ESM

Cape Crusader Shawn Vechionne -- Jaquith

•Cape Cod, MA, photographer Russ Jaquith reported solid action on the Cape this past autumn, with locals like Shawn Vechionne taking full advantage of some fine, fall barrels. Between sessions, Jaquith is also working hard with his production company RJ Films. For deets regarding Russ's fine work, e-mail him at rjfilms@hotmail.com.

•Great Lakes surfers received a well-deserved national shout-out in a December issue of Newsweek Magazine. In the Tip Sheet section, author Konnie Lemay highlighted the immense stoke of the Duluth surfing community and interviewed Geof Taylor, president of the Great Lakes Surfing Association. As always, stay tuned to www.lakesurf.com for the latest freshwater developments.

•The Rhode Island Surfrider Chapter sends out a huge, magnanimous "Thank You!" to the Lattner Foundation for their generous grants--$20,000 to support goals and activities in 2001, as well as $15,000 for the previous two years. The crucial funds allow the chapter to carry out many important current activities, including the Blue Water Task Force and storm drain stenciling efforts. Big kudos go out to member John Rizzolo, who is very busy this season placing over 300 storm drain stencils in towns around the Ocean State. The RI Surfrider Chapter is also pleased to announce the availability of its 2003-2004 Robert Lloyd Scholarships. Information on the scholarship, eligibility, and an electronic application form can be found at www.risurfrider.org, and questions on the scholarship application procedures can be addressed to scholarship@risurfrider.org.

•Congrats to Wear & Tear Surf, Skate, and Snow in Hull, MA, for celebrating its first anniversary in the industry. Wear & Tear plans to expand its product line this spring to include Reef and WRV, while continuing to stock quality goods from O'Neill, Billabong, Point Conception, DaKine, Bettybelts, Freestyle, 2si Surfboards, and many more. Along with cutting edge retail, Wear & Tear is also working to get a world-class skatepark approved in the town of Hull through competitions, demonstrations, and festivals. The company also plans to completely overhaul their web presence in 2004, at www.wear-tear.com, integrating an aggressive online shopping program, surf and snow reports, and a care package program for college students.

Peace or Victory? Brendan McGill -- Cavataio

•Providence, RI's, Jaime Clampitt-Panagiotis--daughter of Narragansett's notorious Peter Pan--won her first world championship boxing match last weekend, in a hard fought, 10-round title belt slugfest against Eliza Olson, the granddaughter of Hall of Fame former world middleweight champion, Carl "Bobo" Olson. Amazingly, Jaime left the ring relatively unblemished--despite numerous alleged clinches and head butts by Olson. The victory garnered Clampitt-Panagiotis the vacant International Women's Boxing Federation World Junior Welterweight Title--considered to be one of the major world titles for females--and also raised her record to 12-2 (with 4 KO's). One thing's for sure: we know where Jamie gets her Right hook... her mother's side of the family.

•From Gilgo Beach, NY's, St. John The Baptist DHS Surf Club, Director Ed "Zippy" Arikian and students were stoked by the showing of Quiksilver's Circle One at the school--as well as the opportunity to meet big Q's Jason Borte and Dan Hopkins. The club also had the chance to fine-tune their skills with Quik and Roxy pros in a special clinic at Robert Moses. And in more Gilgo news, Zippy and Bill "Hutch" States took some time out of the Strong Island cold season to visit ESM Publisher Tom Dugan in December. Although the boys didn't catch great waves, they kept busy while rampaging the Brevard County social scene--including the infamous Tootsies--and rock star trashing Tom's house. To date, Dugan is still scrubbing his walls clean. Hmm, interesting consistency, and smells like... asparagus.

•The Surf Style art exhibit--which debuted in the fall of 2003 in New York City--is setting up for another round for the summer of 2004. The Surf Style crew is actively seeking out herds of new artists and working on a book representing the exhibit, as well. Also, keep a look out on PBS for the Surf Style television documentary featured on the show Spark--which will air across the country. Stay tuned to www.surfstyle.org for more updates, and e-mail timr@surfstyle.org with questions and art inquiries.

Cold Ass Maine Going Off For The Red Bull Ice Break -- Ready

•Newport, RI's, Nathaniel Tanner checked in to let us know his new video, Pay Your Way, will be in surf shops soon under FQSClabel Productions. The flick treats viewers to a unique visual journey throughout lesser-known locales of New England, as well as the Outer Banks and Costa Rica--guided by skilled riders like Justin Casey, Brian Burns, Freddy James, Karl Detter, Aaron Cormican, Brad Hirsch, Mark Healey, and Mike Parsons. Anyone with questions regarding Pay Your Way can call Nate at 401-226-2994, or e-mail him at FQSCLabel@hotmail.com. Also, look for www.FQSCLabel.com to launch soon, and a future review of the video in ESM's Peepshow.

•And speaking of New England flicks, Hampton, NH's, Joe Carter released his latest film highlighting the Northeastern surf experience titled Project Swich. With quality Red Bull Ice Break coverage and footage of lesser-seen New England gems, this one's definitely worth a watch. Check the website at www.varcityproductions.moonfruit.com, or call Joe at 603-929-1709 for ordering instructions.

•New Haven, CT's, Jon "B&M" Nast enjoyed his first Florida sojourn in late fall to visit ESM Ass(ociate) Ed Mike Fish. In the short span of three days, Ed Ass (Fish) was determined to give Nast the full Central Florida experience. So from Titusville to Sebastian--in between stuffing their faces at esteemed local eateries The Baja Grill and Longdoggers--the two charged toe-slappers at Second Light, peeped the many interesting species of wildlife at Boardwalk, dodged imp beans and franks at Playlinda, and angled elusive snook at the riverside Melbourne Beach Pier. Next time, Nast's obviously considering Disney World.

•Newport, RI-based artist Mike Montanaro checked in to let us know his website is full of enticing treats--authentic T-shirts, original artwork, and quality prints--all available online. Give it a click at www.montanarodesigns.com.

Mike DeTemple Senior -- Dugan

•New York's favorite psycho charger Brendan McGill was seen back in action this season on Hawaii's North Shore doing what he does best: pulling into massive Pipe and Backdoor--even when the locals want nothing to do with it. Now that's da kine of New York state of mind we're talking about! Good on ya, Brendan.

•On November 29th, the ESA reported "monster surf" for its 2nd Annual ESA Holiday Surfabout, while many competitors called it the biggest waves they had ever ridden at Narragansett Town Beach in a contest. And we're not talking huge and perfect, but large, closed-out, and frigid. Big props go out to the surfers who flocked from five states to compete for prizes and trophies, and brave the challenging conditions to surf in the district's last rated contest of the season. Standout performances were shown by Hull, MA's, Steve Hassett, Narragansett, RI's, Johnny Sousa, South Kingstown, RI's, Kevin Langevin, and Lincoln, RI's, Angela Milas. In team competition, Narragansett's Gansett Juice Surf Team topped the field--led by Peter Pan, John Sousa, Kitty Pechet, and Janice Causey, while the Bishop Hendricken High School Surf Team, led by Angela Milas, took the School division. For full contest results, turn to page 136.

•The final Red Bull Ice Break qualifiers went off during meaty swells and blizzards in Maine and Long Island during late November and early December. Congratulations to those who advanced to the Main Event. Just keep flipping to this issue's Down the Line on page 128 for the full story, and stay tuned to www.redbullicebreak.com for updates on the most exciting contest the Northeast's ever seen--not actually occuring in the Northeast, but Nova Scotia.

•In a final, very sad note to end the year on, Eastern Surf sends out our most hearfelt condolences to longboard pro Mike DeTemple, and the entire DeTemple family, on the passing of Mike DeTemple, Senior this past December here in Central Florida. The 51-year-old Mike Sr. was a longtime surfer before back problems took him from the lineup. A New York native, Mr. DeTemple was returned home to Lindenhurst, Long Island for memorial services, and then his ashes were paddled out to sea at Montauk by son Mike for one last ride. May old acquaintances never be forgotten. Compiled by Mike Fish

MA BLAHS

Joe Cheshire -- Johnson

•Zach's back... it's a fact! Nate Thompson--older brother of Wrightsville Beach, NC, shredder Zach Thompson (the star of videographer Joe Cheshire's flick, Alluvium)--reports his little bro's foot is finally on the mend after he broke it at the January 2003 Orlando Surf Expo, and the Hurley rider's been blowing up harder than ever. The Thompson siblings hit Barbados on December 26th to celebrate and get Zach back on the celluloid program with Cheshire, and more importantly, keep him away from further Surf Expo shenanigans.

•Manasquan, NJ's, Inlet Outlet is opening a new store in March in Long Branch, NJ, and Inlet Cultist Adam Holloway will serve as head shop guy in charge.

•Chris Shanahan at K-Coast Surf Shop, Maryland's largest surf shop since 1989, is planning ahead and announces the following job opportunities for the 2004 summer season: Sales Staff--currently comprised of mostly local high school and Salisbury State University students, K-Coast also needs persons who can work weekends in the off season and be available to work at least through Labor Day 2004. Those interested must also be able to work all summer long with no scheduled time off of more than three consecutive days in the summer. Please send a resume in January or February 2004 if you'd like to apply for a sales position. Do not e-mail about a job. Send a resume and call to set up an interview.

•Gotta do this sooner or later, might as well be sooner. We're aware that Right Coast women inspected our Wahine Issue (Vol.12, #92) like entomologists looking for mites on cheese, and here are some of the less forgivable blemishes we made: In the East Coast Wahine Championships story, the trophy shot (page 66) was taken by North Carolina photographer Ken Blevins, not Kim Stokes; the Mimi Munro (page 67) shot by Blevins, not Tyler Miller; the Barbara Corey (page 67) shot by Blevins, not John Sutton; the Sarah Hoffert (page 67) shot by Blevins, not Sutton; and the Jo Pickett (page 67) shot by Blevins, not Sutton. Also, in the Wahine East feature, on page 46, the gal in the lower lefthand corner is Dana Prairie, not Dana Perry. Finally, on page 52, the photo of Lauren Hill is yet another Blevins shot that's credited to Sutton. Big apologies to Ken for the mix-up, and let this be a lesson to all photogs: In the future, when submitting digital images, please label each individual file. Please. Hey we're good, but we're not psychic.

Adam Holloway -- Cresitello

•Jesse Hines is one sexy beast. No really, the humble Outer Banker just finished shooting for a new Polo women's fragrance ad after knocking out a gig for the Abercrombie and Fitch catalog, on top of modeling for a Ralph Lauren ad in Time Magazine. As Jesse put it in a recent "Hot Seat" interview with Surfer Magazine (January 2004), "you've gotta make money somehow." This begs the question--will male model suddenly outdo slumlord as the #1 future career path of pro surfers?

•Ron Butler reported that Eastern Edge Surf & Sound had a rather interesting week in early November. First, two girls working at their Jacksonville, NC, store got held up at gunpoint, the culprit escaping with $248. Then, the very next day, a little old lady rammed her car through the front windows of their New Bern, NC, location. ESM sends the Edge crew a rabbit's foot, heaps of four-leaf clovers, and a couple of 1/2-inch sheets of leftover hurricane plywood for some better luck in 2004.

•Attention lazy Delmarvians: Now you can score a killer, brand-new wetsuit for the upcoming '04 winter swells without even leaving your house. That's right, Harry Wilson of Dewey Beach, DE's, Dewey Beach Surf & Sport has made available on their shop website, www.surfdewey.com, Body Glove and Xcel wetsuits. Just log on, pick your style and color, and the suit will be delivered directly to your door quicker than you can say, "Dude, can you give me a zip?"

•Longtime Reef rider Ben Bourgeois split with Quiksilver to sign a three-year contract with Reef Apparel, according to Virginia Beach, VA-based rep Brad Beach. Ben is the first athlete of international acclaim to sign with Reef Apparel, which will hit stores in early spring '04. Brad drove down to Wrightsville Beach, NC, to join Benny and the WB crew for a celebration dinner. Rumor has it he's planning to tackle the WQS full-on in 2004 to get back on the 'CT where he belongs.

•Ten-year-old Virginia surfer Kate Easton wasted no time racking up the results this year, placing first in the Junior Women's Longboard final at the Florida State Surfing Championships, second in the same division at the ECSC, and winning last year's Girls Shortboard final in VB's Betty of the Jetty contest.

It's Ben Bourgeois, Not Ben Dover! Benny wishing these were Reef Girls. -- Beach

•Just a reminder: If you make a donation to Garden State legend and Hodgkin's Disease victim Dean Randazzo's foundation, the Dean Randazzo Cancer Foundation (DRCF), you'll be supporting others with cancer who are without health insurance or cannot afford to pay medical bills--like Hawaiian pro Jason Bogle, who's been diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, a tough but beatable form of cancer--all the while raising money for cancer research. Go to www.deanrandazzocancerfoundation.org to make an online contribution. Every bit counts. The amount being donated to the Jason Bogle Fund on behalf of the DRCF is $12,000, most of which was raised during Dean's Surf For A Cause contest.

•In November, Jason Borte made his signing debut for Pipe Dreams, which he ghost-wrote for Kelly Slater, at Borders Bookstore in Virginia Beach. Of course, the books were in such high demand that the store ran out of copies during the two-hour signing and had to scramble to find 200 more.

•Borte also alerted us to the fact that Red Bull Ice Break Main Event qualifier Steven Owens now rides for Pride Surfboards, 17th Street Surf Shop, and Quiksilver.

•In other Quik news, The Quiksilver Caribbean Crossing took New Jersey teamer Frankie Walsh, as well as Central Floridian Robert Rohmann, aboard what was formerly the Indies Trader ship to explore several untapped regions around Guadeloupe. Look for updates on their adventures in future issues of Eastern Surf.

•And speaking of Frank, he and fellow Garden State pro Sam Hammer are tripping about the surf they caught up in Maine with Surfing Photographer DJ Struntz this fall. Be sure to pick up next issue of Eastern Surf (Vol.13, #95) to get the full story on the trio's late-autumn adventure.

"No Honey, That's Just Jason Borte." -- Beach

•In other blahs, local gnar-gnar bands ASG and Valiant Thorr have been absolutely crushing the New Hanover bar scene lately, according to Electric/ Pride voice of reason Jon Gilleland. Jon also formally welcomes new Electric flow recipient--ASG mascot Mark Moye (aka Ricky Menhaden or Maniac). Finally, Jon wants to officially congratulate Emerald Isle, NC, Pride rider Erik Schub for finishing 3rd at the 2003 Easterns. Turn to page 72 for the complete lowdown on the premier amateur surfing event on the Right Coast.

•Who knew that Virginia Beach, VA, ripper Pete Collier now lives in Santa Cruz, CA? We sure as hell didn't. But thanks to mag pal Kelly White, who's heading out there to visit Pete this winter, we were kept in the loop. Thanks, Kelly, and best of luck out there on the left coast, Pete.

•The Maryland and Delaware Chapter of Christian Surfers United States sponsored a December 2nd boardbuilding seminar at Northside Park Community Room, in Ocean City, MD, featuring local shaper of 30 years Jon Ashton. For further information call 302-537-6287 or e-mail christiansurfers@hightidebaptist.org.

•Thanks to Volcom powers-that-be Tony Lincoln, Sean Ollice and Daniel Terry, Kill Devil Hills, NC, Wave Shack teamrider Jeremy Peters just picked up a flow deal with the Stone.

•Pat Stublen and Brian Townsend, visionaries behind the hugely successful Destined For Second vid, and ESeMMIES Video of the Year recipients (see page 104) are at it again--and without the "help" of Swirl Films. Their next release, Back To The Front, is scheduled to hit the streets in August, and will include all the usual suspects plus footage of Dylan Graves and Sam Hammer in Barbados and all the Outer Banks gnarlers in Indonesia, Hawaii, and home. Compiled by Matt Pruett

SE BLAHS

Wilder TV

•After dazzling the crowd at November's Quiksilver King Of The Peak, Palm Beach Shores, FL, ace and one of this issue's ESM Who Da Guys, Jonathon Gosman, gave us a copy of the South Florida video special, Wilder TV, filmed and edited by Mark Wilder. The 30-minute vid focuses mostly on South Beach Underground talent, and features a special tribute section to dearly departed Miami surfer Jimmy Pepe. To obtain a copy of Wilder TV, call Mark at 305-860-5843.

•Daytona Beach, FL's, Colin Tary gave us a holla' to get the word out about Ponce Inlet local Trey Edwards, who's currently studying photography at New York University. Trey just bought his first water housing, so it'll be interesting to see what kind of Long Island images he can come up with this winter, provided the Floridian can adjust to the 30-degree water temperature difference.

•In other Daytona deets, Stan Dorfman reported a great turnout at his restaurant, Pasta Cafe, on November 13th for former Daytona Beach boy and acclaimed Surfing photographer Pete Frieden's new movie Bounty Hunters. Attendees also enjoyed Hawaiian plate-style dinners and Foster's beer specials.

•Congrats to Central Florida contest terror Matt Sabatino on a stellar run this year. Matt finished the season rated first in the Explorer Boys division of the NSSA Southeast Conference as well as first in the Boys division of the ESA-CFL District. He ended his '03 tear with a win in the Groms ranks at the Volcom Totally Crustaceous Tour Seacow Series comp, held at Sebastian Inlet on December 7th.

•St. Augustine, FL-based Podium Distribution (DVS, Matix, and Lakai) rep Ryan Langhorne is now also heading up sales for Dan Taylor Surfboards, and he's stoked to announce the newest DT teamriders from St. Auggie: ESM staff scribe Zander Morton, Jon Barclay, and Chris Ropero. Ryan also went on to tell us that Matix Clothing just picked up Ropero, the newly christened ESA Junior Men's champ, as their first Florida surfer.

•Chuck Barnes of the ESA-Alabama District wishes to thank the following sponsors of their second contest of the season: Red Bull, Blonde Johns Surf & Skate, Days Inn, Sunchasers Beach Service, Stephen Reis, and Blalock Seafood, as well as the judges for the event--Steve Burrow, Camille Folsom, Dave Brown, Gordon Stringfellow, Austin Macks, and AJ Giles.

•In other Alabama news, despite doctors being negative about his injury from the beginning, former North Shore resident Lou Watt--a 47-year-old Mobile, AL-based quadriplegic who suffered a spinal cord injury from an automobile accident in the late 1980's--was able to, with the help of his family and friends, return to Hawaii this year to visit old friends like Pipeline legend Rory Russell while checking out the Pu'uo Mahuka Heiau State Monument overlooking Waimea Bay--an inspirational return, indeed.

Lou Watt (L) and Rory Russell (R) -- Photo: Courtesy Watt

•Surf starlet Karina Petroni was recently spotted on the beaches of Miami's art deco district with fashion photographer Scott Teitler, best known for his covershots on Seventeen Magazine, YM, Ocean Drive, Preview, and Spectrum, and helping to launch supermodel Nikki Taylor's career. Karina was also snapped by Cosmopolitan photographer and former model Beth Studenberg. Ooh la la... Despite all the attention on Karina in both the modeling and surf worlds, she maintains that she will not turn pro for at least another year to gain additional experience in the professional and amateur realms, which might spell serious trouble for ESA and NSSA hopefuls.

•Central Florida longboarder Mike DeTemple returned from a fall trip to Mexico with Dangvu Media to film a segment for owner Andy Dangvu's next movie project. Mikey claimed catching sick surf with Santa Ana winds at Punta Abreojos and Quatros Casas, in between surfing heats at Leo Carrillo for The Shoreline-Wireless Noseriding Championships, where he won the first-place trophy and a trip to Hawaii. One of his waves lasted a full 22 seconds, earning him the "Longest Noseride." DeTemple also won the Men's final--a successful surf excursion, to say the least.

•McKevlin's Surf Shop and the whole Folly Beach, SC, surf community offers their deepest prayers for Joe Hiller, who's battling a brain tumor. Joe's friends organized a benefit comp called Joe's Longboard Contest to raise money for Hiller. Log on to www.sscesa.com/jhlbclassic.html for more on that turnout.

•Longtime Volcom rider Nick Guilarte parted ways with the Stone crew in November to sign with ...Lost, who will fund his '04 WQS endeavors. While Nick is very excited about the new deal, he wishes to express his most sincere thanks to the Veeco gang for all their help over the years. Volcom, meanwhile, resigned Kyle Garson, one of their original posterboys from the early '90s, after a three-year-long split. And they wasted no time getting Garson on the program, sending him on a Fiji boat trip to film for Potent Films' Snapt 2. It's good to see Beaker on a full ride again, as he's surfing and living better than ever.

Kyle Garson -- Gregg

•And while we're talking about new Stone sponsorships, we might as well mention that 13-year-old Fernandina, FL, grom Sean Poynter is the newest Volcom kid in the North Florida area.

•Deerfield Beach, FL, Split/ Ocean & Earth rider Matt Oberman called to let us know he just acquired his real estate license, and he'll celebrate his new vocational status with a trip to South Africa this March with fellow Island Water Sports teamer Cheyne Cottrell.

•Glenn "Vader" Hawks has some board news for y'all: Mark Tolan of Trinity Projects/ AST in San Diego came through the Sunshine State this past year to set up several shops with his DHP Resin, stopping at NXTC Surfboards in Brandon and Ocean Sports World in Cocoa Beach, before finally spending some time at Hawks Surf Glass--the home of BAT Surfboards, the first major East Coast label to offer the system. BAT and Vader are currently testing boards along with South Floridian pros Peter Mendia and Jason Apparicio, as well as Brevard talents Robbie Blevins, Tommy O'Brien, and Mark Dawson.

•Melbourne Beach grom phenom and ESM Ocean Avenue Kingpin Eddie Guilbeau just signed with Rusty. All we can say is, "Siiiiick!"

•Gulf Coast surfer Micah Weaver has a bunch of new late-season shots on his website, www.aurasurf.com, so check 'em out if you're fiddling online.

Glenn "Vader" Hawks (L) and Mark Tolan (R) -- Photo Courtesy: Vader

•In other web news, Texas informant Brent Thrash reported joining a crew of Corpus Christi surfers over Thanksgiving weekend to chase a cold front. Thrash claims some pretty engaging photos can be viewed on the website, www.gscottimaging.com. Choose "windowed mode," and link to the pictures through the entry at the top of the page.

•University of North Florida Surf Team rider and Quiksilver Boardriders employee Nick Freeman reports their newly revived team won their very first contest. So far the team has Whisnant Surfboards, Quiksilver Boardriders Club in Jax, and Ponte Vedra Surf Shop supporting them.

•Fort Lauderdale, FL's, Roray Kam spent 15 days in New Zealand with a film crew in October shooting surfing, snowboarding, and a documentary on the Maori culture with the Drums of Polynesia. Kam then shuffled over to Costa Rica in November and won the Senior Men's Longboard division at the Senior Surf Classic in Jaco Beach. Now Roray's back home organizing beach cleanups for students to get their community service hours, which are now required to graduate from high school.

•The 4th Annual Tommy Tant Memorial Scholarship Surf Contest was a huge success. Over 100 contestants arrived in Flagler Beach for the comp, raising $2400 for the scholarship fund. Big thanks to the companies who sponsored the event: Gidget, Local Motion, and Surfco Hawaii.

•A few Florida groms are turning a lot of heads lately, namely ours. First, 14-year-old Ormond Beach Da Hui/ T&C Surfboards teamrider Tyler Crawford sent ESM an eye-opening self-promo video showcasing his surf and skate skills (the kid's hot), and then 14-year-old Merritt Islander, Cocoa Beach Surf Company's Jimmy Walker, sent us word of his accomplishments. Both gremmies compete frequently in the ESA, NSSA, and FSA and are honor roll students. Nipping right at Walker and Crawford's heels, though, is five-year-old (!!!) Luke Marks from Pompano Beach, FL. Luke started surfing a year ago at his homebreak, Hillsboro Inlet, and has already acquired sponsorship from Surf World. He also swims competitively and is a sponsored motocross rider for Team Miner, out of Stuart, FL. Watch out for all three of these youngsters ripping at a beachbreak near you. Compiled by Matt Pruett

MFE BLAHS

Robert August (L), Wingnut (M), and Sam August (R) Playing a Costa Rican Drinking Game called "Whoever has the loudest Hawaiian shirt on drinks." -- Dugan

•Along with owning almost every other professional accolade in the sport, King Kelly Slater adds another honor to his belt as pro surfing's first seven-figure earner. Yup, over a million bucks in lifetime prizemoney. Get the full scoop on Florida Today's surfing section at www.flatoday.com.

•Costa Rican expat/ writer Allan Weisbecker checked in, seeking the surf community's help. Upon receiving an e-mail from a distraught mother whose son, Mike Rhine, is missing, last seen in Guatemala, Weisbecker launched a networking search through his Down South Perspective newsletter. E-mail Allan through his website at www.aweisbecker.com to aid in finding Mike if you have any information regarding his whereabouts. We could save someone's life here.

•The DVS Girls line for Summer/ Fall 2004 will offer a variety of footwear for all ages and lifestyles. Visit www.dvsshoes.com for more.

•Rhode Island Surfrider Chapter reminded us to give out those belated holiday gifts--and contribute to the ocean while we're at it. If you make your purchases online, remember www.forsociety.com. Not only can you shop from hundreds of leading brands, such as Barnes & Noble, Best Buy, eBay, Old Navy, and 1-800-Flowers, but a portion of each purchase goes directly to Surfrider. Simply log on to the website, select Surfrider Foundation as your charity of choice, and shop.

•Robert August recently became a client of Peter "PT" Townend's new brand consultancy company, The ActivEmpire, Inc. The RA crew, including Robert August, Jay Evilsizor, David Tashjian, Sam August, Bill Whiddon, and Robert "Wingnut" Weaver made the decision in October, with the interest of consolidating the Robert August "Experience" of traditional polyester surfboards, SurfTech models, surfwear, and accessories into a coordinated in-store and marketing effort in 2004. On the sales front, Gary Mykles and John Elliott will attack for RA at the next round of industry shows starting with January's Orlando Surf Expo.

Rights for Sale, Scorpion Bay -- McGovern

•Kudos to Hoven Eyewear rep Chad Navarro, who stepped it up to take the Global Sales Manager position at Hoven.

•Deep condolences travel across the Atlantic to Ireland for the family and friends of waverider Colin Smyth, who passed away on November 15th. Colin will be greatly missed in the Irish surfing community, but his wonderful memories will live on forever.

•Bangaray Surfboards will unveil a new board at the Orlando Surf Expo--dubbed ultra high performance. Many of the shaping features have been used before, but Bangaray believes the unique design combination will provide a ride unlike any other. For more info on this endeavor call 610-405-5279 or e-mail mike@bangaray.com.

•Best get well soon wishes go to Hawaii's talented wahine hopeful Bethany Hamilton. Bethany lost her arm to a 12-foot tiger shark while surfing Tunnels on Kauai's north coast. Local lifeguards and surfers were awed by Bethany's strong water sense and positive outlook, which helped her get through the traumatic ordeal. Bethany sends out thanks for the flooding international support--she received over 7000 e-mails from people around the world pledging support and sending warm wishes. And ESM sends Bethany thanks for all the inspiration and courage she has provided to the world surf community. Her sponsor, Rip Curl, pledges to continue supporting Bethany and her family--and a fund has been set up for her benefit. Send all checks and money orders directly to: Friends of Bethany Hamilton, 1st Hawaiian Bank, Lihue Branch, 4423 Rice Street, Lihue, HI 96766. For more on Bethany's recovery and fundraising details, log on to www.bethanyhamilton.com.

•Our man in Rhode Island, Joe McGovern, has possibly the real estate investment of the year involving choice lots for sale overlooking Baja, Mexico's, fabled Scorpion Bay and its Pavones-like rights. Joe Mac's fellow New Englander and Scorp's aficionado, Tom Walsh has all the pertinent info regarding the land and it's seller, so e-mail him at email808@yahoo.com. What we do know is the parcels are oceanfront, three quarters of an acre, and "going for less than the price of an SUV," according to Joe. Sounds like a solid deal to us for a perfect, 1/2-mile-long ride for a frontyard.

•The Bettybelts team will embark on an all-girls surf trip along the California coast in the Betty Bus--a fully restored shiny red '61 Corvair Greenbrair. Owner Donna von Hoesslin will hit the road with Bettybelts teamriders in a quest for waves, pictures, and memories. The Bettybelts Team consists of Mary Osborne, Liz Hess, Anna Garaway, and Kayleigh Winslow. The team also plans to produce a mini documentary on the trip that will be aired on their website at www.bettybelts.com. If you'd like to meet up with the ladies during their journey, call Donna at 831-239-5259 to make arrangements.

Eric Geiselman -- Mez

•Jack Meyer, rep for Dragon and Local Motion sends thanks out to Faria's Surfshops in Long Beach Island, NJ, and everyone who helped make things possible for the Dragon/ Local Motion Surf Camp that drew over 80 people.

•Brian Katz, from the San Diego Surfrider Chapter, has been promoting the chapter's ongoing campaign to attack cigarette litter. Pearl Jam graciously donated an autographed, beautifully crafted twinzer fish by Kane Garden, for auction. Proceeds from the fine stick's auction benefited the Surfrider campaign as well as the Chrone's and Colitis Foundation of America. For more details, please go to www.surfridersd.org or www.kanegarden.com.

•The Ambiguous Surf Team proudly announces two new additions: California's Russell Smith, and Florida's CT Taylor. Ambiguous also sends a shout out to Jesse Evans, who just signed a two-year extension deal.

•Calling all online fantasy sports junkies, here's a site to bookmark to your favorites list: Fantasy Surfing. At www.fantasysurfer.com, by using an imaginary $10 million bank account, you can pick a team of eight pro surfers. Then, after picking your initial team, you can trade up to three surfers after each round of the Hawaiian Triple Crown. The trading window closes at the start of each scheduled event. For each round, your team earns points based on your actual performances. Points are awarded using the unique Fantasy Surfing scoring system. Sign-up is free, and plenty of prizes are awarded to top gamers--including an all expenses paid trip to Fiji.

•Sarasota, FL's, Cindy Day is marketing a new invention patented and licensed to transport bodyboards, skimboards, and beach chairs by bicycle. The Bike Hopper attaches to an existing rear mounted bicycle rack with two simple clamps. Additional information is available by calling Cindy at 941-587-2286.

•The Surfrider Foundation is now accepting applications for its $10,000 Thomas Pratte Memorial Scholarship program. It's available to students enrolled in an accredited U.S. college or university for the 2004-2005 academic year who are working towards ocean-related environmental goals. For more info or an application, go to www.surfrider.org or e-mail prattescholarship@surfrider.org.

•Aussie filmmaker legend Jack McCoy's latest film Blue Horizon is in the final stages of production. The film highlights the contrasting lives of Billabong riders Andy Irons and Dave Rastovich, and is scheduled to debut in Australia in January 2004 thru the Jack McCoy Surf Film Festival. Keep up to date with Blue Horizon's status, as Jack sends field reports and updates via his website at www.bluehorizonmovie.com. Also, check out Jack's short film contest at www.jackmccoy.com.

Jeremy Saukel, Like Hot Butta at Sebastian Inlet

•Rip Curl unveiled the world's first 100 percent stitchless boardshorts, STL. The merging of comfort and durability has revolutionized surfwear. ESM strongly attests that the STL is the closest thing out there to surfing naked, without the chafing, of course.

•Sticky Bumps congratulates riders Eric Geiselman and Karina Petroni for winning this year's ESA Easterns.

•Dragon Optical is proud to announce the addition of new territorial reps to their national team: Terry Crovo, Kevin Kosha, Ryan Mangan, Travis Fischer, Scott Smith, Denise Arnett, Adrian Dalalau, and Steve Meidroth. For more information on Dragon Optical visit them on the web at www.dragonoptical.com, or contact Charlie Anderson, sales director, at 1-888-DRAGON-8.

•Congrats to longtime Reef East Coast marketing and promotions manager Jeremy Saukel who recently joined Ben Bourgeois as the mega zapatos and threads manufacturer's second 100 percent "All Reef, All the Time" Right Coast teamer. The Aguerre brothers even allowed "The Weeze" a little wiggle room to be picked up by Hot Buttered Eyewear for 2004. Well, at least until they add sunnies to their fast growing line of top-quality products anyways. Unlike Benny Boo, however, Jerm did not celebrate until the wee-hours after signing his deal since he received a serious fin gash to his noggin while surfing First Peak that same day. We're sure he would have much preferred Benny's tequila-induced headache instead of those 19 staples in his skull.

•Announcing the Billabong Sebastian Inlet Surf Camp, headed up by Bryan Hewitson and Molli Miller. Go to www.sebastianinletsurfcamp.com for more.

•This now officially completes the year 2003's beloved Blah Blah columns, totaling approximately 36,000 words (and 168 accompanying photos) of the juiciest gossip, brutal ass-kissing, press release regurgitation, insider info, pointless innuendo, and rampant speculation. Now we're going surfing for our annual two-week, mid-winter vacation--and you can write about us for a change. You know us, we love a good blahjob as much as the next guy. See you in March. Compiled by Mike Fish

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