EARTHMOVERS

SHADOWS PREMEIRE IN LONG BEACH NY

2011-09-06T21:03:00.000-07:00

Come on out & suport a great movie about NYC's surfing history presented by Earthmovers Video Productions, the Quicksilver Pro and Unsound Surf at The Inn at 943 Beech st. in Long Beach NY at 8pm. Free admission must be 21 or over. Good times for all. Lets show Quicksilver some aloha & NY cheers! Dont forget to join us on Facebook!

Shadows on Facebook

Check out lots of Photos of the QS Pro here

2011-09-05T11:37:00.000-07:00

NYNJSURF.COM QS Pro Breakdowns

Quicksilver Pro is back & Under way.

2011-09-03T10:34:00.000-07:00

Today we were greeted by Julian Wilson & his friends as we entered the event space. They had a million questions about the waves & currents. They are clearly amped to surf in NYC. It was a sunny fun filled day with many of the worlds best surfers running the streets of Long Beach NY. The waves were windblown & small but so many people were practicing in the chop for the trials coming up. That alone was quite amazings. It was an honor to interviewed by MTV for Shadows of the Same Sun & the new Fire & Water Project. Though things are scaled down, the even itself is still huge. Much of the beach front is riddled with sun bathing bodies & media asking questions. If you get a chance head down to the event area you will have fun no matter what. Enjoy it folks this doesnt come around very often.

QS PRO A GO GO!

2011-08-30T17:16:00.000-07:00

After careful negotiations with the city of Long Beach they have restored the contest Starting with the contest festivities on September 1st. Thanks to the guys at Unsound Surf everything seemed to pan out nicely!

TOTAL EVACUATION OF ROCKAWAY BEACH.

2011-08-26T14:08:00.000-07:00

I guess we are starting the surf season with a bang. Being a Rockaway resident Ive seen some pretty wild things from crime to stories beyond regular. We've seen our share of storms 1 of which threw my BBQ grill in the nieghbors yard but this one takes the cake. But with a catogory 2 or 3 forecasted to hit the shores of our town here in Queens NYC & Long Island the Quicksilver pro has been all but dismantled for the oncoming storms. Crews were seen working hard to get everything packed up safe. We've never been asked to leave before. Hopefully we have a home to come home to come Monday morning. Check the link below.

Daily News

WELCOME BACK! ITS BEEN A WHILE BUT THE BLOG IS BACK WITH A BANG!

2011-08-24T12:56:00.000-07:00

Well, allot has happened in the last year with a new website in progress. See it here,
http://www.wix.com/thomasbrookins/earthmovers

Shadows of the Same Sun has been played in film festivals all over the world Since the New York Surf Film Festival at the Tribecca theaters and has been viewed by more people then we couldve ever imagined & still the film seems to gain momentum as more people find that this film exists. NYC & its surf culture has astounded even the best of global surf travelers. Its currently being shown in California, Long Island & Rockaway Beach NYC at many locations in concert with some of the best NYC musicical artists. With September upon us there is new light upon us as the surf season kicks in (Come on Irene!).

Earthmovers will be covering the Quicksilver pro event in LB from the 1st to the 15th & shooting for the up coming film Fire & Water. Stick with us for updates on the QS Pro! We were excited to get some Quicky Love, Right back atcha!
http://quiksilverpronyguide.com/2011/08/04/local-tips-and-culture-long-island/

We have a great cast for the film from Rob Machado, Rochelle Ballard, Mikey Detemple & Kassia Meador to some of NYC's Bravest at the FDNY. We hope to bring you a film that really shows you something different, educational & extremely entertaining as we jump head 1st into a movie about 3 NYC fire fighters as they meet & surf with other firemen & women across the country & hopefully beyond.

Dont forget to Like us on FB & Twitter.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shadows-of-the-Same-Sun/167329249973861

Stay with us. we enjoy your company!
Thomas Brookins (Writer/Director)

ALLOT TO DO

2011-01-20T13:02:00.000-08:00

Welp since the release of Shadows theres been allot going on. 2011 So far it has been featured in magazines like ESM as well as websites globally have done articles on the movie. Everyone is amazed at the film & Im so stoked people enjoyed it. It has recently been used for a sociological study the area and is now excepted into the New York International Independent Film Festival so be on the look out for info coming this Spring.

Also, we have started a new project & we are currently looking for Sponsors for our next film. Contact us on Facebook or at thomasbrookins@gmail.com

Cheers!

FREE SHIPPING TILL NEW YEARS!

2010-12-21T08:36:00.000-08:00

The Shadow sale! Get free shipping on Shadows until New Years day! Visit the site below & look for the shadows of the same Sun DVD cover in the upper left hand corner & oder there & get free shipping!

www.nynjsurf.com

Cheers & happy Holidays from the EVP Staff!

SURFING AY!

2010-12-21T08:33:00.001-08:00

Welp Shadows of the same sun just shipped off to Canada. So interesting that surfers everywhere want to see New York. Its the greatest city in the world.

Thank you Canada!

Eastern Surfing Magazine Interview

2010-12-14T22:12:00.000-08:00

ESM has followed the story from the get go & has been waiting to do an interview until the movie finally came out & its an honor to be asked. The movie is really an interesting NYC story that needs to be told. Thanks so much for the ongoing support! Click the link below for the full interview, pictures & the trailer.

http://www.easternsurf.com/cin_shadows/

SHADOWS IS A HIT!

2010-12-13T05:16:00.000-08:00

Shadows of the Same Sun has become a marker in NYC time. The movie went from an idea to a film that sold out the NY Surf Film Festival with in 2 days of tickets being available. Above much larger productions at the Tribeca theater featuring films by industry leaders like Taylor Steele. It has been featured in Eastern Surfing Magazine, New York Surf.com, NYNJSurf.com & the Surf Collective as being a must see surfing historical documentary. When it premiered in Rockaway Beach Queens NY, it was unanimous. Playing at the KofC, where the 1st surfing films were shown, it packed the house, Over 200 people passed through including Pro Surfer Sam Hammer who came to show his support. With an overwhelming response from sponsors, almost everyone left that night with something to remember.

Now, Shadows is being sold in 4 major surf shops:

The Long Beach Surf shop,
Mollusk Surf Shop,
Boarders Surf shop
Saturdays Surf

as well as being available Online at www.nynjsurf.com

The movie has been ordered by people who are interested in the cities surfing history including NY historians & we have shipped the film to Mexico, France, Virgina, Texas, California, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Indonesia, Utah, Colorado, Buffalo, Canada.. The Film has sold out twice. We are very proud.

Please feel free to stop by any of the stores mentioned above & pick up a copy or visit www.nynjsurf.com on their home page & click the Shadows of the Same Sun DVD in the upper left hand corner & stuff someones stocking with a great NY Documentary Movie.

Cheers,
EVP Staff

TONIGHT!!!

2010-11-19T08:23:00.000-08:00

YOU CAN WIN A NEW BOARD!

2010-11-05T11:12:00.001-07:00

Thank you to the growing list of sponsors for the Rock movie premiere of Shadows of the same Sun Nov. 19th, for offering up so much cool schwag!

Thanks to:

Conlon,
Ergo,
Vans,
Nixon,
Gotham Surf Club,
Soultree surfboards,
The Rockaway Waterfront Alliance,
NYC Watershots, Tequilador,
St. James Clothing,
Rock Parck Records,
NYNJSurf,
Boarders Surfshop,
The Knights of Columbus,

For getting us all this great stuff to raffle off. There will be a Wetsuit, a Brand new Webber Surfboard thanks to Poppa GB & Tons of great stuff thanks to Conlon, NYNJSurf.com & the NYSFF's efforts to help many of these sponsors find us here in NYC. Thanks to all who will be helping the night of, no ones getting paid to do any of this, its just out of straight up love & friendship that this is happening. This is going to be a really fun night of stoke & appreciation. Again, Its free admission, starts at 8pm. I want to thank Rick Anthony for his help with the sound system, Also, Thanks to The KofC for supporting this & helping to bring it to fruition. We also want to say Welcome to Eastern Surfing Magazine for coming all the way up here to check out the event as well.

To all who are involved, I love yas to death!

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You! For making a silly dream a reality!

Rockaway Beach Premiere! November 19th

2010-11-03T21:57:00.000-07:00

For in depth details & location visit,

www.nynjsurf.com

Sponsored by Vans, Nixon, NYNJSurf.com, Gotham Surf Club, St. James, Conlon, Rockaway Waterfront Alliance, Boarders Surf Shop, Eastern Surfing Magazine, New York Water Shots, Tequilador Tequila and many more.

Oh & heres the kicker, Its Free Admission! Doors open at 8pm, there will be raffles & good times to be had by all! bring I.D. to drink at the bar attached inside the establishment.

Cheers,
SOTSS

THE BIG LEAGUE!

2010-10-14T00:43:00.000-07:00

OMG!!!!!! Im so stoked right now! I cant even contain it!! The documentary movie "Living for 32" we shot with Kevin Breslin & Maria Cuomo Cole in Virginia at VA Tech, a compelling story of a survivor of the massacre Cho a single shooter who killed 32 people starring Collin Goddard has been nominated for an academy award for best short film!!!! HOLY!!!! Just the nominee is an honor! Due to the extreme low temperatures our A-cam, a Red One was not feeling well in the 20 below wind chill & zero temps. The camera just couldnt handle the in & out so after loading much footage realized the Red seized up & most of the Sony Cam footage saved the shoot. Much of what you see as B-roll and a few interviews & ten the main hall where all the horror was described by Mr. Goddard was all my footage. The Director explained that my camera & good eye saved the film. I'm overwhelmed with pride! Read More Here,

http://www.ifccenter.com/films/living-for-32/

Thanks all for the continued support!

See you November 19th!!

E.V.P. Team

Rock-U-Mentary!

2010-10-12T23:03:00.001-07:00

OK Rock! You asked, You Recieve! 1st time in over 30 years! Friday November 19th, where the 1st surf films were shown in NYC. Shadows of the Same Sun @ The Knights of Columbus on Beach 90th street on the bay side. Doors open at 8:00pm, 1st showing at 8:30pm, then a 2nd at 10:30pm Party goes till midnight & for you my beloved home FREE ADMISSION! Bar serving drinks, Tip em well & have lots of fun. Come party Rockapulco style!

Cheers!
Thomas

GOING GLOBAL!

2010-10-12T07:50:00.000-07:00

Keep an eye peeled friends, I will be showing Shadows Of The same Sun, The movie that surprised Surfers globally with its short historical coverage as far back as the 1950's all over NY state & beyond. Possibly Spain in 2011, Looking into California & Hawaii & I'd love to go to France with this.

For the Locals, There will be a screening in Rockaway Beach in the original place where the surfers of the 1950's through the 60's watched the 1st surf films to pass through NYC, The K of C on Beach 90th st. This will be a fun filled event, looking for sponsorship for give aways. Q&A and an all round good party. If The K of C can hold the event, then it would be an honor to show it there. Hopefully it will also be available on DVD and iTunes for the public very soon.

Cheers,
Thomas

Until the next time!

2010-09-27T17:54:00.000-07:00

For great photos of the event in Surfer magazine!

http://blogs.surfermag.com/office-blog/new-york-surf-film-festival-photo-gallery/

Reviews are in!!

2010-09-26T05:49:00.000-07:00

Unreal! Fridays showing of Shadows was all time. Epic. For 2 days now Ive heard the most positive feedback on the movie. movie goers at the Fest have been approaching me with so many great praises on the film. It was an honor to have it shown in the New York Surf Film Festival. Packed house in the theater & out with drinks with the Seven Tiki Rum Girls, tons of nibbles & just a good time vibe all around. This is awesome!

Tonight is the final showing closing out the Fest. If you were lucky enough to get tickets, please enjoy! I will be there again, Look forward to seeing you all there!!

TODAY!

2010-09-24T02:23:00.000-07:00

Last night the NYSFF film festival curators had their prefestival BBQ for directors on a Brooklyn Rooftop & we met so many great people, had so many great conversations. Film makers from all over the world shared food & LOTS of beverages. Killed an entire bottle of wine with Tyler Steele in about 3 minutes, lol! The whole event was a very eye opening experience & today the festival opens. I cannot tell you how psyched & proud I am right now. I hope to see you all there. I know the movie sold out quickly but dont worry, I will be showing Shadows locally. I'll post up dates & times when it comes to fruition.

Wish me luck guys, our little production is playing with some of the biggest names in the surf industry. Im completely perplexed! Thank you for all the continued support!

Shadows A Day away

2010-09-23T13:13:00.000-07:00

Welp its the Premier. Shadows of the Same Sun Sold out both showings with in 3 days of going on sale. Even if you didnt get tickets for the film please come & check out the after parties. Its sure to be a great time with lots of info & toasts. I know I will be there pretty much all night & moving over to Epsteins Bar later on for fun with friends & local Rockaway Beach peeps. Hopefully see you there! Visit NYSFF.com for more info on the movies playing that night. There are still plenty of tickets for many great movies. Please check it out.

DATES & TIMES!

2010-09-08T00:15:00.000-07:00

So stoked for this! Not only is it an honor to be asked to open the New York Surf Film Festival but Ive also been placed to close it as well. Im absolutely floating! heres the link, copy & paste it to get ticket info! get em quick before they sell out.

STOKED!!!

http://www.nysff.com/?p=522

THE FEST

2010-08-27T13:07:00.000-07:00

For those interested in the NY surf film Festival please check out their site at NYSFF.com and join in the support for all the amazing films playing. Most Tickets go on sale September 8 so get em quick!

THE WERD IS OUT!

2010-08-26T05:27:00.000-07:00

Check here for info on when & where to see Shadows of the Same Sun.

http://www.globalsurfnews.com/news.asp?Id_news=48315

Hope to see you all there!!!

Cheers,
Thomas

FILM FESTIVALS YAY!!!

2010-07-24T23:24:00.000-07:00

For those of you who have been following my career, you all know that allot has happened in a short amount of time. I have Shadows of the Same Sun premiering in the New York Surfing Film Festival. A movie completely made with zero budget but millions in heart & soul. Shadows is a passionate film shot from the eyes of someone with great respect for culture, history & adoration for friendship but, there is another movie, "Live to 32" directed by Kevin Breslin that will be showing soon at Film Fests near you. Its a dark Documentary taking on the issue of loopholes in our countries gun laws that make it quite simple for almost anyone to get their hands on a firearm regardless of health issues, legal issues or what have you that lead to the Cho Massacre at Virginia Tech. Its powerful & thought provoking & I hope everyone sees it.

Despite your stance on gun control in the USA, this Doc is sure to stir some serious thought on whatever you believe. Please keep your eyes peeled for the film Live for 32. It was a pleasure shooting with Kevin on this great trip to Virgina, my home state to bring out this great story.

Cheers,
Thomas

Ahhhh yess, Summer Time Blues

2010-07-12T15:07:00.000-07:00

Summertime Blues Rock Style from Thomas Brookins on Vimeo.

SUMMERTIME BLUES

2010-07-05T05:30:00.001-07:00

Welp, the summer is here & the waves aren't. Its normal but none the less as surfers we are tortured with glassy conditions that resemble a good fishing lake & friends spreading the preverbal rumors, "I heard there's something coming next week." Until actually see a good wave, we relax under the boardwalk with our good friends in hammocks while Simon rocks his upright bass & sipping whatever concoction someone brings down to the beach. If this doesn't get you in a more chill state, then you need a doctor to prescribe you really good drugs.

Welp

2010-04-20T07:26:00.000-07:00

IT IS DONE. Entering it into the New York surfing Fest. this year. I hope everyone will be there to see it with me!

Cheers!!!!!

TIme is on my Side

2010-02-23T09:25:00.000-08:00

Trucking along here the film is almost there. Deadlines for the film festival are calling my name & Im nervous about it since I have a ZERO budget. No money what so ever & Im a lil guy trying to get it together & show my movie along with some very budgeted films. I just want to get it together to make this town proud of their surfing history & what they've done for us in the best way I can. They paved the way for us to enjoy this beach & surf to our hearts content.

I truly hope everyone enjoys this movie.

Thank you to all the people who have helped me make this movie become what it is. I guess we'll see what happens at the fest. Stay tuned for updates!

Cheers,
Thomas

JUST TEAZING

2009-12-22T12:58:00.000-08:00

Just a lil teaser. Its almost ready. Still Brewing but its almost time. Quick to the point.

Shadows of the Same Sun Punkt Trailer from Thomas Brookins on Vimeo.

ITS ON NOW!

2009-12-16T21:34:00.001-08:00

Shadows post production is in full swing. Hopefully if all goes well, in the next year we will have a fully functional Death Star, oops, wrong movie. Shadows is looking more & more like a documentary & Im stoked out of my mind to just keeping busy!

DARK DAY FOR OUR ROCKAWAY

2009-11-13T13:13:00.000-08:00

Its a very sad time as a surfer who was endeared by many paddled out at the beginning of the much awaited Nor'Easter only to find his fate yesterday. Our condolences to him & his family. There's is a drive to possibly raise money to help his remains get back to his family in Brazil. Stop into Boarders surf shop or Elegante Pizzaria to donate. Allesandro was a novice surfer, only surfing since basically July paddled into the horrible rip currents & heavy surf & was lost for more the 20 minutes before someone called for help. His body was fished out of the ocean at the end of my street & seeing it was a little bit hard to swallow for this town since we haven't lost a surfer to surfing before. This will be the 1st Surf related drowning in NYC history according about everyone in town & Audry Pfeipher a local politician. That being said, Surfers are usually the safe sound people in the water looking out for others & being careful & well trained and are a plus to the environment. Heres is the News report on his death. RIP.

Please all, Know your limits, be smart & if your relatively new to surfing, listen to your elders & local people, take head & respect the beach, etiquette, people & your life. Its not worth it. Live to surf another day.

Respect & love to all.

WATER IN RELATION TO INSPIRATION

2009-11-06T07:22:00.000-08:00

Water and art can be very powerful, when to 2 collide who knows what can happen.

FUNNER THEN EVERESTER!

2009-10-23T10:14:00.000-07:00

How fun was that day, i'll post more pix from our beloved Tommy Lunchbox as I get them.

WATER SONG

2009-10-12T19:52:00.001-07:00

Surfers make great music, come out & see them play. Condo & Imaginary Weapons on 1 Bill. Just sick.

SERIOUSLY, THERES SOMETHING IN THE WATER!!!!

2009-10-06T07:24:00.000-07:00

Funny, I bumped into Vincent D'Onofrio from Law & Order Criminal Intent & The Cell, checking the waves this morning. He seems to love surfing & tho it was flat, he stopped by for a lil appreciation of the ocean. He has many family ties through Queens & frequents the beaches when he can to get out on a board & relax in the waves. He seemed to be stoked on a wave he predicted will be coming yet Im not seeing it in the forecasts. lol! I hope he's right!

For real, there's something in the NS3 water that gets people either married or pregnant! In the last few years, I have seen more couples form, get married, buy homes & have kids at an astounding pace. An example is, Collin & Bridget. They are now married and on their way to Italia tonight for the big honeymoon. . Congrats & we love you guys! See ya around 4 to drive you to the airport! Amazing wedding! Amazing weather for an October day. It was summer all over again! How fun was that!?
Thanks for the pics guys!

Happy Couple,

The wedding Director?

The vail always looks so nice on the... wait...Videographer?!

TRENDS

2009-09-22T21:56:00.001-07:00

Well it seems to be the Bee's Knees to visit NYC with a surfboard. Kassia Meador has made multiple trips here & I had the pleasure of sharing the line up with her on a great lil day of surf. Watching her destroy it on a fatty fish was just amazing but she wasn't the only one. Mikey Demple was just a stones toss away. I hadn't seen him since he was shooting "Picaresque" in Costa Rica. They had a good crew & it was good to see him surfing here. But if thats not enough pros for you, hows about legendary Laird Hamilton, who showed up to talk with CEO's at Amex today where my great gal got me a signed copy of his new book explaining good health. He says he's always stand up paddle boarding & his book is pretty interesting. Lots of working outs, yoga & pics.

What is in the water here? Is it foreshadowing? Is our lil forgotten town a new destination for pros? Who knows, time will tell but for now its all good just watching someone as purty & rips like Kassia Meador & to share some fun in the water with great surfers like Mikey Detemple.

Cheers big ears!
Psycho

KASSIA & WEGENER

2009-09-01T13:27:00.000-07:00

Well it seems everyone is on to NYC & its awesome ability to stun visitors with its vast eclectic lifestyles & people from all corners of the globe that have brought so much life to this city & make it the true mecca it is. I had the pleasure of sharing the line up in a place I'd never imagine with Kassia Meadors & John Wagner. Kassia is one of almost any modern long boarder riders idols. She is graceful, cute as a button & seems to be genuinely good natured in her movies & interviews on TV. She is sponsored by quicksilver & as far as women's surfing, she's forced it into the lime light with her colleagues.

John Wegeners Alaia boards are made from a special wood & fashioned in the ancient surfers from Hawaii. Light thin boards that take great skill to master. I rode one of these in CR with Mikey Detemple while he was shooting his new movie "Picaresque" and it wasn't easy to learn at all. It was awesome to meet you & stoked you shared your boards with the locals! Amazing craftsmanship as well as his surfboard designs make him a very influential person in the surfing world. It was a great pleasure seeing you here in NYC & thats something since surfers (Especially NYC locals) aren't usually so stoked to have visitors at their home break. ; )

Cheers & welcome to NYC Kassia & John!
Psycho

WILD BILL HURRICANE

2009-08-28T06:17:00.000-07:00

NYC August 2009 NS3 Sessions! from Thomas Brookins on Vimeo.

ROUND AND ROUND!

2009-08-18T19:47:00.000-07:00

GO BILL!!!

FLAT

2009-08-16T05:47:00.000-07:00

August is always a test for the urban surfer. Its so flat we're going insane, frothing at the mouths, stealing from corner bodegas, cursing at little old ladies, Is there no end in sight? I guess time will tell & when Septembers comes a knocking things start to look a lil brighter but till then troops, get that chin up & quit your bitchin. Do some sit ups & push ups & go for a jog, cuz when its on, its on & I'll be there in full swing, cameras a blazin!

Cheers & Hnag in there yall,
Psycho

THE REEL THING

2009-08-10T10:43:00.000-07:00

If you haven't seen my other works through EVP, then heres my professional Demo Reel. Its just awesome to point my camera at anything & everyone! I do love it so!

EARTHMOVERS VIDEO PRODUCTION REEL from Thomas Brookins on Vimeo.

Cheers,
Psycho

IM WATCHING YOU!!!!!

2009-08-05T15:43:00.000-07:00

Photo Courtesy of Shawn Roche Photography

EVP WELCOMES GREY GHOST SURFBOARDS

2009-08-04T14:13:00.000-07:00

Welp, if ya cant think of 1 shaper in NYC then your just not a surfer. The amazing & infamous Joey Clams & Grey Ghost surfboards joins the Earthmovers Video Productions sponsor List for the feature "Shadows of the Same Sun." His style of board shaping is unmatched in NYC which is apparent in his surfing style and attitude. His customs are ridden by some of the best surfers on the Beast Coast & its hard to contain yourself looking at some of those beauties as you can see I've lost all composure lusting after that sick, sexy lil Quad Fishy! (He actually didnt shape that board but I have no excuse for my actions! again... lol!) Proud to have him!

Photos by Megan Sullivan

See more on GG Surfboards & Joey here,
throughtheeyesofaghost.blogspot.com

http://magic-quiver.blogspot.com/2009/02/grey-ghost.html with photos by Shawn Roche.

Stoked, Love ya Joey!
Psycho

P.S. I cannot wait to see Frroky's new Quad when its all glassed up! I'll now leave you with a gratuitous shot of me rockin a Rock&Roll floater!

NY Post Vs. Rockaway Beach

2009-08-04T08:04:00.000-07:00

I don't know what it is but almost everything the NY Post ever writes about us here in Rockaway is usually negetive, from Rants about how there's nothing here and how barren it is to misquoting local businesses but the article posted about the Lifeguard having headphones on while on duty wasn't really a fair shake. Meanwhile they continually ignore the much larger issues such as crimes going unattended to, prostitution & drug dealing & crimes of all kinds happening across the street from a Precinct yet it never gets fixed while citizens get ticketed for swimming with out their wallets to show proper ID when asked or the ridiculas backwards way the Parks Department deals with picking up the trash & conservation issues but hey, that might be too much work for the Post? Yes, the lifeguards usually don't wear iPod headphones and I am not condoning it at all, but the day that picture was taken, it was a very rainy day with storms & calm seas. Not a swimmer in sight for miles. pretty much an empty beach & this lifeguard knew that. Not to mention, those lifeguards are mostly local people, sitting in the blistering sun all day watching over swimmers under the control of the Parks department. (which isn't exactly the best manager of our city's public nature parks and have many backwards rules & regulations seen as ridiculous to many professional life guarding associations and beach organizations from Long Island to California.) Even if you ask a life guard about the bureaucracy of it all, they can list a thousand things wrong with how its handled here in the city & many local opinions believe its ass backwards from the way a beach should be controlled & caters to an elderly community who has a larger say in the town government because they don't understand the changes happening in the Rockaways with all the development & new traffic.

None the less, these Hero's save so many people on a daily basis, they should all be handed medals each week. 2 days ago a lifeguard saved 2 kids stuck in a rip-tide right in front of me only to be scolded by 1 of the boys, saying they were totally fine & weren't drowning. Their ignorance of the danger these two 6 or 7 year olds were in was apparent and also equally as ignorant were the parents sitting on the beach clueless that their kids were being sucked out to sea. No one wrote about the save, no one talked about it & no one patted this young lady on the back or said, "Good lookin out." She did her job & did it well & there 2 less grieving parents in the world today. Who knows why the NY post has to always bash Rockaway & look for reasons but they do it regularly. Im just sick of the media trying to grow drama for the sake of sales because theyre not smart enough as an organization to write intelligent news articles that can sustain them but the next time one of the Posts staff is at any beach & has themselves, family or friends in need of assistance, maybe they might think twice about how ridiculous that embarrassing article was when they get a 2nd chance at life.

Props to the Life Guards of NYC & Rockaway beach & thank you all for everything you do.

KICK IT UP A NOTCH!!

2009-07-21T10:07:00.000-07:00

Welp for some time now Ive been wanting to upgrade my equipment. Its been a long hard road being the Sony HVR-Z5U is one of the most sought after cameras on the market & has been on back order at the infamous B&H for over 6 months with no delivery date in sight. After some poking & prodding I finally sweet talked someone there who told me that they actually had one on hold in case they needed another one for their display. Turns out B&H has been remodeled its pro video areas since the cameras release & this unopened box has been in their warehouse for almost a year & they kindly hooked a brother up. Months of saving & waiting in frustration & I now have one (and I'm one of the few) here in NYC. Stoked!

Be on the look out if those swells should ever kick in because I'll be out there shooting your ugly mugs in 1080p so get some Clearasil ya noodles!!! ; )

Cheers all,
Psycho

Germany Takes NYC

2009-07-08T03:34:00.001-07:00

Picaresque

2009-06-29T07:17:00.000-07:00

If you havent seen it yet, Its out. Picaresque is out & is getting amazing reviews. Check out the trailer.

FLAT SPELLS?

2009-06-24T07:07:00.000-07:00

If its flat & there's nothing to do, then hook yourself up with a nice Margarita in a coffee thermus! Turn a boring day, into a fun day & share with friends!

WEATHERING THE STORMS

2009-06-18T10:01:00.001-07:00

Welp, too bad it hasn't been tropical storms and the constant rain feels like April just caught up with us now but at least I've had a few lil fun longboarding mornings. No one ever gets pix of me surfing because I like to hide away from the public in the water but Good ole Tommy Lunchbox got 1 of me with a lil drop knee cutback in some less then Perfect lil shore pound. LOL!

Also, if your a local NYC Final Cut Pro editor & love surfing, Please give me an email at thomasbrookins@gmail.com The Movie has been sitting dormant for a while with a lack of editing done. If your interested in possibly having your hand in one of the most original surf documentaries in recent East Coast times, Please get in touch with me asap.

Cheers!

LOVE!

2009-06-09T06:22:00.000-07:00

If you haven't seen it, check out loveisanart.com Its a great lil alternative to boring wedding videos. Super affordable & really well produced.

Air France flight 447

2009-06-09T05:55:00.000-07:00

In Loving Memory.. Dr. Jose Rommel Souza and Isis Pinet. Air France flight 447
RIP, GOOD FRIENDS.

From Jimmy at NYCWATERSHOTS.COM, PLease follow this link to read about this wonderful couple that will be deeply missed by surfers across the globe.

http://www.nycwatershots.com/?p=331

If your a surfer in the NYC area, there will be a paddle out this weekend in Rockaway beach's main surf beach at around noon so wether you knew them or not, feel free to join hands & respect life together.

OH SNAP-SHOT!

2009-05-27T09:21:00.000-07:00

Lil end of winter tidbit, Bobby V of FTW clothing & shop cuaght on a backside hack in NYC. Not a bad Transplant huh?

Cheers Bobby!

ROCKSTOCK & BARRELS FEST!

2009-05-21T04:45:00.001-07:00

"Boarders Surf Shop and St. James invites you to get ready for summer at the next annual Rockstock and Barrels event this year on June 13, 2009 on the beach, on the boardwalk and in the skatepark at B. 91 St."
Signed,
Poppa Graybeard

Well, here we go again folks, my favorite festival of the year is upon us again! If your with in earshot of this tell anyone & everyone. An all day event on the beach with Surfing contests, Skateboard contests, Give aways, Live bands & fun to be had by all & all day long! How often is there an out door party live on a boardwalk in NYC? Not to mention the after parties so I've heard, can be off the hook!

Its a truely amazing day & it only comes once a year & it was where I premiered my 1rst movie so come on uot & join is & see what all the Buzz is about!

9 DEEP!

2009-05-11T05:57:00.000-07:00

Finally today there is no more waves for me to surf. UHG! Also, Thanks & Good Luck to Nate & Ellie on there Travels to Liberia Africa! The Party Saturday night was great, I'm still feeling that lol! Heres me & Allison trying to figure out your itinerary drawn on the board in your kitchen!

I hope you guys make a good home for yourselves & please send lots of pix of these!

5 DEEP

2009-05-07T20:00:00.001-07:00

5 days in & waves are still building. Hope everyones enjoying this as much as I am. I should put the board down for a bit & shoot some video but I'M HAVING SO MUCH FUN! Again, Cheers to Mother Nature!

THE SOGGY BOTTOM BOYS

2009-05-05T19:27:00.000-07:00

For the last 4 days there have been fun waves to be had. Nothing especially hard or super challenging, definitely nothing to compare to perfect but its nice to have the consistency 4 days in a row or more. That doesn't happen often so heres you Mother Nature! Thanks for the fun!

In other local NYC news. The Bride oh mine's Kickball team is heading to the Championships. Apparently their lust for beer & pizza hasn't slowed their pace as they are Manhattans 1 undefeated team in the league. If your not doing anything this Wednesday & Know where "At the Johnsons" bar is in the LES, stop by the basket ball courts across the street & watch the games around 6 to 7 pm & then kick some balls for 8 buck pitchers at boss Tweeds after the games for all out Kaos & Beer pong!

Watch out for the Brides magic pitching gloves! RED HOT!

Cheers!

TOASTED BUNS

2009-05-01T03:41:00.000-07:00

Rip Curls H-Bomb Review with Ron (Ronshores/ASP Addict) Shine for Dailystoke.com This was shot on a day that looked warm out but it was a freak warm sunny day in the middle of winter & as you can see he is wearing a 3/2mm in 38 degree waters & he was toasty. The suit itself seems lightweight & very warm even with out the coils engaged. Watch the review for more details. If the price eventually comes down, maybe surfing blistering cold winters in a heavy 6/5/4mm suit are over. Watch it in a standard definition below or copy & Paste this link to your browser & hit the HD button on the bottom right hand of the player to see Ron in brilliant Hi Def.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LF3Ucq_O_qY

Also for more surf related news, interviews, contest rankings & the antics of Ronshores, click the Daily Stoke thumbnailed link on the right side to visit the Dailystoke.com website.

ROBOTS WILL DESTROY OUR WORLD

2009-04-27T06:21:00.000-07:00

If you havent seen them before, Come see Imaginary Weapons in Brooklyn. Local surfer, Brooklyn born & Raised Joey "Frroky" Giuseppe Giamona blows up his drums like he's pissed about the end of the Supranos in this experimental post punk apocalyptic mind Fark of a band. If you like Sonic Youth and Earth destroying robots then you'll love this. This trio grew up together in BKLN since they were tiny tater tots & puts on an energetic, powerful & fun set. Its a Saturday night, WTF else is better then this! Follow the Flyer! Can you hang?

Heres Frroky doing what he do in the NYC surf scene!

iPhoney!

2009-04-23T06:43:00.000-07:00

Thanks for the Goodbye cake everyone, I'll Miss youall at Biology Camp!
Look even has a lil picture of me on a boogey board when I was little!

I dont wanna go, I'd rather end it! HARI KARI!!!!

Thanks for talking sense into me Psycho! Heres a cold one on me!

Just had to rub this in while we got waves this week! LOL! Cheers Jeff Anthony! Hope to see ya soon!

BOTTOMS!

2009-04-20T04:33:00.000-07:00

No, Not this bottom,

This bottom. lol!
I custom painted the bottom of my Lost Quad. If you want someone to custom paint your board, Let me know. I don't do this very often but I might consider doing more since the economy is kicking my ass! Click the pic below to see the full size image.

A PICTURE IS WORTH A 1000 WAVES

2009-04-19T13:22:00.000-07:00

Slices the wave like a Ginsu chef!! You gotta love the Tanker in the background. NYC waterways rule!

Local Surfers from Rockaway create nycwatershots.com Above Jimmy Brady, co-owner of the company.

Copy this link & see the site,
www.nycwatershots.com
Or, click their avatar on the right.

Great guys, great surfers & a great site. I mean who would you want to get a good shot of you? Someone standing o a boardwalk with little knowledge of the sport or would you have a seasoned waterman who knows the wave in his home town better then you know you own backside? Local surf hero, Firefighter, Jim paddles out with his cam to grab some really nice up close pictures. Aaaaaand you'll be supporting local artists & friends! They have skills. Check out their images from the water. A rarity in these parts but with their skill as surfers, they will probably produce some great shots in the years to come, maybe a few of you. Hey, ya never know, go check out their galleries & see if your in there.

Cheers all! The Bride has a fat brandy waiting for me! see yas in the line up!

1 FOR THE ROAD.
Heres Jimmy ducking Cloud Break.

MELT YOUR FACE!

2009-04-09T06:18:00.001-07:00

For all you fans of Surf Punk Psychobilly Rock & Roll, Legendary NYC Guitar players & just happen to be in Manhattan sipping away your brain cells, then check this out. From Simon Chardiet himself.

"On Friday April 10..
I'm playing with BBQ Bob and the Spare Ribs,my first nyc show with them in 2 1/2 years at...rodeo bar 375 3rd av><27th street at 10 im am assuming the psuedonym "J. Paul Ghetto"for this event.please all come out for this-I need allies!

Fri 24 april with my jazz band the Blue Greens at Sunnys Bar 253 conover street-red hook bklyn,ny.(by the fairway supermarket,or beard st stop on b61 bus)10pm All shows no cover.live music is the perfect antidote for the recession!!"

Cheers all, hope to see yas there supporting a fellow surfer!
Psycho

Oddity

2009-04-08T08:52:00.000-07:00

Well its odd being its April 8th & we just got snow. The West winds have been honking & there really hasnt been too much for surf round these parts but on another note, Check out Dailystoke.com & read up on some of the pros, their standings & some great interviews with people Like Andy Irons. At least it keeps my mind in the water when I'm sitting out. Coming soon, be on the look out for "Ronshores" take on the New Rip Curl H-bomb Heated wetsuite.

In other related News, the FTW shop in Rockaway Beach has finally opened. Its grande opening party had a visit by a few local hero's & some Pros from out west. I think the owner put to rest any shadow of a doubt & threw a solid opening packed shoulder to shoulder with local parents, kids, surfers & passerby's. Even Local mentor & surf shop owner Steve Stathis stopped by to wish the shop well. The openeing helped in telling people about plans to organize the surf community & support programs for contests & young surfers to get into the game. Local favorite band Indiculture mellowed it out with their chill surf styles & loaded up with acoustic power & an upright base player drew in almost any one from any era. I guess we'll see how FTW hold up. Its risky name has caused quite the contreversy so its up to him to to make it work. Good luck to him.

Cheers,
Psycho

Sticks to your Ribs

2009-04-03T03:40:00.000-07:00

Tonight is the grand opening of the FTW store in NYC. Instead of following larger surf companies interested in only the Manhattanite fashionistas, Owner Robbert Vaughn of the famed Von Dutch clothing company decided to completely think outside the box. Growing up & surfing the pro circuit in Cali, he thought moving to NYC would never bring him close to the water again. He found waves right here in NYC & decided to make it his home. He was so stoked in fact that the 1st time I saw him out in the water he had the look of a 10 year old zooted up on Jolt Cola. It was a cold kegger day & he was throwing down like a Volcom video. The guy can surf. He brings with him a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the surfing industry as well as a place to base his new clothing line "FTW" and into a community that can be very skeptical of outsiders but that doesn't seem to bother him much. His store will even in fact be different from the other local shops simply because he is not catering to the usual beginner or long board crowd that seeks out boards for their newer level of riding but a more core short board shop which doesn't exist here in NYC. You'd probably find something more like in on the west coast. Hopefully they can add to the local economy and his shop doesn't look like anything we're used to seeing around this area.

If your not doing anything stop by the grand opening party featuring everyones favorite local band "Indiculture" on 116th st. tonight. Starts at around 7pm till whenever.

Also Cheers to Stoked mentoring, if you haven't heard of it, you need to. Read more about it here,

http://newyork.timeout.com/articles/own-this-city/73007/stoked-mentoring-cause-of-the-week

Great Job Steve!

THEY DO GROW UP FAST

2009-04-02T07:54:00.000-07:00

Well it looks like the local killer grom has grown up & got himself a Geology degree & has his 1rst job upstate NY studying um, uh, Geolisticle stuff, but if your around the Tap & Grill in good ole Rockaway Beach NY April 2, swing by his last night of work at the bar & send him off proper. He's been there since the beginning & in my opinion 1 of the best Bartenders there. He is responsible for more of the damage to my liver then I am. I never had to tell him what I drank & it was always sitting on the bar when I got there! He will be missed for sure. He will be lanlocked where he's going so for good times sake, heres a few shots of our boy killin it!

Cheers Jeff & Good luck bro!

Eye Candy

2009-03-30T13:49:00.000-07:00

Here is a short unedited test clip from "Shadows of the Same Sun" featuring Will Hallet, owner of NYNJSurf.com. Stay tuned for more on the "Shadows" project from behind the scenes & more. Not bad for a guy with NO BUDGET! lol!

Sony V1U Redrock Light test from Thomas Brookins on Vimeo.

Heres a short for your pleasure that was shot & edited by Myself & Noah Ward of a very cold day here in NYC. The few surfers that were out were VERY cold & most of them had a hard time dealing with NYC's harsh 17 degree 30 MHP winds in the 38 degree waters in the middle of a snow storm. Props to them for giving it a go anyhow! Just an amazingly fun winter day. Enjoy!

Cheers,
Psycho

March 2nd, 2009 from Noah Ward on Vimeo.

THATS ENTERTAINMENT

2009-03-30T05:03:00.000-07:00

So we've had so many bands from all over the world submit so much great music for this movie its hard to choose between them all. Stop by my Myspace page to hear some of the submissions & visit their pages for more info on th bands themselves & upcoming shows & Tour dates.

http://www.myspace.com/psychovideo

We're not done listening tho so keep em coming. As an ex-musician myself I love hearing everything. Also, if you have any vintage surfing footage from New York pre-1980's or photos circa 1960's, I would love to see it. Photos Below courtesy of Steve Stathis at Boarders Surf Shop.

Please contact me at psychosponger@yahoo.com for more info. Who knows, you may be seen in a surf movie & forever etched in the history of the surfing city.

Cheers,
Psycho

Welcome to the New Earthmovers Video Productions Blog

2009-03-28T06:24:00.000-07:00

Hello all,

In this blog we will cover the progress of the upcoming movie in production now, "Shadows Of The Same Sun". Hopefully we all can have a little fun along the way & learn about many things related to the bonified Surfing history here in New York City. Tho its been pretty much forgotten over the years by many, there are people and families with stories of this city's legends and tales of the surf as far back as 1958. Here is a some mystery video from the 70's that we all regard as the missing link & with legendary guitar player Simon Chardiet and his band the Supertones kickin it up a notch on the sound track.

Also, a new generation of surfers make their own new path. Currently, I am still looking for people for interviews and information of surfings past all the while in the neighborhood, we are usually drooling over wave forecasts like any other surfers in the world.

So Cheers Big Ears!

Welcome to the blog!

Psycho