The Perfect Bowl. Cristobal gave us everything we as New Yorkers want.
If you’ve paid any attention the last month, you already know the answer to that question: They should.
The East Coast is barely stepping out of what’s been dubbed the “September to Remember.” From the Outerbanks to New York, the region undoubtedly saw some of the best consistent swells throughout the entire month. The truth is, just about every year the New York area will get at least one pumping swell of note in the month of September.
The WSL typically makes their annual trip to California during early September. I know Trestles is a world famous wave and a Tour staple, but did you honestly enjoy watching John John lose in the semis after taking two gutless waves this year?
New York/New Jersey actually has one of the biggest surf markets in the world. It may not seem like the most obvious choice for a booming surf population, but from Montauk, NY to Atlantic City, NJ there are approximately 250 miles (400 km) of some of the most heavily populated coastlines in the world. Between these two points lies nearly the same population as the entire country of Australia. If the World Surf League is really trying to build up its fan base, why hasn’t it chosen to come back to surf New York?
Aside from the $1 million purse the 2011 Quik Pro New York had on offer, the publicity, pressure, and pursuit of greatness push the best to rise above the rest. In each sport, the city and surrounding area bring people to another level. New York may not be the cleanest city or have the best of everything, but the energy here is something you cannot find anywhere else in the world. Whether you’re from the area, or from a rival city (yeah I’m talking about you Big Papi), this place breeds superstars who rise to the occasion. Maybe it’s the people, maybe it’s the money, maybe it’s the bright lights, or maybe there just really is something in the water…
Onto more pressing matters, as beautiful as the past month has been for surfing in NYC, it hasn’t come without a heavy pounding to the Caribbean, other parts of the American East Coast, and Puerto Rico. After suffering from Hurricane Sandy in 2012, the NY/NJ area knows as good as any that the real challenges are only beginning once the storm has passed and the news vans go away. It may be weeks or even months before some locations get power and clean water and will be years before most areas see real clean up.
One of the easiest ways to get involved right now is to donate to the programs that are already formed and on the ground, like Waves for Water, getting the basic necessities of life to those who need it. Please donate today.
