Not Just Another Hot August Night: Red Bull Night Riders Get Loose in Atlantic City
Click Here For Exclusive Night Rider GalleryStory by EXPN.com's Jon Coen
Atlantic City is one of those places that exude bravado, sex, and money. It's the kind of place that makes rational people do things they might not otherwise, like indulge past their limits, bet the mortgage on a roll of the dice, head into the room "behind the black curtain," or get whipped at an oncoming wave at ridiculous speeds from behind a jet ski - in the dark.
28 of the best surfers in the Northeast decided to put it all on the line with the promise of the big payday under the Friday night lights on August 15th for Red Bull Night Riders.
Night Riders first came to AC in 2007, when tow surfers descended on this town of debauchery. An unexpected weather system created such chopped out conditions that the event became one more of survival than performance.
But this year, the wind relaxed. Two to three-footers rolled to the beach on the north side of the Pier at Caesar's, allowing surfers to plan their attacks to find ample launch ramps or critical sections.
By this year's format, paired off teams had two nine-minute "sessions" in the qualifying round, with each taking a turn at driving and towing. Each surfer's highest scores were added together for a cumulative team number and the top seven teams advanced to the final. They also competed individually for three separate titles - Best Trick, Amplitude, and Gouge.
The other new aspects this year were fresh faces. Back in May, Red Bull set up an entire tow-at training camp on the island of Nantucket. The pro airmen who'd performed in 2007 had a chance to hone their skills. But it also opened the door for select amateur riders from New England (a cold region where performance surfing is just starting to catch on) to learn the art of the tow.
Things got interesting before the sun even set. New Hampshire newcomer, Adam Coates landed a smooth backside air off the ski of Mike "Zappy," Paugh. Ben McBrien lofted a velvety olley-oop. Zach Humphreys and Ian Bloch bought a youthful enthusiasm, a few deadly turns, and some nearly-landed monster hucks to the table. Ocean City standout, Rob Kelly even went for some rodeo flips.
Red Bull rider, Sam Hammer and teammate Franky Walsh showed a ton of experience, with Hammer displaying his range of airs and turns and Walsh, the AC local, hacking away.
But the biggest hack of the night actually came from Long Branch's Mike Gleason, who was partnered with homeboy, Adam Holloway. He laid onto his rail, tearing down a peak with enough ferocity to earn himself an 8.3 that would stand as the best Gouge and line his pockets with $1,250.
From the start, it was clear that Raven Lundy and Lucas Rogers, of Virginia Beach, were amped. The pair have met at the dock most mornings this summer at 6:30 a.m., and headed out to train until 11. They had their routine dialed and got off more hits than any other squad.
Rogers, one of the best aerialist on the East Coast, came out boosting. He chucked big air reverses and solid straight airs. But the move of the night came in the finals round when he threw out a superman that would have made Travis Pastrana proud. This would beat his own Best Trick and make Rogers $2,500 richer.
Randy Townsed and Matt Keenan, of Surf City and Ocean City, respectively, each spend a lot of time perfecting the tow. In addition to consistently landing his airs, Townsend nailed one strato-stretching air reverse that the judges felt was worthy of an 8.5, the Amplitude crown, and $1250.
As darkness fell, the crowd swelled, collectively "ooohing," each illuminated acrobatic feat, each daring flyaway, and each near miss with the jet skis. A full moon rose to add to the drama.
Even through the darkness, it was clear that Rogers and Lundy were in control. They not only had the most explosive maneuvers, but showed a tactical strategy for getting at the best waves and tallied a 14 point total that won the overall event and $5,000. There aren't many people who leave AC with money in their pockets, but the Night Riders were stoked to cash in their chips.
By this year's format, paired off teams had two nine-minute "sessions" in the qualifying round, with each taking a turn at driving and towing. Each surfer's highest scores were added together for a cumulative team number and the top seven teams advanced to the final. They also competed individually for three separate titles - Best Trick, Amplitude, and Gouge.The other new aspects this year were fresh faces. Back in May, Red Bull set up an entire tow-at training camp on the island of Nantucket. The pro airmen who'd performed in 2007 had a chance to hone their skills. But it also opened the door for select amateur riders from New England (a cold region where performance surfing is just starting to catch on) to learn the art of the tow.
Things got interesting before the sun even set. New Hampshire newcomer, Adam Coates landed a smooth backside air off the ski of Mike "Zappy," Paugh. Ben McBrien lofted a velvety olley-oop. Zach Humphreys and Ian Bloch bought a youthful enthusiasm, a few deadly turns, and some nearly-landed monster hucks to the table. Ocean City standout, Rob Kelly even went for some rodeo flips.
Red Bull rider, Sam Hammer and teammate Franky Walsh showed a ton of experience, with Hammer displaying his range of airs and turns and Walsh, the AC local, hacking away.
But the biggest hack of the night actually came from Long Branch's Mike Gleason, who was partnered with homeboy, Adam Holloway. He laid onto his rail, tearing down a peak with enough ferocity to earn himself an 8.3 that would stand as the best Gouge and line his pockets with $1,250.
From the start, it was clear that Raven Lundy and Lucas Rogers, of Virginia Beach, were amped. The pair have met at the dock most mornings this summer at 6:30 a.m., and headed out to train until 11. They had their routine dialed and got off more hits than any other squad.Rogers, one of the best aerialist on the East Coast, came out boosting. He chucked big air reverses and solid straight airs. But the move of the night came in the finals round when he threw out a superman that would have made Travis Pastrana proud. This would beat his own Best Trick and make Rogers $2,500 richer.
Randy Townsed and Matt Keenan, of Surf City and Ocean City, respectively, each spend a lot of time perfecting the tow. In addition to consistently landing his airs, Townsend nailed one strato-stretching air reverse that the judges felt was worthy of an 8.5, the Amplitude crown, and $1250.
As darkness fell, the crowd swelled, collectively "ooohing," each illuminated acrobatic feat, each daring flyaway, and each near miss with the jet skis. A full moon rose to add to the drama.
Even through the darkness, it was clear that Rogers and Lundy were in control. They not only had the most explosive maneuvers, but showed a tactical strategy for getting at the best waves and tallied a 14 point total that won the overall event and $5,000. There aren't many people who leave AC with money in their pockets, but the Night Riders were stoked to cash in their chips.
This event was sick, I wish I could have been there!