Northeast Blahs

•Topping the Northeast news this month, Jamie Hosker and Mark Driscoll, co-owners of Brickhouse Boards in Gloucester and Marblehead, MA, gave a little back in August by spending a day teaching eight blind children how to surf. For the full story on Jamie and Mark's inspirational efforts, flip over to Page 23.  

•The ESA Cape Cod Surfing Championships went down on August 11th, but for the first time in 20 years, the sandbars at Whitecrest Beach couldn't pull in any swell, so organizers shifted things down to Narragansett Town Beach. The big news came from the Open Shortboard division, where New England wahines Ana Barend and Carly Bennett one-two'd the male competition. Barend also took the Senior Women's and Senior Women's Longboard titles, while versatile grom John Ryan won both the Boys and Menehune Longboard crowns, and Mary Rand comboed the field with a win in Junior Women's and Women's Longboard. Turn to Page 131 for full results.  

•The infamous Brooklyn Chowder Surfer (otherwise known as Ben Sargent) was spotted outside Yankee Stadium during a recent heated Red Sox-Yankees game handing out free New England clam chowder to Red Sox fans. He refused to even sell his wares to Yankee supporters, and had to rely on the NYPD for protective security. Word is he "makes his chowder out of brass balls, not clams!" You're a brave man, Ben.  

•Rookie Rhode Island filmmaker Teague Soben sent ESM his first video project, Northern Realm, which is chock full of chilly Northeastern waves and ripping footage of underground Rhodey shredders like Brian Burns, Justin Casey, and Chris Parker. Log on to www.northernrealmfilms.com for trailers and ordering info.  

•Rick Anthony of the ESA-New York District wrote in to let us know we incorrectly credited the picture of Ed Fawess surfing on a door in last issue's Northeast Blahs. Up-and-coming photographer David Quinn actually took the shot, not Joe McGovern. Sorry for the screw-up guys, and keep the pictures coming David.  

•Surfriders Association of Nova Scotia (SANS) President John Fluke found himself hanging with Virginia Beach, VA's, Raven Lundy over Labor Day weekend, and after one particularly debauched night and a fair amount of alcohol, a passed-out Fluke received the ol' magic marker-to-the-face treatment, resulting in his new lifelong nickname, "The Catman." Good to know those notoriously tough Up North locals have a soft side. Fluke also wrote in with news from the Billabong September Surf Session, held over two weekends in Nova Scotia. Full results and a detailed write-up will follow next issue, so stay tuned. In the meantime, check out photos at www.surfns.com.  

•While searching out news from Up North, we received a dispatch from ESA-Southern New England District fixture Peter Pan detailing the BIC Surfboards On The Edge surf camp tour, which swung through Nova Scotia, Ontario, and British Columbia back in September. Plenty of stoke abounded amid the chilly water, with Pan going so far as to describe the Canadian lineups as "probably the last outposts on the planet of true, hardcore surfers."  

•Back in Rhode Island, the Chad O'Brien Memorial Contest went down on August 10th at Narragansett Town Beach, with over 100 competitors turning out to brave the stiff onshore winds and sloppy beachbreak surf. Winners included Jonathan Tartaro, Sven Wadensten, Carly Bennett, Dan McSally, Mary Rand, Ryan Litwin, Peter Pan, and Paul Bernardi.  

•Further contest deets came in from Kennebunk Outdoors Surf & Snow, who held their first youth surfing contest on September 16th at Gooch Beach in Kennebunk, ME. Big winners in the small conditions included Emily McNally, Jack Clark, Cooper Beveridge, and Jack Kennedy. All proceeds from the contest and fundraiser went to the Kennebunk Parks & Recreation Youth Wrestling Program, which used the $1000 raised to buy new mats for the kids.  

•Unsound Surf Shop in Long Beach, NY, just revamped their website at www.unsoundsurf.com, which is now full of detailed inventories, a fresh surf report, photos and details from the Unsound Pro, and tons more. An updated team page is currently in the works, which will include short profiles of shopriders like TJ Gumiela, one of last issue's ESM Who Da Guys.  

•Lake Michigan surfer Burton Hathaway wrote in with news about the grand opening of Poseidon's Rage, a wave pool at the Mt. Olympus Water Park in Wisconsin Dells, WI. Besides shralping whatever waves come his way, Burton also handles the surf report for the Wisconsin side of Lake Michigan.  

•Speaking of the Great Lakes, Magilla Schaus sent us word of an advertising campaign spearheaded by Environment Illinois, targeting BP's toxic dumping plan for Lake Michigan. The ad plan culminated on September 22nd in a region-wide day of action. Find out more at www.environmentillinois.org.  

•Everyone thought the fiasco surrounding a ticket for "illegal surfing" issued at Montauk Point was over and done with on August 20th, when an East Hampton, NY, judge threw out the case, citing a lack of the "furtherance of justice." But a few days later, the New York State Parks Commission issued 12 more of the exact same tickets, inciting a furor among Long Island surfers and the local Surfrider chapter. We'll keep you updated on the legality of "artificial swimming aids" at one of the East Coast's most prized surf spots.  

•Proving that you can do much better than getting a ticket for surfing in New York, Tim McCabe got Izzy Paskowitz to bring his Surfers Healing camp for autistic children to the Empire State. Held at the beginning of the Unsound Pro at Long Beach's Lincoln Boulevard, and then on the beaches of Montauk, the camp introduced hundreds of kids to the ocean. Check out www.newyorksurf.com for an interview with Paskowitz, as well as photos by ESM Contributing Photographer Rich Quinn.  

•One of the finer offerings from ESM's September Orlando Surf Expo expedition came in the form of SBC Surf's Summer 2007 issue. Focusing on both Canadian coasts, the biannual mag not only does a fine job of pleasing the eye, but also contains some damn fine writing on a wide swath of subjects. Add some shots of longtime ESM compatriot Nico Manos and other Nova Scotian surfers into the mix, and you've got a quality new addition to the coffee table. Log on to www.sbcsurf.com for more.  

•Joey Akaka from the Christian Surfing Federation ventured from his homeland of Hawaii to the frigid shores of Lake Michigan earlier this year, meeting up with Third Coast Surf Shop for the Great Lakes Surf Luau in New Buffalo, MI. Joey and the Hawaiian contingent won the contest, but heaps of aloha and good vibes were enjoyed by all involved. Joey suffered a cerebral hemorrhage back in May and has been out of work for four months, so anyone wanting to help can contact John Lindsley at johnlindsley@juno.com.  

•Cruise on over to www.volcom.com/girls for a sneak peek into the life of Veeco teamrider and Montauk, NY, native Quincy Davis.  

•The South Central Surf Swap went down on September 22nd-23rd in Sayville, NY. Held at the Natures Shapes Surfboards showroom, the event brought Long Island surfers together to trade a little schwag and score a few boards.  

•Surfboard artist Ed Tekeian opened his exhibition titled "Surfboards|Recycled" along with other artists at the 2007 South End Open Studios in Boston, MA. Utilizing old blanks and covering them with a mixture of epoxy, acrylic, and ink, Ed concentrates on representing his 20 years of surfing while maintaining a modest environmental footprint. Find out more at www.useaboston.com.  

•Eastern Surf sends best of luck wishes to Wilmington, NC, resident and part-time Rip Curl assistant (and drop dead gorgeous hottie) Colleen Kenney, who is currently in the process of relocating to Boston, MA.  

•And finishing things up on a positive note, Traderock for Trademark went off on September 22nd at Easton's Point Pub in Middletown, RI. Benefitting our good friend Sid Abruzzi in his fight to trademark the Waterbros. name, the night featured plenty of surf and skate video action (including a showing of Jason Jessee's film project, Pray For Me), raffle giveaways, and of course live music. Check The Package out at www.myspace.com/waterbros if you know what's good for you. ­Compiled by Nick McGregor

 

Mid-Atlantic Blahs

•Upon hearing of Outer Banks visionary Steve Head's card game Superheat (which we ran a review of in last issue's Details department), island surfers swarmed him and demanded a firsthand look at the new game. Steve relented and put on the inaugural Hurley/ Superheat Surf Card Game Contest Night at Pizzazz Pizza in Kitty Hawk, NC, with help from local rippers Noah Snyder and Brent "Pepe" McCoy. Finalists included Morgan Level, Hunter Whitfield, and Kenny Welch, who placed 1st through 3rd, respectively. Stay tuned to the pages of Eastern Surf and the website www.surfkdh.com for future Superheat happenings.  

•Congratulations to Maryland up-and-comer Travis Knight, who won the Open Shortboard and Junior Men's divisions at the American Cancer Society Maryland State Surfing Championships, held during the weekend of August 11th-12th in Ocean City, MD. Knight's Junior Men's division win was particularly hard-fought, as he went head to head against a fierce Joey Boulanger. Other Open winners included Wyatt Harrison (Longboard), Jasset Umbel (Women's), Beth Deeley (Women's Longboard), and Jake Buchler (Bodyboard). Double-dippers included Umbel, who also won Girls, and Harrison, who took Men's Longboard. Check out full results on Page 131.  

•Pennsylvania designers Ric Allison and Charles Barrett teamed up to build the Rayskin, a hollow wooden longboard made up of quarter-sawn spruce and mahogany, with veneers detailed in white birch, fiddleback, and bird's-eye maple. If you want the ultimate in "green" construction, browse over to www.rayskin.com.  

•ESM sends heartfelt condolences to the friends and family of North Carolina surfer Josh Prince, who passed away on September 20th while on his way home from Surf Expo, after doctors found an aneurysm on his brain stem. Josh was known as an amazing friend, a loving husband, and a wonderful father of three children. Anyone interested in donating to the family (who did not have health insurance), please write to Josh's wife, Brett Prince, c/o Michelle Hearne, P.O. Box 1408, New Bern, NC, 28563. Charity events and auctions are currently being organized by Eastern Edge Surf Shop. In the meantime, e-mail ted@easternedge.com for more info.  

•Now hear this: 11-year-old Carolina Beach, NC, ripper Weston Williams recently got picked up by Split Clothing after taking the Menehune Shortboard crown at the East Coast Surfing Championships.  

•Also at the ECSC, fellow Southern North Carolina shredder Tony Silvagni won his 11th professional longboard crown of the year, raising the question: Can anyone stop this guy? Turn to Page 54 for the full scoop on the ECSC.  

•New Jersey photographer Jeff Smith submitted pics from the Surfers Healing Clinic, held in Belmar, NJ, on September 9th. Organized by Izzy Paskowitz and the Paskowitz Surf Camp, the clinic introduced autistic children to the water. Find out more at www.surfershealing.org.  

•The crew at Heritage Surf & Sport warmly welcomes teamrider Kyle Abel back to the South Jersey lineups after Kyle was forced to suffer through a surfless summer, the result of a fractured ankle. The kid is now well and even managed to put together a good run in the Unsound Pro's Junior division, finishing an impressive 3rd-place.  

•Up Jersey way, Michael Ciaramella took the $400 1st-place check in the 15-under division at the Smith Optics Grom Grudge Match, held September 22nd at Herring Avenue in Seaside Heights, NJ. Look for the full Fight Club scoop next issue.  

•And speaking of Joisey groms, Jason Carlisi of Movement Clothing congratulates young teamrider Zach Kreiser for winning the Boys division at Dean Randazzo's 7th Annual Surf For A Cause event. Check out the full report on Page 57.  

•Virginia Beach, VA, informant Raven Lundy led an all-VB crew including Brendan Petticrew, Ian Seymour, Brad Harrell, Philip Goold, Chris Todd, and Mike Schirmer on a scouting exhibition back in August to False Cape, a set of secret sandbars somewhere between Sandbridge, VA, and Corolla, NC. We could tell you exactly where these dudes scored at, but the guys at VBsurfphotos.com might kill us.  

•Speaking of VBsurfphotos, their homie Brandon Woodward's new video The Other Guys is out and available for purchase. TOG even copped a review in our Peepshow department this ish. Flip on over to Page 32.  

•The first-ever Outer Banks Surf Film Festival went down on August 18th at The Pit in Kill Devil Hills, NC. Stocked to the brim with live music, board giveaways, and of course, eight hours of celluloid beauty, the Global Surf Network-sponsored event gave everyone present a late-summer look at the future of surf videodom.  

•ESM's Issue #122 A Good Rep profilee Brad Beach sent us the lowdown on Ben Bourgeois' surprise party, held in Benny's beloved hometown of Wrightsville Beach, NC, back in September. Friends and family gathered to celebrate Benny Boo's hard-fought return to the WCT, with "old guys" like Sweetwater Surf Shop Manager Tony Butler even staying out past his bedtime to snap a few pictures. According to sources, the debauchery even claimed young locals like Ross Stevens, who apparently ended up in police custody with nothing but his socks on, along with Ben himself, who chugged from his golden 'CT goblet far into the wee hours of the morning.  

•Speaking of our man Brad Beach, he also announced the 9th Annual K-Coast Reef Surf Challenge will go down on October 13th at 35th Street in Ocean City, MD. Check back next issue for results.  

•Hatteras boy-turned-Wilmington, NC, resident Jason Andre informed us of Walking On Water's upcoming North Carolina premiere at UNCW's Kenan Auditorium on October 25th. Admission will be free, and featured surfers Jesse Hines, Cheyne Cottrell, Noah Snyder, and Matt Beacham will join musicians Braddigan and Josh Garrels.  

•On August 11th, the Rip Curl GromSearch stopped in at Jennette's Pier in Nags Head, NC, delivering small but smackable conditions for the kiddies. Cam Richards of Myrtle Beach, SC, burned the brightest, snagging the Boys 12-under and 14-under divisions with manlike power, while Darsha Pigford won Girls 16-under. Michael Dunphy of Virginia Beach took the Boys 16-under in commanding fashion, earning himself a new beach cruiser along with a VIP trip to the Boost Mobile Pro WCT event in California.  

•The GromSearch then moved up to Brighton Avenue in Seaside, NJ, where winners included Tommy Ihnken (Boys 16-under), Michael Ciaramella (Boys 14-under), Pat Schmidt (Boys 12-under), and Sarah Pfeiffer (Girls 16-under).  

•Over 60 supporters turned out for the D.C. Surfrider Chapter's 13th Annual Clean Water Paddle on August 18th. Participants even collected trash from Roosevelt Island on the way back in. And while we're in the nation's capitol, Darryl Hatheway from D.C. Surfrider sent us word on a Washington Post article called "Greening The Gear," all about the sports industry's quest for eco-friendly gear. Look it up at www.washingtonpost.com.  

•Ocean City, MD, Surfrider Chapter held a Clean Water Paddle on September 8th, followed by a fundraiser for local scholarships featuring local surf rock icons The Diamondheads.  

•Word from the Outer Banks is TK Shapes and Billabong teamrider Zack Kenny now rocks Hoven Sunglasses.  

•And while we're on the Banks, ESM Senior Photographer Mickey "2M" McCarthy relayed that the Rodanthe Pier is open to photographers again, thanks to sympathetic new owners.  

•North Carolina surf artists Clark Hipolito and Tony Ramsi will take their Against The Grain show to the Washington, D.C. Boat Show in February. Check out www.art-company.com for more info.  

•Cape May, NJ, homedog Jason Reagan took a trip to the Dominican Republic this fall with ESM Senior Photographer Nick LaVecchia and Green Bottles Productions filmer Lenny Helbig, along with close buds and Mid-Atlantic photo slores Jeff Myers and Billy Hume. Regs also left Monument Clothing and is now riding for Ocean & Earth.  

•Former ESM Assignment Writer Noah Garrett gave us the heads-up on the North Carolina Legislature's plans for replacing the Bonner Bridge to Hatteras Island. Environmental groups claim the new bridge's plans neglect the existing condition of Highway 12, but the state wants to move forward with a new short span. Stay tuned for future developments.  

•Craig Purkiss, Matthew Price, and Mike Rowe channeled their surf industry knowledge into the new retail shop, 158 Surf And Skate, focusing on Rowe's Hooked Surfboards and featuring underground and boutique labels. Check 'em out at the Dunes Shops in Kitty Hawk, NC, or for more info, call Price at 252-255-1581 or e-mail him at 158surfandskate@gmail.com.  

•Photographer Dan Sizemore submitted a shot of Virginia Beach, VA, local William Sizemore squeezing into some Outer Banks juice.  

•And finally, ESM sends all our warmest congratulations to Kill Devil Hills, NC, shredder Brian Zongolowicz, who proposed to longtime sweetie (and drop-dead hottie) Elizabeth Kiourtcizi in front of dozens of shocked friends at the annual Outer Banks Old-Schoolers Kickball Game. BZ said they've already set a date -- September 20th, 2008 -- and you can bet we will be there to celebrate with the happy couple. ­Compiled by Nick McGregor

Southeast Blahs

•Big news from Surfrider Sebastian Inlet Chapter came in the form of the 2007 Paddle For Clean Water, held September 23rd at Jetty Park in Cape Canaveral, FL. Participants turned out in force to support the proposed Clean Oceans Act, which would prevent gambling boats from dumping partially treated sewage into the ocean directly off Brevard County's coast.  

•St. Augustine, FL, ripper Joel Luteran was spotted dropping into some head-high bombs at the St. Augustine Pier in August. Did we mention he's only three years old?  

•ESM sends condolences to friends and family of longtime Cocoa Beach, FL, surfer Keith Gardner, who died while surfing at 16th Street during the Tropical Storm Gabrielle swell. Part of the Canaveral Pier gang in its heyday, Keith was known as an experienced competitor and a gentleman in the water. Loved ones held a paddle-out in Keith's memory on September 22nd at 13th Street.  

•South Carolina photogs Meghan and James Whitney sent us a sick batch of shots from their trip to California this summer with favorite subject Keenan Lineback, before the 15-year-old went on to dominate the field at the 11th Annual East Coast Wahine Championships. Shortly after, Keenan received a resolution from her hometown of Conway, SC, honoring her surfing achievements. Not only was the stoked grommette showered in praise, but the resolution even quoted ESM's caption from Keenan's October 2006 (Vol.15, #116) cover shot.  

•Surf Central down in Stuart, FL, sent word of their July trip to the Maldives, where the crew scored flawless, peeling lefts and rights. The shop also has a new and improved website up at www.surfcentralsurfshop.com, where you can find fresh pics along with bios on team heavies like Tory Barron, Ryan Helm, David Dixon, and new addition Andrew Slaughter. Speaking of additions, Helm recently welcomed new baby Ula Azul, while Dixon received his own bundle of joy named Kaleo.  

•In other surf team news, check out www.volcom.com/girls for a quick bio on Volcom's surfing beauty from Texas, Danielle Dodson.  

•The Rip Curl GromSearch invaded New Smyrna Beach, FL, on August 18th, with solid waves greeting the kiddies. Deerfield Beach, FL's, Tanner Strohmenger went for the double dip after winning Boys 12-under, but couldn't withstand the attack of North Florida's Keto Burns in 14-under. For full results, turn to Page 131.  

•Speaking of Keto Burns, the helgie also picked up sponsorship from Kevin Mileski, shaper and owner of St. Augustine's Black Pearl Creations.  

•Longtime ESM Senior Photographer and Lone Star legend Jon Steele returned from an adventurous Indo vacation, full of 7.7 magnitude earthquakes, two capsized dinghies, one beached million-dollar charter boat, and several painful staph infections. Proving that even the most disastrous trips can have silver linings, Steele and crew also honed their barrel skills during a month-long surf-a-thon, producing some amazing photos.  

•Speaking of photographers, upstart shooter Kris Kerr has been spotted braving the sharky waters of New Smyrna Inlet in hopes of capturing some of the area's hottest talent. Keep 'em coming, Kris!  

•And on the Gulf side of things, everyone in the Western Florida surf community wishes Tayler Brothers a speedy recovery after he underwent surgery to correct his scoliosis in August. Well-wishers can log on to www.myspace.com/taylerbrothers to offer their support.  

•The APSPR Corona Extra Surf Circuit kicked off September 29th-30th at Playa Middles, Isabela, PR. Look for results next issue.  

•St. Augustine lensman Patrick Ruddy stopped into the ESM office before setting out for California, where he's doing an internship at Surfing Magazine under Assistant Photo Editor Sam Olson. Patrick will be representing the Right Coast from September until December, when he'll come back with credit towards his degree at the University of Central Florida Photography Department.  

•The Palm Beach County Surfrider Chapter sent out an alert in September detailing the Town of Palm Beach's plans to dredge and fill Lake Worth Beach. To add your voice to those protesting this debacle, point your mouse to www.surfrider.org. Also, the Treasure Coast Surfrider Chapter hosted a beach clean-up at Hobe Sound back in September, along with the Keep Martin Beautiful organization and the annual Florida Coastal Clean-up.  

•In South Carolina Surfrider deets, the Charleston Chapter teamed up with the ESA-Southern South Carolina District to introduce three "Cigarette Cannons" on popular beaches, in hopes of reducing the largest contributor to litter around. If we could get these things on every beach, maybe our natural playground could be butt-free (the bad kind of butts, of course).  

•Brevard County, FL, ripper Rylan McCart recently parted ways with the Hurley camp, and the big H's loss is soon to be someone else's gain, as Rylan has been tearing it up at home and abroad while reconning for sponsors looking to pick up new recruits.  

•Big news from New Smyrna Beach arrived detailing Orion Surfboards' recent partnership with Surftech. Owner/ shaper Greg Geiselman will offer three TL2 models, based on the models of his sons Evan and Eric. Check out www.surftech.com for details.  

•Up Palmetto State way, the Christian Surfers Myrtle Beach launched their new website at www.christiansurfersmb.com.  

•In other South Carolina deets, Myrtle Beach native Mike Hoisington won the third event of the Huntington Beach Pro-Am Surf Series back in August, proving that his ESA Easterns experience is paying off in adulthood. Flip over to Page 82 for a classic shot of Mike in his younger years.  

•Speaking of ESA Easterns vets, former Jax Beach, FL, Men's champ and Cali transplant Sean Mattison turned up in Florida last month with his business partner, Endless Summer celebrity and fish aficionado Mike Hynson, who made his first Sunshine State appearance in decades. The duo signed autographs, screened rare movie clips, and brought a few Hynson boards out for test rides before heading to the Surf Expo. They also scored a full-page article in Jacksonville's Florida Times-Union. For more on Hynson Surfboards and Mattison Distribution, visit www.michaelhynsonsurfboards.com or e-mail Sean at mattisonsurf@gmail.com.  

•Monica Dyer of Cocoa Beach's Surfet Surf Shack gave us the heads-up on the 3rd Annual Halloween Wahine Pro/Am, to be held October 27th-28th in downtown Cocoa Beach. World champion Frieda Zamba-Shaw will be on hand to sign autographs, and proceeds from the contest will benefit the World Skin Cancer Foundation. Find out more at www.surfet.com.  

•The 9th Annual Sisters Of The Sea Surf Classic wrapped up September 1st at Hanna Park in Jacksonville Beach. Although small waves and nasty lightning storms awaited the wahine competitors, plenty of hot action went down. Winners included Zoe Weisberger, Kayla Durden, Jessie Carnes, Kerry Tustin, Dana Jones, Jesse Restivo, and Melody DeCarlo. Check out www.sistersofthesea.org for pictures.  

•The Native Sons Surf And Spike contest went down September 29th-30th at Pebble Beach in Myrtle Beach, SC. Browse over to www.nssurfandspike.com for more.  

•Satellite Beach, FL's, CJ and Damien Hobgood recently joined the Go211.com team, but unfortunately, Damo re-injured his knee in September and had to withdraw from no less than two WCT events, effectively taking him out of the world title race. Everybody at ESM wishes Damien a speedy recovery.  

•The blokes over at Curve Surf welcome NVS Surfboards owner Brian Alderman as their new Florida agent. Brian can be contacted at 863-521-3400 or brian@nvssurf.com.  

•The Flagler College Surf Club picked up sponsorship from Surf Station Surf Shop and Notti Clothing for the 2007-2008 season, with plans of blitzing the NSSA competition on the strength of team heavyweights Ben McLeod and Eric Taylor.  

•ESM Issue #122 cover boy Mikey DeTemple sent word he was super stoked about his coverage, although he was more frothed up about his recent trip to the Maldives with friend and rival Justin Quintal.  

•Texas treasure and ESM Assignment Writer Nate Nakadate wrote in with his latest notes, including scoring the cover of November's Vintage Guitar Magazine, spending a few weekends at Willie Nelson's ranch, and jamming backstage with The Black Crowes. Nate also reported "crap brown doses of lightning-filled flush-worthy windswell which were not even remotely good" from recent Hurricanes Dean and Erin.  

•Atlantic Beach, FL, shaper Cory Franklin of Lunar Surfboards opened Lunar Surf Co., what he calls "the only surf shop around with a full surfboard factory."  

•George Seguna, Head Coach of the Satellite High School Surf Team, wrote in with news of a new AAU Surfing League forming in Florida. Any corporate sponsors interested in helping out, contact George at 321-693-3249 or gseguna@cfl.rr.com.  

•And rounding things out, while interviewing New Smyrna Inlet kingpin Aaron Cormican about his recent win at the ECSC, Gorkin informed us he's now sponsored by Melbourne Beach, FL's, Catalyst Surf Shop. In bigger news, he also announced his upcoming marriage to longtime girlfriend Meghan Hermanson. The happy couple will tie the knot in October and then head off to the Keys for a honeymoon. Congratulations from all of us here at ESM. ­Compiled by Nick McGregor

More From Everywhere Blahs

•SurfAid International and Billabong teamed up to launch a global schools program, educating Western students about the geography and culture of the Mentawais, with the end result being poverty eradication and a reduction in child mortality rates in the otherwise bucolic islands. To find out how you can help, browse over to www.surfaidinternational.org, where you can also contribute to a relief effort for victims of the recent earthquakes in the Mentawais.  

•In other collabo news, Quiksilver got together with nonprofit Heart Of Stone to implement the Finding Pura Vida T-Shirt Project, headed by Peninsula Media boss and South Carolina surfer Tim McManus. Costa Rican orphans created artwork for the shirts, which are available at www.puravidanopro.com. All proceeds go to the Casa De Suenos, part of Costa Rica's Hospicio De Huerfanos.  

•And Quiksilver also teamed up with Roxy Surf Camps to host "Let's Go Surf, A Charitable Day Of Surf" back in August at various locations around the country, including the Wes Laine Surf Camp in Virginia Beach, VA, Texas Surf Camp in Corpus Christi, TX, and in Myrtle Beach, SC, with Mark Allison.  

•This just in: Sean Slater is everywhere lately.  

•Betty Depolito from Banzai Productions wrote in with some hefty wahine news. First, the Women's Pipeline Pro won't go down this winter due to a denied permit, although there are still hopes for the Women's Sunset Pro in April 2008. In better news, the new women's action sports show Wahine Blue premiered in September on Ocean Network TV. Look up www.oceannetwork.tv for a full lineup.  

•Mike Murciano from Nixon announced the team's trip to France and Spain for the 8th Annual Nixon Surf Challenge, held in meaty, six to eight-foot beachbreak surf at San Sebastian. Jersey boy Mike Gleason and Puerto Rican Dylan Graves joined the fray, the latter of whom took home 4th-place.  

•Ian Walsh, Gabriel Villaran, and Serena Brooke joined the Go211.com team.  

•Dragon has a new line of shades out for the '08, including the Jump series, the '80s-inspired Red Line series, the Repo, and the Brigade. Check them all out and try your hand at solving the Dragon Murder Mystery at www.dragonalliance.com. And while we're on the subject, Dragon teamrider Cheyne Magnusson joined shaper and board sponsor Jason Bennett of Chemistry Surfboards for a tour through Maryland, New Jersey, and New York this summer.  

•Speaking of shades, Electric recently released their Charge series. Scope it out at www.electricvisual.com.  

•Cocoa Beach, FL, grom Shane Holmes scored some pictures while on a Clever Surfboards team trip to Costa Rica last month.  

•Peggy and David Hall from Yoga For Surfers wrote in announcing upcoming titles Fit For Surf and Yoga For Boardsports, as well as a three-pack of YFS for only $10. Visit www.yogaforsurfers.com for more.  

•Check out an interview with Alpinestars rider Travis Mellem at www.alpinestarsinc.com.  

•Wrightsville Beach, NC, ripper Rob Brown is now a free agent looking for a clothing sponsor.  

•And Wrightsville supergrom Dylan Kowalski returned from a long stay in Hawaii, where he's been receiving help from legend Ben Aipa along with Quiksilver's leading East Coast agent Matt Kechele.  

•Looking for a quick and easy way to transport a surfboard in the back of your truck? Peep the Boardgrabber at www.boardgrabber.com.  

•And if you're looking for a way to hang your surfboards out of harm's way, Klaus Buchmann's new Hang Up System may solve your problem. Distributed by Global Surf Industries, this floor-saving invention will be in stores near you soon. Speaking of GSI, Huntington Beach, CA, surfer Mike McCarthy won the "Life Is Better When You Surf!" writing contest to receive a board a year for the next decade. And finally, GSI donated a new board to Northern California shark attack victim Todd Endris. Watch an interview with Todd at www.surfindustries.com.  

•New Smyrna Beach, FL, shaper Frank Mottola's company, Pure Island Surfboards, is on the move. Contact Frank at 386-314-5778 or frank@pureisland.com.  

•Body Glove's newest Mike Losness-designed boardshort, the Losfish, made its debut at Surf Expo. Point that mouse over to www.bodyglove.com. Also, Glove Art Director/ Photographer Mark Kawakami held his premiere art show back in August, featuring photographs of choppers and custom cars.  

•ESM Assignment Writer Ben Pratt was spotted hanging with Jason Shi of ASG during the band's swing through Gainesville, FL, in September.  

•Oregon Scientific released the ATC2K, a handsfree waterproof video camera that plugs directly into your computer or TV.  

•Former Hurley employee Jamie Tworkowski has hit it big with his new nonprofit company To Write Love On Her Arms. Inspired by a friend who suffered from depression, TWLOHA has raised over $100,000 towards preventing depression and self-injury. Find out more at www.twloha.com.  

•Daytona Beach, FL, lensman Rob Snow has a new website up at www.robertsnowphoto.com. Look for a full review next issue.  

•Former ESM Who Da Girl and contributing writer Annie Tworoger joined her family in Tamarindo, CR, for mom Mimi's 60th birthday. And what a birthday: Mimi decided to learn how to surf, joining daughter Annie, grandson Kai, husband Tom, and son Dave in the lineup for the first time.  

•Filmmaker Will Lucas wrapped up his newest documentary, Board Shorts, featuring East Coast Surfing Legends Hall of Fame members "Balsa" Bill Yerkes and Yancey Spencer, III. The movie highlights '60s and '70s surfing along the East and Gulf Coasts, including early interviews and classic tunes. Visit www.surf64.com.  

•The International Surfing Association's latest newsletter (#8) includes a bio on Jamaican wahine Imani Wilmot. Check it out at www.isasurf.org.  

•Movement Clothing founder and owner Jason Carlisi announced two new sales force hires: Brian Alderman will cover Florida, and Keith Bolen will tackle the Northeast.  

•Former Florida resident Leah Dawson took 3rd-place at the Roxy Jam Cardiff on September 22nd-23rd, falling to ASP North America Women's Longboard champ Jen Smith.  

•Surftech just gained a little more soul: longboard maestro Joel Tudor signed his company Joel Tudor Surfboards up to release four models, including two longboards and two single-fin shortboards, in Tuflite construction.  

•Nate Lee held a huge premiere for his new film, Baggage, on October 4th at the Outer Banks Brew Station. Thunderlip played the gig, which was sponsored by WRV, Matix, DVS, Lakai, Zoo York, Electric, and iPath. The next premiere went off at Chichos in Vah Beach on the 12th, which featured giveaways, drink specials, and a DJ spinning tunes. On another Baggage note, the film got into the Cucalorus Film Festival (November 7th-10th in Wilmington, NC) which featured 900 films, including those made by actors Ethan Hawke and Morgan Freeman. 

•Podium Distribution (DVS, Matix, Lakai) East Coast Team Manager Jon Gilleland let us know Wrightsville Beach, NC, loc'dog Zach Thompson relocated to Melbourne, FL, to work with AJ Finan at Cannibal Surfboards.  

•Australian filmmaker Johnny Abegg (creator of Bay Of The Dead) has a new project up at www.skuff.tv. Chock full of user-submitted action sports videos, cutting-edge bands, and syndicated broadcasts from around Australia, Skuff.TV showcases Aussies in all their elements.  

•Victory Tropiskin released their new KoreDry surf shirt, complete with water repellant fibers that allow the shirt to dry quickly while keeping the core dry. Check it out at www.victorytropiskin.com.  

•Miami Beach, FL, DJ Shawn Rudnick sat in at the Wave House San Diego's Nikki Beach bar back in August.  

•Speaking of the Wave House, Lou Niles from SurfAid International informed us the organization's first Swim 4 Life event went down at the popular San Diego hangout, exceeding fundraising expectations by 40%. Next up, SurfAid will bring the Swim 4 Life to Pace University in Pleasantville, NY, on October 20th, and to Ocean City, NJ, on October 21st. Browse over to www.surfaidinternational.org to find out how you can help address global issues like malaria, malnutrition, and access to clean water.  

•Eco-bros Greenlight Surfboard Supply have developed a Shipping Emissions Offset Program, teaming up with Trees For The Future to reduce their carbon footprint and live up to the company's Minimal Waste Philosophy.  

•The SIMA Waterman's Ball went down on August 29th in Southern California, with East Coast luminaries Kelly Slater and Lisa Andersen receiving awards.  

•Oceana has created a holiday gift that gives back to the ocean. Go to www.oceana.org, virtually adopt a sea creature, and you'll receive 16 ocean-themed cookie cutters, an adoption certificate, a sample cookie recipe, and one baking mitt. Perfect for that little ocean-lover in your family.  

•Aussie WCT Top 10er Bede Durbidge finally ended his sponsor-less drought by signing with Mada.  

•Point your mouse to www.boardfolio.com, where you can find the latest on women's surfing from JettyGirl's online surf magazine.  

•ESM Photo Editor Jimmy Wilson sends thanks to Spy Optics for renting out the Typhoon Lagoon wave pool during Surf Expo. Spy hooked it up with free beer for everyone, which added some needed excitement to the three-foot mushburgers spilling on the concrete reef. Spy's own Zander Morton joined the action with Sweetwater Surf Shop Manager Tony Butler, and Florida pro Eric Taylor, who proved to be surprisingly skilled with Jimbro's camera. A lightning storm ended the session early, which was probably a good thing considering the level of surfing going on after multiple beers. Case in point: Jimbro was heard (at 3:00 a.m.) claiming, "I couldn't even make the drop!" ­Compiled by Nick McGregor