the westies continue, awesome sky though

YET ANOTHER DAY OF WHIPPING WEST WIND. I am big time over it! Outside of last Wednesday afternoon(which was quite fun), I can not recall a day of light offshore winds in quite some time.

On another note- Salt Stained Eyes will be showing along with Snapwater and Matt Clark at the Mollusk NYC's Surfing Photography Exhibit at the Secret Project Robot Gallery (right next door to MolluskNYC). The shows opening is Feb 21st from 7 PM till 10PM. Music by Dubstar and Jah Bless as well as video shorts. Should be epic. Come on out for a good night!!

Mollusk Surf Shop
210 Kent Avenue Brooklyn, NY
7182187456
mollusknyc@gmail.com
http://www.shipwormandgribble.blogspot.com/

More info Here: http://www.newyorksurf.com/2009/02/10/surf-photography-exhibit-at-mollusk-ny-221/

foggy surfcheck #2

still onshore, foggy and rainy...... waiting desperately for those early spring swells & warmer weather..

rainy, foggy and onshore.....

still worth a check, I suppose.......

crappy road snaps

I love snappin shots while either driving or being a passenger in the car. It is the ultimate candid moment as people alone in their cars are often acting "truly and utterly as themselves". I snapped these two recently. One on my way to visit mollusk and the other on the way for a surf. shooting like this lends it self to ragged composition and real spontaneous flow.

Pushin' a fish on a longboard wave

I am continually amazed by the versatility of the twin keel design and the degree to which it can be surfed in mush, chop and steep walled-up conditions. Here, a guy I know was doing quite well on a wave that typically only really works for traditional heavy logs. While he was having quite a bit of fun, it still struck me that the wave really was much better suited for a hefty log with a good bit of glide... To each is own, I suppose.

The Polar Bear Gathering... NY Style!!

Here are some recent shots from the Long Beach Polar Bear Gathering that apparently broke the World Polar Bear gathering record. Probably 5000 or so very psyched people took part. Such a wild scene- everyone was so stoked to have a momentary imaginary summer swim. It was great to do this kind of shooting again, it reminded me of how much I used to enjoy doing street photography. The spontaniety, quick composing and mindfulness required all make for an extremely flowy experience. All and all i am quite stoked on these shots, hope ya dig...

another frigid day ahead....

Temps are supposed to top out today in the high teens, this combined with more artic wind is putting me in mind of warmer days. Thankfully, we had a remarkable day of waves yesterday. Longer period groundswell, perfect wind conditions and waves with incredible form were to be found with minimal crowding. I am still smiling from yesterdays session.

the proper way to share a wave

It's always cool to get hooted on by a friend when your slotted in the perfect spot!!

I got to catch a few waves after work today- clean waist-stomach high lines, heavy snow and a nice offshore flow, fun times on the hull. It is so fun to be in the water when the snow is falling and dusk is approaching. The waves were far from incredible but the solitude and the overall quiet feel of a snow covered beach are things I have come to really appreciate.

shooting the jetty

There is nothing like a lined-up longboard wave. Many a board have been lost to these rocks!

Displacement Hulls in Contrast

I am continually intrigued by the subtle complexity and form of the displacement hull surfboard. The design seems to run so contrary to "conventional wisdom" regarding proper surfboard shapes. Moreover, the subtle curves, rocker profile and convex bottoms continually deceive the closed-minded into disregarding the speed potential that the indoctrinated have come to be so devoted to.

Another Day, Another Dollar......

My man, "Kendel" and his fineline Microant after another tough day at the office !!!

The Westies are honkin... AGAIN'!!!!

Really missing some light off shores and smooth lines. We are in a real bad wind pattern these days- icey cold westies, which reek havoc on our south facing breaks. add water temps in the high 30's and there are plenty of reasons to leave the beach dry!!! hopefully soon things will change.

the Noll curse continues.....

Ever since I score and subsequenly traded a vintage greg noll, I have been convinced that I am dreadfully cursed to surf poor waves- it seems no matter when I plan on surfing the conditions change unfavorably as I am on my way to the beach. I think I need a pair of jail bird trunks to restore order. Today was another frustrating attempt at surfing......

On another note, I thought I'd post up some pictures of another interest of mind- urban decay and post-industrial liter. Here are few shots from the outer limits of the big apple.

Into the Light series photo #1

Photographing into the light with plastic lens cameras can be a bit challenging and the results are rather unpredictable. I find that using these cameras requires a good bit of spontaneity and willingness to take chances. Issues related to lens flare and the resulting contrasty negatives at times produce good/interesting results. I like the peaceful feeling this photograph evokes. hope you like it too...

A photograph from last week's swell event.

I snapped this photograph on a day last week that feature some decent groundswell. The combination of crisp light, snow and the quality of air put me in mind of recent viewing of some of the Lunar Landing Photographs that viewed at the Museum of Natural History.

Castles Made of Sand and Incoming Tides

It was 16 degrees out this morning and the wind chill was making it feel like it was in the single digits today!! There were no waves! I am really missing the simple relaxed feeling of being at the beach in the summer time. This photo puts me in mind of those days.

beach side makeshift bar

Some of the long beach residents who make their home under the boardwalk made a little impromtu party with full a stocked makeshift oceanside self-serve bar set-up. all the finest libations were available - Old English Malt, Mad Dog, Thunderbird, colt 45 and some high-styling Johnny Walker. It's a shame they did not clean up after themselves though.

Ins and Outs

Anticipation and reflection... All part of the experience!!!

Cooperfish Cryonetics

Frozen Foil (9'10 Rincon Foil) after an unexpected snow/ice storm. This poor ole' longboard is probably wondering "how did I end up in this surf hell (east coast) as opposed to my namesake's break?"

Early Morning Surf Rituals-Snap Shots of the Process

So much of what we do as surfers' is ritualistic and over-learned habits. Given that, it is easy to lose sight of some of the subtle aspects of the surfing experience. I attempt to be mindful and aware of each step along the way as I believe the process in totality leads to the culminating experience of wave riding.

Early morning bouy checks, pulling boards from the garage rafters, strapping them to the roof the car, selecting music for the drive are opportunities to enjoy the early morning hours and prepare for the day. Getting to the beach always brings on feelings of anticipation and excitement as I get my first glimpse of the surf. Selecting the board to be ridden, suiting-up and waxing are equally part of the overall experience and often provide opportunities to catch up with friends and get ready for the paddle out.

The above photos are some recent shots of the process.