Riding the Momentum: Westcliff Surf’s Defining Week in Huntington Beach
The momentum behind Westcliff University Surf has been building for years, but this past week in Huntington Beach marked a defining chapter for one of collegiate surfing’s fastest-rising programs.
Heading into the weekend’s NSSA competition, Westcliff was seeded #2 nationally, sitting just behind Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU), the reigning national champions for the past three seasons. With both programs having already claimed an event win earlier in the year, the stage was set. A strong showing would not only mean back-to-back victories for Westcliff, who took home the win last event also in Huntington Beach, but the opportunity to claim the #1 seed outright.
For a program that has finished runner-up at nationals for the past two years and has steadily improved every season since its launch just five years ago, the moment carried real weight.
National Spotlight Before the First Heat
The significance of the week began even before competition jerseys were pulled on. On Thursday, a major media outlet arrived at a Westcliff Surf practice in Huntington Beach, spotlighting the team’s rapid rise and the university’s pioneering role in collegiate surfing.
The national sports outlet interviewed student-athletes, Head Coach Lucas Taub, and Westcliff Athletics Director Cesar Rivas, highlighting what separates Westcliff from every other collegiate surf program in the country: its commitment to treating surfing like any other major sport. Westcliff University made history as the first university in the nation to offer surf scholarships, providing structured support, resources, and legitimacy that have reshaped the collegiate surf landscape.
That belief, and investment, was about to be validated once again. Keep an eye out in the coming weeks for the full story on this.
A Breakout Debut and Veteran Leadership
This event also marked the collegiate debut of freshman Titus Santucci, one of the most highly anticipated signees in the program’s history, perhaps even collegiate surfing history. At just 19 years old, Santucci is already a seasoned competitor, having competed in multiple different series including the World Surf League Qualifying Series (QS), and the Virginia Beach Pro, where Westcliff sponsored multiple surfers from the team to compete. Setting yet another ‘never been done before’ milestone for a university supporting their surf program.
Any questions about how his elite experience would translate to collegiate competition were answered quickly. In his very first NSSA event, Santucci powered
through the draw with his powerful, smooth surfing and advanced all the way to the finals, showcasing a calm, professional approach well beyond his years.
“I’m super stoked on how my first event with Westcliff turned out,” Santucci shared. “It was really cool to see how the team works together and support each other so well. We’ve got a really solid team and great chemistry. It’s gonna be a great season, I can’t wait.”
Westcliff often has some of the strongest support from friends and family on the beach and this event was no exception. Supporters even included Westcliff College of Engineering and Technology professor Antonio Nino, who had students of his competing.
It was Westcliff’s leadership that ultimately sealed the weekend. Co-captain Jordy Collins, a former national and state champion and a cornerstone of the program, captured the event win, his second victory of the season. His performance anchored the team when it mattered most.
“I feel really good about where my surfing is at,” Collins said. “I just want to prove to myself and to others that I still have what it takes. Having two wins and to now be ranked first as a team is something I am really proud of.”
Strong finishes from co-captain and reigning state and national champ, Taylor Stacy, along with freshmen surfers Ryder Smith, Logan Watson, and AnnaBella Lopez, underscored the program’s depth of talent. Even surfers competing in their first collegiate season delivered critical points, evidence of a roster built for both the present and the future.
On the longboard side, Kylan Crapenhoft battled through the event while fighting a gnarly virus, still managing to contribute valuable points for the team.
Back-to-Back Wins, #1 Seed Secured
When the final scores were tallied, the result was clear: Westcliff Surf had done it.
Back-to-back event wins. The #1 national seed. And a milestone years in the making.
Robbie Crist, who was the very first signed surfer to the program back in 2019, and is now the assistant coach, spoke on the major progression of the team, saying, “I’m so proud to be an alumni and now assistant coach to this team. It feels like more than a team, we are very tight-knit. Since Coach Lucas took over everything has fallen into place all because of his incredible work, passion, and of course the support we get from the University.”
Coach Lucas Taub, who’s love for surfing and care for his team is evident in all that he does. From meeting the surfers at the shoreline as they come out of their heats, to the abundant behind the scenes work he does to help his student-athletes, helping them in securing housing, to excelling academically. He has taken his team to the top. Helping to not only create great surfers but great students, and great individuals.
“It feels so good to be ranked #1 and all the work this team has put in pay off,” said Coach Taub. “Going into this event we knew it was going to be tight and every point would matter. The team really took that seriously and pushed themselves every heat for one another. I am so proud of this team and this program.”
The victory wasn’t defined by one surfer or one heat, it was the result of trust, depth, resilience, and a shared commitment to something bigger than individual results.
What’s Next For Westcliff Surf
The momentum isn’t slowing down.
At the next contest held in Oceanside, January 24 – 26, another highly anticipated freshman will make his collegiate debut: Jackson Taylor, a Santa Cruz local known for his explosive aerial surfing. His addition promises to further strengthen Westcliff’s position at the top as the season continues.
“Without a doubt we have momentum,” Taub added. “And I see that momentum continuing to build stronger throughout the season. It’s gonna be a lot of fun.”
With national attention, historic wins, and a roster firing on all cylinders, Westcliff Surf isn’t just chasing titles, they’re redefining what’s possible in collegiate surfing.