ESM

GLSA Quarterly

•The spring issue of Great Lakes Surfing Quarterly is out with the stated mission of providing exchange and entertainment to Lakeriders. The homegrown rag includes unique photos, community news, a music and gear review, and a 2003 event calendar. Contact Editor and President Rick Boss at rickboss_2000@yahoo.com to get a copy... You won’t believe the mysto Lake lefthander on the masthead page.

•Several Lakers also attended the California opening of Dana Brown’s (son of legendary surf filmmaker Bruce Brown) newest release, Step Into Liquid. The Sheboygan, WI, breaks will make their big-screen debut and Lester Priday from Kenosha, WI, is seen trimming a small Lake Michigan wave. Check out Brown’s masterpiece at a theater near you for a long-overdue heavy-budget glimpse at Great Lakes waveriding.

•New Haven, CT-based soul surfer/ handy craftsman Jon Nast kept busy during the colder months, working diligently on a sleekly handcrafted 16-foot kayak made out of marine mahogany plywood. Keep a look out for Jon and his creation cruising the Long Island Sound and Narragansett Bay come springtime. Nasty also found time to contribute to ESM’s Surf Art Feature this issue.

•It’s a family affair in other Constitution State deets as Nast’s cousin, Stevie Yardan of Branford, CT, and brother Christopher Yardan enjoyed some warm-water relief in March. The three caught shapely head-high peaks at San Juan, PR, spots like La Ocha, where they met up with Boston, MA-based ripper Matt “Smurf” Murphy. Steve, an industrial designer, is also hard at work “trying to change the world” with his latest endeavor called the Delta Shelter LLC, serving as both an outdoor/ camping shelter and a garment. The invention aims to benefit hardcore surfers and travelers in many environments. For more, e-mail Yardan at sjyardan@hotmail.com.

•SRH Productions—a surf, clothing, and music company designed by longtime owner Kevin Zinger—is charging for a comeback. In the past, SRH has dealt with acts like Pennywise and Sublime and the label currently represents The Kottonmouth Kings and Last Laugh. Long Branch, NJ, son and SRH rep Jack Murphy is heading the company’s revamped efforts in the Northeast. Other SRH riders include Roy Walls from Long Branch, NJ; Richo Adams from Atlantic Highlands, NJ; and Joe Crimo from San Clemente, CA. Those interested in hearing more about SRH’s new endeavors can contact Jack at 732-768-3132 or log on to www.srh.com.

Jack Murphy -- Captain Lou

•Calling all Massholes! Brendan McNamara, star employee for Nor’easter Surf Shop in Scituate, MA, reminded us every Thursday at 7:00 p.m. is “Surf Video and Taco Night” at the Morada Restaurant, owned by local surfer Bobby Fenton. The Moreda is located just four doors down from Nor’Easter. Drop in and spice up your workweek with salsa, celluloid, and cervezas.

•Nantucket, MA, native-turned-Maui, HI, snowbird Christian del Rosario recently started a company this winter that makes and sells long-sleeve Hawaiian-style shirts online called Hawaiian Lion. Check the website out at www.hawaiianlion.com to view some of the fine prints that can be worn year-round. Rosario’s enjoying springtime on The Rock and said the waves have been so good, he’s actually had to take a few mornings off from the curl—just what all of us ink-stained, desk warriors like to hear.

•On a sad note, among the 97 people who died in the West Warwick, RI, nightclub fire at The Station this winter—a number of them were local surfers: Ryan Morin, 31; Matthew P. Darby, 36; and Edward B. Corbett III, 31. All who were lost will be greatly missed. ESM sends its sincere condolences out to the families of all those affected by the tragedy.

•Tom and Sue Hogan, owners of the Narragansett, RI, shop Warm Winds found their island in the sun this March, logging in some serious watertime at an assortment of Caribbean reefs. Also breaking Warm Winds, employee Evan Speck, who has been shaping in the area for four years, is still cranking out quality boards with his brand ES Surfboards. Another RI local, Ryan Richer, is also logging in a lot of planer time with his brand Richer Surfboards. To reach these blokes about ordering a blade, e-mail Evan at essurfboards@hotmail.com and Ryan at richersurfboards@aol.com.

•Long Island hellman Brendan McGill was seen charging some serious winter mayhem on Oahu’s North Shore. McGill checked in with ESM and was happy to report he survived the carnage and now he just “needs to find a ride to Teahupo’o.”

•And speaking of Island hopping, Bill “Hutch” States of Islip, NY, took his yearly winter pilgrimage to Bathsheba, Barbados, with his wife Chris and notorious friend Zippy “The Bushmaster” Arikian. Rumor has it that they scored some hearty portions at Soupbowl and other primo spots.

Bill "Hutch" States -- Baker

•Those who attended March’s New York Surfrider Chapter meeting took in a short environmental film titled Synthetic Sea—a riveting warning regarding the dangers of marine pollution. For more info on the NY Surfrider Chapter, visit www.surfrider.org/nyc.

•For Maineiacs, Liquid Dreams in Ogunquit, ME, opened another shop at Long Sands, York Beach, this March. Surf legends/ carpenters Rich Dennis and Tommy Dewitt put down their surfboards and picked up their hammers to help get the new shop in shape. John “Cutback” Clancy also pitched in with his expertise in carpentry—and his abundance of crazy stories, which kept everyone laughing. Be sure to visit www.liquiddreamssurf.com for directions to the new location.

•Although New Hampshire-based ESM photographer Justin Lamkin reported small waves and the usual bitter conditions for the opening weeks of spring, he also said, “everyone has spring fever and when the surf does come, it’s gonna be total mayhem.” Damn right—Rye on the Rocks, shaken not stirred.

•Shane Smith, a local shaper who regularly stocks the racks of Dave Cropper’s Cinnamon Rainbows shop in Hampton Beach, NH, donated three fine boards for prizes in a Red Bull snowboard and skate event held at Waterville Valley. Five teams of groms from different area schools competed in halfpipe competitions.

•Hammersurf LLC of Cannon Beach, OR, recently appointed JR Plate of Portland, ME, as sales rep for the New England states. JR will be carrying Hammersurf’s hardcore line of surfboards, kiteboards, and surf apparel—ideal for the rugged Northeastern conditions. There are some additional East Coast sales opportunities available. Independent reps should inquire at info@hammersurf.com and to get hammered go to www.hammersurf.com.

•Mark Petrocelli and the crew at Newskool in Sayville, NY, happily reported a few firing late-winter swells in March. Not to mention, the shop is dialed in for spring and has a wide selection of boards in stock by Town & Country, Rusty, Sharp Eye, and Cannibal—just to name a few. The shack is also packed with a full selection of clothing and accessories for all of sister spring’s unpredictable weather. And don’t forget to check out www.newskool.com for a full online store and a chilling Strong Island pipe gallery. –Compiled by Mike Fish

MA BLAHS

Aaron Powell -- Cresitello

•Following in line with this issue’s Surf Art theme, here’s an exclusive East Coast engagement to mark on your calendars. The Contemporary Art Center of Virginia (CACV) in Virginia Beach, VA, will present for the first time ever the Surf Culture: The Art History of Surfing exhibition—consisting of painting, photography, and mixed media—organized by the Laguna Art Museum, from May 15th through July 20th. With a heavy accent on California and Hawaii, the exhibition thoroughly examines surfing as a cultural activity from the early 20th Century to the present. Adult admission is $7. For more info call 757-425-0000, or visit CACV’s website at www.cacv.com. Trust us, you’ll kick yourself for missing this one. Also, look for a review of the book version of Surf Culture: The Art History of Surfing in a future installment of ESM’s Pick of the Literature department.

•In related matters, New Jersey artist Mike Von Wahlde sounds an open call for the Mid-Atlantic Surf Art Series in the spirit of establishing an online dialogue among creative surfers and skateboarders. The gallery of shows is set to take place sometime this year in New York and New Jersey. Check them out now at www.doublenegativemedia.com.

•Washington DC Surfrider Chapter Federal Policy Analyst Darryl Hatheway treated his wife Megan and sons Nigel and Dylan to a late-winter trip to the North Shore for his Hawaii Five-O birthday bash. The troop caught all the thrills and spills attached to the epic Hansen’s Pipeline Pro contest, and the 50-year-old got his own surf jollys at Sunset Beach and Waimea Bay. Way to go Big Daddy-O!

•The Emerald Isle surf community lost a dear member of their tribe in February when local legend/ musician and Desert Storm veteran Roddy Chaney passed tragically in a fire that consumed his mobile home. Described as a happy-spirited, easy-going surfer, the 33-year-old was responsible for mentoring several of the area’s most respected young waveriders. A beach access in Roddy’s name was approved by the Town Board for Seagull Drive, as well as the placement of plaques on each access entrance to carry Roddy’s name forever. ESM sends our deepest prayers to Roddy’s widowed wife Shannon for her loss.

•Ocean View, DE’s, Aaron Powell is back in the First State after an exciting visit to the North Shore of Kauai, where his wave knowledge was put to the test at nasty spots like Hanalei Bay and Cannons. He’s now back working at Dewey Beach Surf and Sport prepping for the summer biz onslaught.

•In other Delmarva haps, Surfrider’s Ocean City and Capitol Chapters provided a Spanish-translated written outreach to Tamarindo, Costa Rica, giving 500 copies of 20 Caminos to Robert August Surf Shop—merely the beginning of helping the Latin world to understand Surfrider’s vital environmental message.

•Kitty Hawk, NC, pirates Harvey Hess, Matt Soriente, and Trent and Keegan Barkley took a late-winter surf/ imbibing trip to Puerto Rico in March. Memories of the reunion are a bit cloudy to the boys, but they definitely remembered enough to tell us about fellow Banker Dallas Tolson going apeshit at the Volcom Catfish Contest at Surfer’s Beach. Dallas nabbed a commendable sixth-place to peak Ricans like Carlos Cabrero. Yeah Dallas, that’s what we call spring fever.

•Vineland, NJ, photog Chris Fuller urges everyone to get online for a cool 14-minute Garden State surf documentary, Making For the Sea brought to you by Stedfast Films. Log on to www.fourxeight.com and click the link to the left to download free footage of Jerseyites Mike Gleason, Ronnie Jackson, Sam Hammer, Keith Noonan, Mike Kirylo, Sam Holiday, Jason Mitchell, Mike Guarino, and Bob Gilanyi. Gilanyi and Noonan are partnering up to knock out a full-length, all East Coast surf flick, Through the Looking Glass, which they anticipate being released around Christmas 2003. Be on the lookout, and check stedfastfilms.com for updates on the film’s production.

DJ Struntz Without the Helmet -- Furbandit

•Another cyber room worth peeking is the ESA Maryland District’s new site at www.marylandesa.org, which contains more than 2600 contest action photos, a newsletter, point standings, an updated schedule, and print sales order forms. If you wish to give feedback, call Art Baltrotsky at 410-641-3329, or e-mail him at art@tumblingmonkeys.com.

•Outdoor Adventure Center in Virginia Beach, VA, currently offers surf instruction, board rentals, and surf-related items for sale to interested beachgoers. Call Manager Lee Leach at 757-492-6565 for more details.

•Other Old Dominion mentions go to Vah Beacher Joe Gillen for placing 3rd in the Kneeboard division at the Pan American Games, held March 16th-23rd in Salinas, Ecuador.

•The 2003 ESA Mid-Atlantic Regional Championships will go down at Dagsworthy Beach and Indian River Inlet from May 9th-11th. ESA Delaware District Director Harry Wilson of Dewey Beach, DE, reports great cooperation from the town of Dewey Beach and Delaware Seashore State Park, not to mention good sandbars at the selected spots. Look for complete results from all three ESA Regionals next issue.

•Holy Pabst Blue Ribbon, Batman! Wrightsville Beach metal band ASG just got signed by Volcom Entertainment. Bout time!

•In other news from the ‘Ville, the ESM staff sends thanks to Senior Photographer DJ Struntz and owner Les Kocsis for hooking us all up with pairs of Hot Buttered Eyewear, which DJ reps along with Aaron Chang Clothing. And just when you thought DJ couldn’t get any nicer, he goes and gives dual sponsorship to Wave Shack and Walker Surfboards rider/ rep Nigel Haynes. Meanwhile, Nigel did his own charity work, picking up 14-year-old Lenny Wood for the Shack. Lenny, along with fellow Wave Shacker Ben Mullins, qualified for the upcoming ESA Mid-Atlantic Regionals in his first full year competing.

•Eddie Compo and Gary Andress just developed a website spotlighting Virginian waves, www.vbsurfphotos.com. The duo doesn’t hope to turn out any kind of profit; they just want to give locals a place to view the state’s wave quality. And judging from the shots posted now, you’ll be shocked to see how good VB can actually get.

Matt, Laurin, and McRae -- Furbandit 2

•Jon Gilleland, head of Mid-Atlantic Marketing and Promotions for both Pride and Electric, would like to welcome Mike Beech to the Pride team, and Chris Curry, Carl Wallin, Dallas Tolson, Scotty Moore (wakeboarding), and Justin Sellers (skateboarding) to the Electric squad.

•Quick news flash: Ocean City, NJ, surfer Kurt Becker is marrying Carrie Jacobson on May 10th. Best of luck to the two.

•Holden Beach, NC’s, Cane Faircloth joined Rusty/ Reef Caribbean reps Antonio and Jorge Iglesia in Puerto Rico for a Rusty Surfboards demo at Jobos and Aviones in early March. Cane wants to get the word out about the newest Oak Island kid turning heads in local events, Perfection Surfboards rider Brandon “Pup” Hewitt. Hewitt recently acquired Hot Buttered Eyewear for his efforts.

•Announcing the Heritage Junior Pro, to be held June 8th-9th. Entry forms are available in the “what’s up” section of bhsurf@bellatlantic.net.

•And finally, hurray for McRae! McRae Mathieson Walker walkered his 7 lb. 10 oz. self into the world (well, sorta the world... he was born in California) on January 29th at 8:36 am, greeting thrilled parents Matt Walker, former ESM Editor and current Surfing Magazine Senior Editor, and ESM West Coast Advertising and Sales shark Laurin Wooten. We have yet to determine whether McRae will inherit poppa Matt’s “wounded looney bird” bottom turn or chest-hair jungle retreat. –Compiled by Matt Pruett

SE BLAHS

Tommy O'Brien's Got The Bong -- Dugan

•After a few sponsorless seasons, former NSSA National Champion and manchild supreme Tommy O’Brien has been picked up by Billabong. Hell, he deserved something for rushing that mind-boggling 8.2 Backdoor shack in the Hansen’s Energy Pro, held at huge Pipeline this February.

•McKevlin’s Surf Shop out of Folly Beach, SC, took home a lion’s share of awards from the end-of-season Southern South Carolina District ESA Banquet. Teamrider Glenn Tanner (and ESM Washout Kingpin) took “Surfer of the Year,” Kristin Tanner left with “Female Surfer of the Year,” Holly Nettles scored props for the “Hottest Wahine Maneuver,” and topping their victory monopoly, McKevlin’s Surf Shop once again won “Top Surf Shop.”

•If it’s been a while since you’ve logged on to the ESA Georgia District website, www.esa-ga.org, do it now. Photos, news, contest schedules, and more will help keep the most restless Peach State local at bay. The “jerial” sequence of Jere Wilson is particularly eye-catching. E-mail jcg@ecentrify.com for local updates.

•From the length, girth, and stamina department we post the remaining 2003 Leslie Rules Florida Paddleboard Race schedule for all men and women who dig handling big equipment: 13th Street Paddleboard Race Series—hosted by the Cocoa Beach Surf Museum, Cocoa Beach, FL (June 7th); Sixth Annual Key West Classic—East Coast Paddleboard Championships, Key West, FL (June 14th); Cuba to USA Full Moon Paddle 2003—a 112-mile open-ocean paddle from Cuba to Key West (July 12th through July 18th). For deets on these events, contact Mike O’Shaughnessy at 407-628-4478, or through cyberspace at mosurf@mindspring.com.

•Congrats to Trinidad ripper-turned-West Palm, FL, local Jason Apparicio, who signed with Headworx Europe, O’Neill Wetsuits, and Aloha Surfboards. Apparici’fro enjoyed some heavy reef action in Hawaii this winter. The former ESM coverman was then selected to join the Quiksilver Crossing in its upcoming Caribbean voyage as “a local boy who knows all the good spots.” After that, Jason’s off to Indonesia with Pete Mendia and the Reef Road posse. Go dread, go!

•In other South Florida news, longtime West Palmer and high school English teacher Nate Nakadate headed to El Salvador for a two-week sojourn, where he stayed with La Libertad fixture Bob Rotherham and his son Jimmy and boated to some unmentionable, empty points. Before leaving, Nakadate took the time to pen a piece for this issue’s installment of ESM Pick of the Literature (see page 39).

•ESM photographer/ walkin’ bassist Tony Martin and his South Florida band The Del Rays recently released a new album titled “Summer Surf.” With a number of surf rock and blues classics on the disc like “Walk Don’t Run,” “Wipe Out,” and “Green Onions,” you’ll have plenty of twang in your music diet. Visit www.guitarsandcars.com for more on the Juno Beach rockers.

•T&C Surfboards Team Manager Wayne Deck wishes to congratulate ESA All-Star and Jacksonville-based teamrider Eric Rheaume for winning a bronze medal at the recent 2003 Pan-Am Games held in the Dominican Republic.

•www.surfmiami.com is up and running! It’s the only live surfcam in South Beach, Miami, FL, and the site’s just over a month old. Link it up, and save yourself the drive. “Jou wanna waste my time, mang?”

Mike Whisnant -- Dugan

•Todd and Dawn Collins recently opened TC’s Wake, Skate, and Surf, in Fort Myers, FL. Todd reported a bunch of new spring products including Billabong, Osiris, Vans, and more. And for those looking to get a quality new stick, TC’s takes custom orders to New Smyrna Beach, FL, shaping hoss Erie Peeples. TC’s also sponsored a college wakeboarding tournament for Florida Gulf University on March 29th.

•Mike Whisnant of Mike Whisnant Surfboards out of Jacksonville Beach, FL, was seen catching some sweet slides on his classically retro red wonder egg at the Foster’s Jacksonville Pro presented by Aqua East in the free surf areas. For more information on Mike’s fine shapes, visit www.whisnantsurfboards.com.

•Newly migrated Cocoa Beach, FL, homeowner Seth Acosta welcomed his family—Dad George, Mom Kathy, and Sister Christy—for a visit at the beginning of March. Stationed in Pennsylvania for many years, George hadn’t paddled out in quite a while—but Mother Nature delivered a late winter swell that brought clean, four-foot waves to the 9th Street sandbars. Acosta Senior scored a few solid thumpings in the shorebreak and still can’t wait to get back out there soon. Thank you, sir, may I have another!

•Surfing Hall of Fame member Mike Tabeling ran into the Acosta boys and talked some shop at the Cocoa Beach Surf Company. When Tabeling heard about George’s vintage 9’7” Duke Kahanamoku board—which he has tightly locked in his Philadelphia attic—Mike tried to make him an offer he couldn’t refuse. But some things just aren’t for sale at any price, so George decided Duke’s classic will stay out of water until he decides to put it back in.

•Also in Cocoa Beach Surf Company news, Mike Tabeling was pumped when he recently signed Cocoa Beach, FL-based pro Mason Sapp to the CBSC team. Congrats to CBSC for signing a solid ripper. And to everyone else, keep a look out for Mason in his 2003 contest charge, which he ignited at the Foster’s Jax Pro.

•On Monday, March 24th, the Indialantic community held a memorial paddle out at 14th Avenue to honor Gretchen Kathleen McCarthy, who passed away on March 12th in a car accident. Gretchen will be deeply missed and ESM sends our heartfelt condolences out to all of her family and friends.

•Former Aloha Surfboards rep/ teamrider/ manager Rory Gregg of Jacksonville Beach, FL, recently accepted an internship with the United States Surfing Federation. Gregg will work under USSF President Paul West and assist in handling all media relations. Gregg is also set to graduate this fall from the University of North Florida with a degree in Public Relations and Photography. Best of luck to Rory in all his pursuits.

John Holeman -- Furbandit

•Hearts for Holeman on March 7th at Da Kine Diegos in Satellite Beach, FL, was an absolute stokefest, drawing over 1000 people and raising about $15,000. The event was a benefit for Florida aerial legend John Holeman—who is rebounding from a rare virus that attacked his heart. If you missed the benefit and still want to contribute, send your donation to: John and Patty Holeman, P.O. Box 372783, Satellite Beach, FL 32937. Holedaddy, bye the bye, put in a surprise appearance on finals day during the recent NSSA Eastern Championships and, despite the mounting medical bills, was in high spirits to be on the beach again for the first time since succumbing to the illness. Besides being ahead of his recovery chart according to his doctor, the influential aerialist’s next goal is to get on a surfboard within the next 12 months—a feat nobody should doubt he will accomplish.

•Former ESM Associate Editor John Steinhorst, along with Brian Esmond, Tommy Craig, Phil Putnam, and guest percussionist E-Roc with Satellite-based reggae band Drift Session provided the grooves for the Holeman benefit. Keep your ears open for Drift Session at the Sports Page in Satellite Beach every Saturday night, among other nappy venues. For more info, call the band’s music hotline at 321-536-4942.

•Marcio Lucas from Board House, representing greater Orlando in Oviedo, FL, checked in to let us know the Board House is stocked with more than 50 boards, 50 skate decks, and tons of other goodies—to keep you prepared for those beeline jaunts when the swell hits. Lucas also started Traders Xpress LLC, a surf distributor dealing Auckland Surfboards, EFEX Fin Systems, Freesurf, and Freedom Shoes. Stop in the shop at 21 Alafaya Woods Boulevard, Oviedo, FL, or call Board House at 407-366-9597.

•Surfer Chef, a unique, solar-powered food cooker, has announced Tommy Thompson of Ocala, FL, to be their new Florida distributor. To heat up your hot dogs and other munchables in your car while you sesh, call Tommy at 352-514-3212 or e-mail him at nalusurf03@yahoo.com.

•Melbourne Beach, FL’s, Indo Board creator Hunter Joslin traveled to Puerto Rico at the end of March. Contracted by local charger and owner of Hang Loose Surf Shop Werner Vega, Joslin worked as the announcer for the Corona Extra Pro Surf Circuit on March 29th and 30th. H-Fish was also selected to announce the Longboard division of the Cocoa Beach Easter Surfing Festival.

•Speaking of Fish, ESM’s new editorial convict, Associate Editor Mike Fish, received a much anticipated visit from Wanamie, PA, native and budding wahine Kelsey Williams, who took time off from the Northeast grind in late March. Kelsey enjoyed some quality sand and saltwater during her five-day stay, while Fish was chained to his keyboard and fed rations of surf wax. Kels was also recently accepted to the Southern California College of Optometry, in Fullerton, CA, where she will start school in September. Congrats, Gidget, and don’t take any guff from the stinkin’ Huntington Beach lineups. –Compiled by Mike Fish

MFE BLAHS

Mike Rowe -- 2M

Admit it, Mike Rowe is your hero. The thirty-something crossboarder is getting great feedback about his newly launched Hooked Surfboards line. His shapes made their Florida debut when Green Run, VA’s, Ben Pratt waxed his up in January at Ocean Avenue. The spray still hasn’t settled. Call Rowe at 252-441-7778 to get Hooked. Mike is also building a new house in Duck, NC, and rumor has it he’s installed a basement kidney bowl. Where he will fit his jacuzzi/ trampoline/ playpen remains to be seen.

•In other surfboard news, the Aussie boardsmiths behind Bamboo Surfboards recently won the prestigious 2002 Australian Design Award as well as distinction in The Powerhouse Museum Selection. The company now manufactures a range of unique sporting goods and merchandise. Visit www.bamboosurfboards.com for more info, or contact Bamboo’s East Coast rep Daniel Kincaid at DanielK23@aol.com.

•Last issue we spoke of Justin Brown’s appointment as Hurley’s new East Coast Team Manager. What we failed to mention was that Satellite Beach, FL’s, Tony Soland is still heading up Hurley’s skate and music concerns while continuing to serve as the company’s Marketing and Promotions go-to guy.

•Donna Von Hoesslin checked in to let us know Bettybelts is looking for a creative Right Coast sales rep who’s dialed into the industry. Donna (a surfer originally from Berlin, Germany) just took over worldwide distribution for the hot Balinese shell belts designed for wahines. Donna also works with www.essentialsurf.com, a website geared towards the traveling surfer, which offers a wealth of data and relevant products for sale. Log on, call Donna at 831-476-9199, or e-mail her at surfwahine@mac.com for more.

•Jeffrey’s Bay, South Africa-based surf journalist/ photographer Garth Robinson has a plethora of slides and drum scans covering the South African and Mozambican coastlines. Visit www.africansoulsurfer.com and click on the Mozambique story for an example of his fine work and/ or to order prints.

•Kara Wethington, who does marketing and public relations for Apparel Limited Inc./ Dickies Girl, wants to give a shout out to their new fella Mark Williams. Williams covers the sales game in Virginia, the Carolinas, Georgia, Florida, and Tennessee. Reach Mark at 704-331-9574.

•Futures Fins Team and Promotions Manager Tim Milliken announced a new line of fins. Vector Foils (with outside and inside foils) will be released this summer. Futures riders Darrick Doerner, Laird Hamilton, and Garrett McNamara are just a few of the hellmen who will demo the “superior edge of big-wave surfing.” Call Tim at 888-579-0823, or e-mail him at tim@futuresfins.com.

•Oz Surf announced the appointment of Geoff Armstrong as Creatures Team Manager for the East Coast. Others welcomed to Oz Surf were Creatures teamriders Ryan Kimmel, Billy Hume, Daniel Terry, Jeremy Creter, Wesley DeSouza, David Awbrey, Jake Kirschenbaum, Johnny Barclay, Pat Conner, Steve Owens, and Ronnie Whisnant. Contact Mark Neustradter and Andrew Traa at 609-823-1538 for Northeast sales, Jason Heilig at 757-288-4556 for Mid-Atlantic, Tim Hatton at 386-547-0529 for North Florida, and Tim Crouch at 321-439-8282 for South Florida.

Tony Soland - Still Hurling -- Dugan

•A new surf auction site is up and running, www.surfauctions.com, and for the next few opening months there will be no fee to list and sell your items. E-mail waterman@surfart.com for additional deets. Are you really going to ride that old, fat MR twin-fin anymore? If not, someone else will.

•If you’re looking for a job in the world of boardsports, 15-year industry veteran Tom Pezman recently launched www.boardsportjobs.com. The endeavor is based out of San Clemente, CA, and is SIMA supported. Click away and take advantage of this site while it’s still free. Contact Pezman at 949-661-6637, or by e-mail at tom@boardsportjobs.com.

•Top pro Shane Beschen partnered with a collection of surf industry confidantes to form a new apparel company named Monument Clothing. The company will debut its progressive, American-made line later this year. Monument is headquartered in Costa Mesa, CA, and can be reached by calling Dave Matt directly at 949-548-4791, or online at www.pushtoturn.com.

•This winter, Fox Sports Net kicked off television’s first topical daily program covering action sports: surfing, skateboarding, snowboarding, BMX, and freestyle motocross. Check your local listings or contact FSN Florida Communications Manager Kali Mogul at kmogul@rainbow-media.com to get the low down.

•No one remembers all their sessions. But now you can remember the special ones with Patrick Meyer’s new surfing journal called Wavelog—a 120-page hardcover book with a preprinted list of categories to fill in after you surf: swell direction, wind, time surfed, water temperature, other comments, and more. Find Wavelog at local surf shops, or order one on www.wavelog.com.

•Rising one-year-old apparel company Screamline Clothing announced they are expanding their summer lines with boardshorts, backpacks, and other goodies. Screamline is geared toward the boardriding culture. Keep your eyes out for the hip threads in surf shops, or buy direct from www.screamlineusa.com—where you receive free music with every order and can enroll for additional giveaways.

•Ron Jon Surf Shop hosted a premiere for a short Kelly Slater video titled People Skills on March 18th. It featured King Kelly going off in a number of locations, with camera work by Jack Johnson, Don King, and Dean Hutchinson, and music by Matt Patterson, Matt DeMellow, and Clay Patterson. Quik teamriders Matt Kechele, Cam Powell, Josh Hoyer, and Adam Wickwire were also present to sign autographs and chat with fans.

•In Podium Distribution news, Matix Clothing extended a winter welcome to Mike Mechling, their new California sales rep for Orange and San Diego counties. Mechling will also continue supplying those counties with DVS Shoes and Lakai Footwear. Also, Tom Winchell—DVS, Lakai, and Matix rep from Los Angeles—will now have an excuse to visit his house in Lake Havasu, AZ, more often. Winchell will be heading sales for all three brands in Arizona.

Cam Powell -- Morizono

•At the end of 2002, Etnies Footwear announced the launch of a new section on their website, www.etnies.com, called Etnies East Coast. There, you’ll find photos, articles, and interviews with some of the hottest Right Coast skaters—like Zered Bassett, Chris Trembley, and Tino Razo. Give it a peep.

•Spy Optics appointed Charlie Manty to its East Coast in-house sales force. According to the big cheeses, Charlie will personally make sure Spy is well represented at all upcoming East Coast events, and has already taken great strides in “getting the job done.” For all Right Coast event sponsorship concerns, Charlie can be reached at cmanty@spyoptic.com.

•Jim Wamsley of the Cocoa Beach Surf Museum Board of Directors reminds everyone that the Second Annual Waterman’s Challenge will be held June 7th and 8th across from the museum (located in South Cocoa Beach, A1A, next to Natural Art Surf Shop). The contest will include the Longboard Pro-Am, Amateur Surfing Classic, Paddleboard Race, and an Expression Session. The event still needs sponsors and those interested in helping out should call Jim at 321-751-3131 or e-mail JXW@brph.com.

•With 12 months of development and 25 years experience making leashes, Creatures of Leisure introduced the patent pending Bearing Swivel Leash System this winter—a revolution in leash design. The system is an industry first that lubricates itself as it swivels. The result is a fast and free-spinning leash, helping to eliminate some of the problems of jamming and entanglements. A number of models are available, so call 1-866-4-OZ-SURF for a catalog.

•Miami-based Zoomba Clothing congratulates St. Augustine, FL, Zoomba/ Pit Surf Shop teamriders and A-Street aficionados Franchot Barba, Jr. and Mikee Fitts, who placed 2nd and 3rd, respectively in the Boys division of the ESA St. Augustine District Contest #1. Log on to www.zoomba.com and www.pitsurfshop.com for more on these rippers.

•Props go out to Bob Bulatowicz teamer Pat Hall, who made the finals of the Volcom Seacow Contest in St. Augustine, FL, even after being attacked by a shark in the semis. Pat simply superglued the wound and paddled out for his heat.

•Billygoat Distribution recently picked up The Far Shore, a growing classic by Los Angeles-based filmmaker Greg Schell documenting Craig Peterson and Kevin Naughton’s travels. A DVD version of the film is available on www.billygoatdistribution.com with bonus footage. Don’t miss one of the stories that helped fuel surfing’s nomadic spirit. –Compiled by Mike Fish

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