Florida’s Finest Surfers Shine at the 13th Annual Tommy Tant
Memorial Surf Classic at Flagler Beach
November 21, 2012- The 13th annual Tommy Tant Memorial Surf Classic presented by Nautica breezed into the record books with Jesse Heilman reclaiming the Bright House Men’s Pro Title. Heilman won a hard fought final against some of Florida’s finest professional surfers, such as Jeremy Johnson, Evan Thompson, and former Tant Men’s pro champion Asher Nolan. Florida surfer Eros Exarhou won the Skullcandy Junior Pro division. Rossi Klein took home a victory in the Women’s Pro.
The annual weekend surf festival drew thousands of spectators despite challenging wind and weather. Large overhead waves tested the skills of over 300 contestants that filled the 11 amateur divisions. Out of the water, the community support of the event was evident with the jam-packed kick off celebration, art, food festival and concerts.
On Saturday night, the Red Bull Night Riders flew caution to the wind as six top professional surfers braved the nor’easter conditions. Over 2000 spectators lined the boardwalk and pier to witness this unique nighttime surf event. Local support weighed in for Flagler surfer Brandon Hoffman who battled it out against Evan Thompson, Jesse Heilman, Blake Jones, Oliver Kurtz, and Jake McQuire. However, Jacksonville surfer Evan Thompson aerial skills proved victorious as he was crowned the 2012 Red Bull Night Riders champion. Evan kept the title in the family since his older brother Cody won the event last year. In the end, both his brothers Tristan and Cody Thompson hoisted Evan up the beach.
The Tommy Tant Memorial Surf Classic awarded fourteen scholarships to local high school and college students who volunteered throughout the weekend. A donation will also be made to the local food bank that provides meals to local families during the Holidays. Furthermore, the event will make a donation to the National Marfan Foundation to raise awareness and support for familial aortic aneurysms, a connective tissue disease that affects the Tant family.
Six of East Coast’s Best Catch Waves in the Night at Flagler Beach
Flagler Beach, FL – November 17, 2012 -The tide was high last night as six of the top southeast surfers fought the strong surf in one of the most unique tow-at competitions on the coast. Over 2,000 spectators roughed the rain and winds to cheer on the Red Bull Night Riders as they pushed their limits to pull off their best trick. This is the third time the nighttime tow-at event took place at Flagler Beach, a part of the 13th Annual Tommy Tant Memorial Surf Classic presented by Nautica.
For the first time in the three years of Red Bull Night Riders, a local surf hero made the elite roster of competitors. The crowd was both thrilled and proud as Flagler Beach local surfer Brandon Hoffman took to the waves in the toughest conditions the event has seen to date.
“I’m amazed that so many people fought the weather to cheer on their favorite rider,” expressed host Will Tant. “The fans are really dedicated to this inaugural event.”
The winds were high and the lights were bright as each rider went full force soaring into the night sky. Each exhausted and elated surfer gave everything they had in the harsh environments of the night. In the end, Red Bull Night Riders rookie Evan Thompson brought home the win to his family, a legacy from his older brother Cody Thompson who won the event last year. Evan solidified respect as an aerialist, winning the event with his back and front side rotation.
“Of all the surfers on the east coast, these guys were the best picks,” said veteran judge Gordon Lawson. “Evan was the man to beat, and his clean consistency took the lead.”
The Sunshine States’ best aerialists had their work cut out for them in the unique and unusual conditions of the night. More used to blazing sun and crystal blue waves, the surfers were challenged to adapt their technique to deal with the night sky, strong winds, and the rip and foam in the water that posed the biggest challenge.
“I was patient,” stated winner Evan Thompson on dealing with the challenging conditions. “I wanted to prove that I could go big.” With rough conditions, Evan Thompson posted a winning score of 6.5 out of a possible 10 points.
Completing the roster for the evening were Jesse Heilman, Blake Jones, Oliver Kurtz, Jake McQuire, and local surfer Brandon Hoffman.
