What is surf casting?
The sport of surf casting (known in parts of Europe as “long distance casting of sea weights”) is derived from surf fishing. Having long, powerful fishing rods and good casting technique – and hence, the ability to put baits at long range – can sometimes make all the difference to a surf angler’s success on the beach.
Maybe it was just a slow fishing day, but at some point in history, several competitive-minded surf fishermen decided to meet on a large field with their rods and reels to simply measure and see who could cast the farthest. No sand. No water. No fish.
A brief history of US surf casting.
In the mid-twentieth century, organized surf casting contests on grass were nothing new in the United States, perhaps dating back to the nineteenth century. But in the 1930s-1950s a Californian named August “Primo” Livenais created a buzz with casts topping 800’. Over in the United Kingdom, where the waters are severely over-fished, word of Livenais’ incredible distances intrigued British surf fishermen who adopted and then perfected distance casting techniques and equipment… out of necessity. It wasn’t long before casting competitions made their way onto UK surf anglers’ calendars. Nations like Italy, France, Spain, and South Africa followed suit.
Enthusiasm for the sport can be said to have died down by this time in the US. But in the 1980s through the 2000s, groups like SportCast USA rekindled state-side interest in surf casting. Teams and clubs from up and down the east coast would present themselves at regional competitions hosted by SportCast. This environment forged most of the best distance casters in the US, including North Carolina’s own Tommy Farmer who held all the national casting records for many years.
The Carolina Surf Casters Association
As SportCast USA’s presence declined in the mid-2000s, the Carolina Surf Casters Association (CSCA) was created by Wayne Hill and other former SportCast competitors as a single club that also organized its own tournaments for individuals to compete in. We operate as such to this day, along with similar clubs like Surf Fishing & Casting Club International (SFCCI) of Texas, and SurfCast USA (SCUSA) of Maryland.
The Mission
The CSCA is dedicated to helping surf fishermen in North Carolina and beyond acquire the skill – and preserve the heritage – of long distance surf casting. It is also our mission to help promote long distance surf casting as a sport in the United States… to cultivate and support athletes who share our vision of producing internationally-competitive American casters.
Code of Conduct
Each person joining the CSCA as a member or guest is expected to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the wholesomeness and image of the organization, as well as its mission. While the tournaments are competitive in nature, good sportsmanship is paramount. Members are to be role models.
It is the responsibility of all CSCA members and guests to familiarize themselves with – and abide by – all the rules and regulations of this association and its events. By joining the association or participating in its events, members and guests also agree that all decisions of the CSCA management are final.