ESM

Zev Gartner -- McGovern

•Not long after Harvard University graduate student Zev Gartner won the Red Bull Ice Break, the nation's oldest and most prestigious university had its name surface again in the surf world. On May 7th, Harvard, Princeton, and Yale clashed on the shores of Long Island, NY, in the first-ever Ivy League Surfing Championships. Surfing Magazine's September 2003 issue featured an interview with Harvard Surf Club President Alex Patterson about his team's victory, their rivalry with Yale, and the Federal Reserve rate's effect on the economy. Yup, definitely worth a read.

•The Chicks on Sticks/ RI Surfrider Women's Instructional Surfing Program was in full swing this summer. Budding northeastern wahines met with a seasoned crew of instructors at First Beach in Newport, RI. For more information and upcoming Chicks on Sticks events, visit www.chicksonsticks.org.

•On August 13th, Surf Movie Night, sponsored by Quiksilver and Vitamin Water, came to the John Drew Theater in Guild Hall, in East Hampton, NY. Films included Michael Halsband's release Surf Movie: Reels 1-14, and a short preview of Thomas Campbell's video Sprout. Attendees also enjoyed raffle prizes, live music, and refreshments, while all ticket holders received a free T-shirt and poster. Proceeds benefited the Long Island Surfrider Chapter.

•New Haven, CT's, Jon Nast and Providence, RI's, Tara Paterson took an early summer break from Matunuk and Second Beach to sip on some sweet Southern Hemi juice in Oceanside, CA. Nast and Paterson sampled fine Mexican food, drove the PCH, and peeped fine shapes at Donald Takayama Surf Shop in O-Side. But the two denied an alleged trip to Tijuana, Mexico. Oh yeah, then where'd you get that striped donkey?!

For the Chopper Heads – Hurricane Hopeful. --Courtesy Hurricane Hopeful

•New York native/ Florida-based longboard wizard Mikey DeTemple let us know his Long Island summer sojourn was da' bomb with the East End points working and plenty of waves. Mikey even met up with ESM Publisher Tom Dugan for an impromptu photo session at Twelve Steps while Doogie was visiting Strong Island in July.

•Burlington, VT's, Dominick Volini is the new PR man for Gravis Footwear and Analog Clothing. Give Volini a buzz at 802-652-3538 for more deets on both companies and their quality products. *Rockaway Beach, NY's, Alex Karinsky--ESM Rockaway Beach Kingpin--produces a surfing TV show, NYC Wipeout, on Manhattan cable's Channel 67. Tune in Monday nights at 11:30 pm to peep the killer show, or e-mail Alex at nycwipeout@hotmail.com for details. Also, Alex is re-launching the Gotham Surf Club at www.gothamsurfclub.com to initiate more club competition, surf promo parties, and video premieres in the NYC area. Call him at 917-596-5011 to organize and promote your events.

•Fran Mileski of the Rhode Island Surfrider Chapter let us know that on Saturday, July 20th members of the Rhode Island surfing community volunteered in the annual Save the Bay Swim by patrolling the finish line waters and assisting swimmers. Not a bad way to stay in shape for some upcoming Ruggles hurricane action.

•Probably one of the most unique surf shops on the planet, Hurricane Hopeful--which also doubles as a chowder bar--has changed locations in Brooklyn, NY. The expanded shop is located at 139 North 6th Street, so stop in to try their homemade, gourmet style chowders such as Bahamian Monk Fish and Corn and Crab as well as their original, super-strong blend of coffee, Dawn Patrol--formulated for the early morning Northeastern waverider. You can also browse the variety of surf accessories and boards, and peep the groovy atmosphere--sand-covered floors and plenty of vintage pieces. Call shop owner Ben Sargeant at 718-302-4441, and put a little surf in your city, and chowder in your belly. Hurricane Hopeful is also hosting a 10-day afterparty from September 4th through the 13th for the Mid-Atlantic Surf Art Expo. Visit www.hurricanehopeful.com for more deets.

•A string of board thefts have been plaguing Massachusetts shores. After two of Nor'Easter Surf Shop owner Mark Keup's boards were stolen and recovered, another one was ripped off from a local surfer in Duxbury, MA--a 6'0" Rip Curl Choggy Blunt, clear with blue laminates. Contact Nor'Easter if you have any information at 781-544-9283... And to the pathetic thieves: steal some pride, and keep your hands off other people's sticks.

•Tsunami Surf Shop opened in Rockaway Beach, NY, this summer, bringing a variety of services to the area--including ding repair and lessons by Buddy Sammis. Teamriders for Tsunami include Barbara Ott, Jeff Anthony, and Humberto "Burto" Carbonell. Stop in the shop at 192 Beach 92nd Street, or give them a ring at 718-945-5223.

Cape Crusader Josh Clements -- Harmon

•According to Oceana's Chris Zeman, scallop dredging threatens a variety of wildlife and ocean habitats. From Maine southward, fishermen drag 4000-pound steel dredges that cut into the seafloor and suck any living thing into a huge chain link net. Studies show that only one pass of a scallop dredge can remove 80 percent of all seafloor ocean life. Concerned oceangoers can send a letter to the federal fishery management council through www.oceana.org.

•Dermatone Laboratories, Inc. of Windsor Locks, CT, released Dermatone--a new, transparent SPF 30, zinc oxide sunscreen distributed by Sex Wax. The formula is water-free, waterproof, and contains Aloe and Vitamin E. And this ain't no sissy balm, as the Navy Seals use Dermatone as their sunblock of choice. Call Carin Yates at 800-225-7546 for more on the quality block.

•Hawaiian pro Myles Padaca stopped by ESM Empire State Connection Ed Arikian's West Wing, Long Island, NY, apartment to sign autographs and take photos. Myles was on a promo tour of Long Island with Dirty Dog Glasses homeboy Steve Knowler.

•The Cape Cod Surfing Championships were held at Whitecrest Beach in South Wellfleet, MA, on Saturday, July 26th. Among the standouts were Dillon Murphy, Josh Clements, Tyler Grees, Marc Angillo, and Sue Lochiatto.

•From the road carnage file, Rusty sales rep Mark Neustadter was driving a shop tour in Long Island with national sales manager Mike Giligan when an unknown object struck their windshield. The next thing Neustadter knew, he was covered in glass. Both guys emerged from the incident unharmed, but Neustadter reflected on the incident: "I know there's a nice desk job for me out there somewhere."

•Rye Airfield Skatepark in Rye, NH, hosted a number of hot summer parties, including an Etnies BBQ, BMX extravaganza, and five-band concert. E-mail eteam@ryeairfield.com for more event listings.

Humberto "Berto" Carbonell -- Lavin

•North Salem, NY, ESM Senior Photographer Grant Myrdal kept busy during his slow months away from Hawaii's North Shore. The South African native signed agent Alex Alexander to represent his artwork, while Myrdal was invited to participate in an elite July exhibit held in San Francisco, CA, called Surf Style, featuring such surf art greats as Art Brewer and Jeff Divine. Keep up to date with Grant's happenings on www.snorus.com. And by the way, if you missed Grant's dynamite portfolio last issue, simply go to www.easternsurf.com and click on his name in our sprawling photo gallery to view a super-sized version of Mr. Myrdal's incredibly beautiful photography.

•Great Lakes charger Christopher Henke informed us that some recent freshwater surf and kiteboarding pics are posted online at www.vdpllc.com/picsnew03.html.

•The always anticipated Annual Rhode Island State Surfing Championships took place at Narragansett Town Beach in June. A break in the month's consistent rainfall graced the contest with sunny skies and two to three-foot surf. Top showings came from Dan Hassett, Ryan Richer, Malia Rimavicus, Lee Ferrera, Jesse Rodriquez, and of course, the omnipresent Peter Pan--who nabbed three divisions.

•Montauk, NY, ripper Travis Beckmann has been scoring his fair share of media lately, with a full-page photo in New York Magazine's June 30th issue, a cover story in The Montauk Pioneer, and a TV appearance on the pilot program Live on the Edge. Not to mention Beckmann made the semifinals of the 10th Annual Heritage Junior Pro at 4th Street Jetty, Ocean City, NJ. Keep your eyes peeled for this bloke.

•And finally from the belated congratulations department, best wishes go out to longtime ESM friends Bill and Rachael Ryan from Maine on the birth of their baby daughter, Madeline. Compiled by Mike Fish

MA BLAHS

Nigel Haynes -- DJ Struntz

•To all beginners--and surfers of all experience levels--make sure you are strong, proficient swimmers before picking up the sport. While anybody with an ounce of compassion and decency feels for the family and friends of Clifton, NJ, surfer Daniel Fraunhofer, who drowned earlier last year while surfing eight-foot Spring Lake during one of the coldest, meanest winters on record, the surfing industry now faces one of the most frivolous lawsuits ever as a result. Family-appointed lawyer Gerald Clark is attempting to sue legrope manufacturer Stay Covered for making a breakable leash which they claim ultimately caused the surfer's death. Clark, speaking on behalf of Fraunhofer's widow, said, "We have concluded Danny drowned because his leash broke, his surfboard washed into shore, and he was left stranded with nothing to float on." While one hopes for closure on this tragic death for the Fraunhofer family, drowning and equipment failure are inherent risks of the sport where safety--whether that entails being a good swimmer or using the buddy system--is always the best practice, especially in extreme conditions. For further info on the unfolding story, go to www.surfingthemag.com.

•In other Jersey news that makes a little more sense, LocalSurfFlix.com is a killer new website dedicated to New Jersey surfing and bands. Online reports are posted following every good swell, and there's even video of local sessions and ESA-CNJ District comps. Give www.LocalSurfFlix.com a click.

•Here's a cool new twist on recycling as artform: David Yayac and Bryan Lawson take old, used-and-abused surfboards and create tiki faces and three-dimensional wavescapes out of them while keeping the character of the board--fins, plugs, traction--intact. Their business name is Tokem Surfboards. You can check them out at the Palm Room in Wrightsville Beach, NC, and Lisa's Pizzeria in Rodanthe, NC.

• 2003 ESA Mid-Atlantic Regionals champ and Virginia Beach, VA's, new hope Michael Dunphy recently got the nod from Reef, according to Brad Beach. Dunphy's been fairing quite well on the contest scene this summer, placing second in the Grom division and making the money round in the Pro division at the 2003 Lord of The Jetty. Dunphy joins fellow Vah boys Sean McGovern, Brendan Petticrew, and Mike Schirmer on the Reef program.

Winter Bomb at Spring Lake – Go For What You Know.
-- Chrisner

•Speaking of Mike Schirmer, he gave us the heads up that he's coming out of retirement with a fresh new sponsorship from Rusty.

•Mike Malion sent word that he and his fiancee Jenny Jackson opened a new surf/ kite shop at 209 South Lake Park Blvd., Carolina Beach, NC. Island Kite & Surf will cater specifically to Cape Fear area surfers and kiteboarders--as they're stocked with used boards, plus single, double, and quad line kiteboards, as well as new shapes from Ricky Carroll, Surf Prescriptions, and G&S, among others. Swing by for a visit or give 'em a call at 910-458-7005.

•OCMD Legends Hall of Famer Dan Herlihy has teamed up with fellow Dalmarvian Sandy Deeley to form the film company Deeley Herlihy. Dan made his annual trek to the North Shore in August to begin filming. On another note, according to the two, Deeley's five-year-old son Sam is already charging Ocean City, MD, lineups and looks to be a future star in their movies.

•Over 200 people showed up at Cineplex Odeon theaters in Washington, DC, for a preview of Dana Brown's highly anticipated film, Step Into Liquid. Surfrider Capitol Chapter members, led by Chairman Darryl Hatheway, won the hooting competition hands down.

•According to 3rd Avenue Surf Shop's TR Deveney, proceeds for the Big Sea Day surf contest, held in early August at Manasquan, NJ, once again benefited the Manasquan Historical Society, the Elks Handicapped Children's Fund, and the Manasquan High School Scholarship Fund. Special thanks go to all who helped make the event a success, especially Bob Duerr and Dean Schoonover, as well as event sponsors Matt and Chris Oliphant from Baja East Surf Shop in Point Pleasant, NJ.

•After five months spent recovering from a freaky ankle blowout due to a heavy Blacks Beach sesh in March, OP star rider Matt Beacham is back in business, racking up several photo trips courtesy of Transworld Surf. In fact, Matt just returned from the Mentawais with TWS double-flash visionary Tom Carey, along with all the other Outer Banks professionals--Billy Hume, Noah Snyder, Jeff Myers, and Jesse Hines.

Jack Meyer -- Chrisner

•Speaking of Jesse Hines, the model God-squader just signed a sea-splitting contract with O'Neill.

•Tired of getting dizzy seeing all these hyper little shits running around with a kaleidoscope of surf labels? Well, now there's a clothing brand for all you simple old farts out there. Old Man Surf Club, founded by Manteo, NC's, Vince Simansky, and aided by ESM Assignment Writer Noah Garrett, has been giving away product at local ESA contests as well as sponsoring Garrett's band Tonic for their acoustic tour. Call Vince at 252-202-3143 for ordering info.

•Virginia Beach, VA's, Pete Viele got engaged to fellow Old Dominioner Anne Marie Hatfield this summer. The two plan on tying the knot on June 26th, 2004. Congratulations to both of them and warm wishes for a long and fulfilling life together.

•Longtime Jersey ripper and surf artiste extrordinaire Jack Meyer from Dragon and Local Motion would like to thank Farias Surf Shop in LBI and everyone else who made the Dragon/ Local Motion Surf Camp a success, with over 80 people showing up.

•Fayetteville, NC, ripper Robbie Myers has relocated to Maui, where he reports catching plenty of water time "in between the work and the girl."

•Virginia Beach, VA, tubesmith and former ...Lost video visionary Drew Todd joined up with Amerikan Clothing to help build an East Coast presence and extend his creative hand to boost the company's designs to the next level. Be on the lookout for Amerikan threads in surf shops this fall.

Mike Schirmer -- Struntz

•The inaugural Water Co. Surf Contest went off on July 19th at the Sheraton in Atlantic Beach, NC, and Gravis' Buck Rowlee wishes to congratulate teamers Lucas Jolly (1st Junior Men's), Paul Poston (1st Masters Longboard and Senior Longboard), Fisher Heverly (1st Boys), and Kelly Nicely (1st Women's) for performing above and beyond the call of team duties. Be sure to catch next year's event.

•Announcing the Surf For A Cure 4th Annual Marie A. Becker Memorial Longboard Contest. The event once again will raise money and awareness for the American Brain Tumor Association, this time at the 59th Street Pier in Ocean City, NJ. All ages and skill levels are welcome.

•Wrightsville Beach, NC's, Joe Sherigan sent word that his brother Bryan and wife Brent returned from a fun-filled honeymoon in the Dominican Republic. Both Joe and Bryan rep Aaron Chang Clothing and Hot Buttered in the Mid-Atlantic territory.

•In other Hot Buttered/ Aaron Chang Clothing blahs, teamrider Nigel Haynes, who also reps for Wave Shack and Walker Surfboards, said Wave Shack is stoked to now be carrying Hurley and Santa Cruz epoxy surfboards. He also added that he recently appointed newly engaged Kill Devil Hills, NC, lip bully Billy Hume captain of the Wave Shack surf team.

•Ocean City, MD-bred pro Max Hoshino was one of three surfers to post a nine-point ride in the Round of 160 at July's WQS-rated Mr Price Pro at North Beach, Durban, SA.

•In other Maryland deets, the ESA Maryland District raised $900 for the Alan Cassell Family Fund on July 12th at the 9th Annual Malibu's Summer Classic Surf Contest. Over 100 contestants arrived at 8th Street to reap a two to three-foot swell. Hawaiian-themed trophies were graciously donated by event sponsor Malibu's, and Brad "B-Rad" Hoffman kept the crowd on their toes with commentary. For full results of the Malibu's Summer Classic, turn to page 133.

•Attention contest-depleted spongers: Virginia Beach, VA, bodyboarding voice Ray Pierce wants you... to attend all the Atlantic Bodyboard Association (ABA) comps this fall in Cape Hatteras, NC. The dates are September 20th-21st at Ramp 23 and October 4th-5th at Ramp 23. Don't miss out, bodyboarders! At this point, this is all you got! Compiled by Matt Pruett

SE BLAHS

We Do – Dimitri and Iske Kjos -- Arnold

•After another hospitalization and an emergency heart transplant, grounded aerial wizard John Holeman is feeling better, but financial burdens due to the immense medical expenses continue to overwhelm the Holeman family. Those looking to help out can send donations to: John Holeman at P.O. Box 372783, Satellite Beach, FL 32937, or go to www.heartsforholeman.org for additional details.

•Visual master behind the stunning book Surf Culture: The Art History of Surfing, and all-around design heavyweight David Carson e-mailed from Folly Beach, SC, to tell us he will be putting together Aaron Chang's new book of photography this winter, designing Gary Propper's website, and working with Aussie photo legend Albie Falzon on his surfing pictorial. Quite a full plate, but we know to expect some mind-blowing layouts from David in the near future, framing the works of the genius lensmen.

•Quiksilver and Roxy Surf visited the Gulf Coast for the first time this season and received a welcoming local turnout. Central Florida teamriders Matt Kechele and Todd Morcom dropped in to Panama City with the Quiksilver/ Roxy Surf Camp, but first stopped by Spinnaker Beach Club to show Quik movies and sign autographs. Later, over 65 kids enjoyed sunny weather and perfect micro-waves for learning. ABC News and Beach TV came out to film the camp for respective programs. Panama City Beach and Mr. Surf's Surf Shop sends huge thanks out to Quik and the gang for stoking their scene.

•The 37th Annual Sun N' Surf 4th Of July Contest went off in St. Augustine, FL, with a small pulse of swell and heaps of energetic performances. Some of the division winners included Eric Worley, Ken Jensen, Erika Badida, and Lauren Hill.

*Melbourne Beach, FL, 3rd Avenue lacerator Zach Bareford and his wife Tanya recently rocked out at two Poison and Motley Crue concerts--one at the Orlando House of Blues and the other at West Palm Ampitheater--both courtesy of Poison's bassist Bobby Dall, Zach's brother-in-law. Rumor has it Zach quickly became accustomed to the rock star lifestyle, and was spotted backstage trying to impress Poison leadman Brett Michaels with his rendition of "Unskinny Bop."

A Hearty John Holeman Boost -- Dugan

•Congrats to South Florida ripper/ Oakley rep Dimitri Kjos for his June marriage to longtime girlfriend Iske. Word has it the reception was dynamite with a lively cast of East Coasters--including Bob "Biff the Boy" Rohmann, who was Kjos' best man.

•NXTC Surfboards is excited to be the first surfboard factory in Florida to offer the AST Resin System. To learn more, call Tommy Daniels 941-755-3878.

•McKevlin's Surf Shop in Folly Beach, SC, released its August addition of the newsletter Lines, featuring local kid Drew Pringle with CJ and Damien Hobgood in Costa Rica on the cover. As usual, the rag is packed with helpful tidbits about the local scene and other treats on the general level--like an excerpt of an interview with Tom Curren and an insightful, entertaining rant on the perils of modern boardmaking. Snag a copy of Lines before your next session at The Washout.

•North Florida surfer Buddy Evans recently returned from a trip to Hawaii where he ran into the Roxy team.

•On Sunday, July 13th, the Orlando Sentinel printed a feature story on Christianity in surfing and skateboarding in its Life and Times section with insight from a variety of East Coast waveriders including Robert Albritton, Jim McCleary, and Mike Pechonis. For more, visit www.christiansurfers.com.

•Tests on the small model of the Surf City, TX, Wave Park continue near Galveston. Wave Park's James Fulbright and crew said that after rebuilding the pool and adjusting the Wave Cannons' mechanics, they were able to make the peeling wonders they've been promoting. Now, Fulbright and engineer Donn Leva are working to apply what they've learned at the scale-model pool to a full-size wave park.

•Central Florida's Lucas Surfboards--a shaping tradition dating back to 1975--is back in action. The boards have been tested worldwide and sold in surf shops from Miami to Rhode Island. George "Surfguy" Jones has more info, so give him a ring at 321-956-3268, or e-mail him at surfguys1@surfguyssurf.com.

Nalu's Tacos Trailer -- J. Wilson

•Surfrider Grand Strand Chapter recently partnered with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control's Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management in the Adopt-A-Beach program. Grand Strand Chapter chair Jared Hendrix and the rest of the Grand Strand crew are seeking civic clubs, businesses, school groups, neighborhood associations, and other organizations to adopt a stretch of local beach. To get involved, contact Bruxanne at 843-215-7658 or e-mail bruxanne@yahoo.com.

•Florida's Prentice Murphy checked in to let us know that the recording label of some of our coast's best punk bands, Addwreckedkids, has a number of great bands on board like Tiltwheel, Burden of Life, and The Tim Version. Visit www.addwreckedkids.com for more.

•Our condolences go out to the family of Surfside, TX, local Frank Padon, who died of an aneurysm while surfing in El Salvador. Padon was a staple in the Texas lineups, and will be truly missed.

•Chuck Carter, owner of Nichols Surf Shop in New Smyrna Beach, FL, launched a new company called Dreamtime. Dreamtime merchandise includes high-quality skimboards and offers two new models, The Slipper and Slipper Jr., that utilize design for heightened performance. For more info contact Mike Ferguson at 386-426-2436.

•Custom boardbuilder Skip Hutchison of Rastaboard Surfboards is back building boards full-time at 2840 Allen Hill Avenue, Unit G, Melbourne, FL, 32940. Check Skip out online at Rastaboard.com or call him at 321-795-7021.

•Thad Cranston from North Florida let us know that the premiere at Chase's of Shane Beschen's new flick, Push, was off the hook. Beschen was there, signing posters and chillin' with locals. Along with that, the band Indium played an acoustic set, while a bikini contest became a little "R-rated," and locals like Ron Hope and David Chambers mingled with all the up-and-coming grommets.

•Island Water Sports in Deerfield Beach, FL, embarked on their annual surf trip to Costa Rica in July. Over 40 riders enjoyed two weeks of waves that ranged from head-high peaks to double-overhead mackers. Surf trippers were joined by IWS teamers Skeeter Zimmerman, Matt Oberman, and Wesley Desouza, who scored some killer water shots from South African photog Sean Timoney. For more info on this and future IWS events, log on to www.islandwatersports.com. IWS also announces the addition of Roray Kam to the IWS Team. Roray just returned from the 2003 U.S. Surfing Championships in Oceanside, CA, where he placed 3rd in the Senior Men's Longboard division.

•In other IWS news, employee Kai "Da Big Kahuna" Montero offers Hawaiian expert advice in a Q&A format on surfing (and real estate) on his website www.kalimontero.com. Montero's bio is also available on www.iwssuperstore.com.

Matt Oberman -- Timoney

•As CRSURF.com goes into its sixth year of Costa Rica surf reporting, Florida native Greg Gordon has archived the last five years of reports and forecasts on the site. Visit www.crsurf.com for free Costa surf reports via e-mail. Gordon is also organizing an international Surfrider affiliate in the Banana Republic country. If you wish to learn more about Surfrider Costa Rica, go to www.surfridercostarica.org.

•West Palm Beach, FL's, Jason Page of Starbird Productions recently finished a new skate video. The Starbird boys are also gearing up to release their new surf flick, due out later in the year. Keep a look out for more Starbird news in ESM's Blah Blahs.

•More Mexans were inducted into the surf world, as Texas chargers Ryan McKinney, Cody Bates, and Donny Saurus made the early-May drive to Michoacan in Mainland Mexico. Word has it the boys scored some solid south swell action, and hope to return soon.

•While many longtime Anastasia State Park regulators lamented the passing of an era--and a major convenience--when Tory Strange of St. Augustine's Surf Station removed its trademark gas pumps from the shop parking lot, we're now happy to report local surfers can now purchase high-octane gas of another kind from Jerry Morgan's Nalu's Tacos Trailer parked nearby. According to such Mexi connoisseurs as ESM Photographer Jimmy Wilson and shoprider Zander Morton, Nalu's rules A1A in St. Auggie. Both guys highly recommend the mahi wraps made daily with only the freshest fish. Compiled by Mike Fish

MFE BLAHS

Longboard Magazine

•Shredding... shralping... high-flying, tail-tossing 720 shuvit roast beef grabs to reverts... sheesh, it seems everything you hear nowadays has to do with svelte-limbed, hollow-boned, shortboarding acrobats. Somebody though, is obviously paying attention to all the long lost duffers out there as Longboard Magazine is now the official top seller of all newsstand surf mags--according to figures devised by Anco (Anderson News Company), Southern California's largest publication distributor. Longboard Magazine outsold Surfer Magazine on a dollar per dollar basis by about 30 percent, Transworld Surf by over 450 percent, and SG by over 700 percent. They also just narrowly came second to Surfer on per unit sales. Give the old fellers pats on the hunchbacks if you see them.

•Speaking of loggers, many apologies go out to Jupiter, FL's, Danny Ryder, who was overlooked in last issue's (Vol.12, #90) Big News teaser on the U.S. Championships. Danny placed 2nd in the Open Longboard final.

•Fire's hired! Hurley East Coast Surf Team Manager Justin Brown is happy to announce the signing of Sebastian Inlet spin cyclist Justin Ellingham to H's Eastside posse. *The original Newport Beach, CA, wrecking ball, Todd Miller, started his own clothing company, Factor 54. To peep their line, click on www.F54clothing.com. Miller put a surf team in effect to represent Factor 54--fellow Newps local Cordell Miller and West Palm Beach, FL's, Shawn "Murdog" Murray.

•Just can't get it together in the water no matter how hard you try? Well, try logging on to www.surfcoachnz.com to receive some innovative, no-bullshit tips for aquatic success from Jason Patterson, Head Coach of the Southern Coast Surf Clinic in New Zealand. Boggers and pearlers welcome.

•The second issue of www.allaboutsurf.com is currently up and running online. The site serves as a tribute to some of the planet's most time-honored athletes and destinations. Check out some of these stories or risk having your ignorance curse you forever.

•East Coast legend Mike Tabeling is looking to expand his Cocoa Beach Surf Company team, holding a 2nd Team Tryouts this fall. All those interested should meet at the Cocoa Beach, FL, shop at 10:00 am on September 28th. Mike maintains that he's looking for kids who are focused on improvement and having fun. He also wishes to express his unwavering stoke about his current team--Taylor Brothers, Mason Sapp, Shawn Bowman, Pat Hall, and Jarrod Bartoszek, who despite having the smallest team present, placed 6th in the overall team standings at last year's NKF Pro-Am Surfing Festival.

•Indialantic, FL's, Shawn King wants to remind everyone that Wednesday nights at The Hustler are "Open Mic Night," with a full PA and instruments available for anyone looking to get their name out and possibly follow in the footsteps of such local sensations as Freeflow Conspiracy.

•For those of you who didn't hear, Melbourne Beach, FL, ripperette Ashley Bobb made it to the quarterfinals of the Globe/ Gallaz Pro, held this July at O-Side Pier in Oceanside, CA. Ashley even beat touted Aussie upstart Claire Bevilacqua to win her first round heat. Word up, wahine!

"Very Good, Young Grasshopper. You are Learning." Professor Nev with ESM Students -- Dugan

•And while we're on killer results, here's a shout to Volcom rider Jake Kirschenbaum for finishing fourth in the talent-stacked Pro-Am division at Volcom's Blowfish Surf Series, held July 23rd, at Oceanside, CA's, North Jetty.

•Check out the newly launched Futures Fins website at www.futuresfins.com, where all their new appendages, including the sick new Vector line, can be viewed. Also available is the much-heralded "suspension board." Call Team and Promotions Manager Tim Milliken at 888-579-0823 for more info, or check out Futures Fins at this September's Orlando Surf Expo.

•Another one bites the dust as ESM Sebastian Inlet Kingpin Bill Hartley's bachelor party went off like a cluster bomb in a pink elephant's arse. A veritable who's who of Past and Present Brevard County top dogs attended the fest--including Bruce Walker, Jacky Grayson, Steve Moldenhauer, TC, John Carnegie, Scott Miller, David Finley, Mark Puchaty, Matt Kechele, Jeff Klugel, Mike Nemnich, Andy Webb, Johnny and Bucky Oed, Dave Speir, Dave Settgast, Roland Major, Tom Burris, and Steve Brubaker. H's boys spared no expense for the jam, as Todd Morcom came loaded with a sushi/ sake combo platter while Mike Roy arrived with scrumptious lobster tails. Phone love came from as far as Costa Rica, with expats Charlie Kuhn and Johnny Futch voicing their support, while Barbie Miller touched base from Puerto Rico. Special thanks go out to DB for spinning tunes, Mike Neel for providing alternative refreshments, and Trip Freeman for not breaking anything.

•Ambiguous is making great strides in the Eastside surfing community, according to Florida rep Jason Roberson and teamrider/ creative hipster Chris Maslow. They've stocked up with talented riders Jason Venn, Adam McGill, Pat Conner, Rylan McCart, Mark Dawson, Sean Tubbs, and Justin and Brian Denning. Conner celebrated his new sponsorship with an Australian vacation while McCart and Dawson rewarded themselves with a trip to Costa Rica. No one had more reason to smile than Roberson, however, as he and his lovely wife Rebecca married on May 24th.

•Conan Hayes urges everyone to help out fellow Hawaiian charger Jason Bogle in his battle against Ewing Sarcoma, a type of bone marrow cancer, the treatment of which is estimated at $350,000. Dana Mesenbrink is heading up the fundraising efforts for Jason. He can be contacted at 949-548-6223, ext. 102, or via e-mail: danarvca@yahoo.com. Make donations out to: Friends of Jason Bogle Cancer Fund, 919 Sunset Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92627.

•Stuart, FL's, Trevor Norris stopped by this office on behalf of Solitude/ Sol to give us free samples of Sol Sunguard, smarter sun protection designed for active people. Each product is tailored for sport-specific environments. For surfers, Sol Bluewater, SPF 36 is the watersport sunscreen and skin protectant offered by Sol. For more info, log on to www.solsunguard.com.

Still a Champ to Us – Danny Ryder -- Hill

•Dude! Estes was up shit creek! Sources confirmed that during his summertime stay in Cali, Brevard County ripper Danny Estes was jumped at Salt Creek by a group of thugs straight out of Point Break's b-reels. Harshing Estes is so mal, bro!

•In a better piece of Calinews, former Central Florida Gators Patrick and Lynn Weber now live in San Diego, CA, where they own and run San Diego Surf Academy. To reach them, go to www.sandiegosurfacademy.com.

•Welcome back, Charlie! One of Dragon Optical's original sales pioneers, Charlie Anderson, has returned to Dragon Optical as its new sales director after a six-year position with Transworld Media.

•Ezekiel/ Gravis East Coast marketing go-to guy Geoff Armstrong recently formed Music Industry Take Over, intended for unsigned bands to showcase their music online and network with other bands. Dig it at www.mitomusic.com.

•We like spongers, yes we do... we like spongers, how 'bout you? Bodyboard Headquarters pro Luis Rivera sends props out to teamrider Carlos Jenkins for going looney in macking Puerto Escondido widowmakers this summer.

•And finally, for all Golden State residents, keep it in the family and vote Jack Grisham for Governor of California. Jack, the frontman for the veteran SoCal punk band TSOL, is a surfer and a big part of his platform is improving the beaches in California. We're sold, are you?

•ESM was honored and enthralled with a late-July visit from legendary Aussie shaper Nev Hyman. Besides imparting to the staff his infinite wisdom on shaping in general, Nev touched on his involvement with Base (Board And Surf Equipment Pty Ltd), a vanguard collaborative marketing initiative set to "put the soul back into surfing"--meaning shifting the focus of surf culture more towards surf equipment design as opposed to fashion. Base is the result of merging five of the world's most revered boardbuilders--Nev, Darren Handley (DHD), Maurice Cole, Murray Burton, and Simon Anderson--to manage surfboard manufacturing, with individual shapers' brands being the marketing focus.

The Best Damn Burger Joint in Brevard – The Burger Inn. -- Smith

•Humble apologies for any confusion we might've caused our friends at ESM's favorite Brevard burger joint, The Burger Inn, located at 1819 N. Harbor City Blvd., Melbourne, FL, when we renamed it The "ESM Lunchtime Inn" as part of last issue's "Lunchtime" Wipeout Photo Feature (Vol.12, #90). The Burger Inn has not been sold and we don't own the fine establishment. We just eat there and so should you. "Mmmm, that is a tasty burger!" Compiled by Matt Pruett

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