NSSA National Championships bring great amateur surfing action to Huntington Beach – Orange County Register

July 2, 2024

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Henry Goldstein competes in the National Scholastic Surfing Association national championships in Huntington Beach, Calif., on Monday, July 1, 2024. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Surf City is living up to its nickname this week as the final days of the National Scholastic Surfing Association National Championships are underway.

The nine-day competition attracts around 500 competitors from across the country, including Hawaii and Puerto Rico, who compete for the prestigious amateur title where many professional surfers begin their careers.

“It’s been great, we’ve had beautiful summer weather, the water is warm, all the kids are really excited,” said NSSA Executive Director Janice Aragon. “We’ve had great waves from day one.”

The event, which began on June 26 with the National Explorer Championships on the south side of the famous pier, had already announced the award ceremonies in divisions such as longboarding, senior competitors and non-student surfers on June 28.

The NSSA Open Divisions – the elite premier event – began on June 29 and continues this week.

“The kids are just surfing at their best all the time,” Aragon said. “The sandbars are well formed right now. We’ve seen some incredible performances so far.”

The last day is July 3rd. With the arrival of a new south swell, an increase in wave size is expected. There is also an airshow championship that showcases progressive surfing at its best.

“It looks like it’s going to be a great final day, I’m excited,” said Aragon. “The level is absolutely incredible. Every year it just gets better.”

The awards ceremony will take place on July 3 at 5 p.m. on the sand. More information: nssa.org

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