On Sunday, July 20, the East Coast-based, surf-inspired apparel brand, Jetty, in conjunction with its nonprofit division, Jetty Rock Foundation, hosted the 17th Annual Coquina Jam at 68th Street Beach in the Brant Beach neighborhood of Long Beach Island, New Jersey.
Coquina Jam is an all-women’s, team-focused surf contest and fundraising event. Female surfers are paired randomly after being divided into two age groups, with the teams competing for the coveted Coquina Jam trophy while also supporting women, children, and families affected by a cancer diagnosis via David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation – a New Jersey-based nonprofit that provides hope through financial assistance, wellness resources, and patient support.
Now in its seventeenth year, the celebrated Long Beach Island event has donated in total more than $625,000. Sunday’s event contributed in excess of $65,000 to the overall total thanks to support from event attendees, sponsors, regional businesses, and fundraising efforts by the competitors. Red Bull stepped in as a Semi-Final Sponsor, setting the bar and making an impact on this year’s event. Special thanks also goes out to Quarter-Final Sponsors: Hackensack Meridian Health – Southern Ocean Medical Center, KONA Big Wave, and RovR Products. If you would still like to support the cause and donate, you can do so by clicking here or texting “COQUINA” to 41444.
Sunday from 8am-5pm, the field of 80 female surfers put on a spectacular performance for the packed beach of spectators. The surf teams were supported by eight (8) matching sponsors who added an additional $2,500 each to the fundraising effort. Thanks to Atlantic Physical Therapy, Tide Table Group, Fantasy Island Amusement Park, Farias Surf & Sport, Five 0 Six Surf Boutique, Informed Mortgage, Manahawkin Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, and The Wright Law Firm for donating as our 2025 Matching Sponsors.
When the competition was all said and done, the team of Ayla Stutzman, from Scarborough, ME, and Sam Taibi, from West Creek, NJ, took home the win. They narrowly edged out, by one point, the runner-up team of Dylan Kozinn, from Rumson, NJ, and longtime Jetty ambassador, Mia Gallagher, from Ocean City, NJ.
Surfing throughout the day impressed the audience and judges alike. Sisters Marley and Preslie Fender Marotta found themselves on a team after a late drop out paired them together. While they surfed as a united front, Mia and Brynn Gallagher continued their sibling grudge match in the Semi-Final round with Mia coming out victorious to advance to the Finals.
“I received too many emails and texts the week leading up to the event, all doubting the forecast, both from a weather and wave perspective,” said Jeremy DeFilippis, Jetty Co-Founder, Partner, and CEO. “Good karma prevailed once again as some surprise waves kept the competitors, and free surfers busy all day. There was zero rain and the water was warm, but the best part was being fully entertained by the high caliber of surfing. It was truly great to watch and, of course, remember that it’s all for a great cause.”
In addition to the action in the water, which saw temps in the low-70s and consistent 2–3-foot waves, spectators enjoyed food and drink from local restaurants, a vendor village featuring more than a dozen local artisans and brands, live music, and a family-friendly atmosphere that embodied the heart and soul of Long Beach Island.
“Coquina Jam, and the other surf contests on LBI including Jetty’s Littleneck Jam and Clam Jam, plus the ALO Longboard Classic, all showcase the amazing community we have. We’re lucky to attract surfers from all over New Jersey and beyond to surf, fundraise, and have a good time all for a great cause. The money raised goes directly to people in need and we are proud to support the local community that we are so grateful to be a part of,” said Kyle Gronostajski, Jetty Rock Foundation Environmental Director.
To learn more about the Jetty Rock Foundation, please visit: https://jettyrockfoundation.org
ABOUT JETTY
Established in 2003, Jetty was founded on a shared love of surfing, fishing, art, travel, and music and a desire to draw its own line. Now in its 23rd year of business and a Certified B Corp, Jetty continues to offer eco-minded, durable apparel for the whole family that embodies the fickle conditions of Northeast coastal living and encourages outdoor adventure despite the weather. Through its nonprofit division, Jetty Rock Foundation, over the past decade more than $2.5 million has been donated to protect our oceans and waterways, and support those who build their lives around them. Learn more at www.JettyLife.com and follow the journey on Instagram @TheJettyLife.
