SURF NIGHTMARES

Cook; From The Bar Band Perspective Of What NOT To Do...

noreply@blogger.com (Surf Nightmares) — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 01:29:00 +0000

Hey Everyone!

I really liked Ben and Bruce's articles and wanted to chime in a little from the novice level, meaning someone that has played for a really long time, but never got out of the bar scene.

This is my personal perspective only. Now it's no big secret that I don't have a recording contract, multiple albums, or playing in a touring band. The internet doesn't allow for BS-ing these days. I'm getting started a late stage and it's simply because I want to. Some of what I'm about to say deals with Bruce's "magentism" philosophy in his article and my own mistakes "growing up" in the "trials of fire" in rock. If a lot of what I'm about to write is not addressed early on in your music career, Ben's article will never apply.

My first comment would be this; you should know your instrument before even trying to get into a band. I've spent countless years wanting to be in a band so bad, that I would jump at any chance to be in one. Whether they could play or not. If I felt like a friendship was there, I would put the time in only to be disappointed after a few months. So know your instrument, including vocalists. Yes singers, your throat is a musical instrument so treat it as such. If you're starting out, at least memorize the fret board's root notes. When learning covers it will save you TONS of time and get you out rocking a little faster. Sliding up and down the neck to find the note during a practice will be a quick ticket out of any knowledgeable band. So do some studying. It will pay off in a few months.

My second comment would be to pick like minded players similar to you in life first, and THEN musical tastes. That means similar music interests, discuss what your actual goals are before the first practice even starts. Does the band want to do just covers? Do they want originals only? Instrumental? Is there family involved? What personalities as a musician do you like to play with? If the whole band isn't on the same page starting out, then you've just spun your wheels again. The worst part is that you won't find out until it's decision time. So just don't be afraid to talk to each other up front. If one or two members aren't on the same page, can that line up, and keep looking. If they're mature players, they should understand and probably be content not to waste each other's time. That part I've been through and it's actually quite refreshing to deal with honesty and make a friend.

So, let's say you got your line up, the songs are picked, and your ready to go. Now, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!!! I've been in a couple of situations where we didn't practice enough, got out there because we were excited to play live. Yes...we were eaten alive. Trust me on this one; NO ONE likes to be booed or have a bad show. When one band member gets pissed, trust me the show goes down hill pretty fast after that. Watch out for friends that fill the band's ego too. That little red dude with horns on your shoulder can cause a quick head rush and bad decisions.

Now don't get me wrong on the above part. Get out there when you think it's time. Do a back yard party or two with friends and work the bugs out before going to the local venue. There's always bugs in the first few shows, so expect them. Pedals will short, amps can fry, and drum sticks break without replacements. Don't get frustrated, angry, and throw crap. Muscle through it and be a man. Odds are you'll pull it together somewhere in one of the sets. A crowd will be MUCH more receptive to a band that is trying to give a good entertaining show than a band that is seriously intent on perfection. The point is this, eventually you have to get out there and play. So don't wait until everything is perfect. It could be a very long wait.

I was given three valuable lessons over the last 10-15 years of playing bars and 20+ years of trying to rock.

1. This is from my guitar player's father Tom Kemp (RIP), "...people don't want to go hear a musician at a bar. They want to be entertained."

2. This one came from a sound man at an Earth Day Festival and it's one of my favorites, "...SHUT UP AND PLAY!" I LOVE THAT ONE!!...don't know his name but he was a smart dude.

3. This one comes from my interview with Jon Mulvey, "... whatever works man."

I'm going to close with this and it's a lesson that I'm very recently learning. If you do get to a point where you've made a few industry connections, don't over do it. During my RS360 growth, for lack of a better term, I've made mistakes in my haste to "be connected," and came across as over zealous on more than one occasion. Yes, I know that's shocking to a select few, but I have. LOL!!

So here's my advice if the connections start to happen.

SLOW DOWN AND GIVE IT TIME TO GROW. These guys work in rock for a living and there is still an amount of professional courtesy that exists. Don't bombard with e-mails, twitter, and facebook. Social sights can be a fantastic marketing tool for bands with minimal budget, but don't forget to be human once in awhile too. Most rocker's are cool and they'll get back to you when they can. They might be at practice, on the road, in the studio, or enjoying some QT with the family, or getting some deserved rest. Any connection takes time to grow into something else, so be patient. Remember they are people too, and some with families. Keep it in mind that music is a business and yes, even at the bar level.

Later on and pack the house!!!

Cook

SURF NIGHTMARES: Joe Satriani and Steve Vai's July 10th Benefit Auc...

noreply@blogger.com (Surf Nightmares) — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 17:28:00 +0000

SURF NIGHTMARES: Joe Satriani and Steve Vai's July 10th Benefit Auc...: "Hey Everyone!!!!!! Check out the benefit e-bay auction and benefit show being put on by Joe Satriani and Steve Vai!! The line up is PHENO..."

Joe Satriani and Steve Vai's July 10th Benefit Auction for Cliff Cultreri

noreply@blogger.com (Surf Nightmares) — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 00:26:00 +0000

Hey Everyone!!!!!!

Check out the benefit e-bay auction and benefit show being put on by Joe Satriani and Steve Vai!! The line up is PHENOMENAL and goes to good cause!!IF YOU CAN"T MAKE IT TO THE SHOW...NO PROBLEMO!! They have that covered too! You can go to live.GuitarTV.com for details about purchasing tickets to watch the show LIVE ON-LINE!! I'M SO THERE!!

The first link below is the e-bay auction link for Joe's custom JS1000! The second link is to Joe's sight with details about the show. CHECK IT OUT and spread the word!! On-line tickets are $5.99!! All proceeds go to the fund for Cliff!

Cook

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280706099042#ht_8631wt_1141

http://www.satriani.com/benefitforcliff2/pr.shtml

HEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Surf Nightmares) — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 19:57:00 +0000

SORRY FOR BEING AWAY FOR SO LONG!!!!!

Man it's been a crazy year for me! I've met so many interesting people via Rock Source 360 it's just plain PHENOM!!! So...here's an update and hit me up on Facebook! 'Cook Sean' Always willing to chat for a few!!

Check out Lonero via their sights and their new album "JFL" is SWEET! They do what they call "GuitarCore."

Then check out Jon Mulvey, another instrumentalist who's currently on an Ibanez Clinic tour and wrapping it up in the US.

As usual, always a shout Joe Satirani now of 'Chickenfoot.' They're recording their next album and I anticipate it to be AWESOME!!!

And last but not least....'The Hollow Glow" featuring Ben Carroll of Ra. It's his new gig and it sounds SWEET!!

I'll get everyone's links up in the next few days! For now, check out my Reverb NAtion sight at www.reverbnation.com/rs360 for my tune 'Rising Sun.' I wrote it originally as something else, but I dedicated it to the Japan tsunami. It was just so tragic and affected me immensely. It's just what came out. Tune is free and anyone can download it, share it, or use it. Not trying to make money off that one. My soul still goes out to them.

More Soon!!

Shout out to Corky Carroll!!!!! Go to Mexico and CHECK OUT HIS SWEET CASA!!

Cook

Jaime Vendera Interview Part Two!

noreply@blogger.com (Surf Nightmares) — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 19:42:00 +0000

Hey Everyone!!

Well it's FINALLY Friday!! Here's the second half of Jaime's interview. When he get's back we'll try to get him on Rock Source Radio where I'll be hosting an new series on Rock Source 360 Celebrity Instructors.

Have a good night and be safe!!

and here is the second half!!........

6.) Do you write books as well? What kinds? How many?

"Yes I do:) I've written 8 so for mostly about singing, but I've also written books about a positive mindset, self-publishing and teaching."

7.) Do you develop lasting relationships with your students?

"I try to make every student I work with feel special because they are special. Whether they do one lessons or fifty with me, my goal is that all my students feel good about themselves and know they can count on me."

8.) How hard has this road, honestly, been for you to get where you are?

"It's been a loooooonnnnngggggg haul. People think because I've written books and performed on TV shows around the world that I am rich and famous....I am neither. But I am doing what I love and that's what counts:)"

9.) Is there anything you would have done differently in order to get to where you are now?

"I would've refrained from drinking in my early years. Not that I drank alot, but I now see the damage it could've caused in many ways. It's great to have fun but if you want to succeed, you got to keep your eyes on the prize."

10.) Where has that led you to now and how many students do you currently have? Do you do workshops as well?

"I have anywhere from 20-30 students on a regular basis floating in and out, including many famous singers. I try to keep my teaching to a minimum because of all my other activities from writing books to conducting vocal workshops....So yes i do workshops:) In fact, we are soon leaving for Bahrain and then Australia to conduct our first workshop tour."

11.) What exactly is this "Rock Source 360," that we're beginning to hear so much about?

"Its an online training facility for musicians. You can study guitar, bass, drums, vocals, keyboards and other various instruments right online through a webcam. Some of our teachers include famous musicians. It's a way for a student to connect with a great teacher regardless of where they live on the planet."

12.) How was it that you became involved with this type of organization?

"It evolved out of a few friends brainstorming and grew from there."

13.) Last question, where does Jaime Vendera see himself five years from now?

"Living in Belize with his own reality show;)"

Jaime Vender Interview Part Two: This Friday!

noreply@blogger.com (Surf Nightmares) — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 01:01:00 +0000

The second half of Jaime's interview will be posted THIS FRIDAY NIGHT!

Also, Jaime will be in Baharain September 24-26 via Raise Your Voice!! We'll try to talk to him when he gets back on Rock Source Radio. Just click the title post link to go to the sight, then click the video for the details!

Stay tuned and see you Friday night!!

Cook

Jaime Vendera Interview!! As PROMISED!

noreply@blogger.com (Surf Nightmares) — Sat, 11 Sep 2010 01:00:00 +0000

Hey everyone!!,
As promised, an interview with Jaime Vendera the HUMAN GLASS SHATTERER!!

I have PERSONALLY witnessed this act while taping him!! Trust me, from what I know AND seen, it's taken him dedication to his craft and art form to create a technique that quite literally goes beyond physics! Seriously, think about that!

Also, as part of my transition to Rock Source 360 and Rock Source Radio, we'll be moving the interview segments to the Rock Source 360 "The Buzz" blog forum. I'll definitely announce upcoming dates here, but don't worry!! We're working out the details to post on "Surf Nightmares" as well! All things in time :-)

So without further delay, Part One of The Jaime Vendera Interview...

1.) Who is "Jaime Vendera," the guy who shatters glass and how did this come about?

"I am just a humble guy who is very passionate about singing. I started a website called The Voice Connection, to connect with other singers and interview great rock singers. One of the singers I interviewed was glass shattering metal singer Jim Gilette. Jim actually taught me to shatter glass and got me the MythBusters gig."

2.) How old were you when the realization came about your passion for music and what did you do as a youngster to pursue it?

"I seriously was one of those three year olds who performed on the dining room table for all the fam to see. I've always loved singing. And eventually after high school I moved to LA to study voice and continued there on studying everything about voice that I possibly could."

3.) Once you knew there was a fire inside of you, did you pursue formalized training/education and at what age?

"Well, I sang as much as I could, in school choirs and then started playing in a gigging band at 16 years old. I would literally play Wednesday-Saturday at some venues. There were times I'd play, go home, sleep four hours, get up, go to school, go home, rinse, lather, repeat..."

4.) Where did you receive your formal training and describe what it was like? Is this influencing your current direction?

"I studied at The Musician's Institute in Hollywood California, but I actually feel I learned more from pro singers like Jim Gilette. I would study, apply what I learned to singing and continue to refine it all."

5.) Most musicians attempt the "standard" route to success. They get their instrument, learn it, find some players, and just go for it. Your path to success seems to have taken a different direction. When did you decide that teaching was the best route for you?

"I never really thought about being a teacher until 1996 when a friend asked me if I could teach him to sing high because he wanted to sing songs by Dream Theater. I had a couple of ideas that helped him and I kept on teaching from that point forward. Ironically, now James Labrie from Dream Theater has studied voice with me:)"

That's it for now and we'll see you in a couple of weeks!!

Be Safe!!!

Cook ;-)~

DON"T FORGET: Tonight On-Line Interview with Jaime Vendera!!

noreply@blogger.com (Surf Nightmares) — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 20:28:00 +0000

Don't forget tonight at 9:00pm EST, I'll be posting the first of a two part interview series With Jaime Vendera, The Glass Shatterer of Rock Source 360.

Just a reminder and see you at 9:00pm EST.

Cook

Interview With Jaime Vendera, The Glass Shatter!

noreply@blogger.com (Surf Nightmares) — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 20:38:00 +0000

Hey Everyone!
Just a quick announcement. Jaime Vendera has agreed to do an interview! The interview will consist of three segments and will begin Friday night at 9:00 pm.

The Surf Nightmares sight will also still continue to go through adjustments as things progress. For now, I've made some updates but left most of the surf links at the bottom for awhile longer. After a couple of months, I will be removing them from the blog.

See everyone on Friday night at 9:00 pm EST!!

Cook

HERE"S THE BIG NEWS!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Surf Nightmares) — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 22:41:00 +0000

Hey Everyone!!
Well here's the big announcement that I can finally talk about! I didn't want to say anything until it was official and not jinx it! Well, as I mentioned in my last post that I was ALSO a musician, so here goes...

I've joined up with Rock Source 360 as an instructor!!

Rock Source 360 is an on-line teaching platform and it's the only one of it's kind. I'm beyond excited and proud to have been inducted!! Rock Source 360 is lead by seasoned industry professionals that know the business and are actually IN THE BUSINESS. I'm working with the likes of Jaime Vendera, the "Glass Shatterer," and Ben Carroll of "Ra," just to name a couple! So when I say they're are seasoned pro's, you can believe it ;-)~

If you're into music, you need visit this sight! Because of the on line platform that Rock Source 360 created, I can reach and teach anyone in the WORLD! I even have my lesson schedule availability set up through 12/8/2010. For now, you can reach us at http://www.rocksource360.com and I'll get the links section updated as soon as possible as well.

...Oh yeah!! I forgot to say that access to the RS360 sight is free! You just sign up and that's it!! There's no membership fees or anything like that. They also have their own Rock Source Radio which I will becoming a part of as well soon!

I'm also re-integrating Surf Nightmares into my new endeavor. I'm still attached to it, so I don't plan to let it go to the wayside! My new direction is to work on my original instrumental guitar project under "Surf Nightmares." I've gotten busier than I have ever been with music, so I'll try to do a better job of keeping up with my posts and letting everyone know what's going on.

I still can't thank all of you out there that have always taken a few minutes to stop by and take a look at Surf Nightmares. Every time I've gotten that e-mail of "100 hits," it just made me feel like I'm riding a wave instead of getting smashed into a reef :-)~ So thanks again to everyone for the support of the last two years!

Also, Jaime Vendera is coming to Australia to do some vocal work shops. I'll get the details from him and post them in a few days...maybe we can even talk him into an interview? We'll see!

Cook

Tide is Moving Out...

noreply@blogger.com (Surf Nightmares) — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 01:18:00 +0000

Hey Everyone!
Man, it's been a stupid crazy year and I have an anouncement for Surfnightmares!

Obviously, since I live in Ohio, the surf thing just ain't working out HA HA HA!!!!

I know it's a , "DUH!" moment but I gave it a shot and all you can do is try something. Where would we be if we didn't right?

So, with that said, I'm re-designing Surf Nightmares for a NEW venture in the Rock 'n Roll World. Details will be coming soon and a revamping of the sight will follow. So if you didn't guess, I'm also a musician!

EVERYONE, this is a pretty big thing for me and I didn't see it coming, just like those waves at Mugundus Bay. This time, I'm riding a different wave! I hope for continued support from all of the hits I received over the past few years, I really do, sincerely I do.

I appreciate the views, Corky Carroll, and Cris Rice his associate for putting up with me and some of my tenacious ideas ;-)~

Everyone have a good night, surf safe, and still feel free to shout out!...That means you too Pinky!!

Cook

THS SONG ROCKS!!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Surf Nightmares) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 02:38:00 +0000

All guys have either been through this, going through this, or will go through it!!

SUCKS TO BE US!!!

YEE F@#K ing HAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW

Cook

DRIFT IS BACK IN FULL SWING!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Surf Nightmares) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 00:38:00 +0000

Hey Everyone,
Drift Magazine is coming back, well probably as of today! I'm a little slow lateley...Anyhow, they asked if I would pass it along and in there words....

" We’re writing to you to let you know about the forthcoming launch of the new Driftwebsite, scheduled for June 2009. We’re contacting you specifically because we’ve previously been in touch, either when the Drift website was first launched back in 2005, or more recently when we published a printed magazine. This is your opportunity to see your work published either on our European or North American sites. We’d love to hear from you if you would like to contribute, so here’s an outline of the topics we plan to cover:
Interviews – In discussion with influential characters in the wider world of surfing. Met someone interesting lately?

Tell us about them.
Music – If it’s new, underground, alternative or just plain old good, we want to hear about it.
Film – Reviews, events, screenings, tours… Filmmakers, this is your opportunity to expose your work to the masses.
Travel – Where have you been?
Where do you want to go? Where are there waves worth writing about?
Environment – The issues affecting surfers the world over.
Fashion – We’re not about telling you how to dress, but we’d love to hear about people doing something new in clothing, technical gear and surf apparel.
We want Drift to continue to reflect the things that really interest our readers. It’s an evolving entity, a living, breathing being that’s fed by you and our readers. Our aim is continue spreading the word – that there’s more to surfing than rankings, scores and competitions – across the globe with as little environmental impact as possible.

We’relooking for:
Short, snappy, regular blog content (with pictures)
Feature-length articles
Photo/video/art
Portfolios
If you would like to contribute to our European network simply reply to this email, outlining how you would like to be involved. We’re really excited about what we’ve got going on, and we want you all to be part of it too, so get in touch. If you feel your suggestions would be more suited to Drift’s North American readers please contact our US editor Joe Conway (joe@driftsurfing.com)."

Corky Has Some Dates Available

noreply@blogger.com (Surf Nightmares) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:45:00 +0000

Hey Everyone,

Corky had a couple of weeks in May that were cancelled and became available at his home in Mexico. They are from May 2 to May 9th and May 9th to May 16th. If you want them, just e-mail him at corkysurf@aol.com or go to his websight in my links and click!! Trust me, they will FILL FAST so get it if you want it!!

Also, I'm going to try and get off my ar$$ this summer and make it over to the east coast. We'll see what happens!!

Take care and drop a line....I'm land locked!

Cook

Hey everyone

noreply@blogger.com (Surf Nightmares) — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 02:13:00 +0000

Well its Christmas and I think I made a mistake. I've been listening to "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" by IZ. There is a tribute video to him on you tube and it reminded me of island life, plus many things I've forgotten since being back on mainland. I've forgotten about watching sunsets, listening to tides, skin diving and the sheer closeness of everyone. I simply forgot.

I want to take a moment and at least offer an apology for any disrespect. For my friend in Guam, sorry about "outing" Mugundas, but beauty should be shared and Merry Christmas to you :-)

...and a very special Merry Christmas to everyone that has visted :-)

Sean

I'M NOT DEAD YET!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Surf Nightmares) — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 23:18:00 +0000

HEY EVERYONE!
I need a favor from everyone. Please go to : "http://surfnightmares.blip.tv" and leave some HONEST comments. I have three videos that I would like to hear some feedback on. Long story short, the more people that watch these videos and leave comments, the more it will get watched. The more it gets watched, the better shot I have of doing something video/film related!

I'm just asking for a favor if you guys can swing a few moments of your time :-)

Take Care and God Bless everyone for all the support over the past year!

YOU GUYS ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

COOK

Hello, Hello, hello....

noreply@blogger.com (Surf Nightmares) — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:25:00 +0000

Hey Everyone!
I want to say thanks to everyone that's stopped by the sight! Alex is doing better and is back in school.

Over the next few months I'm going to be drifting "Surfnightmares" away from surfing for awhile. I've decided to start dedicating some time to a solo music project I've always wanted to do. Complete instrumental guitar stuff, so stop by once in awhile. As I get stuff done I'll be putting it on the sight.

Take Care and have a safe Labor Day Weekend!

Cook

SUP

noreply@blogger.com (Surf Nightmares) — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 00:51:00 +0000

Hey to Everyone.

This past week has been not so good. Sadly, this is not a good surf story. My wife's step-son was hit by a car a week ago. He'll be ok, but the stress was horrible. A broken jaw, arm, internal damage, and last Monday we thought he was crippled. What she went through is something I can't possibly imagine as we don't have children together, being a little later in years. It was nothing more than a terrible accident and this kid has just been through so much and was really taking life seriously as an adult. College, health, and getting back in touch with reality. Then this.

His name is Alex. My wife began raising him at eight years old and she's the only mother he knows.

I'm just going to chill and not get into the details, just thought I'd share.

Everyone take care and like I always say, stay safe.

Cook

EAST COAST SURFING UPDATE!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Surf Nightmares) — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 20:26:00 +0000

Hey Everyone!!
I've been neglecting my bloggerly duties as of late. Mark at eastcoastsurfing.com has a new web-sight and I promised I'd let everyone know. Just go to:

http://extremesportsnetwork.tv

...and check it out!! In Mark's words:

"I just started a new site for Surfing, Skating, Wakeboarding, Snowboarding, Skimboarding, Sailboarding, ok... basically anything Extreme. Its free to join and upload your videos. I have also emailed some big sponsors letting them know about this site to check out new talent. The website is http://extremesportsnetwork.tv and is a lot like youtube but its for us extreme crowd."

So take a few moments and check it out!!!

Also, if anyone is in Belmar, NJ, I'm planning on trying to do a weekend surf trip and get back on a board again. If anyone is local and doesn't mind putting up with me for a day of surfing, get in touch with me!

I also took a new approach to the "mini-boards." I'll put a new video (better quality too) pretty soon. I'm getting ready to stain and glass one pretty soon.

I'll write more soon and everyone take care and enjoy the summer!!

Cook

Update and WELCOME BACK SUMMER!!!!!!!!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Surf Nightmares) — Fri, 30 May 2008 00:50:00 +0000

Hey everyone!!

The quarter is almost over so I'm going to try and start getting some more posts onto the sight. But first I thought it might be good to re-post my original surfing story. Actually, my one and only. With summer coming up I'm hoping some you guys send some submissions for the sight.

Also, the contest for Drift Magazine is still going on, so send stories ASAP!!!!!

Write more later and take to all!

"Here's My Gig"

"I tried to learn how to surf while I was stationed in Guam back in '90. I have been fascinated with it since I was a kid and living in Portsmouth, Ohio. Well the only thing to surf there was the wake from a passing barge. A good friend named Debbie gave me a used board she got from someone to learn on. The fun thing for me was that the nose was broke off so I learned how to repair it with some fiber glass. I was so excited that I was working on my board and getting ready to learn how to surf.

I had some good guys to learn with, one guys name was "Turtle." I Sware to God he looked like one but a little more excitable. We first went to a local spot down by "Hotel Row" and that's where they schooled me on respect for territory (I guess you could call it). Being a "howlie" on the island it wouldn't be smart to step on toes. One of the guys I was with went out (cant remember his name) and he surfed for about twenty minutes. The weather and surf was getting bad, we had a typhoon coming in a few days, so the surf was rough but good for the Island. It was too crowded so he came in and we went to a "secret" spot Turtle new about called Mugundas Bay on the south side of the Island. We got there, I saw the waves, and I was like in my mind, "...now that's what I'm talking about!" It looked like something out of a movie! Huge swells coming in sets of four. An absoloute wet dream for an experienced surfer.

Now here's the thing about this spot: You had to climb down about a 100 foot coral reef cliff to get to the water then swim out to the break. Everyone went out except for me and Turtle. His hesitation should have been my biggest warning sign. I think in the back of my head it was. But I started to inch forward and I remember he said, "Are you going out?" I knodded my head and he said, "All right, lets go" with a grin on his face knowing what I was getting myself into. We climbed down the reef and he went in like a fish. On his board and was half way ahead of me before I got my board in the water. I was petrified and even turned around to see if I could climb back up the reef. I couldn't because the re-entry point was about 100 yards left. I had no choice.

I put the board in and tried to paddle for the first time and got nowhere fast. I was getting thrown back towards the reef. I got about 15 or 20 feet from it and tried to swim out a little with board like a lifeguard. It got me about back to where the current caught me the first time and I don't know it happened, but I tried paddling and started to cruise out to the break. By the time I got there I just chilled on the board because I was exhausted. I sat and watched what everyone was doing studying as hard as I could, because let's face it I was pretty screwed at that point. I either had to learn how to do it so I could get back in or my ass was SCREWED!

Well, everyone tried to catch waves and no one was really successful a lot of attempts, but the Hawaiian caught a few, I think his name was Jimmey. Anyway, Turtle made an attempt and went in on his last one. Then Jimmy and the other guy went in too and I was left alone. I stayed because I though they were tired. Then they start waving me in and I tried to catch a couple of wave and they just went right underneath me. So, I paddle back for one more attempt. I caught the first wave on the first swell and I just FREAKED OUT! I remember trying to stand up for a minute or so and felt the power of that swell and man I was ELATED!! I did it! I got up!...then the second wave knocked me right off like a rag doll!

Here's my Surfnightmare: I started paddling in once I found my board and got back to what now became a "PFD". High tide was coming in early because of the storm. I kept trying to paddle left to get to the re-entry point but I was so far right I was doomed. The waves were crashing on that reef like glass bottles and I was just getting closer. I dont know how I kept my head. Somehow I used enough common sense to try and ride the waves up the reef and rock climb at the same time. I was getting smacked like I was a toy. Honest to God I thought I was dead. The swells were coming in sets of four and here is what I did to survive, at least that's the only thing I can call it: As the waves came in, I climbed with my board. I was getting cut to shreds from the reef. About a quarter of the way up I chucked the board and went into survival mode I guess. The waves hit me from behind and I remember screaming from the pain of the reef and that I was gargling the ocean. That was when I knew I was done, TOAST!

Somehow it happened. One more swell came in, another set of four, I kicked off the reef, and rode all four high enough that when they went out I would just power climbed to the top.

I made it to the top and walked forward at a fast pace to get away. I fell to the ground then saw the road. I was covered in blood from my chest down. I started walking down that road back towards the car and I saw my board floating out to sea. After that, everyone called me the "Phillipino Board Boy" since that's most likely where my board washed up, and I would have too if I had not climbed that reef and chucked the board into the sea.

I never tried to surf again after that. It became my white whale. Now, I might see what that whale is doing soon, but in a whole lot calmer surf ;-)

Have a surf nightmare? Post it!!!"

Cook

Hey Everyone!!

noreply@blogger.com (Surf Nightmares) — Fri, 16 May 2008 01:06:00 +0000

Just wanted to take a minute and let everyone know I haven't dropped off the face of the Earth. I've been busy with college, homework, life, work, wife, dog, house...you know the routine.

So keep stopping by and feel free to post a story in any of the comments sections. The gig is still on for Drift Magazine, so send submissions!

Later,

Cook

How about some submissions?????

noreply@blogger.com (Surf Nightmares) — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 15:51:00 +0000

Hey everyone,
Just wanted to see if anyone is working on submisions?????

Cook

SUBMISSION OF THE MONTH TO DRIFT MAGAZINE

noreply@blogger.com (Surf Nightmares) — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 22:58:00 +0000

Hey Everyone and here's how the submission of the month works:

The details are pretty simple.

1.) Send your submissions to me at pcook3318@yahoo.com or post it on www.surfnightmares.blogspot.com in the "Comments" link to this post. Mailed submissions are not accepted at this point.

2.) All submissions will be reviewed for content then sent to "Drift Magazine" for final selection process.

3.) "Drift" will choose the winner and publish your article in the printed version of the magazine.

4.) Winners will be announced on www.surfnightmares.blogspot.com and receive a printed copy of "Drift Magazine" with their published story.

5.) All surfers, surf enthusiasts, and want to be surfers are encouraged to submit.

6.) There are no restrictions to this contest and anyone of any age can send in submissions. Just try to stick with surfing related content.

7.) Submit as often as you would like.

****BONUS****

Come up with a good enough story with good photos, it could become a feature article! "Drift" is looking for some really cutting edge and radical stuff! Surfing doesn’t have to be the main topic, but it has to involve surfing.

So get typing! The dead line for the Issue 006 at the end of June is 5/15/2008

As always, surf hard, enjoy and stay safe!

Cook

COMING SOON!!!!!! SUBMISSION OF THE MONTH

noreply@blogger.com (Surf Nightmares) — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 22:27:00 +0000

SUBMISSION OF THE MONTH TO DRIFT MAGAZINE!! Details to be announced shortly, so get your surf stories ready for possible publication!

Cook

DRIFT MAGAZINE GOES TO PRINT!!

noreply@blogger.com (Surf Nightmares) — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 00:05:00 +0000

Surf Nightmares is humbled and EXTREMELY PROUD to have been personally contacted by Howard Swanwick, Editor "Drift Magazine" in an extremely important and exciting announcement!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Surf Nightmares is STOKED to announce that http://www.driftmagazine.co.uk/blogdirectory.htm has gone live with their FIRST PRINT of "DRIFT MAGAZINE"! Not only is the web-sight informative, easy to use, appealing to the eye, and just fun to hit, but now we can get a TANGIBLE copy right in our hands! Take a copy to the office, put it in your car, or leave it in the waiting room just to remind us what we love SURFING! So goto the web-sight, goto a news stand, or just go somewhere and get your copy of "Drift Magazine!" The UK surfs too ya' know!

Everyone take care of yourselves, surf hard, stay safe, and remember to send submissions and post on "Surf Nightmares." We're GROWING AND WANT TO HERE FROM YOU!!!!!

Later everyone :-)~~~

Cook