BEYOND THE BREAK
PUBLICATION OF THE SURFING ASSOCIATION OF NOVA SCOTIA
Spring 2011
Photo: Zak Bush Surfer: Nico Manos
A blank slate... As we bounced e-mails back and forth this winter, deciding how we would organize these words and stories, it was exciting to envision where this might end up someday. Starting with a blank slate and a vibrant, storied community, there’s lots of opportunity to grow, and so many people to draw from. We decided Beyond the Break should focus on what makes our dedicated community unique. Local surfers contribute in many ways out of the water and you never know who you might run into, sliding across the cobblestone points on any given day.
We’re pleased to feature Sean Gallagher, surfer, and owner of Local Source Market in Halifax in this, our inaugural issue. Ricardo Salcedo was kind enough to profile this community standout. You will also find updates from lineups around the province, photos, and features on events that have taken place over the past few months. Don’t forget to mark down the dates in our “Upcoming Events” calender. So here it is: in your hands, or on your screen. This is our first attempt at a newsletter and we hope you will share your opinions
and send us feedback on how we’re doing. We hope that this first issue will continue the conversations we’ve been having in the lineup for years. - The SANS Board We always welcome your ideas, thoughts, photos, questions, stories, submissions and anything else that you believe speaks to the Nova Scotian surf experience. sans@surfns.com
BEYOND THE BREAK Spring 2011
SANS Launches Membership; raises funds for the CSFF Photos by: Adam Cornick
Snow and rain couldn’t get in the way of SANS’ fundraiser for the Canadian Surf Film Festival at the Seahorse Tavern in Halifax. The night also served as the launch of our new membership strategy, developed by SANS board member, Chris Burbidge. Solid surf was forecasted for the next morning, but the Halifax faithful didn’t hold back, enjoying music by Maddison Avenue, the Jay Smith Band, and Matthew Pickup & The Movement. It was a successful evening, raising funds for the festival, signing up a number of new members and connecting out of the water for a drink and plenty of great tunes.
The Skinny on SANS’ New Membership Strategy By: Chris Burbidge
In the past, membership in the Surfing Association of Nova Scotia (SANS) has always been fairly informal, resulting in uncertainty and confusion. Much of this confusion centered around surfers who signed up at some point, but are not sure of their current status. We receive a number of emails each month from around the province asking how to sign up. To address these concerns, increase membership, strengthen our relationship with members, and improve the quality of benefits offered to members, SANS released a new strategy that you can view on the website. As part of this new Strategy we have decided to formalize our membership program by introducing annual memberships. Annual memberships will cost $20 and, in return, members receive discounts on SANS contests and events, a sticker and a SANS T-shirt. SANS is a non-profit organization, so the funds we collect from membership fees go directly back into the surfing community as we work to: (1) build an inclusive, fun and respectful surf community; (2) support recreational and amateur surfing; and (3) promote coastal access and stewardship. You are now able sign up for a membership online. Your package will be mailed to you, or you can pick it up at the next event.
Maddison Avenue: capping off an evening of great local music
Frequently asked questions about the membership plan: 1. How much does a SANS membership cost? Membership fees are $20. 2. When does it expire? Memberships are valid for one (1) year from the date of registration. 3. What benefits do I get from being a member? You receive discounts at SANS contests and events, a subscription to our newsletter, a SANS T-shirt, and a warm fuzzy feeling for supporting your community. 4. How will my membership fee be used? SANS is a non-profit organization, so your $20 will support the things that you and other members tell us is important, such as: local contests, community events, public access to the coast, and lots of other great stuff! 5. How can I become a member? You can sign up online, or at any SANS sponsored events. To view SANS’ membership strategy, or to order a membership, visit www.surfns.com
BEYOND THE BREAK Spring 2011
One Life Surf:
Top Secret Expression Session, HAWT Shots Photo Contest By Janine Strickland
After a quiet sleepy winter, One Life Surf School is shaking off the hibernation blues by holding a Billabong Women's short and longboard top secret expression session between March and the end of May, 2011. This contest will take the place of our annual summer competition and luau. Any ladies interested in signing up for the expression session can email us at info@onelifesurf.com. Winners will be announced at the Seahorse Tavern in Halifax on June 3 at the One Life Surf Dance Party Summer Kick Off celebration where we will also be throwing down a pre-party photo competition: 'HAWT Shots'! Rules are subject to change, and based on logistics. Will be confirmed by May 1st.
Categories: In each category, both the photographer and surfer gets a prize from the sponsor, with the exception of the Ocean themed shot. - Billabong Top Male Longboard - Billabong Top Female Longboard - Nixon Top Male Shortboard - Nixon Top Female Shortboard - Excel Winter Surf shot Male - Excel Winter Surf shot Female - Von Zipper travel shot Male - Von Zipper travel shot Female - One Life Surf Ocean themed shot (only the photog gets a prize) ($5 per photo entered) Rules: - $5 per entry - Surfers must enter pictures with photographers permission - Limit of two (2) photo submissions per category, per person - Prints only! No frames or mattes - Prints cannot exceed 11x14" inches (smaller sizes permitted)
- Must be a single photo (no collages) - No names on the photos (this isn't a popularity contest!) - If you submit, you must have a representative in attendance! This is all about supporting fellow surfers and photogs. If no one is there to claim, you lose. - The organizer reserves the right to deny any photos based on offensive content. - This year, photo submissions can be back dated and previously used. Voting will start from 9-11 p.m. Winners will be announced shortly after! More submission and drop-off information will be announced. www.onelifesurf.com for more details. Hope to see everyone out there!
“I originally went to shoot that day as there was the possibility of the Globe and Mail running a story on winter surfing in NS. I was hoping to capture something that showed the waves we get, and the harsh weather conditions we have to endure. I arranged a lift out to the beach straight after work to make it before it got too dark, and the waves at Backyards were peeling really nicely.” - Adam Cornick (acornart.net) Tools: Canon 7D, 17-70mm, f/6.3, ISO 200, 1/125 second
BEYOND THE BREAK Spring 2011
Regional Updates Cape Breton Island: By Michelle Richards
The island this winter could be one only imagined to exist in the northern most limits of the earth, where a man named St. Nick’ lives. The gulf side of Cape Breton froze over. Not with the appearance of a wellpolished ice rink, instead the sight was a vista of vertically-jagged sea ice chunks and cropped up snow boulders. The Ocean side and the Bras D’or Lake’s coves allowed the men to fish. Not by typical east coast boats. The men instead walked onto the water’s solid surface in search of their ice fishing holes. The winter is just too harsh to battle for a surfer that is unprepared. The worn out ragged winter wetsuits or 3/2mm that many of us have are not suitable to keep even a frail North Atlantic seal warm in this deep freeze. Most CBI surfers let the waves go un-ridden during this time. So, what is an under equipped surfer to do during the long cold months? Look forward to an incredible and memorable upcoming summer at Point Michaud Beach in Richmond County and hope for the endless winter to finally end. Only now does spring feel like it is arriving on the island, with the snow
Participants of the 2010 Point Michaud Surf Classic line the beach
melting away, ice revealing long cracks in The 2011 Point Michaud Surf Classic will its surface and the sunlit days getting take on a new personality this year, with longer. a weekend long event. The larger format will include the surf contest, live music Here is what incredible and memorable festival, art show, surf expo, skateboard plans Cape Breton Island has to offer you ramps and meals all weekend long. for this upcoming thawed out summer: The event will kick off Friday evening, The surf program at Point Michaud August 26th at the Bras D’or Lakes Inn, Beach will return, offering surf lessons St. Peter’s. The non-stop action and and rentals, sponsored for the 9th activities will wrap up on Sunday late summer by the Richmond County afternoon at Point Michaud Beach. Recreation Department (head surf instructor, Michelle Richards). For more information on camps, lessons, Keeping with the vision of making surf rentals and the Point Michaud Surf lessons available to everyone, will Classic, visit www.surfpointmichaud.com, reach out to persons experiencing or e-mail surfmichaud@yahoo.ca disabilities and challenges this year.
South Shore: By Jacob Albury
With the first day of spring behind us, the weather is starting to warm up, the water is colder then ever, but the forecast for the coming weeks looks like something to look forward to. It's good to look back at swell events from months past.
Jacob Albury pulling into a cold one. Undisclosed spot on the South Shore this winter. Photo: Wade Ells
From what I can remember, December and January saw consistently fun waves, a few of those days being on the 'great' end of the spectrum. Trudging solo through waist deep
snow to overhead perfection stands out most in my mind and will forever be etched into the memory bank. February and March however, were a bit more forgettable. With prevailing 20-knot plus wind either straight offshore or onshore made for some frustrating sessions to say the least. Although there were a few quality days scattered in between, the latter months of winter left a bad taste in my mouth. Looking ahead though, it looks like spring could start with a bang and lead us valiantly into the doldrums of summer.
BEYOND THE BREAK Spring 2011
HRM/Eastern Shore: By Reed Holmes
It was undoubtedly one of the best days of the winter in the Halifax area. The day was February 26. It was cold, at least -10, probably lower with the windchill, but at least there was sunshine. There was plenty of swell that day, courtesy of storm the day before, but most of the popular spots in HRM and Eastern Shore were blown out due to some strong winds. There was one spot going off, however, and a lot of local surfers were there. I can't tell you the name of the spot, but let's just say it has something to do with time. And getting to the spot in the winter requires a long walk over a frozen pond. Personally, I had never surfed this spot. I've been surfing in the area for more than eight years and I'm well aware of the spot, which many say is world class.
I guess I never had a burning desire to check it out. On the other hand, maybe I was nervous about surfing a spot so revered. Regardless, with no other places to go, my buddy and I decided to take a look.
During the long paddle into the lineup there was plenty of amazing surfing action to watch. I'm pretty sure most of the best surfers in the area were there (Note: I'm certainly not including myself in that group.)
On the way to the spot, we passed a fellow surfer on his way out. “How was it?” I asked.
The one wave I remember most featured local ripper Dean Petty. After a steep drop, Petty screamed through the longest barrel I've ever seen anyone ride in Nova Scotia. The impressive feat elicited plenty of hoots and hollers from those who witnessed it, and deservedly so.
“Not too bad,” he said in a modest Nova Scotia manner that suggested it might actually be quite good. When we finished crossing the pond and reached a spot where we could see the break, I must admit I was a little in awe. Unlike the other spots we had looked at, this one was fully sheltered from the wind and the waves were clean and well overhead.
Being my first time at the spot, and recognizing my place on the food chain, I stayed a little to the outside and grabbed some of the scraps the top dogs let through.
There weren't many. Nevertheless, I did manage to grab a session-ending beauty Paddling from shore through the fastthat lasted what seemed like minutes, moving white water was a challenge and I lending credence to the spot's world class experienced a gut-churning ice cream reputation. headache getting past the break.
Nico Manos jumps for joy after getting the cover shot in SBC’s spring issue. Photo: Sherin
BEYOND THE BREAK Spring 2011
A Balance To Life: Sean Gallagher
Photos: Left & Top Right: Perry Jackson Above: Julé Malet Veale
Words by Ricardo Salcedo
Sean Gallagher is an articulate and soft spoken member of the Halifax surf community. His passion for food and wine, combined with an interest in local economies and locally sourced foods, has helped him achieve success in his catering and market venture called Local Source. Sean is heavily involved in the Halifax community as a supporter of events like the Canadian Surf Film Festival and the In Like a Lion jazz fest happening this spring. He’s also a regular in the line ups around Halifax. At the age of 13 Sean moved from Ottawa to Durban, South Africa to live with his father who worked in international development. A turbulent youthfulness that he’d led in Ottawa quickly translated to a full immersion into the beach culture of Durban where Sean first learned to body surf and later stand up surfing. Durban was a cultural landscape unknown to the young Canadian. Sean learned to speak Zulu and made an effort to explore both sides of apartheid South Africa. He also learned the tradition of surf etiquette the hard way, in Durban’s long established breaks where everyone had a place in the lineup and respect for the elders was enforced. After high school in Durban Sean moved back to Ottawa and would not surf regularly again for 8 years. During this time he shaped his dreams about what kind of life to live. In the end, surfing regularly played a big role in his plans. After a couple of pivotal surf trips to Central America and Hawaii, Sean decided
to move to Halifax to be closer to good surf and pursue a business degree at Dalhousie. But his real professional training would come from working in the service industry, learning about food and wine from the chefs he worked with over the years. Local Source was born out of Sean’s passion for good food and a respect for how food is grown. His goal for Local Source is to help “reconnect people with the seasons. Reconnect with the people who grow our food...” He believes that urban and rural communities could be united by moving towards a culture of local food production. Sean’s surfing a is a fluid mix of power and restraint. In the lineup he’s constantly active - paddling hard and turning for any peak that comes his way. Once up, Sean’s style is defined by powerful cutbacks perfected in point surf and vision blurring speed lines to beat sections. And when the wave gets fat Sean stalls in trim and waits for it. He waits for the energy to come back into effect and then he steps on the pedal like a drag racer and lets it rip again. It’s this balance of power and restraint that gives Sean’s surfing a unique style. Our surf community is made up of all kinds of people from all walks of life. Sean Gallagher is one such person making his mark and contributing to our community.
BEYOND THE BREAK Spring 2011
The Second Annual CSFF Short Film contest now accepting entries CANADIAN
SURF
FILM FESTIVAL
The inaugural Canadian Surf Film Festival, September 30-October 2, 2010, was a huge success. With media coverage from around the world, this 3-day celebration set in Halifax, Nova Scotia was a one of a kind event in Canada and has quickly become one of the world’s premiere surf film festivals. With screenings of international and Canadian independent short and feature surf films, world premieres and iconic cult classics the CSFF is excited to return to Halifax, September 2011. Intertwined with surf art shows, panels, receptions, parties, and music, the CSFF team is hard at work to make this year’s event even better.
"On top of being a world class event and a lot of fun, the CSFF allows me as a professional surfer the opportunity to reconnect with the surf industry and of course the surf community. It truly is an invaluable resource for me and the Canadian surf community at large."
- Nico Manos
The CSFF is now accepting submissions for the SANS sponsored 2011 Local Short film contest. Documentary, animation, drama -- whatever you come up with, we want to see it! The organizers will select the best submissions and will feature an entire program of submitted works for world premieres. Films must be 10 minutes or less (including credits), and must be suitable for a PG audience. Films must not have been previously released (internet, festivals, TV, etc.) For more info, and more submission guidelines, visit www.canadiansurffilmfestival.com or e-mail info@canadiansurffilmfestival.com The inaugural CSFF took place last fall in Halifax, with over 2,500 people attending the weekend bash. The CSFF is now accepting entries for the local short film contest.
Above: The 2010 festival kicked off with an art show at Argyle Fine Art in Halifax. Below: A packed and energetic house.
BEYOND THE BREAK Spring 2011
Coastal Access Update By Sean Kelly In 2010, the Coastal Access Committee (CAC) and the SANS Board of Directors felt that a collaborative approach to coastal access issues was best for both organizations. Late last year the CAC was officially re-introduced as an arm of SANS. Since 2007, the CAC has been working with HRM to secure a public access point for Minutes and Backyards. Prior to this, the group was involved in securing public access to The Moose. For years, the idea of purchasing land bordering Backyards and Minutes was discussed, and in late 2009 HRM Municipal Council approved the purchase of a coastal lot in Cow Bay. A pre-condition to this purchase was a commitment from the CAC and the surf community to act as stewards of the property and make a contribution to the cost of making the area accessible for coastal users. Since that time, the CAC has met with HRM planners and officials to conceptualize a development plan
for the area so that the surf community, and other coastal users, can have unencumbered access to these breaks and the surrounding coastline. Proposed infrastructure includes a boardwalk to access the surf (across a pond/wetland) as well as walking trails and a small parking area. In early 2011, a joint application for development funding was made by the CAC and the HRM to the provincial Department of Health Promotion and Protection. We are hopeful that the province will match HRM’s infrastructure funding commitments. The project has also been fortunate to have received a significant private donation as well as a grant from Mountain Equipment Co-op, as part of their sustainable infrastructure development program. Although we have been making progress on fundraising efforts, the CAC itself has committed to contributing between $10,000 and $15,000 to the project’s infrastructure. Shortly after the land was purchased by HRM, the CAC started the “board sales” campaign whereby
What’s up in HRM
individuals/groups could “purchase” a board and have their name etched into the wood for the cost of $100. The campaign has been underway since 2010 and we are continuously accepting donations from any and all interested parties. Once we have a more clear idea of when the project will begin, a deadline for donations will be set. We are hopeful that construction will begin in the summer of 2011. In the meantime, please spread the word and stay tuned for further updates. We have come a long way toward furthering coastal access in Cow Bay but still need to raise significant funds within the community and need your help! All cheques should be made out to HRM and tax receipts are issued automatically. Donations can be mailed to: Coastal Access Committee, c/o Sean Kelly 2465 John Street, Halifax, NS, B3K 4K6 Questions, comments, or concerns can be e-mailed to Sean Kelly: skelly@smss.com
No Parking at the Cow Bay Church:
Lawrencetown Beach:
By Justin Huston
Did you notice the parking lot and boardwalk took a beating this winter? Fear not, fixes are on the way. Harold Carrol, Director of Parks and Recreation at the Department of Natural Resources sent in this report:
The Cow Bay Church has recently become a parking lot, and easy surf-check location for people that aren't aware that we've been asked not to drive cars in their parking lot. We're lucky that the church is OK with us walking across their property to access the surf, so we need to respect their wishes. If you see surfers parking in the lot, let them know that they should park across the street on Green Hill Drive.
"We are aware of the issue and have plans to restore it to a usable condition. Should be fixed after we get our normal work force back in May."
BEYOND THE BREAK Spring 2011
Nova Scotia Surf Leaders, Champions and Legends By Michelle Richards
Information is being gathered to document and recognize Nova Scotia surf champions, legends, shapers, surf artists, photographers, writers, surf shops, presidents, board members and volunteers of SANS/CSA. Data will be collected and verified for this purpose. Please check the information on the facebook page Nova Scotia Surf Leaders, Champions and Legends. Much of it concerns SANS and CSA surf contests since the beginning, and general Nova Scotia surf history. Categories have been listed to help fill in the blanks and verify the information already listed. If you have any information or changes to make please send it to Michelle Richards at surfmichaud@yahoo.ca. Your input is greatly appreciated. These records are intended to be organized into an informative document available for the surf community and public. Because of their strong ties with the annual fall contest this info will be released during the September Storm Surf Classic. Do you have old surf photos? We want them! Send what you can to sans@surfns.com and help us build the collection.
Gary Tomada surfing in Cape Breton circa 1965.
BEYOND THE BREAK Spring 2011
2011 Quiksilver Nor’Easter Contest runs in great surf at Lawrencetown Beach Glad we waited until the last day of the waiting period? Us too. We had to make a tough call the weekend before. The report was looking sketchy, and the decision was made. Sure enough, the phone started buzzing: “Fun surf at the point!”
Men’s Open
Women’s Open
Junior Boy’s
1. Justin Huston 2. Nico Manos 3. Andrew Tremaine
1. Janine Strickland 2. Jill Manos 3. Michelle Richards
1. Colin Colson 2. Craig Colson
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We shared a collective sigh of relief when the reports for Sunday started coming in. Sunday was filled with solid waves and good wind. Winter’s last hurrah, perhaps? Congratulations to everyone who showed up and ripped!
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2
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1. Huston covers up (Radisic) 2. Manos spraying his way to a second place finish (Radisic) 3. Strickland takes aim (Rudolph) 4. Spectators watch another gem roll through (Cornick)
BEYOND THE BREAK Spring 2011
On the Cover: with Zak Bush We’re pleased to feature Halifax based photographer and SANS member, Zak Bush, on the inaugural cover of our newsletter. Zak started taking photos as a way to pass his time out of the water three years ago after breaking his wrist skateboarding. He quickly found success, with SBC Surf magazine running a few of his photos. Now a regular contributor to SBC Surf, as well as other publications, Zak can be seen making his mark at lineups around the province, both in and out of the water. (Zak snapped the photo of Nico Manos lining up a left this winter, somewhere in Nova Scotia...) zakbush.weebly.com -We would like to thank everyone who sent in pictures. Dozens of excellent shots arrived in our inbox making it a tough decision. Keep em’ coming for next time. Our summer issue wants to feature YOUR shot on the cover. Here are a few of our favorite submissions:
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1. Doug Colson 2. Trevor Thompson 3. Kurtis Anstey
2 SANS Board: President: Justin Huston Vice President: vacant Membership: Chris Burbidge Coordinator: Joel Rudolph Treasurer: Duncan Allen Webmaster: Reed Holmes Events: Keith Maddison
Newsletter compiled and edited by Joel Rudolph