ESM

•Allie Regan let us know New Yawk was going off the chain when a pulse from Hurricane Irene graced a secret spot just a few miles from Gilgo--yeah, we'll keep the specs to a minimum. Reports indicated that local 15-year-old Strong Island phenom Corey Stanton was seen dropping into quite a few stacking set waves.

•Mirko Mangum from Northeast-based Zoo York informed us that the company is looking for two reps to join the outfit to cover the Mid-Atlantic and Florida regions. Any qualified and interested folks should send resumes to jacobJ@zooyork.com.

•Former Montauk, NY, local-turned-Brevard County, FL, contest rat Travis Beckmann took 1st-place in the Juniors division at Volcom's recent Totally Crustaceous Seacow Surf Series contest held at Sebastian Inlet in December. For the win, Trav not only snagged a Sector 9 skate deck but also a foosball table and an invite to the VQS Champs in Newport Beach next summer. Beckmann's been on quite a tear lately, placing 2nd in the ESM Airshow at the Quiksilver King Of The Peak--where Matt Kechele took notice and signed him on to Kechele Surfboards.

•Unsound riders Balaram Stack (one of this issue's Who Da Guys, see Page 146) and TJ Gumiela made their first pilgrimage to Hawaii's North Shore this winter. And if the groms' debut visit to The Rock is any indication of what's to come, we'll certainly see these two taking things to another level in the near future.

Travis Beckmann, prior to signing his new Kech-tract -- AJ Neste

•Pat Lacroix, CEO of Poplandz Surf Agencia in Montreal, Québec, wrote in to update us on the company's latest endeavors. Poplanz represents a number of surf companies up north--including Channel Islands, Ocean & Earth, Sticky Bumps and Nineplus--and is looking for qualified reps. E-mail Pat at placroix@poplandz.com for more information and visit their website at www.poplandz.com. Pat also informed us that river surfing is really raging (pun intended) up there in Canada. He spoke of one particular spot mere minutes from his office called Big Joe that gets more than six-foot faces and breaks for miles.

•The recently formed Christian Surfers Rhode Island Chapter sponsored a free showing of the film Noah's Arc in November at The Rotunda in First Beach, Newport. Organizers for the event Ana and Chuck Barend of Little Compton, RI, also provided free pizza and drinks for moviegoers. One of the surfers featured in the movie--Outer Banks, NC, native Matt Beacham--even flew in for the showing to speak and answer questions. Gansett Juice Surf Shop donated a custom-shaped JC Hawaii shortboard and a new Wahine Bic for the raffle. For more information on Christian Surfers and their upcoming schedule, go to www.christiansurfers.com--or to learn more about the state's chapter, call Ana and Chuck at 401-662-9291.

Chuck Barend, Peter Pan and Matt Beacham -- Barend

•On November 18th, a gala screening of Vince Deur's Unsalted: A Great Lakes Experience took place in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Part of an ongoing initiative to promote awareness and save surfing at The Bridge on East Port Drive in Hamilton--which is in danger due to development--the screening also benefited the Hamilton Food Share with a food drive and City Kidz with a toy drive. Local bands Amped and Slapshot provided sounds for the show.

•Also in Great Vine, Lakes veteran and Wildwood Surf Club President Magilla Schaus let us know that conditions were perfect on the morning of Saturday, November 12th, as Toronto, Ontario, local Sabastian Duque--a regular ESA competitor--dawn patrolled Lake Erie on the anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald.

•Granite Stater John Carden just put up a fresh gallery on www.NEsurfari.com of northern Massachusetts pics taken on December 2nd, featuring New Hammy local Casey Lockwood. Also, peep the site's new "Foto Of The Week" and extended galleries featuring New England standouts like Shaye Cavanaugh and the work of local shooters like Claire Hassett. Also in Massachusetts news found on NEsurfari.com, Nantucket High School just started a surf club and they're looking for other New England high schools interested in competing, traveling and forming a league. E-mail mrchristian@nesurfari.com for more information.

•Don't be a stranger to Cinnamon Rainbows' site, www.cinnamonrainbows.com, as there's plenty of new treats--including Ralph's Pic of the Week, local dirt, and galleries featuring such New Hampshire legends as Dave Cropper and Mike "Zappy" Paugh. You can't get any closer to the Wall without putting your feet in the icy water.

Shaye Cavanaugh -- Hassett

•Looking for your very own surf shack? Peep ESA-Southern New England District Competition Director and Surfrider Cape Cod Chapter Affiliate Marc Angelillo's new real estate/ surf site. There, you'll find info on most of the Cape's towns, beaches, surf shops, cool surf links, his sponsors, and oh yeah... real estate in the area, too. Give it a look at www.surfwithmarc.com.

•In more Cape Cod news, the Barnstable High School Surf Club threw its first fundraiser in December. The club's 120 members were in full force, including Liz Auger, Ben Erhard, Mike Smith, Marc Angelillo and Matt Rivers. Many of those who attended took home giveaways from Freestyle USA, DaKine Hawaii, Smith Optics, Hurley, Billabong, Pump House Surf Shop--as well as information regarding the Eastern Surfing Association and the Surfrider Foundation. The night paid tribute to a dear member of the Cape surf community who passed away this year, Jim Rafferty--who was known for his charity towards the communities in Mainland Mexico where he frequently visited. His longtime girlfriend Irena Sumbera put on a touching slide show chronicling Jim's last few years. And at the event, BHS Surf Club members raised over $600 for the children and school system of Nexpa, Mexico. The evening also featured a special screening of Influence, a new waveriding movie filmed and produced by well-seasoned local rider Matt Richards from Eastham, MA. E-mail Marc at m.angelillo@worldnet.att.net for more information on the club.

•Do you ever watch films about gladiators? Um, scratch that... do you like movies about big waves? If so, check out the two new videos released in part by Connecticut-born Mav's hellman Grant Washburn--Big Waves & Tall Tales: Maverick's Nightmares and Maverick's: A Documentary Film. If anyone knows the story of the fabled break Maverick's in Half Moon Bay, CA, Washburn does. His expertise coupled with amazing footage, absurd waves and intimate interviews makes this required viewing for any budding charger. Visit www.talltalestv.com for ordering information.

•Exciting news: New Haven, CT's, favorite funk quintet Luggage is setting up to release a new CD. Part of the material will chronicle a steaming hot October show at Cafe Adulis (take it from ESM's Mike Fish, who attended the show and nearly passed out because of the band's fever pitch energy level--not to mention, the blinding glow from guitarist Jon Nast's bright red pants). The boys also plan to include some solid studio work on the CD, as well. So stay tuned to www.luggagetheband.com for the drop date of the epic disc.

•Breaking news: The latest New Hampshire surf flick by Ralph G. Fatello, titled Winter 05, is out. The film stars all New England riders and was shot entirely in New Hampshire from December 1st, 2004, to March 31st, 2005 (including the infamous macking nor'easter on December 27th). Order your copy of Winter 05 today at www.surffreeordie.com. Compiled by Mike Fish

MA BLAHS

Jon Kleintop -- Chrisner

•A heavily attended benefit for Sweetwater Surf Shop Manager Tony Butler's cancer-stricken mother, the Hope for Helen Silent Auction (held at the Blockade Runner Resort on December 2nd), was reportedly a huge success, raising a whopping $39,000 for the Hope For Helen Fund. Less than a week later on December 7th at the Hollywood East Cinema Grill, proceeds from the Wilmington, NC, premiere of ESM's first-ever vid, Always Right, also went to the fund. Log on to www.wblivesurf.com for more information, or feel free to mail donations to: Wblivesurf/ Hope For Helen, 10 North Lumina Avenue, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480. Every little bit counts.

•In other Southern North Carolina deets, Ed Pickett and his daughter, 15-year-old Roxy rider Leilani, treated themselves to a trip to Tortola following the Christmas holiday to surf with former four-time ASP World Champ Frieda Zamba and get some photos along the way. In case you didn't know, along with being a top East Coast wahine competitor (most recently, she won the 2005 Girls title at the ESA Easterns), Leilani is highly active in rhythmic gymnastics, ballet and horseback riding. Her mom, Jo Pickett, also runs a camp at the South End of Wrightsville called Crystal South Surf Camp, currently in its 10th year. Visit www.surfingcamp.org to check it out.

•No one's enjoying life more than the VB old school lately, as Quiksilver/ Roxy East Coast Vice President Rick Banta spent Thanksgiving in Tavarua before heading to Hawaii. Meanwhile, WRV rep Jon Kleintop has taken on repping duties for the Quiksilver Silver Edition from New Jersey to Georgia. And sales guy supreme Tony Lincoln has moved the Volcom VB offices to Potter's Landing, and will soon be cutting the ribbons on a new showroom at that location. And yeah, these guys may indeed be "old school, grommies, but they'll still take you to school from the North End to the Lighthouse and every bar (and sandbar) in between. Keep blazing, lads!

•South Jersey stylist Matt Keenan just signed with West Clothing and Arnette.

•Speaking of Garden State pros, top Billabong rider and recently crowned Smith Grudge Match champ Sam Hammer is back in the water after a minor knee injury set him back for a few weeks, so Sammy was still able to make his annual trek to the North Shore at the end of December.

•Packing more 'Bong news, Vah Beach informant Raven Lundy relayed that Lucas Rogers also hit Hawaii this winter (his first pilgrimage to The Rock), and he'll remain there through January 20th, after which Lucas will jet straight over to Australia to compete in several Junior Pro events. Fellow Virginian Phillip Goold also just took his first trip to Hawaii, scoring a few waves at Pipe and paddling out at Sunset on one of the bigger swells. He spent off-days skydiving with Puerto Rico's Alejandro Moreda. And last but not least, yet another 'Bonger, Jerseyite Ben Graeff, visited the Aloha State in December, developing quite a fondness for the place. The Heritage Surf and Sport rider says he's headed back as soon as possible.

Sam Hammer -- Cresitello

•Move over Judge Smails! Deerfield Beach, FL, luminary Tim Popfinger was recently spotted in the Outer Banks working on his boss's 76-footer, what he claimed will be "the fastest sportfishing boat in the world when it drops in the water." Built by Paul Spencer, Tim's waiting on two engines from Germany--double MTU 2400 horsepower diesels which will use 200 gallons an hour but will be able to move at 50 mph on the water (talk about a bad case of gas). The vessel's name is Betsy and she costs around $5,OOO,OOO. Make sure you don't scratch this anchor, Poppy!

•Speaking of boats, business is booming for Scott and Beth Jordan's Albemarle Fiberglass--not just in the work shop but also in the homestead, as Beth's expecting in April.

•The Surfrider Virginia Beach Chapter had license plates approved by Governor Mark Warner but they require more applications (350 at $10 apiece) in order to start processing the plates. Visit www.surfridervb.org for more info.

•While you're sniffing around the web, go ahead and click to www.surfkdh.com, where Ryan Kingsbury posted a revealing piece on "The Boys of Buxton," which highlights Jason Andre, Brett Barley, Cash Barris, Morgan O'Connell and Will Skudin as the next wave of future OB pro talent. Ryan Kingsbury himself split to the North Shore in December to catch the Rip Curl Pipeline Masters and hang with relocated OB charger Brian Zongolowicz.

•New Jersey's Rob Kelly and North Carolina's Nick Bland are now riding for Fox Clothing.

•Inland Virginia surfer-at-large Mike "Weedy" Wedemeyer is still 90 minutes from the coast--but at least he's 90 minutes from the coast of Oregon, where he's claiming hundreds upon hundreds of perfect unlittered breaks. On a side note, as an avid marathon man, Weedy finished 2nd, only 18 minutes behind Red Bull/ Patagonia runner Karl Meltzer, in his second-ever 100 miler, the San Diego 100, and winning four others this year, including setting the record for Hardrock, CO, and Wasatch, UT, two of the toughest 100's out there. Godspeedy, Weedy.

•Congrats to native VB'er-turned-Mutiny Media video distributor Donaldson Miele, who married his lovely gal Christy Brock this fall in an intimate ceremony attended by a few fellow East Coast local boys done good like Drew Todd of ...Lost and Billabong designer Rob McCarty.

Jersey 'Bonger Ben Graeff -- Lundy

•Whalebone Surf Shop Manager Pete Erickson recently returned from a trip to Tavarua with his wife Brooke, where the two hobnobbed with surf stars like Dave Rastovich, Shane Dorian and Dino Andino.

•StubTown Media is at it again, capturing top East Coast talents ripping the piss out of prime swells at home. For just a taste, visit www.surfline.com where 2004 ESeMMY "Video Of The Year" award winner Brian Townsend caught a revealing session at Virginia Beach's North End, with former VB preschoolers/ now top dogs Chris Todd and Ian Parnell getting shacked out of their minds. (That's right, in Virginia Beach.) Look for StubTown Media's new film, As The Pavement Drowns, to hit the streets sometime next year and stay tuned to ESM for all pertinent Pavement updates.

•Reef stepped it up this year, sponsoring a pro contest in Barbados this fall. The inaugural Reef Bowl hit Soupbowl the first weekend of November, boasting a $10,000 prize purse. In the end, former WCT surfer from England Russell "The British Bulldog" Winter walked away with the $3500 check for 1st while Wrightsville Beach, NC, Reef rider Ben Bourgeois took 4th.

•Hey skate zombies, Rob Nelson just updated his site, www.eastcoastaholic.com, with new pictures from Cornfest and Hanger Halloween, as well as some random videos.

Ben Bourgeois -- Mez

•On Sunday, December 11th at 9:00 am, family, friends and members of the Surfrider Jersey Shore Chapter gathered at Jenkinson's Inlet in Point Pleasant Beach, NJ, to celebrate the memory of Jersey crossboarder and computer programmer Daniel Clune. After relocating out west, Danny disappeared from the Long Bridge Bar and Grill in Sandpoint, ID, on November 6th, 2004. After extensive search efforts, a duck hunter discovered a body in an Idaho river on December 17th, 2004. Five days later, dental records were used to positively identify the 29-year-old body as Danny's. The case remains open. For more information about Danny and his disappearance, please visit www.finddanny.com.

•Oh great, as if they don't catch enough of the sets on the Outer Banks, Noah Snyder and Craig Watson just got a jet-ski for tow-ats.

•Pungo, VA-based Surf & Adventure Company recently formed their own surf team. Visit www.surfandadventure.com and dig the rider profiles. The S&AC boys are also now holding a cost-free contest in front of the local market. As Deeper shaper and Sandbridge Kingpin Tony Lighthart stated, "These ain't no ESA contests; you score better for going leashless and dropping in on your competitors." Look for increasing media coverage as the Pungonians continue to prove that the First Street crowd isn't the only show in town.

•Attention Wilmington surfers: Need a little midweek break to blow off some steam? Head over to Lucky's Pub, located at 2505 South College Road where BJ Freeman's company, Unknown Souljah, presents "Reggae Night" every Wednesday with PBR bottles going for a buck ($2 domestics, Newcastle, Bass, Guinness and Dos Equis Draft). Sponsored by Buddha's Belly, Aussie Island, Mack's, Dubbstar, and Line Up Magazine, Reggae Night regularly features acts like Jah Creation, Scholar's Word, Burnin' Smyrnans, Mystic and many more. Pool, darts and foosball are all free... but ya c'yant come in wit'out bein' 18 and payin' de $5, Young Lion of Judah. Compiled by Matt Pruett

SE BLAHS

•By now, most everyone's familiar with the Clark Foam shutdown fiasco, as the entire surfboard industry seems to be either biting their nails figuring out how to get foam blanks, gleefully embracing epoxy technology, or talking with their new guy in China or elsewhere. Wasting no time in backing up their inventory, Viking Surfboards has partnered up with Teccel Polyester Blanks from Brazil and, as of press time, are stocked up and ready to serve the entire East Coast. The blanks are available through Viking's South Florida warehouse. Anyone interested in learning more is encouraged to call Gus at 954-321-9277.

Panhandle punter Warren Smith -- J. Wilson

•Along that same note, Justin Weber from Clean Ocean Surf Company reported that to address their own current foam problem, he and Clean Ocean owner/ shaper Tony Iannarone have established a distributorship with Elova Foam in Argentina, and will have samples at their booth at the January Surf Expo in Orlando, FL. Justin also just finished his first surf movie project, Drawing Lines. Go ahead to www.drawinglines.org for more.

•McKevlin's Surf Shop just added Perng Chen and Brian Eichelman to the staff listing for their newsletter, Lines.

Lisa Andersen -- Dugan

•Big ups to Chris Ropero, who won the Adio Pro Junior division at the Matix/ Sun Diego Pro/Am Surf Series, held in early December at Scripps Pier in La Jolla, CA. Ropes picked up $1000 for his efforts.

•Diana Kurtz just sent over some video footage she shot of her son Oliver during the December 9th swell at Sebastian Inlet that attracted area photogs like maggots to fresh carrion. Oliver is now off on a surf trip to Puerto Rico, according to Hurley East Coast Team Manager Justin Brown.

•Other Brevard sponsor switcheroos found Sebastian Inlet's 2005 King Of The Groms champ Kris Wiernicki signing on to Fox Racing for clothing and eyewear. Also coming on the Fox squad are New Smyrna Beach, FL's, Danielle Clow and seven-year-old South Floridian Luke Marks.

•Look out! Puerto Rican freakazoid Aron Gieger's due to release his second film, Knock It Off 2, The Second Coming, through his new company, De La Manga Productions. Dig a trailer for KIO2 on the Bonus Extras menu to our own video, Always Right.

•In an effort to improve his surfcam network, Buddha (a.k.a. Lacy Max) at Surfguru is upgrading to new cameras where the end user can control the view. A longtime supporter of ESM, Surfguru also offers weekly giveaways from companies such as Lost, Billabong, Smith, Rusty and Ron Jon Surf Shop, so log on to www.surfguru.com for your chance to win.

•Former ASP analyst and all-around good bloke Jesse Faen is now the U.S.A. CEO for Insight Clothing and sent word to us that Insight is sponsoring Panhandle ripper-turned-Cali transplant Warren Smith, who joins Christian Fletcher on their growing team.

•One of this issue's Who Da Guys, Jax local Jay Gordon, just signed a huge deal with local shop Aqua East for years to come. The shop will support Jay on his charge through the WQS next year. Look for his image on Aqua East billboards scattered throughout North Florida.

•Board Sports Management, Inc., the surfing world's leading athlete and event management firm, recently signed 16-year-old Cocoa Beach, FL, surfer Christa Alves to an exclusive representation agreement, where she joins such East Coast stars as CJ and Damien Hobgood, Lisa Andersen, Ben Bourgeois and Adam Wickwire. Look for Christa to turn heads at the Gallaz Surf Jam in January. Go to www.boardsportsmanagement.com for more.

Cory Lopez -- Frieden/ Surfing

•During an early-November trip to Puerto Rico with Inlet Charley's owner Joe Armstrong and her pops, Charley, plus older sister Lindsey, Marcie Baldwin dislocated her shoulder during a big day at Surfers Beach. ESM sends her get well soon wishes, and the Baldwins especially want to thank Edwin Santos for all his help in directing them to the hospital. On another note, Charley's company, CB Surfboards, is now operating through Orion Surfboards •In other North Florida blahs, Stop #10 on O'Neill's nationwide Smash It Up tour surprised the town of Jax Beach with a guest appearance by Cory Lopez, who was recharging the batteries prior to his '05 Hawaiian Triple Crown campaign. O'Neill rep Beau Maurer took him first to Aqua East Surf Shop, where the kids lined up in droves for Cory's autograph and free goodies, followed by Sunrise Surf Shop, and then the Smash It Up video premiere at the Seawalk Motel, where he and Beau were joined by Lopey's girlfriend Jennifer, O'Neill East Coast Team Manager Paul Reinecke (this issue's A Good Rep... see Page 160), and Promotions Managers Theo Mitchelson and Jeff Head. Over 800 people showed up to see the new vid. Cory obliged the crowd by throwing free O'Neill swag off the balcony. Big thanks to all who came out.

•Satellite Beach, FL, ripper-turned-UNF student Chris Hess has been gathering some steam lately, placing 1st overall in A.O.E. Surf Shop's first contest. Hess also picked up a few new sponsors as of late, including Jedidiah Clothing, Etnies Shoes, BAT Surfboards and (naturally) the new A.O.E. Surf Shop.

•The new Florida Panhandle film, Emerald Dreams, produced by by Jon Gilmore, premiered at Panama City Beach's Dirty Dick's Crabhouse on November 10th, where a big crowd from Pensacola to Panama City showed up to watch the flick and enjoy live music from DFEX, one of the bands on the movie's soundtrack. Blue Room Surf Shop served up some goodies for a raffle, along with other local businesses, with all proceeds going to the Red Cross For Hurricane Relief. For a Peepshow review on Emerald Dreams, turn to Page 68.

•Saint Augustine ripper Scott Marvin has left Sessions for Bink Clothing and also picked up Rock Star Energy Drinks. Meanwhile, Scott Spinale left Diefaster Clothing to join Jason Earl on Transformed Clothing.

Kristin Wilson and Pedro -- Dugan

•Monument Clothing would like to welcome Carlos Cabrero to the team. The "Prince of Puerto Rico" is planning an all-out assault on any and all 5 and 6-star WQS events going down in 2006.

•Once again, Ehren Tresher kept us in the loop with some helpful New Smyrna Beach blahs: After grueling out the East Coast leg of WQS events, Devon Tresher headed to the North Shore for some early-season action, first staying with ex-East Coaster and longtime North Shore cinematographer Ron Condon. Deciding it was taking him too long to get to Sunset from Shark's Cove in the mornings, Devon moved on up the strip to New Smyrna transplant Spencer Suitt's home. Devon then surfed in the prestigious 22nd annual Xcel Pro along with standout NSB presence Eric Geiselman. Both Tresher and Geiselman faired well, as Devon dominated his first two heats with two of the highest cumulative heat totals of the entire event, only to be put out in the third round by none other than Geiselman himself. On another note, legendary NSB shaper/ traveler/ fisherman, and all-round surf maniac Randy Richenberg has apparently taken some time out of his daily two-mile paddle routine to run for city commissioner in this year's citywide elections. He beat out his competition in the preliminary round of voting, took a trip to Kauai, and is now tuned up for a win... or if that doesn't happen, another marathon session at New Smyrna Inlet, where at 49 he will still out-paddle any 18-year-old in the lineup, rip the wave all the way to the beach, and then repeat the process 500 more times before riding his bike home.

•Congrats to Jupiter Beach, FL, wahine Kristy Murphy, who on October 21st-23rd contested the 7th annual Women's World Longboard Championships in San Diego, CA, prevailing over Chelsea Williams, Summer Romero, and Bianca Valenti to win the title in eight to ten-foot storm surf. With a record purse of $15,000, the event brought an international field of almost 70 professional women longboarders who traveled from as far away as Japan, Australia, Nova Scotia and Canada. Visit www.wilsurfing.com, home of the Women's International Longboard Association, for more.

•Former NSSA National College Women's champ and recent MBA grad Kristin Wilson has relocated to Costa Rica to work for Coldwell Banker Del Mar in Nosara. They cover some prime territory in Guanacaste including surfing hot spots like Marbella and Playa Guiones. Of course, they can also make referrals to anywhere in the country. Contact her at kristin@cbnosara.com or call 011-506-682-0722 for more info on selling or owning your own piece of surfing paradise.

•This just in: Eric Geiselman just signed a three-year deal with Fox Clothing. That's all. Compiled by Matt Pruett

MFE BLAHS

Flagler flag waver Jimmy Blumenfeld -- AJ Neste

•Lucy Love recently welcomed Denny Riordon as their new Mid-Atlantic rep. Call Denny at 410-382-2967 to schedule a showing of Lucy's Spring 2006 line.

•The Walker Project continued its East Coast expansion this winter by adding Scott Marvin, Scott Spinale, Jimmy Blumenfeld and Brian Cooper to the Florida squad. Marvin is also the company's new Florida sales rep, so give him a call at 904-377-5347 to check out Mike Walker's sick boards and gear.

•The newly formed Brandolini Foundation is now up and running out of South Florida. The foundation was started by Lew Brandolini III after his son's tragic death while surfing in Jamaica this past May. Lew Brandolini IV and his father planned to open surf camps for underprivileged youths--while also helping grow local surf-related businesses in Jupiter, FL. Contact Bill Davis, one of the foundation's board members, at bbsci@adelphia.net for more information.

•Global Sports Project (GSP) Sales Coordinator Rebecca Biggs let us know more about the mission of the company founded by legendary Australian surfer Ian Cairns with the purpose of fostering emerging surf directors. Current GSP vids include Vince Deur's Great Lakes manifesto, Unsalted, as well as Next in Line and State Of S Full Circle (see video reviews on the last two mentioned on Pages 68-69). GSP is also a full service, all-purpose production and distribution house. Be sure to keep an eye out for GSP films and visit www.globalsportsproject.com to learn more.

Lew Brandolini IV -- Brandolini

•Michael Dolsey let us know that Dolsey Ltd. purchased Stickstands in November--a surfboard manufacturing plant with equipment, patents, website and inventory based in Atlantic Beach, FL. For more information on the acquisition, visit www.stickstands.com or e-mail jean@dolseyltd.com.

•Surfrider has a new Treasure Coast Chapter in South Florida. Learn more about them from Chapter Vice-Chair Chris Shultz by calling 772-834-5858, and do your part to protect our oceans by becoming a Surfrider member today. You can join online at www.surfrider.org/join.

•Along with being the ISA-recognized National Governing Body for Surfing in the United States, Surfing America is also one-of-a-kind in terms of its working environment. The organization's new San Juan Capistrano, CA, office boasts the original artwork and decorative ideas of Eastside ripper-turned-Cali transplant Colleen Hanley. Originals as well as limited edition prints are available through Surfing America, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the U.S.A. Surf Team. Colleen remarked, "It's a wonderful idea that people can support the surfers and the artist while at the same token be rewarded with a fine piece of art that represents their participation. Surfing America is a family of talent--and families support one another." Visit SA online at www.surfingamerica.org and Colleen at www.colleenhanley.com.

•Team Manager Brandon Haines was pleased to announce the addition of Central Florida riders Robbie Blevins and Sean Tubbs to the Hot Tuna team. Congrats to all the happy parties involved.

Surfrider Jersey Shore Chapter Beachscape Meeting -- Coen

•Allyn and Celia Ivette Johnson announced the launch of a new website and the grand opening of their guest house Casa Caribe in the Atlantic Caribbean jewel of Puerto Rico. Casa Caribe is nestled on the island's northwest coast by the former site of the Ramey Air Force Base--and it's close to breaks like Jobos, Middles, Gas Chambers and Crashboat. Visit them online at www.casacaribepr.com to learn more or make a reservation.

•A big welcome home goes out to Surfer Mag writer and longtime traveler Chris Dixon. After many years living in Southern Cali, Dixon moved back to Charleston, SC, to work for the Post And Courier newspaper. Chris said he's excited about the move and already scored some good days back at the homebreak with the local crew. But he's certainly happy to have brought back two California natives with him: his wife Quinn and their new baby Lucy Victoria.

•A very big thanks to the 50 people who showed up to help the Surfrider Jersey Shore Chapter with their Beachscape LBI program on Saturday, December 3rd--before the Army Corps of Engineers' beach fill project starts next year. Beachscape is Surfrider's volunteer coastal mapping program that tracks basic beach characteristics, uses and dimensions. Locals like Ann and Jon Coen, Jack Reynolds, Mark Tesi, Dave Werner, Matt Collins, Ric Anastasi, Caroline Unger, Tom and Kathy Quinn, the Willem Family and many more joined Surfrider Jersey Shore Chapter regulars to get the job done.

•Rusty was proud to announce the recent addition of San Clemente, CA's, Nate Yeomans to their team. The 24-year old versatile goofyfoot (whose family is originally from the Eastside) is a frequent standout in contests and freesurf endeavors. Nate represented the west coast team in X Games--and has taken down 3-time Hawaiian ASP World Champ Andy Irons in competition not once, but twice. Find out more about Nate and the rest of the Rusty team on the company's new and improved site, www.rusty.com.

•Joe Sheridan welcomed Tyler Lockamy as the new Smith Optics associate rep in the Carolina/ Virginia region for his agency. Tyler was the buyer at Sweetwater Surf Shop in Wrightsville Beach, NC, for six years. Sheridan's agency--which includes Joe and Bryan Sheridan and now Tyler--was also recognized as the Best Rep Group of the East Coast for Smith in 2005.

•Yoga For Surfers creator and instructor Peggy Hall co-founded Compassion for All, which assisted the U.S. Humane Society with animal rescue efforts in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. But help is still needed; and even the smallest contribution can make a huge difference. Visit www.compassionforall.org for more information and to donate to this very worthy cause.

Greg Schell -- Gregory

•Spectrum Surf Shop Team Manager Brandon Campbell sent word that they held their team tryouts on December 10th. Winners included Jasset Umbel, Tommy Orsini and Devon Ayers.

•South Florida ripper Donnie Macrae got a scare this fall, getting hospitalized after an intestinal disorder resulted in an emergency appendectomy. Thankfully, Donnie's on the mend these days with bikini-clad visitors aiding in the recovery process.

•In other South Florida news, Jupiter, FL's, Shawn Murray is the new Ezekiel National Team Manager and he reports they just signed Atlantic Beach, FL, shredder with a similar name, Shane Murray. To contact Shawn with team inquiries, e-mail shawn@ezekielusa.com.

•Hey, for all you video junkies: ...Lost Across America 1 is finally out on DVD. And it also contains the bonus movie Dysfunctional Family Reunion. Be sure to check out www.lostenterprises.com for more information on these surf flicks and how to get your grubby mitts on them.

•And in more Tica notes, don't forget to stay up to date on what's happening down in Costa on www.crsurf.com--full of surf reports, spot descriptions, photos and more. Florida's former Surfrider chair Greg Gordon runs the site.

•Greg Schell, director of the epic documentary on surf travel pioneers Kevin Naughton and Craig Peterson, is set to release Chase the Lotus. His latest effort chronicles underground filmmakers Greg Weaver and Spyder Wills, who documented surf discovery for 40 years as it migrated around the world. This not-to-be-missed cinematic journey combines a powerful fusion of the original Super 8mm film, photo stills and contemporary interviews. Not only does Chasing the Lotus boast Greg's stellar directing, but it also features the engaging prose of writer Jamie Brisick who wrote the screenplay--the narration of esteemed Hollywood actor Jeff Bridges ("The Dude")--and locales such as Mauritius, Cabo San Lucas, South Africa, Bali, Hawaii, Reunion Island and California. Not to mention, a cast of truly legendary surfers. This one's not to be missed. Visit www.chasingthelotus.com and stay tuned for a review in ESM's Peepshow department. Compiled by Mike Fish

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