•This just in! Outer Banks lensman Duncan Parker has spent a shitload of time shooting skateboarding at the Wanchese Bowl. So much, in fact, that he’s stockpiled enough images to form his own company, Duncan Parker Photography. Stay tuned to ESM for more developments concerning this talented young photog.

•The 2002 Hotline Spring Skate Contest was a smashing success with Volcom’s Graham Bickerscatt stoking out the kids with some exceptional pop, despite skating with a broken finger. Hotline Co-owner Cammi Collins was especially impressed with Graham’s nice guy charm with the local runts. Brandon Page, Jason Monroe, Kyle Weiss, and John Waterfield took top honors in their respective divisions. Huge thanks to all who came out to show their support.

•With the recent fall of Bodyboarding Magazine, things are looking pretty bleak for East Coast spongers, but rest assured there are still a few avenues left for boogies to explore. In fact, Virginia Beach photographer Geoff Martin wants all to know he is now repping for Toobs Bodyboards while carrying on with his camerawork. Contact him at 757-675-2185 for inquiries.

•In other crossover news, partnering up with Skim East Association, the ESA Delaware District hosted the first-ever Sea Witch Surf & Skim Festival, a combination surfing/ bodyboarding/ skimboarding contest held in Dewey Beach on October 26th. Glassy waves in the three to six-foot range graced the novelty event, breaking well offshore on newly formed sandbars—great news for the surfers, not so great for the skimmers. With Halloween right around their corner, many competitors rode in costume. Winners were Virginia Beach, VA’s, Bill Clark, who skimmed as Abe Lincoln and Moyock, NC’s, Peter Rash, who competed in prison stripes. Kudos to Dewey Beach Surf & Sport for sponsoring the escapade.

•Congratulations to ESA SNC District’s Tony Silvagni, Shea Lindon, and Thomas Mangiacapre for making the 2003 ESA All-Star Team. Best of luck to them for a ripping season.

•In other Southern Nawth Cackalacka deets, there isn’t a hell of a lot of pub coming out of the Brunswick Island beaches, but that may soon be changing. Budding surf photographer Ken Blevins has been shooting two of the area’s gnarliest surfers on a regular basis—Holden Beach, NC’s, Cane Faircloth and Aaron “The Goat From Shallotte” Shreve. Speaking of The Goat, Long Beach, NC’s, Robbie Ryan got our fine Shallotte friend dialed with DVS and Matix Clothing. Go go, Goat.

•Since moving to Orange County, California’s surfing industrial center, Monmouth Beach, NJ, homeboy-turned-Volcom Assistant Team Manager Mikey Guarino is already hard at work promoting his Jersey boys. Mikey and the crew at Volcom just picked up 17-year-old Mike Gleason, and according to Mikey, the kid is legit—as this accompanying backside boost photo definitely proves.

•Following the national Surfrider Membership Drive, the Jersey Shore Surfrider Chapter placed second in the entire country to the San Diego Chapter, and first on the East Coast with a staggering 105 memberships. Congratulations for a job well done. Special thanks to Bob Duerr for swiftly expediting the membership money to Surfrider’s California homebase.

•Looks like I picked the wrong week to quit sniffing glue. Good eyes on that Dawn Rock, who corrected us on our brainfart considering the Junior Longboard placings for the ESA CNC District Contest #6 on the Results page of Issue #84. Cameron Jones actually placed fourth, not Dale Fulcher, and Brevin Rock took third. And oops, we did it again... In the following issue (Vol. 12, #85), we failed to credit the two photographers responsible for snapping the pics of our two Who Da Guys. Che Garcia captured the sick air shot of St. Auggie grom Chris Ropero, and Bruce Chrisner nailed the beautiful barrel sequence of Point Pleasant, NJ’s, Dano Woliner. Sorry for the faux pas, fellas.

•Been wondering where three-time ESM coverboy Noah Snyder’s been lately? Why, in the barrel of course, you silly little twits. Where else? In fact, videographer Nic McLean, creator of the Christian-themed Foundnation flicks, is currently putting the finishing touches on his new documentary, Noah’s Arc, which focuses on the Outer Banks phenom’s life and surfing evolution. And from the looks of the 12-minute teaser Nic sent the ESM family, his latest work looks to be the babe of the bunch. In fact, it could be argued that McLean is holding footage of Noah getting spit through what just may be the sickest East Coast barrel ever caught on tape. Stay tuned to see for yourself.

•Thanks to shopowner Jon Blackwell, we were able to get a hold of some 58 Boards Surf Shop deets this month: The team welcomes back WRV/ Etnies/ Nixon rider Rob Cordero, who spent most of his summer in New York. Also, mazaltov to 58 Boards teamer Derrick Wade and his wife Kathy on the recent birth of their beautiful baby girl Evalyn Masey. Fellow 58 rider Rodney Moore and his better half Christy are also expecting a girl any day now. Until daddyhood sets in, Rodney logs all the water time he can get on his Infamy Surfboards, his new sponsor. Jon also wishes to prop Casey and Zach Goepel for dominating the local ESA circuit in both the Boys Bodyboard and 3A Boys divisions, as well as John Seelman for breaking 100 on the links with a 95. Keep up that short game, John.

•In other Crystal Coast news, Paul Poston claims October 26th was the best day of the year when a monster south swell hit an undisclosed break (we’ll give you a hint... it’s not the Iron Steamer) with not one photog to capture the action... just the way they like it. Some of the local heavies getting some play included the Heverly family, Todd Martin, Erik Schub, Kylee Hanford, Chris Crockett, Rodney Moore, Dylan Stone, Bill Roach, and Brad Styrie. Poston lucked into the best barrel of his life during the monumental session—a double-overhead set that gave him goosebumps for a month afterwards. Soonafter, he signed with Optic Nerve for a one-year deal.

•ESM Senior Photographer DJ Struntz is dipping his toes into the sales game now, recently landed the Team Manager gig for Aaron Chang Clothing. He’s looking for potential riders in the Northeast and Florida. Interested parties can e-mail Struntz at djstruntz@hotmail.com.

•Oh shit, there goes the neighborhood. Rumor has it The King is back in the town of Manasquan—Charlie King, that is. After relocating to Central Florida, Charlie returned for a visit to his beloved ‘Squan hollows and has since been spotted hanging out with local Inlet Cult troublemakers Robert and Karl Becker at the Exxon.

•Speaking of those Inlet Cult doitbags, frontman Adam Holloway, along with Fred Riehl and TR Deveney, are embarking on a new venture called ewaterborne, a website retailing both discounted (one-year-old) and current surf/ skate/ snow gear, clothing, and accessories. You can check out what the Cult has to offer at their main address, www.ewaterborne.com, as well as at www.inletcult.com. Ewaterborne is on its way to evolving into a full-bore online surf shop, and if you want to score one of the famous Inlet Cult “QUIT SURFING” or “SUPPORT LOCALISM” T-shirts, log on now ‘cause they’re going fast.

•And finally, ESM Senior Editor Matt Pruett wishes to express his sincere thanks to the crew at DaKine and SNL Communications, Doug Schneider in particular, for hooking him up with the insane gear and mega-boardbag for Pruett’s maiden North Shore voyage this winter. Thank God the guy has health insurance. –Compiled by Matt Pruett

•Although CJ Hobgood will have to hand over the WCT World Title to Andy Iron’s at year’s end, he scored another accolade which will hopefully soften the emotional blow of his ratings drop. As of early December, Brevard County, FL’s, Space Coast Credit Union unveiled the official CJ Hobgood Visa®. The credit card, which features a picture of CJ getting pitted in the background, is available now to those who request it, but it will be “officially” distributed to the public on January 8th, 2003 at a celebration hosted by the SCCU at Pelican Park in Hobgood’s hometown of Satellite Beach. Of course, the guest of honor will be in attendance, and the general public is encouraged to come out as Ceej will meet and greet fans and sign autographs at the event. In addition to the autographs, SCCU will give away one of Rusty’s custom-shaped CJ boards. Rusty will also sponsor an expression session contest, and Ron Jon will be there, as well, with giveaways. To get more info on these specialty cards or the event, go to SCCU.com.

•Right Coast surf shop magnate Ron Jon is currently organizing their first all-female surfing competition, the Ron Jon’s Women’s Open. Slated to go off one week before the Easter Surf Fest on March 29th-30th at Shepard Park, the event is open to all females from Menehune to Seniors and will feature divisions in shortboard, longboard, as well as paddleboard. There will be cash and prizes available, and sponsorship slots are still open. For information on entering or sponsoring the contest, call either Dick Catri at 321-727-3041 or John Griffin at 321-452-4145.

•The crew up at McKevlin’s Surf Shop in Folly Beach, SC, wanted to prop teamrider Glenn Tanner for becoming a new member of the vaunted ESA All-Star Team. Glenn’s daughter Kristin, a fellow McKevlin’s rider, also joined a new squad, inking a deal with Rip Curl this fall. And for those groms looking to get in with Glenn, Kristin, and the rest of McKevlin’s talented crew, the shop is currently seeking another male teamer. Prospective members must be under 16-years-old and ranked in the top five of their ESA division. For consideration, drop off a resume and photos by the shop.

•Speaking of the ESA’s SSC District, Director Angie Youngblood wanted to let everyone know that the annual end-of-the-year banquet, usually held the first Sunday in December, has been moved to January 19, 2003 due to its conflict with the Thanksgiving holidays.

•In South Florida, Teague Taylor e-mailed ESM to let us in on his revamped shop, Sewalls Point Trading Company in Stuart. Formerly known as Sewalls Point News and Fine Tobacco, Taylor changed the name after adding a new inventory of surf gear to his famous selection of world-class cigars. Now, in addition to the walk-in humidor and other tobacco products, Sewalls features surfboards, a woman’s boutique, and a men’s wear department. They’ve also organized an impressive crew of teamriders like Ronnie Giesing, Boyce Hundley, Chris and Haley Yergens, Casey Collins, Dave Dixon, Jeremy and Teague Taylor, Stick Stratman, Corey Cirillo, and Brad Farty. Sewalls is currently looking for female riders, as well as new clothing lines, so if you’re interested, call them at 772-781-7775.

•In other South Florida shop happenings, Quiksilver sales rep and teamrider, Kenny Kozack, told us that Island Water Sports in Deerfield Beach hosted a Kelly Slater Pro Surfer video game contest on October 19th. Over 20 gaming junkies came out for the event which pitted competitors in man-on-man death heats using official ASP rules for judging. In the end, former ESM Who Da Guy Matt Oberman of Ft. Lauderdale and Boca Raton local J.P. Dickson went neck-and-neck for nearly the entire three-minute final, until the last seconds when Oberman was shut down inside the “longest backside barrel of his life.” Oberman’s unfortunate wipeout gave Dickson the victory, and he walked away with the grand prize, a custom Channel Islands surfboard autographed by The Champ himself. But everyone who entered the comp—win or lose—went home with a hefty gift bag provided by Quiksilver and Flexdex, and best off all, the contestants got to vicariously feel what it’s like to surf the world’s best waves as good as Slater.

•New Symrna shopowner Keith Lyerly wanted to thank Florida super pro Shea Lopez for taking the time out of his busy WCT schedule to sign autographs at Keith’s store, Red Dog, this fall. Outside of the signing, SheaLo recently picked up Hoven Vision as his eyewear sponsor.

•Over on the Gulf Coast, Venezuela native-turned-Tampa local Sahid Perez plans on hitting Oahu this winter for his first-ever North Shore experience. Sahid will be making the journey with his brother Ahmed, Venezuela pro Magnum Martinez, and San Clemente, CA, photog Josh Coppler. The crew plans on staying for a month and will hit all the top spots during their stay. Just a word of warning, Sahid, Backdoor is a tad heavier than Venice South Jetty!

•South Florida Longboard Association President Roray Kam of Ft. Lauderdale recently won the Senior Surf Classic held this November at Costa Rica’s Jaco Beach. His son Keahi also dominated the event, nabbing first-place in Junior Shortboard as well as Junior Longboard. For his competitive savvy, Roray was picked up by both Island Fin Design and Costa Rica Excursions.

•Speaking of new sponsor hook-ups, Jeff Thomas of Jeff Thomas Surfboards in Melbourne, FL, wanted to congratulate teamer Matt Sabatino for his recent signing with Da Hui Clothing. Jeff sends additional congrats out to Shawn and Brandy Bowman for their recent marriage this fall.

•Indialantic, FL, surf shop The Groove Tube celebrated their 10th year in business this October. Started by siblings Dave Settgast and Diane Young back in ‘92, the store has been recognized as a unique entity in the industry by combining not only hardcore waveriding and skateboarding equipment, but also a heavy selection of CDs and records, as well as a fully stocked fashion boutique. Their dedication to diversity even led Action Sports Retailer Magazine to label the shop an “innovation in retail.” And on the music side, The Groove Tube has hosted numerous kick-ass concerts such as their legendary “porch show” with Sublime, among others. Most importantly, their surf team has always been a veritable Who’s Who of Central Florida’s A-list waveriders with current members including Phillip Watters, Bill Hartley, Kenny Kozack, Blake Jones, Justin Jones, DJ Smith, and Alek Parker. So next time you see Dave out in the water or Diane at the store, give them a hearty congrats on a job well done.

•Legendary Central Florida surfer Mike Tabeling, who returned home from his enviable nine-year residence on the point at J-Bay a few years ago, has finally reentered the surf industry after a lengthy gig in the real estate biz. In November, Tabeling took on a full-time position at the Cocoa Beach Surf Co., and he will be heading the shop’s amateur team. For those of you interested in trying out for the squad, trials will be held on January 25, 2003. Call Cocoa Beach Surf Co. at 321-799-9930 for further info. –Compiled by Chris Towery

•With the recent Bali terrorist bombings dominating the foreign surf travel news, it’s easy to forget that all surf trips, even those close to home, can often be marred by far simpler conflicts. Case in point, ESM Senior Photog Steve Fitzpatrick recently had over $15,000 worth of camera equipment stolen from right under his nose while shooting top PR pro Otto Flores from the water at Hallows Beach in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. And Fitzy got off lucky, because after returning to the beach and discovering his camera and lenses swiped, the two walked back through the dunes towards Otto’s car to find the vehicle stolen, as well. Although this incident is not an indictment of the PR locals, who are generally kindhearted and honest folk, the thefts serve as a reminder to all travelers that no matter where you roam this winter—whether it be a remote Third World country across the planet or a simple afternoon sesh down the street—always be aware of your surroundings. And outside of being cognizant of what’s going on around you, ESM has learned that a hungry pit bull works quite well as a deterrent to would-be rip-off artists, not to mention a potential cash cow when it comes to those underground dog fights.

•On a happier note, Spy Optic welcomes Cocoa Beach, FL’s, own Sean Slater as the new manager of their East Coast surf team. Sean will work closely with fellow Spy manager John Oda of San Diego, CA, to hone the competitive skills of Spy’s squad to a razor sharp edge.

•Other team news finds Dick Brewers’ Plumeria Surfboards adding new riders Garrett McNamara, Myles Padaca, and Makua Rothman. Contact Toby Ogden at 760-479-0080 if you’d like to find out more on Plumeria’s latest designs and teamriders.

•In one last new addition blah, BAT Surfboards owner Brian Tudor and his wife Jeannie brought another member to their family team with the birth of daughter Lilianna Noelle on November 28th. Weighing in at 7 lbs. 11 oz., Lilianna joins the couple’s first daughter, 2-year-old Iris, as the newest member of Tudor’s growing squad of up-and-coming wahines. Brian also reported that he and Glenn Hawks, former owner of Hawks Surf Glass, joined forces this December and opened a new glassing factory for both BAT Surfboards as well as contract work for other area shapers. The shop is located in Melbourne and can be reached at 321-242-3333. Just don’t be surprised if you stop by the shop and find Tudor taking a break from his shaping to change a few dirty diapers.

•One surfboard company thinking outside the foam and fiberglass box is Hermosa Beach, CA’s, Bamboo Surfboards. The shapes, originally designed by Aussies Mei Yap and Shale Gordon of Byron Bay, are crafted using bamboo laminate sealed over closed cell styrene foam—lauded as more flexible, lighter, stronger, and less environmentally toxic than conventional sticks. But don’t just take their word for it, the Bamboo boards have already garnered props from several of the world’s most influential surfers, including 2000 ASP World Champion Sunny Garcia, who used the shapes during this year’s Triple Crown events; former World Champ and Surfing Magazine Publisher Peter Townend; Sam George, Surfer Magazine Editor; and Chris Evans, head of Surfrider Foundation. Besides making surfcraft, Bamboo also builds skimboards, skateboards, and kiteboards using similar materials and have an equally impressive crew of riders from those genres who can further attest to the brand’s performance. Bamboo Surfboards are sold at shops around the globe in Oz, Europe, Indonesia, California, and the Caribbean, but for those Right Coasters looking to grab one, contact East Coast rep Daniel Kincaid at danielK23@aol.com, or just go to bamboosurfboards.com.au.

•Central Florida’s Jamie Tworkowski was picked up this November, scoring the slot as Hurley’s new Sunshine State sales rep. Along with the obvious benefits of working for one of today’s leading surf companies, Jamie will also get to live in the infamous “Hurley House” located directly across the street from one of Satellite Beach’s surfing hotspots, Mark Realty. The new pad is a second story, two-bedroom apartment right on A1A, and besides housing Jamie, the digs will serve as Hurley's Florida showroom and sales/ marketing office, complete with showers, a fridge, and a fake fireplace. Hurley sees the place as somewhere retailers, teamriders, and friends can see the new lines, hit the surf, or grab a burrito at nearby Da Kine Diegos. And, oh yeah, with such a great vantage point on their balcony, Tworkowski and crew warned everyone to be on the lookout for occasional volleys of water baloons launched at unsuspecting surfers coming out of the water at MR. On one last note, Tworkowski was excited to announce that Hurley just inked a deal with Cocoa Beach wonderkid Robbie Blevins.

•With winter in full swing, it’s high time you get yourself a decent wetsuit, and Quiksilver rep Kenny Kozack stopped by the ESM office to give us the 411 on his company’s latest innovation in neoprene technology, The Cell. The new wettie was designed by Alistar Zorica, who spent two years researching the components which make our second skins most comfortable, durable, and warm. Zorica found that by using less panels and seams, which make the suits less flexible and more prone to water leakage, the wetsuits would not only be warmer, but more flexible and longer lasting. The Cell is constructed with only three panels—way below the 19 most suits employ—along with super-sealed seams binded with Quik’s Liquid Flex Seal technology. Quiksilver is calling The Cell the “new standard for wetsuit performance,” so to get a first-hand view of the suit, either call Kozack at 321-795-4222 or go to quiksilver.com.

•Big congrats goes out to Melbourne Beach, FL’s, Eddie Guilbeau, who received the Brevard County School Board’s Award of Excellence, which honors area students in grades K through 12 for outstanding performance in a variety of fields. As one of the hottest surfers in Brevard, it’s no surprise that 15-year-old Eddie’s accolade was for his surfing ability, and adding to the honor, Ed is also the first surfer to ever recieve such an award. And coming from a region as filty with talent as Central Florida, his inaugural achievement is all the more notable. Way to go Guilbeau!

•For those of you looking to score a rep job, The Surfer Chef sun-powered snack food cooker is currently on the hunt for East Coast salespeople. Call Donald Videtto at 714-871-2705, or visit surferchef.com for more info.

•Hank Stelzl of Stone Tylyer Surfboards out of San Diego, CA, wanted to wish his son Stone a happy third birthday this October. Both Hank and brother Chris are originally from New Jersey and were back in the Garden State for Stone’s birthday, so the the kid got to celebrate the occasion with all of his old friends and family. And after the birthday cake was eaten, the candles were blown out, and presents were opened, Hank and Chris dropped off their latest designs at Eastside surf shops like Long Beach, NY’s, All Seasons; Long Beach Island, NJ’s, LBI Surfshack; and Wilmington, NC’s, Aussie Island.

•As we were hitting the blah job deadline, Orion Surfboards’ Gina Gieselman stopped by ESM HQ with an insane batch of Hawaii photos of eldest son Eric. She gave us the word that the New Smyrna Beach wonder-grom is now “all Oakley” in addition to X-Trak. The most excellent piccies, by the way, were snapped by Orion shaper and longtime standout pro surfer Greg Gieselman, otherwise know as Dear Old Dad to Eric.

•A lifelong dream is about to come true on April 1st for Mike and Sue Laielli with the grand opening of their Primal Surf on 31st Street in Brigantine, NJ. The family operation will also include sons Zach and Mike Jr., along with East Coast Legend Linda Davoli, who is putting together and managing the shop team. Look for Primal Surf to stock over 150 boards and major brands of surf and skate paraphenalia as well as ESM, of course. –Compiled by Chris Towery