FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Jack Beresford, Kneeboard Surfing USA

DUNEDIN, NEW ZEALAND (March 25, 2020) – U.S. kneeboarders had their strongest result in memory at the Emerson’s Kneeboard Surfing World Titles 2020 held in Dunedin, New Zealand. Led by Sam Coyne’s (San Diego) second-place finish and near upset of Australian favorite Chayne Simpson in the Open Division, the United States team was highly competitive in a sport long dominated by Australia.

In soft, chest-high surf at St. Clair Beach, Coyne battled Simpson, considered by many as the most progressive and innovative kneeboarder on the planet, to a near draw for 20 minutes. With just minutes remaining, Coyne ripped a clean right hander into the shore break but fell on his re-entry. The wave, if finished cleanly, likely would have earned Coyne, and the U.S., its first-ever Open Division title. Still, the result was impressive given the super-charged field of more than 80 kneeriders from eight countries, including several former world champions.

Other Americans also performed well in the event, which ran from March 2-7. San Diego kneerider Shaun Murphy was a standout all week long and won the world title in the Pro Junior (20-29) division. Chris Linn of Laguna Niguel finished a respectable 4^th place. Other age division finalists included Chris and Jack Beresford of San Diego, who finished 2^nd and 3^rd respectively in the 50 to 54 division; Tom Backer of Huntington Beach finished 3rd and Joe Coyne of San Diego 4th in the 55 to 59 division. In the 60 to 64 division, Tom Linn of Laguna Niguel finished 2^nd and Brad Colwell of San Diego finished 4th.  In the over 65 division, Scott Wessling of Oxnard finished 2^nd.  Wessling and Chris Beresford also performed well in their open division heats, with each making it to the quarter finals before being knocked out.

In addition, the U.S. finished third in a one-hour team event, behind Australia and South Africa but ahead of an international team and New Zealand.

“We are proud of Sam’s excellent performance at this year’s World Titles.  He’s a dynamic surfer and has been surfing at a high level for years  Also, Shaun Murphy’s World Title in the Pro Junior Division was well-deserved and exciting for all to watch. We know that both Sam and Shaun will be serious contenders in future World Titles,” said Brad Colwell, KSUSA President.

In total, 18 Americans competed in the event, which was organized by Surfing New Zealand and Kneeboard Surfing New Zealand. Participants enjoyed conditions that varied from waist-high to several feet overhead. St. Clair Beach was the primary venue but organizers moved the event twice to take advantage of shifting the wind and wave conditions – with competitors enjoying a few clean, offshore barrels.

While primarily a showcase for the world’s best kneeriders, the Emerson’s Kneeboard Surfing World Titles also served as an opportunity for participants to engage with friends old and new. The event included many social activities and a special memorial paddle for Don Harris, co-founder of Kneeboard Surfing USA. Harris passed away last October and several dozen kneeriders gathered before the competition to honor his memory and acknowledge his significant contribution to the sport.

U.S. Kneeboarders will get their next chance to earn a world title in 2022 when the Kneeboard Surfing World Titles are held in Costa Nova, Portugal. Qualifications for the U.S. team will be organized by Kneeboard Surfing USA. For more information, visit ksusa.org.

Event sponsors included Emerson’s Brewery, Dunedin City Council, Bendigo Valley Sports Foundation, Southern Trust, Cove Pad Guy, Hydro Surf, Traffic Control Management Ltd, Kneeboards – Parkes, Hart Design, Neevo, Kneeon, Otago Locusts, Esplanade Surf School, International Freight and Logistics, X Factor Kerbing and Asphalt, Kneeboard Surfing New Zealand, Surfing New Zealand, South Island Surfing Association, South Coast Boardriders.

Established in 2003, Kneeboard Surfing USA is dedicated to promoting the sport of Kneeboard Surfing through competitions, kneelo gatherings and other activities. During that time, KSUSA has hosted 13 U.S. Titles and one World Titles.

Photo Caption: Sam Coyne of San Diego rips his way to a 2nd place finish at the Emerson’s Kneeboard Surfing World Titles held in Dunedin, New Zealand March 2-7