Cory's Corner : Island Water Sports

The importance of the Nike Swoosh in the Tico culture...

Delicious — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 17:03:00 +0000

Cory and I (Hollan), started our debate today on the effect of the Nike Swoosh in the life of a Tico in regards to the size of the Nike Swoosh emblazoned on the rear window of his/her Toyota Tercel, Isuzu Rodeo, Volkswagon bus, or any other high ranking vehicle in the cozey little country we like to call Costa Rica.
Gang-related activity has taken a plunge since the exile of Fidel Castro in the late 50's, so underworld status doesn't seem to be an issue here. But does the bigger the Swoosh mean the cooler the person? The faster the car? Higher style points? Priority at stop signs? Or are we missing the point altogether?
Jeff "Cannoli" Carr (store owner and proprietor) seems to disagree on the Swoosh's meaning of anything significant at all. Yet with all the Hot Tuna, "4x4", and No Fear logos in such abundance, one would think they've got to hold more importance than just a flashy brand name slapped on someone's bumper.
One's affinity towards one shoe brand over another does not seem viable either since flip-flops, boots, and barefeet take precedence over high-tops or cross-trainers. Only the fact that soccer, sorry, football is such a huge sport in this tiny Latin country might make a bit more sense.
Then, there is the aesthetic appeal that Tico eyes may find in the crescent shape followed by what looks like a trailing tail of sorts. Almost like a blazing comet of speed and power, much like soccer legend Pele... or even a spinner hubcapped and nitrous-fed Hyundai Accent.

Cory just thinks they think it looks like a shark....

Celebrating Life

Delicious — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 16:09:00 +0000

CELEBRATING LIFE
17 year-old Harry Greenberg paddles through cancer

For Harry Greenberg, a Miami Country Day School senior, last week's football game was one he won't soon forget. With Friday night lights illuminating the field and a roar of approval emanating from the crowded bleachers, East Coast ripper Matt Kechele and filmmaker Andrew Petersen surprised the 17 year-old with a new, custom-shaped plank.

Petersen, a friend and neighbor to the Greenbergs, told Kechele about the Harry's battle with cancer during the taping of a recent episode of Quiksilver's Hurricane Chasers, and the pair headed over to the football field soon after. They hoped a Kechele-designed retro twinnie would encourage the brave young surfer to get back into the water. From the sound of things, they were right on.

"I can't wait to surf again!" said Harry, board in both hands and crutches resting against his chest. Only recently diagnosed with bone cancer in his leg, Harry has had to face the reality of becoming an amputee. He has been strong, to his credit, fighting the disease every day, and wanting to move forward with his life.

Harry was sitting in the bleachers, surrounded by his close friends, when Matt Kechele walked up the aisle, board in hand. Classmates and family gathered around him to celebrate the unforgettable moment. His parents were very thankful for the kind gesture.

Harry thanked Andrew and Matt as well, and told them that the new board will help him recover quickly. He's been watching Hurricane Noel pump life into Flordian breaks, after all.

-- Natasha Hirth with Kyle Moreno

From Surfline.com

stolen stolen stolen

Delicious — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 17:00:00 +0000

I have a stolen board to report, there was a Fire Wire, 6'0" with a black x-trak, it also has the initials IWS spray painted on the bottom (that's the side with the fins). Any help would be appreciated, I think we all can imagine if not already know what a stolen board feels like. Thanks, Cory

lets talk about reps., bay bee

Delicious — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 17:48:00 +0000

Today one of our favorite reps came in to the shop. I wont say his name, however we call him Ricco. So, Ricco works for Volcom and Electric, which incidentally are his two favorite companies. He loves his job and is very good at it (when he hasn't stayed out all night straight killing it in South Beach). Anyhow I decided that there has been enough about myself and the other employees here at Lake Worth Island, so I would spread the blog wealth. Ricco is a hard working ethical person who makes working with him very easy. Ricco is also an ultimate fighter and would kill me if any of this was negative. All that said,Ricco I would like a whole bunch of free stuff and what is going on with our fishing trip? Here's to you Ricco, good work. (also, feel free to let your boss read this, I can verify at least 80% is true.)

1st Ever IWS Hot Dog Eating Contest Promises to be A Gas!

Delicious — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 16:40:00 +0000

Hot Dogs, containing elements from all major food groups are the focus for one of the greatest contests ever imaginable. This is not a contest of how many dogs you can shove down your throat in a minute, speed is for wimps. This contest lasts all year long to see who can eat the most hot dogs in a year. Here are the rules.

1. Turkey dogs are for girls. They don't count.
2. Extra long dogs don't count as two, but bite sized dogs don't count at all.
3. Buns are a must
4. Chili is encouraged but not necessary

So far, the winner receives a pair of shoes and probably some sort of health issues but thats just part of the fun.

holy crap, somebody is reading these

Delicious — Fri, 18 May 2007 19:20:00 +0000

So believe it or not people are actually reading the crap I have been laying out in these "blogs". I think the exact response was "..it was just crap." I guess that I will have to take that with a grain of salt. I think what they really meant to say was most likely something about this individuals jealousy for not having a blog of their own. Other than that life is pretty good here at the Island. We have TONS of new and used boards and baggies. We also have a bunch of new sunglasses from Spy thanks to our friend Martin. Nothing too out of the norm to report the days are slow and the night life is expensive, so try to drink where they have a barter system. Or, you could buy a twelve pack of Natties and drink by yourself at home in the dark you loser. (This is what JJ does) but remember 18 to party and 21 to drink, but you can schralp at any age.

lots o water at the pier

Delicious — Wed, 09 May 2007 17:17:00 +0000

Yesterday was pretty ridiculous if you had a chance to look at the pier. Now I know that it was bigger than what I have "equipment" for, but it was nice to look at. Today is not too shabby either, today may be a good day to get out before this dies out. JJ is going to go out today but, really who wants to surf next to JJ.
The only other big news that I have is a little less impressive, and a little less recent. I am some-what happy to announce the return of Hollan. If you don't know Hollan you may not want to, however if you do know old "Scuba Bell" I would like to issue an official apology for the things that he does and says. He is a living, breathing mystery of man; travelling through life on a cloud of insults and nay-saying. Other than that, Hollan is a cool guy. No other news as we slip slowly into the very flat season of the lower East Coast. Oh well at least we can still sell some skim boards, maybe? We also have baggies and board bags for those of us lucky enough to get away.
As a side note for anyone who may read this post, this is my longest post yet. I finally had a little time to write, so I wrote. Hopefully this will keep the pressure off me form our overburdening Internet guy Jesse Friedman. This little guy is relentless.

Delicious — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 19:05:00 +0000

cory broke the window........

written by chris

Delicious — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 18:58:00 +0000

Not to talk about the past, but last week some champion at life broke our window. I mean honestly, I like to give the benefit of the doubt to people, but whom ever broke our window is a real douche. If this idiot can possibly read, I hope that they can read this: "You are an idiot, and you suck at life". Other than that the week was pretty good and the guys that fixed our window were pretty cool, we went out for a few beers and Chris hooked up with one. I've never seen two guys kiss before but, I guess if that's what your into. The person who broke our window most definitely kisses boys (Chris is sooooo jealous).

Island Water Sports Lake Worth Becomes Best Bowling Surf Shop Around

Delicious — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 17:52:00 +0000

March 21st marked the date of the 1st annual Volcom Surf Shop Bowling Tournament, and to no suprise, we won it. We started off strong from the start and as the BAC rose so did our scores. By bowling four strikes in a row which some call a 3 legged turkey in the final game of the 3 game series by yours truly, not only did we clicnch the win but by unanimous vote I was declared the MVP fo the tournament.

We had a great time and Volcom put on a spectacular event. We won a deep sea fishing trip and some gear - we'll let you know the details when we get em.

Also I feel it neccessary to mention the fact that Yonkers had a pretty good game , Ryan Williams was a phenom, and Jesse Friedman did what he does best which is doing awesome. I was still the MVP.