Plus, GACGA hopes to lure golf travelers, Drew Toonz and the Album of the Week (Van Morrison)
Hang 10 at Revel Beach
A slew of the most rad young wave riders will be in town with their bevy of beach bunnies for a Surfing America Prime East event Friday through Sunday, Sept. 28-30. Recognized by the International Surfing Association as the U.S. national governing body for the sport, Surfing America will be hosting its inaugural Prime East event of the year at Revel Beach. “Prime” is the highest level of junior surfing in the nation, and competitors from all over the East Coast will descend on Atlantic City to test their skills against their fellow best in an effort to qualify for the USA Championships (slated for southern California in June 2013), and/or to possibly earn a spot on the prestigious PacSun USA Surf Team. The event is open to public spectating free of charge, so stop by to see some of the most “Off the Richter” young talent the nation has to offer. Competition is set for 8am-4pm Saturday and Sunday, depending on surf and tides. On Friday from 3-6pm, PacSun USA Junior Surf Team coach Ryan Simmons will conduct a free coaching clinic for competitors, and Association of Surfing Professionals judge Gordon Lawson will hold a short judging clinic on Saturday starting 7:30am. “We are super stoked to have Revel host our event in Atlantic City,” says Surfing America executive director Greg Cruse. “The resort is amazing and, combined with the wide sandy Revel Beach, we couldn’t ask for a better venue for our event.” Saturday’s slate also includes the Atlantic City Surf School’s hosting free surf lessons for Boys and Girls Club of Atlantic City members (see acsurfschool.com). PacSun USA Surf Team members and Surfing America Prime surfers will be lending a hand as guest instructors. — Ray Schweibert
A.C. Teeing Off as Premier Golf Destination
The Greater Atlantic City Golf Association (GACGA) has announced its mission to establish the Atlantic City region as a premier golf destination. With the merging of a distinguished set of 18 courses and two golf packagers, the GACGA hopes to lure golf travelers to the area where they can also enjoy a wide variety of entertainment during both the summer months and the off-season. Previously Atlantic City spent relatively little on marketing golf, which will change as the GACGA teams up with the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority to create specific advertising that targets a key market. Since the golf tourist spends about 50 percent more than the average traveler, the initiative to define Atlantic City as a leading destination resort expects to advance the region’s tourism revenue. As of 2010, the impact of golf on Atlantic City’s economy is the lowest among East Coast competitors, bringing in only $7 million yearly — a fraction of Myrtle Beach’s $660 million. By shifting advertising and promotional focus toward the 18 courses within a 60-mile radius, the GACGA plans to attract an increased number of golfers who typically stay longer and spend more, thus boosting the region’s economy. “This new initiative will provide a powerful economic impact with a substantial return on the investment that will ultimately stimulate the Atlantic City marketplace, and positively impact revenues through golf players visiting the region,” says Tom Sullivan, president of GACGA and general manager of McCullough’s Emerald Golf Links in EHT. Also helping to spotlight the GACGA is its new “Ambassador of Golf,” former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Ron Jaworski, who will be featured in the campaign as a celebrity spokesperson. For more information and a complete list of courses, visit PlayACGolf.com. — Casey Harper
Van Morrison
‘Born to Sing: No Plan B’ (Blue Note)
Capitalism, the media, the French Riviera, the late bluesman John Lee Hooker, the individual, “phony pseudo jazz,” and “all kinds of shite” aren’t new topics for Van Morrison to wrap his songs around, but on his upcoming Blue Note recording, Born to Sing: No Plan B, the Belfast Bluesman finds new paths to get these — and other — thoughts across. As on most of his albums since the 1990s, Morrison produced the 10-song set, which is painted throughout with Hammond organ, horns and a jazz-friendly, soulful tint. Morrison plays piano, alto sax and guitar on the record, which also features Alistair White (trombone), Chris White (tenor sax), Paul Moran (trumpet, Hammond organ and piano), Dave Keary (guitars), Paul Moore (bass) and Jeff Lardner (drums and percussion). On songs such as “Open the Door (To Your Heart),” “End of the Rainbow,” “If in Money We Trust” and the bluesy closing cut “Educating Archie,” the 67-year-old Irish singer-songwriter not only proves that he was indeed born to sing, but that his music and meditations are as relevant today as “Brown-Eyed Girl,” “Moondance” and “Into the Mystic” were in the 1960s. Like his world-weary comrade Bob Dylan, who just released his 35th studio album at 71, Morrison is keeping keeping on. — Jeff Schwachter
Drew Toonz
It says something about the popularity of an art show — especially one centered around surfing in a shore town like Ocean City — when the show actually outlives the art gallery that created it. But that’s the case with the 11th annual Art of Surfing Festival, which will run from Thursday (Aug. 4) to Saturday at the Music Pier. The festival was started by the owners of the former Sagemore Surf Gallery in the city. But a little thing like the closing of the gallery wasn’t enough to squash this popular festival. “The economy took its toll on us,” says Steve Miller, one of the gallery’s former owners. “But we still maintain all our contacts and we’re in touch with our artists and...
If you were to randomly check out any stretch of New Jersey’s 127-mile-long coastline on a typical day during the summer, chances are good you’ll see surfers attempting to make the most of whatever wave action exists. It’s a common sight in a seashore environment, and it’s a sport that appears to be growing in popularity and range of ages annually.
Whether you realize it or not, surfing has developed from an atypical hobby into a full-blown sport that is supported by a multi-million dollar industry. Its characteristics may have evolved over the past 100-plus years that it has been around, but surfing is now one of the most popular summer pastimes and more and more people are taking notice of what it has become. Living in a coastal area, most of us have grown up conscious of life on the beach and in the ocean. However, not everyone has. This is where our South Jersey Surf Guide comes in. We know surfing is appealing and fun for beginners and veterans alike, so we have gone to the local experts to ask their opinions on where the best surfing spots are for every level of surfer. Below you will find a list of surf spots, from Brigantine south to Cape May, with tips from local surfers on everything from the best season to surf there to the overall wave quality. Everyone is encouraged to try surfing; it's a great sport and lifestyle. And this list is to help you have a better-educated surfing experience, whether you live in South Jersey or are visiting for...
Showboat will introduce a new after-beach hot spot designed to provide a low-key hangout for surfers and all beach-goers
Many venues have outdoor decks and patios that remain open as long as weather conditions permit, including one that just finished up its first full summer of operation, the Diving Bell Biergarten.
Native to the Pacific coast Mexican resort community of Puerto Escondido, Eulogio has been working professionally in kitchens in the Atlantic City area since arriving 14 years ago.
Unlike most beach towns in the Northeast, Ocean City has a large year-round population and a high school right on the beach that boasts one of the most talented surf teams in the country.
Dark Fall Productions, the local film production company developed by Margate resident, Alex DePhillipo, is getting ready to unleash another project.
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