ABOUT THE EAST COAST
WAVESKI ASSOCIATION
Our Mission: Riding Waves, Building Community
​The East Coast Waveski Association (ECWA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion, growth, and excellence of waveski and surf kayaking across the Eastern United States.
By combining the adrenaline of surfing with the stability and maneuverability of a paddle-driven craft, we provide a unique and accessible way for people of all abilities to experience the power of the ocean. Whether you are a seasoned pro or a curious beginner, the ECWA is your home for high-performance paddle surfing.
What We Do: Our mission is built on two core pillars:
-
Community & Connection: We foster a vibrant social network of paddlers. While our formal events take place in Florida, North Carolina, and New Jersey, our members gather year-round across the entire coast for surf sessions, pool training, and networking. We pride ourselves on being an inclusive community where experienced riders are always ready to offer guidance or loan equipment to newcomers.
-
Athletic Excellence: We aim to elevate the sport by hosting local, national, and international competitions. These events provide a platform for athletes to sharpen their skills, from fundamental carving to advanced aerial maneuvers.
​
Inclusive by Nature: Waveskiing is often the craft of choice for Adaptive Surfing (Para Surfing). We work closely with our partners at Waveski Surfing United to ensure the ocean remains accessible to individuals with physical disabilities, providing therapeutic benefits, confidence, and empowerment through inclusive sport.
​
To follow our activity please "Like" & "Follow" The East Coast Waveski Association on Facebook and Instagram and join our affiliate, The East Coast, USA Surf Kayak & Waveski Group on Facebook.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
President
Stewart W. Diesel-Reynolds
As a young boy, growing up on the east coast of South Africa, Stewart was introduced to surfing at Orient Beach, East London, by his father who would push him onto waves on a rented surf-mat (an inflatable rubber mat). Later on in life, his family moved to the coastal city of Durban where he started stand-up surfing on a short board. After graduating from High School, he moved to Cape Town and there, while continuing to surf short boards, he joined a surf lifesaving club and began to paddle a surf ski, taking part in competitions in both short and long distance events. It wasn’t long before he was trying to ride waves on this long and awkward ski, but had another craft in his arsenal, a rescue craft shaped very much like a waveski, or paddle-ski as they were called in those days, only larger and able to carry a patient. This was much more suited to riding waves and much more fun, and before long Stewart was surfing this craft like a longboard.
​
In 1978 he began his military training and was stationed about 50 kilometers from Victoria Bay, a popular surfing beach on the east coast of South Africa, and about 100 km from a beach called Buffels Bay. It is here that Stewart first encountered waveski surfing. It was a natural fit and during his next leave, he purchased his first waveski.
After immigrating to the United States, in 1992, Stewart began to waveski surf competitively, at first surfing local events in Cocoa Beach, Florida, and Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. In North Carolina he won the waveski division and this inspired him to enter the waveski division at the Santa Cruz Kayak Festival and then the US Open Waveski Competition held in Ventura California. He is currently ranked 4th in the USA and the undefeated World Veterans Champion which he won in Pantin, Spain in 2018.
_________________________
​​
Treasurer
Jon Doezie
After a military and law enforcement career, Jon retired in Orange County, California. Jon spends his days spreading the aloha spirit through Waveski surfing, with his wife Lisa and his service dog Piper. Jon regularly competes in waveski competitions throughout the USA and internationally.​
_________________________
​
Sport Development
Ian Macleod
A resident of Flagler Beach, FL, Ian is a world waveski champion with over fourty years experience and has been shaping boards, developing events and hosting contests all over the world. In 2023, ranking 4th in the world, he announced his retirement from World Competitions to focus on Macski USA and promoting the sport on the East Coast. Visit his website and social media for waveskis and accessories.
www.macskisurfgear.com
Facebook: MacskiUSA
Instagram: macskiusawaveski
_________________________
​
Social Media & Website Management
Richie Guerrero
Although Richie has been a stand-up surfer for over 30 years, in 2021 he discovered the joy of paddle surfing and dove right in. After growing up surfing the southeast coast, he now lives outside of New York City on Long Island, NY and is an active surfer, waveskier, surf Kayaker and stand up paddle surfer throughout the Northeast. He is also very active on social media in connecting the community through his East Coast, USA Surf Kayak & Waveski Group.
Facebook: RichieWaveskiSurfKayaker
Instagram: richie_waveski_surf_kayaker
​
_________________________
​
Vice President
Greg Keenan
A former US Waveski Champion residing in Cocoa Beach Florida.
_________________________
​
Adaptive Development Officer
Kristopher Angone
Kristopher Angone is a waveski enthusiast who resides in Little River, South Carolina. Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Kristopher joined the U.S. Air Force after graduating high school in 1991 and served a total of 23 years before retiring. He served as a Rescue Helicopter crewman, and is a veteran of multiple combat deployments to the Middle East in support of the US Global War on Terror. Kristopher is the proud father of his daughter Serena, who is a medical student; as well as his son Anthony who is a mathematics PhD fellow. He discovered the waveski world in 2017 during his expansive search to participate in adaptive sports after the amputation of his right leg in 2012. Kristopher enjoys hours on the water: surfing, scuba diving, kayaking, and swimming.