Surf Nation is comprised of like-minded coaches and administrators dedicated to our Surf mission to provide the best experiences and opportunities for their athletes. Since 2025, Rip City Surf has been a proud partner of Surf Nation, and we have thoroughly enjoyed the partnership. We have watched their amazing club grow and seen them take full advantage being a part of the Surf brand.
We sat down with Rip City Surf's Executive Director, Jona Hammond, to learn more about how Surf has helped their club, players, coaches, and administrators with their upcoming season goals:
What is the greatest benefit to Rip City Surf being part of the Surf Nation community?
The greatest benefit of being part of Surf Nation is the shared standard of excellence and collaboration across the entire network. Surf Nation connects us with some of the best coaches, clubs, and developmental resources in the country. It allows our players to see what the next level looks like and gives our staff the opportunity to grow alongside the best of the best. The access to national events, Surf Select opportunities, and a unified standard that mirrors our own, developing local talent with passion and purpose, truly sets Surf Nation apart.
As the Fall season winds down, what excites you most about your club's performance? Do you have any goals for this season as a club?
What excites us most is how quickly our players have embraced the Surf standard in both training and competition. We’ve seen tremendous growth in our playing style, team chemistry, and overall mentality. Our focus this season is on building a winning culture across every age group. We expect to compete for championships, but even more than that, we expect to prepare like champions every single day. We’re not just raising the level; we’re setting the standard for what elite soccer looks like in the Panhandle and across Florida. That’s why we say, From the Rip, Fear the City. We want to strike fear in our opponents before the first whistle, because when they see Rip City Surf standing across from them, they know they’re about to face something different, something driven, and something special.
Last summer, Rip City hosted a Surf Challenge Tournament. How was the experience for your club?
Hosting the Surf Challenge was an incredible experience for our club and our community. It gave our players and families a chance to compete on home soil while representing the Surf brand in a professional, first class environment. The tournament showcased the talent within the Panhandle and brought in top teams from across the region, helping grow the game locally. We’re proud to have provided an event that reflected Surf’s values of excellence, organization, and opportunity, and we’re already looking forward to expanding it even more next year.
Learn more about Rip City Surf at www.ripcitysurf.com
