Though the world has borne witness to many Greats throughout contemporary culture – the Great Train Robbery, The Great Gatsby, The Great White Hope, The Great Wallenda, The Great Santini, The Great One, The Great Escape, The, well you get the concept – but there is only one Great Miami Surfing Classic, and it happens but once each year in Dayton, Ohio. Wear your greatness with pride. Own the shirt. You are worth it.

The all new 2011 Surf Ohio tees – screened on Gildan 100% cotton, on either White or Sand.

Six surfing cities to choose from - Columbus (Olentangy), Dayton (Great Miami),Cincinnati (Ohio River), Lima (Ottawa), Cleveland (Lake Erie), and Athens (Hocking River).

Hate to admit it now, but the very firstClevelandedition of the Surf Ohio shirts in 1978 boasted the “Flaming River Masters Surfing Classic” on the back.  Many of my Cleveburg mates atOhioU.claim their Surf Ohio shirts later inspired a hometown bar band to record a 45 titled, “There´s No Surf In Cleveland.” I don´t know about that, but if you have one of these ´78 SurfOhiot-shirts in your archives, sell it on eBay and go buy yourself a new pair of Oakleys.

Whether you say I´ve since matured, mellowed, or otherwise grew to love the city formerly known as “the mistake on the lake” – the city that also developed a derelict waterfront warehouse district into the partyin´ “Flats” (now derelict again), where I once had my van stolen, stripped, and discovered up on blocks by Cleveland´s finest even before I heard “last call,” the city with more “Don´t Blame Me – I voted for Kucinich” stickers per capita than any other, the home of the Rock´n´Roll Hall Fame, which of course hosts its annual induction ceremony in, where else, New York – I am, in all honesty, very proud to present the all new, all cotton Lake Erie Masters Surfing Classic/Cleveland, Ohio edition of Surf Ohio t-shirts.

And what´s best of all?  They really DO surf onLake Erie!

Over the years,SurfOhiohas turned up in many films and TV shows, often being worked into the plot.  One such production was the 1993 teen film, AIRBORNE, which takes place inCincinnatiand was shot on location.  Its producers invited me down to the set at Western Hills High, where I met the director, Rob Bowman (who went on to later fame as director of the X-FILES) and his cast. Rob kindly allowed me to shoot some of my own photos of AIRBORNE´s star, teen heart-throb and actor, Shane McDermott, wearing theSurf Ohioin which he would be filmed later that day.  Being a huge movie buff, I relish opportunities to witness the “behind-the-scenes” action on the set.  I marveled at how the team of Hollywood set designers took an old 1930s-era high school cafeteria and, after using about four semi´s full worth of paint, lumber and furniture, turned it into, well, an old 1930s-era high school cafeteria.  I also vividly recall meeting McDermott´s two co-stars in AIRBORNE, a couple of young punks that, with my razor sharp assessment of talent, I very quickly ascertained would go nowhere. Their names?  Seth Green and Jack Black.

If you are going somewhere, don´t forget to take a little bit of Cinci with you – pack your Ohio River Masters Surfing Classic tee.  It may not be quite the same as a heaping bowl of Skyline, but believe me, it´s a whole lot easier to get by airport security.  And hey, whatever DID happen to Shane McDermott?

When I think of High Street, there are only about ten thousand memories that come to mind.  How could I ever forget those `home game´ Saturdays at the Ole Horeshoe on the Olentangy, capped by a night at the former biker and Shriner darts bar, Ledo´s Lounge.  The doorman, an old high school chum, waves you past the line that will each be paying the stiff $2 cover charge, and bam – into the heat, the humanity, the Motown of it all.  Wedging your way up to the bar place an order was big entertainment in itself, and I mean that in a good way.  Man, iced down Rolling Rocks for a buck. The Young Rascals´ “Good Lovin” booming wall to wall.  Wish I had it on film.  It´s the only place you´ll ever feel you were living aHollywoodmusical -”Paradiseby the Dashboard Lights” hits the DJs turntable, and 300 people spontaneously break out unabashedly into song, guys vs. gals.  If someone hadn´t dragged you onto the dance floor bymidnight, it meant check your pulse.  Or do another shot of Schnapps.  Heck, I´d buy a round right now.  I recall trying to talk the place into letting me print new t-shirts for them.  Even came up with a killer design to replace the lame softball team script, if I do say, using old clip art of a June Cleaver-ish gal winking and giving the OK sign, with a retro-neon font proudly proclaiming “I get lucky at Ledo´s.”  One of the barmaids- she was dating the owner.  Nixed the deal.  They would have sold thousands, I´m telling you.  I recently heard that the place is just not the same.  Of course, there was a time when that was simply code for, “they´re checking IDs.”

Good news here is that you can still get lucky in your very own Olentangy Masters Surfing Classic tee, accepted attire in fine establishments worldwide.  Even Ledo´s.  Tell `em you know me and you might save the cover.

Being old school, I´m not what you call one of those “early adopter” types.  But I finally got with the `90´s and gave some state-of-the-art disposable razors a whirl.  Though I thought my trusty Pivot Plus lubricated and shaved me just fine – always a good thing to be well lubricated – I was seduced by the masterful advertising for an all-new, hyper-efficient seven-bladed swivel-head razor, complete with the “ergonomically-sculpted ribbed-rubber flexi-grip integrating the same technology used to craft Italian fighter jet joysticks.”  The scientific illustration on the back of the bullet-proof plastic package clearly showed how, by the time the seventh blade crossed over my facial epidermis, I would be “experiencing” a shave so luxurious and close that I may not have to do so again for a month.  Which seemed a quite reasonable proposition since, even with a coupon for $3 off, purchasing a package cost nearly the same as filling my LeSabre´s 20-gallon tank.  Note to Marketing – eliminate 50% of the plastic in your bubble-pack packaging = cut retail cost by half. But I digress. Anyway, the exciting spectre of such an experience may have played a role in what happened next, when I gave this new-fangled marvel a wet run.  I was merrily shaving along in front of the mirror when – ggaahh! –  I was shocked to see a torrent of blood gushing from my left ear.  Well, dripping, actually, and from what remained of my left ear lobe. Apparently, seeing as I had never been in the Italian Air Force, I had been a bit ham-fisted on the flexi-grip.  For, while blades 1 through 6 were working their titanium-coated magic on my sideburn area, the 7^th had caught flesh.  I told you I was used to twin-blades. About this time, the piercing pain caught up with my visuals, and I let out an expletive that not so ironically rhymes almost perfectly with the name of the culprit´s manufacturer.

Well, that´s not what I´m here to talk about today.   But this story does remind me to let you know that, just like Surf Ohio was doing “back in the day,” the 2011 Ottawa Masters Surfing Classic artwork is screenprinted on trusty `ol heavyweight Gildan Ultra 100% preshrunk cotton tees.   Surf Ohio is proud to salute Lima, Ohio – a well-lubricated surfing mecca that´s packaged fine with us.

Whether you´re rockin´ the house, combing the beach, or grabbing some air, the brand new Surf Ohio “SO” euro-oval shirt is the do-it-all-anywhere design for you!  Inspired by the ever-popular black and white “SO” oval Eurostickers, this premium all-cotton white tee features the stretched oval logo, screened in vibrant black ink on the center chest, with the Surf Ohio – Since 1978 logo centered on the upper back.  Elegant in its simplicity, yet unrefined in its ruggedness.  Or something like that.  And only $15 each for adult sizes Small thru XLarge, $17 each for 2XLarge.  Plus, each shirt comes with a free “SO” oval Eurosticker – a $2.50 value!

Shipping and handling separate.

On sale right now for $12.50!

2010 Surf Ohio tees - screened on Gildan 100% cotton.

Six surfing cities to choose from - Columbus (Olentangy), Dayton (Great Miami), Cincinnati (Ohio River), Cleveland (Cuyahoga), strong>Lima (Ottawa River), and Athens (Hocking River).

2010 Surf Ohio tees – screened on Gildan 100% cotton.

Six surfing cities to choose from – Columbus (Olentangy), Dayton (Great Miami), Cincinnati (Ohio River), Cleveland (Cuyahoga), strong>Lima (Ottawa River), and Athens (Hocking River).

2010 Surf Ohio tees – screened on Gildan 100% cotton.

Six surfing cities to choose from – Columbus (Olentangy), Dayton (Great Miami), Cincinnati (Ohio River), Cleveland (Cuyahoga), strong>Lima (Ottawa River), and Athens (Hocking River).

2010 Surf Ohio tees - screened on Gildan 100% cotton.

Six surfing cities to choose from - Columbus (Olentangy), Dayton (Great Miami), Cincinnati (Ohio River), Cleveland (Cuyahoga), strong>Lima (Ottawa River), and Athens (Hocking River).

2010 Surf Ohio tees - screened on Gildan 100% cotton.

Six surfing cities to choose from - Columbus (Olentangy), Dayton (Great Miami), Cincinnati (Ohio River), Cleveland (Cuyahoga), strong>Lima (Ottawa River), and Athens (Hocking River).

2010 Surf Ohio tees – screened on Gildan 100% cotton.

Six surfing cities to choose from – Columbus (Olentangy), Dayton (Great Miami), Cincinnati (Ohio River), Cleveland (Cuyahoga), strong>Lima (Ottawa River), and Athens (Hocking River).

The 2009 Surf Ohio tees – screened on Gildan 100% cotton, on either White or Tan.

Five surfing cities to choose from - Columbus (Olentangy), Dayton (Great Miami),Cincinnati (Ohio River), Cleveland (Cuyahoga), and Athens (Hocking River).

The 2009 Surf Ohio tees – screened on Gildan 100% cotton, on either White or Tan.

Five surfing cities to choose from - Columbus (Olentangy), Dayton (Great Miami),Cincinnati (Ohio River), Cleveland (Cuyahoga), and Athens (Hocking River).

The 2009 Surf Ohio tees – screened on Gildan 100% cotton, on either White or Tan.

Five surfing cities to choose from - Columbus (Olentangy), Dayton (Great Miami),Cincinnati (Ohio River), Cleveland (Cuyahoga), and Athens (Hocking River).

The 2009 Surf Ohio tees – screened on Gildan 100% cotton, on either White or Tan.

Five surfing cities to choose from - Columbus (Olentangy), Dayton (Great Miami),Cincinnati (Ohio River), Cleveland (Cuyahoga), and Athens (Hocking River).

Edition #3: Great Miami Masters Surfing Classic / Dayton, Ohio

Soft-hand screenprint on ultra-smooth, American Apparel sustainable organic cotton tees.

SURF OHIO logo on left chest. 30th Anniversary/1978-2008 left sleeve print.

Shipping & Handling: $5 – includes up to three shirts/items. (All orders are shipped within a week via U.S. Mail First Class)

Edition #1: Hocking River Masters Surfing Classic / Athens, Ohio

Soft-hand screenprint on ultra-smooth, American Apparel sustainable organic cotton tees.

SURF OHIO logo on left chest. 30th Anniversary/1978-2008 left sleeve print.

Shipping & Handling: FREE – includes up to three shirts/items. (All orders are shipped within a week via U.S. Mail First Class)

Edition #4: Ohio River Masters Surfing Classic / Cincinnati, Ohio

Soft-hand screenprint on ultra-smooth, American Apparel sustainable organic cotton tees.

SURF OHIO logo on left chest. 30th Anniversary/1978-2008 left sleeve print.

Shipping & Handling: $5 – includes up to three shirts/items. (All orders are shipped within a week via U.S. Mail First Class)