ESA Easterns 2014 Nags Head, NC.
Words and Photos by Tommy Daniels
ESA Easterns 2014 was an uneventful trip for us this year. The highlight of the week was during the adult rounds. The Gulf Coast's Sterling Spencer (Naples) took down a talented field of surfers to be crowned the 2014 Men's Champion! Way to go Sterling! There was high expectations for my son Christian Daniels at Easterns this year. Being the boys SE champion and winning the SE regionals, I thought Christian stood a good chance at grabbing some hardware. Unfortunately that was not the case.
After a grueling ride last Tuesday up to Nags Head, NC from Florida with two gassy groms and a couple of speeding tickets between myself and the other driver we arrived at Jeanette's Pier to onshore, overhead, sloppy surf. The clouds finally cleared the next day for the competition, but the wind remained onshore.
Christian patiently opened his campaign midway through his first heat, gaining the high score of the heat with a 6.76. Needing a backup score of only a 1.8, Christian, found a set wave to himself and instead of surf conversely, he went for broke and failed to land an air-reverse. (I was freaking out, "NO DAMN AIRS GROM!") Announcer, Travis Ajay comments, "Grom lay off the gas pedal you only need a 1.8!" Some how in the last 30 seconds another wave shifts to Christian, plenty of face to work with and only needs a 1.8... he goes for an ill fated blow tail... fail! The buzzer then rings and, our 15 minutes is over, we're going home! Bummer grom, but, we'll be back!
