Comp Report presented by Wave Riding Vehicles, check ’em out here: WRV
Photos by Bruce Chrisner and Mike Voucolo
The Danish and Friends Classic: A Celebration of Surf, and our Beach Community
The 2025 Danish and Friends Classic, presented by Kane Brewing Company, made a
significant splash on September 6th at Manasquan Inlet, New Jersey. The Manasquan
Board Riders Club (MBRC) hosted their 33rd annual classic surfboard contest, marking a
new chapter for an event formerly known as the “Long Board Classic.” Danish and Friends
renamed for Man with the Idea for the Original Contest and Format Carl Danish, Carl along
with Joseph Troger (RIP), Tom O’Neil, Paul Baymore and Tim Girard started the Event in
1993.
( l-r ) Founding Fathers Carl Danish, Paul “ The Fly” Baymore , Joe Troger pose with Carl’s super classic , Ford surf coupe. A group as classic as the vehicle they stand beside. Missing is fellow co-foundercTom O’Neil . Photo: Bruce Chrisner
This Year we had super fun Inlet bowls in the 1-3’ range and light onshore conditions, a great
crowd of surfers enjoyed a perfect day – we finished with an after party at world famous
Carlson’s Corner.
Winner Ben Meseroll. Photo: Mike Voucolo @mikessshoreshots
Where we all hung out and refueled, and prizes were given out. First
Place Mens Open Longboard was a Creative Army Longboard from Brave New World, and
two Body Glove Full Suits, both First Place Prizes as well, for Womens LB Open, and the newest Division, The Open Retro Short Board.
We got retro! Classic quiver. Photo: Bruce Chrisner @brucechrisner1
A New Era of Classic Surfing
The MBRC re-formatted this year’s event to include classic shortboards, expanding the
competition to celebrate the 70s and 80s eras of surfing. This change brought a new
dynamic to the water, welcoming a wider range of styles and boards while still honoring the
event’s longboard roots.
Brett Hill. Photo: Bruce Chrisner @brucechrisner1
“ We wanted the old school feel with some new blood. This is one
of the only times you can surf the peak with 5 friends” – Contest Organizer Larry “Meatface,
beatface, bloody fuddy meatface” Schmidt said.
Women’s longboard winner, Ryan Porter trying her luck in the Open Retro division. Photo: Mike Vuocolo @mikesshoreshots
Highlights of the Day
It was a day of well-deserved victories and standout performances. James Contreras finally
had his day, earning bragging rights in the Men’s Longboard division after 15 years of
dedication. In a remarkable double performance, Ryan Porter won the Women’s division
and then surfed her way into the Open Retro final against a stacked field of seasoned
veterans and talented groms.
Finn Holloway. Photo: Bruce Chrisner @brucechrisner1
The event was more than just a competition; it was a testament to the thriving beach
community of Manasquan. The Manasquan Board Riders Club is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
organization dedicated to serving their community, and this event showcased their
commitment to the sport and the people who love it.
What?! We can’t hear you, your t-shirts are too loud! MBRC’ SRainbow Warriors in repose . Photo: Bruce Chrisner @brucechrisner1
Jessie Duerr. Photo: Bruce Chrisner @brucechrisner1
John Valgenti. Photo : Bruce Chrisner @brucechrisner1
( L-R ) Women’s winner Ryan Porter, Joanne Hadley, Jessi Krista, Caroline, Emily Duerr, and Pixie Walling. Photo: Mike Vuocolo @mikesshoreshots
Jack Kondreck. Photo : Bruce Chrisner @brucechrisner1
( L-R ) Ian Roden, Men’s Open Longboard winner, Ben Meseroll, Paul Salgado and Cheyne Meseroll. Photo: Bruce Chrisner @brucechrisner1
Brett Hill. Photo: Bruce Chrisner @brucechrisner1
Classic equipment. Photo: Mike Vuocolo @mikesshoreshots
Peanuts Troniec. Photo: Mike Vuocolo @mikesshoreshots
Legends legend Vince “Peanuts” Troniec. Photo: Mike Vuocolo @mikesshoreshots
Legendary East Coast photog covering the Shore for decades Mike Vuocolo, along with his lovely wife Joannie, ailing all the action with crisp, colorful detail as usual. Photo: Bruce Chrisner @brucechrisner1
Mike Melega. Photo: Bruce Chrisner @brucechrisner1
Open Retro Death Match heat heading out next to the iconic Manasquan Inlet river jetty. Photo: Bruce Chrisner @brucechrisner1
Dawn at the comp site with one tasty looking blade on the beach. Photo: Bruce Chrisner @brucechrisner1
RESULTS :
Mens
James Contreras Men Final 1
Tab Hans Men Final 2
Geoffrey Myers Men Final 3
Michael Melega Men Final 4
Ben Meseroll Men Final 5
JP Merkler Men Final 6
Womens
Ryan porter Women Final 1
Caroline Duerr Women Final 2
Jessica Duerr Women Final 3
Krista Duerr Women Final 4
Joanne Hadley Pixie Rixon
Women Final 5
Walling Women Final 6
Emily Duerr Women Final 7
Aarp
Neil Robinson AARP Final 1
Larry Devine AARP Final 2
Matt Petrula AARP Final 3
Benjamin Amorelli AARP Final 4
Dan Hitchcock AARP Final 5
Larry Schmidt AARP Final 6
Mike Brown AARP Final 7
Carl Danish. Photo: Bruce Chrisner @brucechrisner1
Legends
Vincent Troniec Legends Final 1
Wayne Ignatuk Legends Final 2
Michael Sweeney Legends Final 3
Bob Duerr Legends Final 4
Carl Danish Legends Final 5
Bobby Howell Legends Final 6
Open
Ryan Tracy
Retro Open
Cole Deveney
Brett Hill
Justin Taylor
Ryan Porter
Retro Final 5Finn Holloway
