10 Years of KSUSA Kneeboard Surfing Contests

This forum is designed to keep the competitive spirit alive and well as we look at future and past contests.

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10 Years of KSUSA Kneeboard Surfing Contests

Post by joe »

Nine years ago this month, KSUSA hosted it's first annual Kneeboard Surfing Titles and Festival at Pleasure Point in Santa Cruz, CA. The contest took place eight months after this web site was formed by Don Harris. Jack Beresford earned top honors as the first KSUSA Open Champion.

Results:
Open: 1. Jack Beresford, 2. Bob Schiff, 3. L Taylor, 4. Greg Little
AAA: 1. Chris Anderson, 2. Jose Maldonado, 3. Ed Quinn, 4. Don Harris
AA: 1. Jason Foster, 2. Danny Robertson, 3. Darcy Murphine, 4. A Schwarcburg, 5. John Searski

The event was written up in the San Diego Union Tribune with photos of Jack. That article inspired me to start kneeboarding again after more than a decade out of the water. I've attended every contest since then and met some great people from all over the surfing world.

2013 marks the tenth anniversary of KSUSA and the tenth KSUSA hosted kneeboard surfing contest. Be there and share the stoke.
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Post by joe »

[fullalbumimg]31450[/fullalbumimg]

2003 US Titles Open Champ - Jack Beresford
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Post by joe »

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2003 KSUSA Titles - Pleasure Point, Santa Cruz

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2004 KSUSA Titles - Pleasure Point, Santa Cruz

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2005 KSUSA Titles - Steamer Lane, Santa Cruz

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2007 World Titles - Steamer Lane, Santa Cruz

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2007/2008 KSUSA Titles - Oceanside

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2009 KSUSA Titles - Steamer Lane, Santa Cruz

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2010 KSUSA Titles - Huntington Beach

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2011 KSUSA Titles - Huntington Beach

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2012 KSUSA Titles - Huntington Beach
Last edited by joe on Wed Nov 28, 2012 10:57 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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Post by Jack Beresford »

Thanks Joe for the walk down memory lane. I like the 2010 logo the best (and still wear that shirt). I guess I'm the patriotic type.
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Post by Steeno »

congrats to you all, great job for the love of kneerding
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Post by Headwax. »

yes great work lads and lasses,

greetings Steen I hope you are back in the water
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Post by JohnS »

Thanks for adding the 2003 poster. That's my favorite 8)
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Post by joe »

KSUSA Kneeboard Surfing Titles and Festival returned to Pleasure Point, Santa Cruz in November 2004. This was my first contest. It was cool to see so many kneeboarders in one place and such a high level of surfing. Barry Baker fought a close battle with Jack Beresford to claim the Championship.

Sam was the only grommet to show up and was allowed to surf with the AAA finalists. The next year the Junior division would see some competition.

Open: 1. Barry Baker, 2. Jack Beresford, 3. Tom Linn, 4. Bob Schiff
eq 5. Marc Crawford/Bill Lerner, eq 7. John Mel/Don Harris, 9. Jon Manns, 10. Brad Colwell
AAA: 1. Ed Quinn, 2. Roger Hughes, 3. Wayne Kopit, 4. Danny Roberson
AA: 1. David Noel, 2. Scott Hayward, 3. Jason Foster, 4. Paul Duquet, 5. Paul Devoy
Juniors: Sam Coyne

Don't miss the 2013 US Titles in Huntington Beach January 18, 19.
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Post by joe »

JohnS wrote:Thanks for adding the 2003 poster. That's my favorite 8)
That's actually a shot of one of the hoodies. I haven't been able to find the poster art yet. I like that one as well.
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Post by joe »

In November 2005, KSUSA took it to the next level and brought the US Kneeboard Titles to Steamer Lane. The weather, the surf, the surfing, and the venue were awesome for this event.

The highlight of the event was the Junior division, which had the grommets charging challenging waves and the crowd on the cliff roaring.

Here's the official press release:

KNEELOS ARE BACK
Steamer Lane goes off for 2005 Kneeboard Surfing USA titles
Kneeboarders found conditions much to their liking this weekend in Santa Cruz at the 2005 Kneeboard Surfing USA Titles held in glassy, overhead waves -- and soaring daytime temperatures -- at Steamer Lane.

Santa Ana conditions fanned temperatures well into the 80s and contributed to many inspired performances by the 65 competitors in this third annual event. Organizers, who delayed the start of the event until Friday, were rewarded when a forecast west swell arrived on schedule much to the delight of the kneeboard surfers, their families and hundreds of spectators.

Competitors such as Jon Manss, John Mel, Dave Noel, Eric Thuygerson and Roger Hughes put their local knowledge to work in the somewhat tricky conditions -- fed by some extreme tide swings. Other early standouts included Barry Baker, Bill Lerner, Ed Quinn, and the U.K.'s Karl Ward -- who was awarded a perfect 10 by one judge on one of his waves.

Saturday's competition included semis and finals for all divisions as the swell gained in height and consistency. The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the Junior Final which included five competitors between the ages of 12 and 16. Encouraged by hoots and cheers from the assembled gallery on the cliffs, the Juniors charged waves that were the largest many had ever surfed.

Final results:

Junior Final
1 Shaun Murphy, San Diego
2 Sam Coyne, San Diego
3 Joel Young, Orange County
4 Sebastian Perez, Orange County
5 Chris Linn, Orange County

AA Final
1 Mark Robertson, Orange County
2 Dan Robertson, Orange County
3 Dave Weinbaum, Del Mar
4 Brad Colwell, San Diego
5 Paul Duquet, Texas

AAA Final
1 Ed Quinn, Los Angeles
2 Mike Sears, Santa Cruz
3 Bob Gove, San Diego
4 Jose Maldonado, Puerto Rico
5 Ed Dimick, Orange County

Open Final
1 Jack Beresford, San Diego
2 Roger Hughes, Santa Cruz
3 Barry Baker, Orange County
4 Karl Ward, United Kingdom

KSUSA hosted two very successful championships at Pleasure Point in Santa Cruz in 2003 and 2004. Based on the success of these events, KSUSA has been awarded the opportunity to host the Kneeboarding World Titles & Festival in December 2006. Planning is now under way with Kneeboarders from as many as 20 countries expected to participate.

Sponsors of the 2005 KSUSA Titles and Festival include: Blast Kneeboards, Flashpoint, Freeline, Hurley, Newswell, Parkes Kneeboards, BioHazard Surfboards, Shoelkopf and Surftech.

Established in 2003, Kneeboard Surfing USA is dedicated to promoting the sport of Kneeboard Surfing through competitions, kneelo gatherings and other activities. More than 800 people from throughout the world have registered on the KSUSA.ORG website and the sport is experiencing a true renaissance in the U.S. and overseas.
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Post by joe »

The annual KSUSA US Titles event that would have been scheduled for November 2006 was postponed while KSUSA planned to host it's first World Titles event in December 2006. The World Titles were eventually moved out to January 2007. Steamer Lane was the venue for an incredible event

Official Press Release:

Gavin Colman Wins 2007 Kneeboard World Championship
Santa Cruz, Calif – Jan. 17, 2007 – Gavin Colman of Cronulla, Australia completed a perfect week of competition by winning both the Open and Senior divisions at the 2007 Kneeboard World Championships at Santa Cruz’ Steamer Lane Jan. 9-13. Colman, who won every heat he surfed during the five-day competition, used an explosive vertical attack to win last Saturday’s Open final in glassy 4 to 6 foot surf.

At the awards presentation, the soft-spoken Colman, 35, acknowledged the contributions of kneeboard shapers to the sport and honored the memory of the legendary Australian kneeboarder and shaper Albert Whiteman. After a hiatus from kneeboarding Colman said, “I came back to kneeboarding to set an example for the younger generation which is gaining in numbers and talent. When I was 15 I was surfing against Novokov, Farrer, Smith, Parkes and other legends. It was motivating for me to be competing with these highly competitive kneeboarders and giving them a run in the contests.” Colman is excited, re-energized and wanting to lead by example. The tide has turned for Gavin. For his efforts, Colman received the $3,000 first prize and the title of Kneeboard World Champion.

San Clemente’s Barry Baker surfed brilliantly and finished in second place – the highest placing by an American since Albert Munoz took second in 2002 at the Queensland, Australia World Title contest. Australia’s Matt Gallagher and Baden Smith finished third and forth respectively.

More than 100 competitors participated in the 2007 Kneeboard World Championships – the first such event ever held in the United States. In addition to the Open division, world titles were awarded in several age divisions and a Women’s division (see below for complete results). Americans winning world titles included Laguna Beach’s Tom Linn in the Grandmasters (45 to 55) division, San Diego’s Shaun Murphy in the Cadets division and Santa Cruz’ John Mel in the R.O.B.s (over 55) division.

Hosted by Kneeboard Surfing USA and sanctioned by the International Surfing Association and Kneeboard Surfing International, the 2007 Kneeboard World Championships drew competitors from eight countries and throughout the US. Event organizers say it has boosted interest in kneeboarding, a sport with its roots in the groundbreaking performances and designs of iconic watermen such as George Greenough, Steve Lis and Peter Crawford during the 1960s and 70s.

“This has been a great opportunity to showcase state-of-the-art kneeboarding here in Santa Cruz at Steamer Lane, a world-class venue,” said KSUSA President Don Harris. “Beyond the competition itself, this was the largest international gathering of kneeboarders in years. It really brought people together on many different levels. We’ve got a lot of momentum right now and it’s exciting to think where the sport is headed.”

Sponsors of the 2007 Kneeboard World Championships include Freeline Design Surf Shop, NewSwell Studios, Surfing Magazine, Coastline Brewery, Hurley, Viper Swim Fins, Blast Kneeboards, Stay Covered, Maxim Capital Advisors, Inc., Tide Has Turned, Independent, Parkes Australia, Flashpoint Surfing, Luxurysurf.com, Neil Luke Kneeboards, Drift Kneeboards, SurfTech, Schoelkopf Designs, and Surf City Coffee.

The next Kneeboard World Championships will be held in April 2009 in Opunake, New Zealand. Murray Weir, president of Kneeboard Surfing New Zealand, welcomes all international competitors to New Zealand, which previously hosted a highly successful world titles in 1999.

Leading up to 2009, however, Harris said kneeboarders can look forward to more contests, gatherings, DVD releases and other projects to keep the stoke level high. He said KSUSA will continue to emphasize high-performance kneeriding as a way of pushing the sport forward – especially in the US which has not produced an Open division champion since 1980. But, Harris says American kneeriders are closing the gap (three of the top six finishers this year were Americans) and he expects continued progress in the future as the sport reestablishes itself in the United States.

“Six years ago, there was no Web site, no kneeboard-only contests and very little else happening,” said Harris. “Now, we’ve got more than 1,100 kneeboarders registered on our Web site, we’ve hosted three successful KSUSA Titles, a World Titles, and numerous gatherings. Where once Australia was the center of the Kneeboarding universe, the sport is now thriving on both sides of the Pacific.”

Harris said that in addition to enhancing the competitive skills of U.S. kneelos, a high priority will be placed on attracting more young devotees to the sport through an expanded Juniors program. For more information, visit www.ksusa.org.

Established in 2003, Kneeboard Surfing USA is dedicated to promoting the sport of Kneeboard Surfing through competitions, kneelo gatherings and other activities. KSUSA has hosted three U.S. Championships and the 2007 Kneeboard World Championships in January 2007.
###


CONTEST RESULTS
OPEN: 1. Gavin Colman-AUS, 2. Barry Baker-US, 3. Matt Gallagher-AUS, 4. Baden Smith-AUS, 5. (equal) Jack Beresford-US, 5. Randy Reed-US, 7. (equal) Armando Colucci-VEN, 7. Karl Ward-UK
Women: 1. Jodie Winter-UK , 2. Natlie Silverthorn-UK, 3. Kiya Kelly-CAN, 4. Laura Rodriguez-US
Cadets: 1. Shawn Murphy-US, 2. Taylor Chappete-US, 3. Sebsation Perez-US, 4. Nick Kouatli-US
Juniors: 1. Kelvin Weir-NZ, 2. Jos Hadfield-NZ, 3. Taylor Chappete-US, 4. Sebastion Perez-US
Pro Juniors: 1. Richard Smith-UK, 2. Kelvin Weir-NZ, 3. Sam Coyne-US, 4. Matt Pierce-US
Seniors: 1. Gavin Colman-AUS, 2. Karl Ward-UK, 3. Armando Colucci-VEN, 4. Mark McLeod-AUS
Masters: 1. Gigs Celliers-SA, 2. Jamie McHugh-AUS, 3. Jack Beresford-US, 4. Randy Reed-US
Grand Masters: 1. Tom Linn-US, 2. Bob Turnage-US, 3. Scott Wessling-US, 4. Scott Hayward-US
ROBs: 1. John Mel-US, 2. Bob Gove-US, 3. Greg Warnick-US, 4. Robert Parata-IRL
Team Event: 1. Australia, 2. International, 3. US, 4. New Zealand, 5. UK

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Post by joe »

In November 2007, the KSUSA US Kneeboard Surfing were moved to Oceanside. Partly to mix things up, and also because it's difficult to get permits for multiple contests in Santa Cruz in one year. Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate and we were rained out in normally sunny Southern California. Go figure. Lifeguards shut it down a few heats into the contest.

The contest was rescheduled for February. Tom Backer earned the Open Championship with excellent surfing in challenging small wave conditions.

Official Press Release:

Huntington Beach’s Tom Backer Claims Kneeboard Surfing U.S. Title

Orange County Kneeboarders Win Two of Four Divisions as well as Team Competition

Oceanside, CA (Thursday, Feb. 14, 2008) – Tom Backer used sweeping cutbacks and straight-up vertical surfing to edge-out the competition at the Kneeboard Surfing U.S. Championships held Feb. 8 and 9 at Oceanside Harbor. Backer, 45, surfed flawlessly in the open division final – held in glassy, head-high waves.

A dominant competitor during the late 1970s, Backer led a resurgent and spirited group of Orange County kneelos who claimed two of the four individual titles and the team event title. Backer’s victory was a popular one; the former NSSA Champion appears to be surfing even better today as he did nearly 30 years ago.

Pat Evans of Newport Beach surfed solidly throughout the contest and placed a close second in the open final. Ed Quinn of El Segundo worked hard for well-deserved third-place finish, and Robb Salfen of Los Osos – who impressed many over the two-day event with his fluid, small-wave skills – placed fourth.

The other division winners included: Junior Champion Taylor Chapatte of San Diego; AAA Division Champion Mike Butler of Huntington Beach; AA Division Champion Kelley Farnsworth of Anaheim; and San Diego’s Darcy Murphine, who took home the U.S. Women’s Title.

More than 50 Kneeboard competitors made the most of waist-high waves on Friday and were rewarded with a building northwest swell for the semis and finals on Saturday. Each of the finals was closely contested and showcased some progressive surfing as well as an increasing depth of talent amongst U.S. Kneeboarders.

Especially impressive was the level of surfing in the junior division – which featured 10 competitors 20 years old and younger. Chapatte narrowly defeated Sam Coyne in the final – easily one of the more entertaining heats of the competition with all four competitors going for broke in the challenging low-tide conditions. Shaun Murphy finished third but earned high praise for his strong performance and results over two days in the open division. Matt Pierce also turned heads with his radical surfing which earned him a fourth place finish in the junior final.

This year’s event was the first time the KSUSA Titles have been held in Southern California. Three previous U.S. titles events were held in right-hand, point-breaks in Santa Cruz. The next Kneeboard Surfing USA competition will tentatively be held in Orange County this September. Another contest is planned for early 2009 in Santa Cruz.

In addition to awarding U.S. titles, the events are being used as qualifiers for the upcoming Kneeboard Surfing World Titles which will be held in Opunake, New Zealand in April 2009. U.S. Kneeboarders hope to crack the stranglehold on the World Title that Australians have had since 1996.

Sponsors of the Kneeboard Surfing U.S. Championships include: Blast, Freeline, G.I. Joe’s, Go Pro, Gordon Biersch, Hensley’s Pub & Grill, Hurley, Joel Mayer Surf Photographer, LuxurySurf.com., Maxim Capital Advisors Inc., Niuhi Grips, Parkes, Real Surf, Stay Covered, Tide Has Turned and Viper Swimfins.

Established in 2003, Kneeboard Surfing USA is dedicated to promoting the sport of Kneeboard Surfing through competitions, kneelo gatherings and other activities. KSUSA has hosted four U.S. Championships and the 2007 World Kneeboard Championships.

Final Results

Open Division
1. Tom Backer, Huntington Beach
2. Pat Evans, Newport Beach
3. Ed Quinn, El Segundo
4. Robb Salfen, Los Osos

AAA Division:
1. Mike Butler, Huntington Beach
2. Ed Dimick, Orange
3. Paul Devoy, Huntington Beach
4. Akio Matsumoto-Ransom, Oceanside

AA Division:
1. Kelley Farnsworth, Anaheim
2. Jon Jenks, Ventura
3. Zach Smith, Huntington Beach
4. Eric Klimczak, San Diego

Womens Division:
1. Darcy Murphine, San Diego

Juniors Division:
1. Taylor Chapatte, San Diego
2. Sam Coyne, San Diego
3. Shaun Murphy, San Diego
4. Matt Pierce, Huntington Beach

Team Event:
1. Orange County
2. Central Cal
3. San Diego
4. NorCal
5. BBK (Orange County club team)
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Post by joe »

[fullalbumimg]13476[/fullalbumimg]
2007/2008 Oceanside Team Challenge

The team event is always a fun and entertaining finish to the contest.
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Post by joe »

In January 2009, KSUSA returned to Steamer Lane in Santa Cruz for the 2009 US Kneeboard Surfing Titles. World Champ Gavin Colman traveled from Australia to compete and took home top honors.

Official Press Release:

Steamer Lane Delivers for Kneeboard Surfing Competitors

21 January, 2009 : - - Santa Cruz, Ca -- Australian Gavin Colman dominated a field of top U.S. competitors this weekend to win the Kneeboard Surfing USA Titles at Steamer Lane. Colman and other competitors were greeted with double-overhead sets for the finals Saturday morning. Colman’s win punctuated an impressive three-day run and backed up his win in the 2007 World Kneeboard Championships – also held at Steamer Lane.

Huntington Beach’s Tom Backer surfed flawlessly and finished second in the “Open” division. Barry Baker of Capistrano Beach and Rob Salfen of Los Osos finished third and fourth in the Open. Kiya Kelley of Sooke, Canada, won the women’s division besting Laura Rodriguez and Marlowe Espalin both of Buena Park.

One of the most entertaining finals featured four junior (under 20) competitors going for broke in the solid winter surf. In the end, Sebastian “Seabass” Perez of Laguna Niguel took home first place honors. Sam Coyne of San Diego finished second and Chris Linn of and Nick Kouatli – both from Laguna Niguel – finished third and fourth.

Colman, who lives in Sydney, was the lone Australian among the 60 Kneeboarders who competed. By finishing as the top-two U.S. competitors, Backer and Baker will receive top seeds at the upcoming Kneeboard Surfing World Championships to be held in Opunake, New Zealand this April.

Sponsors of the Kneeboard Surfing U.S. Championships include: Blast, Brand I.D., Flashpoint, Freeline, Gordon Biersch, Hurley, LuxurySurf.com., Maxim Capital Advisors Inc., Parkes, Tide Has Turned.

Established in 2003, Kneeboard Surfing USA is dedicated to promoting the sport of Kneeboard Surfing through competitions, kneelo gatherings and other activities. KSUSA has hosted five U.S. Championships and the 2007 World Kneeboard Championships.

Final Results

Open Division
1. Gavin Colman, 2. Tom Backer, 3. Barry Baker, 4. Rob Salfen

AAA
1. Ed Quinn, 2. Jeff Martinez, 3. Akio Matsumo, 4. Paul Crowley

AA
1. Roger Hughes, 2. Lloyd Mahoney, 3. Don Harris, 4. Mark Recordan

Juniors
1. Sebastian Perez, 2. Sam Coyne, 3. Chris Linn, 4. Nick Kouatli

Women
1. Kiya Kelly, 2. Laura Rodriguez, 3. Marlowe Espalin
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Post by joe »

[fullalbumimg]31526[/fullalbumimg]
Gavin Colman 2009 US Titles Open Champ


[fullalbumimg]31527[/fullalbumimg]
Tom Backer 2009 Open Division 2nd Place
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