Flagler surfers bring the heat despite the cold in inaugural competition

by: Flagler Board Riders Club

The Flagler Board Riders Club traveled to Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park in Mayport, on Saturday, March 20, to take place in the final contest of the Florida Board Riders Cup. In the strong nor'easter winds and cold, Flagler surfers made their presence known, shaking up the competition between rivals Jax, Space Coast, Fernandina and Ponte Vedra. Flagler finished third behind winner Jax and runner-up Space Coast.

The MVP for the Flagler team was 20-year-old Robbie McCormick, who, on his very first wave, nailed an air reverse, earning him a score of 9.33 which was the highest score for any surfer in any division. He led the 20s team of Forrest Lindner, C.J. Garren and Patrick Conklin, to a second-place showing.

Flagler’s 15-19 Team of Gavin Coluccio, Carl Burger, Ryan Huckabee and Robbie Goodwin, conquered their division with a combined total score of 30; the second highest score of all divisions.

The highest score for the 40s division went to Flagler Board Rider President Ben Lacy. Lacy was joined by Nick Baiata, Will Tant and Chad Brasol, whose combined totals placed them in second for their division.

Anthony Passarelli earned the highest score for the 50+ division. The team included Bob Lindsley and Marvin Butler. The team, who was missing their fourth rider, just missed a second-place finish.

Flagler Board Riders Club is a local chapter of the Florida Board Riders a 501(3)c grassroots organization meant to brighten the future of surfing in beach communities in the Sunshine State. The Flagler chapter launched in February of this year and missed the first two Florida Cup competitions.

Besides the competitive surf team, the FBRC sponsors the Donna Cianciulli Memorial Academic Scholarship and the Jamie Ridgewell Legacy Trade School Scholarship to encourage local youth to pursue higher education.