The Island, by Conor

Long-time Shack rider Conor Willem's collection of clips from the last year or so from the Island. Here's his words on it:

"Its not South Jersey and its not North Jersey its more known as The Island with a tight nit crew of underground surfers, there are so many surfers that this area has produced. an area that is shadowed by the south and north, an undecided coast... Names like Steve Jones, Gary Jones, Bill Willem, Justin Citta, Ben Mcbrien, Brendan Willem, Randy Townsend, Danny Mears, Mike Roth, Pete Machokes, Ryan Kelly, Greg Luker, Pat Emery, Royce Weber, Tim Raimo, Ben Raimo Dane Nugent, Kyle Calandra, Brian Bowker, Logan Mckenzie, Sean Dodds, Chris Kretzer, Nick Rossi, Josh Law, Dave Werner and many more... this is a glimpse of a future project I have in mind for showing what LBI is all about and the underground talent that The Island has produced."

Pete's got a Grudge

Longtime Shack rider Pete Machotka recently qualified for this year's Garden State Grudge Match. After giving it his all the last few years in the trials, this marks Pete's first qualification into the most coveted New Jersey surf contest. We had a quick chat with Pete about it. The Grudge Match is on-call starting October 1st and is held at Casino Pier in Seaside Heights, go cheer Pete on if you're around. A big congratulations to getting in buddy.

How many years have you been doing the Grudge Match trials?
I'm not completely sure, but at least 5 years.

What was the difference this year that saw you finish in that elusive top 4?
I stayed focused during my heats, I didnt let myself panic or over-think it too much I just went out and surfed.

How was another summer of guarding in HC?
Guarding in HC was awesome as always. I definitely think all of the soft sand runs and box swims in the morning contributed to my result as well.

Junior year at Stockton this year, looking forward to it?
I like Stockton a lot. It's great: it's a short drive and I got a good schedule this semester with a lot of surf time.

Any kind of physical or mental prep for the main event Grudge Match next month?
I'm just gonna surf as much as I can. When I can't surf I hop on the Indo board and carve board. And I'm gonna get to the gym to keep swimming.

Whose the 1 guy you don't want to get in a heat at the Grudge?
Capt. Randal

Got any travel plans for this fall/winter? 

I got no plans to travel just yet, but I'll definitely be surfing; I love the winter at home!

Petey's in our window

Cory from Jetty freshened up our window the other day with this flossy screen of longtime Shack and Jetty rider Pete Machotka. Petey boy is lifeguarding once again in Harvey Cedars this summer, so stop by and say hello to him if you can catch him in between surf breaks and saving lives. Tell him we sent you.