Jacksonville Beach Board Riders Dominate The Florida Cup

Originally posted on SURFER | By Andrew Nichols | Last updated 4/25/24

Last month, a crisp Saturday morning welcomed Space Coast Board Riders, Treasure Coast Board Riders, New Smyrna Beach Board Riders, and St. Augustine Board Riders Clubs to the home field of Jacksonville Beach Board Riders for the 2024 Florida Cup presented by Fat Tire. In an ode to the last time the Florida Cup was at the Jacksonville Beach Pier, conditions turned on once again for a showdown.

After what could’ve been a disastrous showing following the previous day's conditions, the heavy wind slop that began churning later in the afternoon brought in the swell needed for entertaining Saturday competition. And with a little luck from lady wind once more in the morning turning offshore, a showcase of high-performance surfing lit up the south side lineup to crown Jacksonville Beach Board Riders the champs of the 2024 Florida Cup presented by Fat Tire.

Jason Motes, one of Jacksonville Beach’s finest, held the anchor firm along the likes of Austin Clouse, the Thompson brothers, and the next generation of emerging North Florida talent that encompasses Atlantic Beach and Neptune Beach. Icons of the sport – including CJ Hobgood and CT Taylor – along with the younger divisions, helped push Space Coast to the lead with just the 20s and 30s divisions remaining.

Following the 30s division, Jacksonville Beach Board Riders took a slim, 13-point lead over Space Coast Board Riders after an impressive showing and only the 20s competition remained to determine the champs. The Florida Cup was hanging in the balance, along with the opportunity for the runner-up club to claim a spot at the USBRC National Championships presented by New Earth Project.

A solid performance from the Jacksonville Beach Board Riders 20s division held firm to finish the event with 206.87 points, as Space Coast Board Riders’ held the runner-up spot with 187.25 and a ticket to Lower Trestles May 18 for the U.S. Board Riders National Championships.

Rounding out the rankings, New Smyrna, St. Augustine, and Treasure Coast finished third-to-fifth, respectively.

This article first appeared on SURFER and was syndicated with permission.

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