Atlantic Current: The Ocean Issue - Sept/Oct 2023

COASTAL CULTURE

PALM BEACH COUNTY

ISSUE 64 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2023

NOT YOUR AVERAGE

COLD BREW

IN A BOX

16 Servings • 0 Calories • Super Strong • SPECIALTY Coffee

P UM PH O USE

Order online at Pumphousecoee.com or Visit us in West Palm Beach at The Pouratorium

9.01 ADONIS OF GUAVATRON 4PM 9.01 E AST HARB OR 9PM

9.29 JP S OARS 9PM 9.30 VICTORIA LEIGH DUO 4PM

9.02 DUB B LE JA ME S 4PM

9.30 RE G GAE FORCE ALBUM RELE ASE 9PM

9.02 FUNKIN’ GRATEFUL 9PM

10.1 B EN CHILDS 4PM

9.03 B EN CHILDS 4PM

10.04 VERN DAYSEL & THE BURNING B REEZ E 9PM

9.06 FAT SPLIFFS 9PM 9.08 MOU TH TAPE 4PM 9.08 TRU PHONIC 9PM 9.09 TAST Y VIB RATIONS TRIO 4PM 9.09 UPROOT HOOTENANN Y 9PM 9.10 NOU VE AU X HONKIE S 4PM 9.13 N Y F 9PM 9.15 JOHNN Y DEBT 4PM 9.15 SIERRA L ANE 9PM 9.16 CHEY ENNE LE AH 4PM

10.06 TAY LOR G ODSEY 4PM 10.07 THE WHEEL AND B ROTHERS 9PM 10.08 B RET T STASK A 4PM 10.13 MICAH S COT T 10.13 ROWJOMAH 9PM 10.14 GUAVA DUO 4PM 10.14 UNLIMITED DEVOTION 9PM 10.15 SIERRA L ANE 4PM 10.18 GIRLFRIEND MATERIAL 9PM

9.16 T WISTED LOVE TAT TOO RELE ASE 10.20 JUSTIN SHAPIRO DUO 4PM PART Y WITH 2 1 TO BURN 8PM 10.20 MIKE PINTO AND 9.17 SA MANTHA RUSSELL 4PM A ARON WOLF 8PM 9.20 VIRGINIA MAN 9PM 10.21 NOU VE AU X HONKIE S 4PM 9.22 LOW GROUND 4PM

10.21 JUKE 9PM

9.22 S OUL JA M 9PM

10.25 LEMON CIT Y TRIO 9PM

9.23 ELE CTRIC PIQUETE 4PM

10.27 DUB B LE JA ME S 4PM

9.23 CORTADITO 9PM

10.27 TAST Y VIB RATIONS 9PM

9.24 JUSTIN SHAPIRO DUO 4PM

10.28 ZACH JONE S 4PM

9.27 MORE B ET TER BAND 9PM

10.28 FIREWATER TENT REVIVAL 9PM

9.29 ZACH JONE S 4PM

10.29 THE LE AF Y GREENS 4PM

CONTENTS

16

22

28

36

Damien LeRoy

Flying high while staying grounded

Sofia Gamboa

A stoked young surfer with world-sized dreams

22

28

36

On a Shoot with Ben Hicks

Tagging along with Emmy Award-winning photographer

Surf Forecasting with James Wieland

“Surf n’ Weatherman” James Wieland gives us his approach to tracking swells

42

16

Van, Surf & Skate Expo

Surf shops, van-life, a half pipe, and a whole lot of camaraderie

42

46

52

58

6

The Beach Bucket Foundation

Giving easy local access to daily beach cleanups

Bajío Sunglasses

Florida based brand takes sustainability seriously

46

Local Bikini Brands

Learn about some of the local bikini brands you should be wearing

52

58

EVENTS SEPT/OCT 2023 SEPTEMBER 1 BOYNTON BEACH FREE MONTHLY CONCERT SERIES @ Centennial Park (5pm) ADONIS OF GUAVATRON (4PM) + EAST HARBOR @ Guanabanas – Jupiter (9pm) BUMBLEFEST 7 @ Respectables – WPB (6pm)

OLD TOWN UNTAPPED SUMMER SIZZLE @ Bailey Contemporary Arts – Pompano (6-10pm)

2-3 16TH ANNUAL PALM BEACH MARINE FLEA MARKET & BOAT SALE @ SoFlo Fairgrounds

LIVE @ GRANDVIEW: DJ KRUZE CONTROL @ Grandview Public Market – WPB (every Friday @ 7pm)

9

FAU FOOTBALL VS OHIO @ FAU Stadium – 6pm

UPROOT HOOTENANNY @ Guanabanas – Jupiter (9pm) PEACE OF WOODSTOCK @ Arts Garage – Delray (8pm)

SUNSET MARKET @ Stormhouse Brewing – NPB (6-9pm) THE FLYERS @ Fish Depot -- Boynton

SONS OF A TRADESMAN @ Mathews Brewing Co. - Lake Worth

10

2

HOMEGROWN SINNERS @ Old Key Lime House – Lantana (4pm)

FUNKIN GRATEFUL @ Guanabanas – Jupiter (9pm)

BRYAN SMITH (GIRLFRIEND MATERIAL) @ Mathews Brewing Co. – Lake Worth (3pm every Sunday)

THE PETTY HEARTS—TOM PETTY TRIBUTE AND TOUCH & GO— TRIBUTE TO THE CARS @ Revolution Live – Ft. Lauderdale

THE MISSION (UK), CHAMELEONS & THEATER OF HATE @ Respectables – WPB (7pm)

16TH ANNUAL WEST PALM BEACH SEAFOOD FESTIVAL @ SoFlo Fairgrounds (starts at 9am)

11

FAU FOOTBALL VS MONMOUTH @ FAU Stadium (6pm)

TROPICAL HEAT WAVE MUSIC FESTIVAL @ Mathews Brewing Co. - Lake Worth

3

JAZZ MONDAY W/ NEIL BACHER AND FRIENDS @ Northwood Art & Music Warehouse -- WPB

13

NYF @ Guanabanas – Jupiter (9pm)

14

SLIGHTLY STOOPID + SUBLIME WITH ROME W/ SPECIAL GUESTS ATMOSPHERE, THE MOVEMENT @ iThink Financial Amp – WPB

SWEET FLEET-A TRIBUTE TO FLEETWOOD MAC @ Boca Black Box (8pm)

BEN CHILDS @ Guanabanas – Jupiter (4pm)

CRAZY FINGERS @ Fish Depot – Boynton

ROGUE THEORY @ Old Key Lime House – Lantana (4pm)

6

INDIGO DREAMERS @ Maxi’s Lineup – Jupiter (7pm)

15

FAT SPLIFFS @ Guanabanas – Jupiter (9pm)

AFTERIMAGE @ Crazy Uncle Mikes – Boca (8:30pm)

7

UPROOT HOOTENANNY @ Irishman – Boca (8:30pm)

OPEN MIC @ Civil Society Brewing – WPB (6:30pm) CLEMATIS BY NIGHT @ Downtown WPB Waterfront HOT LEGS—THE TINA TURNER TRIBUTE @ Funky Biscuit – Boca (7pm)

8

NESTOR TORRES @ Arts Garage – Delray (8pm) MOUTH TAPE (4PM) + TRU PHONIC (9PM) @ Guanabanas – Jupiter (9pm) SAMANTHA RUSSELL BAND @ Old Key Lime House – Lantana (6pm) NOISE POLLUTION—THE ACDC EXPERIENCE BENEFITING THE CMT RESEARCH FOUNDATION @ Crazy Uncle Mikes – Boca (6pm) 8

GUNS N ROSES @ Hardrock – Hollywood

THE LIVESAYS “A TRIBUTE TO ASBURY PARK) @ Funky Biscuit – Boca (9pm)

16

3 DOORS DOWN @ Mizner Park Amp – Boca TWISTED LOVE TATTOO RELEASE PARTY W/ 21 TO BURN @ Guanabanas – Jupiter (8pm)

FLORIDA GATOR GAME @ Old Key Lime House – Lantana (7pm) YACHT ROCK RETURNS @ Arts Garage – Delray (8pm)

SPRED-THE-DUB @ Mathews Brewing Co. - Lake Worth

17

BIG CITY DUO @ Banana Boat – Boynton (2pm)

MORE BETTER BAND @ Guanabanas – Jupiter (9pm)

20

29

VIRGINIA MAN @ Guanabanas – Jupiter (9pm) DRIFTING ROOTS & RISING LION @ Crazy Uncle Mikes – Boca (8pm)

21 THE EXPANDING MAN—AN ORIGINAL TRIBUTE TO STEELY DAN @ Funky Biscuit – Boca (7pm)

22-23 BLUES BEATLES @ Arts Garage – Delray (8pm both evenings)

22 UPROOT HOOTENANNY @ Old Key Lime House – Lantana (6pm) LIL BABY @ FLA Arena – Sunrise

LOW GROUND (4PM) + SOULJAM (9PM) @ Guanabanas -- Jupiter STILL ALIVE (PEARL JAM TRIBUTE) @ Mathews Brewing Co. - Lake Worth

23 ELECTRIC PIQUETTE (4PM) + CORTADITO (9PM) @ Guanabanas – Jupiter

BRETT YOUNG @ Pompano Beach Amphitheater (8pm) FLORIDA GATOR GAME @ Old Key Lime House – Lantana (7pm)

TOPPERMOST BEATLES TRIBUTE @ Boca Black Box (8pm) THE SMOKIN’ ACES @ Crazy Uncle Mikes – Boca TOUCH & GO (THE CARS TRIBUTE) @ Mathews Brewing Co. - Lake Worth

24

JERRY LEEMAN (SOLO) @ Fish Depot – Boynton

LEAFY GREENS @ Old Key Lime House – Lantana (4pm)

25

TERROR, VEIN, DOMAIN & XCELERATE @ Respectables – WPB

T’S EXPRESS JAZZ FUSION @ Northwood Art & Music Warehouse – WPB

26 INVENT ANIMATE, VOID OF VISION, THROWN, & AVIANA @ Respectables – WPB (7pm)

27

JOEY CALDERAIO & LOT 49 @ Crazy Uncle Mikes – Boca(8:30pm)

10

ERIC CHURCH @ iThink Financial Amp – WPB

INDIGO DREAMERS @ The Dancing Crane – PBG (6pm) PROGJECT @ Funky Biscuit – Boca (shows at 6 & 9pm)

30 REGGAE FORCE ALBUM RELEASE PARTY @ Guanabanas – Jupiter (9pm) DASTOBERFEST FEAT. TAKING BACK SUNDAY @ Abacoa Town Center – Jupiter (4-10pm) METALUCIOUS (80S ROCK TRIBUTE) @ Mathews Brewing Co. - Lake Worth

OCTOBER 1

WPB GREEN MARKET @ Clematis (9am)

ADAM JASON @ Banana Boat – Boynton (2pm)

3

COMEDY OPEN MIC @ Arts Garage – Delray (8pm)

4

BAND OF HORSES @ Revolution Live – Ft. Lauderdale VERN DAYSEL & THE BURNING BREEZE @ Guanabanas -- Jupiter

5

CLEMATIS BY NIGHT @ Downtown WPB Waterfront (6pm)

6

OUTLAW MUSIC FESTIVAL @ iThink Financial Amp feat Willie Nelson, The Avett Brothers, Gov’t Mule, and more – WPB PUMP @ Old Key Lime House – Lantana (6pm) R & R (R&B & REGGAE) FRIDAYS @ Bamboo Room – Lake Worth (7pm)

7

FAU FOOTBALL VS TULSA @ FAU Stadium ZACH NUGENT’S DEAD SET—HELL IN A BUCKET FALL TOUR @ Funky Biscuit – Boca (7pm) THE WHEELAND BROTHERS @ Guanabanas – Jupiter (9pm) FACE VALUE: A TRIBUTE TO PHIL COLLINS @ Boca Black Box (9pm)

OKTOBERFEST PARTY @ Mathews Brewing Co. - Lake Worth

8

HOMEGROWN SINNERS @ Old Key Lime House – Lantana (4pm)

UNEARTH & REVOCATION @ Respectables – WPB (6pm)

ANNUAL OKTOBERFEST – Lantana

THE CLASSIC TALES OF YES TOUR @ Pompano Beach Amphitheater (7:30)

FAU FOOTBALL VS UTSA @ FAU Stadium

10

ALL ARTS OPEN MIC @ Arts Garage – Delray (8pm)

21

THE BEACH BOYS @ Pompano Beach Amphitheater

MICAH SCOTT (4PM) + ROW JOMAH (9PM) @ Guanabanas – Jupiter

BARK BACK BENEFIT FESTIVAL 8 “EL OCHO” @ Bryant Park Amp feat. Brett Staska & the Souvenirs, Billy Doom Is Dead, Fuakata!, Uproot Hootenanny, The Petty Hearts, Nirvana Tribute, and more – Lake Worth (noon-10pm)

BEAST IN BLACK & DANCE WITH THE DEAD @ Respectables – WPB (7pm)

NOUVEAUX HONKIES (4PM) + JUKE (9PM) @ Guanabanas – Jupiter

13

TULUCCI & FRIENDS @ Old Key Lime House – Lantana (6pm) SPIDER CHERRY @ Fish Depot -- Boynton

13-15 AMERICAN-GERMAN CLUB OF THE PALM BEACHES 49TH ANNUAL OKTOBERFEST - Lantana

14 SONGS OF THE SOUTH—A TRIBUE TO ALABAMA @ Boca Black Box (7pm)

UPROOT HOOTENANNY @ Biergarten – Boca (12:30pm)

FLORIDA GATOR GAME @ Old Key Lime House – Lantana (time TBD)

JEFF SCOTT SOTO & JASON BIELER @ Funky Biscuit – Boca (7pm) DAVE MATTHEWS BAND TRIBUTE @ Mathews Brewing Co. - Lake Worth

22 CHICAGO TRANSIT CANADA (CHICAGO TRIBUTE) @ Arts Garage – Delray (7pm) BUDDY GUY @ Pompano Beach Amphitheater

UPROOT HOOTENANNY @ Sticky Bun – Deerfield (10am)

25-29 FORT LAUDERDALE INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW (visit www.flibs.com for locations)

THE CRAVENS @ Northwood Art & Music Warehouse – WPB

26-27

ZZ TOP EXPERIENCE W/ FLAVOR TRAIN BAND @ Mathews Brewing Co. - Lake Worth

LET’S GROOVE TONIGHT—EARTH WIND & FIRE TRIBUTE BAND @ Funky Biscuit – Boca (Thu. 6 &9pm, Fri. 9pm)

15

27

19

DUBBLE JAMES (4PM) + TASTY VIBRATIONS (9PM) @ Guanabanas – Jupiter

SIERRA LANE @ Guanabanas – Jupiter (4pm) AN EXCLUSIVE NIGHT W/ FAU FINAL FOUR BASKETBALL TEAM @ The Studio @ Mizner Park – Boca CRAZY FINGERS @ Fish Depot – Boynton (7:30)

20

JUTT BAND @ Old Key Lime House – Lantana (6pm)

KAT RIGGINS & HER BLUES REVIVAL @ Arts Garage – Delray (8pm) ANNUAL HALLOWEEN PARTY @ Mathews Brewing Co. - Lake Worth

MIKE PINTO MISCHIEF NIGHT TOUR @ Guanabanas – Jupiter (8pm)

28

BRANDON “TAZ” NIEDARAUER FEAT. BRAD MILLER & THOMAS PRIDGEN @ Crazy Uncle Mikes – Boca

THE ORDINARY BOYS & NEW DAWN FADES @ Respectables – WPB (9pm)

LIVING DEAD GIRL, THE SCREAM QUEENS & SNAKE HEALER @ Respectables – WPB (9pm)

ZACH JONES (4PM) + FIREWATER TENT REVIVAL (9PM) @ Guanabanas – Jupiter

JAY VALOR @ Old Key Lime House – Lantana (6pm)

20-21 NICOLE HENRY @ Arts Garage – Delray (8pm both evenings)

20-22 AMERICAN-GERMAN CLUB OF THE PALM BEACHES 49TH 12

WISHBONE ASH (“ARGUS LIVE”) @ Funky Biscuit -- Boca

UPROOT HOOTENANNY @ Deck 84 – Delray (2pm) SOUTHERN BLOOD (SOUTHERN ROCK TRIBUTE) @ Mathews Brewing Co. - Lake Worth Visit the website for Halloween events

PUBLISHER

Dustin Wright

EVENTS

Danny Wright

EDITOR

PHOTOGRAPHY

MANAGING EDITOR

Ava Bourbeau

Darien Davies Ava Bourbeau

DESIGN

Richard Vergez

WRITERS

Ava Bourbeau Darien Davies Jessica Tzikas Rachel Levy

Ben Hicks Dustin Wright

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOGRAPHY

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14

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Copyright 2023 by the Atlantic Current LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. The Atlantic Current is a registered trademark of The Atlantic Current LLC.

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DA . L M IE E O Y R N PROFILE 16 ACCOMMODATIONS

Even When He’s Down, He’s Up

BY DARIEN DAVIES Have you ever met that person who never stops moving? You just

wonder when — or if — they sleep, how much coffee they drink,

why — and how — they’re so positive, and really, why their days

are just so packed with fun, fun, fun. If you have, then you know exactly who I’m talking about. If you haven’t, meet Damien.

>>

PHOTO BY GWEN LE TUTOUR

17

A Colorado native and South Florida transplant, Damien LeRoy lives, breathes and eats the outdoors. He and his brother were up

for any adventure; rock climbing, motocross, cliff jumping — anything that could draw blood. He grew up in a family of skiers; his

dad was a pioneer of free-style skiing and was even a stunt man for

James Bond during ski scenes. Damien basically went from crawl-

ing to walking to skiing, or maybe even skiing before walking. But soon, he’d leave the ice for the ocean.

He spent his summers ski training in Mount Hood, Ore., occa-

encountered kitesurfing and was immediately taken by the sport.

But it would be some time before that chapter unfolded. His skiing

career had taken off, but his injuries from the sport were also in-

creasing. After multiple knee surgeries, he decided he needed to

get out of the cold to heal. “So, no better place to rehab than flying

to the tropical paradise of South Florida,” he said.

IN PHOTO, WIFE ALEX LEROY, DAUGHTER AVA, AND DAMIEN LEROY

PHOTO BY GWEN LE TUTOUR

sionally taking breaks to visit Hood River. That’s where he first

Living in Naples he encountered kitesurfing again. “One day I was

walking on the beach and saw a kite, hobbled over, met an incredi-

bly kind human, Eric Foht, and weeks after I dove in headfirst and

decided this was my new challenge in life,” Damien said.

And, yes, he does make this incredible challenge sound easy. But that’s because flying on his feet comes naturally to him. It’s no

wonder that a couple years later in 2011, he found himself Kiteboarding World Champion.

“I had the upper hand because skiing is such a dedicated, driv-

en, and structured professional sport and kitesurfing was brand

new. A little bit of dedication, training, and hard work from what I learned in ski racing helped me climb to the top faster than most,”

Damien said.

He spent years competing around the world, earning titles and

accomplishing daring feats. That guy who jumped the Juno Beach Pier while kitesurfing? Yeah, that was Damien.

Then his story took a turn.

ACCOMMODATIONS 18 PROFILE

PHOTO BY GWEN LE TUTOUR IN PHOTO, AVA DAMIEN AND ALEX

19

To this day I always strive for my best, even if it’s just putting a diaper on my toddler now.

ACCOMMODATIONS PADDLEBOARDING 20 PROFILE

In 2016, he plummeted 150 feet to the ground into a mangrove thicket when his motorized paraglider failed as he flew over Juno

Beach Pier. He suffered a punctured left lung, and fractured two

ribs, his left leg, his pelvis, his back and his tailbone.

But it wasn’t all bad news.

“I was given a second chance in life…that led me to St. Mary’s

Trauma Center where I met my wife,” Damien said. “She was one

of my nurses and I would do it all over again for the opportunity to meet her and start our family.”

Now, life is all about training, sharing the love for kitesurfing, and

spending as much time as possible with his wife, Alex, and their

2-year-old daughter, Ava. He also loves to give back via his YouTube channel that he co-hosts with Gwen Le Tutour where they

give advice and teach people how to enjoy not only kitesurfing,

but also wingfoiling and efoiling. (If you’re not familiar with wingfoiling, it’s also known as wing surfing or winging, and is a wind

propelled water sport that developed from kitesurfing, windsurf-

ing and surfing. Efoiling is an electric-powered board equipped

with a mast and wing.)

“If you ask my wife she would say, ‘he’s still not done [competitive-

there, and to this day I always strive for my best, even if it’s just putting a diaper on my toddler now,” Damien said.

ly kitesurfing] yet!’ But I would say that after being World Cham-

So much so, that as we speak, he and his family are traveling

I was doing in life to see how I would stack up with anyone out

ing, saying that the experiences are worth the challenges and

pion in 2011, my goal after that was always to train for whatever

cross-country in a 24ft C-Class RV with customized toddler-proof-

there are plenty of both.

“We wanted to show Ava the country and watch her learn and ex-

perience every new waterfall, hike, canyon, etc. that we could,” Damien said. “She has seen bears and moose, hiked up to water-

falls, paddled mountain lakes, picked wild berries, climbed into canyons, efoiled with mom, and we still have more to accomplish.

[For] our next stop, we thought Alaska sounded pretty good but, like kitesurfing, maybe we will just follow the wind.” @leroydamo

21

Sofia

ACCOMMODATIONS 22 PROFILE

PHOTOS BY DUSTIN WRIGHT

Gamboa Professional Surfing Pursuits with a Focus on Fun

BY RACHEL LEVY

It doesn’t take long to see the passion that Sofia Gamboa has for surfing. During our photo shoot, the conversation quickly went to where

she normally parks at Trespass in Deerfield Beach to surf, and how it

just doesn’t break like it used to. You can tell her whole world revolves around the sport — of which her accolades are a clear reminder.

She’s been surfing competitively for five years and the love for the water started almost a decade ago when Sofia first tried out her dad’s old

Viking Surfboard. “From a young age, I was surrounded by professional surfers and seeing how much fun everyone had surfing made me

want to do the same,” she said.

Though it’s only been five years, Sofia sure has made the most of it.

During that span of time, she has traveled all over, winning as she goes. She has won the National Scholastic Surfing Association Nation-

al and earned a grand total of four East Coast Surfing Championship titles.

>>

23

24 PROFILE

She’s also secured sponsorships like Viking Surfboards, Playa Bowls, FCS, Tactical Athlete Nutrition, Island Water Sports and

Roxy. “Ever since I was little, I would be dressed in all Roxy, and

getting the news that they wanted me on their team was a significant milestone,” Sofia said.

Most people would agree the beaches of South America make for the vacation of a lifetime. For Sofia, however, it means another

annual training session in her quest to become a world-renowned

surfer; before she even hits her 20s, that is.

“My all-time favorite wave that I have ever surfed [is one of the]

hidden gems of Peru: Playa Punta Rocas,” Sofia shared. “Peru is

most famously known for being the land of the lefts, however, it has plenty of rights, too. I have had the opportunity to visit Peru

yearly to train and advance my progression and big wave surfing

skills.”

With her sights set on bigger and better waves, she’s currently training for the upcoming 2023 World Surf League (WSL) - Qual-

ifying Series event in Oceanside, Calif., and five years down the

line, she plans to be on the WSL Championship Tour with a World

Title under her belt and a spot in the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics.

25

As fun as it might sound to be out on the waves all the time, Sofia

will surely be the first to tell you it’s no easy feat to succeed in competitive surfing.

“I train out of water with the famous endurance queen Victoria Burgess,” Sofia said. The CEO of Tactical Athlete Nutrition and a

world record holder for paddleboarding from Cuba to Key West, Burgess has proven to be an asset to Sofia’s fitness and training

regimen.

“I have worked with her and her company for three years,” Sofia

said, “and I train in the gym to make sure I have strength, endurance and flexibility. She helps make sure that my body as well as

my nutrition are at 110%.”

Clearly no stranger to hard work, Sofia has certainly reaped the

benefits. Besides her array of awards and championship titles,

she’s also in touch with those benefits less materialistic in nature.

26 PROFILE

“I love to surf because it is where I am happiest,” she said. “Whether it is teaching my little brother how to surf, having the best surf sessions with my dad, or traveling with my mom for contests, surf-

ing has given me and my family so much joy, and has brought us

to so many different countries.”

From South Florida to Peru, California, and beyond, Sofia is riding

the wave of her success around the globe with no plan to pack it

up any time soon. With the support of her family and great local

and national companies, she certainly has the resources to go all the way.

@sofia.g_surfer

27

staycation issue

On a Shoot with Ben Hicks Meet Ben Hicks, an Emmy Award-winning local photographer, most commonly known for a unique subject – baby

sea turtles. His work showcases the intricate beauty of

these creatures while also supporting conservation efforts through awareness and donations of images. But, capturing

these images is no simple task. It involves early mornings,

patience, and a deep understanding of the sea turtle’s environment.

Follow along to experience a day (or morning, rather) in the life of Ben Hicks.

ON A SHOOT 28 ACCOMMODATIONS

PHOTOS BY DUSTIN WRIGHT

PREPARATIONS 4:30 AM - Wake Up

“Typical day during the season, I try to get on the beach as early as

I can see. That changes every single day, but if the sun rises at 6:30

a.m. I get up around 5 a.m., get to the beach around 5:30 a.m. if

I’m going somewhere close. If I have to go to Palm Beach like I did

today, I’ll have to wake up earlier. Most of my gear is ready. I have two bags. One backpack with the housing that currently has an r5

and a 24mm prime with a large dome port, also has fins, a mask,

and a snorkel. The other backpack has an r3, 70-200, an 11-35 and

extra batteries for both cameras. That’s about it. I don’t carry water, no shoes, typically no shirt. I often carry a hat with flaps on

the side and maybe a buff for sun protection.”

5:30 AM - Arrive to the Beach

“Once I get to the beach, I’ll start walking. Usually it’s around two

miles, which can be a lot with all of my gear. Sometimes I’ll stop three or four times to swim out, so it really drags out. I’m pretty

exhausted after three to four hours of doing that.”

6:00 AM - The Search Begins

“Sometimes I have tips on where the biologists will be. Other times I’m just walking on the beach to look for any signs of life.

Which I don’t always like to promote, because sometimes people will go out looking and touch or interfere with hatchlings. A lot

of times early in the season I’ll walk and see nothing. Which is actually pretty often. And that’s with all of the tips and experience

I’ve had over the years. The beaches that I’m on, I am under that

beach’s sea turtle monitoring permit. That’s also how I’m able to sell my footage.

Today, it probably took me about 30 minutes walking on the beach before I met up with a biologist. I usually communicate in ad-

vance and find out if they are excavating any nests and if they have seen any mothers. Today, the biologist excavated three nests and

there were two hatchlings left.”

29

ON A SHOOT PROFILE 30 ACCOMMODATIONS

THE OPPORTUNITY 6:30 AM

“I shot one [turtle] on its way down and then grabbed my under-

water housing. In that time, I lost it in the shore break – even after

getting into the water with it. The second one I was able to capture

in the water. But even after all that, I wasn’t really happy with the

visibility. The big sargassum movement of seaweed is not good for what I do. It’s broken up into tiny little particles and reduces clarity. Also the rainy season reduces quality.

Let’s say I shoot 20,000 images over 30 days. I’ll usually get 10 images out of that. But, there could be a day when all of the elements

come together and I could get 10 images in one shoot. But that doesn’t happen very often.”

REFLECTING 7:15 AM

“I’ll always donate the images to the people I’m working with. In

my mind, I’m successful if I have the opportunity to shoot. In my mind, success is finding a hatchling.

One of the more difficult parts is that I’m swimming sideways next

to the turtle to make sure I give them complete leeway. It would

be much easier to get in front of the turtle to shoot. Swimming

alongside sideways, making sure my camera is in focus and all of that reduces the chance of being successful.”

31

THE WALK BACK 7:30 AM

“Between now and 9 a.m. I’m out of the water and walking back

to my truck. But I won’t stop there, I’ll just change modes. A lot

of times I’ll go get my drone to fly and look around. Because I’m

already there with all my gear, I might as well see what I can find.”

POST-PROCESSING 9:00 AM

“Often times I’m back at the studio to review the images by this time. I don’t do a lot of post processing. Sometimes I’ll need to add

a little warmth because you lose a lot of the reds in the water. A

lot of times hatchlings are swimming at the surface, so you really don’t need to correct a lot.”

32 ON A SHOOT

PHOTO BY BEN HICKS

33

A DAY IN THE LIFE A day in the life of Ben Hicks reveals the passion, commitment

and respect needed to capture these unique moments in nature.

The images are the platform he uses to spread awareness and

contribute resources to sea turtles’ fragile existence in today’s world. This shoot was just a glimpse into the hours and effort that go into a single image. benjhicks.com @benjhicks

34 ON A SHOOT

Boyn ton

ach Be

PIRATE FEST

FREE EVENT

October 28TH & 29TH • 10 AM to 5 PM 120 E. OCEAN AVENUE • DOWNTOWN BOYNTON BEACH @BBPIRATEFEST

BBPIRATEFEST.COM

COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY

SOUTH FLORIDA SURF FORECASTING WITH

JAMES WIELAND When the Wave Breaks Here, Don’t be There PHOTOS BY BEN HICKS

36 FORECASTING

There are a few factors that go into crafting the perfect swell. If you’re an experienced surfer, you probably already have a grasp

on what those factors are and can gloss over this science lesson.

But, if you’re newer to the sport or hoping to take a peek into an experienced surfer/meteorologist’s mind, we’ve done the hard

work of securing James Wieland for you. James is a WPTV Meteo-

rologist, also known as the “Surf n’ Weatherman.” He shared with

us his process and how he determines where and when a swell

will hit based on the factors below.

37

WAVE MAKERS (WIND AND DURATION)

TIME OF YEAR

in our area are, first, if there are any wave makers in our swell

tems — and even sometimes the edge of high pressure — that will

The main things I look for when forecasting the surf conditions

window. I look to see if there’s any strong winds over a decent

The fall, winter, and spring produce powerful low-pressure sysgive us the fetch over a period of time in our swell window to send

sized area in the Atlantic that are pointed at us. This area is called

some swell our way. Since big winter lows don’t move off the coast

ond ingredient is time, so that wind needs to blow over the water

ricane that may get close enough to send some swell down here.

“fetch” and it is the main ingredient to swell generation. The sec-

in the summer, the summer is usually flat, aside from a stray hur-

for a decent amount of time to build the waves up and produce a

The best location for that, though, is Central Florida northward

(using the model data) when the swell will hit.

swells.

swell. Once I see a wave maker for us out there, I can figure out

SOUTH FLORIDA SWELL WINDOW

A swell window refers to the space where swell can be made and hit your beach. The South Florida swell window is rather small

since they are out of the Bahamas’ shadow for east and southeast

LOCAL WEATHER PATTERNS

Once I know the days it will hit I can look at our local weather pat-

terns for those days to see if the wind will be offshore producing

and gets smaller the farther you go south, thanks to the Bahamas

clean waves, or onshore producing choppy waves, and maybe the

down. The farther north you go in the state it opens up to east, and

I look at the tides to try to decide the right spot to hit at the right

blocking most of the swell energy, so only north swells make it even southeast, swells from Central Florida and the Cape northward.

timing of when the wind will turn. Finally, as the day gets closer, time.

We also get a lot of wind chop, which is just onshore, windy, drifty,

dumpy, not-so-pretty type waves, but we all love it, and it gives us

time in the water between swells. For that I just look for 20kt or

38 FORECASTING

more wind with some east in it (NE-E-SE).

REFRACTION SWELLS

There are many theories behind the mechanics of the swell, but

We also get a somewhat rare, not completely understood phenom-

nothing is proven. The original thinking was — and why it’s called

in South Florida (Palm Beach County southward) when we get a

toward the coast. This probably isn’t what’s happening as there

enon that some people call a “refraction swell.” It only appears strong northwest or west wind after a frontal passage.

Nobody knows for sure how or why it happens as it’s not been

scientifically studied thoroughly. We just know it happens most (not all) of the time with a strong northwest, west northwest,

‘refraction’ swell — is that the waves bend back or refract back are no reefs or shoals to refract the waves back a whole 90 to some-

times 180 degrees. I just go with that name still because it’s the most common name everyone understands and, frankly, we don’t have an exact explanation to call it something else.

or even west wind over Florida and the Carolinas for at least 12

Other theories involve the proximity of the Bahamas, or the swell

rather elusive, sometimes it appears at one break, while a couple

or higher in the middle. If that were the case it would be a re-

at one or two spots, then flat. Or sometimes Miami is head high,

some fetch pointed south at us, but I’ve seen first-hand this to be

hours, like after a strong cold front. The difficulty is the swell is

miles down the road it’s flat, then the next county down it’s firing and Palm Beach doesn’t get it at all. Or it appears for a few hours

then it’s gone. Tough to explain all those things happening all at once, and tough to forecast!

bouncing off the Gulf Stream, since the Gulf Stream can be 6 feet

flection swell, or rebound swell. Some people think there must be

false. I have many examples of weather maps I’ve kept over the years that show nothing but northwest wind, and it still happens.

39

FORECASTING 40 FOOD

I do have a theory that involves a few different processes that all

Even though we have many new tools and technology helping us,

come together to create the “magic,” as I call it. I doubt it’s just one

predicting the future is hard. The earth’s atmosphere is so compli-

been working on it for a couple years, gathering maps and data ev-

nuance to have a perfect forecast every time. But that’s the fun in

is up on wptv.com/surfing. I’ve done a talk or two at some events

going on, what may happen, and then seeing it happen…well,

magic thing, and probably a few things coming all together. I’ve

ery winter. I plan on publishing it online hopefully before the year

about it and it seemed to go over well. Again, it’s not fact, it’s just

cated and dynamic that I don’t think we will ever get every little

it, too. I like to figure out how things work, and figuring out what’s that’s a great feeling! It keeps me motivated. It’s kind of like win-

a few theories like the rest. We won’t know 100% what’s going on

ning the big game after putting in all the work, but, at the same

weather instruments all over the southeast and analyzing years of

and nobody likes to lose a big game! The ocean is fascinating and

until someone can study it in detail by deploying many buoys and data that comes from it.

time, busting a forecast is like getting beat (by Mother Nature),

I’ll always keep coming back for more. @surfnweatherman

41

Van, Surf & Skate Expo

2023 PHOTOS BY NOTHING NEGATIVE CO.

Keeping the Stoke Alive

BY AVA BOURBEAU

42 EVENT

Bill Unger walked into the Van, Surf & Skate Expo in 1979 with $5 for hotdogs and stickers. He left with a brand-new Fox surfboard — and hotdogs and stickers.

He bought a $1 raffle ticket to win the surfboard (inflation isn’t so advanced that you could get a surfboard for $5 in 1979) and

the implications of that day never left him. He reintroduced the event in 2019 after it’s fizzle in the ‘80s to keep the culture alive for the next generation. Young people have always been at the

forefront of the surfing and skating movement (think Z-Boys) and Bill believes that fact remains.

This sentiment takes form in the kids skate camp taught by Lo-

cals Surf Shop owner Jimmy Moran, seminars of van build-outs

to offer guidance, and giveaways by the headline sponsor, Ocean

Magic Surf Shop. Ocean Magic Surf Shop owner, Flip Oliveira told Atlantic Current that the expo “Fosters, reignites, and maintains

a love for board sports, health, and wellbeing in the community.

Stryker Hawk, a 16-year-old surfboard shaper who has an expo slot, is also an example of skills being passed down. He’s been

building boards for three and a half years and surfing for longer.

For Stryker, the pipeline from surfer to shaper seemed destined.

“I always had an interest in design and building things so natu-

rally when I started surfing and getting better and better, I want-

ed to start making my own boards and found that I really enjoyed it,” he said. Another inspiration to Stryker’s interest in shaping was Eric Rumaner. Eric, a former Jupiter local, is now shaping boards in San Clemente, Calif. — a hub for board shaping and surf culture — and is a great example of how passed down

knowledge can influence the younger generations. The expo is an avenue for Stryker to exhibit that passed down knowledge.

Last year’s expo had a bout of history repeating itself because of it being reintroduced, and we love a good call back. The

Van, Surf & Skate Expo 2022 winner Alex Buncy followed in his father’s footsteps by competing in the expo. We assumed that skateboarding wasn’t genetic, but the Buncys might give us a

43

PICTURED: MARK BUNCY

44 EVENT

PICTURED: STONY VIBEZ MUSIC

PICTURED: STRYKER HAWK

PICTURED: JIMMY MORAN

run for our money. Alex’s father, Mark Buncy, competed at the

Mercado Custom Cruisers is a unique small business that can

competed this event back in the 70s, and how much of a rad

build bike company after working in the auto repair industry.

inaugural Van, Surf, & Skate Expo. “My father told me how he event VSSE was… He highly encouraged me to come compete

last year,” Alex said. Talk about full circle. Mark added, “I will be competing in the competition this year and I’m looking forward to showing all the young guns how it’s done.”

Of course, the Van, Surf & Skate Expo is also for the long-time

also be explored at the expo. Martin Mercado started his custom His goal was to make bikes that replicated the appeal of vintage

cars. Now, he gets to share his passion with the community that

the Van, Surf & Skate Expo cultivates. Martin shared, “I love that

it’s not a mainstream show and serves this great, different kind of community.”

members of the community: whether it’s supporting established

This year’s Van, Surf & Skate Expo on Nov. 4 and 5 will accom-

tions like the Wahine Warriors. The Wahine Warriors, founded

a slice of nomadic van life, watch blanks become surf boards,

local businesses or bringing awareness to non-profit organiza-

by Kristina Cobia, uses surfing as a method of healing. The surf programs offer community in particular to female trauma sur-

vivors, veterans, and children in the foster system. Not only did

plish much of the same as years past. Patrons can experience listen to live music, and witness (or compete in) the skating competition.

Kristina buy her own children their first surfboards at the Van,

For more information on the Van, Surf & Skate Expo,

child full of excitement again. “Being at the expo helped make

or email at: vsse.info@gmail.com.

Surf & Skate Expo, she also said walking in made her feel like a the sports come alive for their [her children] curious minds and now they get to start the journey that I’ve been on for over 20 years,” she said.

DM on Instagram @vansurfskate_expo

45

The Beach Bucket Foundation

BY JESSICA TZIKAS

Nothing puts a wrench in your beach day quite like being inter-

rupted by garbage. Not only does litter on our beaches break our tranquility, it can also cause great harm to sea life, ruin habitats, and hurt the environment. Ensuring we keep our own spaces

clean during a day at the beach is great, but unfortunately, it isn’t enough to keep our water litter free. Luckily, a few great organizations have been formed to help battle the pollution problem.

One organization is the Beach Bucket Foundation, a local group that works to preserve our beaches and oceans. >>

46 COMMUNITY

Photos by Ava Bourbeau

MODEL: TASHA AND JADE TRINGALE

47

At the helm of the Beach Bucket Foundation is Andrew Abbott, who created the organization back in 2020. Andy was an avid

diver and during his time getting re-certified, he found himself retrieving trash from the ocean. He was also spending time

cleaning up the beaches while volunteering at Jonathan Dickinson State Park. After attending a beach cleanup with Surfrider

Foundation at Carlin Park, Andy realized how much more litter

could be collected simply by providing volunteers with a bucket.

“We ended up picking up somewhere close to 200 pounds [of

trash],” Andy said. “I wondered why we didn’t offer buckets at our beaches on a constant basis.”

Andy consulted with the county about his idea in 2019. After a

pilot run with the buckets that was extremely well received, the county gave Andy the go ahead to install the stations in all the

parks and the success gave him the push to start the Foundation.

Since then, the Beach Bucket Foundation has been providing Box O’ Buckets® cleanup stations at local beaches throughout the East Coast of Florida. There are now 25 stations across 15 Palm Beach County beach parks, with even more at public beaches.

GUIDE 48 COMMUNITY

PHOTOS BY BEN HICKS

49

The stations are self-serve, so it’s impossible to measure the

to create local buzz and a snowball effect of awareness.

ing. But, The Nature Conservancy’s Blowing Rocks Preserve on

“We as people need to be more respectful of our environment

year. These stats, along with the presence of the Box O’ Buckets®

“Get involved however you can, participate in cleanups and leg-

amount of trash that the Foundation is responsible for collect-

Jupiter Island hopes to start collecting data using the buckets this cleanup stations, can encourage participation while also promoting the ideal of a clean beach to locals and tourists alike.

The cleanup stations can be found at beach entrance crossovers at both public local beaches and oceanfront communities.

Volunteers can check the online map to find a station, grab a

bucket, and start helping the environment. But beyond simply picking up trash, the Beach Bucket Foundation also spreads

awareness about the dangers of pollution to our environment.

They offer the buckets to local businesses and organizations in

each community they are located to sponsor, not only as a means of funding the Foundation, but also as a way for businesses to

show their commitment to their community, environment, and

GUIDE 50 COMMUNITY

and need to be aware of the effects that littering pose,” Andy said. islative policy making, get involved with local organizations, and

just make a difference and spread awareness wherever possible.” beachbucketfoundation.org @beachbucketfoundation

BAJÍO SUNGLASSES Florida Based Brand With An Ocean-Minded Approach

This New Smyrna company is gaining a reputation as the clear-

est fishing sunglasses on the market. We can vouch from testing them ourselves and you can test that theory at Blueline Surf &

Paddle Co., but in the meantime, let us share some background into the brand and their values.

Founders Al Perkinson and Marguerite Meyer are building

the brand against the current — doing things their way. Going

against the grain. Taking the high road, if you will. The privately-owned company assembles their product in the U.S., using

sustainable materials and donating portions of profits to charities. And, of course, the sunglasses are crafted specifically to

fit the needs of the niche they market to. As an angler himself— and after being CMO of Costa-Del-Mar Sunglasses for 12 years years — Al knows his audience and has honed their product.

52 GEAR

PHOTOS BY BAJÍO

“When Marg and I decided to start Bajío, we made sure

that the company’s mission aligned with our own per-

sonal passions. We wanted to make sure that we were

inspired to go to work each day. We love saltwater fly fishing, and we have a special passion for getting

young people out fishing and into conservation,” said Al.

The company is carbon neutral, and they sup-

port multiple conservation groups such as Cap-

tains For Clean Water and Coastal Conservation

Association (CCA) Florida. Both groups were created to bring awareness to coastal communities,

keep lawmakers accountable and enact changes

that will ensure cleaner water and sustainable

habitats. Another of Bajío’s efforts occurs in Xcal-

ak, Mexico where the beaches experience a large

buildup of seaweed. Bajío funds the cleanup and

transportation of the seaweed, which is later turned into fertilizer.

53

GUIDE 54 GEAR

When it comes to the products themselves, Bajío has just as

high of standards. The sunglass frames are made from castor

plant, rather than nylon. The castor-based resin is biodegrad-

bonefishing, are crafted intentionally to go from behind the rod to in front of the bar. With vented nose pads, full-wrap frames

and 21 color combinations to choose from, they’re a great staple

able and stronger than nylon-based frames. The lenses are

for your fishing bag.

blocks 95% of bad blue light while retaining the blue light that

“We are a purpose-driven company, not a profit-driven compa-

crafted with their patented LAPIS™ technology. This technology adds to color and clarity — all so you can spot more fish!

The styles are designed with the same intention and there’s a

story in every pair. The Vega, named for Alejandro Vega Cruz

— or “Sandflea” — the grandfather of fly fishing in the Yucatan,

are a tightlined design that hugs your face and blocks any stray

ny, so everything we do we look at its impact on our planet and the people around us,” said Al. bajiosunglasses.com @bajiosunglasses

light trying to bypass. The Stiltsville, named for a flat known for 55

VEGA Glass $259, Poly $209

ELDORA Glass $259, Poly $209

56 GEAR

STILTSVILLE Glass $259, Poly $209

TOADS Glass $259, Poly $209

57

staycation issue

STAYCATION GEAR GUIDE

L O C A L

B I K I N I

B R A N D S

Swim in Style

BY RACHEL LEVY

Between the warm feeling of the sun on your skin and the coolness of a

dip in the water, a day at the beach is one that never fails to make a per-

son feel good. Add to that experience some unique, eye-catching beachwear and you’ll quickly be looking just as good as you feel. Keep things

local by purchasing from a South Florida-based swimwear company and you’ll find a whole world of captivating designs that go far beyond what big box stores are selling.

Check out our favorite local companies that are taking things up a notch when it comes to sun-inspired beachwear.

GEAR GUIDE LOCAL 58 SHOP

Jypsea Local

When founder Stefanie Holtzheuser says that her company Jypsea

Local is all about local love, she means it.

“My local clients have been fans since day one and make up a large

portion of our sales,” she shared. “I truly believe that in a world

where everyone is doing the same thing, how you treat someone

makes a huge difference. When you come in [to Jypsea Local], you get a personalized experience and I think that’s what a lot of locals

remember. Kindness is everything.”

This message of universal love and kindness is felt in every aspect

of this Fort Lauderdale business. Determined to empower women to embrace their femininity and love their bodies, Stefanie creates

and shares captivating designs that celebrate the female body, and that she hopes makes her clients feel unstoppable.

3320A N.E. 32 St., Fort Lauderdale jypsealocal.com @jypseaswim

PHOTOS: JUSTIN BRODERICK MODEL: CLAUDIA DULGERIAN

59

MODEL: BRIANNA GARRETTE PHOTO: KELLY FIELD

60 GUIDE

Mora Surf Boutique

Though Mora Surf Boutique in Deerfield Beach officially came to

life in 2007, it was the result of a childhood the Tavola sisters spent

surrounded by colorful, captivating patterns and fabrics. After

learning how to create their own clothing, they eventually began creating a style of bikini they loved but rarely saw on the market.

“Our passion lies in crafting one-of-a-kind pieces that are inspired

by many sources,” they shared. From vintage fashion magazines to personal travels and nature, this duo takes inspiration from

the whole, beautiful world around them. “We strive to capture the essence of the sun seeker: a carefree, natural, and confident girl

who radiates happiness and comfort in her own skin,” they said.

1626 S.E. Third Court, Deerfield Beach moragirls.com @mora_girls

MODEL: FRANCESCA CELLA PHOTO: KELLY FIELD

MODEL: GABRIELA ARBEZU, PHOTOS: MADDIE JAYMES

61

Ola Feroz Swimwear

After becoming frustrated about the lack of quality and fit from

other brands in the industry, Jessica Garcia took matters into her

own hands and established Ola Feroz Swimwear in 2009. A selftaught designer, pattern-maker, and seamstress, Jessica has spent

the last 14 years creating handmade suits that she describes as “feminine and functional for the avid salt water addict, yet sexy for the elite sunbather.”

The English translation of Ola Feroz is Fierce Wave and that en-

ergy is felt in the unique designs offered by the brand. Recent-

ly, the Summer 2023 collection was released and it’s a can’t-miss assortment of swimwear that screams summer in South Florida.

Between the brightly colored, ‘70s-inspired Marea bikini design and the sleek Cumbia One Piece, there’s truly something for ev-

erybody.

805 E. Palmetto Park Road, Boca Raton olaferoz.com

@olaferozswimwear

62 GUIDE

MODEL: LAUREN GROVE PHOTOS: JESSICA GARCIA