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OCEAN CITY - When the Red Bull Riders Cup first came to Ocean City in 2007, Middle Township High School had only offered a surf club as an extracurricular activity for a year.

Young surfers had campaigned for the club's formation. But in the short time since, the team has grown - so much so that Wednesday, it served the biggest blowout in the three-year history of the Riders Cup in New Jersey.

Last year, Manasquan High School dashed Middle Township's early hopes. In the first semifinal game of this week's regional qualifier, Middle got retribution in the form of a 57.5-36.2 trouncing in 2- to 3-foot waves, with the occasional bigger set, at the First Street beach.

Middle advanced to the final Friday, conditions permitting, against the winner of Southern Regional and defending champion Ocean City today. At stake is a trip to the Riders Cup national championship in California in June.

"We've got some strong surfers," Middle coach Anne Mowrey said. "I think we have a good chance."

The tournament uses the National Surf League's "Game" format, which enables a coach to use timeouts, substitutions, and team tactics. It involves a far different strategy from the traditional surf contest.

Middle led Manasquan 18.4-12.4 after the first period.

Senior Chris Eaves has been the backbone of the team since its inception.

He was among the first to petition the school board to recognize a surf club and has been its most valuable asset since.

Eaves opened the game with a frontside cutback and floater for a 6.0-point ride.

But Eaves had support from freshman Michael Ciaramella. In the first period, Ciaramella executed a completely vertical backside turn, earning a 6.8.

"I've been surfing events all my life by myself. I've never had the notion of it as a team sport, but it was great to see everyone work together," Ciaramella said after collecting MVP of his first-ever game. "Our water coach (Andrew) Gesler, was pointing out waves and Chris Eaves kept yelling for me to go. It was really cool."

Manasquan's only answer was a game-high 4.5 on a racy right from senior Tom McMahon.

Middle Township continued the pounding in the second period.

Manasquan sophomore Joe Kane's 4.3-point wave was little compared to another 6 by Eaves and a 7 by Ciaramella, who let loose with multiple backside cracks.

"The Game format is fun," Mowrey said. "It actually gives us a chance to coach - call timeouts and make sure the guys know who needs to better their scores."

Mowrey, a chemistry teacher and surfer, coached with the help of local surfing icon Brian Heritage in the dugout and pro surfer Gesler in the water.

If Manasquan had any hopes of a comeback, they were quickly dashed when Middle put together a 20-point third period.

Senior Kevin Dewald contributed with a 4.0 and Eaves a 6.8 for a solid full rail power turn.

Ciaramella found a fast right and laid down a smooth frontside tail whip, which earned the game-high 7.2 and the "Most Radical Maneuver" Award.

For more information, go to www.nationalsurfleague.com.

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