Another year, another surf contest.

So begins the 47th East Coast Surfing Championship in Virginia Beach.

Yesterday was a prep day, with workers setting up displays, scaffolding, and skate ramps. It was also one of the quietest days to come, as the P.A. system was not yet up and running.

Guarding the jetty

People were in the surf enjoying the last of the free surfing in the contest zone at The Jetty. One of the most localized surf spots in Virginia Beach looked downright inviting this morning with kids, women, and longboarders all enjoying a friendly surf.

All that changes today, however, as the competition gets under way. It’s a serious business, with dollars, sponsorships, and pride on the line. Many surfers have entered the contest, but few have won. Kind of like Mad Max in the Thunderdome: “Two man enter, one man leave.” The format will be a little different, but the concept is the same–beat the other surfers with better maneuvers and superior tactics.

George Desgain was there yesterday afternoon in his business attire surveying the scene. As one of the Legends of ECSC Hall of Fame members, he knows what it’s all about. But even George was impressed with the preparation and the scale of this year’s event. He credits Kevin Gaydosh, a longtime organizer of the ECSC, for attracting so many sponsors and renewing life in the contest. I’d add that maybe it also had a little to do with the free Monster energy drinks that have been ubiquitous the past few years. Caffeine, taurine, and lysine are a potent combination.

This year will have all kinds of attractions, from beach volleyball to vert skateboarding at the half-pipe. And of course there’s the obligatory bikini competition. There was also going to be a tow-in exhibition with jet-skis, but liability issues got in the way. One new event will be a Stand-Up Paddle Surfing heat, which has already drawn local artist Rick Romano as a contestant. This new take on an older Hawaiian tradition has many surfers enjoying a renaissance of being on the ocean and learning a new water skill.

A painting of The Jetty by Rick Romano.

But the main attraction will be the surfing and the high caliber of the finalists. And Tropical Storm Danny looks like it will make the finals on Sunday a must-see sporting event. Raven Lundy with Billabong thinks that this swell will come at a perfect time. Last week we had epic waves courtesy of Hurricane Bill, and this week should be even better with every one of the surfers looking to carve their mark on the waves and the trophy.

Look for more ECSC coverage from Joel Mednick all weekend long.