2nd Annual Sean Slater Invitational
Cocoa Beach, FL
Story/Photos By John Knoke
Everyone here in Brevard County who enjoys an active beach lifestyle has either dealt with or knows someone dealing with skin cancer. Surfing, skating, body boarding and working in the sun all expose us to the sun’s potentially deadly rays. Finally, thanks to the World Skin Cancer Foundation, the Slater family, many volunteers and numerous charities there is a local event that is working hard to address this silent killer.
Not a cloud in the perfectly blue sky, fun surf and beautiful sunshine greeted the competitors and spectators alike this weekend at the 2nd Annual Sean Slater Invitational surf contest sponsored by The World Skin Cancer Foundation, Bright House Networks and Ron Jon Surf Shop. Many of the areas best surfers and top pros from around the country showed up to participate in a contest that is bringing much needed attention to the dangers of the sun. The three day event featured a star studded surf contest, a Grind for Life skateboard exhibition and competition, a silent auction as well as many other activities revolving around safe outdoor fun.
Founder and President of the World Skin Cancer Foundation, Drew Filliben, is dedicated to this wonderful cause and was stoked with the turnout and more importantly the overwhelming positive response from everyone at the event. “We had over 100 people get free skin cancer checks in only three hours here at the Holiday Inn Cocoa Beach today. Even CJ Hobgood went through the line and got checked out,” Filliben explained as he stood near the event sponsored bon fire at Coconuts on the Beach. “Skin cancer is like the “red headed step child” as the subject is always being downplayed and pushed into the corner. This event came about because a few years ago I was reading the TGIF section of the Florida Today paper and noticed that on one page was a huge write-up about the NKF contest and on the next page was a story about a local man dying from skin cancer. I just thought there needed to be a contest surrounding skin cancer so I called Kelly in Japan and asked him if he knew of anything that addressed this. Kelly didn’t think so and was excited about the idea. Kelly’s mom Judy and I did a bunch of research and eventually formed the Kelly Slater Skin Cancer Foundation. We have had to change the name for a couple of reasons but that is the history of the foundation and this contest. Surprisingly and lucky for us The World Skin Cancer Foundation name was available.”
The surfing contest was a nice, laid back event with a great message. Everyone was walking around with smiling, white sunscreen covered faces. Even the always mobbed celebrity Kelly Slater seemed comfortable as he hung out with his cute new girlfriend on the beach on Saturday afternoon before surfing in the semis and finals. The waves were small but a nice little sand point made what little swell there was break cleanly allowing some great surfing. Local legend and pro John Holeman has seen his share of adversity and he was impressed with the contest and the “old school guys.” “The waves were a little better yesterday (Friday) but the “old school” guys are surfing the best by far. Ryan Helm, Todd Holland, The Anderson Brothers, CJ, Kelly, and Bryan Hewitson are making the “new school” guys look bad. The young guys have a lot to learn,” Holeman explained from the judging area. Holeman was right on target as the local “old school” guys all made it deep into the contest. Dean Randazzo, a two time cancer survivor, also made it to the semi finals. Even during the lulls and intermissions Hunter Joslin, Mr. Indo Board, kept the crowd and kids entertained with impromptu games and fun “pow, boom smack, whack” Batman like commentary. All in all, the contest was fun for everyone but for many in attendance the contest meant so much more.
Dan Trunk believes very strongly in this cause and his charitable organization, SBMT Charitable Trust, made a $20,000 donation to keep the cause moving forward. “My brother died from skin cancer and this is so important. The real credit lies with the volunteers though. They work tirelessly and for nothing in return. The volunteers make this all happen!” Trunk’s charity looks for causes and this understandably hit close to home for the surfer philanthropist. The contest’s host, Sean Slater, was also super stoked with the giving spirit. “Being a surfing rep working for Volcom I am usually giving stuff away. This is the opposite and everyone has been great,” Slater said in between running around like crazy coordinating things on the stage and the beach.
The semis and finals of the surf competition were largely comprised of surfers who either grew up in Florida or currently live right here in Brevard. The finals were a testament to the prowess of the local pros. CJ Hobgood, Corey Lopez and Eight Time World Champion Kelly Slater, three of four WCT surfers from Florida, made up the celebrity final. The surf had deteriorated but that did not stop the homegrown pros from ripping the small onshore surf. CJ and Kelly traded a few waves and at one point Kelly pushed CJ’s board toward shore and paddled away to the enjoyment of the crowd. CJ remained focused and caught a few good waves but more importantly positioned himself well to keep Kelly off the good ones. Lopez got a couple waves but the good ones clearly belonged to CJ. In the end, it was CJ, Kelly and Corey respectively winning the big prizes. Keeping with the overall spirit of the event, all of the finalists donated their winnings to The World Skin Cancer Foundation clearly illustrating the importance of this fantastic cause.
2nd Annual Sean Slater Invitational Photo Gallery
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