Hye Tyde

Mild Winter's Day and Surprise (sort of) Waves

2012-01-28T20:48:00.001-05:00

All the web cams looked ambysmal, and the reports were piss-poor, but hold the phone - things got pretty fun before the wind came up. The pictures are so-so, again, another case of "screw the photos, we're burning daylight. Ditch the camera and suit-up."

Janet's especially stylish on her Meyerhoffer - you know, one of the hour-glass shaped cult crafts.

Fun enough for a day which was supposed to be flat. I was too hurried to shoot them, but theer were some solid chest high sets.

Small leftovers and more mild weather tomorrow?

The Long, Strange trip of the Queen Bee

2012-01-28T20:40:00.000-05:00

From earlier this week but I'm still amazed.

No one was killed when Scott Douglas and Rich St. Pierre were tossed off the 26-foot long boat (the Queen Bee) in August 2008 off Nantucket and forced to swim two hours to shore. The U.S. Coast Guard says the boat was left adrift because the seas were extremely dangerous.

She was discovered in Llanes, Spain, over 3,500 and miles away and over 3 years later! The Queen Bee traveled across the Atlantic Ocean, MSNBC notes, perhaps carried along by the Gulf Stream ocean current.

The boat was finally found 3 years later 20 miles off the northern coast of Spain. According to Maritime law, Spain now owns the boat.

Also, in case you were wondering, Spanish media reports say the vessel still contained a first-aid kit, fire extinguishers, a radio and maps of the U.S. East Coast. Everything else had been taken.

Etta James 1938-2012

2012-01-20T13:12:00.003-05:00

Rest in peace & thanks, 'Miss Peaches'.

Amber Waves

2012-01-19T17:21:00.004-05:00

Amber Waves - 10'0" noserider

Spot X by Chad Huff

2012-01-19T11:20:00.002-05:00

Say it ain't so: Kodak Files for Bankruptcy Protection

2012-01-19T10:15:00.000-05:00

OK, folks this is not good. From today's Wall Street Journal:

Eastman Kodak Co. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in New York early Thursday morning, after the struggling photography icon ran short on cash needed to fund a long-sputtering turnaround.

and the crooked places will be made straight

2012-01-16T21:11:00.011-05:00

"One day every valley shall be exalted, and every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight."
~Martin Luther King Jr.

2012-01-15T14:01:00.003-05:00

Chilly but fun enough & crispy

Especially when the lineup cleared out

More pretty light - and who doesn't love the complete lack of snow?

Dog Bar Breakwater - Image: Bodin Historic Photo

2012-01-11T11:11:00.010-05:00

Dog Bar Breakwater, circa 1906 (note lack of rip rap on the ocean side on right) Alice M. Curtis/© Fredrik D. Bodin

I'm totally gleeping/stealing/ripping off this post from the excellent Good Morning Gloucester blog because I think it's so flipping cool.

article by Fred Bodin:
Dog Bar Breakwater extends nearly half a mile from the tip of Eastern Point across the entrance to Gloucester Harbor. It not only shelters the harbor, but also covers the treacherous Dog Bar Reef, for which it is named. Construction by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began in 1894 and continued until December 1905. The foundation of the structure is granite rubble taken from Cape Ann quarries, and is capped by 12 ton granite blocks supplied by the Cheves Granite Company of Rockport. A total of 231,760 tons of granite were used to build the breakwater. A small tower lighthouse marks it’s outermost extremity.

Head's up:
Fred Bodin has the coolest gallery on Main St. in downtown Gloucester. If you want to see (and buy) amazing photographs, dont miss it.
bodinhistoricphoto.com

And Today:

Wayne Lynch, Nat Young, Ted Spencer x Paul Witzig - how can you miss?

2012-01-11T10:40:00.003-05:00

The Jetty

2012-01-06T21:52:00.001-05:00

By Kiyo
Safe to say it's pumping out there.

Somebody somewhere's stoked

2012-01-06T11:17:00.000-05:00

A 10' noserider nears completion.

Harold Iggy: 1941 - 2012

2012-01-05T15:47:00.005-05:00

legendary shaper, surfer, waterman

starting 2012 with a bang: day run to the Southlands

2012-01-03T19:55:00.001-05:00

And don't let the Mayan's tell you any different, ya hear?
Far more fun than it looked, and pretty damn sweet given the miserable forcast.

Let's see - motivate and venture and things are more fun than expected, thanks to the fun crew you're with. 2012's gonna be a great year!

Also - the choice - bigger crossed up and super crowded? smaller, no one, plenty of room for everone, and the stigma of a beginner spot. Easy choice.

01-01-12 First ride of the year.

2012-01-03T19:41:00.000-05:00

And probably the last for months since it's 18° and windy outside as I type.

Fun ride which turned out to be a race against the sunset as the roads got a little slick. The half fremer came along for the easy ride.

New Year Resolutions & all the best for '12 y'all!

2012-01-03T19:32:00.003-05:00

In no particular order here goes for 2012:

Rock climbing – Maybe a kindred spirit? A perfect way to unwind, and there are good places around here.
Put a sock in it and listen to people
Join the community
Gloucester & environs: Jump in! – there’s loads happening.
Learn Spanish
Ride shortboards
Surf Nova Scotia
Cook more
Hike again - someplace different? Same in 1 day? Both?
Finish stack of books hiding under my bedside table.
Take a remedial guitar class – the acoustic is under an inch of dust
Be more organized in my daily workflow
See more movies. Not a single theatre-movie in '11!
Eat more green in every sense – 2009 – 2011 saw huge advances in this area, keep ‘em flyin’.
Take a surf/travel trip – Tortola was amazing (so much so I’d go right back again too) – but Europe - Cote Basque - North Devon - Ireland. As said in 2011 as 2012.
Give back – I've been pretty fortunate all along. Something’s out of balance – my point: give “something” back – I don’t know how, what, or when; but what better way to thank our lucky stars?
The B.C. (wtf!): tall tall order, but sometimes you gotta say wtf. SUP? Lay-down paddleboard? Dory? Kayak? (gag) Stay tuned.
Timeliness – a recycled resolution from a year ago – improved, but much room for improvement – do or do not, there is no try.
Focus – the main thing: keeping the main thing the main thing.
needs and wants – separate but not equal

Some board porn to end the year

2011-12-31T15:03:00.000-05:00

Josh & Tyler's baby guns - for waves bigger than I can handle.

2011 – HyeLytes from the Year in Surfing, or anything else for that matter.

2011-12-31T12:00:00.001-05:00

January
Your’s truly gets his right ear drilled – no surfing ‘till mid-March. But weep not, my ear feels so good. No more throbbing infections, no more “what??”. And music hasn’t sounded so rich & full since I can remember. Deepest mahalo, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary!

Februrary
Stupid reality again – but the big news if you can call it that is my move. Love this house! Y’all gotta come by!

March
Back in the water (with ear plugs) finally. Also, this is the time of the year when young mens’ thoughts turn to motorcycles.

April
Facing your fear pays big dividends: paddling out at a local, hairy cove and waiting my turn yielded me a one single left that I’ll never forget. We all have those! And a trip to Rhode Island is always memorable.

May
Some fun pre-Summer onslaught waves locally.

Don’t ask me what drove me to do it, but a hunge hankerin’ to do the old bridal path/Mount Lafayette hike, but I’m gad I did.

June
Intro to paddleboards – the lay-down kind:

July
More Summer fun, joy in the warm water. I’m settling into the Gloucester groove quite well, thank you!

August
More small waves & warm water. Hurricane Irene was a bust.

September
But Katya wasn’t – Rhode Island: the September Place to be.

And hey - who woulndn't want an official team ryder t shirt? - available in gray & white. It can be arranged.

October
Ophelia was fun locally. I just didn’t feel like doing the “it” spots. And outr 1st Nor’easter certainly turned on the juice – bombs on day one, and fun surf for the rest of the week.

November
Nothing to report ‘cept that Thanksgiving day had waves – just like old times. Joe Frazier died. Go easy Joe, you were a class act.

December:
And here we are. The month can be summed up I 3 words: **ck yeah, Tortola. First time in the Carribean, first time anyplace tropical, my forst time out of the country since Reagan was president. Thank God for Tortola and her people, that’s all I can say.

That's all folks - hope to see y'all rockin' out and having fun in 2012!

Women we love: World Champion Surfer Lynne Boyer

2011-12-28T23:20:00.001-05:00

Archive footage of World Champion (1978 & 1979) surfer Lynne Boyer from the film "Boyer" by Mary Piller, copyrighted 2008.

Lynne has style to burn. She's a super artist these days:

Her website

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Jah Bless

2011-12-24T14:40:00.003-05:00

And to you and yours: peace, health, and nothing but the best of everything for 2012.

And thanks for all the support, love, and inspiration this past year!

Van Envy again

2011-12-23T15:05:00.002-05:00

Van envy bubbles up this time each year - Santa, you readin'?

Ok, not a van, I forgot about these old Saabs - remember when Saabs were cool?

the Hytygr project

2011-12-22T16:18:00.001-05:00

Tumblr - the jury's still out on this one, friends, it's sort of like blogspot/wordpress for ADD cases (my kinda blog!), but we're giving it a go here.

Conceptually Hytygr is Hye Tyde's saucy and even less reverent little sister.

ladies & gents I present to you for what it's worth: Hytygr

Doh! Now I have to face stupid reality again.

2011-12-19T14:59:00.001-05:00

Damn it was cold, but it was time suck it up & go for it, it's going to be a long season.

SUP's: this ain't sledding at the golf course; you know when everyone bombs the hill together, ending in a pile of snow, people, equipment & laughs. Party waves aren't cool, and don't ditch your boards in the fun section, pretty please? We cool?

Murmutation

2011-12-17T12:26:00.002-05:00

**** yeah Tortola pt. 2

2011-12-15T00:12:00.004-05:00

You're all spared the blow by blow, session by session. That's all been done before.

Travel does one's head a world of good
Travel gets your groove back
Travel re-ignites your stoke
Travel introduces you to new cultures and outlooks

So why not make the effort to do more of it?

**** yeah Tortola pt. 1

2011-12-13T22:59:00.002-05:00

Amazing Tortola, I could go on & on, it's all been said. Super people, it's not Bermuda (thankfully) but the place is clean and picked up, pride in their little island. Cape Ann - take note!

It's Easy to get here from Boston

The American Airlines raped me on the board transport - $150 each way, dings incuded.

The TSA opened my bag along the way (see the note the we so kind to leave me?) but the moved all the bubble wrap & pipe insulation.

This little guy was in my window/curtains. Initial unease gave way to admiration when he shot off and gobbled a moth.

But lets accentuate the positive! The waves are consistenty bigger than they look, and far faster & punchier. Water temps, air temps both 83° all week. I got drilled pretty hard on Tuesday. Maybe I should start going short? I'm envious of the shortboarders - maybe because it was good to see them on a real wave. Locals here rip - guys and gals alike.

My Surfer's Journal momenent came at this cove - about 4' and one eye on the coral bottom. It's no joke, I lucked out, but cut up feet and legs are a common sight on visitors.

Cool vehicles you cannot get in the states - the Suzuki Jimmy - tiny sewing machine of a truck, but Suzi-Q did it all. You can rent yours from Denzil Clyne Car Rentals on the West End.

Great food - lots of chicken & fish, and Roti's rock - this is a Paté - hot filled with a spicy fish paste:

The color!:

To be continued.

Pre-trip eye candy - dream of smooth flying & waves

2011-12-02T14:14:00.000-05:00

With 101 things to do, and I cannot stop daydreaming. But since this time tomorrow I'll be Tortola (**** yeah Tortola!), what do you expect. The flight is on American Airlines, and traveling with a board is a major hassle. So my ADD mind starts wondering/wondering: Wouldn't a Seaplane be perfect? Like those big WWII jobs? Load up your stuff, fly to the break, land, drop anchor and have at it. Jacques Cousteau had one (above), so there.

Movietime!

I gotta see this - Palos Verdes in the 60's, clay wheels, even their surf team rider jackets are the coolest - and any of those cars in the lot are Musclecar Monday material!

More randomness:

The 777 is the liveliest traditional singlefin log you could imagine. Here's it's creator smacking it in El Porto (photo: Brad Jacobson):

Sawyers Island and Rowley River Saltmarshes, Rowley, Massachusetts

2011-11-30T14:37:00.001-05:00

No surf and high fatigue levels brought us to a new spot - Rowley River Saltmarshes, part of the Essex County Greenbelt.

The Essex County Greenbelt Association is a member supported nonprofit land trust that has conserved nearly 14,000 acres of land in Essex County. Their goal is the creation of "greenbelts" consisting of river, trail, and other natural corridors, coastal systems and visually intact landscapes.

The new-moon tides put some roads underwater.

This marshland is part of The Great Marsh, which extends from Southern New Hampshire to Gloucester, and is the largest salt marsh ecosystem in the Northeast. The salt marsh is the single most important habitat in New England for the production and maintenance of life. As the "nursery" for many marine species, including herring, oysters, shrimp, clams, mussels, and many other species of fish and invertebrates, the marsh supports a highly divers population of migratory and resident birds, and provides two-thirds of the value of our commercial fisheries. The salt marsh also acts as a filter for nutrients and contaminants moving from the land toward the ocean.

Musclecar Monday - 1965 Mercury Comet Caliente

2011-11-28T13:14:00.001-05:00

From 1960-1965, the Comet was based on the Ford Falcon platform. In '65 The 289 V8 was available in three horsepower ratings, 200 hp, 4-barrel 225 hp and the premier driveline option was the 289 cubic inch, 271 hp high-performance engine and four-speed manual transmission found on the Ford Mustang. The performance version was known as the Cyclone, replacing the previous S-22. Then in descending order of trim levels were the Caliente, 404 and 202, replacing the previous Custom and base models.

Gloucester by bike

2011-11-27T00:42:00.001-05:00

Nothing epic (well maybe this Mercury) - but this is what you'll see when you ride around this burg.

film! it's what's happening

2011-11-25T22:25:00.000-05:00

• just shooting pics over the past 2 weeks, pretty pleased but the killer noreaster telephoto images didn't come out.

• this old 50mm lens I use f1,4 - "cateye"- no need for hipstamatic effects

• take an old nikon slr (the trusty fm2), the older 50mm nikkor, plus some expired Fuji film and I'm ready to rock & roll; I guess.

Getting back to normal - very good surfin' on Thanksgiving.

2011-11-24T14:01:00.001-05:00

Depending on what you call normal.

Thanksgiving had aways been a day for super fun surf. It was ideal, get up, suit up at home, let the first splash of cold water bow out the hangover-induced mental fog, and go light it up.

Then something happened, for the past 2 years Thanksgiving offered either no or poor waves. Thanks for nothing, Thanksgiving.

But cheer up spuds, the world is right-side up again!

Today: got up, suited up at home, let the first splash of cold water bow out the hangover-induced mental fog, and then proceeded to light it the **** up. Twice! - 2 sessions all before noon, and I got paddle under a bridge, ah the ever-loving creek! No big deal, just sayin'. Not much clearance but I made it. Sorry for the so-so pics, again, too anxious to paddle out to shoot the day's fun. But this old Dodge military truck was cool - happy 50th, peace corps!

Yup, you heard it, I'm an early riser now, so not only is the world right-side up again, the times, they're a changin' , somethings blown' in the wind.

With a little luck I'll have film pics tomorrow.

the nearest faraway place

2011-11-17T13:24:00.003-05:00

It's been a rough week for us, and a very rough for some friends. We'll pull through.

But in the meantime hopefully some images from the Summer of 1967, yes, the fabled "Summer of Love" courtesy of the Surfing Heritage Foundation will put things in their proper perspective for you too. The ideal - it speaks for itself:.

Below: This is from 1964, and to think she's about 50 now. Her name is Karen, hey Karen, if you can see this are you still surfing San 'O?

A blessed child indeed.

Addendum:
As a matter of fact - I did a quick Google search. Not only does she still surf, she runs a surf school on the North Shore of Oahu!

Check it out:
http://northshoresurfcamps.com

Musclecar Monday - lest we forget the AMC Javelin

2011-11-14T13:23:00.002-05:00

When the topic of conversation turns to AMC, things become comic. “Remember the Pacer? How about the AMC Gremlin?” Who doesn’t have a memory of some poor sod in the past who had to drive one.

Not A Ford, not GM, not Chrysler, but American Motors – the fine folks who brought us the Rambler. As a kid, my father would get caught behind a slow-poke and would mutter “Rambler Driver”. Even Mr. Magoo did in the opening of the now-banned kids cartoon (very un-PC by today’s standards).

But poor American Motors, the Javelin was a legitimate car with clean contemporary ponycar lines, and set up right, could humiliate an unsuspecting Camaro driver at the stoplight…again…if set up right.

Many buyers selected the "Go Package" available with the 360 and 390 four-barrel V8 engines and it included front disk brakes, dual exhaust system, heavy-duty suspension with anti-sway bar, heavy-duty cooling, as well as wide Goodyear white-lettered performance tires on styled road wheels. Also, strong participation by AMC in Trans-Am and drag racing served to enhance its image, and notable was that its motorsports efforts were achieved on a shoestring budget with the automaker racking up a respectable number of points against its giant competitors.

Today’s Musclecar Monday car is, from Kenosha WI, the AMC Javelin.

The Way Life Should be

2011-11-14T00:19:00.002-05:00

Maine's motto - actually it's "Dirigo", latin for "I direct". They'll direct my sorry ass directly back to the bay state, the way I surfed. But everyone else killed it. I'll get 'em next time.

11-11-11 "Binary Day" yields no magic desipte swell, conditions.

2011-11-11T23:29:00.000-05:00

So let's accentuate the positive.

Fall colors are better on cloudy days

Charlie and Annie rock

their well-heated van is always a welcome site, (as are they themselves).

The sanderlings haven't migrated south yet - 6 weeks late, they best 'git before the snow flies.

Tomorrow's another day - hopefully the wind won't blast things flat.

Surfing Heritage Foundation

2011-11-10T11:27:00.000-05:00

What a cool site/idea/organization! How did I miss this one? All kinds of cool stuff – like their “Gem of the Week” - this week's gem was none other than George Greenough himself. Don’t miss out.

Loads of vintage photos, places (ten & now), you name it. Check it out if this sort of thing is your bag:
http://www.surfingheritage.org/

How could I pass on the model T sitting on Torq Thrusts? And Linda benson rocks (below).

Asteroid Flyby Last Night

2011-11-09T12:31:00.002-05:00

Am I the only one who didn't know this?

To put this is perspective: Take an NBA basketball and place a tennis ball 24 feet away - that's the moon. The asteroid passed at 34,900 miles per hour in between the moon and earth, (about 4 feet from the tennis ball).

Read more here: Asteroid 2005 YU55 to find where to look. 'Ole YU55 is the size of an aircraft carrier.

With it’s size and speed, this asteroid would make a crater on earth 4 miles across, 1,700 feet deep and create a magnitude 7 earthquake. That would have ruined my day.

Joe Frazier 1944 - 2011

2011-11-08T19:54:00.001-05:00

We love you, "Smokin' Joe" Frazier

overdue visit to the Granite State

2011-11-06T23:53:00.000-05:00

Not much to report other than some fun rights & lefts, a typically super visit at Cinnamon Rainbows and an epic Burrito at Las Olas Taqueria (sorry I dodn't take a picture).

Special J photo:

Rocktober Ends with Tasty Leftovers

2011-10-31T23:42:00.001-04:00

Fun, but a little closed out.

This is the Almond I picked up in the Weber Performer swap - Dave Allee & crew indeed made fine surfing boards. It has a pig outline (wide point a little aft of center) and is very much at home on beach breaks. D-fins were never really a preference of mine, but it works "just swell" and is gorgeous to look at. Check out Almond Surfboards.

I have a surfboard glut now - keep that in mind, friends.

I can fit a 10' along with a 9' inside my Honda Civic.

Sligtly more fun than it looks.

Rocktober Nor'easter, 1st of the Season

2011-10-31T00:48:00.002-04:00

A little too big & out of control around here - crazy rips too.

But Devereaux was fun until 3 ill-mannered standup types arrived acting like they owned the place. They did not let a single wave go by, a few bad apples I SUPose, leave it to me to find them.

I shot film, video, digital - can't wait to see the film - using an ancient 300mm lens. I wanted to shoot red SUP guy with a 9mm, or maybe .308Win.

But the drops were amazing, despite the 45° temps, obigatory strog wind, and gloves that stayed on the kitchen table.

Onde Nostre | Sri Lanka

2011-10-30T01:28:00.001-04:00

Third teaser shot in Sri Lanka of the new surf project by Block10.
ONDE NOSTRE | RITRATTI DI SURF.
With Alessandro Ponzanelli and stylish Alessia Feraciti.
http://www.block10.it/ondenostre/

Motorcycle Friday - I can't stop dreaming about them

2011-10-28T08:14:00.002-04:00

Team Ryders: Western Australia

2011-10-28T08:04:00.002-04:00

Photo shoot for John
Originally uploaded by Hannah Katarski

Hannah & James: fabulousness! I haven't even finished my a.m. coffee and my day is already made.

Thanks and keep shooting the amazing photos!

Via Flickr:
James is even doing his blue steel pose.

Rocktober Almond Harvest

2011-10-22T23:29:00.001-04:00

The Weber Performer was swapped for an Almond Surf Thump. It's their pig outline, and this particular board as Almond's founder & shaper Dave Alee's very own.

The transaction took place down in RI, and it was so satisfying not only to find out the new board rides the @#$%, but to be able to do so ten minutes after shaking hands on the deal.

This is an extremely nifty board. Here she is in Newport Beach with her Daddy & 1st owner.
About a year ago I had the coolest time visiting the Almond shop in Newort Beach, and shooting the shit with Dave Allee & crew. Great folks, great shop & great boards - watch for them.
Pretty amped!

below: No significance here - I just liked the logo. The place is in Portugal.

Parking garage where I work - Stark Angles and a clone Shelby Mustang

2011-10-22T23:20:00.000-04:00

The angles and conctrete were so cold and stark - playing around with blask & white. Almost like '60's brutalist architecture.

They're installing solar panels on teh roof of the car park - we salute that.

But the Mustang was cool, an authentic Shelby? Hmmm, but the owner's heart is in the right place.

Another Good Movie Coming Soon

2011-10-22T20:19:00.001-04:00

This is old news for many of you, but this looks good too.

Locally: Windy, Welcome

2011-10-16T23:34:00.000-04:00

Better than I thought but with strong-ass winds which werern't quite sideshore, but not offshore either. Double extra high tide made the place different, not worse, just different. Good thing, now that I think about it.

You worked for the fun this time.

Finally back at the car dripping & this photo-shoot's going on.

"You're gonna have to move these surfbords, they can't be here"
-The photographers. But the wedding party thought it was a riot.

Best wishes to the newlyweds, you got a super day.

Enric Adrian Gener Photographer

2011-10-16T22:51:00.001-04:00

francisquita
Originally uploaded by ennnric

Enric Adrian Gener- incredibly talented water/underwater photographer from Menorca, Balearic islands, Spain.

Water-folk and friends; just take a moment to check it out - all in the Mediterranean, I'm getting tired of "favorite-ing" all his pictures!
Enric Adrian Gener - on Flickr

Ophelia Starts Fall with a Bang

2011-10-03T23:54:00.000-04:00

For a lot of folks. It's understood, it was bigger at other places.

But friends would cycle in and out of the lineup, 3 max. I pull up and was too amped to wait for a bigger set wave to shoot - gotta pull on that rubber and paddle out might the donkey stampede arrive.

And another Lysergic sunset:

Maybe this is gonna be a good Fall after all.

Musclecar Monday - duece coupe

2011-10-03T23:43:00.002-04:00

Team Ryder - El Segundo represent!

Tri-power small block Chevrolet & American Racing Torq-thrust wheels - classic '60's style. This has got to be fast.

Photo Gleeped from Wayne Okamoto's blog

Now this kid's got his priorities straight.

2011-09-23T09:41:00.000-04:00

Rockport by night

2011-09-15T00:40:00.000-04:00

Team Ryder shirts one off

2011-09-13T23:51:00.002-04:00

Giving a nod to the mod.

Super limited run of Hye Tyde Teamryder t shirts.

These came out so dope you won't believe it. On Slate gray (guys/unisex s-xl) and white (girl's only and youth/grrls).

The front:

The back:

Mina surfed hers:

Eva's makes her happy

TH represents:

Email if interested johnhintlian@gmail.com

Motorcycle Monday - cool little Triumph

2011-09-12T23:37:00.000-04:00

Seen in Gloucester last week. Maybe not perfect, but at least he's got a bike!

Envy, big time.

Katia love hangover -

2011-09-11T23:00:00.000-04:00

"If there's a remedy - I'll run from it"
-Diana Ross

The week following labor day - this has been the vacation slot of choice for me since 2006 and it hasn't let me down yet. But Katia showed here Thursday morning & Mina made the best of it. Another surf convert in the making - but we can use folks like that, thanks for paddling out!

The weather lifted and the rain delayed Rhodie camp trip was on in full effect. Down there was the best surf Rhode Island has seen in a long time; just where I was going - so satisying.

The groundswell was kicked up by Hurricane Katia, miles and miles offshore. It was already head high on Cape Ann when I left.

When I showed up at a well known spot sheltered and groomed by a giant break-wall, you couldn't recognize it. I'm no local but it was breaking in spots it never breaks - you all know the story at your spots. So be it, in a brief 45 minute session I was treated to one of the fastest, longest, most powerful lefts I have ever ridden - made it too. You end sessions after rides like that, plus I had to set up camp.

Next morning off the proverbial hook. At the main spot no one was out - just too big & out of control. Back at the prior night's spot it wasn't really working at all either, but the good news (sort of) was it was fading fast. Down the road at another well known reef break in front of the Ocean Mist, my friend Special J (who was there for the swell) and I stopped in for food and a beer, then went out right in front. The wind was kicking in so settle up at the bar and paddle out.

After waiting on one pretty decent left, I was getting annoyed with the increasing chop & bozos. What looked like a right came through, but I went left - doh! but wait a long ass left practically to under the Ocean Mist's decks pilings, to thunderous applause from the crowd at the bar (not really). Redemmed from the moning's bust.

Late afternoon magic. AWWWWWW SHIT YEA! I was pretty wiped and was all up for gathering firewood and chilling out at the campsite. Special J wanted to see one last place before driving home, and the thinking was why not tag along & shoot some pictures, I'm a zombie at this point anyway.

Well the same spot with was so out of control in the morning was glassed off, shoulder-head perfection in the evening. Screw tired, the waters warm, the light is amazing, throw on the vest, you load and hit it. It was just too damn beautiful to pass it up.

A bit of a crowd issue here, but I was getting my fill and pretty happy with life. Time to shoot some in-water pics for this 'ole blog - but look - a glassy green ship is coming my way, looking around - yes - no one else is around. Thanks Special J for the sign language to cut back - never would have known - that set me up for a whole new section on the inside - whoooowee - one of the longest rides ever at that spot.

Eva! - you rule and glad you dig the design - more on that, much more, later.

The next morning that same spot was still working nicely, but quite a bit smaller. Before the wind shut it down it was a handful of cooperative strangers, warm air, trunk-abe water temps and morning waves which were backlit and amazing gold-green by the morning rays. No epic ride, but a mellow end to a mellow session. Time to break camp and head back up to Cape Ann.

A few points and thank you, my friends, for reading:

The locals down there rock - show respect and you'll get great waves and make some friends while you're at it.

New Yorkers will come over to surf - they rip, and they are a very cool lot too. Yankee fan status notwithstanding, you guys and gals are OK.

Perry's Bar & Grille serves epic breakfast all day.

Over in Newport, Elemental Surf/Island Sport rules - these guys and my friends at Cinnamon Rainbows in NH set the standard for sincere and friendly customer care as well as a great selection. They will not let you down. Ever.

Reading this M#$%^&#k Surf shop? It's OK, sit back, relax, crack open a cold can of get over yourself, and look at your shop, ahem, well...- too funny, like the soup Nazi in Seinfeld

Nice meeting Tardzinger - a super fresh blog outta Worcester, MA, and that's one sweet Flexpig!

Today is the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks; a sad day for us yanks, but it was a crisp fall-like day without surf. A day to reflect, unpack, a day to write this up, and to savor the holdover buzz from some if the best surf I've had.

The sweetest hangover:
Don't call a doctor"

Tyler's new Location & Open House vid

2011-09-11T15:25:00.001-04:00

By Kiyo:

Summer dream

2011-09-02T13:03:00.000-04:00

Dream of a Summer of 1,000 Augusts and warmth.

Irene - be careful what you wish for.

2011-08-23T09:27:00.000-04:00

Surfing aside for a minute here, this could actually be bad.

what is it about the light around here?

2011-08-22T23:53:00.000-04:00

Cape Ann's light continues to dazzle us beyond all imagination. And if you don't get it you're beyond hope. I'm stil buzzed after tonight's surf.

And as you all know, what's better than wave after wave with a small crew of friendly cats and kittens, glassy water, and the prospect of a hurricane swell?

Yours truly buzzin'. Photo: Betty Nakamura

Musclecar Monday - 1970 Dodge Challenger

2011-08-22T22:27:00.000-04:00

The Challenger was Dodge's answer to the Mustang and Camaro. It was one of two Chrysler E-body cars, the other being the slightly smaller Plymouth Barracuda. Both the Challenger and Barracuda were available in a staggering number of trim and option levels and were intended to compete against cars like the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang, and to do it while offering virtually every engine in Chrysler's inventory. However, they were a late response to the ponycar wave the Ford Mustang had started. Chrysler intended the new Dodge as the most potent ponycar ever, and positioned it to compete against the Mercury Cougar and Pontiac Firebird.

Exterior design was done by Carl Cameron, who also did the exterior for the 1966 Dodge Charger. Cameron based the 1970 Challenger grille off an older sketch of his 1966 Charger prototype that was to have a turbine engine. The Charger never got the turbine, but the Challenger got that car's grille. The Challenger was well-received by the public with 76,935 produced for the 1970 model year.

Race career - a short stint in the Trans Am series:
Dodge contracted Ray Caldwell's Autodynamics firm in Marblehead, Massachusetts to run the factory Trans-Am team. Sam Posey drove the No.77 "sub-lime" painted car that Caldwell's team built from a car taken off a local dealer's showroom floor. When the No.76 was completed mid-seasons, Posey alternated between the two. Both cars ran the final two races, with Posey in the #77. Ronnie Bucknum drove the No.76 at Seattle Washington, and Tony Adamowicz drove it at Riverside, California. No victories but a bunch of strong finishes. Chrysler pulled the plug on the entire program after one season.

Lastly, the Dodge Challenger was immoralized in the 1971 cult classic film "Vanishing Point":

I don't need a roomate but...

2011-08-21T10:44:00.000-04:00

This kid's brilliant and is probably going places: -

Gleeped form Craigslist/Good Morning Gloucester:

$1000 Best. Roomate. Ever.

Date: 2011-08-18, 10:01AM EDT
Reply to: hous-brpq3-2553079532@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]

Konichiwa bitches. Are you looking for the most kick-ass fucking roommate that ever lived? If so, look no further. You fucking found him. I'm a 25-year-old professional marketing agent with experience at bad-ass companies like AOL and FORBES FUCKING MAGAZINE. That's right! What you know about experience? I graduated from Auburn University in Alabama, and moved to NYC at the ripe, tender age of 22. After deciding that New York was a stinky shit-hole, I moved back to Alabama to cultivate more professional experience. Why? So I can make millions of dollars and not have to post shit like this on Craigslist.

Anyway, so I landed this job with a marketing firm in Boston, and I have no fucking clue where to live. My new office is located in Cambridge, so I guess I want something in that area. Honestly, I'm moving there in 3 weeks, so I don't give a shit if I have to sleep in your bathtub.

A bit about me: I'm respectful, quiet, clean and I won't bother any of your shit. If you leave shit out, I'm just like, "Oh fuck I better not mess with this shit, because it's not mine." I turn off lights. I clean toilets. Fuck it. I'll even cook for you. That's right! My dad is a chef and taught me everything there is to know about cooking southern cajun cuisine. I'll fry green tomatoes, cover them with marinated crab meat and smother that shit in bearnaise. EVERY. GODDAMN. NIGHT. Don't eat meat? That's fucking FANTASTIC! I'll make a zucchini and yellow squash carpaccio that will knock your fucking socks off.

I also read a lot. I fucking LOVE books. Vonnegut, Palahniuk, Hawthorne. All that shit. I read Tuesday's with Morrie the other day. It's a sad story, but I learned something about life, love, knowledge and the pursuit of something greater than myself. Fucking smart. Do you like movies? I fucking love them. We can watch the shit out of some movies together if you like, or go get drinks, or work out, hike, play video games or play a game of one-on-one basketball, or I don't have to talk to you at all. It's completely UP TO YOU!

Sometimes I play guitar. Are you going to love getting baked and listening to Bob Dylan and Pink Floyd? LIVE? WHENEVER THE FUCK YOU WANT? Of course you are! I'll take requests and learn any song you like, because I have the voice of an angel and the acoustical stylings of James Fucking Taylor. AWWWWWW SHIT YEA!

A lot of people ask me, "Hey, you're from Alabama. Are you racist?" And, the answer to that question is, no. I'm not racist or judgmental at all. I love everyone. I'm a secular humanist. I FUCKING LOVE PEOPLE. That's the only requirement to being a secular humanist actually. You have to like other human beings and want to help them for no other reason than they are human regardless of race, religion or sexual preference. WTF?!!!? Pretty fucking cool right?

I own almost nothing! I'm driving my car from Alabama to Boston in which I'll be transporting two duffelbags of clothes, one laptop computer, one guitar, one cell-phone with charger, 8 pairs of shoes, one picture frame, probably some condoms and a shitload of beef jerky and Pringles for the trip. Though, you can expect the jerky to be gone upon my arrival. Unless you'd like me to pick up some on my way into the city. See?! I'm the most considerate person you've ever met. I'm offering to buy you shit already!

Am I interested in your pad? You can bet my nomadic ass I am! I only require 4 walls, a ceiling and a floor to shelter me from the elements. Other than that, anything else will be considered a convenient plus. I'm taking being a roommate to the next level. Email me! I'll hook yo ass up with Facebook links, background checks, credit reports, phone numbers, resumes, references, awards, sexual history, pictures of karate trophies and a list of the top 10 women I'd like to bang before I die. If you want a next-generation roommate who consistently blows your fucking mind with awesomeness, then hit me up. I'm ready to give you money.

cats are OK - purrr
dogs are OK - wooof
it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests

Narrower logs work! and Larry Bertleman surfs better than you (and me but that goes w/o saying)

2011-08-21T00:52:00.000-04:00

But don't take my word for it - damn I want one of these:

Devon Howard-X-Tyler Hatzikian from The Wave Journal on Vimeo.

Larry Bertlemann - style to burn:

Larry Bertlemann 16mm Shredding - Sea Movies from www.KORDUROY.tv on Vimeo.

small & crispy waves enhanced by psychedelic sunset sky

2011-08-17T00:14:00.000-04:00

And we all know that psychedelics make everything better

moonlight session caps off 4 days of fun, small waves

2011-08-12T08:20:00.000-04:00

On the Mini Zeke no less.

But riding a 9'0" has its drawbacks whith greedy wave grabbers. You know the type, little guy - big board little guy - big board little guy - big board. Yes, you catch waves, bravo. 2 words, just 2 words people, ten oh -- soon.

Rosie and Roxie

2011-08-09T17:25:00.000-04:00

My sister adopted some happy dogs

victory at sea yields no morning dividend

2011-08-08T10:16:00.000-04:00

Oh well - at least some folks had fun. These brave kids were in the water for hours having a blast.

The chop cleaned up overnight

2011-08-06T23:32:00.000-04:00

Allwing for a surprise rollercoaster practice session in what feels like bathwater these days.

A most welcome break in the flatness, even knee high but who cares on an 85° day with water this nice.

This healed my twisted head. Heart Hansen - first time out this year, as splendid as ever,

I can't say enough how nice the water was.

08-02-11 Amazing Eastern Point Sunset

2011-08-06T23:25:00.000-04:00

Motorbike Envy

2011-08-05T15:48:00.000-04:00

Images gleeped from the web, other blogs, I could put up 100's of them.

I just was't born for these times

2011-08-02T15:31:00.001-04:00

15-444
Originally uploaded by Nick DeWolf Photo Archive

The Nick DeWolfe photo archive never ceases to inspire. All film, all over the world, and all over the 2nd half of the 20th century.

I was alive then, but just 7 years old & half a world away. I just was't born for these times, - sigh.

This is gonna be good

2011-07-30T10:07:00.001-04:00

Be Cool Man Trailer from Captain Fin Co on Vimeo.

The Nick DeWolfe Photo Archive

2011-07-30T09:58:00.001-04:00

There's an amazing project on flickr call the Nick DeWolfe photo archive. Here's the link: flickr.com/photos/dboo. Loads of Boston area in the 50's 60's 70's, motorcycle races in the desert, 1970's, the list goes on and on. Then this set of pictures comes up - wow:

He's "somebody" - any idea, friends?

1972 - I've never been to Hawaii, but I know today it would be wall to wall people given the same conditions, not just this one wahine. She's in her 60's today - scary when you think about it.

From wikipedia - a little background on the man himself:
Nicholas DeWolf (July 12, 1928 – April 16, 2006) was co-founder of Teradyne, a Boston, Massachusetts-based manufacturer of automatic test equipment. He founded the company in 1960 with Alex d’Arbeloff, a classmate at MIT.

He was born in Philadelphia and he graduated with an S.B. in EECS from MIT in 1948.
During his eleven years as CEO of Teradyne, DeWolf is credited with designing more than 300 semiconductor and other test systems, including the J259, the world's first computer-operated integrated circuit tester.

After leaving Teradyne in 1971, DeWolf moved to Aspen, Colorado, where in 1979, he teamed with artist Travis Fulton to create Aspen's "dancing fountain".

DeWolf also designed a computer system without hard disks or fans; this system (the ON! computer) booted up in seconds, a much faster time than even the computers of today.
In 2001, DeWolf was awarded the Telluride Tech Festival Award of Technology. In 2005, Nick and his wife, Maggie DeWolf, were inducted into the Aspen Hall of Fame.

DeWolf was also a keen photographer. DeWolf died in Aspen at the age of 77.

California Counties

2011-07-28T11:47:00.000-04:00

In Massachusetts, counties & county govt. are practically meaningless. I came across this map - I miss how in CA counties mattered. Each one has it's own flavor.

Small but fun glassoff - I'll take it, of course

2011-07-28T01:23:00.000-04:00

Cirtainly, Sir!

Mind blowing clairty of water - it's back, may it stay forever, please.

Ans speaking od water, we're getting back to that silky temperature, may that stay forever as well, I'll take it, of course.

Margaux Arramon-Tucoo - Talented Artist/Surfer from France

2011-07-28T00:49:00.000-04:00

Just Sayin' - she's got some cool stuff:
This is her fresh blog: thefresharea.blogspot.com

Keep A Breast X Margaux from the Fresh area on Vimeo.

Especially Good Blackburn Challenge 2011

2011-07-24T00:08:00.000-04:00

The Blackburn Challenge is a 20+ mile open water circumnavigation of Cape Ann. Participants row or paddle small boats in the open ocean waters around Cape Ann, and conditions can vary dramatically throughout the day.

The Blackburn Challenge is open to all seaworthy oar or paddle powered craft. Classes include men’s and women’s Banks dories, fixed seat singles, doubles, multi-oars with cox, multi-oars without cox, sliding seat singles & doubles, single & double touring kayaks, single & double racing kayaks, surf skis, and outrigger canoes, in about that order.

Eric Rydbeck:

Ross Robinson:

film - 7 month image pileup

2011-07-23T15:43:00.000-04:00

Nothing major - a few highlights - half frames - I haven't seen those in ages:

CVS 1 hour photo cross-processing! They were so apologetic, I was thrilled:

No not vintage - low light and out of focus:

Wonder Wonderful Wonderbolt

2011-07-22T01:08:00.000-04:00

Hatchet fin - late model Wonderbolt™ fin system I will never diss hatchet fins again.

the water was FREEZING, the air temp was 95° or 35°C. So the damned lens kept fogging up.

drop knee turns - not for style points - that's the only way you're bringing this around.

Evolution of the Hipster - a touch harsh I guess

2011-07-19T10:13:00.000-04:00

I should talk - I plead guilty to half this shit and am not remotely hip.

- Note - But this is a little harsh, I love tattoos, and just look at all the lo-fi pics on my flickr pages. I'm jealous of youth I guess - like the Smith's song goes. But this is just for yucks.

Hot Fun in the Summertime - Joe Bark is a saint, Sly Stone too

2011-07-19T01:55:00.000-04:00

Paddleboards are lifesavers in heat like this.

and I've had this song in my head all day - the soundtrack while paddling around Gloucester harbor, "America's Home Port".

50mi. bike rides in hell (Kingston to New Paltz NY & back, plus detours) - The Piper at the Gates of Dawn

2011-07-19T01:38:00.000-04:00

50 miles on a single speed - no bueno and never again, I don't care how hot the Italian girls were, the weather was hotter. Plus they had Bianchi's, I had a hipster singlespeed. Hipness be damned, I'm still in pain. The Shwinnglespeed is one bad mood away from a dumpster. Next time I'll have my real roadie.

I can't reconnect with these folks without getting smashed beyond all recognition. All I can remember is pink Floyd's Piper at the Gates of Dawn.

My bud Derrick is a talented painter

And they have the biggest cat I've ever seen - a Maine Coon named Nelson:

reason for some hope

2011-07-18T12:35:00.001-04:00

The Hot Generation

2011-07-15T14:26:00.000-04:00

How'd I miss this?

2011-07-11T23:00:00.000-04:00

Now out on DVD - God was I asleep or what?

thanks Dewey

2011-07-11T22:58:00.000-04:00

aka "the little man on wheels" iconic performer

The 10 foot Performer

I swear I'll never bag on hatchet fins again.

10' 0" Weber Performer "Performer '67" Model

2011-07-11T07:45:00.000-04:00

Craiglist Maine find - This was the last of the weberperformers with a removable fin and a radically wide 20" nose -(the super scoop?). 10' x 24" wide x 20" nose - tail - not sure but wide.

During a sunset shakedown last night when it finally cleaned up. In waves were barely thigh high, all I can say is it catches waves well and with all that weight & length has glide beyond all imagination. More to come on this later. So stay tuned dearest readers.

Muclecar monday - buckethead's T bucket

2011-07-11T07:34:00.001-04:00

Clean T Bucket with tri power. Pity the owner's a loser. You know, one of those clowns who drives around in something like this and then gets annoyed when people notice the car.

"I got my blackbelt in bar stools" - Foxy Brown

2011-07-09T11:09:00.000-04:00

Pam Grier, you're a national treasure.

Like Paddling into a Fitz Hugh Lane painting

2011-07-08T01:20:00.000-04:00

It's Fitz HENRY Lane - yeah I know but he's been dead a long time - why change his name. A little backstory , he was Gloucester's most famous painter and the raddest of all in the Luminist school in the 1840's & 50's. The light was just like it - well, it's the same place after all. My pictures do the light & Lane no justice.

The 12 foot Joe Bark paddleboard is a bit easier to manage, expecially with a little pump on the water than the 16' job. Speaking of the water - it's amazing for this early in the Summer, then again it was 92 dgrees that day - still 85 by the time I hit the water.

Thanks to Carol & Barbara for getting me access to the boards and the beach - it's caled Wonson's cove and no, it's not a surf spot, it's in a big harbor with water cleaner than most of the surf spots around here.

Gloucester Harbor is a great place to paddle, SUP, chill. - But look at this paining and tell me I'm not tripping.

These things are tough to knee paddle - gotta keep at it, gotta get me one of my own.

Musclecar Monday - 1968 Ponticac GTO

2011-07-07T00:08:00.000-04:00

GM redesigned its A-body line for 1968, with more curvaceous, "fastback" styling. Pontiac abandoned the familiar stacked headlights for hidden headlights behind the split grille.

The signature hood scoop was replaced by dual scoops on either side of a prominent hood bulge extending rearward from the protruding nose.

A unique feature was the body-color Endura front bumper. It was designed to absorb impact without permanent deformation at low speeds. Pontiac touted this feature heavily in advertising, showing hammering at the bumper to no discernible effect.

Motor Trend clocked a four-speed Ram Air at 14.45 seconds. Testers were split about handling, with Hot Rod calling it "the best-balanced car Pontiac ever built," but Car Life chiding its excessive nose heaviness, understeer, and inadequate damping.

Happy 4th y'all. Happy birthday, America XO

2011-07-04T11:33:00.000-04:00

If I had lots of money I'd buy this too:

2011-07-02T13:58:00.001-04:00

A few small gems on a crap-ass surf day

2011-06-28T00:43:00.000-04:00

Greg had the idea to go in here. You know the drill: drive to the destination and it sucks. And plan B, C, and D are sucky too. Then you get to the point of saying "screw it let's stop dicking around and get wet".

I was all for going home and with a glassed on fin at low tide, especially at this place, I'm asking, no begging for trouble, and a trip to Keith Natti's.

And it was VERY shallow in spots - rocky bottom here. I'd love to say I avoided collisions by doing Dore-esque side slipping moves, but no it was sheer luck. But not for Greg. That's OK, I got some action shots of the Gregness avoiding most of the tombstones.

The last wave was a winner, so I cashed in my chips and quit while I was ahead.
And a movie for y'all too - look out Mikey! I'm making surf movies now.

St. Peter's Fiesta 2011

2011-06-28T00:26:00.000-04:00

Chasing waves without much success and dreary weather kept me away this year, but I did manage to get down and catch the tail end of the festivities. Surely there were some major hangovers in America's home port this morning. People love it, and even the Navy was in port.

Greasy pole contestants.

A New Temple for Gloucester

2011-06-28T00:19:00.000-04:00

Back in fine style after the fatal 2007 fire.

Before:

And now:

Whodda thunk? Way to bounce back folks and thanks for adding such a cool building, big up yoselves!

This is a prime example of 'getting it right' in Gloucester. A model for rebirth this town can use over and over again.

Local afternoon cleanup

2011-06-26T06:49:00.000-04:00

Red filter = B/W drama to clouds & sky

Basque Country surf - take me right away.

2011-06-25T11:51:00.000-04:00

Now that I've seen these photos I have to try it - here we walk through paved parking lots: there you pass through the dungeon/grotto/tunnell o'darkness leading to the light. The Spanish add flavor and a touch of drama (just enough) to everything.

My kinda wave - my kinda country.

Photos stolen from the Gato Heroi blog.