Northeast Blahs

•Beginning this issue's Northeast news on an extremely sad note, we cannot even begin to come up with the words of proper magnitude and condolences to describe this fall's passing of both Joseph McGovern, Sr. and Bob McGovern -- the father and brother of longtime Senior Photographer and dear friend of ESM, Joe McGovern -- each happening within three weeks of the other. To the entire McGovern clan (loving wife Mrs. Mildred McGovern, sons Joe and Donald, and all their family and children) we here at Eastern Surf, along with our extended East Coast surfing family, are deeply sorry for your loss and hope you can take some measure of strength from the many friends you have in our waveriding community, whose thoughts and prayers are with you at this very moment. "May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand."  
•ESM lensman Luke Simpson did us a huge solid this issue by relaying the following news: On January 26th, the Newport, RI, non-profit group known as Clean Ocean Access are holding a fundraiser at Easton's Point Pub featuring live music, slideshows from local photogs, and a video premiere by Chris Parker. Former ESM Who Da Guy Brian Burns is but one of Clean Ocean Access' key members. Simpson added that Little Overhead Surf Shop owner Sebastian Frawley shut down for a few days in early December and hopped on a plane to California in anticipation of the giant west swell that was forecasted. There, he met up with former Cape Cod ripper and Hollywood guy Trip Taylor for a session at Rincon while surfing a few other spots around Santa Barbara with another Cape transplant, J7 Surfboards owner Jason Feist. Lastly, Mike Archer at the Boarding House in Hyannis, MA, reports that all of the pre-holiday snow has the snowboard gear flying out of the store.  

•NewYorkSurf.com wrote the Atlantic Sea Island Group has submitted an application to construct a manmade island off of Long Beach, NY, and Sandy Hook, NJ, for the purpose of running a liquefied natural gas facility. The proposed 60-acre island would take up 116 acres on the ocean's floor, and would almost certainly dump millions of tons of unknown material into the ocean. Both New York and New Jersey will have at least one opportunity for public hearings on this matter, but until then, you can express your concerns to the New York Department of State Coastal Management. Log on to www.nyswaterfronts.com for more details.  

•New Yorkers definitely know how to defend their ocean, proven by the 2nd Annual Coastal Marine Resource Center Waterfront Luau, which took place on December 17th at the CMRC's new office, located at 334 Furman Street. Complete with a rooftop tour overlooking the NYC skyline and Brooklyn Bridge, the event was a huge success, bringing together activists and surfers for a good cause.  

•The 2nd Annual Oktuberfest Fall Intercollegiate Surfing Championships went down on November 4th in solid Hurricane Noel leftovers. Contest organizers from the University of Rhode Island Surf Club scored overhead barrels and freight-train lines at Middletown, RI, with Cullen O'Hara taking Open Men's and a $100 check after scoring a perfect 10 in the semifinals, Chrissy Barabas winning $100 in Open Women's, and Karen Byner schooling the guys for $75 and the win in Open Longboard. Thanks, as always, to Rhodey informant Peter Pan for hooking us up with the details.  

•Check out ESM Senior Photographer Brian Nevins' new website at www.briannevins.com. With a streamlined look and an immense image gallery from this New Hampshire native, you'll be longing for a blizzard in no time. Also, keep your eyes peeled for a full portfolio of Nevins' work in our March issue.  

•Further north in York, ME, the city's attempts at regulating consistent surf zones couldn't hold up to the late-summer crowds, with handfuls of surfers banging rails in the tiny 120-yard surf area. The local ESA-Northern New England District has run into trouble holding their contests, and local residents have suggested a voter petition to change the rules. A big hand goes out to York locals John Clancy and Jerry "Lurch" Law for bringing the matter to ESM's attention, and if you want to get involved, write letters to The York Independent at www.yorkindependent.net. Hopefully the matter can be resolved before Summer 2008.  

•Check out the Cinnamon Rainbows Surf Shop website at www.cinnamonrainbows.com for New Hampshire pics from the first major snowstorm of the season. Beautiful, of course... but cold, cold, cold!  

•Surfrider Connecticut Chapter held their holiday party and meeting on December 17th at BAR in New Haven, CT.  

•Great Lakes warrior Bob Sobering wrote in with the latest news from the frigid Midwest, including the details of a "remarkably consistent" run of surf in November and December. Ontario charger Steve Graham logged eighteen straight days in the water, and Bob hit his 71st day of the year on December 2nd. Not bad when the water temps are in the low 40s and air temps have dipped into the 20s. Lakes photographer Mike McGinnis also sent ESM a batch of shots from the December 2nd swell. Scope some out at www.epicfotos.com.  

•Look up www.newyorksurf.com for a 2007 photo retrospective featuring the words and images of ESM Senior Photographer and Unsound Surf Shop co-owner Mike Nelson.  

•Surfrider Massachusetts Chapter will host a Snowrider event at Sugarbush, VT, on February 23rd. This provides a chance for all chapters to get together for a weekend of activism and fun. E-mail Marc Angelillo at m.angelillo@att.net if you can make it, and don't forget to check www.sugarbush.com for the latest snow conditions. 

•Sean McCambridge submitted shots from the desolate, beautiful lineups of Acadia National Park, located deep in the nether regions of Northern Maine.  

•Empire State supergrom Balaram Stack won the competition in the inaugural Red Bull Triad series, but it certainly didn't come without a fight, particularly from the likes of Alex Fawess and TJ Gumiela. Check out Page 73 for the full story.  

•Rhode Island legend Sid "The Package" Abruzzi finally won the trademark to his Water Bros. name, and subsequently, you can now find WB clothing online at www.myspace.com/waterbros. Sid's band Big World also ended a three-month search for a new bass player, settling on Chris Moorehead while also recruiting original drummer Shawn King Devlin back to the lineup. Look the band up at www.myspace.com/bigworld.  

•Long Island photographer Michael Rovnyak sent ESM a batch of photos from November, when World Champion longboarder Joel Tudor made his annual surf pilgrimage to Montauk. Tudor gave the local loggers some style tips, so direct your browser over to www.mjrphoto.net to see for yourself.  

•Heard of the Proven In The Northeast film contest? Well, now you can vote online for your favorite entry. Browse over to www.provenfilm.com and let your voice be heard.  

•Look up www.filmdrunk.com for an interview with New York author Allan Weisbecker (see a Q&A with Allan in last issue (Vol.16, #125). We guarantee you'll laugh your ass off.  

•Kennebunk Outdoors Surf & Snow recently moved into a new building at 73 York Street in Kennebunk, ME. Check out the new digs for all your wintertime snow and surf needs, and while you're at it, log on to www.kennebunkoutdoors.com.  

•The Blue Water Task Force released their latest results for Rhode Island in November, with four of the six breaks tested (including several in Newport) coming in well over safe limits of fecal coliform counts and enterococci. Samples in Narragansett and Matunuck, though, came out the cleanest. For detailed results and to find out more about the Task Force's work, point your mouse to www.bluewatertaskforce.org. 

•Ogunquit, ME, surf shop Liquid Dreams has their online store up and running. Scope it out at www.liquiddreamssurf.com.  

•Unfortunately, the ESA-Southern New England District's Holiday Surfabout had to be postponed several times due to minimal swell. Last we heard, the call was on for either the Christmas or New Year's weekend. Make sure you stay tuned to www.sne.surfesa.org or 401-727-2605 for continuing updates, and look for results in ESM whenever the waves cooperate.  

•Head over to www.nynjsurf.com to check out the trailer for the upcoming New York surf film Shadows Of The Same Sun, a new project from Thomas Brookins. And while you're there, support The Montauk Eight (a group of surfers who received tickets for surfing Montauk Point) by purchasing a Surfrider-sponsored "Surfing Is Not A Crime!" T-shirt.  

•Wrapping up this issue's Northeast Blahs, Eastern Surf sends warm congratulations to Long Island family man Charlie Bunger, Jr. and his wife Kristin on the birth of their son, Charles Bunger, III. Looks like the long-lasting Bunger name will continue to flourish in the New York surf scene. ­Compiled by Nick McGregor

 

 

Mid-Atlantic Blahs

•Winning those pro contests this year sure paid off for Dean Randazzo, who joined the Ocean Minded team back in November. The "Jersey Devil" then accompanied the OM team to Hawaii, his first trip to the Islands in three years, and we can bet there'll be a pile of sick images awaiting us in 2008. Go Doo-Doo!  

•In other New Jersey news, Lavallette kingpin Sam Hammer secured a 3rd-place finish at the Volcom VQS Jellyfish Surf Series event in Long Beach, NY -- but bettered that result the following weekend by winning the next Jellyfish event at Casino Pier ahead of fellow DVS teamrider Zack Humphreys, who grabbed 3rd-place. And we would be remiss not to mention that Jordan Beverly won the Juniors division at the New York Jellyfish event, and placed 2nd in Juniors at Casino Pier. For full results from both contests, flip to Page 172.  

•After a lengthy spell living in Costa Rica, former Outer Banks surfer Chris Murphy is now living in Jupiter, FL.  

•Southern Outer Banks informant Donnie Jones let us know that top Hatteras tubesmith Preston Barley is now riding Ezera Surfboards... and ripping, naturally.  

•Speaking of tubesmiths, Virginia Beach, VA, pigdogger Andrew Meyer (we just love his backside) picked up new sponsorship with Tavik, along with South Carolina native-turned-St. Augustine, FL, shredder Ryan Riopko. Look for Meyer and Riopko to be blowing up in many Tavik ads to come in ESM starting this issue!  

•Surfrider Ocean City Maryland Chapter held their annual Holiday Surfer Social on December 11th at The Bull, and also maintained their annual Assateague State Park Beach Cleanup tradition, even in November's driving rain.  

•ESA-Delmarva District's Ho-Ho Surf Off went down in severe winter weather on December 16th at the Delaware Seashore State Park's North Side Indian River Inlet. Gusty, offshore winds groomed the cold, head-high surf into some of the best Mid-Atlantic waves of the year, with Ocean View, DE, surfer Roy Harrell taking 1st-place in the hotly contested Open Shortboard division. Other winners included Rachel Harrell, Travis Knight, Elizabeth Butterly, Clifton Rogers, Bill Helmuth, Nick Leonard, Jake Buchler, Caleb Buchler, Ted Smith, Kate Bassett, Noah Vaxmonsky, Chris Vaxmonsky, Spencer Ashton, and Jon Ashton. Log on to www.delmarvaesa.org for full results.  

•Out of Wrightsville Beach, NC, the Sweetwater Surf Shop team took an early-November jaunt to Nicaragua, crashing with Eastern Surf/ Skate Supply headman Reggie Barnes. The crew scored macking swell, and hopefully Sweetwater Manager Tony Butler will hook ESM up with the video and photo goods.  

•In other Wrightsville news, the 3rd Annual Hope From Helen Silent Auction went down on December 7th at Blockade Runner Resort. The event raised money for SurfAid, Life Rolls On, Surfrider, Buddy Pelletier Surfing Foundation, and Surfers Healing, among others.  

•Philadelphia, PA, eco-warriors Greenlight Surfboards Supply recently teamed up with Footprint Co. to develop a line of organic bamboo apparel. Log on to www.footprintco.com or www.greenlightsurfboards.com to find out how you can "go green" in more ways than one.  

•The 21st Annual Hot Wax Challenge Surf Contest got busy at Southern North Carolina's Fort Fisher State Park back in October. Kure Beach dual threat Tony Silvagni took the Men's and Open Longboard divisions, solidifying his stellar 2007 competition resume. Turn to Page 172 for full results.  

•Kenny "Gibber" Gibbs gave us the lowdown on former Wrightsville Beach surfer and vert skater Allen Tranbarger, who's currently lovin' life in the islands as Operations Manager at Kauai Shape Solutions. Allen's also working with New England/ Kauai shaper Shawn Vecchione, in addition to recently starting his own label, Shaolin. Tranbarger hopes to get sticks back on the East Coast by summer 2008, so call 808-635-5537 if you're interested. Gibber reported, "When I was at Allen's shop taking photos, I pulled out my trusty Nikon 18 mm lens and noticed the huge dent in it from years ago. Then I remembered Allen did that. As soon as I mentioned the big dent, Allen finished my sentence: 'I did a backside smith which turned into a backside lipslide. That's where that dent came from!'"  

•Virginia Beach, VA, hot grom Michael Agnew racked up a string of 4th-place finishes last summer, but after an early-fall training session in Kauai, he should be fired up for some better results in the 2008 competitive season.  

•Emerald Isle, NC, brothers Hunter and Fisher Heverly have joined Central Florida ripper Danny Estes on the growing Katin USA Clothing squad. Log on to www.katinusa.com to peep this old school company's new school charge.  

•In Jersey deets, Brave New World teamrider Tommy Ihnken spent his Christmas on the North Shore with Brian Bielmann; Tom Petriken has been spotted competing in California, Puerto Rico, Barbados, and Costa Rica; and Surf Buyer Craig "Gordo" Gordon snuck away for a wintertime trip to Ecuador.  

•New Jersey-based clothing company Jetty will have a new website up and running on March 1st. Also, any interns interested in locking down Summer '08 positions need to have their resumes in by March 15th. Head over to www.jettylife.com for details.  

•Steve Head wrote in with the results from the Hurley/ Super Heat Surf Contest Series #2. Taking the big win for the second contest in a row was super-grom Corey Hanks. For updated results, scope out the surf blog section at www.hurley.com. You can find Super Heat surf and skate games through Eastern Surf Supply in the United States or Satorial Supplies in the United Kingdom.  

•Monmouth, NJ, pro Mike Gleason has signed on to Oceanside, CA's, Chemistry Surfboards, becoming the team's only East Coast rider. Look for Mike's pro model out in 2008, and until then, check out www.chemistrysurfboards.com.  

•ESM Senior Photographer Mickey "2M" McCarthy and VB-based contributor John Wright spent a few weeks in Hawaii this winter capturing all the hot North Shore action. Stay tuned to www.surfkdh.com and www.wrightcoastsurf.com for updates from the Seven-Mile Miracle.  

•The Virginia Longboard Federation held their 5th Annual Christmas Party at Dirty Dick's on December 22nd. Check out www.virginialongboardfederation.com for more.  

•Billabong opened a new retail store on Highway 35 in Shrewsbury, NJ. Thanks to Andrew Mencinsky of the Surfers' Environmental Alliance for the heads up.  

•In other Jersey deets, the ESA-Central New Jersey District wrapped up their 2007 season, with Pete Machotka, TJ Mortellaro, Brian Maffucci, Jill Kepich, Kim Kepich, Christian Porter, Christina Claps, Joannie Sapienza, and Chris Kretzer topping their divisions.  

•ESA-Southern North Carolina District Director Mary Ann Mangiacapre updated ESM with news on Wesley Bell, who suffered severe injuries in an ATV accident back in December. Wesley has several fractures, breaks, and internal injuries, but he's progressing well, and the latest update has him regaining some speech and flexibility, even walking around his room, all of which means he's on his way to recovery. Stay tuned to www.wblivesurf.com for day-to-day updates. All of us at ESM wish the Bell family well in this time of need.  

•Adam Warden of AJW Surfboards moved back to California in December, but still plans on supplying his East Coast customers via the Sharp Eye factory. Teamriders like Rob Brown, Brendan Buckley, Slater Powell, and Brandon Sanford will keep on representing AJW on the Right Coast, so you should too. Any questions or orders, e-mail adam@ajwsurfboard.com.  

•Pennsylvania sunglass company Native Eyewear dropped the Bolt and Triumph shades on the market this winter. Scope 'em out at www.nativeyewear.com.  

•In other PA deets, former Keystone State local Tim Pauley posted up behind Log Cabins on the North Shore to watch the Pipeline Masters this winter.  

•Blair Lang had a surfboard stolen from underneath his home in Southern Shores, NC. Missing is a 6'1" Al Merrick Flyer with round tail and neon green to yellow to blue fade rails. To add insult to injury, the thieves also swiped Lang's wallet. Anyone with information please contact Blair at 252-249-9834. A short time later, Tim Nolte, also of Southern Shores, had four self-shaped boards (11'2" blue/ yellow thruster, 9'0" green/ red thruster, 7'8" blue funshape, 6'6" bamboo quad) and two wetsuits stolen from his van. Anyone with info on that theft can call Tim at 252-491-2590.  

•Garden State amateur photographer Bobby Siliato sent us a few lineup shots from Deal, NJ, this month. Keep those photos coming, Bobby!  

•ESM sends hearty congratulations to LaNier Shepard of Shepard Surfboards, on his recent marriage to Danielle Lewis. They tied the knot right in front of the Intercoastal Waterway behind his parents' beach house on Topsail Island, NC. Here's to a lifetime of happiness, guys.  

•In other heartwarming news, UM Surfboards East Coast rep Denis Weiler and his wife Lynn welcomed their son Elijah Hurricane into the world on November 1st.  

•And wrapping up this edition of the Blahs, a big hand goes out to Brave New World Snow Buyer RJ Amalfa and his wife Missy on the birth of their son Landon James on November 1st. ­Compiled by Nick McGregor

 

Southeast Blahs

•Wedding bells rang loud this December, when born-and-bred Melbourne Beach, FL, surfer and Iraq War veteran Derek Jaffe married his longtime love, Deborah Amaro, in a beautiful riverside ceremony at Ryckman Park on the 15th, followed by a reception at The Dove in Satellite Beach, with several Melbourne Beach rippers in attendance, including Mark Dawson, Blake Jones, and Harry Sack. Congratulations on your union, Derek and Deborah, from all of us here at ESM.  

•East Coast Surfing Hall Of Fame Museum Executive Director Tony Sasso and Curator Sean O'Hare resigned in December, expressing their commitment to reestablishing the Cocoa Beach Surf Museum. Look for the grassroots organization to reopen in about six months at a yet-to-be-determined location. To get involved, log on to www.16streets.com or e-mail cbsurfmuseum@gmail.com. Also, Sasso threw his name into the ring for the Florida House of Representatives District 32 seat. It's not often we get a chance to vote a surfer into state office, so if you don't know about Tony, check out www.electtonysasso.com and make sure to vote on February 26th.  

•Down Puerto Rico way, Floridian Melissa Taylor and Maine-iac Bill Woodward teamed up to start Puntas Surf School in Rincon, PR. Check 'em out at www.myspace.com/puntassurfschool.com.  

•South Florida longboarder Roray Kam now rides for Quiksilver Silver Edition and Ocean Minded, and also wanted to send out a big thank you to Island Water Sports Deerfield for donating $1100 to Broward County Surfrider. Mahalo to Roray's wife U'ilani for providing the info.  

•In other South Florida Surfrider news, C-Shapes owner Carlos Reyes shaped a miniature surfboard for the Miami Chapter, who then presented it to Garry Kessler, Regional Manager of Quiksilver's South Beach location.  

•Final points standings for the ESA-Georgia District came in this month, with William Urbin, Josh Richardson, Cooper Neil, Ryan Trenary, Chris Black, Montee Coursey, Alex Arnold, Jimmy Manning, Adrianne Munden-Dixon, Jennifer Wittendorf, Carl Anderson, and Eric Close leading their divisions.  

•In Gulf news, the ESA-West Florida District journeyed over to Cocoa Beach Pier in December to participate in an East vs. West Team Challenge with the ESA-Central Florida District. In glassy, two to three-foot surf, the CFL team took down the WFL team 134 to 91, with Lopez family patriarch Pete Lopez contributing some smooth longboarding and son Matty Lopez bringing up the shortboard end for the Gulf's cause. The Eastside strongman/ superwoman pair of Tyler Thornsley and Lauren McLean held off the Gulf Coast charge, but look for more innovative events like this to continue. The ESA-WFL District directors wanted to send a big thanks to the ESA-CFL District for their hospitality and dedication to the cause.  

•Neilani Werner has a new website up at www.neilaniart.com. Check out this Miami, FL, surf artist's ocean-themed work.  

•Flagler Beach, FL, wahine Haley Watson placed 5th at the Rip Curl GromSearch Nationals back in November, as well as finishing 1st in overall points in the ESA-St. Augustine District and making the ESA Allstar Team. Haley also scored the inside cover of her local newspaper, and is currently in Puerto Rico surfing with fellow Flagler girl Cat Thompson.  

•ESM Senior Photographers and South Carolina diehards James and Meghan Whitney sent big ups to Keenan Lineback and Cam Richards for making the 2008 U.S.A. Surf Team. Make sure to check out Page 58 for an On The Pro-Grom look at Lineback.  

•While we were nosing around the Palmetto State, we found out the 3rd Annual Grand Strand Surfrider Toys For Tots Art Show went off on December 7th. Local artists, photographers, and craftsmen exhibited their wares at Myrtle Beach Train Depot. The event was sponsored by Sierra Club, Waccamaw River Keepers, Step-Up, and Global Awareness Project. Also a big hand to New South Brewery for providing refreshments.  

•Satellite Beach-based WRV shaper Mike Daniel stopped by the ESM offices to let us know about his continuing work with Coil Construction, vacuum-bagged EPS epoxy surfboard technology began by Kirk and Eric Brasington (see our Q&A with the brothers in last March's issue, Vol.16, #119). The Coil boys finally have their own website up and running at www.coilsurf.com, so take a peek.  

•Ellis Pickett of Surfrider Texas Chapter sent in news of a year-end party and fundraiser, which called attention to several development, renourishment, and breakwater issues faced by Texas surfers.  

•Speaking of Texas fundraisers, ESM Senior Photographer Jon Steele hosted a slideshow on December 21st in Corpus Christi. Steele's images from California, Hawaii, and Indonesia raised money for Surfrider Texas Coastal Bend Chapter. You can scope out the visual evidence at www.jonsteele.net.  

•All you Treasure Coast, FL, shredders get ready: the 2008 Surf Central/ Quiksilver Treasure Chest Pro-Am is gearing up for March 31st-April 5th. Offering a $10,000 purse for the Pro Skins division, this one promises to bring out the best in Florida surfing. Call the contest hotline at 772-283-9002 for updates.  

•Looking into the Treasure Coast's past, Surfrider TC Chapter held their annual Fall Beach Cleanup on November 18th at Stuart Public Beach, with tunes from Moska Project and DopeSick keeping everyone in the groove. Over 1000 pounds of trash were collected, and a round of applause goes out to co-sponsors Keep Martin Beautiful and BUZZ 103.1.  

•Big ups to New Smyrna Beach, FL's, Amy Nicholl, who not only made the U.S.A. Surf Team for the second year in a row, but also won the Volcom VQS Totally Crustaceous Tour Seacow Surf Series at Sebastian Inlet after flying back from a U.S.A. Team practice the night before. Keep on charging, Amy!  

•Puerto Rican photographer Manny Gonzalez, better known as gOnzo, submitted a few shots of Isla del Encanto shredder Aron Gieger ripping up the new skatepark in Ramey, PR, conveniently located right next to Wilderness. Also, turn to Page 48 for a review of Aron's new video, Knock It Off 2.  

•Like we've been saying, Sean Slater is everywhere.  

•Former ESM Who Da Girl and St. Augustine, FL, resident Kristin Wilson wrote in with the latest news from her adopted home in Costa Rica, where she participated in the November Pura Vida No Pro to benefit local orphans and underprivileged kids. Point that mouse to www.puravidanopro.com for more. South Carolina's Tim McManus, of Peninsula Media, has a photo site of the No Pro up at www.peninsulamedia.typepad.com. Also, Wilson placed 4th at the ALAS Latin Tour stop in Costa Rica, despite multiple pleas by other competitors to kick her out of the contest. Kristin's pending Costa Rican residency and fluent Spanish saved her in the end.  

•The Jamaican National Surf Team put on a strong showing at the VIII Pan American Surfing Games, held in Chile back in November, overcoming regional hostilities to place 10th out of 17 countries. Team Jamaica fielded 13 team members, a record in only its seventh year of international competition. To find out more about these Caribbean shredders, visit www.insight51.com or www.geocities.com/jasurfas.  

•South Florida surfer Russell Jenkins was named Director of Sales and Marketing for the Doubletree Guest Suites in Coconut Grove, FL.  

•In more South Florida deets, filmmaker Andrew Petersen and East Coast legend Matt Kechele gave 17-year-old Miami surfer Harry Greenberg a little hope during a tough time last November. Greenberg was recently diagnosed with bone cancer in his leg, and has begun to face the reality of becoming an amputee, so Kech and Petersen surprised Harry with a Kechele retro twin-fin at his high school's Friday night football game. As the stadium erupted in applause, Greenberg said, "I can't wait to surf again!"  

•South Carolina native Drew Brophy signed a deal with Poster Service to offer his classic surf art and rock 'n' roll images for retail. Check out www.drewbrophy.com or www.posterservice.com for availability. In other Brophy news, Drew teamed up with New Jersey native photographer Jason Murray for a December art exhibit in San Clemente, CA.  

•Speculators were throwing around rumors about a possible Sebastian Inlet South Jetty extension, but East Coast legend Captain Dick Catri came by the ESM offices to set the record straight: no jetty extension, and no rumored dredging of Monster Hole. We can all breathe a little easier for now. Big thanks to Catri for filling us in.  

•And speaking of other wave-affecting Brevard County issues, the County Commission approved $95,000 in December to study the possibility of an offshore reef. Proponents say the reef would decrease beach erosion while increasing wave quality, while opponents say it could be just another waste of money. Find out for yourself at www.spacecoastreef.com.  

•The Best Laid Plans creator Alek Parker popped up on Fuel TV's The Daily Habit back in November, plugging his increasingly popular movie.

•Wrapping up this edition of the Blahs with feelgood news, a photo of the hard-chargin' ESM Sharks girls soccer team turned up in the December 4th edition of Space Coast newspaper Florida Today. Although these goal-scoring wahines are young, we're proud to report they already know how to represent their East Coast roots with pride. ­Compiled by Nick McGregor

More From Everywhere Blahs

•What better way to begin our More From Everywhere Blah Blahs this issue than to relay information about a surfer who's really showing up everywhere lately. After jet-setting around the world (Milan, Paris, New York, etc.) doing photo shoots for high-dollar clients like Guess By Marciano, Melbourne Beach, FL, surfer/ Next Model Management model/ former ESM Who Da Guy Ryan "Pickle" Mickelsen returned home to Brevard in mid-December to mix it up with many of his old friends at a backyard barbecue put on by his mom, which included appearances by big Right Coast names like Justin and Eric Ellingham, Justin and Blake Jones, Tommy O'Brien, and Nick Guilarte. During his brief, week-long stint, Pickel even found the time to dick around behind the ski for a few hours, doing tow-ats with Matt Kechele, Dick Meseroll, Alek Parker, and company at Sebastian Inlet. 

•ESM sends get well soon wishes to Santa Cruz surfer Justin Meeks, who broke his neck surfing the Santa Cruz Harbor. His medical bills have already reached into the one million dollar range. Contact the Meeks Foundation at jdsurfs87@aol.com or (831) 234-1574 to help.  

•One former ESM Who Da Guy returning home to Brevard County in December was artist/ entrepreneur Chris Maslow of Slow Clothing. Sorry we missed ya, Slow. Catch ya next time around, though, kid!  

•Viking Surfboards' main British guy, Llewellyn Whitaker, won the inaugural United Kingdom Pro Surfing Triple Crown, combining victories in England and Northern Ireland with a 5th-place in Scotland to win the title. It's not the Hawaiian Triple Crown, but still a mighty big accomplishment. Check out www.vikingsurfboards.com for more on Llewellyn's year.  

•Surf Express has something for all you worn-out sales reps out there: send your business card to www.surfexpress.com, and you'll be entered in a drawing for a week aboard the Lost Coast Explorer, a surf yacht based in Panama. Get those entries in quick, because the winner will be drawn January 15th!  

•SurfAid International received the World Association Of Non-Governmental Organizations' 2007 Humanitarian Award for their continuing work in the Mentawais. The organization also teamed up with Quiksilver to launch the Quiksilver SurfAid Community Health Training Center, and finally, the SurfAid Swim 4 Life event went down in October on the East Coast, raising more money for poverty-stricken residents of the Mentawais. Log on to www.surfaidinternational.org to find out how you can help.  

•Prayers and condolences go out to friends and family of Florida waterman Chris Harazda, who died unexpectedly on December 16th after surfing Jupiter, FL. Chris was an avid purveyor of alternative equipment, and rode with style on everything from bellyboards to longboards. He was also an accomplished musician, acupuncturist, and spiritual healer. ESM sends our condolences to Chris' wife Janet, and to all the friends who attended a paddle-out on December 22nd at O-Club in Cocoa Beach, FL.  

•JP Collett took over the Surf Promotions/ Team Manager job at Smith Optics last month. Welcome to the fold, JP!  

•Out on DVD and streaming download is Surftech's Shape Of The Future, which features New Smyrna Beach, FL's, father/ son, shaper/ surfer duo Greg and Eric Geiselman, among others. Head over to www.surftech.com to buy or watch your copy.  

•In team news, Surf Prescriptions added Hawaiian pro Casey Brown, fellow Big Island ripper Tonino Benson signed with Anon Optics, UM Surfboards acquired San Diego shredder Che Stang, and Shane Beschen joined The Allyance.  

•Speaking of The Allyance, Joe Gibula gave us the heads up on this new company's sales force: Paul Kuchno is responsible for Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, John Taylor will cover the Carolinas/ Southeast, former ESM Good Rep Mark Neustadter has the Mid-Atlantic/ Northeast, Daniel Ginsburg is territory kingpin, and Gibula will be handling day-to-day operations. The Allyance is driven by veteran designer Johnny Muson and his Black Heart Brotherhood team, but the company is currently on the hunt for a Florida rep. Send an e-mail to Adam Stave at Adam.Stave@theallyance.com if you're interested, and make sure to scope the clothes at www.theallyance.com. This company has really got some healthy steam brewing, and to prove they're serious about the East Coast surfing scene, they just picked up Jersey boy Ben Graeff.  

•Jedidiah has The Hope Collection line of T-shirts available at www.antiapparel.com. Proceeds from each shirt will go to one of seven charity organizations.  

•Got yourself the latest eco-friendly board? Well, your work's not done until you check out Fluid Earth's new Earth-friendly fins. Point your mouse to www.fluidearth.org.  

•Calling all surfers in need of sponsors: Jetty is looking for serious riders in Florida, South Carolina, Virginia, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and Maine to join such proven rippers as Outer Banks progressivist Dallas Tolson on the Jetty team. Hit 'em up at www.jettylife.com, or head over to booth #355 at the January Surf Expo.  

•Looking for a safe place to store your keys while surfing? The HitchSafe may be your answer. Look up www.hitchsafe.com for details.  

•Global Surf Industries signed on as the main sponsor for the Noosa Festival Of Surfing 2008. Log on to www.noosafestivalofsurfing.com for more. GSI will also hold a contest giving away VIP trips to Noosa, so head over to www.surfindustries.com/noosa to find out how you can win. Finally, GSI named Scott Litherland Territory Manager for the Mid-Atlantic.  

•Oahu pioneer John Kelly passed away back in October. Kelly was a member of the fabled Hot Curl crew and will be dearly missed by all of us in the surfing world.  

•Mission Playground will release an environmentally friendly surfboard (made from Homeblown's BioFoam) and boardshort in February 2008. Browse over to www.missionplayground.com for more info.  

•Sick of frying your eyes in the early-morning sun? Check out Kurtis' surf goggles at www.kurtisusa.com. And if you love the free market, scope out the competition, SeaSpecs, at www.seaspecs.com.  

•Electric Visual debuted the Bourbon, the Aux., the Twentyfourk, and the Col. Thacker glasses this winter. Give 'em a look at www.electricvisual.com.  

•The Billabong XXL Big Wave Awards launched this winter with a new website, www.billabongxxl.com. Look for East Coasters like Jesse Hines and Todd Morcom to take a shot at the $50,000 prize.  

•Lou Maresca, member of the National Surfing School And Instructors Association's Board of Directors, just picked up a new job at the Gasparilla Inn in Placida, FL. Check out what they offer at www.gasparillainn.com.  

•Looking for some user-generated extreme sports action? Head over to GrindTV at www.grindtv.com.  

•And Loop'd, a new social networking site for surf fans, made its debut in November at www.loopd.com. Loop'd also teamed up with Freestyle for the "Are You Next?" contest, which will award a one-year sponsorship to a deserving young surfer. Log on to www.freestylecontest.loopd.com for details.  

•Southcoast Foam & Fiberglass, a fresh blank company out of Australia, is looking for distributors. Look 'em up at www.southcoastfoam.com.au.  

•Recent Costa Rican ex-pat Michael Dolsey wrote in to squash a few rumors floating around the surf world. Dolsey still has distribution centers for surfboards, boardshorts, and rashguards up and down the East Coast, and still employs his same longtime staff of Paul Kane, Greg "GT" Taylor, Bobby Dosier, and Jamie Ackles. To set the record straight, log on to www.dolsey.com, www.rashguards.com, www.boardshorts.com, or www.stickstands.com.  

•Looking for a new surfboard and snowboard, but want to get both under one roof? Look no further than the new Burton Snowboards and Channel Islands Surfboards Los Angeles Flagship Store. With over 11,000 square feet, they're sure to have what you're looking for.  

•California uber-bro Bron Heussenstam recently signed WCT-bound surfers Ben Bourgeois and Roy Powers to his management company, Saxen International. Bron will handle business dealings for the boys so they can concentrate on keeping their surfing up to elite levels.  

•Walker Surfboards signed artist Dave Serrano to the team.  

•Check out the new environmental SurfRodz/ ProTeak skateboard decks at www.web.mac.com/surfrodz.  

•Volcom has kickstarted the kickflip debate, offering $10,000 in the Kickflip-off Contest to the first surfer who can document a clean landing of the notoriously unmakeable trick in the water. Point that mouse to www.volcom.com for more info.  

•This just in: Sebastian Inlet spawn Blake Jones has been throwing himself into a top-secret physical training regimen lately, and he vows to lay down a deadly wrath at the WQS and ASP Pro Juniors comps in 2008, along with his equally serious Brevard County travel partner Adam Wickwire.  

•And finally, we normally reserve our ASP love for East Coast pros, but ESM just had to give a big round of applause to Aussie Stephanie Gilmore for winning the ASP Women's World Title in her rookie season. Reminds us of a certain dominant East Coaster who won his first of many world titles in a rookie season. Additional congrats to fellow Aussie Mick Fanning for winning the ASP Men's World Title. And finally, the great Mark "Occy" Occhilupo announced his retirement from the WCT after the December Pipe Masters, along with fellow Aussies Josh Kerr and Mick Lowe. You guys will be missed. ­Compiled by Nick McGregor