The Lion Fish....

The Lion fish is an effective predator. They use their long feather-like pectoral fins to herd small fish and then instantly snap them up. There is no known predator that feeds on the lion fish in the Atlantic, so its' population may grow unchecked and create havoc for fisheries and coral reefs in the years to come.

On another note, all who are ready to challenge the 2nd challenge of the 88....it starts July 1st. For more details on how ANYONE from ANYWHERE at ANYTIME can win a free $600 new surfboard, $500 shopping spree or $400 cold hard cash then click: 2ndChallenge88

The Hobgoods

We're going with the Hobgoods for our Florida Lobsters. First reason is simple - they're from Florida. Second - they look exactly alike! Just kidding of course they do they're twins. The Hobgoods are a great example however, of the old leading the young - much like the Florida Lobsters. Not that the Hobgoods are old by any means, but on the World Tour they are two of the veteran competitors and are known to take guys that are new to the tour under their wing. There of course is also the example of the Hobgoods themselves following the old - being the Lord. For a couple of good interviews with the brothers check these links out Damo - CJ

The Florida Lobster...AKA: "Bugs"

The best that Florida has to offer as far as taste in my humble opinion.....and it is JUST my opinion. If you've ever been lobstering for the spiny lobster and then grilled out that night with drawn butter and old bay seasoning, you would agree that the entire experience is one you will never forget. The male lobster is called a cock and the female a hen/chicken. Similar to dolphins, lobsters will use complicated signals to establish social relationships. They sometimes walk with each other hand-in-hand, the old leading the young.

Lets go with Taylor Knox for the Sunfish....

Why not go with Taylor here...he's been around the longest and keeps getting bit by all the sharks in competition over and over. The guy is consistent in delivering an average performance in the Sun & Surf and will always be remembered as one of the biggest in competition.

The Ocean Sunfish

The Ocean Sunfish is the largest "boney" fish in the world. They are native to tropical and temperate areas of every ocean in the world. The sheer size and thick skin of the adult form of the creature deters many smaller predators. Despite their size and appearance, ocean sunfish are actually docile and pose no threat to human divers. Who could the Sunfish of the surfing world be??? Stay tuned for some more thoughts on these giants of the ocean.

Mr. Kelly Slater.....The Greatest of the Great White Sharks

We chose Mr. Kelly Slater as the Great White for no other reason than: He is the most feared & respected surfer in the sea of competitive surfing. When this guy enters the water, whatever he decides goes in his arena that he most certainly controls. Not only does he feed on the weak fish/surfers that are less experienced, but on land he radiates confidence like you have never seen and probably won't ever see again in the competitive world of surfing. Kelly wins heats before he even starts his feeding frenzy in the water. The greatest of all sharks no doubt with the biggest bite when he is hungry or thinks he deserves a win. To see more on his surfing click: Slats

The Great White.......

Alright.....you knew it was coming, The Great White Shark: Great whites don’t attack seals at random: instead they wait for their prey at a home base and return to it time and again for their feeding. Who does this sound like on the ASP world tour? I can stop here no doubt and offer up this for the 2nd challenge of 88 that starts July 1st: If you guess this Surfer within 3 tries, you will get "3" .........YES, that's right, three questions answered on the 2nd challenge. How easy can it be?

Matthew 5:16

In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Turning Point "Beast Feast"

Click here if you are looking for a church to call home: TurningPointChurch

Come join Clint and the guys this Tuesday night at 6:30pm for the "Beast Feast". Gander Mountain and Shooter Choice Sponsored event behind the Church (Turning Point) West of I95 on Sr16 (1-2 miles on right). There will be Skeet Shooting, Archery and plenty more from a speech of a former "Mob Leader". Learn how he changed his life and is now the only known person to ever leave the mafia without being killed or in other words they use: "Silenced".

The First Person to WIN the "1st of 8" in The PIT 88 Challenges!!

Congrats to Casey Cruciano for taking home the WIN and new board on the 1st Challenge of 88! (nice photo of Mr. Cruciano as well) HEADS UP!!The 2nd challenge will begin July 1st so keep getting ready and familiar with the website in the meantime.

While Casey was able to answer some questions from his knowledge prior to the Challenge starting, I Can assure you that ALL the answers were either "Common Sense" or clickable on the website. You might have had to watch a movie as well. Here are a few questions we ask Casey in an interview after winning:

1) Was the contest hard?
It was harder than I anticipated, and lasted longer than I thought it would. About 90% of the questions were straight off the web, so those were fairly simple to find with search engines and from the PIT website or it's links. But the other 10% did require a deeper level of knowledge of the shop to figure them out. I think I spent a few hours wandering around the shop hoping to find a secret room with all of the answers. FYI - there is no such room, I've searched the premises thoroughly.
2) Did you learn anything? If so, what?
I learned a lot more about what the shop carries. In fact, I told someone out in the water this morning that the PIT 5-fins sell for less than $400. It was cool to be able to direct them on the exact price and where to find them in the shop.
3) What was the easiest question? What was the hardest?
The easiest question was also the hardest for me. That was #9 - What are the PIT's hours? When I first heard about the PIT 88 Challenge and started answering the questions, I brushed over this one too quickly and typed in the wrong answer. After submitting my answers a second time but still having some incorrect, I didn't even think to recheck this one. All along, I never double-checked this answer like I did all the others. My wife finally suggested I check it, low and behold, that was the answer I needed to win. Thanks, Jen!
4) Would you do it all over again?
Of course - I'll challenge all the challengers out there for the next surfboard. Don't let me walk away with 2 in a row!
5) Do you plan on entering the next 7 Challenges?
Yep - There will be no more holes in my quiver after the PIT Challenge is over.
6) Did you follow the directions?
Yep.
7) If you had it to do over again, what would you do different?
My advice for everyone else out in web land is as follows:
(1) Click every page on the PIT website and all the links, and for the answers that aren't on the web, hang out at the shop until you figure out the rest. If all else fails, buy some gear until the employees have mercy on you and tell you the answer you need.
(2) Don't turn in your first submission until you think you have them all correct. Since you are only allowed 3 submissions, you have to use them wisely or you will run out.
(3) Don't give up and not try because there are a lot of questions. The overwhelming majority take time and patience, but not a lot of brainpower to figure out.
(4) Check the PIT Surf Shop homepage each day for free questions answered, that is the easiest way to figure out a hard one that has you stumped.
(5) Solve the next one before I do!

** ALL of Casey's correct answers will be posted on the Contest link as soon as we peons can figure it out while the manager is gone on vacation....I feel like Forest Gump
A good read: Psalms 103:13

"The Bobbie Monster"

Bobby

d.o.b.: May 26, 1982

born: Santa Barbara, California USA

resides: Santa Barbara, California USA

significant other: Wife Cleo is Australian

offspring: None yet

hobbies: Cross training through boxing or by playing handball.

Currently riding Darren Handley's designs (DHD) along with fellow team mate Mick Fanning.

Bobby finished 6th on the ASP World Tour in 2006, his rookie year. He has also claimed three elite tour victories in his three years on tour, while winning back-to-back in Spain in 2006 and 2007. Always a threat to the ASP World Title.... and considered the "Monster" of the ASP world tour. to see more on this guy click: BobbyMartinezTheMexican

The Colossal Squid Of The Sea...AKA: "The Sea Monster"

The Colossal Squid can live at depths of more than 7,000 feet deep in the open ocean. They aggressively hunt large fish and other squid for prey. They are sometimes eaten by whales. Sperm whales will often be left with the scars of the battle.

Currently #1 on the WCT: Joel Parkinson....

Currently ranked #1 on the world surfing tour with 2 out of 3 contest wins...Joel Parkinson. Putting him nearly 700 points ahead of anyone else. It looks like the turtle of the sea "got started early" and plans on winning this race once and for all. Joel has been one of the most consistent top 5 finishers in the past 7 years. He is also the second biggest surfer on the WCT currently weighing in at a 185lbs. Other interesting info on Joel:

a.k.a.: Parko d.o.b.: April 10, 1981

born: Nambour, QLD Australia

resides: Coolangatta, QLD Australia

parents: Joe and Brian

siblings: Banica

significant other: Married his high school sweetheart Monica

offspring: two young daughters Evie and Macy

hobbies: fishing and spending time with the family

If you would like to see more on this Auzzie JS riding machine that "will" more than likely win the world tour this year click: JoelParko

The Loggerhead Sea turtle: AKA "Largest Reptile in the Sea

A loggerhead sea turtle grows up to 800 lbs and can be 3 to 5 feet long. Their shell color is normally reddish- brown in color, and the color of their skin is brown yellow. They named the turtle after their oversized head. They are also the state reptile of South Carolina. Here's a question for all who are challenging the PIT 88....Who always wins the race between the Turtle and the Rabbit? According to those little kids at the shop, they think ccr has a neck like a turtle (FYI).

The Biggest Fish in the ASP Sea

Did you see this one coming? I bet not...Jordy Smith...that other JS. We kept it nice and simple here, Jordy is the heaviest guy on tour, but don't think he's a slouch. So far he's sitting at Number 6 in the world and throwing his weight around nicely.

A good Read: Hebrews 12:1

Let's Tee it up for ALL you challengers of the PIT 88 Questions..

For the next 6 weeks (m-f) we will be blogging about the 5 LARGEST in the sea, the 5 most dangerous in the sea & last but not least.....Clint's favorite & neatest of the sea. We will be relating each sea creature back to 1 of the top 44 WCT pro surfers & the women's top 16. If you are able to guess the correct answer/surfer before the blog the next day we will offer up 1 question of your choice to be answered by us via email: pit88challenge@hotmail.com . More on the PIT 88 Challenge and its rules can be found at: PIT88 . If someone does not win the 1st challenge of 88 and a FREE NEW Surfboard by the end of this 6 weeks then we will for sure be asking Mr. Forest Gump how he clicks around the site and what would make it easier.

Now for today's featured creature of the sea: The Whale Shark, AKA: The Biggest of the Sea. It is a feeding shark and is the largest living fish species. It can grow up to 40 ft in length and can weigh up to 15 short tons. This distinctively-marked shark (white spots) is the only member of its family, Rhincodontidae. True story: I was in a 16 ft boat 10 years ago 3 miles offshore when one of these mammoths came just below the boat. I thought the bottom of the ocean just rose up.....They say it's rare to see one but I plan on seeing a 2ND one in the Atlanta Aquarium next week on the way to my family reunion. For Video Click: Whalesharkvideo

A Real Fishing Story....

You just never know what mother nature will be dealing out when you go offshore 40 miles to fish. We started late at 11am yesterday and just got back at 1am. If you've ever been 38 miles offshore, fished all day when a nasty storm comes up, and an engine goes down......you know you have a LONG night ahead of you. To make a very long story short and sweet: Always be prepared, know your boat & take people that can handle the worst of situations. We were lucky that we had all three along, and that my wife and the other women on the trip were NOT cry babies. My wife has good sea legs now, but I still have my sinus equilibrium problems. After throwing up the first time and laughing it off....I charged it like visa, did it like nike BUT on the third round of heaving, I decided to go to sleep or they would be putting me six feet deep. Something I will never forget. We actually did catch a few snappers and got to pull a 6-8 foot tiger shark off the bottom. Pictures coming soon in our blogs this week about the Oceans biggest 5.


A good read: Psalms 91

Fishing When There is no Surf......

Our Next topic for this coming week will be fishing and all the different types of fish in the sea. Lets go with the 5 Biggest & the 5 smallest fishies. Can't wait to learn something new, how about you? Has anyone watched the Planet Earth five disc set? Since there is no surf today, we plan on going fishing & that's all I gotz to say about that...(says Forest.)

A good read: Isaiah 26:3

The Piranha of the Surf Industry: "The Real Surf Shops"

ANY SURF SHOP THAT
PROMOTES THE SPORT OF SURFING
BY TEACHING AND OFFERING THE
EQUIPMENT THAT ONE NEEDS TO ENJOY AND LEARN THE SPORT.

This would be what we would consider the "piranha" of the surf industry and here is why in more detail. As the rain filters to the low point of the jungle and the water ends up back in the watering hole, you will find plenty of piranha "sculling" & managing that entire watering hole for the entire jungle that NEEDS the water. These watering holes can sometimes be owned by any of the Big Five or Nasty Five but surely are regulated by the piranhas likes and dislikes in that particular jungle. They tend to be & are very low on the surf industries food chain and are considered the dirt that holds the totem pole in the ground. They only eat the breakfast, lunch and dinner of the companies who try and sell the merchandse or keep the food for who "they" think deserve it. Bottom line: the food always ends back up in that watering hole that we know and love called

SURFING.

On another note: I sure am glad that the PIT 88 challenge emails are stamped with dates & times to help regulate the game/challenge of the PIT 88. for more info click: PIRANHA88OWNEDBYAMANGYBLACKLIONWHOLIKESTOCHASEHUG . It sure will be intresting who is the first to win the very first challenge......there sure are plenty of you playing But we ask you this: IS THERE NO ONE ELSE!!? WHERE ARE ALL THOSE LIONS? I think a leopard is going to steal it away. Only GOD knows but "man" can we not wait to see.

Psalms 61:2

Just In.."The King of the Jungle" Billabong (Aka: the Lion)

JUST IN: We are pleased to announce that the PIT now carries ALL that Billabong offers. New summer gear arriving every day so come check it out......

Lets talk about the Lion of the Surf Industry: BILLABONG. They truly are the "king of the jungle" in the surfing world. Their very smart acquisitions of the best companies in every sector of the surf an skate industries will no doubt insure their long term position in the world of surf. Billabong meaning: "The Watering Hole" has also made it a point to focus on real surf shops and not selling out to the huge retailers. They still have the best pro surf team of any company in the industry with the likes of: Parko, Andy Irons, Taj, Occy & Rasta.

For all of you that are playing the PIT challenge of 88, we offer you this: 3 questions of your choice answered, if you can tell us who is the Piranha of the Surf Industry that we will be blogging about tomorrow as our last comparison to the Big 5 & the Nasty 5 of Africa. If you would like to start playing or learn more about the PIT 88 Challenge & how Anyone-Anytime-Anywhere could and will win up to $4800 then Click: PIT88
A good read: Proverbs 8:21 (if your pocketbook is empty)

The "Hyena's" of the Surf Industry...

Any company who takes the sport of Surfing and exploits it to make cold hard cash, hand over fist is considered the hyena of the surfing world. They tend to have NO surfboards for sale in their shops and are teaching NO one to surf or about surfing. They truly embody the scavenger nature of the hyena. We picked this particular company since it is the most obvious but there are plenty more like Bealls outlet, any "mall based surf shop as well as places like Jc Penney, Belk, Berry etc. Yes I know, all of us have shopped at these stores but why don't we as "Surfers" support the core shops that promote the sport as well as teach newcomers how to surf? Be careful where you spend your money! You just might be paying for somebodys' yacht that wrecks, pollutes and crowds the most isolated areas of the surfing world. Think about that and visit your local friendly surf shop that in a wholesome way supports this wonderful sport of Surf & Skate.

The Cape Buffalo of The Surf Industry

Fox Racing has done an amazing job of starting small in the Surf Industry and picking up steam like a charging Cape Buffalo. The crew and Fox started in MotoCross and BMX and are hearding all of the action sports into one company, in true Cape Buffalo style. A great company that is just gaining speed and size...watch out for the Cape Buffalo of the Surf Industry.

While you're on the lookout for the Cape Buffalo, don't forget that the PIT 88 Challenge is still looking for somebody to claim the crown of the first challenge. Try it today and see how you do at PIT CHALLENGE

Lost is Truly the drunk "Baboon of the surf Industry"

Go ahead "Get LOST" ......He'll still find you.
Is this simple enough?

A friend of the PIT who lived upstairs.....

Ever know someone that just did not deserve what life dealt them? Sure you do......maybe it's you BUT for sure the artist of this PIT decal. Mr JR was once a tenant that lived above the surfshop and now because of a bad association and being in the wrong place at the wrong time he will spend the next 20 years in graceville correctional facility. After a few letters back and forth, Jr decided to draw up this incredible work of art and I just wanted to share it with the WWW. Jr was a good friend and also my plumber and Mr. Fix it guy while he lived at 18 A street. Please think of him in your thoughts as well as your prayers. There will be more to come on this wonderful individual as things unfold. Myself and a couple of the guys will be going to visit with him soon as well as a good surf trip on the west coast of Florida. We will be offering a T-shirt at the PIT party/cookout on June 20th with this logo if anyone is interested.

Hurley... "The Snake of The Surf Industry"

A Snake is a Snake... and in the words of Mr. Gump, "That's all I have to say about that." But in this case there are a few more words that need to be said about our snakey friends at Hurley. Hurley started off as a core brand formed for true surfers. Then after being bought out by a certain Goddess of Victory (ie. Nike) they started to snake their way into stores that you would never dream of finding a true surf brand. And then the others followed. Like all snakes watch out... they can be deadly. A snake charmed by Nike certainly will be amongst the most deadly... no matter how much they have to sell out.

To learn more on how you can win a New JS surfboard of your choice or any surfboard for that matter & win up to $4800 in cash & gear from the PIT then click here: PIT88Challenge

Name this Logo and get one FREE answer to any question on the PIT 88 Challenge

We still are studying the similarities of the companies in the surfing industry and how they match up with the African Big five as well as the African Nasty Five but for today......We are going to help out the first 8 people to respond that are playing the PIT Challenge of 88 questions with a smaller challenge: What is this logo symbolizes and what company does it belong to? If you have the answer correct, you will recieve 1 free question of your choice answered on the PIT 88 challenge. To learn more on how you can win a New JS surfboard or any surfboard for that matter & win up to $4800 in cash & gear from the PIT then click here: PIT88Challenge

Volcom....."The Vulture of the Surf Industry"

Lets keep this really SIMPLE...so that we can finally stop wasting the PIT's valuable time. The Vulture of the surf industry that preys on the dead and weak. "Just a black stone really" with no emotion for much other than anger, parties and their need to increase their public stock price by selling to department stores rather than "Surf Shops".

On Another Note: If you haven't checked out the PIT Challenge of 88 questions to win $4800 in FREE money & Boards then do so now: PIT . Make sure you study the RULES and this challenge will be yours.

Surfline Is Truly an Elephant of the Surfing Industry

Talk about an excellent business plan and executing what it set out to do on the WWW. Surfline is unmatched in it's ability to offer Surf cams and surf reports around the globe. Their slogan: know before you go says wonders about what their goal was when starting this project of being the biggest and best on the planet. When you're part of their crew and team, they become your family. They do like to hoard all the H2o at the watering holes by partnering and buying the best cameras at beaches all over the world. Tomorrow we will talk about the Cape Buffalo of the industry......any guesses or suggestions out there?

The Rhino of the Surf Industry....

We are going to have to go with Sanuk here for some obvious reasons on how they have just charged in and taken over in the most creative ways in the sandal/shoe arena. Not only did they make a product that everyone has to have for its simplicity, function and comfort BUT they have not forgotten about SURFERS and their need for style as well as durability. Sanuk is for sure the Rhino of the Surfing World and continues to blaze a trail that we're sure most can't concieve or follow. They are after happiness and balance and it seems they have both in bizzz. Scroll down to read more on the Big 5 of Africa or the "Nasty 5" of Africa.

On Another Note: The PIT Challenge of 88 to win up to $4800 is still in full affect after 1 month of playing the first Challenge. Would someone just take the time and go ahead and win this thing? We sure are excited about Callenge #2 and are ready to dish out the new questions......PIT88ChallengClickhere

A good read: Proverbs 1:33

The Leopard of the Surf Industry

We're going with Matix here. This may come as a surprise to some of you as Matix is not the biggest in the industry, but then again neither is the Leopard. Leopards are spread across some of the most diverse habitats in the world, Matix hits hard with a presence in the three major boardsports - Surfing, Skateboarding, and Snowboarding. Leopards are tactical and solitary in their hunting and don't often make mistakes, as a brand you wont find Matix in anything but the most tactical of retailers - no big box stores for them. Leopards are pound for pound some of the most fierce hunting animals in the world and are known to take down prey many times their size - no doubt this matches up with Matix. We all know Matix makes some of the smoothest gear out there, and what better word could describe a Leopard.

While you are surfing the jungle that is the Internet remember... "ANYONE, ANYWHERE at ANYTIME" can play the PIT Challenge of 88 questions and WIN up to $4800 in giveaways.......for more info on this very FUN Challenge CLICK: PIT88Challenge.

The First of JUNE

Today is the First day in June, and as such the first person to come into the PIT today was asked their favorite number 1-87. The lucky person was Ross, one of our star Surf Camp students for the week. Ross picked number 100 (he's 5..), so after we explained that it had to be less than 87 he picked #15. Soooo..... the FREE answer for the month is 15. What is a Banshee Bungee? An elastic bungee chord, that when connected to a large anchor is used to sling skimboarders or surfers into waves.

Speaking of Surf Camp... there are still a few spots available for the upcoming weeks, so get signed up quick because they are going fast!