Volcom Jellyfish Surf Series

VQS
Casino Pier New Jersey
18 October 2008

Volcom Jellyfish Surf Series

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 27 October, 2008 : - - On Saturday October 18th, the Jellyfish landed at Casino Pier, New Jersey. After having to cancel the week before due to flatness, Mother Nature threw us some solid wind swell mixed up by groundswell from a passing hurricane. The mix-up of swell created some fun peaky surf all weekend long. Despite the cold weather, the waves had competitors ready to sign up at the crack of dawn. Here's how it all went down.

The finals kicked off with the ladies and as soon as the horn blew, the girls hit the water with the force of the passing hurricane. Kim Kepich got a bomb right off the bat nailing the highest score of the heat with a 7.5 and put the pressure on the other girls.

This got Jessica Kwiecinski fired up enough to get some solid scores of her own. Unfortunately for Jessica, Kim backed up her massive score with a six, giving her the win and enough prizes to stop a tank. Jessica took second, beating out a talented pack of shredders like Jill Kepich, our third place finisher, as well as our 4th place finisher Morgan Gore. Rounding out the rest of the final was Jessica Swenson, Bethanne Wishbow and Christina Claps. Thanks ladies!

Next up was the Grom division who were psyching to hit the rippable windswell. Bryan Santiago looked like a favorite for the win, but Pat Schmidt hit the water like a little man posessed posting 6's and 7's that even the most seasoned competitor would be envious of. Pat took top honors and plenty of goods including a Riviera Complete skateboard and backpack exploding with prizes.

Volt Thrower Ben Graff : photo Meatface and J. Swenson

Bryan Santiago took third, with JD Porter in third with Andrew Rooney, Stefan Gaman, Michael Vanaman and Joey Sedlan rounding out the rest of the final.

And now we head to the Juniors division. We have had this event now for 8 years and it's always cool to see the little dudes come up and do well. Michael Ciramella went nuts in the final throwing a crazy frontside 360 air but was unable to match the experience of Jordan Beverley. Jordan's one of those kids who's been ripping is these events for years but without a win.

Today however, his persistence paid off, snagging him the victory, an insane Riviera complete, and more than enough prizes to make up for his years without a win. Michael Ciramella's massive air gave him the second place over veteran competitor Balaram Stack. Tommy Inkken, Tim Mindich and Corey Frank rounded out the back half of the final.

The Pro-Am division is always top notch over here on the East Coast, with competitors coming from far and wide to battle it out for bragging rights and the 500 dollar first place prize. The final this year was absolutely stacked, with some of the best surfers from all over the east coast.

Rob Kelly barely beat out the bearded wilda beast known as Mike Gleason whose Santa clause length beard slowed him down in the numerous paddled battles that characterize the Pro-Am final. Taking the Electric Volt Thrower was Ben Graff with a frontside 360 air.

Casino Pier action : photo Meatface and J. Swenson

However, it was past winner Sam Hammer whose massive slashes scared the other competitors into submission, enabling him to take the win, the cash, and a truckload of prizes. Rounding out the final was Ben Graff, Matt Keenan and a ripping Dean Randazzo who unfortunately couldn't make the final. Good job guys!

Extra special thanks to Monster for providing a kick ass lunch for all the competitors!

Special Thanks Goes Out To Our Product Sponsors: Electric Visual, Monster energy drink, Fuel TV, Riviera Skateboards, Skull Candy, Chipotle, Santa Cruz-NHS, Ogio, DVS Shoes, Vestal, Creatures of Leisure, Freak Traction, Da-Kine Traction & Accessories, Future Fins, Famous Wax, H20 Audio, Speck Products, Sun Cure & Ding All, Headhunters, Surfing, Surfer, Transworld Surf, Water, Bliss Magazine.

PRO-AM
1. Sam Hammer - $500
2. Rob Kelly
3. Mike Gleason
4. Ben Graff
5. Matt Keenan
6. Dean Randazzo

Juniors
1. Jordan Beverly
2. Michael Ciramella
3. Balaram Stack
4. Tommy Inkken
5. Tim Mindich
6. Corey Frank

Groms
1. Pat Schmidt
2. Ben Santiago
3. JD Porter
4. Andrew Rooney
5. Stefan Garman
6. Michael Vanaman

Girls
1. Kim Kepich
2. Jessica Kwiecinski
3. Jill Kepich
4. Morgan Gore
5. Jessica Swenson
6. Bethanne Wishbow

Electric Volt Thrower
Ben Graff $50
Thanks to Meatface and J. Swenson for the photos!

www.volcom.com

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