
Great Lakes surfing history was made Sunday, October 27th as the first Eastern Surfing Association-sanctioned competition ran in Kincardine, Ontario. The West Shore Lake Huron Freshwater Classic brought together surfers from across Ontario and the Eastern U.S. 22 competitors battled it out in shortboard, longboard, and SUP divisions.
With huge support from the Great Lakes surf community, the Town of Kincardine, and the surf industry, The Freshwater Classic will be back in 2014 as an annual event.
Here’s a look at how the day went down.






- Larry Cavero finds a rare barrel in Sunday’s swells. Cavero finished third in the shortboard division.
Antonia Acuna was the big winner on the day: Acuna picked up the win in the Longboard division, second in Shortboard, won Wave of the Day and was awarded an Aloha Spirit Award for his contributions to the Great Lakes surfing community. Wasaga Beach’s Josh Madryga made the Shortboard final. New York’s Scott John’s poses for a perfect Canadian postcard: Iconic Kincardine lighthouse complete with Timmy’s cup in the background. John’s finished second in the longboard division with moves like this. Acuna prepares for the Shortboard final. Robin Pacquing was the women’s open champion. On this day, the women competed alongside the men in all divisions. Ariel Amaral battles it out in the SUP division. An avid SUP competitor, Amaral also surfed in the Kincardine comp. A shortboard heat races to the waves Jeff Lahti gets ready for his heat The man with the weight of the world on his shoulders this October… Local surfer Josh Kincardine was tasked with making the call based on the forecast for the competition. Gordon went on to win the SUP division. A sizeable crowd of spectators and supporters came out too. Everyone kept warm in a tent provided by Big Top Tent Rentals. A pumping heater and hot coffee were available inside. West Shore Lakeside Surf Shop backed the event with some huge prizes. Great Lakes Surfer’s James Carrick braved the cold to post heat by heat results for online followers. Kincardine presents a crazy, unique surf opportunity. The pier allows surfers great access to the break and gives spectators a great view. The town and local tourism agencies are supporting the growth of the sport here. The crowd moved to the Bruce Steakhouse for awards, beer and burgers. The Eastern Surfing Association’s Aurelien Bouche-Pillon speaks to the crowd. The event was sanctioned and supported by the ESA. Ashley Adams, Josh Gordon and Aurelien Bouche-Pillon with Shortboard winner Matt Rocheford, second place Antonio Acuna and third place Larry Cavero. Longboard winner Antonia Acuna, second place Scott Johns and third place Ian Kershaw. SUP division winner Josh Gordon with second place Elliot Woolner and third place Zachary Brajuha. Women’s Open Division champ Robin Pacquing. Aloha Spirit Award winners Scott Johns, Josh Gordon, Helene Filion, and Antonio Acuna.
Results from The 2013 West Shore Lake Huron Freshwater Classic:
Shortboard Division
1. Matt Rocheford, Barbados
2. Antonia Acuna, Canada
3. Larry Cavero, Canada
Longboard Division
1. Antonio Acuna, Canada
2. Scott Johns, U.S.
3. Ian Kershaw, Canada
Women’s Open Champion
1. Robin Pacquing
Stand-up Paddleboard Division
1. Josh Gordon, Canada
2. Elliot Woolner, Canada
3. Zachary Brajuha, Canada
Aloha Spirit Awards
Scott Johns, U.S.
Helene Filion, Canada
Antonio Acuna, Canada
Josh Gordon, Canada
Oldest/Most Influential Surfer:
Dana Stringhan, U.S.
Wave of the day:
Antonio Acuna, Canada
For more information on surfing the Great Lakes visit Great Lakes Surfers
For more information on the Eastern Surfing Association visit their website.
To view a live webcam of the Kincardine break visit Kinsurf.co
Need surf gear and local surf advice? Visit West Shore Lakeside Surf Shop.
For more information on Kincardine surfing visit www.sunsets.com/kincardine
What a great synopsis of the day, the photos and all the smiling faces say it all, thanks ever so much Allison
great article and pictures Allison! thank you so much for coming here and covering the event. Hope to see you out here for the next one!