Holding The Vision

Sunrise July 06,2011 Conditions: FLAT

Summer. A true time of desperation for some. Those of us who've braved the elements all winter keep finding ourselves saying, "I miss winter!" Yet, the 90 degree temperatures and 70 degree water holds us at bay as we are able to snorkel and spear fish at our favorite reefs. However, the small scale surf has only made me eager and itching for a hurricane. There is no anticipation quite like that. Watching a system tear off of Western Africa into the Eastern Atlantic wondering "Is THIS going to take a track wnw-nw or is this storm going to head westerly and then down south!?!" Things have remained quiet for the first few weeks of hurricane season. I feel like Mother Nature is piling up gun powder in a keg that is soon to explode into a fury of storms. Summer was a few weeks late this year and that only makes me feel like we're only in for a longer wait until the fall months hit. The prevalent warmth and the Ocean having reached 70 degrees already only furthers my claim that we are in for one heck of a hurricane season. Last year was great. Billy & Igor combo swells back to back weekend warrior wonderfulness. I can only sit on the edge of my chair and wait for the first ONE to develop and churn some long period groundswell our way. Until then we best not be slacking. I certainly don't want to be questioning my physical abilities when I'm finally standing on the beach looking at gaping 10-15ft + waves.

Shop Visit @ Xtremely Board Dartmouth, Ma

      I'm sure you all heard Billy Hamilton was in town a week or two ago. I was fortunate enough to spend some time getting to know the guy and he is a class act comedian. The days were filled with laughter and dogging on one another while the nights were spent cutting loose and relaxing. The guy really knows his stuff not to mention the countless stories he comes up with. You'd think most of them were made up but the guy speaks the truth and only that. Not only that but his numerous years of experience left the door wide open to learn absolutely everything I could from him. He and VEC have reunited and joined forces. The dynamics of the two together are a mesh of father / son / brotherly love. That's got trouble written all over it. Take my word for that one! Rumor has it Billy might be making a return shortly after his endeavour in Paris, France. Watch out Cape Cod! Billy the kid is coming for ya!

Shawn "Vec" & Billy

Gnnnaaarrllyy Brahhhh!

Small Wave Scientists Unite!

     If there's one thing I enjoy about summer it is definitely the small SW swells that we get down here! Nothing beats pulling up to the beach to see waves! Yes!! It's not lake flat! Often times it goes flat as a lake....cross your fingers and hope that we are in for an active summer! This spring has been active so far with barely a week long flat spell (knock on wood!!!) The main thing to remember when you do get the first sight of knee-waist high slop is BE HAPPY WITH WHAT YOU GET!!!! Many times New Englanders call it being 'skunked' truth is...you're not! Drive! Explore! See where the swell is going to wrap in the best. Cape Cod is a fail safe in the summer. She picks up a multitude of swells and yes, holds some serious size and barrels like you wouldn't believe!!! You won't believe it until you see it. So instead of complaining about how Rhody is flat or how Horseneck Beach is overcrowded and surrounded by hounding life guards who won't let you surf....EXPLORE! Get pumped on waist high surf.
     The thing about small wave surfing is it it so sensitive to every motion your body makes. Surfing small waves can be an amazing time with the right board. Not only that but it hones your wave riding ability in larger surf. Believe it or not, a small wave is MUCH more difficult to ride than a larger chest+ wave. Momentum generation skills are finely tuned on knee-waist+ surf. So don't complain! Rise to the challenge! Learn to fly on small surf and you will soar on larger surf. One thing to remember is board selection. With the arrival of new fish shapes at XB constantly, there's all ways something new to get your feet under. The guys at the shop will take care of you ESPECIALLY if you tell them Joe Booth sent you!!!  They all ride what they sell and they certainly are not out to rip you off like larger corporate shops. Heck, they can even line up a custom shape for you!
      Oh yea! For those of you who follow this blog..in the past week I have been picked up by Solid Surf Co. http://www.solidsurfco.com/ pretty pumped! Getting a 6'2 in about a month or so. I'll have a review posted as soon as I get that new piece of foam under my feet. Stay tuned!! Thanks for reading. Peace!

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