California: James Havens Dominates NSSA West Coast Events

17-year-old James Havens from Carlsbad, California, delivered a standout performance in mid-May 2026, winning multiple Juniors (17U) divisions at the Gold Coast Explorer Series events at Ventura Harbor. He secured 1st place in both Event 7 and Event 8, adding to his impressive 2025/26 season tally of three Gold Coast wins and two Southwest Explorer victories. A senior at Dimensions Collaborative School, Havens balances academics (favorite subject: Computer Science) with elite-level surfing.

Personal growth highlight:

Sponsored by Rob Machado Surfboards and coached by Rusty Phillipy, Havens credits his family, faith, and dedication to healthy living for his success. His story inspires young athletes to combine relentless effort with smart balance.