Tue, 17 Nov 1998
From: barney@interport.net
Subject: Re: surf1ng

Hi Lisa,

I haven't been in the water in about a month. We've had a rotten weather pattern the last four weeks. Although a little chest high swell reportedly splashed ashore on Long Island this past sunday.

The water is sliding into the low 50s, which is tolerable in a 3/2 with booties. But you want a warm day cause a 40something air temp could make it seem pretty cold. I just hung up the 4/3 in favor of the 5/4/3 -- overkill for these temps, but I'm a wuss about the cold.

So, yea, I've been dying to go. Unfortunately the weather has not been cooperating.

11 Dec To: DR
Subject: Re: [kooks] NYC Wipeout

>Last night I met a guy named Alexander Karinsky, an Aussie surfer marooned in New York. He's got a cable access show called "NYC Wipeout" on channel 16, Mondays at 10:30pm
>He'll be broadcasting "Summer 1998 -- Bonnie" on an upcoming show.
>He's also got other local footage (he's partial to Sandy Hook.)
>Check out the show,

Yea, I came across an ad for that cable show: NYC Wipeout, Mondays, Channel 16, 10:30 pm.

Kind of makes me wish I owned a television.

Tue, 15 Dec 1998
To: DG
Subject: Re: story thang

D,
I read your piece coming home on the train this evening. Nice work, and great clip.

There have been a half-dozen or so articles about NYC surfers in about as many years. But if you can find a fresh angle and put enough spin on it so NYP will bite, you can count on me for an interview.

That, essentially, is the problem with NY surfers: we talk more than we surf. But there is a perverse kind of optimism -- faith? -- that burns in the breast of every dedicated NYC surfer, a kind of stupidity that sets us apart from our more terrestrial office mates that may provide the angle you're looking for.

But I caution you: Every nonsurfing editor you come across will want those bonehead Spicoli cliches to complete his conception of the "NYC surf article". It will be a struggle to write the piece you say you want to write.

Fri, 1 Jan 1999
Subject: Re: New Year's Surf:

Looks like KC may be right abt. Sunday/Monday surf.

If waves and wind cooperate are any of the NYC crew up for catching a few cold ones at Rockaway? I wanna try out my new rashguard, and I badly need to get my attitude adjusted.

Happy New Year

-- Barney

Date: Sun, 3 Jan 1999
Subject: Re: New Year's Surf

blah.

sunday jan 3. sees howling SE winds turning W late in the day. shit surf for long islanders. did the jersey crew get any?

Mon, 11 Jan 1999
Subject: Re:Sunday report

Took the A train to Rockaway Sunday AM with Keith J. Got out at Beach 67th, by the old synagogue, and walked back along the beach to 88th St. The sand was packed hard by the rain and the waves looked to be well-formed waist-high peelers.

When I walked out on the jetty at 87th, I could see that the waves were actually shoulder-high and perfectly formed. There was a crew of six in the water, which later doubled, but as usual, the Rockaway lineup was convivial.

We were suited up and in the water by 10:30 am. It was a dry-hood paddle out and butt cold. With a 9 or 10-second period and light NW winds it was the best swell I've seen since October. Caught a bunch of good lefts and Keith did the same, riding backside. Nearly ran over Simon Chardite in the water, a musician from the neighborhood. And spent awhile talking to Buddy, the unofficial mayor of Rockaway. Also noted were two or three -- it's hard to tell without my glasses -- young women in the water, surfing full winter conditions.

By the time the tide filled in at 1:30, I was on the beach trying to get my numb fingers to close around the sleeve of my wetsuit to pull it from my shivering body. As is always the case for winter surfing, the most important piece of gear was a thermos full of hot tea. Although the new rashguard was also toasty.

Keith and I finished the day watching the Jets game and drinking a few beers at the Irish bar near the Beach 88th St. subway stop. A perfect day -- even the Jets won.

Date: Tue, 26 Jan 1999
Subject: Re: East end

Montauk was lovely.
And Sunday at Turtles was soupy.

Found DR at the ranch and drove out to the point Sunday arvo. Wind was SSW, tide was outbound, and the swell was in the head-high range, but not lined up.

Paddled out to the center of the cove to catch some of the irregular peaks that were breaking near shore, but caught not a thing. Nada. Zip. DR, crusty local that he is, declined to get wet in such slop. Although I suspect he was on it Monday am.

Andrew and I slogged around to the north side of the light where it was smaller and better lined up. We caught a few there and called it a day.

Unfortunately, we didn't stop Monday to sample the surf at Robt. Moses.

-- barney, back in brooklyn

Wed, 3 Feb 1999
Subject: Re: what kind of surfmobile to rent?

>What kind of car do you rent out there for surfing? One with a rack, or one with a fold down seat of some sort? You get it at the airport? I have a longboard and am going out there soon. Would like some advice.

Don't worry about the car, just buy a good softrack. I picked up one at Wise in SF a few years ago that fits on any car you find. An indispensable tool for the travelling surfer.... – barney

Date: Wed, 3 Feb 1999
Subject: Re: Temp?

>Temp? I am purchasing winter wetsuits and would love to know what the opinion is on the lowest temperature that we get off of Long Island and points nearby?

>How low do we really go?

Winter water temps seem to bottom out around 38F off LI. That's cold, but it's the howling offshores and 20F air temps that really hurt.

Thu, 4 Feb 1999
Subject: Re: NYC WAVES :-)

>We live in NYC 37th and 3rd. 4- graphic designers and we surf Far Rockaway. that’s so phat that you have a web site :-) do you know any good surf reports for around here? - email me back –N.

Hey N.

Glad you liked the site.

All the best weather beta I have is on the weatherpage link at CitySurfer. Bob Clarke, who posts the Long Beach Surf Report every am, is a great resource, as is the Navy wave model for swell forecasting.

PS Today or tomorrow should be good at rockaway, depending on when the wind swings NW

Sun, 21 Feb 1999
Subject: surf saturday

k,
sorry I missed it saturday. i had to go pick up my girlfriend's brother at jfk. i'm sure it was good surf, but there was no decent way i could duck out of airport duty.

how'd it go with you? did ya score saturday?

Sat, 27 Feb 1999
Subject: Re: Good Time Needed Tonight

>I'm lookin' for some semi-sober fun tonight in the big apple. Don’t ask why just take me out, all my usual suspects are otherwise occupied

>PS> I have cash and will do anything legal and some things that aren’t!

>Anybody wanta scalp tickets for the Black Crowes maybe???

Sorry I missed you. Didn't check the e-mail yesterday, but did go see some OK jazz at Detour and later kicking rockabilly/surf band, Simon and the Bar Sinistors, at the Rodeo Bar.

Simon Chardite, the bassist who fronts the band, is a regular at Rockaway. Next time you're out look for a little bald guy with a soul patch and a longboard that's twice as tall as he is. Decent surfer; shit-hot bassist. My nomination for new NYC surf band of the year.

Date: Fri, 12 Mar 1999
Subject: Re: Help! Please contact me ASAP

>Hi there,
>I need to find out if there is any decent surfing in the Hamptons!!!! A friend has asked me to locate this info. so he can make the decision to join into a summer house. The shares are going quickly and he needs to make a decision.
>Thank you so much in advance

There are a few at Westhampton Beach and the Shinnecock Inlet and out at East Hampton there's a good break called Georgica. However, to take full advantage of the spots he'll need a car. And if he has a car, he'd be better off driving another 45 minutes east to Montauk.

Ciao, B

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