On Saturday, November 30, the South Jersey Boardriders Club hosted the “Share the Stoke” Holiday Board Drive, their first-ever charitable event, at Mudhen Brewing Company. Over 200 members and supporters of the Boardriders gathered around Mudhen’s outdoor fire pits to share food and drink and give back to their community.
The Boardriders received over 100 donations of new and used surfboards and wetsuits, to be distributed to underprivileged school children throughout Ocean, Atlantic and Cape May counties. They plan to work with local guidance counselors and school administrators, including Matthew Carey, the director of student services of the Ocean City School District, to deliver the equipment to the young surfers in need.
The Cameron kids and their friends enjoying their time at Mudhen.
Nick Ceccoli, captain of the Wildwood chapter of the South Jersey Boardriders and the organizer of the drive said, “We were overwhelmed with all the support. People were walking in with huge bags, we received tons of boards of all shapes and sizes for all skill levels. Somebody even donated six boards at once.”
Those who donated surf gear for the cause were treated to special giveaways, receiving prizes provided by surf brands Outerknown and O’Neill. Noteworthy among these prizes was a custom Kona surfboard designed as a collaboration with Ocean City local pro surfer Rob Kelly. This board, called the Kona Bullet, was created at the Kona Board House especially for Kelly, who also serves as the vice-president of the South Jersey Boardriders.
Surfer Nick Ceccoli and Kona CEO Chris Sciarra standing with the winner of Rob Kelly's board.
“We at the Boardriders wanted to give back to the community,” said Ceccoli. “We’re about more than competition, we’re here to support each other.” He said he feels positive about the huge turnout of the event. “We were lucky to be able to do it at the Mudhen, it was a nice night by the bonfires,” he said. “This is the first time we’ve held this event, but after the success of this first one, we want to try to make this an annual event.”
Nick Ceccoli and Nick Enos loading the truck with donated boards.
– Mage Meehan