Friday Conversations

(or) The Dropping-the-Kids-Off-at-School Dialogue
Mollusk Chris: Hey! Surfing?
Endless Bummer Toddy: Oh yeah I'd love to!
Mollusk Chris: Well, it's flat right now.
Endless Bummer Toddy: Yeah.
Mollusk Chris: But maybe Tuesday.
Endless Bummer Toddy: Really?
Mollusk Chris: Probably heading to New Jersey, do you want to go?
Endless Bummer Toddy: Oh, man. Next week is crazy for me.
Mollusk Chris: I'll call you.
Endless Bummer Toddy: Yeah, call me anyway.

The Commute, January Thirtieth Two Thousand Nine

Ski Jump in the East River Park (or The Lengths NYers Will Go)

The subway ride to work usually invites nothing surfy other than the ruminations of a morning that could have been, ineffective attempts at discerning the swell based on a passing view of the East River and brief nostalgic day dreaming about warmer times and nearer breaks. Lately however, this built up ski-jumpesque contraption, built of shipping containers on the baseball field in the East River Park has been catching my attention. The other day, before it actually, really snowed, some guys were out there sno-blowing the thing.

Check out the hilarity.

But what is the deal with the riders inevitably crashing head-long into that A-frame?

Research For Spitcast

Tuesday Morning Surf Art courtesy of Matt Fisher

Mr. Fisher lived next door to me for a couple years. When he finally found a better place to live he left behind a small trove of paintings in the vacated apartment. Over the years those paintings have all disappeared save this one, perfect little rendering. And I mean perfect in the best, imperfectly perfect sense. This hangs above my son's bed and we smile at it everyday. -Toddy

matthewffisherdotcom

Feedback

In actuality I feel pretty removed from the whole thing, and not just because I don't surf in Hawaii. I have had my run-ins with localism and that has taught me a lot about the art of bringing a soft vibe into the water, trying not to get anyone upset. Not always about self-preservation, but about good-time motivation. Granted, for a long time I have avoided the particularly heavily localized spots with a certain zeal that might account for the nearly ever-present longboard. I might be pinned to say that one of the reasons I tend to log more often than not is to avoid the hassle of the big-name spots. Admittedly bizarre reasoning, but all psychological angles play their part I'm sure. -Toddy

Surf Fridays!

Apparently, Jaime Watson isn't the only one who is doing Surf Fridays. I didn't really catch on to the New York Times' habit until, really, today. I guess I just wasn't paying attention to the days. -Toddy

Endless Bummer? Just ended. Man, we are going to have to change the blog name.

Lapsed Catholics Trailer

A Fresh Aspect in the NY Times (sort of)

The idea that one could cross country ski to one's local with surfboard strapped to the back, or in tow, is such a romantic notion to me I can barely stand it. The article in this morning's New York Times has some classic non-surf journalist hi-jinks (note the 10 foot wave) but it's neat to read about another mode nonetheless. And once again, check in on The Fresh Aspect (for just that) when you get a chance.

A COLD WALK

New Jersey Bureau o1/o1/2009

Philly Film Fest and "Bogy"

Last night I got a phone call from Christian Driggs, one half of the duo that put together the surf film "June" (the other half being his brother Spencer.) He invited "Lapsed Catholics" down to Philly for a surf/snow/skate sort of film festival to be held in March. Of course we are taking part. More info on that to come. What was really equally stoking though, was this link he subsequently sent me about some surfing artists/artist surfers. Check it out, it is a great site to peruse by way of the twin workplace necessities: procrastination and stoke.

photo by carmel trejo of the carlsbad bureau

I first met Joel in 1996, maybe 1995. My Volvo had broken down, fortunately coasting right into the Chevron off the I-5 in Ashland, Oregon. Kevin just happened to be living in Ashland so I called him up. At the time, I had no money. In fact, had my car not broken down, I wasn't sure if I had enough gas money to even get to Seattle. Kevin put me up for a couple weeks while I cruised around town on a 20$ (borrowed money) orange ten speed. Joel was living with Kevin at the time and cut a pretty eccentric figure against what was a pretty eccentric backdrop to begin with. Finally, after some "good talking to" by my mother and nearly taking a job at a Taco Bell while alienating Kevin to the point of him nearly kicking me out on the street, I was wired a little cash to fix the car and went on my way.
A half year or so ago I saw Joel walking down Broadway in Brooklyn. What a chance. I took him to the Banya steam baths out in Bay Ridge and I got to momentarily enjoy his company once more. Now, this is a surf blog. But this is also a blog about inspiration and fun and good people. So here is a cool little story about Joel's dad. Check it.

More Facebook Surfing

Here we have Josh Berry in Chile. It's always refreshing to check in on the Facebook deal and see a new photo that has some water in it. Josh does some good works south there, cleaning up beaches and enjoying himself. Check in on Save The Waves.

"The Surf Magazines Don't Talk About Lapsed Catholics" Goes West

Somehow our first foray into respectable surf film making is indeed respectable. If you are around these places on these dates, you can check out the film on the big screen!

Thoughts Out To Pine Surfshop

Mark and Julie are fellow surfers, artists, and all-around great people. Check it and send the good energies.

Surf Gang

My friend Mitzi Dodge is a true pioneer. I have known, and know, more than my helping of genuine New York-style personalities, the kind of people you figure New York is full of, the kind of people who have been here long enough to have done nothing but the most good (read: bad) shit in the most distinguished of days. Mitzi is one of them. And she is a super classic for it. Now, like the rest of us, she works in "media." But she still finds the time to let out the weird, as we all should. Here is a trailer for a film she cut that has such bizarre-o surf overtones that I can't help but love it. Some sort of surf film through a lens far other to mine. Hilariously absolutely bonkers.

New Year's Surf Fog

Carlsbad Bureau o1/o1/2oo9
Music by Sweet Baboo