National Surf League | The Game

National Surf League (NSL)

Born in 2002 from the mind of former world-number-two-professional surfer Brad Gerlach, the NSL sought to bring a revolutionary format to the sport of surfing.  And, the “Game” format was created. For the first time surfers would compete on teams, working together and sharing waves instead of fighting over them.  Each team takes the water, alternating turns similarly to baseball. Each surfer’s top wave from each period was counted.

In 2003, the format caught the eye of ESPN and for the first time surfing was in the X-Games, featuring such stars as Kelly Slater and Rob Machado.  That relationship is now entering its’ sixth year.  In 2004 and 2005 the NSL featured a California Cup.  Teams consisting of the eight best professional surfers from Santa Cruz,Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego competed against one another for the title, with Orange County winning each year.  2006 saw the beginning of the Red Bull High School Cup, featuring the best high schools in Southern California.  In 2007, the RBHSC expanded to the East Coast and Northern California, with San Degiuto Academy taking the the National Title.  2008 will see an expanded High School Series renamed the Red Bull Riders Cup and X Games.  The NSL is headquartered in Los Angeles, California.

Timeline:

• 2002: NSL Born, first NSL Championship Game Featuring San Diego Vs. Orange County played at Cardiff Reef, CA.
  
• 2003: First X Games Surf on live televsion on ABC from Huntington Beach, CA.
  
• 2004: Ingagural California Cup, Orange County wins season
  
• 2005: California Cup adds Los Angeles Arc Angels expansion team, Orange County wins for 2nd straight season
  
• 2006: First Red Bull High School Cup, San Clemente High wins.
  
• 2007: Red Bull High School Cup expands nationally, San Deguito Academy win title.  First-ever Woman’s X Games Surf, USA wins.  Chris Ward First-ever X games Surf perfect 10, USA victory.
  
• 2008: Red Bull High School Cup renamed to Red Bull Riders Cup, continues expansion with South Bay and Florida