Sam Hammer claimed the 9th Annual Garden State Grudge match at Casino Pier, only to reinforce his status as “The Godfather” of New Jersey surfing. The winner take all format of the contest always stirs up Jersey rivalries, and as you can see from the photos, conditions were sloppy – but fun, which is why we come back each year. Looking forward to next year! Check out more from the contest at ESM.
2011 Garden State Grudge Match
Sam Hammer blasts the fins out in Round 2 of the Garden State Grudge Match en route to another victory.
Rob Kelly lays down a nice turn in the shadow of Casino Pier. Always an interesting backdrop.
Clay Pollioni goes for broke with a big floater in his Round 2 match up against eventual winner Sam Hammer.
Hammer gave all his waves a good working over, milking his rides all the way through. Caps this one off with a heavy float off the lip.
Unknown puts it on rail a bit north of the contest.
Graham Merganthaler, an LBI local who finds his way up north often for work speeds past a section in the waning fall light.
