The Association of Surf Angling Clubs (ASAC) and its Executive Board met remotely via Zoom in July where the difficult decision was made to cancel the 2020 season.
During the Zoom discussion, numerous COVID-19 issues were brought to light including but not limited to towns canceling events through the end of the year, tournament headquarters canceling bookings through the end of the year, insurance/liability concerns, and possible decreased participation by both teams and volunteers.
“The difficult and unanimous decision reached was to not put our family, friends, fellow club members, and participants in a potentially ‘at risk’ or ‘high risk’ situation,” said ASAC president Greg O’Connell in announcing the decision.
“Be safe. Stay Healthy. And keep getting out fishing this summer and fall in safe manner,” O’Connell said on behalf of ASAC, adding “We hope to see everyone at the Presidents meeting in February 2021 and on the beach for the 2021 tournament season.”
ASAC was founded in 1915 by a dedicated group of surf anglers primarily interested in perfecting and improving the art of surfcasting. In addition to tournaments, conservation, and youth education, the Association takes an active role in beach access for all, up and down the East Coast and is an active member of UMAPA, (United Mobile Access Preservation Association) with many of the club’s individual members belonging to access groups such as New Jersey Beach Buggy Association, North Carolina Beach Buggy Association, and Outer Banks Preservation Association. For more information about ASAC visit their homepage at asaconline.org.
