ESM

"Hey, this chemical suit works pretty good." David Levy staying dry and warm. - McGovern

•Where were you on March 11th? If this question seems obscure, just visit www.newyorksurf.com, and you'll understand--where you should have been, that is. Unsound Surf Shop owner Mike Nelson and a qualified cast of local chargers scored Long Island winter perfection at its best once again. Give it a look, but remember, "viewing these pictures could be hazardous to your health, especially if you were stuck at work," as Nelson puts it.

•Great Lakes filmmaker Vince Duer is hard at work on his third Great Lakes surfing video titled Unsalted. In contrast to his previous works, Surf Michigan Vol. 1 and Vol. 2, Duer's latest effort will be the first to feature archival footage of Great Lakes waveriding in the 1960's and 1970's--which Unsalted pulled from Duer and local veteran Bob "Aquadoc" Beaton. The film will also feature interviews with important Lake figures like Greg Isaacson from Duluth, MN, and Mike Horton from Marquette, MI. Action highlights include Horton surfing in-between the piers at Port Sheldon during a large cold swell that took place back on November 10th, 1975--the same day a 700-foot freighter known as the Edmund Fitzgerald sank to the bottom of Lake Superior during a horrendous storm that generated 30-foot waves--and there will also be plenty of recently filmed clips from bombing swells at popular spots like Lake Superior's Stoney Point and Lake Michigan's Seul Choix. To view still clips from this video--along with clips from Duer's past work--go to: www.vdpllc.com/picsmain.html.

•Click on www.nesurf.com to get an inside glimpse into the New England wave scene. See local rippers like Connecticut's Greg Echtman and Rhode Island's Charlie Donadio in action--as well as new articles and a solid travel section highlighting locales like Ireland, New Zealand, Tahiti, and Australia.

•Newport, RI-based artist Mike Montanaro posted a bunch of new surf photos on his website--pay extra attention to a macking session in Little Compton. Check them out at www.montanarodesigns.com.

•Huge apologies to Nova Scotia ripper JD Patterson, who we mislabeled Graham Bondt in last issue's Red Bull Ice Break Feature.

JD Paterson -- Mez

•Rockaway Beach, NY's, Mark Temme announced that his documentary on Rockaway surfing, The Rocks, debuted at The Sundance Film Festival. Click on www.guerillaguru.com for more deets.

•Grab your calendars and mark June 21st for the 3rd Annual Big Wheels Mountain Bike contest at Rye Airfield Skatepark in Rye, NH. Rye Airfield sits on 57 acres of land, and has one of the country's largest indoor parks, a 1300-foot-long downhill BMX Super Track, as well as a 25,000 square foot area of dirt jumps. The cash and prize purse is guaranteed to exceed $5000, so pre-register by e-mailing your name, age, hometown, category, and sponsors to info@ryeairfield.com. Event sponsorship opportunities are also still available, so for more information please contact Beau at Rye Airfield at 603-964-2800, ext. 16, or visit www.ryeairfield.com.

•In more Rye Airfield news, the park debuted its video, Transition Heaven, this March. The film is the product of Ramp Camp Director Nels Tooker and his brat pack of wood pushers, filmers, and editors. Transition Heaven was shot mostly onsite at Rye Airfield--but also highlights a number of secret locales. A few of the featured skaters include Rye Airfield's own Ian Davis, Mike Wilson, Nate Willever, Nick Demulder, Stephanie Page, Max Siegel, and Ian Flynn, plus special appearances from top pros.

•From the department of corrections, ESM apologizes for a mix up in last issue's Board Forum on page 85, where we mistook David Levy for his son, Greg.

Robert Moses State Park -- Dugan

•Big Lake Michigan congratulations go out to Rick Boss and his beautiful bride-to-be Sarah Ammen who plan to wed in the fall of 2004. Rick runs the Lake Michigan Surfrider Chapter and serves as a board member on the Lake Michigan Federation (www.lakemichigan.org), which helps keep the lake clean and beautiful. Best wishes to the happy couple.

•Now for the moment you've all been waiting for, this issue's Northeast Blah Blahs Big Balls Award goes to (drum roll)... Connecticut native/ big wave hellman Grant Washburn. At the recent Quiksilver Men Who Ride Mountains contest at Maverick's in Northern California, Washburn snagged an admirable sixth-place finish--after breaking his 10' X 3 1/2" gun in two pieces--in what event winner Darryl "Flea" Virostko later described (after hitting bottom on a late drop) as the some of shallowest Mav's he's ever surfed. Keep up the charge, Grant.
•Narragansett's Jaime Clampitt, budding wahine and wife of Gansett Juice's Ted Pan, is a world champion professional boxer. Clampitt defended her world title March 27th at Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut. For more info on the exciting match, check out www.gansettjuice.com.

•Joe Humenik is the new Northeast rep for The Walker Project and SaltWater Productions--the latter of which just put out the flick Neighborhood Watch, featuring Dean Randazzo, Taylor Knox, and Eric McHenry. Joe is also now handling New England sales for SurfMore XM. He can be reached at 732-600-4673 or j_humenik@yahoo.com.

•Fyasko is looking for a New York rep. Serious candidates interested in working in the surf/ skate/ fashion industries, can contact Fyasko's Mike Murphy at mike@fyasko.com for more information on the opportunity.

"Hi, Sailor!" Ed "Zippy" Arikian -- Dugan

•New York rippers Ryan McGoldrick and Dave Polatty were caught red-handed by the long arm of the law at Robert Moses State Park during a recent snowfall, and both received tickets for "No surfing/ swimming" at the park. Be aware, there are officials that will ticket waveriders for surfing during the winter.

•Lorraine Aromandro is producing a documentary about "surfing localism." Aromandro stated she aims to present the issue without bias, while presenting the voices of many surfers. Among her interviews, she will speak to Peter Pan and his daughter Tricia, as well as California legend Robert August. For more information about the film, contact Lorraine at LA@chs.mcvsd.org.

•Long Island-based photographer Barb Baker reported a sizeable showing of students and parents from West Islip's St. John the Baptist DHS Surf Club on the beaches at Rincon, Puerto Rico in February. Under club moderator Ed "Zippy" Arikian's watchful eye, the crew took full advantage of the idyllic setting. Baker also grabbed the opportunity to shoot the veteran riders--namely Arikian, Emmit Shine, and Bob Brandt ripping at Maria's. Also sighted in Rincon were Charlie and Janet Bunger, who enjoyed first-class hospitality at Jimmy Behr's Pelican Estate Inn. And close by at Steps, New Jersey shortboarders, Rob and Ben Graeff, and John Barrie slayed some amazing waves.

•Another Empire Stater, Jason Hewitt, also returned from a solid 10-day Puerto Rico excursion. Congrats to Hewitt, who also recently picked up sponsors Orion Surfboards and Oakley Apparel.

•Long Island wahine Ayla O'Neill is now riding for Florida shaping guru Ricky Carroll's Local Motion.

•Maine filmmaker Ben Keller gave Californians a glimpse inside the New England surfing experience when he brought his flick, Ishmael, to select locations in Santa Cruz, Laguna Beach, and Encinitas this spring. Filmed, edited, and produced in the winters of 2002 and 2003--two of the coldest seasons in decades--Ishmael features a unique mix of action as well as 10 surfers from Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts who share their candid thoughts about surfing in the Northeast. In conjunction with the premieres, a percentage of the proceeds benefited the Surfrider chapters that sponsored the screenings. Check out www.dubioushonor.com for more details.

•Go to New Hampshire photographer Nick LaVecchia's website at www.nicklavecchia.com, for an eye-catching selection of his work--travel, lifestyle, and surf related. Also, log on to www.vewdo.com, the website for Vermont's Vew-Do Balance Boards, to see some of Nick's latest video work, updated weekly. Compiled by Mike Fish

MA BLAHS

Cam Powell -- C. Wilson

•Virginia Beach, VA, pro-at-large Cam Powell caught up with the crew to give us the poop on what he's been up to lately. After blowing out his knee last year, Cam was forced to explore other avenues, which eventually led to modeling, music, and acting. After living the male model's life in New York City for a while, he moved back to the beach (LA County) and formed two hardcore bands, The Apparition and Knife Fight. Cam sings and plays guitar for the Snapcase-inspired quartets and they plan on recording in a studio later this year. Until then, you can download a few of their songs at www.purevolume.com. Cam's also been offered a part in the new movie based on the infamous Zephyr Team, Lords of Dogtown. In fact, he's even being considered for Stacy Peralta's part! But the Eastside loyalist stresses that he hasn't forgotten his roots, and seeing as his knee's tiptop again, he plans on joining fellow Vah Beacher and videographer buddy Pat Stublen on as many trips as possible this year.

•Inlet Cultist Adam Holloway dropped us a line on the latest Manasquan, NJ, deets: Inlet Outlet's new Long Branch shop, Bare Wires Surf & Skate, is now open for business at 22 Atlantic Avenue, with free, fresh-brewed coffee available for everyone every morning. And right behind the shop there will be a 28,000 square foot cement skatepark open FREE to the public. They'll be the only authorized dealer of Chemistry Surfboards and also plan to eventually carry Byrne, Dewey Weber, and Gerry Lopez Surfboards on their racks. Their website, www.bare-wires.com, will serve as a fully functional online store and information center. Bare Wires promises to only offer the best lines the surf and skate industry has to offer. So take a hike, Abercrombie & Fitch! To get on their new customer list, e-mail mike@inletoutlet.com.

Scott "Scum" Jordan -- Parker

•Speaking of the Holloway clan, Adam's brother Stephen just finished up school and got a job offer on the Tahitian island of Moorea. How the hell do we get to take those courses?!

•Tarheel surfer Jon Gilleland recently got the highly coveted East Coast Marketing/ Promotions Manager gig for Podium Distribution (which includes the brands DVS Shoe Company, Matix Clothing, and Lakai Footwear). Originally from Raleigh, NC, Jon's now based in Wilmington, where he will head up a kick-ass grassroots marketing effort targeted at the entire Eastside region. Jon can be reached at 910-352-8347 or via e-mail at jgilleland@podiumdist.com.

•A bleary but happy-sounding Brian Heritage rang ESM up to let us know that his wife Jamie and newborn son Brent Thomas had both came home safe, sound, and healthy from the hospital. The future ripper not only arrived into this world a Pisces, March 11th at 3:54 pm, but he was birthed during the height of a booming 10-foot northeast swell. Talk about being born under some good signs! Congratulations to all of you from all of us.

•Budding Outer Banks photographer Duncan Parker has been keeping busy this winter shooting skateboarding, but he still managed to get us a few shots of local pros Jeff Myers, Billy Hume, and the rest of the boys kicking back (a few hundred drinks, that is) at Scott "Scum" Jordan's house one otherwise uneventful night. The photos of Hume and Myers were incriminating enough, but we decided to let this pic of Scott tell the real story. How appropriate for this edition's Surf Art theme!

•In other Dare County news, big hugs and shakas to Wave Shack manager and Walker Surfboards rider Nigel Haynes, who became betrothed to his lovely wife Lori King on March 27th. ESM wishes the two of them a lifetime of happiness.

Jon Gilleland knows how to rock -- Miller

•Speaking of The Walker Project, the company welcomes Revolution Boardroom in Redbank, NJ, to their family of dealers. They also welcome Shawn Murray to their sales and development team. Shawn will be representing in Florida.

•Emerald Isle, NC's, Paul Poston wants everyone to know the Buddy Pelletier Surf Clinic is scheduled for July 12th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Fort Macon beach access. Preregistration is required, and the $20 fee gets you a T-shirt, instruction, and lunch. Call Paul at 252-726-1797 for more. The actual Buddy Pelletier Memorial Classic will go off once again at the Oceanana Pier on July 24th. E-mail Mike Holleman at mholleman@ec.rr.com for further info or log on to www.buddy.pelletier.com for updates. Poston and friends have also started a Cape Lookout Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation. Mike Orbach is on the national board of directors and serves as their Chairman. Stay tuned for developments with the organization.

•The ever-classic Virginia Beach, VA, surf shop Hotline reported a great turnout for their Fashionably Loud Show on April 1st. Black Bike and No Talent Show rocked the joint with live music, and heaps of free stuff found its way to the arms of many stoked attendees.

Mikey Guarino -- Coffey

•Sweetwater Surf Shop manager and tireless Wrightsville Beach, NC, ambassador Tony Butler reports his site, www.wblivesurf.com--a former ESM Website Of The Month--is booming with great response from the public. They also now have live streaming Real Time weather on the site. You can actually see the wind meter and wind speed move every two to three seconds while viewing the live streaming camera. Go to www.wblivesurf.com right now to dig those features and get the best glimpse into the Southern North Carolina surf scene.

•ESM photog Brian Maglietta came through Melbourne Beach, FL, for a few days this March, and left us with the recent word on the Surfrider DC Capitol Chapter. The organization teamed up with famed Hermosa Beach, CA, punk band Pennywise on February 28th to help raise beach awareness at one of their shows. The group received a lot of new signatures and Pennywise singer Jim Lindberg, who's also a loyal and active Surfrider member, said that he's "100% down with the cause." The Surfrider DC Capitol Chapter may be three hours from the closest beach, but they continue to strive to be an active chapter by setting up tables, beach cleanups, movie premieres, and lobbying for clean water issues on Capitol Hill. Their chapter currently boasts 350 members. If you have any interest in getting involved in the Washington DC/ Baltimore metro area, check out www.surfrider.org/capitol.

•In case you didn't know, Ryan Kimmel is undoubtedly one of the top four surfers coming out of New Jersey right now. He's also one of the most mental chargers on the whole East Coast. So it's refreshing that someone finally had the sense to pick him up for a full sponsorship. Congratulations to Reef for jumping on the opportunity.

•After a skateboard crash, Jersey boy Sammy "Scrappy Foo" Zuegner rendered himself useless. When the dust had settled, he limped away with two broken hands, a fancy three-inch hole through his left hand and an equally cool wire holding the kid's wrist together, and more than 100 stitches. His spirits are up regarding the overall slow healing process. Unfortunately, though, his medical bills are starting to arrive and as he is without medical insurance, they're not pretty. The first one alone was over $11,000 with more to come. Foo's not the kind of guy to bail on his bills, so he's been selling whatever he can to make rent and just basically survive. Luckily, Foo has friends like A-Frame Photo's Jeff Hall and Jaker Walsh. Jaker basically wet-nursed Scrappy for days following the hospital release. At press time, we're happy to report that Foo has regained the use of one of his hands and looks forward to being reunited with the other some six to eight weeks from now. In an effort to ease his mounting financial pain, friends are holding a "Renew The Foo" Fund. $10 donations will receive a "I Pitied The Foo" heat transfer that you can iron onto your favorite T-shirt. $20 donations will receive the heat transfer as well as a VHS copy of the crash filmed in Jaker Vision, and a special handwritten note from Foo himself. Make checks payable to Sam Zuegner and mail all proceeds to: The "RENEW THE FOO" Fund c/o A-Frame Photo: 172 Cabrillo, San Clemente, CA 92672. C'mon Foo Funders, help a brother out. Compiled by Matt Pruett

SE BLAHS

Firefighter Ron Kiendl throwing water on the heat -- Dugan

•South Beach Miami ambassador Ron Kiendl checked in to give ESM the scoop on what's happening down his way. Surf World had a fantastic showing for their annual party, with more than 300 people raging to live hardcore and reggae music, including Globe guy Sean Slater. Speaking of Globe, Ron himself just got the nod from the killer kicks company, as well as Rip Curl and Nixon. The new sponsors are icing on the cake for Kiendl, who just finished all the required EMT/ fire/ medics training on his way to full fireman status. He's applied for employment in Brevard County, so you can check a few more First Peak wedges off the availability list during his frequent off days. Ron's also managing Surf World and wants to let everyone know they're looking for a few good groms to join Dave Beasley, Tommy Evans, Travis Shawhan, and Arnie Filousa on the Surf World team. Give Ron a holla' if you think you got what it takes.

•Puerto Rican heavy Joe Suarez took out young Central Californian star Nate Tyler at March's Volcom Catfish Surf Series event at Playa Jobos, winning 500 bucks for his troubles! La sicka!

•Flagler surfer Mike Cianciulli checked in from California's Central Coast after he moved there to do in-house sales for Poorboy. Mike's also happily servicing all East Coast accounts by phone in between breaking in his quiver of Hogan Surfboards along Central Cal's plethora of quality breaks. Check out Poorboy products online at www.poorboyusa.com, or call him in-house at 1-800-POORBOY.

•Ambiguous teamrider Rylan McCart and Jedidiah's Danny Cruden spent their spring break in Nicaragua doing missionary work. More uplifting than following the Girls Gone Wild tour around Florida, that's for sure.

Danny Cruden - Dugan

•In other holy water matters, John Wyatt, Contest Director for EPIC Surf Ministries, wishes to announce the 3rd Annual EPIC/ Ozboards Surf Contest, held April 10th at Jacksonville Beach, FL, was a complete success. If you have any questions about EPIC Surf Ministries, contact John at 904-249-1201 or via e-mail at jwyatt@epicsurfministries.com. Also, dig their website at www.epicsurfministries.com.

•South Carolina surfers dominated at the 2nd Annual Senior Surf Classic, held this winter at Jaco Beach, Costa Rica. Folly Beach's Chris Brown was victorious in the 30-34 age group while his wife Jenny won the Women's division. And Myrtle Beach's Robert Hurt won the 45-49 age group while Surf City owner Mark Allison took the 50+ division. Also, Team Sundek--Chris and Jenny Brown, Todd Brazell, and Alex Sing--won the Team competition. Fortysomething Smith/ Cobian rep Paul Kane founded the event the year before while on vacation in Costa with fiftysomething boardshort manufacturer Mike Dolsey. Both placed second in their respective divisions. Congratulations to all the East Coast finalists.

•In other South Carolina deets, Eternal Wave Surf Shop recently added Garden City ripper and the area's most improved surfer, Robbie Remson, to their squad.

•Cocoa Beach, FL's, Danielle Laneve relayed ESM the following blahs: East Coast surf legend Claude Codgen was back to work shaping after a midwinter rendezvous with 20-foot-plus surf in Puerto Rico. He can now be seen munching on chips and homemade guacamole at Cocoa Beach's Taco City. Also, Danielle urges that if you find yourself at one of the multitude of breaks Patrick Air Force Base has to offer, make sure you stop into the closest shop to the base, Oceansports World, to check out one of Claude's new C.C. Riders. Shopowners Roy and Pam Scafidican also give demonstrations on AST's new DHP resin. Though more expensive than most other resins, DHP supposedly enables a hand-shaped and glassed board to be crafted lighter, stronger, and more environmentally friendly than any other surfboard on the market. All of Sean Slater's Slater Surfboards--along with C.C. Riders and Island Surfboards, shaped by Oceansports' very own Stu Sharpe--are available to be glassed with the new DHP resin.

Claude Cogden - Dugan

•Jerry Smith announced the Firefighter Surf Classic will be held at Costa Rica's legendary lefthander Boca Baranca from May 24th-31st. For more information, visit www.iaff.com. He also wants everyone to mark their calendars for the Battle Of The Badges surfing competition, scheduled for a weekend in September at Spessard Holland Park. Go to www.battleofthebadges.com for more information.

• Destination Surf welcomes Michael Burns, Brady Mitchell and John Peck to the team.

•The only thing more newsworthy than a new hookup is, you got it, two new hookups! Hurley just added South Florida upstart Wesley DeSouza and Cocoa Beach aerial wizard Robbie Blevins to their ranks.

•"Utah, gimme two!"

•Good things are already happening for one of this issue's Who Da Guys, Ross Howatt, who just signed with Ezera Surfboards.

•Jay Dodson reported an insane turnout for February 28th's Reef Model Search at Gator City in Gainesville, FL--1500 people showed up to cheer 80 model hopefuls. Stay tuned to the pages of Eastern Surf to see a four-color ESM Girl layout featuring the winner, Allie. Dodson also said his own hit contest, the Retro Classic, is tentatively scheduled for Memorial Day Weekend which will be pushed back if the waves are lacking.

•Cobian just picked up Gulf Coast wonderboy Sterling Spencer, along with Puerto Rican powerhouse Josie Graves along with Benjamin Medina and Carl Wallin.

Reef Model Search -- Dodson

•We made a boo-boo last issue when we congratulated ESM North Florida reporter and contributing photographer Rory Gregg for "graduating" DBCC (Daytona Beach Community College) with his A.A. Our man Rory actually graduated with a B.A. from the University of North Florida in Jacksonville. Sorry, pal. Speaking of Rory Gregg, he just returned from Costa Rica with an all-star cast of Jax Beach shredders. The crew caught great waves at Marbella, Ostanal, Carmianal, and Guiones, where a tireless Gregg shot more than 30 rolls. Look for the low-down on their escapades in next issue of Eastern Surf.

•In a clash of the Smyrna mini-titans, Billabong teamer Caleb Johnston sealed a close victory over hometown rival Eric Geiselman in the 16-and-under division of the Billabong Surf Rat Challenge, held March 16th in New Smyrna Beach, FL. Jesse Dyer and Dominic Keenan finished third and fourth, respectively. Evan Geiselman and Liam Michelbrink also had a close final, in the 13-and-under division, with Evan coming out on top. Eric Templeton and Zack Rado placed third and fourth, respectively. Caleb and Evan are now entered into the Billabong Surf Rat Superfinal Showdown, where they'll meet the winners of both divisions from each region of the Surf Rat Challenges to see who the biggest cheese will go to. The eventual winners of the Superfinal Showdown will win a free trip to Tavarua, Fiji. Whoa, there's a grom-test worth taking!

•St. Augustine, FL-based Podium Distribution (DVS, Matix, Lakai) rep Ryan Langhorne returned from a week in Tortola late this winter with O'Neill pro Jeff Myers. The duo reportedly surfed a couple of really good days before going straight into a full-tilt full moon party.

•Speaking of O'Neill, they just picked up Central Florida grom-ette Ashley Francis. And to think, boys have been trying to pick up this ripping beauty for years.

•Mayo Board Company has a new web address as their old address (which was featured in last month's ESM Spring Board Forum) has been bought out by online squatters who won't give it up without seeing cash from Mayo. In order to check out all of Larry Mayo's quality designs, go to his new site, www.mayoboardco.com.

•Sitting on some kick-ass video clips? Go now to www.jelsurf.com, courtesy of JEL Productions (the makers behind the Texas surf film The Exposure) and enter their online surf, skate, and wake CTF (Claim 2 Frame) Contest Series. There has never been a better time to film your sessions than right now. First through third-place finishers will receive cash, prize packages from DVS and Split, and more. Winners are decided by vote: 34% from online viewers, 33% from JEL staff, and 33% from guest judges (Past guest judges have included Brevard shaper/ business owner/ camp director/ and contest organizer extrordinaire Matt Kechele; Newport, CA, surf photographer Matty Thomas; and Laguna Beach, CA, DVS manager Brandy Faber. Go ahead... get clipped and get paid. Compiled by Matt Pruett

MFE BLAHS

"Don't Worry, I have utensils in my fanny sack." The well-prepared Jim Hogan -- Mez

•Surfing the land of Pura Vida has never looked better now that '80s Californian legend Jim Hogan is giving surf tours in Costa Rica. Jim's relocated to Playa Hermosa and set up his camp, Hogan's Hut. A number of packages are available for the novice and seasoned traveler alike nearby some of the country's most consistent waves. A variety of enticing non-surf activities are also an option for guests. Visit www.hoganshut.com for more.

•Tired of lugging your board under your arm during long treks? Surfsling International presents The Surf Sling, a beach towel that holds two shortboards--or one longboard and a shortboard--plus a wetsuit. The Surf Sling attaches to an adjustable shoulder strap, making it a hands-free carrying device. It also has a large pocket for accessories and another water-resistant pocket, and the whole thing folds inside itself to become a beach bag. For more information about The Surf Sling visit www.surfsling.com, or call 800-223-5766.

•Globe International hosted a red-carpet world premiere of their mega-budget surf movie, Somewhere Anywhere Everywhere, to over 2500 surf fans in Coolangatta, Australia on March 4th, 2004. Held at the Twin Towns Service Center, the film showcased never before seen surfing and lifestyle footage of the sport's most influential personalities. Both Hobgood brothers were among the attendees. Somewhere Anywhere Everywhere will be released in April through Globe's worldwide distribution network in 65 countries. Stay tuned to ESM's Peepshow department for a future review.

•Spy's Jessica Trent Nichols and John Oda recently hung out with the actors from FOX's hit show, THE OC, and Rachel Bilson, who plays Summer, was spotted wearing Spy's "Burst Muscle Shirt." Mischa Barton, who plays Marissa, also candidly admitted that she has an obsession with cool trucker hats--like Spy's "World Trucker." Be on the lookout for other Spy gear in upcoming episodes.

"How You Doin'? Marcus Sanders saying Hi -- Mez

•The Gordon & Smith surfboard factory is looking for an experienced laminator. Interested parties must be able to do high-end work--and lots of it--and be willing to relocate to San Diego, CA. It's probably worth mentioning, though, that the closest surf spot to the factory is Black's. Interested candidates should call office manager Rick Geist at 858-695-2690.

•Looking to expand upon the epic cinematic experience of Dana Brown's Step Into Liquid? Give the film's soundtrack a listen--now available through Surf Dog Records. Visit www.surfdog.com to order a copy.

•Go to environmental activist Oceana's website, www.oceana.org, to ask your senators to co-sponsor the Clean Cruise Ships Act of 2004. The Clean Cruise Ships Act contains provisions to prevent discharges in coastal areas, establish uniform pollution treatment standards, and improve sampling programs. It authorizes the Coast Guard and EPA to enforce these new standards, and also promotes research into new pollution-control technologies to help make the cruise ships of the future even cleaner.

•Santa Monica, CA, filmmaker Greg Schell brought his popular flick The Far Shore back East this March to the Cucalorus Film Festival in Wilmington, NC. The Far Shore was screened along with other influential contemporary surf films like Destined for Second, by Pat Stublen and Brian Townsend, and Riding Waves by Cyrus Sutton. Click on www.cucalorus.org for more on the affair.

•SIMA announced that it will honor Bethany Hamilton with a special award for her remarkable bravery and poise after surviving a shark attack at home in Kauai last fall. Hamilton's recovery and positive outlook was remarkable as she returned to competition within weeks of the severe injury. Her unyielding optimism, constant smiles, and strong faith have made her an inspiration for the entire surf community and earned her a special "Wahine O Ke Kai" Award, which in Hawaiian means, "Woman of the Sea."

•Hawaii-based photographer Pete Hodgson is looking for a long, lost buddy: old school South Florida ripper Alex Bach. Anyone with any information about Alex's whereabouts should e-mail Pete at flipper@hawaii.rr.com.

Jason Salfi -- Dugan

•After enjoying a faraway trek (over 20 hours of plane travel) to Costa Rica this past January, Australian correspondent Brendan "Grande" Abbott returned home to find solid waves on Oz's South Coast. In particular, Abbott had the opportunity to ride firing Cronulla Point alongside pros CJ Hobgood and Kirk Flintoff: "I was trying to surf my brains out so I didn't look like an idiot," he admitted, "and I ended up scoring a forehand barrel in front of CJ. That was unreal." Good on ya, Grande.

•Uber scribe and Surfline.com's site editor Marcus Sanders spent a good portion of 2002 adapting Dante's Inferno into modern American street English with artist Sandow Birk, who did a series of super innovative illustrations to go along with the text. After a two-year stint as a hardcover, the book is now conveniently available in paperback. Marcus will be the first one to affirm that life away from surfing can certainly go to hell. Check out this very cool endeavor at www.amazon.com.

•Thirty Four Films announced they recently secured a sponsorship deal with Transworld Surf for their film Flow: The True Story Of A Surfing Revolution. The video focuses on Channel Islands Surfboards founder and world-renowned shaper Al Merrick and his special relationships with the Channel Islands teamriders. The flick aims to be an in-depth study of the waveriding life--capturing the trials and tribulations of competition, corporate promotions, and fame. The cast includes Al Merrick, Tom Curren, Kelly Slater, Lisa Andersen, Taylor Knox, Rob Machado, Chris, Keith, and Dan Malloy, Bobby Martinez, Dane Reynolds, Rochelle Ballard, and Sofia Mulanovich. Look for Flow on DVD in the Fall of 2004, or go to www.flowthemovie.com for more details.

Shane Dorian–way back in the pit, waaay back in the day -- Dugan

•Yo! Dat freakin' ball-busting Monmouth Beach, NJ, Volcom Assistant Team Manager Mikey Guarino just got back from Puerto Rico with some of Veeco's best Eastside hitmen: Kyle Garson, Blake and Justin Jones, and Billy Hume. While there, that wrecking crew hung with Puerto Rican pals Willito Carrasco and Aron Geiger. Everyone was ripping as usual, but according to Guarino, no one more so than Eastside wahine Sara Hoffert. Mikey warns youse girls to watch out for this chickie in your next heat. Rumor has it she's one badass boardrider.

•South Carolina artists Jon Conant and Karen DeMattio--founders of Everlution Forms--announced that their completely upgraded website is up and running. Site visitors can view a variety of information about the company's product line, which includes animated fish sculptures, whimsical mosaic mirrors, tiled tables, and Fly or Die Graffix stationery. Check Everlution out at www.everlutionforms.com.

•Rip Curl and Nintendo Australia announced that the special edition Rip Curl Game Boy Advance SP was released April 6th, coinciding with the first day of competition at the Rip Curl Pro, the world's oldest professional surfing contest, at Bells Beach, Victoria. E-mail Wrightkt@noa.nintendo.com for details about the product.

•Oakland, CA, surfer/ skater Jason Salfi, owner and manufacturer of Comet Skateboards since 1997, stopped by the office to show us the full Comet line. All boards are coated with some type of fiberglass composite, and all feature insane artwork related to current affairs (overpopulation, solar power alternatives, space travel to Mars, pollution, etc.) designed to make people think. E-commerce will be possible through their website, www.cometskateboards.com. Comet's quality decks are pressed one deck at a time, and are available in all sizes from trick stick to longboard.

•Freestyle is stoked to announce the first annual global online Park the Shark water photography contest, from May 1st to September 30th. The company is looking for the best shot of a surfer getting shacked while wearing a Freestyle watch. Photographers and surfers who successfully Park the Shark can submit their images to www.parktheshark.com to contend for the $4000 grand prize. The grand prize winners will receive their very own full-page Freestyle ad in Surfing Magazine, as well as a one-year product sponsorship from the watch company. At the end of the contest, Freestyle teamriders Cory Lopez and Shane Dorian will choose the winning photograph, which will be announced in mid-October 2004. Check www.parktheshark.com for sample images and entry guidelines. Compiled by Mike Fish

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