How to save to your computer or import into iTunes or your iPod: On a Mac hold down the control key and click on the link, then choose Download Linked File. On a PC right click on the link, then choose Save Target As.
The footage wasn't exactly classic when the video was put together, but seven years later it's getting closer to the point of being classic. Maybe not golden or even a treasury, but possibly classic.
This is a video I put together in the Fall of 2001 during the "flat day" at the Myrtle Beach contest. All the footage was shot by Stowe and Holly Blankenship "the Weenises," Joey Hall and myself and features all the contests that year plus a few other shots. We made about 100 copies on VHS thanks to Drew Hayes, who at the time was the US Mega distributor. His company was called Mega USA as you'll see the logo on the video.
I was thinking of how Drew almost single handedly brought composite surf boats to the East Coast scene. Seems like almost everyone bought a couple boats from Drew in those first couple years.
There had been a couple Stingrays by Spike and a few other odds and ends before that time but for the most part Mega USA infiltrated the market. Of course, Anthony Bell owned one of every odd surf kayak known to man, somewhere in his garage...
Anthony charging one of the dumpers at Tybee.
Not too long after, PS Composites made a huge wave with the Mako boats and things started changing a bit. Point is, it was a great revolution in the surf market and I think the 2000-2001 timeframe was metamorphic for kayak surfing around the East Coast. The video shows what kind of stuff was being done, or at least attempted at the time as well as how good or bad our conditions here can be.
Dave Stroud threw some really sick stuff that year at the OBX contest. He was a bit ahead of the ball as far as lip moves and dynamic surfing.
All in black, we called him Darth.
Felipe, maybe before he was called Felipe.
Going for the lip at Folly Beach in the Riot Boogie.
Of course, Jud Watkins threw down some of the sickest, controlled surf rides time after time. We miss you Jud! Come back! Jud's father, Bruce was a huge promoter of the sport and grew East coast surfing as much as anyone. These guys are true surfers at heart from Wrightsville Beach, NC.
Jud is the kind of guy who can come off the couch and just rip it up. Hopefully he gets back on the horse at some point.
How can you forget the Stowe Show? Stowe Blankenship, founder of boatertalk surf zone and one of the pioneers of East Coast surf kayaking.
Cutting back at the Tybee Island contest.
The Stingray was my first surf boat. This was a trip Joey and I took to Folly, trying to figure out lippers.
We even enjoyed the company of some Westies in '01. Tom Fredricks and Leo Lekas (sp?) came to the OBX event and placed well.
Joey got his first surf boat this year in addition to showing everyone how much of a jackass he was.
In this scene of the video he talked about his underwear. Classy.
Of course, you can't talk about East coast surf contest without Ross Fulcher. Has he even missed one in the past ten years?
Ross getting under the lip at Fort Fisher, NC.
I know there have been a lot more people that contributed to the growth of our sport over the years. Some have come and gone and some stayed. It has been a real pleasure playing with all you silly geese and learning to surf. Enjoy the video.
Download Video Formatted for iPod, but will play as a Quicktime video too. Be ready to wait, it's 100mb.
How to save to your computer or import into iTunes or your iPod: On a Mac hold down the control key and click on the link, then choose Download Linked File. On a PC right click on the link, then choose Save Target As.
See you in 2008 hopefully! I'm planning on being at OBX for the May contest and some in the fall too. In early Feb Joey and I should be putting up some pics, video and a trip report for a surf travel we're about to do. Wish us luck.
Spencer Cooke, Effort.tv
