•Headlining this month’s northeastern deets, the first of three qualifiers for the 2nd Annual Red Bull Ice Break went off without a hitch on Sunday, October 13th. Nearly 50 regional contestants showed up to duke it out at Matunuck, RI, in head-high to overhead nor’easter swell groomed by light offshores. Eight surfers cemented their position in the Main Event, to be held at an undisclosed New England beach sometime between January 15th and April 15th of 2003: New London, CT’s, Rob Belanger; York, ME’s, Nico Evans; Cape Cod, MA’s, Josh Clements; Newport, RI’s, Bryan Burns; Narrangansett, RI’s, Curt Niles and Chris Causey; and Dave and Greg Levy, also from Narrangansett. Two more qualifying events remain—one in New Jersey and one in New Hampshire—to guarantee a wider representation of northeastern talent. Competition is limited to residents from Broadway Beach in south New Jersey to the seldom-surfed reaches of northern Maine. The 24 individuals selected for the Main Event will be vying for a chunk of the total cash purse totaling $10,000. Stay tuned for the results of the remaining qualifiers, as well as coverage of the Main Event, in future issues of ESM.

•Because a large number of southerly directed storms avoided their window, Massachusetts and other northern New England states received hurricane swell much later than other breaks this season. But mid-October proved to locals in these parts that when it comes, it really comes. Mark Keup, owner of Nor’Easter Surf Shop in Scituate, MA, stated for the record this was the best week of waves he can remember since the legendary tropical orgy of 1995. Over a week of epic surf, courtesy of Hurricane Kyle, gave Mass surfers head-high to well-overhead dream conditions. “I got better surf this week than the last time I went to Hawaii—200 to 400-yard rides, easily,” ranted Keup on October 21st. He kept the shop open for only about two hours a day during this time. With the water temps hovering around the 60-degree mark, the weather being sunny and warm, and only five guys out racing flawless walls, Keup said these are the times that make him especially glad to be an East Coast surfer who is his own boss.

•Out of Babylon, NY, Bunger Surf Shop’s Resident Surf Instructor Ed “Zippy” Arikian wanted to update us with the haps about the SJB (of Saint John the Baptist DHS) Surf Club. Since its formation last April, the club is now 50 members strong. Rob Christie, Dennis Heaphy, and Timmy Baker are among the many surfers who show promise, and the club plans on competing with West Islip High School’s team in the near future. Zippy wanted to thank consultant Bill States for all his instructional assistance, as well as Barbara Baker for her help. Be on the lookout for these young

rippers making headway in the New York surf scene soon.

•Narragansett, RI-based ESM Senior Photographer Joe McGovern recently returned from an R&R excursion to Bundoran, Ireland—home to some of the nastiest lefthand reefbreaks in the world—where he hung with fellow shutterbug Steve Fitzpatrick and stuffed himself with plenty of sessions in mostly empty lineups.

•Nate Peracciny, Team Manager and Event Coordinator for Phat Man Board Shop out of Lockport, NY, filled us in with all sorts of happenings from the mainland New York area. Since the World of Wheels—known for being a BMX-friendly park—burned to the ground at the hands of an arsonist, and since Pipe Dreams—known for being a rollerblade-friendly park—closed down indefinitely, Phat Man is currently the only gig in town as far as indoor skateparks go. That’s great for business; however, word has it hardcore skaters are bummed about the recent influx of BMXers and bladers to their park. Nate also wanted to congratulate shoprider Aaron Kaminsky for winning the Sponsored division of The Beast of the East Contest at Kingpin Skate Shop in October. Finally, he wishes Phat Man owner and Nixon, Da Kine, and Dragon teamer Chris Nangle a speedy recovery after Nangle fractured his hip snowboarding a rail during an early-season session in Orchard Park, NY.

•Boo! Weeks after Halloween, people are still talking about Wave Shack phantom rider Travis Sutherland’s ghastly carving forehand 360 at an unnamed Nags Head beachbreak following his exorcism from the inaugural Foster’s/ WRV Outer Banks Pro. Apparently, Travis’ horrific, looping lip crack could be heard all the way to Hwy. 158 before Sutherland once again disappeared back into the foggy obscurity of the Graveyard of the Atlantic. Ooooh, spooky... and who says no one tells good ghost stories anymore?

•Roxy and Kechele Delawahine Jenn Abrams surfed so hard she broke two of her favorite surfboards in one day at the ESA Delaware State Surfing Championships, but who gives a shitake!?! After all, it was the second year in a row Jenn won both the Girls and the Open Women’s titles in the comp. K-Coast Surf Shop quickly repaired her sticks for the following weekend’s Maryland State Surfing Championships where—wouldn’t you know it—Jenn won both those divisions once again. Looks like she’ll need to break more than her Kech shapes to fall off the victory block.

•In other Delaware news, the official date has been set for the Ho Ho Surfoff Traditional Coldwater Classic. The contest will go down on December 7th at Indian River Inlet. Entry forms are available online at www.surfdewey.com.

•Over 140 surfers showed up to compete in the 3rd Annual American Brain Tumor Association Marie Becker Memorial Longboard Contest, held in Ocean City, NJ, on September 14th. The following contestants took home first-place trophies: Cailin Callahan, Zack Humphreys, Harry Gale, Charlie Bowman, Paul Breitinger, and Michael Monroe. The crew raised over $10,000 for the ABTA. Big thanks to all who came out. For info on next year’s event, contact Erich Becker at 800-523-1490 x102.

•Inlet Cult halfback Adam Holloway wanted to make sure all you nitzes get a good look at Manasquan, NJ, surfer/ artist Ben Miller’s portfolio full of paintings and T-shirt and web designs—all of which can be viewed online at www.bighousedesign.com. Ben relocated to the Outer Banks after marrying local gal Emily Archer, and has since designed the new and improved websites for both Aussie Island and Sweetwater Surf Shop. His services—which include web design, logo/ identity design, illustration, painting, and print advertisements—are currently available to any interested parties. He can be reached at 252-480-0546, or e-mail the man himself at bmiller@bighousedesign.com.

•Friends and relatives of Ortley Beach, NJ’s, Robin Andrew McAlister, 27, gathered at 3rd Avenue on October 20th to remember Rob’s life and his fellowship to the Jersey Shore community. Rob died from cancer last April. Our sincerest condolences go out to the McAlister family on his passing.

•After participating in his first ESA Championships at Hatteras this year, Folsom, NJ, grom Mike Garguilo stayed behind an extra night to score more barrels; however, the ones who really scored were the scum-sucking dirtbags that ripped off young Mike’s gear which consisted of the following: a 5’4” Local Motion shortboard with a white deck and yellow bottom, a white 5’0” Greg Loehr epoxy fish, and a 7’6” Ricky Carroll funboard with a purple bubble design on the rails. Two bodyboards, two sets of flippers, two wetsuits, and a travel bag were also swiped. If anyone has any leads to the location of these items, please e-mail Mike’s dad Robert at rgarguilo@atlanticava.org or call his mom Cecelia at 609-264-7476.

•“Just when you thought you were out... they pull ya back in.” Surfing Magazine’s Senior Ingrown Heir and former member of the Right Coast media mafia Matt Walker wanted us to say something about Surfing Magazine Editorial Intern Andrew Lewis’s new position. After months of brutalizing stories against their will, Andrew played the part of a rapist in the November Issue of SG (Surf, Snow, & Skate Girl), which shows women how to defend themselves in case of an attack. Ain’t so easy without the roofies, eh Andrew? If you haven’t read SG yet, grab a copy to see what you’re missing—plenty of fine females ripping on all types of progressive equipment. Or at the very least, buy one just to see Andrew get bitch-slapped.

•Longtime Quiksilver teamrider Matt Beacham recently inked a deal with Ocean Pacific. Quite the loss for Quik, but a giant gain for OP, as Beacham will now be their official main man on the Right Coast. •A huge banner of congratulations go out to Virginia Beach, VA’s, Robert “Pee Wee” Agliam, who won first place in the Vert Skateboard competition at Detroit, MI’s, Molson Snow Jam. Pee Wee’s name has been synonymous with vert progression in the VB skate scene since the ‘80s, and he isn’t showing any signs of putting on the brakes.

•Speaking of Virginia Beach, as WRV expands their oceanfront store at 19th and Cypress, they might have to install a basement boxing ring, as well, just for some of the area reps. Word has it two sales dudes—we’ll call them Pirate and Son of Griswald—all but came to blows in the store, right in full view of customers, employees, and ESM informants. Luckily, one of the meatballs backed down and life was once again tranquil for the friends of the porpoise.

•And while we’re talking about Wave Riding Vehicles, Team Shitpile slurs a heartfelt muchas gracias to WRV owner Les Shaw, as well as to Outer Banks Brew Station bartenders Gordon Rainey and Barry Price. Celebrating the hugely successful Outer Banks Pro weekend, Les treated the boys to an open bar tab at the Brew Station all night long—a once-in-a-lifetime gift the Pile welcomely accepted.

•Califruitcake... it’s about time we got some real freakin’ balls out in dat freakin’ place. Mike “Gassy Ass” Guarino is officially relocating to Newport Beach, CA, to give the Stone some much-needed Eastside flavor. That’s right, the Monmouth Beach, NJ, pro just became a made man, assuming the crucial duties of Volcom Assistant Team Manager under Brad Dougherty. Way to go, Mikey! And the East Coast mob infiltration continues...

•Be sure to check out Sam Hammer’s part in the new surf flick, Amplified—a joint effort between Lang Sheppard of Stunt Dog Productions and Double Vision Films. Apparently, our boy Sammy logs more tube time on one Indo boat trip in this video than Tommy Chong did during the entire ‘70s and ‘80s, so don’t miss it!

•Wedding bells are ringing once again on the Outer Banks as born-and-bred ripper and Manteo High School teacher/ head wrestling coach Jason Breiholz wed longtime sugarbuns Elaine Meadows this summer. Ironically, Breiholz’s childhood friend and former Senior Prom date Nicole Nelms became betrothed to Wave Shack Team Captain Jeremy Peters a couple months later on October 18th. ESM offers all these KDH lovebirds our warmest wishes for many long and happy years together.

•Getting hitched a day later on October 19th was ESM Senior Photographer DJ “The Photo Nazi” Struntz, who finally emerged from the Atlantic and put down the waterhousing long enough to exchange vows with girlfriend Kate McIntire in Wrightsville Beach. Way to go, oh helmeted one! May the schwartz be with you.

•On a final Mid-Atlantic note, ESM would like to send out condolences and remembrances for TJ Stockdale, who passed away in October. It’s been a tough year for the Eastern surfing community since September 11th, and with the holiday season now here, it’s a good time to reflect and take stock of what’s really important in life—health, family, friends, and the good fortune of being a surfer.

•Rip Curl would like to welcome Wilmington, NC’s, Kim Bridges—girlfriend to Team Shitpile tubemaster Justin Fucci—to their family. Kimmie recently scored a job as an office associate for the Search sales force, where she assists rep Brad Williams in his duties. Kimmie also helped out the company at the Orlando Surf Expo, where she modeled some ladies beachwear... not that we were checking her out or anything. –Compiled by Matt Pruett

•With back-to-back groundswells pumping into the Central Florida Gulf Coast courtesy of Hurricanes Isidore and Lili in late September, surfers from the state’s east coast made a mass exodus over to the westside to get in on the action. While most everybody caught great waves, the Betty Series girls further took advantage of the rare swell by holding their first-ever Gulf Coast surf camps at Upham Beach in St. Petersburg. Betty teamer Erika Dippolito of Melbourne Beach said the crew, including Missy Sixberry, Kathy Jo Anderson, as well as Danny Estes, scored fun, two to three-foot peelers off the seawall, giving attendees a perfect playing field on which to polish their waveriding skills. Fourteen girls showed up between the ages of 11 and 15, and they were all thrilled with the special opportunity to practice their moves in their homewaters. For more information on future Betty Series events, call Betty chief Missy Sixberry at 321-733-6582.

•On the other side of the Gulf, Texas surfers got some of their best swell from Hurricane Lili which spun overhead lines into Corpus Christi during the first week of October. Local photog Richard Bird reported that every spot from Bob Hall Pier to Fish Pass Jetties got pounded by the thick groundswell. However, Bird said that Port Aransas’ Horace Caldwell Pier was the place to be with rights and lefts breaking 200 to 300 yards past the end of the pier, making for long rides and dumpy tubes on almost every wave.

•In addition to sporting all of his fresh Billabong threads and Etnies kicks, Phillip Watters will now be wearing the latest shades from Von Zipper as the Melbourne Beach, FL, pro just inked a deal with the eyewear giant this October.

•Karin and Rich Morel, owners of Shaggs Surf and Sport in Indialantic, FL, wanted to thank everyone who attended and helped out with their Luau Gala this fall. The party, hosted by East Coast surfing champion and artist Gary Propper, was to honor Ormond Beach’s Mimi Munro, the first female surfer inducted into the East Coast Hall of Fame, as well as showcase Gary’s growing collection of artwork. The shop was decorated Hawaiian-style with native plants and flowers, while guests were greeted at the door by lovely hula dancers who welcomed them with leis. The dancers performed throughout the day as everyone traded surf stories, enjoyed food and drink, and checked out Propper’s eye-catching mixed-media collages. Among the numerous guests were Dick, Terri, and Shagg Catri; Greg Loehr; Pete and Debbie Dooley; Wayne Coombs; Troy and Jerry Propper; as well as Kim Dawson. You can check out photos of the party and Gary’s art at shaggssurf.com.

•Have you been feeling a litttle stiff out in the water? Those tired old joints not responding like they used to? Well, Jeff Mears, owner of Melbourne Beach, FL’s, 2Relaxu Massage is now offering surfing-specific back and neck massages aimed at getting your flexibility and strength to its maximum. Jeff has also done pre-contest massages at events like the 2002 King of the Groms and Volcom’s Crustateous Tour, and he’s gotten excellent feedback from the competitors. To schedule a session, call 321-917-9874 or go to 2relaxu.biz.

•ESM co-owner Tom Dugan wanted to congratulate buddy Jim “Duce” Smith and his wife Kelly of Daytona, FL, on the birth of their first child, Carver James Smith, born on September 23rd. Duce reported that they’re extremely lucky to have the wonderful new addition to their family, and they plan to make Dugan the godfather as little Carver looks nearly identical to Tom except with a little more hair.

•In addition to his new godfather duties, Doogs and ESM partner Dick Meseroll want to send a sincere thanks out to John Logan, Brad Hirsch, Howard Up The Grove, and the rest of the gang at Logan’s beautiful Playa Granda Inn for the fine Tico-style hospitality during their October stay at “Loggie Land.” Mez and Tom managed to escape to Costa for a week-long, off season surf fiesta, and lucked into four to six-foot surf during their entire trip, highlighted by an uncrowded six to eight-foot day at Boca Barraca’s rivermouth lefts. For those of you looking to book your own vacation at Playa Grande Inn, the resort can be reached at 011-506-653-0719.

•St. Augustine, FL’s, Steve Pullara, who owns the skimboard company Run, Drop, Slide, wanted to prop his son Makai for his hot performance at the Florida Pro/Am Skimboard Championships at Vilano this fall. Not only did seven-year-old Makai win the Mini division, but he also qualified for an Open Super Heat with all the other winners, where he placed fourth overall, beating out both the Masters and Juniors champions. To learn more about Makai and the rest of the Run, Drop, Slide team go to rundropslide.com.

•In further congratulations, Town & Country Surfboards Team Manager Wayne Deck wanted to send out a big round of applause to his Florida riders who placed at the 2002 Easterns. Cody Thompson of Jacksonville won Menehunes, fellow Menehune Tyler Crawford of Ormond got sixth, Jax Beach’s Eric Rheaume took third in Boys, while Yulee’s Brady McKenzie sealed fourth in Boys. Deck also wanted to welcome Pensacola’s Jacob Pace to the T&C team.

•You can add Corona to the growing list of beverage companies supporting East Coast competitive surfing. Former ASP judge Mike Martin of New Symrna, FL, let ESM know that the Mexican cerveza is the sponsor of a new pro surfing tour in Puerto Rico called the Corona Extra Pro Surf Circuit. Co-sponsored by the Association of Professional Surfers of Puerto Rico, the island contest junket held their second contest of the year, the Corona Extra Barrel Challenge, this October at Jobos. Local powerhouse Carlos Cabrero pocketed a cool $4,000 after winning the event in perfect three-foot barrels, and the next competition is scheduled for some time in January at Wilderness. To find out the exact date and time of future events as well as arrange hotel reservations call Warner Vega at 787-872-2490 or e-mail apspr@coqui.net.

•While in Costa Rica this September, St. Petersburg, FL’s, Rob Hyypio and his girlfriend Tiffeny hooked up with fellow Floridians Dave Post, Dave Digiacomo, Brian Sundermier, Arnold Witt, Todd Berlanti, John Richards, and Claire Reynolds—all of Daytona Beach—and scored back-to-back Southern Hemis lighting up the Tico lineups. The travelers mostly hung around the Jaco/ Hermosa region, catching Esterillos, Hermosa, and Isla Herrudura firing with sets pushing well overhead. Back in the States a few weeks later, the crew scored twice more, first getting head-high barrels in Daytona from Hurricane Gustav and then nabbing three to five-foot Gulf Coast thumpers from Isidore in Bradenton.

•This fall, former New Smyrna, FL, pro turned Hawaii local Spencer Suitt sent ESM a copy of his new promo video, A Cup of Jones, which was produced by fellow Oahu resident Tom Penna. Featuring almost a half-hour of Suitt tearing it up at spots like Rocky Point, Backdoor, Pipeline, and Haleiwa, the vid’s classy cinematography gives Right Coasters an up-close feel for what life is like for lucky SOBs like Spencer who’ve bailed our homecoast for Pacific paradise. Outside of the flick, Spencer got hitched to longtime girlfriend Hiromi Hasegawa on September 7th. To get your hands on a copy of Cup of Jones, call or e-mail Penna at 808-392-2509 or tompenna@hotmail.com. –Compiled by Chris Towery.