Though it did not qualify for postseason action due to lack of numbers, the Palisades High coed surf team finished the 2013 season with a winning record at 3-2.
Head coach Steve Jesson, in his eighth year at the helm, guided a young group along as they competed with the likes of Santa Monica, Malibu and Ventura. The team had 20 members, four of them seniors, but ultimately needed more shortboarders to battle in the postseason.
PaliHi is one of eight teams in its division in the Scholastic Surf Series, for which the State championships are held in May. Teams are required to have six shortboard surfers and three longboard surfers for its boys team and three each for its girls squad.
Still, the overall experience was a positive one for Jesson’s group.
“We needed nine competitive shortboarders and we didn’t have it, but the kids had a good time out there,” the coach said. “They really love it.”
Jesson, who lives in the Palisades, has a surfing background that dates back to his junior high days. Up until about eight years ago he owned and operated Island Surf Shop in Santa Monica before deciding to sell it. His son, Jake, just graduated from UC Santa Barbara and is surfing in Queensland, Australia.
Nathan Paul, a senior captain, reached the semifinals and ranked seventh overall during the March 10 contest against Ventura. Sophomores Rama Sura and Sean Farkas and freshman Cole Sweeny also had strong seasons for the boys squad, while junior Sophie Mallory and sophomore Emily Iegler made significant contributions for the girls side.
PaliHi surfers know they can continue to pursue the sport in college. Aiden Gray, a 2012 graduate, is a member of the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo surf team.
This page is available to subscribers. Click here to sign in or get access.
