Great Lakes Surfer

•From the hardest of the hardcore department, the Great Lakes surfing community has gathered a notable amount of publicity lately--from mainstream appearances in magazines and TV shows to a big screen role in Dana Brown's acclaimed Step Into Liquid. But to really capture the true essence of the Lakes rider, you must enter their freshwater world. And one good place to gain access without donning a 6/4 wetsuit and clamping on snow chains is the Great Lakes Surfer. Within its grassroots 'zine-style pages--only three issues old--you'll find an abundance of frosty, underrated potential as well as a warm swell of unbridled stoke. Geoffrey Taylor, President of the Great Lakes Surfing Association (GLSA), produces and edits the publication with the help of designer and reporter Dave "Tiki" Hansen and reporter Chris Henke. The recently released issue "Hazy Shade of Winter 2003" covers a variety of subject matter including contests, local interviews, photo features, artist profiles, community calendars, environmental news, and a wealth of additional information. Webmaster Craig Kemnitz also brings the Lakes mission to the internet with www.lakesurf.com and www.greatlakesurfing.com. For more information, or to contribute to the Great Lakes Surfer, e-mail Taylor at geof@greatlakesurfing.com.

•Maine-based ESM Photographer Justin Lamkin escaped the brutal Northeastern winter for some Aloha spirit in Hawaii, where he met up with several top Right Coasters charging Oahu's fabled North Shore. Stay tuned for more on that endeavor in future issues of Eastern Surf.

Jack Fleming -- Mez

•Be sure to peep New York photog Bob Alexander's website at www.wildcatrecordsny.com, which showcases Long Island surfing from a local's perspective.

•Although much of the Northeast was full of complaints regarding the lack of waves and sub-polar conditions, some managed to share a few positive memories of the cold season. Rhode lsland boys Curt Niles and Jamie Risser escaped the winter waiting period to score a reeling righthand point near Narragansett--and photographer Bob Johnson captured all the action with his new weapon, the coveted 600 mm autofocus dream lens.

•In other off-the-coast news, Kyle Stock, cofounder and vice-president of the Ohio University Surf Club, checked in to update us on the new club's progress. Started last spring, the OUSC holds weekly meetings and plans special campus events. There are currently 110 wave-starved Midwesterner Ohio U. members--and the numbers are growing with every swell. Some of the scheduled events include a lecture and slideshow by '70s pro Kelly Rhodes and a spring boardshaping seminar. Along with on-campus digs, the group has also taken much-needed sojourns to Lake Erie, New Jersey, and North Carolina's Outer Banks. Stay up to date with the crew online at www.groups.yahoo.com/group/ousurfclub.

•In conjunction with a Blue Water Task Force action, samples were collected in the middle of the Rhode Island winter at six prime surfing breaks along the South County and Newport shorelines. The University of Rhode Island's School of Oceanography reported very clean water at most spots, but Newport's First Beach and Narragansett's Monahan's Dock--while still under the official polluted marks--showed room for improvement. Dave Prescott, of Save the Bay and Surfrider Foundation, sends big thanks out to everyone who made the testing possible, and plans to schedule more collections before the summer crowds set in.

•In other environmental news, representatives from the Department of Environmental Management, the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation, the Eastern Surfing Association, and Surfrider Foundation, planned a joint Rhode Island Earth Day Clean-up to take place on April 24th. Last year's clean-up brought in 6,000 pounds of beach trash. Interested volunteers can contact the ESA's Peter Pan at bicsurf@hotmail.com. Also, visit the Earth Day website at www.riearthday.com.

Massage Therapy by Jaimee Wirtenson -- Dugan

•Dan Hassett of the South Shore of Massachusetts just returned from a much needed week in Puerto Rico and is now riding for team Body Glove and Time Bomb Surfboards.

•According to longtime Great Lakes informant Magilla Schaus, a hot rumor is flying that The Today Show, which runs weekday mornings on NBC, is interested in taping a segment that features Sheboygan, WI's, Larry "Longboard" Williams styling at The Elbow. Now that makes one chilling morning TV story worth viewing.

•Keep your eyes peeled for the May release of New York rider Michael Dweck's photo book, The End: Montauk, NY. The book is 182 pages (11" X 14") with 160 thoughtful duotone photos and 15 stunning color shots. Dweck's work was previously placed in the permanent collection at The Museum of Modern Art in New York City, and he also earned his first solo exhibit at Sotheby's in New York. For more information on The End: Montauk, NY, e-mail jnapp@abramsbooks.com.

•Cape Cod, MA's, ESA contest staple Marc Angelillo and the Massachusetts Surfrider Chapter are working hard to start up a new Cape Cod chapter. Angelillo was recently named ESA's Competition Director for Massachusetts. With the help of Carol Tobian, Marc also helped Surfrider throw a few solid fundraising bashes during the end of January at the Rattlesnake Bar & Grill in downtown Boston. Many thanks go out to all who made it possible including The Rattlesnake Bar & Grill, The Underground, Wear & Tear Surf Shop, Patagonia, Quiksilver, Stowe, Red Bull, ESA, Red Bull Ice Break organizer Jack Fleming, and videographer Joe Carter. For more information, dial into www.surfrider.org/Massachusetts or www.sne.surfesa.org.

The End

•Former Strong Islander rippah-turned-ESM Publisher Tom Dugan embarked on his annual winter sojourn to Costa Rica with ESM Art Director Brennan Smith, NY transplant Tom Krawczyk, and Gulf Coaster Jack Flannigan. There, the tres amigos met up with ESM Associate Editor Mike Fish and Australian bloke Brendan Abbott. Between enjoying the infinite number of quality warm-water waves, meeting up with ex-pat buddies like Charlie Kuhn, Johnny Futch, and Jim Hogan, and rounding out the day's events at the prestigious Jaco Beach Beetle Bar, the boys had a full docket of activities--and returned home surfed, tan, rested, and ready to tackle the rest of 2004. The crew sends out huge thanks to the welcoming spirit of the Costa Rican people as well as everyone who made the trip run smoothly--especially Regis Jupinko, the staff at the Hotel Del Terraza Pacifico, John "The Beast From the East" Logan, and the Tamarindo-based crew at the Playa Grande Inn.

•Also in Empire State/ Costa news, if you find yourself a little sore and knotted after an unforgiving session, Massage Therapy by Jaimee is just what the shorebreak ordered. Jaimee, a New York native with a licensed practice in Jaco Beach, will help maximize your recovery time to help you stay in the water longer and bash those lippers stronger. Call her at 506-843-8370 or 506-843-2756 to make an appointment.

•Top ESA New England Men's competitor, Zachary Priest, led the Bishop Hendricken Swimming Team to the Rhode Island State crown in February. Competitive animal Priest won the 200-Yard Individual Medley, the 100-Yard Butterfly, and was a member of the winning teams in the 400-Yard Freestyle Medley Relay and the 200-Yard Medley Relay. As ESA New England Director Peter Pan proudly professed, "Give respect where it's due!"

•Long Island son Josh Kolenik let us know that his band Slowlands is making some noise recently. Josh and bandmates--Joe Baptista, Ryan Heyner, and Michael Hamilton--can be seen at stellar venues around Manhattan exhibiting a diverse sound, with stated influences from The Cure to Dismemberment Plan. Be sure to keep an eye on them at www.slowlands.com.

•17-year-old Nova Scotia surfer Chris Wagner checked in to make sure we were keeping up with (his) results on www.surfns.com. Give it a click to get a solid glimpse into the Canadian Maritimes competitive surf scene. Also, check out ESM's one-of-a-kind coverage this issue on the 2004 Red Bull Ice Break that hit one of Nova Scotia's reeling points during a blustering, overhead winter swell on page 66, or go to www.easternsurf.com to see the story on the web, and view an expanded photo gallery. Bitchin', eh? ­Compiled by Mike Fish

Shaun Tomson Freesurfing Circa '77 -- Mez

•ESM sends our warmest wishes out to Puerto Rican diva Barbie Graves, who gave birth to 7 lb. 5 oz. Trevor Wade on February 9th. And we're sure bros Dylan and Josie can't wait until Trevor gets his water legs to start mixing it up with them in the lineup.

•Cocoa Beach, FL, legend Mike Tabeling will open Surf School Tabeling to serve all of Brevard County. Individual and group rates are available, and summertime surf camps will be in session. Call Mike at 321-784-2436 or e-mail surfschool@aol.com for more information.

•Siren Surfboards and Apparel's Jenni Flanigan told us the classic flick Free Ride will be playing at West Palm Beach, FL's, Carefree Theatre on March 18th at 8:00 pm. Oh, and did we mention that the star of the film, the legendary Shaun Tomson, is going to be there, too? Visit www.surfriderpbc.org/freeride.html for details--and www.sirensurf.com for information on Siren Surf.

•Indo Board creator Hunter Joslin recently returned from the ISPO European Surf Expo in Munich, Germany. According to Joslin, the Indo Board drew more local media coverage than any of the 1691 exhibitors. And while that's great for his business, Hunter admitted that his calf muscles were sore, as he hardly stepped off the demonstration board for the majority of the four days. "The show attendees were fascinated by the numerous possibilities the Indo Board presented towards improving sports performance across the wide range of athletic pursuits practiced in Europe," Joslin commented.

•Chuck Carter, former Florida rep for G&S, Aleeda, and Mambo, launched Dreamtime, which produces surfboards, skimboards (both wood and exclusive honeycomb core epoxy), T-shirts, and authentic artwork. Call Dreamtime at 386-426-2436, and keep your eye out for rep Michael Ferguson making his rounds.

•Shane Levi Gould wanted to give shout-outs to a few members of Fuel Clothing's surf team who've been making tracks lately--Jacksonville, FL's, Jason Motes and Jupiter, FL's, Carl Baker.

•Charleston, SC, surfer David Carson recently released his latest hardcover design compilation, Trek. Give the book a look for Carson's trademark mind-blowing layouts, abstract wave imagery, plus essays by surf journalists Jamie Brisick and Drew Kampion.

Heidi Drazich -- Miso Hornay

•After logging in solid travel time in the Caribbean, Ormond Beach, FL's, super wahine Falina Spires signed with Utopia.

•Cocoa Beach, FL's, Kim Couture let us know that Optic Flare's website, www.opticflare.com, features a plethora of quality images and information about the company's surf team. Give it a click.

•Central Florida surfer Shoichi Shiraiwa's take-out sushi joint, Haul Some Sushi, hosted a Breezeway Festival on February 28th at his 854 Highway A1A location (about a quarter mile north of the Indialantic Boardwalk). The small, outdoor festival featured a number of sushi specials and live music, while local artist Damien Share painted on-site to display some of his current works. Shoichi (pronounced "So Itchy") is planning another shindig soon, so call him at 321-722-3456 for more information--or to place an order.

•Plumeria/ Dick Brewer Surfboards East Coast rep Mike Manzi reported an excellent response to the expanded Plumeria Surfboards line at the 2004 Orlando Surf Expo this January. Mike recently relocated to the Gulf Coast, and Plumeria aims to greatly expand the distribution of Brewer designs in the Southeast. If you're a shop in need of quality boards with a solid reputation and tradition, contact Manzi at 813-910-4510.

•Smith Optics proudly announced the addition of 2001 ASP World Champ CJ Hobgood. Ceej joins a winning roster that includes Eastside pros Asher Nolan and Ian Parnell.

•South Florida Blue Earth Surfboards teamer Shea Miller wanted to make sure everyone knows how to get their own custom Blue Earth stick at an unbelievable price. Call 561-588-9600.

•Melbourne Beach, FL's, George "Surfguy" Jones will host more surf movies in Ryckman Park (at the river side of Ocean Avenue), starting on March 13th. The films start around dusk, and concessions will be sold. Check out www.surfguyssurf.com for updates.

•Tampa Bay, FL's, AAi. FosterGrant, Inc. and The Lopez Management Team are pleased to announce that Cory Lopez will join NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon on the AAi. FosterGrant Pro Team, under Anarchy Eyewear. Congrats to Cory, who signed the exclusive six-year eyewear endorsement deal.

Jonesers are Stoners -- Mez

•Eastern Surfing Products, Sunrise Surf Shop, and the community of Jacksonville Beach, FL, held a fundraiser at the Ocean Club for local ripper Donnie Gunnerson, who was diagnosed with cancer three years ago. Along with the heavy industry support that Sunrise drew, Paul Phillips from the band Puddle Of Mudd and other musicians turned out to play for the worthy cause.

•Big congrats go out to North Florida photographer Rory Gregg, who recently graduated from Daytona Beach Community College with a 3.0 GPA in Public Relations and Photography.

•The $10,000-plus Quiksilver Jackpot Skins Event will return to Terraza del Pacifico, Costa Rica, on April 23rd-25th. Snapple will co-sponsor the contest, and word has it Roxy is stepping it up for a women's skins event. Speaking of Roxy, 18-year-old Katie McLeod is now representing Roxy and Quiet Flight on the Right Coast. And fellow Roxy rider Heidi Drazich will head to California this spring, and remain there through summer.

•On the departure list, Floridian Quiksilver riders David Awbrey and Skeeter Zimmerman gave the North Shore a go this winter, hanging with Cocoa Beach, FL, native son Petey Boy, aka Flipper Hodgson, to rack up photos with relentless North Shore charger Todd Morcom. And on the arrival list, Bradley Margol just returned from his Hawaiian vacation, where he stayed near Off The Wall with his family.

•And now for something completely differ... well, actually completely normal--new sponsorships! Heading the list are the Jones brothers, Blake and Justin, both of whom switched over from Hurley to Volcom. Joneser (Justin) immediately went to work, joining Outer Banks-based teammates Billy Hume and Martin Fucci on a North Shore mission, before grabbing little brother Blake and hitting up Puerto Rico. Meanwhile, longtime Jones family friend and Sunshine Stater-turned-New York supermodel extrordinaire Ryan "Pickle" Mickelsen got the nod from Ezekiel, along with Jacksonville, FL's, Kyle Jacobus and New Smyrna Beach, FL's, Chad Erikson. Also, Ezekiel welcomes Ponce Inlet locals John and Ashley Brooks as Ezekiel's new men's and juniors sales reps. You can reach them at 386-295-1135.

Cory Lopez -- Gregg

•Did someone say New Smyrna? Well, former ESA Allstar and NSB homegirl Dawn Oliva recently opened a surf bar called the Echo Chamber in NSB. To book parties, Surfrider cleanups, or video premieres, call her at 407-421-7125.

•In case you hadn't heard, Cory and Shea Lopez signed on as the first members of the Surfparks Pro Team. Surfparks LLC aims at being the first park to create perfect, barreling saltwater waves, with plans on debuting in Orlando, FL, in early 2005. Ron Jon Surf Shop entered a licensing agreement with Surfparks LLC to utilize the Ron Jon brand for the Orlando Surfpark. Cory and Shea will use the facilities, which will feature "three new technologies to generate perfect surf in a consistent, controlled environment," as their training base between ASP events. For more, log on to www.surfparks.com.

•Longtime Cocoa Beach, FL, ripper Mason Sapp has taken over the reigns as East Coast Team and Promotions Manager for Globe, where he'll watch over Globe-trotters like Ryan Briggs, Jake Kirschenbaum, Daniel Terry, and Scott Posner. E-mail him at mason@rosenburgsurf.com for inquiries. Mason celebrated his new job by visiting good pal Jason Reagan in Puerto Rico.

•It looks like longtime ESM contributor and ace surf mag senior shooter Kevin Welsh's Surf NRG video tour just got bigger--much bigger, with Poochie's recent purchase of a totally buffed-out, 32-foot-long, Class A National Dolphin RV. Look for the Surf NRG land yacht this summer while Kevin and wife Cindy tour behind the much anticipated Volume 13 of the Surf NRG series. And keep checking future issues of Eastern Surf for all the deets on Welsh's latest production. ­Compiled By Mike Fish and Matt Pruett