Take 17 South all the way south into 421 South, straight through all of Wilmington, Over Snow’s cut bridge onto Pleasure Island, go past Food Lion shop center, past Hardy’s, past McD’s -after 5 lights you will have Hamlet Ave on your left side and see coming up on left is Island Kite and surf Shop.  Turn Left and parking in lot or in marked spots.

The primary site for contest #1 will be the Broadway Beach access in Surf City.  I’ve been told there are about 45+ parking spaces so try to carpool wherever possible.  I’d also recommend getting there early.  (this location is north of the pier at the county line between Pender and Onslow Counties.  Official address is 1603 North Shore).

I was assured that the police will not be giving tickets if we have to resort to parking on the side of the road.  Just make sure you are not blocking driveways or fire hydrants.

We will still use either Wrightsville Beach or Carolina Beach as back up locations just in case they get surf and we don’t.  Make sure you call the voicemail on contest morning for the final decision.  I may not be able to email the group if I stay overnight in Wilmywood.  The voicemail # is still 252-808-2990, Box 993.  I will deliver entry forms to the shops on Thursday, March 13.

After spending weeks trying to complete a schedule with no conflicts, it turns out that our very first date is very questionable.  I did not realize that March 22-23 is Easter Weekend.  I am in touch with Mary Ann Mangiacapre to see if the two districts can find an alternative date.  I will do everything I can NOT to hold a contest on Easter.  I’ll post when I sort this out.

Trying to communicate with 200 people on a regular basis can be a challenge.  Sending one email to a large group certainly makes my life easier.  If you have not given me your email address, please do.  I send all CNC emails via blind copy so no one else can see your address.

The ESA Scholastics contest, sponsored by Transworld Surf Magazine, will be held on March 15, 16, & 17th. at Bethune Park in New Smyrna Beach, FL.  This event is open to all competitors presently enrolled in school (grade school through college).  This contest is one of the events used as a qualifier for the All Star Team. Download an entry form from our website on the Forms page.