Jim Kusz, District Captain – North Lincoln Fire & Rescue

Supporting the Nelscott Reef Big Wave Classic and John Forse in his continued efforts to bring world class competition to Oregon coast is not only a pleasure, but an obligation due to his undaunted commitment to the surfing and extreme sport community. Forse’s passion to Lincoln City to bring this and other venues to his home town is courageous.

Heard of of John Forse two decades ago, when he challenged and was the first to surf Nelscott Reef; by then, he was already known for his work in video and for being bitten by a Great White Shark.

My involvement with him began when North Lincoln Fire & Rescue and the United States Coast Guard began receiving multiple water rescues calls “for surfers in distress”. The calls turned out to be surfers on Nelscott Reef, and not in any immediate danger. John and I worked solutions for notification with local dispatch when surfers ventured out on the reef.

In full disclosure, I became very involved and part of Forse’s contest early on, and witnessed his struggle to get his vision realized with his own personal financial obligation to keep the project(s) going.

His current vision is exciting and current media technology from internet telecasting to drone photography (which is some of the most stunning images I’ve ever seen) will further put Lincoln City on the map as one of the most exciting, scenic and friendly places to visit.

Finally, Forse’s safety record, and ability to consistently, accurately and meteorologically “call” the contest amazes me to this day!

Richard Schmidt, Pro Surfer

To Whom It may concern:

Last year I was invited by John Forse to surf in a contest he organized in Oregon.  The experience exceeded all expectations.  John did a great job of organizing the community to help run an exceptional event. Having surfed professionally for 20 years in numerous contests I would have to say this was one of the most organized and professional events I had ever experienced.

The contestants were treated with a lot of respect and the hospitality received from the community was awesome.  I would highly recommend to have John be in control of the event again.  It seems ludicrous to consider handing over the permit to someone who has not proven himself and is not part of the local community.

Paul Schulte, Pro Surfer

I was a contestant in the Inaugural Nelscott Reef Tow Contest. My partner and I drove a thousand miles to get there. We never met John or his team before, and were a bit concerned how this first contest was going to turn out. Well, it turned out to be one of the best events that I ever participated in.

It was well run, extremely safe for the athletes, excellent communication on the do’s and don’ts from John and his team.  It would be inconceivable to even consider anyone else to stage this kind of event. It is paramount that it remain in the hands of a local expert.  John and his crew know that place like the back of their hands.  It would be like me trying to take over Jeff Clarks contest at Maverick’s? It wouldn’t happen. It wouldn’t be allowed to happen. Period.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me any time.  And thanks to John, his team, Lincoln City and the state of Oregon for your hospitality, and the awesome time that we had.

Mayor Don Williams, Lincoln City

It is with great enthusiasm that I write a letter of endorsement for the Nelscott Reef Big Wave Classic.

The Nelscott Reef Big Wave Classic is a greatly anticipated event in Lincoln City.

The level of talent that the competition brings to our small town and the prestige that follows cannot be overstated.  Local merchants benefit as much as the surfing community from your professionally operated and promoted event.

As Mayor of Lincoln City I can say that your event is top notch and a welcome addition to the many attractions our city has to offer.

Wishing you continued success!

Lori Arce-Torres, Executive Director-Chamber of Commerce

This letter is being written in support of the Nelscott Big Wave Classic Event. What better way to showcase the beautiful beaches of Lincoln City and all that we have to offer than a Surf Contest!

The Big Wave Classic Surf Contest is the ideal way to bring professionals as well as amateurs love of surfing to Lincoln City.

With the addition of the Webcast millions of people all over the world will be able to view the event first hand. It will give local establishments the ability to get involved and show the event on their big screens. The event is a perfect way to show people all over the world what Lincoln City has to offer.

I encourage the Visitors and Convention Committee to support and consider the grant request. With the addition of the Webcast it gives the event a huge audience that will be able to view Lincoln City first- hand and plan their next vacation in this amazing area.

Jake Wormhoudt, Event Co-Champion

The intent of this letter is to express my complete and total satisfaction with the production of the 1st Annual “Nelscott Reef Tow In Classic” surf contest held last year in Lincoln City, Oregon. John Forse, Behemoth, LLC and Action Sports North West worked in collaboration to deliver a flawless event.

As a participant of this contest, I feel very proud to have been associated with an event that was deployed in a manner that was incredibly sensitive both to the environment and the community members of Lincoln city. It became clear early on during my stay in Oregon that John Forse has earned the respect and endorsement of the residents of Lincoln City to run this event based on his professionalism, positive attitude and commitment to ensuring that the contest would not have a negative impact on Lincoln city. I believe John has exceeded everyone’s expectations in this regard.

It has come to my attention that a permitting process will be required to run this event again. Based on the incredible success of last years event combined with John Forse’s continued commitment to working in harmony with the community of Lincoln city, I strongly urge that he be given priority if not exclusive access to whatever permits are required.