Kneeboard Surfing USA will return to Santa Cruz Jan. 15 to 17 for the U.S. Championships.  A field of nearly 70 entrants is expected to compete.  In addition, the contest will include a Junior’s Division for those under 21 years of age and a Women’s division. 

Australian Gavin Colman, current World Kneeboard Champion will lead a highly talented field of kneeboard surfers.  Colman won the world title at Steamer Lane in 2007.  Other top competitors include former KSUSA champions Barry Baker, Tom Backer and Jack Beresford.  Backer is the current U.S. Champion having won earlier this year at Oceanside.

Local standouts include the legendary John Mel and Jon Manss who combined have more than 80 years of kneeboard experience. The event is open to the public.  Heats will run from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weather and waves permitting.

“Steamer Lane is a great venue to showcase the sport,” said Don Harris, president of Kneeboard Surfing USA. “Not only is it a great wave, but kneeboarders have a long history here in Santa Cruz.” The event marks the fifth KSUSA Titles – four of which have been held in the right-hand point breaks of Santa Cruz.  Also, KSUSA hosted a highly successful world titles at Steamer Lane in 2007. 

Considered one of the purest forms of wave riding, Kneeboarding has its roots in groundbreaking performances by internationally known waveriders such as George Greenough, Steve Lis and Peter Crawford. Today, the sport has experienced a resurgence in the U.S. and overseas. More than 1,500 people have registered on the Kneeboard Surfing USA Web site at ksusa.org.

Sponsors of the Kneeboard Surfing U.S. Championships include:  Blast Hawaii, Flashpoint Surfing, Freeline Design, Gordon Biersch, Hurley, K-58, Luxury Surf.com, Maxim Capital Advisors Inc., Parkes Australia and Tide Has Turned.

Established in 2003, Kneeboard Surfing USA is dedicated to promoting the sport of Kneeboard Surfing through competitions, kneelo gatherings and other activities.

www.ksusa.org