Dean Randazzo is finally up to paddling around Absecon Island.
ATLANTIC CITY – Dean Randazzo, known for racing down the face of a steep wave and shredding surfing competitions around the globe, is preparing for his first-ever paddleboard race around Absecon Island. Randazzo, the namesake of the Dean Randazzo Cancer Foundation, which will host its 12th annual Paddle For A Cause Saturday, June 8 at the Frank S. Farley State Marina at Golden Nugget, is finally up to the task.
In the past, Randazzo, known in the surfing world as “The Jersey Devil,” has supported the annual Paddle For A Cause either on the sidelines or participating the 4- and 8-mile social paddles, because his lung capacity has diminished after four bouts of cancer and many rounds of chemotherapy.
“Since my first round of treatment, I really couldn’t paddle around in the lineup like I used to,” Randazzo said. “I had to be more focused on strategy rather than just surfing all out.”
Surfing legend Dean Randazzo.
This year, The Jersey Devil is training like Rocky Balboa, preparing for the paddle around Absecon Island with daily cardio and weight training.
“I think I am finally ready. I have been training for the last few months and I’m feeling stronger than ever,” Randazzo said.
The 22.5-mile course course was created to force competitors into the mindset of someone who is fighting for their life. The event, which is widely considered one of the most challenging paddleboard courses on the East Coast, is designed to remind the paddlers that the event is to support people with cancer.
The marquee event is the 22.5-mile race around Absecon Island, which draws paddleboarding and rowing competitors from around the world and offers prizes for men’s and women’s prone and stand-up paddle boarding divisions.
“After about three hours you start questioning your ability, you start questioning the reason why you did this. It is a mental struggle,” said Paul Giunta of Somers Point, the foundation’s past president who has raced in the paddle multiple times.
Though it’s been more than 10 years since his final chemotherapy treatment, Randazzo is just now feeling up to the task.
“I’m fortunate to be here, no excuses. If it takes me eight hours, it takes me eight hours. I’m gonna finish it,” Randazzo said.
Dean Randazzo thanks second place fundraiser Andrew Middlesworth, 16, of Linwood and his father, foundation treasurer Brady Middlesworth, for their efforts for the Dean Randazzo Cancer Foundation.
The internationally-ranked surfer won the attention of the Association of Surfing Professionals during a stellar performance at the 1990 Cold Water Classic and was the first New Jersey competitor to participate in the ASP World Championship Tour in 1996.
At the height of his career in 2001, Randazzo was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He struggled to reveal his diagnosis for fear he would lose the sponsorships that funded his career. At the U.S. Open of Surfing in 2001 in Huntington Beach, California he told the national media that he had cancer.
His treatment involved multiple bone marrow transplants from his brother Joe to help him battle through four bouts of the disease. Nevertheless, he returned to competition and won the Garden State Grudge Match in 2002, and 2007, and in 2004, Randazzo earned MVP at the X Games and won the Red Bull Icebreak.
Dean Randazzo of Ventnor will paddle 22.5 miles for a cause.
Today Randazzo still surfs competitively on occasion but has taken to passing on his talents to the next generation of surfers. In 2013, he opened Jersey Devil Surf Shop in Atlantic City along with his brother Joe and a group of investors.
Last year, he created the Randazzo Surf School in North Wildwood, which offers training camps for kids and beginner and advanced lessons for surfers of all ages. When he isn’t hitting the waves, he sells houses for Dwell Real Estate.
Paddleboarding teams can also complete the 22.5-mile as a relay and an open division welcomes all kayaks, outrigger canoe, surf ski and lifeguard boats in solo race and team relay formats.
There are noncompetitive fun paddleboarding and kayaking events with 4-mile and 8-mile courses that navigate from the marina through the back bays to The Wonder Bar. There is also an 8-mile race. A virtual paddling event allows supporters to fundraise online and participate in the event without getting wet.
All paddlers and virtual paddlers are required to raise $200 to participate with proceeds benefiting the foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides grants to financially assist people with cancer.
After the action on the water, an after party and awards ceremony will be held 4 p.m. at The Deck at Golden Nugget. The party is included with registration and $25 to all others.
See TheDRCF.org for information on registration, ticketing or to make a donation to a paddler.
Dean Randazzo and DRCF president Mark Zappone present top fundraiser Jon Baker with an award at the 11th annual Paddle For A Cause.
