On Sunday, at Jacksonville’s Mayport Poles, the Oldest City matched up against the Boldest City in the first-ever Florida Boardriders comp. What is the Florida Boardriders? Modeled after existing Boardriders clubs popular in in Australia and California, it’s a brand new (for FL) community driven, inclusive club that acts as a chance for local surfers around the state to come together and do all sorts of fun things as a unit: inner-club comps, beach clean ups, charitable drives, movie nights, etc.
Still in its infancy, the Florida Boardriders has plenty of potential, and the inaugural comp on Sunday was a great example. Where else in Florida can two communities come together to spend a day on the beach with family and friends? Where else can surfers from 10 years old to 50 + compete on the same team? It’s a wonderful concept.
But back to the competition. For this first event, the Jacksonville and Saint Augustine chapters each fielded a team of 28 surfers in 7 divisions: Under 14, 15-19, Open Women’s, 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s. Held in super rippable surf, it was an all-day reminder of just how many amazing surfers are from both the Oldest and Boldest cities, highlighted by the fact that heading into the final division of the day, the two teams were separated by less than a single point.
Speaking of that final division — the 40s — it ended up being a battle between the ringers: Asher Nolan and Gabe Kling. Unfortunately for the Oldest City, Asher destroyed his double whammy wave straight away for an 8 point ride, and despite Gabe hammering a left of his own for 7 points, it wasn’t quite enough: the Boldest City won at the end by just a few points.
For anyone interested in joining the Saint Augustine Boardriders chapter and getting involved in all future events and happenings, click here to get involved. All are welcome! With your help, we’ll get ’em next time.
