Birth of NJ surfing celebrated in Long Branch

10/08/2016 18:45

LONG BRANCH - Visitors to Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park may notice that a historical plaque has been placed at the beach entrance to Kiernan Beach at the park's north end.

It marks the birthplace of organized surfing in the state, and commemorates the Kiernan Surfing Association for the achievement 50 years ago.

The group of the surfers that would form the association worked out an agreement in 1966 with the beach's owner, the late George Savoth, to lease the beach for the purpose of riding waves.

At the time surfing was not permitted on many private beach clubs at the Jersey Shore because the sport was considered too dangerous.

Kiernan Beach was strewn with pilings but was known to produce one of the largest and longest riding waves in the area, said city Councilman John Pallone. The association provided insurance and their own guards.

The memorial plaque dedication

The plaque's iconic picture was taken by Greg Brower in August 1969 when he was 15 years old. The subject in the photo is the late Jimmy Jeffries as he stood facing the ocean holding a longboard.