NYSEA’s Surf Week kicks off

Event includes surfing, skateboarding, music and more in and around town

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Professional big-wave surfer Will Skudin formally kicked off the seventh annual New York Surf Week on Wednesday, an event honoring the memory of Long Beach surfer George “Geeza” Geiser. The event has become a popular staple in town, with big sponsors like Hurley.

This year’s event follows Skudin’s outstanding performance on the big waves as he came in 5th in the World Championship Big Wave competition in Purerto Escondidio, Mexico.

The event runs through July 17 and kicks off with an open surf contest, and traditionally features the kids’ surf contest, assorted skate contests and movie premiers, parties, concerts, surf outings, a memorial paddle out, and more.

This year’s contest is open to the first 32 online entrants and the top prize will be $3,000. Expected to compete are former champions Leif Engstrom, a three-time winner of the event, and Balaram Stack, who won the contest in 2012. Other notable participants will be last year’s runner-up TJ Gumiela and Richie Bogart, who has also placed in the competition in previous years.

Younger surfers will be able to show off their skills to the crowd in a competition that will take place on July 16. Additional surf-centered events will include not-for-profit outings for Adelphi University’s Camp Abilities and the Henry Viscardi School. These outings represent a chance for children with physical disabilities to experience the thrill of the ocean in the company of experienced instructors. Cliff Skudin, Will’s brother and also a professional surfer — both run the Skudin Surf camp in town — has a master’s degree in special education.

There will also be a vendors’ village on the boardwalk, between Edwards and National boulevards, during the event, and many surf films will be screened for the first time on Long Island on July 14 at the Bridgeview Yacht Club.

Another improved feature of 2016 Surf Week will be the move of the annual concert and skateboard contest to Long Beach’s new skate park. While previous skate showdowns were entertaining events held on portable mini-ramps, Will Skudin said that moving the contest to the Rec Center was an easy decision.

“The contest was always fun,” Skudin said. “But this year, we’re stoked to bring a real skate contest to a real skate park.”

The Bowl and Street Jam will be held on July 16, with the juniors contest starting at 6 p.m., followed by the professional event at 8 p.m. Accompanying the skating will be a number of bands as well as local reggae standout Jahstix.

This year’s event will finish off with a pair of parties on July 16 and 17. The first celebration is open to all ages and will be held between 6 and 10:30 p.m. at the Bridgeview Yacht Club. The family-friendly affair will feature dunk tanks, kids’ activities, popcorn machines, raffles and music. The following night, there will be a 21-and-over summer bash at Pop’s Seafood Shack and Grill in Island Park and will feature a mini-ramp throwdown, DJs, raffles, giveaways and more. Doors will open at 9 p.m.

For more information and a full schedule, visit nysurfweek.com or liherald.com.