Remissness

It’s been too long but the good news is you haven’t missed much. Or is it good news? For the past month it’s been commute-work-sleep here at the speedway. Or as they say in France, metro-boulot-dodo. Actually that’s magic news when you consider the alternative.

Enough bitching and on with a big recap.

In Memoriam:
Two major passings, two major losses; or the revolution will not be televised, and he’s dead, Jim. Can you guess? Gil Scott Heron, and DeForrest Kelly.

Gil Scott-Heron: 1949-2011

Gil your message got through to this white kid insulated in Winchester MA from the evils of the world loud and clear, without rubbing my nose it it, rocking out all the way. No hate, just truth. The revolution WILL put you in the driver's seat, brother. Thank you

DeForrest Kelly: 1920-2011

Dammit Jim, I’m just a country doctor! Go easy, Bones, you rocked.

Surfy news:
The 9’8”?? Hansen Master ‘Pointed Tail’ has been cleaned up, fixed up, and waxed up. This thing rides the shit in steeper beach break. In principle, the narrowness provides control in the face, and it sure feels this way. Old boards are for riding, but not riding into the ground, these things are almost as old as me…almost. So they spend most of the year looking pretty in the rafters of my living room, but come summertime, they are stoking me out where they belong: in the lineup.

Everyone should have a vintage board, something that takes you back to the roots of whatever your surfing trip is. You all know what I like, so I love the Hansen. Into thrusters? Pick up an 80’s shorty or even late 70’s stinger. Fish? Same deal. SUP? How about a wooden kookbox? Tom Blake style: Waikiki 1930. A rideable board from the roots of your trip, whatever that is, will connect you with the heritage of your sport and lifestyle.


Surf Shop Shout Out
More recently I visited the Endless Wave surf shop in Newport RI. All I can say is check it out. Talk about rootsy. Some gorgeous boards you can’t get anywhere else in NE, some cool threads you can’t get anywhere else in NE, any accessories you’d need, and an atmosphere that’s very cool but not at all pretentious. This is such a tough balance to get right. All that and a friendly & knowledgeable attitude and you’ll be stoked out. Endless Wave are the same good folks who brought us the Wax Buddy. Now Aquidneck Island has Elemental/Island (yessss) Water Bros (the man, myth & legend Sid Abruzzi), and now these guys. 3 different shops, three different flavors, all in Newport, a city that’s so fun it’s scary.

Vive la difference, and God save me from the things I want!