New Jersey and the entire Eastern seaboard are packed with surf competitions to participate in or enjoy as a spectator throughout the summer/fall season. We spoke with Mia Gallagher, on of New Jersey's top amateur competitors for her inside knowledge of the best competitions around!
"Competing in New Jersey has been an opportunity that has changed my life! I have been competing for 3 years now, and I have made so many friends, learned so much about the sport I love, and I always have fun! Summer in New Jersey is the best time to learn to surf and to get into competing! Some of my favorite organizations and contests I love to participate in all summer are The Eastern Surfing Association, they have a Southern New Jersey district and a Central New Jersey District! I also love doing charity surf contests like the Chip Miller Surf Fest, which is so much fun! They even have an after party at the waterpark in Ocean City, NJ. The Chip Miller was the first surf contest I have ever done, and I have participated every year since! I also love the Coquina Jam, which is an all-female surf contest, there is also a Clam Jam, which is all male! Every year I do these contests, they always have the good vibes flowing and there are so many fun and nice people I get to meet! Every summer in Ocean City, NJ, Heritage Surf Shop holds a free surf series every Monday afternoon at 7th Street Beach in July! This is the first contest for many kids and it is super fun with no pressure! On the professional side, every fall, in Belmar, NJ, there is the Belmar Pro! I had an awesome time at this event last year! Even if you just started surfing, and want to try competing, it is always a blast, and everyone is super positive and supportive! I encourage everyone to try a surf contest this summer!" -Mia Gallagher
