EL Notes

2010-06-07T13:11:00.001-04:00

Come meet Legendary surfboard designer & shaper, Steve Walden on Wed June 9th 3-6pm. He'll also have some demo boards in case you want to try one out!!!!!!

2010-05-17T14:49:00.001-04:00

May 17th...... Lots of new gear arriving daily. Billabong, Reef Spy, new SUP's and prolite today! Pray for Surf!

2009-03-05T16:17:00.002-05:00

Is It Spring Yet?

This Winter has seemed to drag on endlessly. Even though we have'nt had to deal with much snow (except this week!), it seems like it's been frigid since early December.

I'm definately ready for a change.......

Some of my travelling buddies are away for yet another sojourn to the warmer climates. It leaves me thinking....... this time of year in the Caribbean can be fickle but you can also get some unreal surf. The trades start to return to their normal SE direction and also start to diminish. The days start to get dramatically warmer........ the tourists leave! The slow life seems to get even slower......... What am I doing in NJ?

Unfortunately it's also the time to start to gear up the store for the upcoming Spring. New gear is just beginning to arrive. It's time to spruce up the joint.......

We're getting our Surfboard orders organized for their Spring deliveries. We've added lots of new designs to the Surfboard section in our online store. There's some new Epoxy technology from GSI...... SLX construction........ the strength and durability of epoxy without the excessive stiffness and lack of feel. The SLX will be available in the McTavish, Walden, and Webber models. Go to www.surfindustries.com for more info. If you're thinking about getting a new board for Spring, now's the time! We have orders in with Erie, Local Motion, Hank Warner, as well as GSI....... we're more than happy to talk with you and hopefully design that "magic" board for you!

Be sure to stop in and pick up your "Locals Only" card for 2009. You can save 10-15% on every purchase this year including Surfboards, Bodyboards, and Wetsuits too!

We're very aware of all the difficulties in the present Economy..... it's been very tough for us too! That's why we're making even a greater effort to bring you only the best products and best prices. As always, don't hesitate to ask us to help you with that Special Order or hard to find product...... the Staff is here to listen and help..... if not, please let me know!

Don

dt@easternlines.com

2008-09-29T22:20:00.003-04:00

Sunday September 28th L Jetty Avon

After a pass to the east by Hurricane Kyle as it made it's way quickly North, we awoke on Sunday morning to a foggy, glassy large ground swell. Early the Surf was still a bit unorganized with more close-outs than not. Several groups tried to hit it, but it didn't appear many waves were being ridden.

Afternoon found a lower tide and more organized cleaner conditions. It didn't take long for the masses to realize that locally Loch Arbour and the L Jetty would be the call.

At Shark River Inlet sets were breaking completely across the Inlet, making for some crazy boat action trying to get in and out. To the North at the L big peaks were breaking with bigger sets frequently catching everyone inside. A few brave souls actually paddled out the Inlet rather than risk the inside section.

Many great rides were had...... Tip O'Neill, Justin Brahn, Shaun McGrath and Terry Tagliarini were all getting some of the biggest ones

Brian Dalton and Mike Griggs showed up on a ski and got a few good tow-ins..... their first attempt ever! Brian got one of the mackers way outside and rode it for nearly two jetties!

2007-06-04T22:37:00.000-04:00

Monday June 4th...............

Thanks from a quick pass-by of the remnants of TS Barry, we were treated to a clean head high swell late this afternoon as the Sun came out and the wind went offshore.

The crew at 18th Ave were pleasantly surprised by a guest appearance of world class NJ legend Dean Randazzo. Of course Dean turned everyone's head as he continually caught the best waves to roll through. Dean has been around our parts frequently lately. Hopefully he'll continue to show up when the Surf gets good!

2007-04-28T15:36:00.000-04:00

O'Neill Braggers Cup April 29th Casino Pier Seaside Heights........ 17 of the very best shop surf teams in the Northeast duke it out for the Braggers Cup Crown!

Eastern Lines Team

Brian Dalton

Jack Murphy

Brendan Buckley

Luke Mitchell

Check it out!

2007-04-17T10:49:00.000-04:00

Big Monday April 16th, 2007

My good friend and travelling partner, Admiral Stockdale told me that early Monday morning was probably the largest ridable surf he's ever seen in NJ. In fact the waves in OG were brushing the bottom of the pier. I took this shot of 18th Avenue later in the afternoon when the tide had begun to come back in. I was told the pier in Belmar was crowded due to the easy access of paddling out the Inlet. Even though the Surf became smaller throughout the day, the wind also slacken, making the surf much glassier...... It's really a shame the water temps are still in the low 40's!!!!!

2006-11-18T17:50:00.000-05:00

Back in NJ!

After nearly a month in the Tropics Our lowly band of travelers has pretty much returned to cold old NJ...... The surf for our trip ranged from days of flatness to solid overhead North groundswell which lasted for days.

My good buddy and travelling partner, Admiral Stockdale had the highlight of our trip occur at Apple Bay in Tortola. After arriving in St Thomas, the Admiral was in the water within an hour, catching those thickies........ After two days we ventured over to Tortola, hoping the days of surf had quieted the crowds. We arrived at 10am to solid head high to overhead sets and light offshore winds, and only 9 guys out! Within minutes we're on it, immediately right in the pack, but getting into the set waves. After a bit two guys paddle down to Bomba's and a dinghy pulls up and picks up the remaing surfers (all on a boat from Dominica). We look around and we're suddenly alone. We don't say a word to each other but set up to trade off the set waves......... After numerous waves and still no one else out, I paddled over to Danny and said "So what do you think?" Danny replies, "This is fucking insane!!!!" as he paddles into yet another overhead wall. The frenzy continued for about two hours, when a couple other guys finally paddled out. To be honest, it was the perfect ending...... I couldn't really even paddle anymore, so we went in for lunch and Red Stripes!

2006-10-23T10:58:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the Tropics!

The leaves on the trees are beginning to to show us those beautiful colors that we surely know will soon lead to cold & snow. That means it's time for many of us to begin our annual pilgrimmages to the lower latitudes. Crazy Michael, Santa Claus, and Big Bruce have hit the BVI and I've returned rto my usual haunt in St Thomas. There are no waves yet, but hopefully the deepening of the Cold Fronts will signal good days to come. Just prior to our arrival, the entire area was deluged with up to 8" of rain from a tropical low that just refused to move for nearly a week.

The large amount of rain has caused a mosquito feeding frenzy. No going out without some bug protection!

2006-09-06T00:24:00.000-04:00

TS Ernesto Arrives!
After a long & surfless Summer, Ernesto arrived on 9/03 delivering without a doubt the best swell this year. Jay Karpinski arrived home after spending 50+ days in Indo just in time to cash in! (More photos to follow)

2006-08-31T17:26:00.000-04:00

2006 OG Gromfest

The Annual OG Gromfest was held on Monday Aug 28th at the North End in Ocean Grove. The contest, run by Jack Green, is held in memory of our friend, TJ Stockdale. The event, meant to just be a fun-filled beach day for the kids......was a success again this year!

for lots of photos go to: www.freewebs.com/drstockdale

2006-08-20T09:30:00.000-04:00

Darrick Doerner spent an enjoyable evening with the Eastern Lines Crew on Wednesday August 16th. Darrick spent some time with the Belmar Guards at Lifeguard headquarters talking about lifesaving techniques in heavy water conditions...... Later it was on to the Colimns for a buffet sponsored by Fosters and a viewing of Darrick's video, "All aboud the Crazy Train", which chronicles their exploits at Jaws. The movie was sick.......

Thanks very much to Darrick and S.E.A. for coming to Belmar.......
Aloha!

2006-07-27T00:10:00.000-04:00

Reef Brazil Party!!!!!

The Reef Brazil Part on 7/19 at Paul's in S Belmar was a killer success..... Over 250 people showed up to meet Brad Gerlach, Rob Machado, Ben Bourgeouis and Evan Valere, as well as the Reef Girls were much anticipated arrivals.

Barry and the Penetrators laid down their cool dub sounds before the arrival and the after party was led by Chapter 11.

Brad Gerlach was an instant crowd favorite. His really cool down to earth attitude.... wowwed most of the groms in attendance!

Rob Machado, although seeming a little nervous, gave that great smile to all the young groms that asked......

From the looks of everything..... most of the older kids were having some fun too!!!!!

2006-06-24T16:46:00.000-04:00

The Belmar Boyz & Girlz take over the Manasquan HS Auditorium for the recent showing of Oakley's new surf video. With th EL crew is John Behler (2nd from L) our local Oakley Rep and Kelly (3rd from L), the Oakley National Sales Manager......

2006-06-09T01:21:00.000-04:00

100's of Surfboards now in stock @ the shop.......

Shortboards, fishes, 4-Fins, Hybrids, Funboards,

and all types of Longboards......... by

JC Hawaii, Placebo, HIC, Local Motion, Aloha,

Gary Linden, Hank Warner, Murphy, Donald Takyama, Brian Wynn, SRH, NSP, Ezera, Walden, Greg Webber, Jum Phillips, and Legend Surfboards....

2006-06-07T00:37:00.000-04:00

June 6 2006

The 2006 Hurricane Season is now offically underway. All estimates are for another season with lots of named storms, from Trop Derpressions to Cat 4 Hurricanes. Some reports that the East Coast, well overdue for serious action, may come due this year. Hopefully we'll have an all-time surf season with an absolute minimum of destruction!!!!

Pray for Surf!!!!

2006-06-03T23:38:00.000-04:00

O'Neill Braggers Cup Contest

O'Neill Wetsuits brought the Surf Shop "Braggers Cup" contest to Atlantic City.
EL Sent a a very hot, young, and upcoming team consisting of Luke Mitchell, Brendan Buckeley, Justin Brahn and Dave McGillis. Altrhough our team may have been a bit outclassed by surfers like Sammy Hammer, and Matt Keenan, I'm very inpressed with the quality and eagerness of our team.

They definately made us proud!!!!!

DT

2006-05-19T00:26:00.000-04:00

Russ Iglay and the Belmar Boyz.........

check out the cool video of Russ and Dean Iglay and the rest of the Belmar Reguulars.........Steve Herring, Jim Miurphy, Stick, Bert, Possum, Smiley and countless others ripping it and pushing each other as hard as poissible on the big ram at Grandads Farm. This was some of the most progressive skating going on locally, as well as the best parts of theUS!

These guys still rip!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! www.olliegrind.com

2006-05-15T19:52:00.000-04:00

ESA Northeast Regionals Storm Belmar!

The ESA NE Regionals were held this past weekend in Belmar...... the weatherman's forecast, as usual was right on target.... the forecasted inches of rain never materialized. It was mostly sunny for the entire weekend. The surf was definately not all-time, mostly chest to head high with onshore winds.

The CNJ District placed contestants in each of the different divisions. Our local rippers did unreal....... Brendan Buckley finished 5th in the always tough Jr Mens Division. Justin Brahn, and Dave McGillis each made it to the semi's in Jr's as well as Dan Mcgillis in Boys.

Barry and the new Dub band hit it up on the boardwalk on Saturday......

The contestants party was held on Saturday night at the Columns.

For complete results, go to cnj.esa.org.

DT

2006-04-23T14:53:00.000-04:00

Amfibian 1st Annual Big Wave Contest

The results of the Amfibian !st Annual Big Wave Contest were announced during the Earth Day Celebration on 4/22 at the Elks in Pt Pleasant Bch.

The winning photo of Jack Dwyer was taken by Alex Rivera on February 12th at Jenks. Dwyer received $1000 for the wave and Alex received $500 for the photo. The wave in the picture was estimated at 15'!

If you want to check out all the submitted photos, go to www.amfibianusa.com

DT

2006-04-16T13:23:00.000-04:00

NJ Big Wave Contest & 2006 Hurricane Predictions

The photo period for the first annual NJ Big Wave photo contest has just ended. If you want to check out the entries go to: www.amfibianusa.com/bigwave.html

The awards ceremony is set for April 22nd at the Pt Pleasant Elks Lodge at 4pm. Barry and the Penetrators will be performing as part of the event.

Dr Gray, world reknowned Hurricane researcher has issued his predictions for 2006. He is currently predicting 17 named storms with as many as 9 major hurricanes. These predictions are based on very complex mathematical formulas, but often, these predictions are refined as the Hurricane season starts to develop.

If you'd like to check out Surfline's predictions, go to www.surfline.com/surfnews/article_bamp.cfm?id=2294

My personal take: although we definately seem to be in a phase of general global warming with increasing hurricane activity, I don't think we'll ever re-live the Hurricane Season of 1995. There was virtually rideable surf everyday from July 1st through September. In all my 40 years of surfing, I've never seen anything like it.

I think 2005 proved to be only an average Hurricane Season, surf-wise for us here in NJ. The majority of the storms either tracked into the Gulf, or were too close to the coast of Florida, which is really out of our wave window.

Hopefully 2006 will be a year when all the storms stay out in the Atlantic, away from land and just spin endlessly, providing us with an all-time Summer!

2006-04-02T19:29:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Daylight Savings Time!

The beginning of Daylight Savings time marks the official beginning of evening surfing here in NJ. Although the water temps are hovering in low 40's, the weather has been mild the last few days and a real fun southeast wind swell continues to roll in.

Lots of surfers that take the Winter off are beginning to return to the water. 4mm and 5mm suits are still the rule, but for those unfortunate enough to only own a 3/2, will have to tough it out for the next few weeks until the water temps begin to rise......

Lots of new stuff has begun to arrive at the shop. New surfboards are now arriving weekly. The Clark Foam fiasco has seemed to cool down some, although many types of blanks are still hard to find. Surfboard prices seemed to have stabilized with about $30-50 price increases being the norm. As availability continues to improve, prices may head down a little bit lower.

DT
dt@easternlines.com

2006-02-18T09:44:00.000-05:00

Belmar Shop Re-Opens

Even though at times it seems that Winter will never end, the worst is definately behind us. Although the shop has been closed for nearly two months, I'm coming home and the shop will re-open on Saturday March 4th. Barry has been working in the shop, painting and cleaning. We're excited to get back in the shop.

We'll be having lots of new inventory starting to come in. We've got a good supply of boards in the shop right now, with more boards slated for later in March. If you looking to get a new custom board for Spring, shoot me an e-mail or give me a call at the shop and we'll get you set up!

My buddy, Jon Ashton is back doing customs for the shop. He's working with quite a bit of epoxy right now..... super light and really strong!

On the foam front, it seems that most of the manufacturers have raised their prices about 50.00. Cool longboard blanks, like multiple stringers seem impossible to get right now. Gary Linden who is now running Walker Foam (in addition to all his shaping duties) told me that they are incrreasing their output and with the additions of blanks from South Africa and Brazil, there should be enough to satisfy most shapers needs. I don't think anyone that wants a custom should wait hoping the prices will go back down..... even if there's plenty of foam around, I don't think the prices will ever return to the clark foam days.

2006-02-13T07:48:00.000-05:00

The Caribbean continues to have a record Winter!
Even though the weather has been unseasonably warm in NJ, spots all through the Tropics continue to rock with great surf.....

Tres, as well as other big wave locations have had some record swells in Jan and early February. The crowds for the most part have been manageable and the vibe mellow.

The record Blizzard of 2/11 is predicted to deliver a solid swell by Wednesday 2/15. Updates and reports to follow.

2006-01-21T17:27:00.000-05:00

Back in the Tropics!!!

Even though the weather has been beyond unseasonable in NJ, it's really nice to be back in the Caribbean again. They are just ending a week long swell here that reached heights of up to 20'. It has been very windy for a few weeks now with the Christmas winds in full effect.

A new swell is forcast beginning tomorrow with predicated wave heights of 10-15' from the NNE.
I'll keep everyone posted!!!! Unfortunately I'm on dial-up down here so I can't upload photos!

Stay Warm!
DT

2005-12-07T22:37:00.000-05:00

Clark Foam Closes!

After producing over 90% of all the surfboard blanks in the United States for over 40 years Clark Foam closed it's doors on Monday December 6, 2005.

Clark's closure, apparently without even notifying the leading surfboard manufacturers in the US, immediately threw the industry in utter chaos. Clark Foam produced upwards of 1,000 blanks per day. With the loss of available blanks shapers were left scrambling to try to locate different sources, both in the US and worldwide.

Several manufacturers and surf shops in California immediately raised their prices on all available boards $100-150. The immediate effect seems to be most devastating to the smaller local shapers and companies. The loss of the availability of small amounts of blanks could put the small shapers out of business.

The seemingly biggest winners seem to be Surftech, Boardworks, and the glass boards produced in China and Indonesia who do not depend on blanks from Clark.

2005-11-26T14:13:00.000-05:00

Tuesday Nov 22, 2005

After the Noreaster on Monday night, the surf cleaned up nicely by mid-morning, with pounding overhead barrels. The wind came hard from the west and quickly knocked down the swell by the afternoon. The above photo was taken at the new pier between Spring Lake and Sea Girt.

2005-11-07T23:32:00.000-05:00

Hello Again from the sunny Carribbean.......

Friends have come and gone and we've had some pretty good days of surf, mostly in Tortola.
Compared to the last few Fall seasons, this Fall has been somewhat disappointing here. The Fall can quite often be an unreal time. But I think all the unseasonably warm, nice weather at home has prevented those normally potent cold fronts from sending those North swells our way.

Despite the fact of the surf, we've managed to have our normal crazy days here in the sun. The Garbage Man and Kevin Daughton, newcomers to our Fall treks scored some fun surf everyday they were here!

2005-10-22T22:38:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the Caribbean!!!! Our band of shop travelers has made our way down to our favorite Caribbean haunts for our annual r&r. As we speak, TS Alpha is passing us by to the west. We've had several inches of heavy rain tonite. The surf was flat today..... hopefully with all this passing, we'll have some fun surf in the next few days. This is normally one of the best times of the year here....... hopefully it will continue. I can't upload any photos because the dial-up is too slow, but will try to keep everyone updated on the surf! I understand it's a rainy cool night in NJ too!

2005-10-16T20:45:00.000-04:00

Flooded Lake Como 10/13/05

2005-10-16T20:39:00.000-04:00

After over 7 days of rain and over 10" on the ground a flooded out Belmar finally broke into the clear on Saturday afternoon to off shore winds and a thumping overhead swell....... The ESA/CNJ District also held a local contest at 17th Ave.

This photo was taken at the pier on Friday night before it began to clear up!

Saturday featured 50+ surfers at the pier

2005-10-09T18:51:00.000-04:00

17th Avenue 10/09/05

The Fall cold fronts have begun, the temp's have started to drop and hopefully this will be a regular occurence!

2005-10-09T18:44:00.000-04:00

8th Avenue Boyz......

Frank and Tom Petriken joined the local crew, Justin, Brendan, Dan and Big Joe for some sick barrels during low tide!

2005-10-02T22:13:00.000-04:00

Cecil Lear Rock!

The Cecil Lear rock was unveiled during the Belmar Pro on 17th Avenue in Belmar. Besides being a lifelong Belmar resident, Cecil was responsibile for the first full-time surfing beach in NJ. Cecil was also the founder of the Eastern Surfing Association, judge at the World Contest, and an inaugurial member of the East Coast Hall of Fame.

Besides being my friend, Cecil Lear is one of the most humane, nicest people you could ever know. I love Cecil Lear!

2005-09-30T18:25:00.000-04:00

Fall In Belmar!

We had our first real cold front of the Fall pass through yesterday bringing us fun chest high barrels. The temps last night reached the 40's on the beach since probably last April.

Today we had a beautiful Fall day. Hopefully lots more fun surf will follow!

2005-09-23T23:48:00.000-04:00

Hurricane Phillipe/First Day of Fall

Although it's only September 23rd, we had our first real taste of Fall today........ water temp's around 60, thanks to a recent upwelling caused by the ever present South winds. The surf today was fun early, but the increasing tide and very inconsistent swell, put a pretty quick end to the fun. It's really good to be back surfing with your friends again. It's seemed like a nearly endless period of crowded conditions and no-name surfers.

Mark Sisom and Luke, along with longtime friend and San Fran local Billy McLaughlin, brought a little soul back into the lineup......... I'm looking foward to many more fun Fall days coming soon!

2005-09-17T20:16:00.000-04:00

These photos of 12 year old Hawaiian phnom
Jon-Jon Flores were taken in Ocean Grove on
Friday September 9th.

photos by Admiral Stockdale

2005-09-17T20:02:00.000-04:00

Rusty Belmar Pro 2005

The Finals of the Belmar Pro was held on Sunday afternoon in diminishing but very surfable conditions. After 4 days and over 150 contestants, the final results were:

1st Place Aaron Cormican Florida
2nd Place Adam Virs CA
3rd Place Asher Nolan Fla
4th Place Pat Gudauskas CA

Immediately following the finals, John Cruz, a Hawaiian sonwriter and Grammy Award winner played a concert in from of the shop. John who is on tour with Jack Johnson, favored us with his beautiful melodies.
It seems everyone in the crowd was stoked!

2005 RustyBelmar Pro

2005-08-21T16:26:00.000-04:00

2005 Rusty-Belmar Pro

The 2005 Belmar Pro, sponsored by Rusty Surfboards is scheduled for September 8-12th across from the shop in Belmar. Once again this year the contest is a WQS ** event with a $25,000 purse.

There are lots of events scheduled as part of the contest……… a quick rundown;

Fri Night D’Jais Red Bull Party Meet the Pros!
Sat Noon Barry and the Penetrators and friends…….
Sprout, Youth Ahead, and BluNation
at the contest site.

Sat 5:30pm O’Neill video premiere at McCann’s. Free refreshments and drinks
Sat 9pm Bar A Coors Light Party
Sun 9am Surfrider Paddle across America event 19th Avenue
Sun 1:30pm O’Neill and Eastern Lines present Hawaiian artist and Grammy Award winning musician
John Cruz in front of Eastern Lines. http://www.johncruz.com