Boardrider of the Month: Jim Voeste
• Tobin Bennison •

It’s not unusual for our monthly Boardriders to be well versed in more than one type of boardriding.  We’ve featured skaters who excel at skating, but also love to jump into the surf when the conditions arise and we’ve profiled passionate surfers who hit the skate parks when the Atlantic turns off. Some tear up boat wakes in lakes and others strap a damn kite to their backs to fly up and down the beach. But I can’t remember the last time we covered a boardrider who pretty much rides everything.

Boardhead Jim has achieved ripping status within just about every form of riding that requires a board. When the surf is pumping you’ll find him either shacked tightly into a jade-tinged tube or wiggling his toes off the end of his longboard. When the tide changes, instead of packing it up for the day, he simply switches his surfboard for a skimboard and continues his assault in the thumping shorebreak. But despite his mastery of several varied boardsports, I believe Jim’s true callling might just be the cutting board.

When he’s not surfing, skating, skimming, or just putting in time on his Indo board, Boardhead Jim makes some of the best sandwiches on the beach. Jim’s Boardheads Deli has filled a much needed niche in the downtown Cocoa Beach area, where he takes great pride in building delicious, affordable subs of all kinds to satisfy your hunger after whatever kind of session you’ve had. Ride on Jim. Ride on.

What is your preferred boardsport?

Skimboarding would be my first choice, depending on conditions. Otherwise, progressive longboarding.

At what age did you first put feet to board, and what was it?

Sandskimming as a grom on an old Myers woodie.

Of all your sessions, is there one in particular that has stuck in your mind?

A double-o surf session down south about 10 years ago, all alone with just the video to prove it. Super fun. Yeah!

When was the last time you took a really hard spill?

At the Slater Invitational a few years back. After doing indo board demos and teaching hundreds of people all weekend, I wanted to catch some fun skim during my last hour on the beach. The third wave wasn’t a charm. I hyperextended my MCL and was out for like 6 months in a knee brace.

Out of all your boards, which one do you see yourself still riding into your golden years?

If I can’t run when I’m 89, I guess I’ll still longboard.

Who is your favorite boardrider of all time?

Bill “Beaker” Bryan. If you don’t know who he is, stop by the shop and I’ll throw in some skim videos that will blow your mind.

What do you think is the most important issue facing all boardsports today?

Etiquette — on any board at any age.

What would be your dream vacation?

Wherever Rick Piper’s shorepound paintings are.

What mantra does Boardhead Jim live by?

You don’t stop playing because you get old, you get old because you stop playing.

How did you get into the sandwich biz?

I couldn’t find a great sub anywhere, so now I make them all day long. Opening my own shop got me out of corporate kitchens and in touch with real people… real hungry people.

What’s the most important ingredient in a good sandwich?

Pride. That’s the most important ingredient in anything you do. If you put pride in it, it should always be great.

What’s your most popular seller?

By far, the Italian sub. We’re the only shop around that makes them real!

Any shout-outs?

Big shouts to D from Boardheads2.com; Bob at Zap Skimboards; Indoboard Hunter; Freak Kech; all my crazy boardsport friends, and to all our customers who appreciate a great sub and a good laugh.

Last question: Could I get an 8″ Italian with all the fixins?

Sure! Drop in on Boardheads any time.

Boardheads Deli is located at 24 N. Orlando Ave. Call 785-2700 for more information.

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Boardrider of the Month: Connie Arias
• Interview by Alex Joy; Photos by Don Eggert •

Born in New York, Connie Arias moved to Florida as a child. She learned to surf at the age of 7 and was immediately hooked. Going on to participate in some of her first surf contests shortly thereafter, Connie won the East Coast Championships at 12.

Connie currently surfs and does promotional events for Billabong, something that’s taken her all over the world — to countries like Australia, Tahiti, South Africa, and England, to name just a few. From July 25th to the 31st, she’ll be giving surfing lessons at the Blue Surf Sanctuary in Costa Rica. When in Florida, she rocks out and pours drinks at Lou’s Blues. During the rare moments when Connie’s not surfing or working, she can be found fishing with friends or lounging quietly at home planning her next getaway.

But despite this fun-filled life of traveling, Connie says, “Most of all, I just love being at home and hanging out with family and neighbors.”

What type of board have you been riding lately?

Local Motion, made by Ricky Carroll — the most amazing shaper ever!

Name one of the best contests you’ve surfed.

The World Junior Surfing Championships. It was so amazing because I got to compete for the U.S. with some of the best juniors in the world.

There are a lot of new surf tricks out there these days. What’s your favorite?

Anything I happen to land.

What’s your favorite surf spot?

Home! There’s nothing better then being able to surf behind your house.

What’s the biggest wave you’ve wiped out on?

In western Australia I took off on a set wave and ate crap. I came up and realized my leash had broken and my board went half a mile into shore. Luckily there was a jet ski out there to take me in.

When you’re going on a surf trip, what’s the one thing you never forget to bring?

My phone.

Do you see any up-and-comers around here in the pro girl surfing scene?

Yes, Jasset Umbel and Nikki Viesins are both young girls you need to watch out for.

What keeps you motivated?

The accomplishments I’ve made and surfing keep my ADD in check.

What other hobbies do you have?

I love to fish, go on Facebook, text, and run around town doing something different every day.

How many times a day do you check Facebook?

At least 20 times a day.

Do you use your computer to check the waves or go to see for yourself?

Both, but I always check www.thewavecaster.com first because he’s always right and I may be a bit lazy.

Which do you like better, dawn patrol of evening sesh?

I’m not much of a morning person, so definitely evening sesh.

Which tunes get you amped before surfing?

I love Country.

Where do you go for grinds after surfing all day?

I go to the Indialantic Seafood Company for some fresh tuna to take home and cook myself.

Do you think we should start looking for other types of energy in light of the Gulf Oil Spill?

Absolutely. We should always be looking for new resources and forms of energy.

If you were president for a day, what would you do?

I wouldn’t want to be president. Too much work.

Do you have any pets?

Two dogs, Sadie and Dakota. Dakota is my baby; I dress her up and take her everywhere with me.

If you could do one thing over in life, what would it be?

Nothing. I love my life!

Last words or shout-outs?

Thanks to everyone who has helped me — my family and my sponsors, Billabong, Local Motion, and DNA Energy drinks. And I love my brother! I’d also like to give a shout-out to www.breathebelieve.com.

Boardrider of the Month: Eddie Guilbeau
Interview by Alex Joy

Eddie Guilbeau is one incredibly solid surfer.

He does things in the surf most of us have only dreamt of, which isn’t all that surprising, seeing as how he’s been in and around the ocean since his life began. Raised by a family of surfers in Melbourne Beach, surfing has always been a way of life for Eddie. His parents and his Uncle Brian did what ever they could to help him progress, and Eddie was part of a group of groms who always pushed each other to go bigger and bigger.

Eddie participated in his first competition, the Melbourne Beach Founders Day Pineapple Surf Contest, in 1994. Soon after, he was brought into the ESA and was noticed by longtime friend Barry Pasonski, who hooked Eddie up with the …Lost Team. “When he (Barry) set me up with …Lost, I feel in a way that he changed the whole way my life has played out. Surfing became a major part of my life,” says Eddie.

Since then, Eddie has traveled all over in pursuit of his passion, has surfed in the WQS for the last few years, and became Quicksilver’s King of the Peak at Sebastian Inlet last November. But as many hours  as he spends in the water, somehow Eddie still finds time to work and study.

I always enjoy watching Guilbeau rip it up. He’s a really good guy who is mellow both in and out of the water, and he always makes having fun a top priority.

If you never surfed, what type of lifestyle do you think you’d have?

If I didn’t surf and I hadn’t won the King Of The Peak, then I probably wouldn’t be doing this interview. Surfing has changed my life and I would be naive to think any differently. The gnarliest memories I have are mostly all from moments that had something to do with surfing. I would have never gone to Tahiti if I hadn’t dedicated my summer to qualifying for the U.S. Team. I would have never been asked to go to the Dominican Republic with Hollister and I would have never gotten hooked up with …Lost. Basically, if I never started surfing then I’d probably be in debt and I wouldn’t have been through half the things I’ve been lucky enough to experience.

When racing down the line on a wave, do you have a plan in your head or do you just go and see what happens?

I’m always thinking about what I’m going to do on my wave before I even drop in. All surfers make decisions based on the wave before they ever even start to paddle. Ever notice how no one goes on a close-out but everyone wants a good lined-up wave? Well, I look for the close-outs so I can do airs. Before I stand up I have a very good idea of how far away certain sections are and how long I have until I get to that part of the wave. I definitely make decisions before and during the wave riding process.

What’s the biggest air you ever pulled and landed?

There have been a couple of times I’ve found myself baffled on whatever just happened. I usually try to spin faster rather than go for height on my airs, but I threw a standard backside air a few months ago that must have been about 3- to 4-feet high. The shove-it at King of the Peak was around 2 feet. I’ve landed a ton of airs at Ocean Ave. that were easily 3-feet high or more, so the biggest air I ever landed was probably about 4 feet at the most.

What do you do to keep in shape?

I do stretches and I try to eat somewhat healthy. I work doing general labor, so I stay pretty fit for whenever there are waves.

Where’s the best wave you’ve surfed?

The best wave I ever surfed was probably somewhere in Hawaii. There are so many little bays, coves, reefs, and sandbars out there on those islands that it’s impossible not to get the best waves of your life. I would have to say that either Pipe or Sunset had the best waves I ever surfed.

What and where is the perfect surf trip?

The perfect surf trip is whatever you want it to be. For me it’s no drama, good weather, fun waves, and friends.

What other hobbies keep you busy when you’re not in the water?

I don’t know if college is considered a hobby, but I am taking online classes at BCC right now. I have five classes left until I get my AA and I’m super-excited that I’m working on obtaining a college degree. Other than schoolwork and surfing, I pretty much just try and relax.

Who has been the biggest influence on you?

My biggest influences have been my family and friends. I’ve learned a lot from observing people around me and how they handle themselves in certain situations. I feel I adopted a lot of character from my Dad because I notice we both have a laid-back but proactive style.

Do you have a hero?

I respect a lot of guys, but as for a hero, that could only be my Dad. My Dad is the man.

We live in a place with a lot of really good surfers. Who do you see going big?

Brevard County is full of guys who can win heats at any given time. I just saw that Kelly Slater won the Rip Curl Pro in Bells Beach… But as for all the local groms making the push, I would have to say that Jasset Umbel, Corey Howell, Giorgio Gomez, and Luke Marks are the next in line for their generation. These surfers have exactly what it takes to make a name for themselves, and in most cases they already have. These kids will be leading the next group of über-groms coming out of Brevard County for sure.

Who is the most underrated surfer, locally and pro-wise?

Mark Dawson has been flying under the radars of the industry for way too long now. I try to make it a point to surf with Mark every day because I know he’s one of the best surfers in Brevard County. I see him landing the same moves the best guys in the world are trying to do. He’s also one of the most positive and motivated people I’ve ever met. He’s above all the negative aspects that come with growing up in a small town and he’s made it apparent that he doesn’t want to get caught up in the wrong scene. Mark just wants to go surf, whether it’s flat, cold, 10-foot or snowing. I am stoked that I get to surf with him because he rips and he’s always amped to paddle out. In my opinion, Mark Dawson is the best uncontracted surfer in Brevard County for sure.

When thinking of the future of surfing, do you think there will ever be another Kelly Slater?

I can definitely imagine some crazy little kid winning 12 world titles sometime in the future, but as of now it looks like the level of surfing has reached a plateau of sorts. It seems like even though the level of free-surfing has gone up, the people competing feel more comfortable playing it safe. Competitive surfing can’t progress until someone has the confidence to do huge tricks while the pressure is on in a heat. The scores from the Bells contest reflect that surfers are being judged lower for surfing safe and are judged higher for taking risks.

If you could be mayor of Mel Beach for a day, what you do?

If I were mayor of Melbourne Beach for one day, I’d build a handicapped ramp so people could go down onto the beach at Ocean Avenue. As of now, there is no handicapped access that goes down to the beach at all in Melbourne Beach. I don’t know how this has never been done, but people have been talking about it for years.

What’s your favorite TV show?

“Let’s Make A Deal.” I think it’s funny because the host is always trying to scam people out of whatever they win. It’s hilarious how the contestants are never happy with winning and they always want to keep making deals even though they already won something. It’s sad though when you see a little old lady lose tons of money that she literally just won two minutes before.

What are the best tunes to get amped for a sesh?

I usually surf with Mark Dawson and he has some classic music on his iPod. Recently I’ve been getting amped on whatever soundtrack is on “Modern Collective.”

After surfing all day, what’s the best place to feast?

After surfing I hit up one of the usual spots on Ocean Ave. It’s always either Boscos, Beachstreet or Friendly Toast, no questions asked. They make incredible food and they are all run by great people.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I see myself doing some more school and finishing a few degrees. I only have five more classes until my AA, so that goal is actually only a couple of months away. My long-term goal for five years from today is that I want to wake up in a house I pay the mortgage on and can walk to the beach from. I see myself starting some sort of business geared toward helping reliable college students find local part-time work.

Where’s the best secret surf spot in Brevard? Come on, we know you know.

I have heard that supposedly there is a wave at the end of the Cape that is the best left in Brevard. I’ve heard people who work at the Cape say that there is a sandbar from the very end of the cape that wraps out for hundreds of yards along the beach to the South. From what I understand, the left follows the sandbar just firing off barrels and wraps into a cove where it slowly dies out. I have also heard that there are deer and other animals out there since it is a nature preserve. The place sounds like a paradise from all the stories I’ve been told.

What good advice would you give to any grom coming up?

The best advice I can give to groms is to try and enjoy school. You have to be there anyway and all your friends are around, so try to think about the positives. Plus, the chances that you’ll make more money in the future increase with every day you attend school. That’s why everyone who tells you to stay in school has more money than you do.

Last words or shout-outs?

You (Alex Joy), Mark Dawson, Chicky, Harry, Bergz, Dylan, Reola, Jeremy, Eric, Catalyst, …Lost, Freak, and anyone who has ever helped me in any way. Rip rip! Go surf! Rip!

Boardrider of the Month: Carl Beaulac
Interview by Alex Joy

Carl Beaulac has been a major part of the local surf scene for quite some time. He got started with help from his dad when he was about 12-years-old or so, back when a shortboard was an 8′6” and weighed a few pounds.

He started out surfing Miami’s South Beach, moved to Fort Lauderdale during high school and opened his first surf business, a retail store, shortly thereafter. In 1987, Carl moved to Brevard where settled down to raise his family and started RDI, a wholesale surf distribution company.

Carl has traveled to many surf destinations all over the world and has made many friends along the way. Years spent surfing, windsurfing, and stand-up paddleboarding has made Carl a true boardsport enthusiast, and he’s either directly or indirectly helped many stay stoked on surfing. And that’s why Carl Beaulac is our Boardrider of the Month.

When did you start surfing?
1968 in Miami, South Beach. We would rent a board on the weekends. My Dad had to help me carry it — I think it weighted 50-plus pounds…

What was your first board?
9′6 Surfboard Hawaii triple stringer. Step-down deck, pintail… yellow. I bought it used from some guy going into the military.

You’ve seen many different surfing trends come and go in your time. What’s one of the craziest you’ve witnessed?
When the short board revolution hit. Boards went from 9′ something to 5′ something in approximately three years.

What’s the best thing about being a surfer?
Staying in physical and mental shape! Also connecting with nature.

Who or what has been the biggest motivation for you?
My family and friends.

If you could go on a surf trip with anyone, anywhere…?
I did that. I did a family surf trip to Maui. We called it “Hawaii 5-0.” (I had just turned 50.)

What’s been your best surf trip to date?
I went to Nicaragua with the Boardworks crew — the most awesome guys’ surf trip ever: great place to stay, great food, and great surf and adventures. (Thanks, Miles.)

When you’re not out riding a board of some type, what do you do for fun?
Play guitar or work (yes, work is fun to me).

Do you think today’s high-tech surfboard construction has made a big difference in the fun factor?
Yes! Most new boards are stronger, lighter, and perform better, which equals more fun!

What have you been riding? Both SUP and surfboards?
Yes. SUP when it’s small or flat (it’s a great way to stay in shape) and surf when it’s over 2 feet.

When did your compete in your first contest? Do you have a favorite contest?
I don’t remember the very first, but it was sometime during the ’70s. I joined the ESA. There are so many contests nowadays… it’s difficult to choose one. Whichever event gets the best waves is the best.

What’s your favorite local surf spot?
The secret one.

What’s the best after-surf feast?
Coming home to my wife’s cooking!

Top three songs before your surf sesh?
Rodrigo y Gabriela doing “Buster Voodoo,” almost any Led Zeppelin, and some Leo Kottke stuff.

If you could surf one spot for the rest of you life, where would it be?
A point break in El Salvador — one of the longest rights I’ve ever ridden.

Do you think SUP catching on here? Is it more popular elsewhere?
It’s starting to get popular here in Florida. It’s blowing up in Hawaii and California.

Is it hard to get in to SUPing?
On flat water it’s easy. You can learn in 30 minutes. SUPing in waves is a much steeper learning curve. It helps to be a surfer first.

What’s are the best conditions for SUP?
For me, a nice long, flat water paddle or a nice 2- to 3-foot mushy, low-tide wave.

Do you still take out the windsurfer?
Yah, but not as much as I used to. I really like to jump and ride waves, but the right conditions are few and far between.

Do you think windsurfing will ever enjoy the kind of popularity it once did?
No, not in the near future. Hopefully I’ll be around when it does!

Who will win the 2010 ASP world tour this year, any thoughts?
Well, Taj is on a roll right now…

Any shout-outs?
Yah: to all my friends and family. I hope to see you in the water soon!

BOARDRIDER OF THE MONTH: Britta Schlagbaum

Britta Schlagbaum moved to Satellite Beach from Colorado and started surfing soon after at the age of 13 when Dad took her and little brother out on his board. She started doing some local competitions and joined the ESA when she turned 15, and has been really ripping it up lately.

Britta is always outside, working out, surfing, skateboarding, and riding her bike. But though she is also a veritable ray of sunshine, she’s not just a pretty face; her other interests include reading and writing poetry. Britta truly has a love for being young and living life to the fullest. This solid surfer seems to be always happy and stoked on life.

In Britta’s own words, “I just go with the flow because everything happens for a reason.”

Name: Britta Schlagbaum
Age: 17
Hometown: Satellite Beach
Stance: Regular

How long have you been surfing?

About four years.

Do you have any sponsors?

Ricky Carrol surfboards!

Do you have a “best day ever” claim?

I’d say a while back when I drove up to Ponce Inlet with my friend and there was a perfect right pretty much all day with clear blue water. I felt like I was ripping every wave.

What are your favorite surf conditions?

Head-high chunky waves with some barrels on a sunny day… yaaa!

You’ve been doing some modeling lately. How’s that going?

It’s good… mostly just for fun to have photos for later when I might get more serious with it.

Do you see yourself looking at surfing as a carer or just a lifestyle?

For me surfing is more of a lifestyle and a sport I love doing for fun. Just being in the ocean with friends is like an outlet for me to think about life and soak up the sun. I love the fast rush and feeling of riding a wave made by nature. It’s just you and the ocean.

Have you been planing any surf trips for the near future?

I am planning on going to Eleuthera, Bahamas some time soon when I get some time off from work, with my boyfriend. That’s his home island, so I’ve got a free place to stay, which is sick!

Which local shredder do you see going big around here?

Hmm… That’s a tough one, ’cause there are alot of shredders around here. But I definitely see Peter Polanski going big some day. He rips for sure, and he’s one of the most determined guys I know.

Who shapes your surfboards?

I get my boards from the greatest shaper in the world, Mr. Ricky Carroll. He is absolutely awesome, and he shows it with the great boards he makes. I love every board I ride, and I’m sure you will too.

Where are the best waves in town?

Come on, we won’t tell anyone! 2nd Light, Inlet, and the Pier — haha! I’m not telling my secret spots. There are enough people out there already.

When the waves are flat, what do you do to fill the time?

Well, when there are no waves and I don’t have work, I’m either at the beach with friends, at the gym, reading by my pool, riding my bike, or just doing anything outside. But I’d still rather be surfing any day.

Do you have a training workout to stay in surf shape?

I go to the gym all the time and I run around my neighborhood, and from time to time I use my Indo Board. Also, having a healthy diet helps a lot. But I’d say that surfing is the best workout there is.

Where’s the best after-surf grinds place to hang out and chill?

Dakine Diego’s is a hot spot, but I’m already there all the time so I like to go home and jump in my pool and go back to the boardwalk. I roll insane burritos at Dakine’s and make hungry people happy, ’cause we all know everyone is grumpy when they’re hungry.

The environment is a big concern for most surfers. Do you think there’s anything we can do locally to help?

I think everyone should recycle. Any time you’re at the beach or anywhere else and see trash on the ground, pick it up and throw it in the trashcan. Even if it’s a little, it adds up. If everyone does, it can make a big difference.

If you could be the President for a day, what law would you want to get passed?

I would illegalize offshore dumping.

Where do you see yourself five years from now?

I see myself still in college, and of course, still surfing.

Any big holla outs?

Definitely my family for all their support, the crew at DKDs, my girls Sloane and Tess, Perks crew, IHB boys, and my boyfriend, Warren.

I had no idea that Jaime had an injured wrist when we set out to take pictures for this piece. He had broken the growth plate in his right arm a couple of times and is currently healing, and by the look of the photos he’s obviously still able to skate. I’ve seen Jaime destroy contests, and when he’s free-skating with the crew he can be noted for his unique style and large bag of tricks on all types of terrain. Jaime has lived from one end of Brevard to the other during his 15 years and now lives in Cape Canaveral. Say hello to our Boardrider of the Month: Jaime Ceruti.

Name: Jaime Ceruti
Age: 15
Resides in: Cape Canaveral
Stance: Goofy
Years Skating: 7
Current Setup: World Industries Deck 8.0; Destructo trucks; Darkstar 52mm, and Ninja bearings.

How’s it going Jaime?
Good. I’ve been trying to skate a lot. I’m back in school and it’s going good. I skated a lot during the break — I went to Miami.

Did you go to the MIA Skate Park?
Yeah, the new course is a lot of fun.

How long have you lived in the ‘Nav?
I moved here around the beginning of the summer. I go to Cocoa Beach High School.

Did you know anyone from CBHS before you went there?
Yeah, people from skateboarding, like CJ Dixon, were already going there. And Sam Rooks, Chris Spohr, and Keith Baldassare started going there too. It’s fun going to school with people you skate with every day.

What grade are you in, and what kind of grades are you getting?
I’m in 10th grade. I’m pretty much getting all As, Bs, and Cs. All passing!

Any subjects giving you trouble?
Mostly English 2. We have so much to do and we write papers every day.

Where do you mostly skate?
I skate street on the weekends and after school. I skate the bank in Cape Canaveral with the 3 flat 1. I try to skate Graffiti when I can.

Have you been competing lately?
I’ve skated some contests in Tampa and Kona, but none too recent. There’s one coming up at Graffiti, the “Goofy vs. Regular.”

Is that where you started, at Graffiti?
Pretty much. I lived next door to Michael Wolfe and we started skating the streets of our neighborhood. Then I think Mike went to Graffiti and ended up bringing me there the next time.  And I just kept at it and eventually got on the team.

There’s a lot of local history behind Graffiti and some rippers that have been on that team, don’t you think?
Yeah, it was such a good thing for Dan to get that team started. That was a long time ago… We would all just would skate together and have fun.

What kind of music are you listening to?
Rock — AC/DC, some rap like Biggie, Tupac, and Arkaydia, my friends from Graffiti. They all skate and rip; we have fun skating together while playing their CD.

Any last words of wisdom or shout-outs?
Never give up. Keep Skating. Hang out with your friends and have fun. And thanks to Dan, Graffiti Skate Zone, my parents, all the friends I skate with, and you for the interview.

After surfing for roughly 7 years in the Florida Panhandle and spending a month living in Australia, Jessica Williams decided to leave everything she knew behind to move to Satellite Beach in search of more consistent swell.

Thanks to her broad background in aquatic sports, lifeguarding, beach service, training and certifying lifeguards, and teaching swim lessons and water aerobics, Jessica had no problem finding a job teaching surf lessons in
Cocoa Beach shortly after her arrival in the area.

Jessica then started competing in surf contests throughout the County and soon became a member of ESA. At the end of her second season with them, she ranked 1st in the Central Florida District for Womens’ Longboard. Most recently, she has picked up a few sponsors and has worked with Sticky Bumps and Gravity Skateboards.

Along with of her love of surfing and the ocean, Jessica also plays the guitar and composes music. She competed in the Cocoa Beach Library’s Singer/Songwriter Contest two years in a row, winning 1st Place overall in 2008 and also taking 1st for the People’s Choice Award in June 2009.

Jessica says she’s already accomplished a lot of things she’s really wanted to do, but still wants to travel as much as she can.  Still though, you get the sense that Cocoa Beach will always be the place she’ll call home. “Cocoa Beach simply defines my life,” she says. “Surfing defines my life.”

If you had to surf and play music in one place for the rest of your life, where would you choose?

It could very possibly be Cocoa Beach. I love it here. But if I could find a little island in the South Pacific where the surf was at least decent everyday and people just ate rice and beans for their three meals a day and worshiped cows, that’d be pretty sweet.

What’s your favorite local surf spot?

The Cocoa Beach Pier or 4th Street South. I’ve always lived in the 4th Street area, so it’s like my “home break.” But I’m really acquainted with the Pier and I enjoy knowing everyone out in the water — it makes for a better surfing experience, for sure.

How would you describe your surf style?

I prefer the old-school way of things, like heavy single-fin noseriders and retro fish. I prefer vulan cloth on any board, and heavy glass is always a pretty good thing too. It’s so smooth — like riding in a blimp or something. But I have to be careful because if it gets too heavy I can’t turn the darn thing! I love watching Alex Knost surf. He has this amazing style that is so modernized (yet totally not at all). I can’t put it into my own words, so I won’t try.

What’s your best surf maneuver?

Although I’m constantly working on better noserides, I still think I’m safer saying S-turns and cutbacks. I like knee paddle entries too, and I hardly ever see anyone else doing them!

Your favourite all-around board is… ?

I could say a fish or a longboard in general, but that’d be too easy. I like a good noserider because I’ll surf it in the smallest surf, and I’ll still be riding it in the gnarliest of hurricane swells. I like riding a lot of different styles of boards, but my 9′4″ O’Hare (vulan cloth; triple stringer) is my favorite board.

Do you have a favorite artist or group you listen to before paddling out?

It depends on the surf. If it’s head-high and glassy, I want something to stoke me out, like Damian Marley… or “Freebird”! But if it’s just another day, I like something good and mellow, usually reggae. Sometimes I even like to listen to Bluegrass before I paddle out just for spits and giggle — and just because it makes me feel a little more goofy and creative out in the agua.

How long have you been into writing music?

I can remember making up my own songs when I was just a little girl, but it wasn’t until I was in high school that I really started composing music on my guitar with my lyrics. I quit for several years and then started again about 2- 1/2 years ago. My dad was a composer and a writer as well. I never really played for anyone until the Singer/Songwriter Contest at the Cocoa Beach Library a couple of years ago when I won First Place overall, and then won the “People’s Choice” and everyone loved it! That’s when I really realized that I actually had something going on.

Coffee or tea? Beer or wine? Electric or acoustic?

Sweet tea is God’s gift to mankind, as far as I’m concerned, and I prefer imported beer or rum. And acoustic has way more soul… so does rum.

Dream sponsor?

Billabong. I really appreciate the fact that they donate a portion of their profits to the Surfrider Foundation and ocean protection efforts. And I’m a pretty eco-minded person, so the idea of making wetsuits out of old fishing nets is pretty rad. They’re doing all kinds of neat stuff, like making us “shark-proof.” Plus, I love the style. It’s very “me”.

Who’s on your shout-out list?

The people who’ve made the biggest impact on my life in the respected order: my Grandpa, Hal Tarpley, the Walker Family, Tom Grant, Dennis Griffin, Sean O’Hare, Rob Arrouet, and my girls. I love you all.

BOARDRIDER OF THE MONTH: Casidy Marks

I’ve known Casidy for a few years now. He’s always pushing himself to go bigger and better, no mater want he’s doing. At 20 years old, Casidy is focused on school and keeping his head on straight — a total “No Drama” kind of dude.

Casidy’s enthusiasm is powerfully contagious. You have to love a guy who says, “Looks real fun. I’m going out,” whether the waves are 2-feet high and choppy or 10 feet and bombing. Originally from Kalapana, Hawaii, Casidy, a goofy foot, now lives in Satellite Beach, and inspires all who come in contact with him to aspire to his same level of childlike zeal.

Name: Casidy Marks
Hometown: Kalapana, HI. Currently resides in Satellite Beach
Years surfing: 6
Years skating: 5 (off and on)
Years wakeboarding: 4

When did you start surfing?
When I was real young in Hawaii, but never really cared about it until I turned 15.

What’s the first thing you do in the morning?
Take a shower.

What’s your favorite grub after a long day of shredding?
Pretty much any fruit, mostly mangoes and orange juice.

What’s the best part of your day?
Right when my last class ends and I can go do what I want. I would say surfing, but we rarely get waves.

If you had to surf one spot the rest of your life, where would it be?
Macaroni’s in Indo.

Tell us your favorite secret surf spot.
If I told you, it wouldn’t be a secret.

Surf, skate, wake — what takes the cake?
Surfing, for sure. I enjoy skating, but I’ve broken too many bones, so I stopped charging. Wakeboarding is too expensive; I always have to jump on other people’s boats.

Speaking of which, what’s your favorite kind of cake?
Ice cream cake.

What boards have you been shredding on lately?
BATs.

What’s been your best surf trip?
A trip I took back to Maui for 15 days one recent winter.

Do you have a hero?
My older brother.

Name the best local surf break?
Right up my street here in Satellite.

Where do you see yourself in five years?
Having a good job and being able to surf. Probably still living in Satellite Beach.

If you were president for a day, you would…
Go surfing. The press would probably get really pissed and turn it into some crazy story.

What do you do when you’re not shredding?
Hang with friends. We’re always doing something random.

Any shout outs?
Shout outs go to: Alex, Trav, Mike, Snake, Roob, and the Perks Crew.

If you’ve ever found yourself on a distant shore or in some strange and alien land, there’s one kind of person you’re almost certain to meet.

Australians are natural travelers. The walkabout is bred into them. You’d be hard pressed to find a true Aussie scrambling for a career job or jumping directly into a university after high school. After graduation, they’re pushed from their nests, set loose to traverse the globe and soak up an education of life.

For the most part, Australians are a polite breed and usually capable of performing tasks and undergoing trials that would make the average man recoil in fear. They’re also loyal friends and valuable allies. But they also drink like there’s no tomorrow, they leave no stunt or dare unchallenged, and have an uncanny knack for turning the most perverse of profanities into poetry.

Years ago, while on surf safari in mainland Mexico, I met an Australian who had just broken his board and I loaned him my 6′8” gun as I was on my way home. He was due to visit Florida after his Mexico trip and promised to bring it back. Not only did he bring it back, he moved in.

For three years or more, he worked, surfed, ate and drank his fill here in Cocoa Beach. He finally went back to his homeland, but still makes annual pilgrimages back to Brevard to see his friends and drink as many Busch cans at The Beach Shack as they’ll sell him. Usually on these visits he brings along a mate or two who soon become more like ex-pats than foreign visitors.

One such bloke, Aaron “Azza” Graham, is due in this month for a brief stay. Azza is as Australian as they come. He lifeguards at one of the most densely populated beaches in the world, Bondi Beach in New South Wales, just outside of Sydney. He’s a good dude and a charger of any size wave that comes his way.

So this month we’ve selected Azza for our Boardrider of the Month, not because he’s a hell-man in and out of the water, and not because he’ll steal our girlfriends and drink us under the table, but because he told me he’d punch me in the stomach if I didn’t.

So if you see Azza out and about, be sure to say “G’day.”

And it wouldn’t hurt to buy him a Busch can either…

How old were you when you started surfing?
My old man threw me amongst the waves when I was about four..

Where is your favorite wave?
Desert Point in Indonesia.

Where was your best session?
Cocoa Beach, 1-foot wind swell and 200 people on one peak. It’s still stuck in my mind.

Describe your dream trip.
Deserted island with a few mates, perfect waves and plenty of Busch cans.

What’s your favorite thing about visiting the states?
Catching up with all my mates from Cocoa Beach and drinking a load of margaritas.

Where is your favorite place to eat?
Slow N’ Low. They have the best ribs in the world.

What’s an Aussie’s best quality?
They love a beer and are pretty down to earth. They’re also very good at taming kangaroos.

As an Aussie, what are you most proud of?
Our country is so beautiful and untouched — it has amazing waves and beaches. To all you Yanks who havent been here yet, renew the passport and come for a visit. You want won’t to go home.

What would you say is the biggest problem with the States?
Crap waves.

With Australia?
Too many good waves.

What made you get into lifeguarding?
I think it was just a natural progression from surfing.

Describe a typical day on the job.
It can range from doing up to 200 rescues in a day, first aids, body retrievals, resuscitations, thieving and perving on lots of hot chicks. If you want to see what we do, you can watch our reality TV show on www.ten.com.au, and go to “Bondi  Rescue.”

What’s the strangest thing that’s ever happened to you on a shift?
I paddled out to rescue this guy and when I got out there and put him on the rescue paddleboard, he was in the nude. It wasn’t a pretty sight. He had red hair as well.

What do you miss most when you leave the US?
Barbecued ribs, margaritas, Bennison’s barbecues, Busch cans, “The Woof Man,” the Cocoa Beach crew, the junk food, Slow N’ Low, and really cheap beers. Actually, I dont know why I ever go home. I love America…

BOARDRIDER OF THE MONTH: Chris Osborne

Interview by Lindsay Perry

There are many words you could use to describe Chris Osborne — humble and talented, to name a few.

Often mistaken for a young, twenty-something grom, Chris is really something amazing to watch. You can usually find him down at the beach, blasting massive airs, busting kick-flips, or throwing more spray than a person his size really should. I caught up with him in between his hectic schedule of metal detecting and buying knickknacks off eBay to ask him a few questions…

Name: Chris Osborne

Age: 30

Homebreak: Satellite Beach

Board: 5′8 Mayhem

Stance: Goofy

Years surfing: 18

How did you get your start in surfing?

Well, I guess I could say: “Thanks, Dad, for buying me my first board… instead of a sponge.”

What brought you to Satellite Beach?

I ran out of gas on my way to Key West.

Who or what motivates you?

“Thriller.”

Recent travels?

Central America, the Indian Reservation and that short stint in Australia.

Best trip ever?

Canada.

Do you compete?

No.

What keeps you from surfing competitively?

My job.

Other hobbies, outside of the water?

Following my shadow around the room.

What are you currently jamming on your iPod (or tape deck)?

I’ve got the funk in a box.

Any pre-paddle out rituals?

Coffee and Jack.

Describe your style.

“It was a real good race.”

What do you think makes you stand out?

Probably my speedo.

Over the last two years, I’ve been relentless and downright mean to Sam Rooks.

Every time I see him land a trick I tell him it was sketchy, or weak, or that he should just go home. I never mean it, and actually wish I had just a fraction of his ability.

The truth is that Sam is one of the most talented young skaters I know. He has a naturally relaxed style, whether on the street, in the park or in the bowl. After receiving impeccable marks on his final report card last June, Sam also volunteered a good amount of his summer days to help teach the next generation of skaters at the Cocoa Beach Skate Camp. On top of all that, Sam is an all-round good human. He’s humble and has fun while he skates, and he’s one of the nicest people I know. He’s is a true skater on all levels and has earned his position as the Boardrider of the Month.

Name: Sam Rooks
Age: 14
Stance: Regular
Current Set Up: Blind board, Origin trucks, Autobahn wheels, and Ninja bearings
Sponsors: CBS, GSZ, Origin Trucks
Years Skateboarding: 4
Hometown: Cocoa Beach

Hey Sam, how’s it going?

Its going great, Scooter.

It was good seeing you at the Tampa contest today, how did you do?

I did pretty good. I got 9th Place, but I’ve done better.

Do you skate a lot of contests?

Yes I do. There mostly, at Skate Park of Tampa.

Any recent victories?

Yes, I’ve had numerous victories. One this year was the Spring Fourth Contest at Cocoa Beach Skate Park.

Who is hooking you up with gear and helping you get to all of these events?

My Mom of course, Dan my team manager, and Origin Trucks.

Nice to have good people on your side. What do you like most about contests?

What I like most about contests is skating with kids who are really good, because it helps me to progress and pushes me to excel.

What do you like least about them?

My least favorite thing is falling during a run or jam.

You did a good thing this summer helping all those kids at the Cocoa Beach Skate Camp. Tell us about how you started skating.

I got started when I watched my brother skating outside. It looked like fun, so I tried it and I loved it.

What was your very first setup, and where did you get it?

My first setup was a MiniLogo with Tensor trucks and Spitfire wheels. I got it at Ron Jon’s.

Who do you mostly skate with these days?

I mostly skate with my best friend Luke.

 May the force will be with you. (Sorry, I had to.)

What are some of your favorite spots and parks?

My favorite spot to skate is in front of my house. My favorite parks are Skate Park of Tampa and Cocoa Beach Skate Park.

What’s your favorite skate video?

“Fully Flared.”

Who are some of your favorite pros?

Torey Pudwill, Sean Malto and Ryan Sheckler.

What is the sickest thing you’ve seen at the Cocoa Beach Skate Park, and who was it?

It would probably be a kickflip, back lip, down-handrail by Timmy Knuth.

 Knuth rips and he recently graduated.

What’s up at school with you?

I go to Cocoa Beach High. I’m in ninth grade, and I’m getting straight A’s.

Straight A’s? That’s great! Do you ever skate in the halls at school?

No, but I wish I could. It would be so fun!

They should let you since you get such good grades! What’s the worst thing about skateboarding?

The worst thing would have to be falling.

What’s the best thing about it?

The best is landing and learning new tricks.

Thanks for hanging out and taking some photos today. Any last shouts or thanks?

I’d like to thank my family for supporting me, Dan for showing me the right way, all my friends, and you, Scooter, for doing this interview.

Boardrider of the Month: Girard Middelton

Ever since Justin DeBree completed his record-breaking 389-mile stand-up paddle journey from Key Biscayne to St. Mary’s, Georgia last year, we’ve noticed a surge of interest in this grueling and beneficial sport.

Called simply SUP by enthusiasts, stand-up paddleboarding employs a variety of techniques and offers an intense holistic workout. But another of its draws is the sport’s versatility; stand-up paddleboarders can tackle waves much the same as any surfer, and can explore other water environs like rivers, lakes and streams from a truly unique perspective.

Perfectly situated between two rivers and the Atlantic Ocean, the Space Coast lures stand-up paddleboarders from all over the world, and one in particular, Brevard native Girard Middleton, recently rediscovered his love of the area through his devotion to the discipline. Enticed back from a spell in Miami by the beachside’s picturesque vistas and teeming wildlife, Girard spoke with us about SUP and the ways in which its changed his life. He took a break from his extreme workouts in the ocean and solitary sightseeing among the Thousand Islands to become August’s Boardrider of the Month.

What are your impressions of Brevard County after having just returned from a long absence?

I grew up surfing and fishing here in Brevard, and last month moved back up here from Miami Beach… It was a very special homecoming. There is so much wildlife here in the river and ocean, and much more consistent surf. The people here are so real, and generally water lovers — just my kind of crowd. Living here, I’m much closer to my parents, who live in Lakeland. One of the main reasons I moved back was to be able to spend more time with them and help them out.

What are some of the biggest differences in stand-up paddleboarding (or SUP) conditions you’ve noticed after coming from so far south?

It’s so much more peaceful stand-up paddleboarding here. You don’t get the massive population of South Florida like the boat traffic, etc. And there’s much more wildlife to see while you’re paddling — dolphins, manatees, and so many fish on the grass flats. And, of course, the ocean is just across the street. It’s like a private beach. There aren’t as many people out in the surf to dodge, and I’ve been able to paddle surf more waves in the last four days than I was able to in a month or more down in Miami. It’s paradise for me here, and Cocoa Beach is the perfect location for my SUP and surf school, rentals and tour business. The sunsets are amazing, and I’m excited about establishing sunset paddles in the evenings to celebrate the end of each precious day.

What are some of the benefits of stand-up paddleboarding?

SUP is by far the best holistic workout I’ve ever experienced. It really forces you to use your whole body in unison while focusing on your core and body awareness. It’s improved my ability to concentrate and my athleticism tremendously. It’s also a much more user-friendly activity for all ages than most other extreme sports in that you can become proficient fairly easy. It’s a great high-rep workout, without the high impact physical stress on your body and it’s the only workout I do now, along with some yoga-type stretching and an occasional beach run. I’m in the best physical condition of my life.

What would you say is the biggest difficulty to overcome in SUP?

The expense of the equipment can be the biggest difficulty in getting into the sport. The boards and paddle run anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000, not like buying a surfboard. However, once you make the investment, it’s equipment you’re more likely to use consistently, all year long, without the need for waves or even an ocean. It can be done anywhere there’s water — anywhere in the country.

What is your ideal surf/SUP destination?

Right now I’m enjoying paddling the Banana River, seeing all the wildlife, and fishing from my board. And at any time of the day I can cross the street and catch some waves. It’s the perfect environment for me to teach paddle surfing and keeps me passionate about helping others enjoy the sport and change their lives for the better. That said, it’s always awesome to paddle anywhere new in the world, especially islands, exploring reefs, or the nooks and crannies of various lakes and rivers. If you want waves, Hawaii and Tahiti are great places. We just started offering SUP adventures in the Dominican Republic, using the Quiksilver house in Encuentros. The world is full of new adventures on a stand-up paddle board!

Do you think SUP has become more accepted by surfers out in the lineup?

Another reason I’m passionate about teaching SUP is to make it safer for everybody. People who learn from me learn from the start to respect others in the water, to respect the locals, and to put other people’s safety first. You don’t paddle surf in crowded lineups; the large boards are much harder to stop or keep from hitting others. If paddle surfers practice respect and courtesy, they in turn will be accepted and respected in the lineup. If you’re a surfer or paddle surfer that’s being a jerk or putting others at risk, no one should accept you in the lineup. That’s not what it’s all about.

Describe your best-ever SUP session.

Last March, a north ground swell made it down to South Beach, Miami. When it actually beaks there, it’s amazing — fast, A-frame barrels. I must have caught at least 10 overhead barrels on my 11′ board. Some random, very cool chick on the beach captured one on film. I was so stoked, as it was almost certainly the first tube ride on a paddle board in South Beach.

How has SUP equipment evolved since you’ve taken it up?

I began paddle surfing almost five years ago, just as the sport (in the modern-age form) was getting started. A 12′ soft top was my first board, and I made several wooden paddles myself… and broke them all. There were only two SUP companies in existence then, C-4 Waterman and Paddle Surf Hawaii. I soon became a dealer and sub-rep for C-4 Waterman (I’m still a C-4 Dealer) and visited the C-4 HQ in Oahu before teaching SUP as a part of my surf school in Miami. The paddle boards back then were designed for riding waves in Hawaii…lots of rocker, etc. I designed a board that’s more practical for South Florida flat waters…less rocker, straight lines, and more stable for cruising and small waves. In the last few years, the sport, and the amount of manufactures has exploded — all kinds of models. There are even SUP boards with a place for a windsurfing mast. C-4 has come out with a 9′3″ paddle surfboard that is as stable as their old 10-footers — and they’re great for wave riding. What’s important is getting a board that is right for your weight, skill level and goals.

What advice would you give to SUP newbies?

Get some good coaching. It will make you safer, more proficient, and keep you from forming bad habits. Also, try out different boards before buying. It’s too big of an investment to make on an impulse buy. Find friends with boards you can try or contact me at SoBe Surf to arrange to demo different models. Paddles should be custom-cut to 7 inches taller than your height. Don’t impulse-buy a paddle either — get expert help. Paddles cost from $200-$350 and there are various models out for various goals.

Call Girard at SoBe Surf (321) 926-6571. They’ll be starting “Sunset Paddles” in the area for $15 per person including equipment rental, or $30 per person including a lesson 30 minutes before they head out. Bring you own drinks for post paddle celebration. Starting time for the sunset paddle is 7:30 p.m. and the pre-lesson begins at 6:30. Please call or email to reserve your spot — www.sobesurf.com. SoBe Surf offers private teaching for paddle surfing and surfing; private group lessons; SUP board rentals and sales and honest, expert advise even if you don’t buy from them. They also provide ecology tours using their stand-up paddle boards, canoes, and kayaks and fishing clinics.

I first met Josh Stundon in the summer of 2008 while he and his family were visiting from Ireland.

I approached him, introduced myself, and asked him if he skated. He told me he’d never tried it, but wanted to learn. We exchanged phone numbers and soon began meeting at the Cocoa Beach Skate Park to practice. I must admit that I was amazed by Josh’s determination and ability right from the start. The fact that Josh is blind made it even more amazing.

We began at square one, by walking around the park while Josh “looked” at everything with his hands, feeling each surface and, most likely, drawing a mental picture of how the park was shaped. As soon as we started, he was learning faster than most beginners. In those first days, he was Tic-Tacing, turning frontside and backside, riding down, turning on the banks and connecting some lines. To this day, I’ll swear that all I’ve ever done for Josh is talk to him and run next to him while he skates. He took the skateboard and showed all of us there that blind people really can see the beauty and fun the rest of us enjoy — and often take for granted — while skating.

His family owns a home in Cocoa Beach and it’s that time of year again: Josh is back! If you happen to run into the Stundon Family at one of the local skate parks, restaurants or shops, say “What’s up?” to Josh, The Resident’s newest Boardrider of the Month. He really is a talented skater. In fact, he rips!

Name: Josh Stundon
Age: 15
Hometown: Limerick, Ireland
Number of years skating: 1 year
Stance: Regular
Favorite place to skate: Cocoa Beach

Welcome back to Cocoa Beach, Josh. How long will you be in town?
I’ll be in town for two months.

Who do you travel with?
My family: My Dad, Donal; my Mum, Mary; my brother, Luka, and my twin sister, Robin.

What are some of your plans while you’re in Florida?
Skateboarding, swimming, working on my tan and monitoring the weather.

It was good to see you at the skate park again. When did you first get interested in skateboarding?
I first got interested in skateboarding when I heard the sound of the wheels while kids were skating back home in Limerick. I wanted to try it myself because they seemed to be having great fun.

Was it something you knew you could do?
No, but I’m willing to try anything.

Can you describe what goes through your mind or how you feel when you’re skating?
I feel happy when I’m skating; it makes me feel like I fit in with the other kids skating with me. Sometimes, when people see that I’m blind, they think I can’t participate in the things they do. But after all, I am a typical teenager and I like to try all the fun things just like
them.

Does the balance come natural to you?
I had to work on that for a while, but I seem to have fairly good balance now.

What other hobbies or activities are you interested in?
I have an obsession with the weather here because our house got struck by lightning a few years ago and it made me realize what the weather can do. We don’t have the extremes of weather that you have here in the U.S.A.,. so I find it fascinating. I can keep track of weather conditions throughout the U.S. via the internet. I also love swimming and music — I like Pop and Rap music and I also like Irish music. I play the piano, and I also like bowling and rock climbing.

Where do you go to school?
I go to Castletroy College Secondary School in Limerick. It’s a mainstream school with 1,100 students and I’m the only blind student.

How do the kids at school react to you being there?
Lots of the kids are unsure of what to make of me until they get to know me. Some of them don’t want to take the time to get to know someone who’s different, but I’m a very friendly person and will talk to anyone.

What grade are you in? And what are your favorite subjects?
I’m in fifth year, which means that I have two years left at secondary school before going on to college. My favorite subjects are Geography, Music, Home Economics and Spanish.

Ah, que bueno! What kind of grades do you get?
I average As and Bs. I love to do well and I study very hard.

It’s really hot in Florida this time of year.

How do you keep cool during the day?
I go to the pool a lot. Without air conditioning, it would be very hard to cope with the heat. The shops my Mother drags me into are air conditioned, though I don’t like shopping.

Do you ever play any practical jokes on people?
I was bored one day when a replacement doctor was filling in for my own doctor. He was checking my eyes and asked if I could see the light he was shining in into them. I thought I’d have a bit of fun with him and told him that I could see the light. He was getting very excited until my Mother told him I had no sight at all and that I was pulling his leg. My Mother asked me why I’d told him I could see, and I said “Could he not take a joke?” I didn’t get that doctor again.

If you could say one thing to educate readers about blind people, what would you tell them?
I’d tell them that blind people are the same as everybody else, and that people should look at ability, not disability. I have the same needs and wants as sighted people, it’s just that I can’t see, and need people to give me a bit of a break.

Thanks a lot for talking to us, Josh. You really are an inspiration for lots of people! Do you have any shout-outs?
I want to thank you, Scooter, because without you showing me how to skateboard, I’d still be listening to the sound of the wheels and not experiencing how to skate. Also, to the kids here at the Cocoa Beach Skate Park and Paradise Skate Park: Thanks for all your help and for making me feel very welcome. And thanks, Scooter, for the YouTube video. It’s a babe magnet.

Check out Josh on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJmx4QwTOC0, or search for “Blind Skateboarder: Josh Stundon”, or check it out below:

Interview by Scooter Newell; Photos by Donal Stundon and Scooter Newell

Behold, our first windsurfer has been crowned Boardrider of the month. His name is Loic Legallois and he hails from Brest, on the northwest coast of France. But, you could probably tell just by his name that he wasn’t from around these parts. He was here nearly 3 months training and competing and occasionally popping into a few of the local eating and drinking establishments. You may of recognized his heavy french accent when he would exclaim his favorite American catch phrases such as, “What’s up man?”, “Yes! Very many girls!” and his favorite one that usually accompanied a shot of liquor or a beer, “Let’s do it!”.  His enthusiasm and love for our rivers and beaches was hard to ignore and he exuded a genuine happiness to be here. This was enough for us to make Loic our honorary “Boardrider of the Month”.  To which he replied, “ YES MAN! VERY COOL!”

What’s your age?
I just turned 30 on May 5th

Where are you from?
Brest, France on the Northwest coast (Brittania)

When and how did you start windsurfing?
I began at age 12, but seriously at 15. My dad was doing a little bit boarding and I followed.

Where did you learn and start?
At home in Brittany. A region with strong winds and where it’s cold. I really began in the south of France in Hyères. Plage de l’Almanarre, well-known for the World Cup of windsurfing.
When did you start competing and at what level?
My first competitions at age 8 were riding Optimists (small, single-crew sailing dinghies for children up to age 15) where I was for a number of years competing with the French national team. Then there was a regional board race at age 18 with the best French riders and I placed 6th. I didn’t compete after that until age 22 because I was working.

What type of board do you ride?
There are 4 general disciplines in windsurfing, Wave riding (like in Hawaii), Freestyle (skate-influenced), Slalom (essentially speed), and Racing – I mostly focus on the latter two. The equipment used for Slalom are small boards made of carbon-fiber, and medium-sized sails shaped like a plane’s wing. While racing, I use a really big sail – sized 11m2 – and the board is 1m wide with a fin length of 70cm. We use larger sails when the wind is light, like it is here in Florida, with 10mph wind I can go up to 20-25 knots (23-28mph).

Who are some of your sponsors?
For my sails, the French shop Notik Equipment, for my boards its AHD (Advanced Hull Dynamics), but for my trip it was mostly my mom and my friends – my greatest sponsors.

What is your relationship with Exocet? How did you start working for them and doing design?
I started buying boards from them and little by little, when confidence was established between us, they asked me to test boards and give them my advice. In 2007-2008 they asked me to work on their new race board. The board is now the French Champion, European Champion and Second World Champion. But I worked for free and when we discussed compensation for the upcoming years we didn’t find common ground, so I left.

What brought you to Cocoa Beach? How did you decide to come here?
I have a friend that spends her winters in Cocoa Beach and she trains on the olympic-class board and there was also a big upcoming windsurfing competition. Since I’m trying to learn English, I might as well be doing it in the sun and windsurfing. The weather is very agreeable, its like its summer here all year long, and the locals (not the spring-breakers) are genuine, generous, and they love and respect their city.

What have you done since you’ve been here (competitions, training, etc)?
First of all, I learned English and I met a lot of people. I completed 2 races in Cocoa Beach, 4 in Miami, and 1 in Stuart. I’ve travelled all over Florida for training, and also to give lessons in exchange for a place to stay. I was well-received everywhere I went and was never really treated like a “tourist”.

What are your projects in the upcoming months? What are your short-term and long-term plans?
I am going back to France for a big competition in the South of France, in Gruissan (close to Toulouse) for the WIND challenge, 900 participants on one starting line. Then I have the French championship coming up at the end of May. For the long term – traveling and returning to Florida, perhaps working in Windsurfing.

Other than Cocoa Beach, where else do you like to windsurf?
Bay of Biscayne and offshore of Key Biscayne, where the water is turquoise and the landscape is magical – head to head with giant Sea turtles and Black Rays. I found myself amongst millionaire yachts, but I was luckier because I was free.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
New Caledonia, Hawaii (Maui), Paris to shop, Miami for the parties and the girls, and Cocoa Beach to rest from my trips.

What is so special about Cocoa Beach that you can’t find anywhere else? What are the specific reasons for practicing windsurfing here?
Cocoa Beach has the river on one side – very flat and windy with the sea breeze – and the ocean itself on the other side for surfing and offshore riding. It is one of the best places to train overall.

Who are your favorite athletes in windsurfing – who inspired you / who are your heroes / who do you admire?
I have no heroes, but there are 5 people that inspire me. The first is French and world-champion for 4 years, he is the fastest rider, Antoine Albeau. Then Bjorn Dunkerberk with 35 world championships in various disciplines (wave, slalom, race..), he has the most medals of all sports. The American Robby Naish, the legend. I am writing from the WIND Challenge and yesterday I ate with him! The last is not a windsurfer, but a legend, a high level competitor, the first time I saw him the crowd of people was going wild watching his hits, its the surfer Kelly Slater.

Do you have a particular style, your own way of windsurfing?
People have always told me I fly over the water with my board – certain training partners in Florida tried to discover my secret, but I can’t explain it – its a natural feeling I have.

Do you have a particular maneuver that is yours that you are proud of?
I don’t have any specific moves but what I am proud of is the determination I put into what I do, enabling me to win the race even with a broken sail or broken board. This determination allows me to overcome obstacles and travel alone 15,000 kilometers from home with no money and not speaking a word of English.

If you’re a Space Coast surfer, it’s likely you’ve seen Mama G somewhere on the beach with with her camera.

If not, you’ve definitely seen her work featured on several local and international surfing websites.

Lorraine Guthrie has quickly become one of our area’s most talented surf photographers. Her love for surfing and people shines through each of her images. She spends countless hours at Sebastian Inlet, capturing “the stoke” of beach culture in all its manifestations.

That “stoke” is something she clearly knows about and lives everyday.

How’s life treating you, Mama G? How will Mother’s Day be treating you?

I’ve had a wonderful life! My husband and I met in Eleurthra on a surfing trip, and I now have 4 grown children who all surf –  Daniel (31), Matt (28), Jesse (24), and Marissa, who is 20. I’m currently a 5th grade science teacher and have the BEST class in the world!

What’s the greatest thing about being a mom?

Everything! I’ve loved every minute of it from the cuddly baby stage all the way up to the grown ups planning marriages!

What’s the most challenging thing about being a mom?

When problems occur — and for sure they will. Sickness is one of those things that makes me crazy.

Here’s an age old question: On Mother’s Day, do you like to be left alone to relax, or do you like to do something special with your kids?

Definitely be with my kids.  Always — not just on Mother’s Day!

I’ve seen your surf photography on numerous websites. How did you get started in the field?

Steve Terry (another surf photogrpaher) and I would sit together and I would video while he took pictures.  One day I tried out a camera and loved capturing the moment.

What drew you to surfing?

My sister and I surfed, and even competed back in the 1970s in Palm Beach County. My husband and I surfed together until we had kids, and then introduced each of them to the life of surfing.

If there were such an honor as “Most Local” at the Sebastian Inlet, it might just be you. Do you go there every day?

Pretty much every day that there are waves.  I have a few lil buddies that call me after school with a beach report, so if it’s good I head straight there.

I’ve seen some photos of you surfing at the Inlet. How often do you put the camera down and surf yourself?

Only once a year. I just have to make sure I don’t forget how, then I’m back behind the camera….

Who are some of the surfers you enjoy photographing the most?

I love the groms and the gals the best. Watching them develop a love for surfing has been such a joy. But there are also some extremely talented men and women who surf there quite often and I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to capture their talent.

You’ve watched most of the local kids grow up at 1st Peak through your lens. Have you archived or saved all your photos throughout the years? If so, you must have a great collection of Sebastian Inlet surfing history.

I’ve only been taking pictures for two years. However, I do have hours of video I’ve taken since 1999.

Not everyone knows how much work goes into shooting, editing, and uploading photos — and you do it almost everyday. Thanks for sharing thousands of your photos for everyone’s enjoyment. I’ll take the liberty of speaking for the entire Space Coast surf community by telling you how much we appreciate it. Any final motherly words of wisdom for our reading audience?

Motherhood is the most rewarding “profession” of all. Women should take it very seriously and try to be the best they can be.  99% of the time, if you just follow your heart, you’ll end up making the right decisions.
For more photos, be sure to check out Mama G’s MySpace page:  http://www.myspace.com/larguthrie

CJ is an extremely talented young skateboarder. He is one of the top AM skaters on the contest circuit with numerous victories from the top skate parks in Florida, and last year he took Second Place in the Free Flow Tour — a nationwide AM series. If CJ were a broadcast network, he would be known for a high level of “technical difficulties.” Fortunately, in the skateboard world, this doesn’t mean low ratings.

CJ is committed to his skating and he rips with a relaxed style that most can only dream of attaining. Oh, and did I mention “Nollies For Days”? Googletube it if you don’t believe me! He rips and reps Brevard County, and it’s on that impressive basis that he’s been chosen as The Beachside Resident’s Boardrider of the Month.

Name: CJ Dixon
Age: 16
Stance: Regs
Current Set Up: ZooYork, Reds, Independents, Xfer wheels
Sponsors: None yet
Years Skateboarding: 8

Happy Presidents Day, CJ!

Yeah! Go Obama!

What are you doing right now?

I’m answering the questions you sent me.

Starting off with the comedy, huh? Where were you born, and where do you live these days?

I was born in Cape Canaveral hospital and I live in Cocoa Beach.

Tell us about how you started skating.

I started skating when I went to my friend John’s house a few years ago. He had a skateboard, and from the second I tried it I was hooked. When I went home later, I’m pretty sure I begged my parents for one.

Why do you enjoy skateboarding?

It’s so fun. I love to do it. I can do my own thing and skate my own way without anyone telling me I’m doing it wrong.

Who do you skate with?

Timmy K, DD, David Morefield, Jor B, Nate, Ricky, John M, TJ Stripling, Shain Kassin, and some of the kids from the old Paradise Krew.

I see you rolling with the iPod at the CB skatepark. What is on your current playlist of favorites?

Ha! Most of my music you’ve probably never heard of or if you have, you probably don’t listen to it… I like Coco Rosie, Interpol, and Hole to name a few.

The first time I heard Hole was in ‘09. Sorry, I meant ‘89… I have heard of those bands. What grade are you in?

10th.

Do you ever cheat on tests with modern cell phone technology?

Nah, I would probably get caught. But my U.S. Government teacher told me: “If you’re ever in doubt, look about!”

You had an insane 2008, with multiple contest victories and some extensive travel. What are some of your plans for this year?

I’m hoping to make it to as many contests as possible and to film as much as possible.

What current projects are you filming for?

Right now, I’m trying to film a part for a video by Nathen Glen and Ricky Lester and for David’s videos.

You, like other skaters, rip holes through your new shoes in just one or two days. Can you explain this phenomenon?

It sucks. The grip tape on your board rips your shoes when you do tricks. If you don’t have a shoe sponsor, it gets pretty expensive.

You just won $100 at Graffiti Skate Zone for the best trick, right? What trick was it?

I don’t know which one it was for, but I did a frontside big spin down the 8-stair and a nollie nose blunt on the 8-rail.

Are you going to buy some shoes with the winnings?

Yeah, I think I will.

What is the sickest thing you’ve seen at the Cocoa Beach skatepark?

I don’t know…I’ve seen a lot of cool stuff. But probably a kick back tail on the barricade.

Where is your all-time favorite street spot?

Oh man, I dont know… Probably “Toxic Spot,” a foundation spot in G-ville.

What is one thing the world needs more of?

Money in the economy!

Thanks for taking the time to chat with us. Any last words or shouts?

Thanks to my parents, all my friends, Viera ride shop, Ricky, Nate, and CBS.

Well, a lot has changed in just three short years. She’s now a teenager, surfs with the power of a wrecking ball, recently earned her local status at 1st Peak Sebastian Inlet, and picked up a few sponsors along the way.

These are no easy tasks, but then Emily is not your typical 13-year-old.

HOMETOWN: Indialantic, FL
SPONSORS: Villon Clothing; FCS; Gorilla Grip; and DNA Energy Drink
BOARD SETUP: 5′0″ thumbnail tail, Whiplash
REGULAR or GOOFY: Goofy!!
FAVORITE SURF BREAK: Seabastian Inlet and Trestles
YOUR LOCAL SURF CREW: Nikki, Jasset, Jack, Luke, Corey, Sam and my lil’ bro, Patrick
FAVORITE NON-SURF THING TO DO: Play with Nikki’s pets — they have three dogs and a bird! I love my pets, too! Also hanging out with my friends at the beach
FAVORITE MUSIC: Coldplay, Switchfoot, Keenna
FAVORITE FOOD: This morning: Peanut Butter Bumpers
WHERE DO YOU PICK UP YOUR COPY THE RESIDENT? Catalyst Surf Shop in Melbourne Beach

Happy 2009! Have you had a great year so far?

Yes pretty good. We just finished mid-terms and the science fair, so it’s going to get even better.

Tell me about how you fell in love with surfing.

I was about 10 years old. We would always go to the beach at Avenue B and hang out with the Umbels — Jack and Jasset. They would be on their Dad’s longboard and we would all take turns on it. We would also goof around on my Dad’s longboard. Eventually I started trying this old WRV board that was meant for really big, powerful waves — it definetly wasn’t the right board for me or Ocean Avenue surf conditions, but it was a lot of fun.

Who are some of your surf heroes?

CJ Hobgood. He’s a goofy and rips, and he’s also an awesome person. My Dad, too, because he’s surfed all over the world. Hhe can tell you where a surf break is just by looking at a picture and he always surprises me with his crazy surf stories — “Mango rot!” Gross!

Tell us about the competitions you’ve participated in.

Yes, I compete in the NSSA, the ESA and a few others. I try to do as many contests as I can; it’s the best practice. Free surfing and competition surfing are so different. Just because someone is a really good surfer doesn’t necessarily mean they are a good competitor. With free surfing you have all the time in the world to get one or two good waves, but with competition surfing you have to make it happen usually within 15 minutes. I love contests because we get to test ourselves and hang out with our friends on the beach all day!

Have you been on any surf trips?

Yeah, I’ve been to California three times. I love the waves in California, but the water is cold. We also go to North Carolina and the Mid-Atlantic every year. The waves up there are very different, not as mushy as our Florida waves. We’re also planning a trip to Puerto Rico in April.

Do you have any dream surf trip destinations?

My Dad has a good friend who lives in Hawaii and we’re always talking about making the trip out there. My Mom is semi-retired from the airlines and the last time we went to California our plane was continuing on to Hawaii from Orange County. She looked at me and said, “We could forget about this contest and go to Hawaii instead.” The plane was fairly empty so I knew it would have been possible. It was tempting, but we decided to stick to the plan. We had great surf in California, so that was good.

Do the boys get mad because you you can surf better than them?

I guess. A lot of the girls are stepping it up and starting to surf like guys with more power and committment. People tell me I surf like a guy, so I guess that’s good. I just don’t want to look like a guy or sound like one.

What is a typical day like for you?

We usually check the waves on our way home from school. About once a week I train with John Holeman, so on those days we go straight from school to Satellite Beach somewhere. If I don’t have John Holeman training we usually head to the inlet checking spots along the way.When it gets dark, we head home and if we’re lucky my Mom will stop at Publix and get us some sushi.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

I want to be a pro surfer, but I also want to be a veterinarian.

Any final words?

Believe in yourself and the power of prayer.

P.J. was always one of the more advanced skaters in the neighborhood and was always down to skate anybody at any type of session or spot. Today, not much has changed other than his having a lot more experience and a lot more sessions under his belt. He’s also taking picutres, writing aticles for magazines (including the Beachside Resident), shooting videos, volunteering for Grind For Life — oh, and raising 2 daughters with his wife.

P.J. Byrtus: well-rounded surfer, skater and snowboarder, and the Beachside Resident’s Boardrider of the Month.

DOB: 1970
Years Skating: 32
Years Surfing: 32
Years Snowboarding: 16
Stance: Goofy
Current Set-up: 8.75 Grind For Life Deck; Independent 169s; Bones Grind For Life SPF 60 wheels; 6′4″ rounded Squash RJ SRFBRD shaped by Richie Buehen
Resides: South Melbourne Beach

Happy New Year, P.J.!

Happy New Year to you, too!

Do you have any New Year’s resolutions?

Yes I do. Well, maybe a New Year’s “re-focus” rather than a resolution. I want to appreciate everything I have. I never want to take things for granted. I am the luckiest guy on this planet. I have two wonderful daughters and a wife who means everything to me. I had a couple of scares in 2008. I was hit head-on by a drunk driver, and somehow I walked away with minimal injuries. Later in 2008, we had an unexpected and very serious health scare with my older daughter that required major surgery at Arnold Palmer Hospital. I realize how life can take a quick turn at any moment.

What are you doing right now?

I’m drinking super strong black coffee and hanging out by my pool. There are all kinds of noises and craziness going on around me. My two dogs are wrestling with the neighbor’s dogs. My two daughters are playfully arguing with each other. My wife is getting ready for a little New Year’s Eve get-together at our house. Johnny Cash is playing in the background.

Can you give us a timeline of your boardriding career?

My father was a helicopter pilot with the Marines. My family moved all over the world. I was lucky that we were almost always stationed close to the ocean. I started skateboarding and surfing around 1976 in Virginia Beach, VA. There was a thriving surf and skateboard scene happening there at the time. I was constantly relocating, changing schools and friends. Besides my family, my skateboard and surfboard became the only consistent things in my life. My boards made me happy; I could always use them with or without friends. There were no rules, teams, or points involved. They were always challenging, and I always wanted to get better at them. I didn’t start snowboarding until about 1992 when I fell in love with the speed and airtime involved. That led to a brief residence out west, but I really missed the Brevard County beaches, and came back home.

Who were some of your inspirations and early skate friends?

I was always inspired by the guys who had aggressive skate styles. I really liked Jay Adams, Duane Peters, and Cab in the early days. In the late ’80s I became very inspired by all the talented local guys around here: Bob Umbel, Lonny Rider, Pat Splat, Brad Baxter, Chuck Dinkins, Sammy Barker, Mike Freed, Kelly Cavanaugh, Aaron Helvie, Rudy Phillips, and so many more. It’s 20 years later, and I still skate with most of these guys on a weekly basis. They still inspire me. It is awesome to see a guy in his 40s charging the vert pool and learning new tricks. The passion was never lost.

Can you tell us a good story about one of your road trips?

There have been so many skateboard, surf, and snowboard trips over the years all over  the world with so many great people. They’ve all been unique. I guess my most influential road trip was in 1984. I was going to high school in Tampa and my father and I went on a little surf road trip to Brevard County and Spanish House. I loved Brevard’s south beaches so much and told my dad that I’d live here one day. I’m now raising my family right down the street from that very spot.

Has competitive skateboarding changed over the years, and if so, how?

Well, it seems like the contest atmosphere is always changing. It started out on flat grounds, then pools, then vert ramps, and then street contests took over. I’d really like to see more major contests in the bowls and modern flow parks. This type of competition incorporates all the best of vert, pool, and street skills.

As far as skateboarding goes, what do you feel has changed over the years for the better?

Accessibility, for sure. We are in the middle of the rebirth of the skateparks. Kids have so many different places to practice their passion. It goes without saying that these new parks are keeping kids out of trouble, keeping them physically fit, and giving them a sense of belonging. It helps develop focus, goal-setting skills, and self confidence. There is absolutely nothing negative associated with building a skatepark. Every community needs one.

Where do you like to skate these days?

Brevard County has one of the best skateboard scenes in the country. I try to take advantage of all the options. We have a crew of older guys (35-57) and we skate everything. I like to skate wherever the session is happening, but I really like the Cocoa Beach Skate Park, Eastwood SkatePark, and The Park in Melbourne. I also have my own little ramp that I skate with my kids. Doing a couple of smith grinds on pool coping after work is a great stress reliever.

What are some of things you’re involved with currently within the surf/skate community?

I try to assist with the Grind For Life organization any way I can. Cocoa Beacher and two-time cancer survivor Mike Rogers founded this organization. GFL helps people with cancer through skateboarding. Mike and GFL put on skateboard contests and events to help provide financial assistance, disease awareness, and much more for those in need. This is a super important cause, and I love that skateboarders are giving back. Look for big things in 2009 with Grind For Life.

You’ve had numerous photos published in magazines. When did you get into photography and what is it that you like to shoot most?

I’ve always been into art and photography. I sufferred from numerous injuries a few years back. I couldn’t skateboard, but I still enjoyed attending all the contests and sessions and  started shooting thousands of pics. I tried to get better at it, as with my skating and surfing. I enjoy shooting skateboarding much more than surfing. I like to be up close and use multiple angles. I am, however, learning how to shoot surf photos from the water, with water housing. This type of surf photography is more my style. I’m a wide angle kind of photographer.

Can you describe what a perfect day would be like for you?

That’s easy and it happens a lot. It’s the weekend, and I walk across the street to the beach with my family and neighbors. The weather is warm and the waves are 4-to-6, clean, and barreling. After a long day at the beach, my wife makes her famous arroz con pollo and the kids play in the pool or backyard. It’s the greatest. After dinner, the family meets up with friends at the skatepark. We come home and get ready to do it all over again.
If Barack Obama asked you to take over, what would be your first order of business as Mr. President?
Well, we all know the economy has been rough on most people lately. People are losing their jobs, homes, and livelihoods. However, there are also men and women overseas losing their lives. People are losing their fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, husbands, and wives. I, certainly don’t have the answers. I just think the first order of business should be to find a way to bring our soldiers home and out of harm’s way.

Any final words or shouts?

I’d like to give shout outs to all the soldiers defending our country and to all of the sick kids and their parents at Arnold Palmer Hospital. Our thoughts are always with you.

(Interview via email)

Matt has been working at the park since the gates opened in 2005. I won’t sugar coat it: Matt is an all-around good person who simply loves skateboarding. He always has a smile on his face when he skates and I’ve witnessed him help numerous young skaters with everything from fixing their boards to helping them to learn new skills — and that alone is enough in my book to dub him the Resident’s Boardrider of the Month.

When, where and what got you into skating?

When I was a kid, I was obsessed with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and my neighbor had an old-school board with some sweet Ninja Turtle graphics that I just had to ride so I could be a Ninja too. I wanted a skateboard for like three years after I rode the Ninja Turtle board, but ended up with my first surfboard due to the “No Skateboarding” signs posted throughout the apartment complex we lived in. Then was I was 10, I got my first board from Sears and have probably had 100 boards since then. I was, and still am hooked on skating. I love it.

Do you have a good, crazy story about something that happened while you were at the park?

Well, the very first time it rained hard enough and the drains in the bowl couldn’t keep up with the rain, and every one there realized that a skate park could also be a water park. The 10-foot deep end apparently makes a great water slide, especially when there’s a 2-foot puddle at the bottom.

What is your position at the skatepark?

The business card my boss gave me says “Manager,” so I’ll go with that.

What’s the best part about working at the park?

The best part of working at a skate park is being around skateboarding all day. The worst part is being tempted all day by all the junk food on the wall behind you.

Do you skate contests? And if so, have you had any recent triumphs or defeats?

Nah, I’ve never done very well in contests. Maybe with the right vibe I could do well, but I feel like the contest scene I’m around is more for the kids. But if all contests were in a jam format where I don’t have to skate by myself, I think I could do a lot better. Jams are just like fast-paced skate sessions, and that’s always fun.

What else are you into outside of the skateboard world?

I love working on cars, drifting, drag racing, or just cruising. I spend a lot of time working on my RX7s. They’re older cars, so every time I fix or modify one thing, two or three more things break, so it’s pretty much a full-time job.

Thanks for hangin and chattin, Matt. See you at the park!

I’ll be there!

Matt Hannan Factoids

D.O.B: 5/19/1986
Years skating: 12
Stance: Regular
Current set-up: 8.5-in. Bacon Lincoln Nass pro model; Independent trucks; Bones wheels, and REDS bearings.
Favorite shoe: Seville by Duffs or slip ons.
Favorite skaters: Tony Trujillo, Mike Peterson, and anyone who looks like they’re having fun on their skateboard.
Favorite spot: Cocoa Beach Skate Park and Skate Park of Tampa.
Favorite food: Chicken Stir Fry.
In his MP3 player: Zao, old Haste the Day, The Darkness, Wednesday 13, and all kinds of Rock n’ Roll.

On September 20th, to the delight of scores of supporters, 13-year-old skating phenom Keith Baldassare of Merritt Island broke the World Record for “Most Consecutive Frontside Ollies on a Halfpipe.” Ultimately completing 348 ollies back to back, Keith achieved a longstanding personal goal and helped raise money for local cancer charity Grind For Life. In addition to being an honor roll student and great all-around kid, Keith is quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with in the skating scene, world record or no. He’s traveled extensively throughout the country competing in skate contests from Minnesota to Georgia and has racked up more First Place wins and top rankings than we can count. The Resident’s own P.J. Byrtus met with Brevard’s own Ollie King to get the scoop.

How did you first fall in love with skateboarding?

I think I’ve always had a skateboard. I just didn’t know much the sport. I always looked up to my neighbor and he skated. One day, my mom got my board out, and I started. I was about 7-1/2 years old. My neighbor taught me how to skate. Once I learned a trick, I just wanted to keep learning new ones.

Who were some of the other local skaters who inspired you?

Steve Workman and Chris Chambers.

What is your favorite surface to skate?

I like cement, pools, and mini-ramps.

I know a lot of people want to know about the World Record you broke on September 20th. What’s the story behind that?

I got the idea from the MTV show, “Rob and Big.” They were breaking records on the show. One record was “Most Consecutive Frontside Ollies on a Halfpipe.” Rob Dyrdek was the the past record holder with 46 ollies. The event took place on my backyard mini-ramp. My mother made all the plans. I ended up doing 348 consecutive frontside ollies, but I know I could have done over 400.  We also used this event to raise money for the Grind For Life organization. We raised $200. I’d like to thank my Mother, Brownie, my skate buddies, and everyone who came out to support me that day.

That’s awesome! I really can’t believe you did over 300 ollies back to back. I don’t know how you had the endurance to hit the half pipe walls that many times. How did you prepare for this?

I really didn’t train at all. I did the record a couple of times and that’s it. I stayed home from the skatepark the night before and practiced. After about 30 ollies, it actually got easier.

Did you get dizzy after going frontside so many consecutive times?

No, I only get dizzy if I go backside.

Well, we’re all very proud of you. Yet another historical accomplishment for this area. Speaking of your ramp, I heard some horrible news about it.

Yes, Brevard County is forcing us to take it down.

Let’s talk about your involvement in competitive skateboarding.

I really didn’t start competing until I was 10 years old. It was a Grind For Life contest at the Cocoa Beach Skatepark. When I was 11, I won the “14 & Under” division of the Florida Bowl Riders Series.

You recently traveled to Oregon to compete. What was that like?

It was a lot of fun. I went with my friend Alex Morrell from Jacksonville. We competed in the Oregon Trifecta series. They registerd me into the Pro division. I placed 35 out of 70 in the contest at Tigard. The other Florida skaters competing were Mike Rogers, Mike Barnes, Tim Johnson, Cason Kirk, and Buck Smith. Buck won the Masters division.

I know you’re getting ready to fly back to the west coast tomorrow. Where are you going now?

I’m going to California to compete in the Etnies GvR Contest and the Tim Branch Memorial Pro Competitions. I’m really looking forward to skating the new skatepark in San Jose. It’s the largest park in California.

Good luck out there. All of the Right Coast is rooting for you. Let’s end this with some rapid-fire questions to help people get to know you better.

FAVORITE FOOD: Chicken Snack Wrap.
FAVORITE MUSIC: Rock.
FAVORITE NON-SKATEBOARDING ACTIVITY: Surfing and drawing.
GIRLFRIEND: No.
YOUR SKATE CREW: Brad, Matt, Des, Jessy, James, Mikey, Rich, Mike Rogers, Steve, and Gage.
FAVORITE SKATE SPOT: Cocoa Beach Skate Park.
SKATE HEROES: Rune Glifberg, Kevin Kowalski, Steve Reeves, and Benji Galloway.
NEW TRICK YOU JUST LEARNED: Indy kickflip to fakie.
A TRICK YOU ARE WORKING ON: Sugarcanes.
METAL OR POOL COPING? Pool coping.
ROUNDWALL OR FLATWALL? Round.
LOOSE OR TIGHT TRUCKS? Loose.
WHERE DO YOU PICK UP YOUR COPY OF THE BEACHSIDE RESIDENT? Everywhere I see it.

What’s your given name?

Lindsay K. Perry.

Age?

Newly 21.

Current location and hometown?

Currently, Satellite Beach. Hometown: Panama City Beach, FL.

How long have you been surfing?

Well, disregarding the 14 extensive years underwater training, I’d have to say…about 4 or so.

What’s keeping you afloat?

Currently, I’m riding a 5’6” Mayhem. But my standard flotation device is a 5’8” Quiet Flight.

What’s a perfect day of surfing like for you?

Well, bro…waking up at 4:30am, bro. Dawn patrolling the light of 2nd… You know, just me and 42 of my closest friends sharing the same peak on a waist-high day. Nothing better than that… Bro.

What would be your worst surfing day?
Whoa, whoa, whoa there, Bruce… Don’t bring me down.

What song, if you had to choose one, gets those feet moving and you amped on surfing?

To choose just one would be a difficult decision… But if I had to, I’d have to say a     little “Thriller” by MJ.  Maybe a little Olivia Newton-John. Can’t beat getting physical.

What activities do you partake in outside of surfing?

Gambling.

Where’s your favorite surfing destination?

I just recently returned from Newfoundland, Canada. Went up there for Bertha. Waves were firing, scenery was amazing, the people were wonderful. Good food, alcoholic beverages on tap… It was the closest place to heaven I’ve encountered for the year 2008. And of course, I’d have to say back home in Panama City. Waves are amazing and family is always around.

Do you often surf contests?

Well, as of recently, not quite as much as I would like to.

And why is this?

Lack of funds…meaning: sponsors.

Who are your heroes, locally and professionally?

Locally, there are quite a few I could name. First, Chris Osborne, who is an amazing surfer and coach. And he’s got impeccable style. Second: Crystal Duff, who always keeps me in the water. Thirdly, Chris Duff, who taught me to pull all of my turns. I still look to him for style and precision. Professionally, I admire Taj Burrows, Mick Fanning, Mike Lossness, Karina Petroni and, of course, the notable Kelly Slater.

What would you categorize your style as?

Hmm, this is a tough one. When I’m surfing, I like to just surf fast and time everything for that one section. Probably more along the lines of “Freestyle Surfing,” as opposed to a “Contest Style” of surfing.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Celebrating the 5th year anniversary of you asking me this question.

Alright… Well, where do you see us going from here?

My place.

I met Gage only a few months ago at the skatepark. He and his mom, Savannah, were in the process of moving to Cocoa Beach. Gage was always at the park around the time I was preparing for Summer Skateboard Camp. One night, he was skating and I was slacking and somehow he said he’d be into helping me with out with the camp.

“I want to help out with the skate camp…” — I’ve heard that phrase more times than I care to recall. Of course there are exceptions, but it’s very rare that anyone ever does show up to help out. Gage Boan showed up everyday. From 8 a.m. to 3 or 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, he swept the park, helped with refreshments, assisted with instruction, and even wrangled some morning frogs out of the bowl. But most of all, he skated for the fun of it and I knew we’d get along. We became fast friends as Gage and I dedicated four weeks of our summer to helping young people ride skateboards. Resident readers, meet Gage Boan…

Where are you from, Gage?

I was born in Orange County, California, but I’ve lived most of my life in Florida.

When did you move to Cocoa Beach?

I moved to Cocoa Beach like 3 months ago, and it’s great over here.

Where do you go to school?

I got to Cocoa Beach High School. I’ll be in the 8th grade this year.

When did you first start skating?

I’ve had a board pretty much since I was born, but I really got into skating after seeing the remake of “Dogtown and Z-Boys,” “The Lords of Dogtown.”

What was it that got you interested in skateboarding?

I used to have a ramp I helped build on my back porch in Orlando, but if you didn’t land a trick you would fly through the screen and land off the porch in the dirt and rocks, so we hand to staple the screen back up like a million times.

What are some of your favorite skate spots/parks?

I started skating at Orlando Skate Park, OSP, and I broke my collarbone the first day I went there dropping in on the 5-foot ramp. We went straight from the park to the hospital and then I couldn’t skate again for like 3 weeks, so I would just go up there and watch with my arm in a sling. I really like the cradle here in Cocoa Beach and Kona in Jacksonville is one of my favorite places. There’s Tim Johnson’s ramp, but you gotta watch for the three pit bulls — they like to drop in on you. Tim Kulas had The Crater in Orlando and that was fun. I’ve skated The Hangar Bowl in Charleston and I like the fiber rider out at The Property, but you have to be invited out there. Also, there’s the Solar Bowl in St. Augustine in this military kind of barracks and the lighting is all solar. I like to bomb the hill on 6th Street, too with all the old dudes and sometimes my mom.

That’s a full list of spots! Who do you skate with?

I skate with any and all kinds of people. The first time I ever did a roll drop in the Listen team was doing a demo and Danny Montoya and Rob Gonzalez were egging me on to do it. I skate mostly with my friends, Mike Rogers, the Bacon Team, Benji Galloway, Tim Johnson, Mike Barnes, Bucky Lasek, PLG, Neil Hendrix, Mike Frazier, and you. Oh, and I skated with Bruce Walker the other night. They are all great skaters and are all pretty cool.

I heard that. What is your current board/truck/wheel set-up?

I skate mostly GIRL decks; size 8, Bones wheels — 60s, the Grind For Life ones — FKD abec7, and Independent Trucks, and Cocoa Beach Skatepark grip tape.

Nice. Yeah, those new Grind for Life Bones wheels are choice. Do you skate contests?

All of them, at least I try to. I’m going to S.P.O.T. on my birthday to skate a bowl jam.

Any recent contest placings?

I was 8th overall in the Florida Bowlriders Series, and I got 2nd in the Concrete Rodeo here in Cocoa Beach.

I know you love the concrete, but what’s your water status? Do you surf?

Yes, I do surf with my friend Christa almost every morning, sometimes Todd Holland, Lauren McLean, and the other day I got to surf with Sean Slater, who gave me a pet crab I named Sean, he’s on my front porch now.

Man, you’re paddling with the A-list crew! Who got you into surfing?

Mike Oliver, a good friend of mine and Dack Holland, Todd’s brother, and that whole 6th Street gang.

What are some of your favorite bands?

Flogging Molly and Irish rock, but I love Lynryd Skynrd, Rush, My Chemical Romance, and Against Me! Against Me! is a punk band from Gainesville and I got to play foosball with them at the House of Blues.

What are some of Gage’s best movie picks?

“Lords of Dogtown,” “The Dark Knight,” “The Matrix,” “Talledega Nights,” “Anchorman,” and “Walk Hard.”

Where do you like to get your grub on?

Taco City, Slow N’ Low. And I eat lots of bacon, so anything with bacon on it.

What’s the funniest thing you’ve seen on the interweb?

Definitely Charlie the Unicorn, where he goes to candy mountain.

Thanks for chillin’ and thanks so much for your dedication at the CB Skate Camp this summer!

No problem. It was a lot of fun hanging out with the kids, especially Josh. He’s from Ireland and he’s blind. I got to help him skate and I think he’s going to come surfing with me before he heads back to Ireland.

Pete Hodgson is a classic. He’s done almost every job in surfing and been there during many of the pivotal moments in the sport. Pete now lives the idyllic life right on the beach on the North Shore of Oahu Hawaii. We caught up with him just after a trip to Tahiti. Readers, I now introduce you to — to put it in Pete’s own words — Pete Hodgson: Surfer, Surf Photographer, Extremely Bad Joke Teller.

Pete, you’ve been sending me some great shots of mysterious locations around the Pacific. What happened, has Hawaii run out of waves?

Not even close. May end up being the last place on earth with surf, as far as I’m concerned. With the recession, it’s great here. No one around; like a ghost town. There was surf at Lanis last week with a handful of surfers out. I was in Tahiti a couple of weeks ago and it’s a circus. No place like home!

You shoot video as well. Have you ever produced a video of your own, or do you contribute to other guys’ projects?

I used to be a vidiot, but I started shooting with still photos in 1985. That was in the day when you could swim out at Pipeline and end up shooting someone like Ronnie Burns all by yourself. After a few years of shooting stills, I saw the mags kinda got thinner than my hair, so I noticed a trend and jumped to High-8 video in 1990. I helped H3O Surf TV go from local cable access to national television — a full surfing Wayne’s World story! It’s probably still the most viewed surf TV show ever. During that time I co-produced, shot and edited H3O. I also produced my own cable access show, Surf Sessions, which was just surfing to music, session after session and my own Flips Kryp Clips videos. About that time I did some work for Da Hui too. I did Sudden Rush, Backdoor Shootout 1 and 3, and some other private label video stuff. I also sold a lot of TV shows footage as I ended up shooting with a Beta Cam SP TV camera. I had surfing footage on NBC’s Dateline, Rescue 911, and a lot of news and reality shows. Now I’m back shooting stills. It’s like writing a poem instead of a novel. Shoot it one day, sell it the next…
Years back, you left the groovy, wave-filled lifestyle of Cocoa Beach and moved to Hawaii. Why?

I grew up… Just kidding! Actually, I was done with the fire department and ready to move back to Hawaii. I had moved to Hawaii the first time in 1973 and knew I wanted to end up here even back then. From Cocoa Beach I traveled around to the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Central America, and the East and West Coasts. Now that I live in Hawaii I’ve surfed and photographed Africa, Bali, Sumatra, Mentawais, Tahiti, Fiji, Samoa and a new discovery Greg Loehr and I just did for Surfer Magazine at Fanning Island (look for the article; I wrote it myself and shot it with Scott Aichner). Don’t get me wrong, Cocoa Beach was a great place to grow up. My dad worked at the Cape from Mercury through the shuttle. I like traveling from there. But I’m stoked to live at Off The Wall. These are the best waves in the world and they aren’t going anywhere. I like traveling from here, to mostly the South Pacific now.

Word has it that one of the big surfwear companies rents out your house for the winter season each year. Do you get exclusive rights to shoot their surf stars?

Exclusive, my ass. You can’t even get a pro to work with you when the company pays you to shoot them. Rented to surf companies? No more, only people who live in Hawaii live here now and I’m back to shooting what I want, when I want, where I want, and surfing more. Life is good.

Reggie Hodgson, your older brother and another ex-pat Cocoa Beacher, does a great deal of design and artwork. Do you keep in touch with him? How’s he doing?

I still get ahold of him — usually by the throat! Naw, he’s cool. He co-owns the OTW house with me, comes up and surfs, works as the art director for the biggest silkscreen company in Honolulu and loves life. Still can’t surf his way out of a brown paper bag, though. You gotta love that taking-a-dump style after 40 years of looking at that ass of his sticking out and him rolling up the make believe car window — every wave.

Who seem to be the new up-and-coming surf kids in Hawaii?

Kekoa Bacalso, John John Florence, Mason and Coco Ho, Keanu Asing and thousands of other rippers. Surfing is like a huge family. A lot of the kids I’m shooting now have dads I used to surf against, like Mike Ho, the Gieselmanns, Sterling Spencer, and a lot more.

You were one of the early pro surfers who seemed to realize that you could market yourself to make it a full-time job. I know the rewards were few, but how does it compare to what you see with the pro contracts these days?

You mean back when we worked for a pair of trunks or maybe a surf trip and the only way to make money as a pro was with a signature board from a surfboard maker? I’m glad it’s gone from the first Expo in the lobby of the Atlantis Beach lodge (remember, Pete!) to the thriving business it is. I think guys like us want to see our surf child grow and be happy like any proud parent. It would be sad if it hit boogie board status. I’m stoked our sport/lifestyle is where it is. Guys like Kelly actually did the most to expand the paycheck of everyone in surfing. Guys like him, Dorian, and Machado gave us all a raise by being professional and accessible surfers. That’s when surfing changed into a real professional sport. I do like the simple side of the sport, though. I like getting to surf spots before they are overdone or overexposed. I get enough of the surf crowd every winter here. I’m glad when they all show up and leave a lot happier  on their way home. I’m still a pitch-a-tent surfer, not a five-star accommodation surfer. I have simple needs and tastes, so I’m not bummed at all that guys are making bank now. No need to be jealous of something you don’t want. My life is fine and so is surfing, if you ask me.

In another life you also took time to start a career as a fireman rescue dude. Did you ever get to ply your rescue talents in Hawaii?

I’ll still pull over for a wreck if I’m the first one on the scene. I can’t see driving past someone needing help with what I was taught and learned, even without the paycheck.

You sent me a picture of the skin cancer you had removed. What about the nose?

The nose is still attached, but with that being the only part of me sticking out of the tube for 43 years now, it will fall off someday. Actually, I go back next month to give the dermatologist some skin again. Nothing new — wear your sun screen, kids. They’ll be taking cuttings from my ass to slap into freshly-carved holes in my face before I go to that big secret surf spot in the sky.

If people want to buy some of your photos or photo-emblazoned goods, where do they go?

www.cafepress.com/hawaiiansurfing