Beasts From the East
It’s no surprise that surfers and body boarders have been spearheading the movement to rebuild the Jersey Shore. After all, the ocean is our second home. When Hurricane Sandy ripped through NJ and up the east coast, thousands of families were left with nothing. Once the storm subsided, we immediately began to rebuild. I am proud to have been in the company of surfers, body boarders, long boarders and SUP riders, all of whom put aside their animosity towards each other to rally together for a common goal. To help fellow east coasters in need. Companies like Quiksilver, Billabong and O’Neill are taking huge strides to donate to charities dedicated to rebuilding the Jersey Shore.
For the life of me, I’ve never understood why we can judge each other based on the board that we ride in the water. I feel that we have way too many similarities to even begin to make these crass assumptions. Even though a body boarder is in the line up with you, doesn’t necessarily mean that he can’t stand up. We’re all at different skill levels out there in the water, and its important to understand that. At the end of the day, a good day in the water is a good day in the water. And that feeling of accomplishment come to all of us, regardless of what we’re riding.
I personally enjoy all types of water sports, both ocean based and fresh water. I’d really like to get into wake boarding next summer if I can. Those guys are pushing their sport at a faster pace than anyone else out on the water. Do yourself a favor and watch a wake boarding video when you get a chance. You’ll see what I am talking about. On days when the ocean is flat, stand up paddle boarding is the activity of choice for most of us long boarders. There’s something very calming, very introspective about focusing your mind and body on one common goal. To achieve the perfect paddle. This takes a lot more effort than most people realize. We all depend on the ocean for enjoyment, and agreeing on that is the first step to accepting your fellow waterman, regardless of what he’s riding.
So the next time you are out in the water, remember who’s got your back if we ever have to go through another massive natural disaster. That grom that snaked your wave? Yeah, he’s the one helping you rip out soaked insulation. The old head with the 20 foot long board? he’s going on a coffee run for everyone helping out. These are your friends and your neighbors, even though they take to the water in a different fashion than you do. Remember that. We’re all watermen and waterwomen. and we’re all JERSEYSTRONG.