NE BLAHS

Kevin Grondin -- Ready
•Congrats to Paul and Anne Fernandez-Carol from Westport, CT, on their summer marriage. The newlyweds celebrated their honeymoon in Tasmania, where Tasman Sea/ Indian Ocean swells consistently bombed the coast, and Paul savored overhead conditions at South Arm, near Hobart. Now that's good practice for Hurricane Season... especially this one.

•The Smith Core Classic Surf Contest was held at a secluded New Hampshire reefbreak during Hurricane Fabian. Top placers were Sam Hammer, Kevin Grondin, and Nick Copeland. Check out next ish for a full report.

•After a brutal battle with diverticulitis, minus one colon (who needs it?), Rhode Island staple Peter Pan is on the road to a full recovery--and, once again, "tormenting and busting balls" in the RI surf community, according to the man himself. In fact, just five weeks after surgery, Pan won both the Grandmasters and Legends Longboard divisions in the Hurricane Isabel Surfing Championships. Pan also penned the September 12th edition of his online newsletter, On the Edge, regarding the Ocean State's water quality, reporting on the findings of the Blue Water Taskforce, a group that tested ocean waters at 11 surfing breaks from Newport to Westerly this past summer. The Taskforce is comprised of unpaid volunteers from the University of Rhode Island's Oceanography Department, Save The Bay, Surfrider Foundation, and the Eastern Surfing Association. Scarborough Beach was red flagged several times, Narragansett Town Beach was closed once, and while Monahan's Dock registered as being deceptively clean, more than one surfer came down with ear and throat infections after surfing there, wrote Pan--a man who definitely knows a little something about talking shit. A main problem was high fecal coliform and E.coli readings, indicating animal waste in ocean waters. For more info, contact Dave Prescott at Dprescott@SaveBay.org, or visit the Surfrider Foundation at rhodeisland@surfrider.org.

•Like many Northeasterners, Brandford, CT's, "Cousin" Stevie Yardin searched for a quality line during Hurricane Fabian's magnificent swell. And like those who knew where to look (or were willing to embrace a little adventure), Yards was graced with beefy, double-overhead waves at an off-the-beaten-track pointbreak. Without stating too many details about the spot (only a few hours from his home), Yardin commented: "It marks one of the best--if not the best--surf trips I've ever been on."

Peter Pan -- McGovern
•NEsurf.com brings home the goods once again... Log on to the site at www.nesurf.com for a variety of... er, humbling image galleries from this season's hurricane carnage. And don't forget about the quality wave reports, frequently updated swell forecasts, and informative local news items.

•Rockaway Beach, NY, regular Jianca Lazarus was highlighted for her aquatic bravado during the meaty swells of Hurricane Isabel in a September 17th article in The New York Times titled, "The Gathering Storm, Surf Meets City." A number of other local waveriders were also featured, including Rick Graham, Gary Lindeman, and Christian Miller.

•ESM Senior Photographer Joe McGovern recently returned to Rhode Island after a three-week vacation with friends at Baja's fabled Scorpion Bay. Joe said they scored great waves every day--and brisk 40-knot winds, heavy tropical rains that lasted for 36 hours, along with washed-out roads courtesy of a tropical system, made the voyage memorable in a number of ways.

•Rye Airfield Skatepark in Rye, NH, held the First Annual Rye Airfield Silent Auction on September 19th. Bidding took place on items from donators like Papa Wheelies and Verizon Wireless, while many charged the 50,000 square-foot skatepark. Complimentary lessons in skateboarding, in-line skating, and BMX biking were also offered. A donation from the auction proceeds went to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in Wellesley, MA.

•Burlington, VT, photographer Nick LaVecchia is working on a story on the winter surf scene in Martha's Vineyard with fellow New Englander Brett Ferry, a writer for the Vineyard Gazette. Keep your eyes peeled for that endeavor. Also check out Nick's website at www.nicklavecchia.com to view a variety of documentary photography capturing the essence of everyday life from Vermont, New Hampshire, Africa, and Costa Rica.

Mark Petrocelli -- Baker

•Former longtime Sundown Ski and Surf staffers Joe Scaturro and Rob Ludwig moved to the South Shore of Oahu, HI, a year ago. Scaturro and Ludwig frequent many prime spots, including Kaikos, Kaisers, Secrets, and Publics, while charging Leftovers, Haleiwa, and Sunset during the winter season. Sundown manager Mercedes Ortega was fortunate enough to visit the boys for two weeks this summer, and reported great sessions at Diamond Head and several other semi-secret spots.

•ESM Senior Photographer Grant Myrdal e-mailed us a tasty tease of photos featuring none other than Mike Parsons and tow-in partner Brad Gerlach ripping the shit out of yet another unknown New England mysto break. Stay tuned for next ish's Hurricane Feature for all the news and pics that fit, from 2003's short-but-intense tropical season.

•Surf film director supreme Dana Brown made a special appearance at two viewings of his new big screen effort, Step Into Liquid, in August at the Landmark Kendall Square Cinema in Cambridge, MA. Dana was joined by surfer Jesse Billauer--who is featured in the film--and the two even hosted a Q&A session after one of the showings. If you haven't seen the stunningly filmed Step Into Liquid yet, put it at the top of your must do list--today.

•Rockaway, NY, filmmaker and lensman Mark Temme let us know that a short version of his new flick, The Rocks, was screened at Hurricane Hopeful Surf Shop/ Chowder Bar in Brooklyn, NY, at a number of September engagements. Temme also recently released a 30-minute production titled Pipe-2-Pipe, which chronicles winter mayhem at Hawaii's Pipeline and Vermont's original Superpipe at Mount Snow. For more deets on these endeavors, visit www.guerrillaguru.com.

Michael Tye -- Magilla

•Organizers and competitors are preparing for the big freeze once again, as the expanded Red Bull Ice Break--now offering anyone from Maine to Virginia a chance at the title--gears up for its fall qualifiers. Winners of the qualifiers are selected to compete in the coveted final, to be held this year somewhere along the underexplored shores of Nova Scotia. Interested and able-bodied contestants should visit www.redbullicebreak.com ASAP to register for the qualifiers, as the number allowed for each is limited to 48 surfers. Turn to page 39 for a full story on the VA qualifier won by VB local Brad Harrell.

•Strong Island son and New Skool Surf Shop rider Mark Petrocelli was seen shredding area breaks as the fall season opened, from playful, chest-high slappers to overhead hurricane peaks. Thanks to ESM Photographer Barb Baker, we scored a peep of Petro's high-octane charge.

•Great Lakers Michael Tye and Magilla Schaus are gearing up in Milwaukee, WI, for the coming season of icy blasts and solid swell on Lake Michigan. We're sure Schaus will keep us dialed, and we look forward to the visual proof from our top Lakes lensman.

•Canadian painter Andrew Pommier's ocean-themed exhibit Whale Fighter will be on display in New York City from September 16th to November 16th at 55DSL Flagship Union Square, 1 Union Square and West 14th Street. Whale Fighter highlights Pommier's artistic visions and ideas inspired by Herman Melville's Moby Dick. RSVP for the event by e-mail, or request more info at rsvp55dsl@yahoo.com.

•In more New England Hurricane Fabian deets, Surfline Editor Marcus Sanders and travel buddy Mike Castillo journeyed to the Northeast in pursuit of one of the area's most fabled breaks--sprawling mansions, magnificent cliffs, freightline rights... Yeah, that could be anywhere up there. Log on to www.surfline.com's travel section to see how the boys scored via words, photos, and video clips.

•The Saco museum in Saco, ME, will host a new surfing exhibit called Surfing History of Maine put together by surfer/ photographer Eugene Cole. The exhibit will be on display through January 3rd, 2004. For more information, call the museum at 207-283-0684.

•The newly opened Quiksilver Boardriders Club in New York City is taking the Apple's downtown district by storm. The 3300-square-foot megashop sits amongst one of the most traversed, distinct, and pricey retail areas on the planet--at 42nd Street and 7th Avenue in Times Square--and features a ceiling made out of surfboards and a wall of video screens. The opening drew the likes of Lisa Andersen, Fred Patacchia, and Tony Hawk. ­Compiled by Mike Fish



MA BLAHS

Andrew Meyer -- McCarthy
•While we plugged ourselves silly into all the Atlantic Hurricane Season juice this fall, a couple other lucky Mid-Atlantic pros (Lucky pros? That's redundant, right?)--Kill Devil Hills, NC's, Jesse Hines and Virginia Beach, VA's, Ian Parnell-- were busy looking for storms on the west coast. Hopefully by now you've checked out The Chasing Hurricanes Baja Road Rally, presented by Surfer Magazine and Honda Element. From September 29th through October 16th, two two-man teams traveled from Dana Point, CA, to Los Cabos, Mexico, to compete in different events while chasing late-season south swells. Online viewers of each day's surfing and cultural challenges served as judges to vote for which team represented the best in surfing and "Baja moxy," meaning viewers were expected to log on to www.elementroadtrip.com/baja, dig the video and photos, read the captions, and decide which team surfed the best and showed the most respect for the Baja Peninsula and its people. Hines partnered up with young Californian Alex Gray (Team Los Toros Naranajas), while Parnell hooked up with Satellite Beach, FL, dynagrom Adam Wickwire (Team Los Coyotes Gris). The winning team, to be announced next issue, received $5000. Ay Carumba!

•Speaking of Hines, big ups to Jesse for scoring the November 2003 cover of Transworld Surf. The shot was taken by double-flash-wielding photographer Tom Carey during an Outer Banker-clogged boat trip to the Mentawai Islands. Stay tuned to pages of ESM for a complete, Eastern-tinted account of their adventure.

•Team Apathy has this important message for you to hear: "Make a stand now!... or don't."

Dean Randazzo -- Dugan

•Maryland skate rocker Jeff Perona sent word that his band NagChaumpa's first full-length original album, "Spare Mutts," is officially out and ready for consumption. Click on www.nagchaumpa.com to hear some sample tracks that'll make you want to hit the neighborhood halfpipe harder than Billy Dee hits the Colt 45.

•In other East Coast boarder-friendly band deets, Pride Surf Shop manager Troy Williamson and his quartet, Negative Nancy, are tearing up the Wilmington, NC, bar scene in a big way, playing several Electric and Pride parties all summer long. Check out samples from their new album, "Between You and Me," on www.garageband.com.

•Congratulations to Virginia Beach, VA, ripper Scott Schirmer who, at 23 years old, finally landed a chick. Brother Mike and other friends of Scott's were so thrilled, in fact, they threw a huge blowout party to celebrate his newfound manhood. Welcome to the team, Scott (the hetero team, that is).

•In other VB blahs, Sandbridge, VA, standout Andrew Meyer is back in town after a two-year sabbatical living in San Clemente, CA, doing work for Darkhorse Productions.

•Guess what? We're all running for Governor of California.

•On August 16th, a passle of New Jersey gremmies-to-be gathered at the newly dedicated surfing beach at 7th Avenue, Asbury Park--which previously didn't allow waveriding on any beaches during summer days--to participate in a free camp where they learned surfing basics and water safety from Barbados lifeguard and Soupbowl head rass'ole in charge Kenny Mayers. The Surfrider Jersey Shore Chapter in association with Asbury Park Recreation sponsored the first-ever event, issuing loaner surfboards, while Ocean Pacific (OP) served as a corporate sponsor, underwriting the cost of T-shirts for the kids. Big thanks to Third Avenue Surf Shop and Coastline Adventure Surfing School for providing soft surfboards for the day, as well as Eastern Lines Surf Shop and Spellbinders Surf Shop for also contributing to the event. To peep photos, go to www.localswell.com. The Boss would be so freakin' proud of youse guys.

Kenny Mayers - Welsh/Surfer

•Rest in peace, Johnny Cash. Rest in peace.

•Expect to see Amerikan Clothing's Drew Todd and Eric Crane around the Mid-Atlantic this October, as the two will be on a shop tour promoting their brand.

•The 11th Annual Manasquan Classic Longboard Contest, presented by the Surfrider Jersey Shore Chapter, went off big on Sunday, September 7th. In fact, that day was rumored to be one of the best days on the Jersey Shore this year thanks to that handsome cyclonic devil, Hurricane Fabian, arriving just in time for the festivities. Of little surprise, ESM Manasquan Inlet Kingpin Scotty Duerr won the Men's, while he and his daughter Caroline took the Tandem Division. Jim "The Atomic Surfer" Hyde dominated the Clown division. The rules, as always, were simple: contestants must ride a longboard--shaped prior to 1967 and standing three feet longer than the competitor's height--no leashes, and no complaints.

•ESM Assignment Writer/ Coastland Times reporter/ touring guitar player/ redheaded shralper/ Old Man Surf Club member Noah Garrett added yet another duty to his already lengthy to-doody list: radio personality! Noah now spins records and gives afternoon drive news updates on the Outer Banks/ Elizabeth City area's very own Classic Hits 104.9. Hoofah Howard Stern... Big Red's on the airwaves!

•Speaking of big scrotums... What's that? We didn't mention scrotums before? OK, well now we are: Chesapeake, VA, guy guy-turned-Puerto Escondido hellman Will "Crazy Will" Dillon bagged a sickening double-page spread in "The Long Road To Puerto" article featured in the October 2003 issue of Surfing. This raises the question--does some unsponsored, no-name guy like Will Dillon really deserve a double-page spread in a topnotch publication like Surfing? Hell no! With scro like that, he deserves a damn cover! Look for a Who Da Guy profile on Crazy Will in an upcoming issue of ESM.

Jesse Hines on the Cover of Transworld Surf

•And while we're blowing (kisses to) our friends at the big mags, you better not forget to read the ridiculously long-overdue Surfer Magazine interview with Dean Randazzo in their October 2003 issue or online at www.surfermag.com. C'mon, Dean's only the best New Jersey surfer to ever walk the face of the earth. You pass this one up, and you're a bigger putz than both of the posterboy twins from the Subway commercials put together.

•Though he appeared to be walking fine at the Orlando Surf Expo in September, ESM still sends a heartfelt get well soon to Whalebone Surf Shop owner Jim (B.I.G.) Vaughn, who had surgery on both of his ankles, which he injured while playing on his motorcycle years back. Thankfully, he's got able manager Pete Erickson to handle things around the store.

•In Ocean City, MD, blahs, Surfer Girl and Guy Surf Shop in cooperation with the ESA Maryland District once again sponsored a specialty event designed to bring novice and younger surfers into the competitive surfing realm. Held on August 9th at 72nd Street, the 3rd Annual Surfer Girl and Guy Beginner Beachfest was a hit. Three to four-foot waves made up for the intermittent rain showers and sweeping currents. The beginners handled the conditions extraordinarily well, though. Some of the younger novice champions were Kelly Chandler (Girls 10 & Under), Kelly Bodolus (Girls 11-14), Dillon Harrington (Boys 10 & Under), and Vince Boulanger (Boys 11-14). Mad props to all who came out to compete. See you in the water.

•Aren't you sick of lugging all your boards to the beach--especially all you East Coast pros out there who don't feel comfortable going surfing unless you have three or four heavily stickered billboards waiting for you on the shore? Well, you can rest your aching backs now, the STS Mule is here! That's right, Mule Transport System, owned and operated by Virginia Beach surfers James Wilnau and Lee Turk, proudly introduced a lightweight system composed of durable fabric and tube tires. The two-piece unit requires no tools to easily set up and break down, and it's compact enough to be stored in a boardbag or suitcase. Log on to www.muletransportsystems.com or call 757-491-7805 for more info.

•And finally, Outer Banks Sultan of Style Barry Price called up to tell us what a blast he had taking his beloved skate rat son BJ on his very first surf trip this August. Barry chose the plentiful points of Cabo San Lucas to break in young Beej, and in between tacos, the father-son combo gorged on sessions at such renowned spots as Zippers and Shipwrecks. Wow, Barry! Surfing in Cabo with your very own kid--that's like, you know, Priceless! ­Compiled by Matt Pruett



 

SE BLAHS

John Logan -- Mez
Our thoughts, prayers, and powers of positive thinking go out to South Florida MR Skate Shop's Mike Rogers, who is fighting a relapse of sarcoma cancer. Friends and family are planning a benefit at the YMCA Oelsner Skatepark in West Palm Beach, FL, this November. Call Abby Gresko at 561-254-5153 for more on the skate event. In addition to Mike's medical trauma, he faces immense financial pressures and a fund is being set up in his name. Donations can be mailed to: Mike Rogers, 37 Mews Lane, South Orange, NJ 07079--care of Aimee Meyers. Friends and supporters can also e-mail Mike at mrskateshop@aol.com; he'd love to hear from you.

•Charleston, SC-based ESM Senior Photographer Ben Hilke's been posting a plethora of rich images on his website, www.benjaminhilkephoto.com. Give it a click and peep the solid mix of action, portraits, and landscapes. In more SC news, Hilke said he's been working with longtime industry design wizard David Carson, who just started "one hell of a graphics studio in Charleston." For more on Carson's biz, call 843-579-9691, or visit www.davidcarsondesign.com.

•Miami, FL's, Carlos Reyes, shaper for C.Shapes, has reunited with original teamer Dave Tulipan, who will rep and ride for C.Shapes in the Melbourne, FL, area. Tulipan can be reached at 321-253-1495. C.Shapes also signed on the Surfboard Surgeons Ding Shop to distribute boards in the Daytona Beach, FL, area. For more info on C.Shapes in Daytona call 386-258-9276. Also, teamer Nick Beitz will charge Costa Rica with North Florida's John Logan for a couple months at Logan's famed Playa Grande Inn.

•Although Indialantic, FL, longboard pro Mike DeTemple is miraculously back devastating the contest scene, he's still overwhelmed by medical expenses regarding his recent heart surgery. Those looking to help can call 321-984-2676, or send donations to Mike DeTemple, 505 North Miramar, Indialantic, FL 32903.

•Brasiliero transplant Felipe Jung from Miami, FL's, Owl Surfboards recently stopped by the ESM office to show off some of his fine shapes. Felipe also let us know that Owl is currently seeking reps on the East Coast. Call 305-591-1510 or visit www.owlsurfboards.com for information.

•Indialantic, FL's, The Groove Tube will celebrate its 11-year anniversary on October 18th, hosting a raging Midnight Madness Sale Party that night. Co-owner Dave Settgast reported a surge in sales this hurricane season with boards flying off the racks from Channel Islands, WRV, ...Lost, Rich Price, and Surf Prescriptions, as were the new selection of hip duds for toddlers. In Groove Tube team news, after a harsh car accident, Alek Parker is back in the water lighting it up. Big props go out to the skilled doctors who took care of Alek's injury faster than anyone predicted. New additions to the Tube's already stacked squad include Inlet local Simon Springer and ESM Ocean Avenue Kingpin Eddie Guilbeau. And lastly, congrats go to Tube teamrider Bill Hartley on his recent marriage to wife Renee.

Eric Geiselman and Janice Aragon -- Swegles
•Chalk another one up for the good guys, as state administrators on Texas' Gulf Coast told Galveston officials that a plan allowing further development of the island's west end, and closure of more than three miles of beach, doesn't meet state law. Texas Surfrider hoss Ellis Pickett will obviously keep fighting the good fight.

•Former NSSA and ESA contest rat/ Sunrise Surf Shop employee Tony Pratt checked in from Jacksonville Beach, FL, to let us know he and his band Two Way Radio are amping up for a small East Coast tour. Keep an eye out for Two Way Radio at select venues, and an ear out for their grooves on XM Satellite Radio.

•North Shore legend/ Florida-raised artist Jonathan Damm--a longtime Pipe charger--recently launched a website focusing on his colorful and intriguing pop art. Damm lists Warhol, Dali, and Peter Max as a few of his primary influences, and his portfolio is riddled with rock-n-roll and waveriding inspiration. Sample some of Damm's artwork at www.damm-popart.com. •The Texas State Surfing Championships went down at the Horace Caldwell Pier in Port Aransas, TX, in early June. A few of the division winners included Nathan Floyd, Robby Jones, Kim Sperry, Brett Hopkins, and Julie Polansky.

•While Hurricane Fabian evokes thoughts of glassy, bombing, overhead surf for those further north, many residents of Brevard County hold a different memory: glassy, bombing, overhead... and mile-long closeouts. But depending on where you looked, there were some gems. Melbourne Beach, FL's, David Ames headed northbound to an off-the-beaten-track break (yes, such spots do exist in Florida), to score some wide open faces, while another Brevard Boy, Dave Genchi, held a nice line close to home, even with a water camera strapped to his back.

•In more 'cane deets, South Padre Island surfers were treated to a memorable two-day groundswell from Tropical Storm Bill. And even though the surf went from eight-foot to flat in just two hours, locals gobbled up every last bit. Among the hungry crew were Wade Duncan, Scott Gangel, Kenny Brewer, and Mark Scott.

•Mike Cianciulli and Steve Ruffle are back in Flagler Beach, FL, after a quality sojourn to South Africa and some exploration in Mozambique. Mike reported scoring epic waves on the trip, and was especially stoked on one particularly sharky righthand pointbreak.

Jensen "Chaka" Callaway -- Swegles

•Check out Eric Geiselman's boosting poster shot and interview in October's issue of Surfing Magazine. Here's to another proud graduate of ESM's On the Pro-Grom department.

•Southeast Quiksilver Rep Steve Wilde and Palm Beach County's Groundswell Surf Shop collaborated on a red carpet debut of Quik's recently released Circle One feature film by 25-year-old vidmeister Josh Williams. The plush North Palm Beach Community Center was greeted by a tsunami-sized Teahupo'o with crunch roll (no chaser), followed by a choice offering of seasoned, pointbreak capriccio and a deluxe Indo sushi boatload. The main course, of course, was a smoldering 5-star Szechaun-style Imperial Slater--Burp! Ahhh... Local film critics Jensen "Chaka" Callaway and Jimmy "Turtle" West gave Circle One a unanimous two thumbs up, and asked for seconds.

•You can't have any pudding if you don't eat your meat.

•Murrells Inlet, SC, artist Buddy Locklear launched a website housing a bunch of his unique and soulful pieces--a number of which are surf-related. Give it a look at www.gastonlocklear.com.

•Thanks go out to Cocoa Beach, FL-based Buku Boards owner John Goodman for dropping off some goods for the ESM crew to try out: a Buku Skateboard and a Buku Balance Board, which provided some great training for an active wave season.

Jupiter, Florida -- Martin
•Z Wave Surf Shop proudly presents the 4th Annual Tommy Tant Memorial Scholarship Surf Classic to be held on Saturday, November 1st, 2003 at 5th Street South in Flagler Beach, FL, starting at 7:00 am sharp. Proceeds will benefit the Tommy Tant Memorial Scholarship, which is presented to qualified 2004 seniors or college-bound students. Raffle prizes include bodyboards, sunglasses, swimwear, T-shirts, and local gift certificates. Visit www.zwavesurfshop.com for more info.

•Tammy Foster, manager of West Coast Surf Shop in Fort Myers Beach, FL, just returned to the Gulf after two solid months in Costa Rica, where she traveled with family hitchhiking and busing through the whole country. Muy bueno. In more West Coast news, the shop was recently bought by Jim and Melissa Kimborough, originally from Tucson, AZ. Tammy and the Kimboroughs have been working hard renovating the store and revamping the board selection with new rides from Rusty, BAT, and Inspired. Chris Gillespie also joins the West Coast Surf Shop staff.

•The 3rd Annual Jupiter Pro-Am Fall Classic Surf Contest will kick off on November 15th and 16th at Civic Center in Jupiter, FL. For contest information contact Mike Bloom at 561-248-1541.

•For those looking for grade-A take-out eats after a marathon session--from Second Light to Sebastian--drop by the new centrally located Haul Some Sushi in Indialantic, FL, at 854 Highway A1A. Owner Shoichi Shiraiwa is a seasoned chef (and local surfer) ready to cater to your most ferocious hunger with a variety of tasty rolls, specialties, and combos--including the Pipeline, Godzilla, Sunset. Hungry yet? To place an order call 321-722-3456.

•The news we've all been waiting for: This year's King of The Peak is slated for November 1st-2nd at Sebastian Inlet. The prize purse will be $10,000. Look for the entry form in this issue of ESM. ­Compiled by Mike Fish


 

 

 

 

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