I wish to extend my welcome to all participants of the 31st annual NSSA National Championships presented by No Fear. This immense national surfing event will hold its competition for the 18th consecutive year at the nation’s premier surf break: Lower Trestles, and ninth at Salt Creek in Dana Point. We are proud that the California State Parks and the Dana Point Beaches and Harbors have given us ability and trust to hold such a worthy and momentous event for America’s top student surfers. I would also like to convey our thanks to California Governor Arnold Schwarzeneger for supporting National Championships by presenting the ninth-annual Governor’s Cup to the Open Men’s and Open Women’s Champions. This esteemed award represents NSSA Nationals significance as a great celebration for sport, fitness and a healthy lifestyle.

There isn’t contest on the planet that has the vibe of the NSSA Nationals. As one of the world’s largest and most prestigious amateur events, the NSSA National Championships serves as a tremendous opportunity for young surfers to showcase their skills on two of the nation’s greatest stages. Nearly 1,0 surfers from the Nyssa’s eight regional conferences in the United States will be competing over nine intense and fun-file days with National Champions being crowned in 29 separate categories. Thanks to size and scope of the event, the NSSA offers the ability for many surfers compete at the national level, not only for its rising stars but also determined up-and-comers that are hungry to prove themselves. As is case of al NSSA Nationals, the ultimate high performance waves at Lower Trestles will serve as a stepping-stone for our emerging young talent and a springboard into professional career. Any surfer who wants to make a name for themselves will have that chance on Lowers’ center stage. The legacy of the NSSA and its National Championships is extensive. The organization has nurtured an abundance of world-class surfers including Tom Curren, Rob Machado, Kalani Rob, Taylor Knox, Andy and Bruce Irons, CJ and Damien Hobgood, Bobby Martinez, Timmy Reyes, Fred Patachia, Timmy and Nathaniel Curran, Dane Reynolds, Patrick, Dane and Tanner Gudauskas Carisa Moore. Last year’s champions Nat Young Courtney Conlogue delivered remarkable performances at Lowers have already proven they can go head-to-head with the world’s best. Again this year, the fame and glory will be up for grabs as competitors attempt to raise bar higher than ever. And thanks to the live webcast presented by Nike 6.0, thousands of people from all over world will be able to watch the final three days Nationals action.

I want to take this opportunity to thank the NSSA conference directors Daniele Beckman, Gayline Clifford, Anthony French, Linda Johnston, Bobi Le, Joe Kenan and Paul Morow Ed.D, for their continued dedication and meaningful contributions to the sport of surfing.

Congratulations to all of our members who have earned their way into this event through hard work, academic commitment and competitive progress. Whether it’s your first trip to the Nationals or your last contest as an amateur, I hope it will be an experience and memory that will last you a lifetime. I wish you much success over course of these two exciting weeks in your quest to make it to the podium. When you dream, you can achieve. — Janice Aragon,

NSSA Executive Director