Bryan Hewitson
Affectionately known as “Hewy,” Bryan Hewitson is a distinguished American surfer renowned for his competitive prowess and contributions to the surfing community. Born February 12, 1976, in Neptune, New Jersey, Hewitson started surfing early in life and fell in love with the sport. He became an incredible athlete and a competitive superhero.
The Hewitson family relocated to Florida, and he began competing in ESA events, coming on strong with his patented style of power surfing earning numerous titles. With success came sponsorships and media attention. From District to Regional competition to the Eastern Surfing Championship, success was just a challenging staircase to the top, which he achieved earning one Eastern’s title, two National titles and a Caribbean Cup title.
Hewitson surfed for the NSSA National Team, along with C.J. and Damian Hobgood and Corey and Shea Lopez, in the 1996 ISA World Surfing Games won by Team USA. His next step was to turn pro entering the ASP World Qualifying Series, where he stormed through the competition winning more titles and a coveted spot on the ASP World Championship Tour in 1999. With the opportunity to challenge the world’s best waves and surfers, he did not disappoint. Hewitson was impressive in waves of consequence. Unfortunately, during his rookie WCT year, an injury took him off tour for good, but he eventually healed and was able to return to competition at home. There, he charged local pro events and collected more titles including the Belmar Pro (2004), the Virginia Beach WQS (2001), and the Quiksilver “King of the Peak” (2003).
Beyond competitive success, Hewitson is recognized for contributions to the East Coast surfing community, where he is considered an influential leader. Hewitson’s career exemplified hard work, dedication and a genuine love for the ocean, making him a respected figure. Today, Bryan Hewitson works as a surf industry sales rep and has a family of five children.
Photos by Tom Dugan, Dick “Mez” Meseroll, and Chris Wilson
Video contributions by Bob Bolen, Michael Baytoff, Richard Bernardi, Bruce Chrisner, Jon Coen, Eastern Surf Magazine, Donald Cresitello, Tom Dugan, Vdon Farias, Ryan Gamma, Norm Grosskruetz, Ray Hallgreen, Carlos Hernandez, Pete Hodgson, Darrell Jones, Jon Ker, Nicola Lugo, Matt Lusk, Kem McNair, Dick “Mez” Meseroll, Eric Olsen, Larry Pope, Tony Prince, Dan Przygocki, Barry Schulz, Joanne O’Shaughnessy, Jon Steele, Mike Vuocolo, and Chris Wilson.
