Another Memorial Day is upon us. A chance to break out the grill, cook up some dogs, get our first sun burn of the summer, but most importantly it is a day to remember those who have fallen in battle to protect everything that America stands for! I feel very fortunate to be here where I am today, and I know I have many men and women to thanks who have made the greatest sacrafice that one can make. I know many veterans, luckily most of them like my grandfathers, my uncles, my cousin, my friends, and my community members are still with us. However, my great uncle Timmy was lost in WWII fighting in Europe. He was buried there on foreign soil and never made it home. My father was named after his uncles and today my father Tim still carries Timmy's memory everyday. So today I want to thank everybody who has fought to make this place our home!
It is the VETERAN,
not the preacher, who has given us the freedom of religion.
It is the VETERAN,
not the reporter, who has given us the freedom of the press.
It is the VETERAN,
not the poet, who has given us the freedom of speech.
It is the VETERAN,
not the campus organizer, who has given us the freedom to assemble.
It is the VETERAN,
not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial.
It is the VETERAN,
not the politician, Who has given us the right to vote.
It is the VETERAN
who salutes the Flag,
It is the VETERAN
who serves under the Flag.
NEVER FORGET! NOW GO ENJOY THIS BEAUTIFUL DAY AND IF YOU NEED ANYTHING WE'RE HERE TILL 5PM.
Well we're set up for what's looking to be quite a nice long weekend!!! Sun for the next three days straight and hopefully some little longboard waves to go along with the epic weather! Yesterday was a proud day here at Pioneers for us and for our buddy Chris. The Hobie Black Bird, aka the talking surfboard, has finally found the right home. Our buddy Chris has been eyeing her for a while now and wanted to add another Midget Smith shape to his collection. Chris does things right and adding a collectable board to his quiver is just Chris's style! The above photo is of the proud couple and the below video is a piece of Pioneers history. If you haven't seen it yet enjoy and if you've seen it before we both know you're going to watch it again so get down and click play!
Our buddy Jamie stopped by yesterday on his new bobber. When I saw Jamie it occurred to me that I hadn't seen him in a long time. Turns out it was because he was hibernating in his basement working on this beast. Motorcycles and girls, two things that can take you away from the ocean... The bike is so rad, so ratty, it's perfect. Early 70s Triumph turned into a piece of gold! Striped and simple, nicely done. Check it.
PIONEERS TENT SALE ALL WEEKEND!!! $20 DOLLAR SKATE SHOES, SURF TRUNKS, AND MORE!!! WE'RE HERE TILL 7 TONIGHT 10 TO 5 TOMORROW AND 10 TO 5 ON MONDAY!!!
Sorry for the inconsistent blogging the past few days... The waves were up and the nerdnet was down. Technical difficulties, you dig????
But I am back and this time it's for real. Every year on exactly the first 90 degree day of the year I realize I have made a terrible mistake... I wished all winter for summer and now that it's here, all I want is winter back. Sure I dig the sun, warm water, and girls in bikinis but man do crowds and dumb people bum out. It's amazing that as soon as the temp hits 80 people miraculously awaken and head straight to the beach. I live on the northern side of the marsh that over looks Hampton Beach. My buddy Britt affectionally calls it "The Junk Show" and I think that pretty much sums it up. As I drove through the other night I felt like every guy down there was looking for someone to beat up. I just don't understand it. And even though I am about a mile or so from all the action, every time the wind is blowing out of the south it sounds like a bunch of good ol' boys are holding a tractor pull in my backyard. God I Love New Hampshire.
Pretty sure I saw this guy there and he was killing it!
I guess you could say that this past little swell was the first in over a month, and if my memory serves me I surfed the wall a month a go with only and handful of folks out. That day and the past few days are a different story. I now was able to surf the wall with 200+ tribe members. Everything changes and everything goes in cycles. There are always pluses and minuses. I have to remind myself to enjoy the warm water, enjoy the sun, and appreciate how epic NH really is, which can be hard to do while sitting in a crowded lineup. There is definitely room for all so come to the beach and shed. And if you're just not ready to handle it there are always empty beach peaks is you're willing to go look for them. Summer is here so enjoy it because winter will be back in 4 short months. But anyways the waves were really good and it felt great to be surfing. I am still blown away by my new Motivator and I heard from our buddy Michael again and his plank stoke is still high! Little waves hanging around today and tomorrow, GO SURFING!
And to help you get the most out of summer we are continuing to stock the shop with all things radical. A big batch of O'neill showed up yesterday with lots of super stretchy trunks, shorts, tees, and tanks. Big board shipment from global just in too. Restock on the Aloha Bean, SUP gear, and 7S Superfishes.
Tons of new skate product in to. Pioneers 8 inch decks back in stock, Bones wheels, Alien wood, E's and DVS footwear, and Spitfire wheels.
Steve's wife Heather is walking in the North Shore Cancer walk to help raise money to fight cancer. The following is from the first lady of Pioneers
" On Sunday morning, June 20, I'll lace up my sneakers and join thousands of participants for the 20th annual North Shore Medical Center Cancer WALK / RUN. In teams and in pairs, with family and with friends, as strangers and as neighbors, we'll come together to help fight cancer. Donating through this website is simple, fast and secure. It is also the most efficient way to support my fundraising efforts.
Please help Heather out if you can, the whole Pioneers family appreciates anything you do!
What would you typically expect from a 17 year old kid from Rindge NH? I would expect that kid to be a quick shot with a 12 gauge and damn good at handling an over-powered sled and chainsaw... What I wouldn't expect is that kid to be one of the top pool and vert skaters in the world. However, it just so happens that Nolan Monroe is all of the above. At only 17 Nolan has made the finals at the Pro-Tec Pool party the last three years in a row and this year he made a statement when he placed top 5 and ousted the likes of Bob Burnquist and Lincoln Ueda. NOLAN ABSOLUTELY ANNIHILATED THE COMBI BOWL and I can't even express how proud Steve and I are of Nolan and how how happy we are to have him on the Pioneers Skate Team!!!
The level of skating we saw this year was just dumb, dumb, stupid! Bucky Lasek earned the much deserved win and skated like he was possessed! Back to back McTwists and back tails through the corners, the dude was just unstoppable! Every year I am blown away by the progression of skateboarding and I can only imagine what next years event will bring. I hope a top 3 finish for Nolan and more insane skating from up-comers like Ben Raybourn. Check out the highlight video below and go to Fuel TV to check out the contest in it's entirety!
While I wasn't around this weekend I heard it was pretty nice with some fun little waves hanging in town almost the whole time. Lots happening too, like the Gatorade Free Flow Tour and the ESA regional. It feels like summer is in full effect, people everywhere, 5 boards stacked on people roofs, and temperatures in the 80s, life is good on the Seacoast. We should have a little bump this evening and tomorrow morning too. In fact there are some fun little waves at the beach right now. I'm looking at the cams and watching little knee high sets roll in! The wind is kinda on it but it still looks fun as hell from where I'm standing!
The UPS man just showed up and brought us some fun new stuff! More Reed sandals and 8 inch Pioneers Decks!!!
New watch from Nixon, lots of them are for the ladies!
Small Player, Gunmetal and Black
The Shutter, All White
The Kensington Leather, Tortoise and Black
The 42-20 Tide, All Gunmetal
So I was pretty much at the point where I was ready to start handing out knuckle sandwiches if I heard another Casey James comment but then I remembered the age old quote "If you can't make fun of yourself, you have no right making fun of anyone else". So here it is, go ahead take a stab at it, just remember I came in 3rd, what place did you come in???
Me and Casey, I don't see the resemblance but whatever....
What a day, what a day! It feels so good to get back in the water! It feels even better now that I have my new 5'10 Lost Motivator under my feet. What a board! Lighting fast and amazingly sensitive in the water. It paddles as good as my 6'1 RNFQ but feels about a foot shorter! It's like having a skateboard out there. We sold one to our good buddy Chris last night just as we were closing up and I can't wait to here how stoked he is. I am expecting a phone call from Chris any minute now just to thank me for the best board he has ever ridden.
We also got some feedback on the new Lost Plank and everyone I have talked to is amping on their new board. They are so happy to be surfing a shortboard on thigh high waves that they don't care if it ever gets bigger than waist high again! Both of our buddies Nick and Michael called and gave the Plank two thumbs way up. Only three Planks left in stock and with knee to thigh waves for the next week these boards are not going to last! Just to recap the Motivator = EPIC and the Plank = Epic!!!!
I may not look this good on my Motivator but I sure feel this good!
While the reality of NH ever hosting an X Games is pretty slim the reality of us being extreme is pretty high! For instance this weekend we have two major events happening right here on the Seacoast! The Gatorade Free Flow Tour is going down at the Rye Airfield tomorrow and the Eastern Surf Association Regional Finals are happening now through the weekend! There are kids from all over the country here to skate tomorrow and kids to geezers from maine to jersey here to surf the wall!
Steve spent some time at the park the other night and was floored by the amount of talent that was oozing from the vert ramp. "Kids were spinning 540's everywhere.. Buzzrards carving all over the place.. and kids doing flippy tricks.." Rye Airfield is quickly becoming a proving ground and Nolan being at the Pro Tec Pool Party this weekend and Nora being invited to the X Games is the proof! And if you haven't been by the Wall yet you have to check it out, it's like So Cal down there. Serious rippers and serious legends at the beach this weekend. This is your chance to watch some good surfing go down. To sum it all up, crazy judging stand, flags, banners, tents, people, kids, dogs, get your suntan lotion, bring your red sunglasses, don't forget your nose plug! EVERYBODY AT THE BEACH!!!
Best Video I have ever posted on the blog??? I think so!!!
One of our other buddies Marc picked up one of the new Walden MEGA Magics that we have been hyping up. He traded in his 9'6 Walden Magic Model and this is what he had to say after his session.
Steve, Just giving you some feedback on the board. I was hesitant when I left the shop yesterday. Waves were still good at the wall, so I went back out. The board is exactly as you said. Paddles easier (remember, I'm 50 and already had a 3 hour session), caught everything I paddled for, and was much,much more maneuverable. Took later take offs and made them without a problem. Probably caught the same amount of waves in half the time. thanks for your input. Marc
With over $100,000K up for grabs and a completely reconstructed combi bowl this year's pool party is going to be the BEST ever. The bowl has lost a little of it's character but gained flawless transitions in return. The photos that have come from the practice sessions are insane. The boys are boosting!!! The bowl is so perfect now that they are going huge. Check out some of these photos and make sure to tune in on Saturday for the live webcast and root for Pioneers team rider Nolan Monroe. Check it HERE.
Lincoln Ueda absolutely boosting...
Ben Shroeder in the midst of a proper front smith...
Punta de Lobos, Chile is he place to be today if you wanna watch some big wave surfing go down. But if you can't make the trek then click HERE for the live heat. The first heat hit the water at 11am est so we should have surf action on the web all day!
So just checked the buoys and things are looking good. The swell has built to almost 9 feet and that should continue for most of the afternoon. Finally some waves! Winds on it most of the day but should be out of the North right before dark. Fun ones tomorrow morning for sure!
Good morning gang! How is life treating you? It looks like we are finally going to get some waves starting tomorrow. Winds will be onshore all day creating some building conditions and hopefully leaving us with some fun ones left over on Thursday morning. I think I have only surfed 3 times in the last four weeks. I am going to be outta shape for this little swell. All the people who bought the new Lost Planks are going to be paddling circles around me! But at least I will get to try out that new Motivator I got, and damn am I looking forward to that!
Just got in some fresh new Volcom for ladies. check it out!
Shane O'neill Pro Part
AMAZING...
Here till 6, dust off your stick and get ready to shred!!!!
Whether you have witnessed it or not, NH definitely has it's own unique culture. Yesterday's Tow Truck Parade is an example of that culture! Where else can you walk to the end of your street and watch hundreds of tow trucks drive by blaring their air horns and flashing their lights. It's a true spectacle, a yearly must! If you missed it this year make it a point to get here next year! Hampton Beach is the place for this event with games for the kids a tow truck rodeo and more! Next year, be there!
New Longboards from Sector 9 and Arbor today and more coming tomorrow! A little bit of everything for everyone, pocket cruisers to the 5 ft Luke Nosewalker! Steve is claiming the blue board above is the "dopest" longboard he has ever seen. It's built to do it all carve, slide, bomb, and cruise.
Sector 9 slide gloves...
Piper perched on the Nosewalker...
Lots of Bamboo Pintails, Lots!
This is Zack! He is the new grom in training. He started last week and we have been assigning him all the jobs that Steve and I have been meaning to do but just can't seem to get to. The above was mission was to organize every hanger in the attic. Took the boy a few hours but it was proof he could hang with us. Next mission the back room! Welcome to the family Zack, we'll see you this afternoon after school.
GET IN THE VAN wax available in extremely limited quantities here at Pioneers!!! And if you have yet to check it out have a peek at the Looking In piece on Ralph Fatello. Still have a few GITV tees and each one comes with an official GITV bar of wax. Help put some gas in the VAN!
The Black Keys, my favorite band, drops their new album called Brothers tomorrow. Check NPR for a free listen of the entire album. Here is a few of the new songs w/ videos...
Found this sick sequence shot on the 3 SLOBS blog.
What is the last thing a redneck says before he gets seriously injured???
"Watch this! Hold my Beer!"
What is the last thing a young german teen says before getting worked???
"Sie diesen! Griff meine Zigarette!" translation "Watch this! Hold my cigarette!"
People do crazy things when the ocean is flat...
Speaking of getting crazy who is down to open up a North East Chapter of the White Line Riders??? Before you say yes you must fit the following profile.
So all signs point to waves for next week! Thursday through the weekend... I am stoked. It's been to long! I know everyone that has come in and got a new Lost is frothing for some waves! The new planks are going fast! We only have 4 left. If you have been thinking about picking one up I wouldn't suggest waiting any longer. The time to act is NOW!
It is a beautiful day out there. Shin high peelers at the wall now. If you're desperate you could ride a log. Steve and I are here till 7 come get some!
It's that time of year again... 2010 Tow Truck Parade!!!!!!! Last year the NH parade set a world record for the largest tow truck parade in the world. Festivities start today and run all weekend. The parade happens at 9am on Sunday morning. This is one of those events that truly helps you understand how awesome NH is... Check the link HERE for all the info.
New Focus Mag just in. This is a damn good one! Dave Bachinsky interview by Manny Santiago. He heckles Steve and Paul for their kickflip inabilities. At one point he thought that he would never be able to kickflip because his uncles couldn't and he thought it just ran in the family. Good interview with Fritz Mead and a sick new ad from Creep Show Skateboards featuring Ralph Murphy. We got his new pro model here at the shop along with some other Creep Show wood, Check it! Free copies at the shop!
New Matix Denim in today. This is the Marc Johnson Stretch jean in Carmel. Good color way and great fit. We also got in a handful of boardshorts from Matix and Volcom. Volcom walk shorts and button downs too.
The New 4 way stretch boardshort from Volcom. This is the Bruce Annihilator in white....
Local skate video from Noel...
Now I don't want to jinx anything here but it looks like there may be an end to this flat spell in sight. Wednesday Thursday??? I hope so, we need some waves!!! Steve and I are here all day swing by, say hello, check out all the new gear!
Thursday, May 13, 2010
The all new 2010 Speed Demon II, Stealth w/ Firewire Technology, and the highly anticipated PLANK!!!!
So lots of pictures on the blog today. Most of them are of the new boards we have received over the past few days. Some are of my quick trip up north. The fact that I have a new board and no new waves to test it out in are starting to set in. Last summer when I got my Lost Stealth this same thing happened. I had to wait almost 2 weeks before I was able to get that thing in the water. I hope that I don't have to wait that long this time.
This 6'4 Plank, for our buddy Tito, was shaped and signed by the number one shaper in the world, Matt Biolis.
All the PLANKS come with a sick set of Lost designed Future Fins...
The ONE from Webber, and The Bean and The AF2 Turbo from Aloha. Sick boards for when you're Ballin' on a Budget!!! Here is some info on each of these new boards.
The BEAN was created to give surfers an alternative to riding a regular Shortboard in small-to-medium size surf. In theory, the BEAN transfers all the performance elements of a Shortboard into a versatile, more compact design that's incredibly fast, responsive and above all a ton of fun!
Appropriately named, the BEAN features a wider nose template that effectively distributes the volume forward on the board creating the perfect platform for immediate start-up acceleration and efficient paddling. While the BEAN retains the standard thickness and rail volume of a performance Shortboard, a lower entry rocker enhances speed, while moderate rocker through the tail maintains the boards overall maneuverability.
Flip the BEAN over you'll find a shallow single-to-double concave with vee running out through the tail. The concaves enhance speed, response and bite, while the vee promotes easy rail-to-rail transitions and gives the board a frisk and lively feel. As a general rule you can ride the BEAN 3-to-6 inches shorter than your regular Shortboard, making it the ideal craft for surfing tight in the pocket. Extra width has also been added through the center of the BEAN to counteract the shorter length, this adds stability and produces speed on the face.
The versatility of the BEAN is further enhanced with a tri-'uad fin configuration allowing it to be set up as a thruster or a quad.
Designed to suit a wide range of surfers, the AF2 TURBO retains all the characteristics of a high performance short board, such as the refined plan shape, but features a slight increase to the dimensions and overall foam distribution to offer greater stability and forgiveness.
The graduating rocker through the nose and tail on the AF2 TURBO offers quick take-off acceleration and increased control while still maintaining enough bottom curve to perform in hollow waves. A deep single concave gives the speed and response you would expect from a board of this calibre.
Super fast yet still forgiving, the AF2 TURBO can be used in a variety of different conditions and should be regarded as the backbone to any quiver.
"The One" is in many ways the ultimate all-rounder. It suits the broadest range of surfers in the greatest variety of conditions
With all its curves being derived from the high performance Shortboard, the overall feel is of speed and response. yet, due to the slight increases in width and thickness, stability is significantly enhanced.
With the small decrease in length, maneuverability in maintained, which, in combination with the stability, leads to a board which is super easy to ride and absolutely rips small waves. But don't forget the very same board can be surfed in bigger waves too, or else it couldn't be called an all-rounder. this is possible due to the slightly lower rocker and the smoother fuller planshape.
These moderate curves create the drive and grip reminiscent of boards from previous decades, but comes together in a package bearing the refinement and subtlety of the most advanced modern day craft.
SUP Central!!! NSP SUPs are the DEAL. Board and Paddle packages starting at $1030!!! You can't get a board of this quality for that price anywhere else!!! At the moment the only thing that breaking this flat spell is a SUP.
Sand Beach in Newport Cove, Mt. Desert Island, Acadia National Park. If there were a swell I would have had it all to myself...
The dog and I cruising the Carriage Roads of ANP fending off the flat spell blues...
The possibilities are endless up here, you just need a boat and some luck...
When camping two things are a must, a good fire and a good ax.
Been Skating Hampton Park a lot lately. Found this video of the boys having some fun down at H park. The new mini is finally getting some skate-lite and we our exploring our options as to the best way to repair the 6ft ramp. I think we are going to do some fundraising and restore her to her past state. Johnny is coming home soon and he is game to help take on this challenge!
Enjoy the day and if you're the prayin' type let the big guy or gal know I am dying to get a session on my new board.
