Welcome to the 2010 NSSA National Championships.
Looking back to our humble beginnings, I am reminded of the cycles of history. 32 years ago, the NSSA staged its first National Championship in Huntington Beach, and in 2010, the highest profile event in youth surfing will return to its roots in the surf capitol of the nation. Along with the first leg of the championships held in the point-break lefts and wedgy A-frames of Salt Creek, our surfers will have the opportunity to showcase their skills in the stadium like atmosphere that only the Huntington Beach Pier can provide. Swarms of surf fans and spectators are expected to congregate for over two weeks of competition. The National finals scheduled for July 4th weekend in Surf City USA, promises to deliver the most concentrated dose of countrywide spirit and crowd energy we’ve ever seen at a Nationals event.
The long road to the Nationals is here and after a year of qualification and preparation, hundreds of our young surfers are ready. It’s difficult to appreciate the skill, motivation and pressure it takes to be the nation’s best in any sport. Surfing is no different. To bring home an Open Men’s title is a symbol of the ultimate achievement and a pivotal point on the path to professional surfing. Top seeded Conner Coffin from Santa Barbara made both the Men’s and Juniors finals in 2009 and is determined to back up the Open Boys title he claimed in 2006. Regional record-holder Evan Geiselman — who has two National titles under his belt — hopes to become the first ever east coaster to win the coveted Open Men’s crown. Maui’s Tanner Hendrickson blew up in Hawaii this year dominating both the regular season and Regional Championships and is extremely focused on finishing his final NSSA year with a Nationals victory. Then there is HB local Christian Saenz who will be a fan favorite and will put everything on the line to win in his backyard. The Open Women’s field is bursting with top performers including reigning champion Lakey Peterson who will aim to better last year’s phenomenal title-winning aerial display. Two-time National Champions Leila Hurst and Alessa Quizon are the frontrunners from Hawaii along with 2009 finalist Nage Melamed. Jasset Umbel will lead the charge from the east.
And then there are always the dark horses; the surfers who rise to the occasion and give the performance of a lifetime. In an exciting twist back to our heritage, the National High School Championships will be run on center stage at the HB pier during the prestigious Open Championships. Two-time defending champion Elite Element Academy will undoubtedly come with a loaded roster but don’t expect the west coast teams to roll over. They’re hungry for battle. San Clemente conquered southside at the 2010 State titles while the Huntington Beach and Edison squads have the local know-how and crowd in their favor.
I would like to extend my appreciation to our sponsors, Nike 6.0, Huntington Surf and Sport, Surfing Magazine and Sex Wax for being totally supportive of our move back to Huntington Beach. Thank you to the Dana Point Beaches and Harbors and the City of Huntington Beach for working together with the NSSA to bring the highest quality event to our surfers.
Thank you to everyone for making the NSSA part of your surfing experience. Enjoy the 2010 National Championships and the electrifying atmosphere that this magical event continues to embrace, year after year. There will be nothing more fun than celebrating the summer and watching the hottest young surfers in the nation compete. Like you, I’ll be glued to the action.
— Janice Aragon,
NSSA Executive Director
