WHAAAAAATT! I'm the first one that's gets to review Eastern Lines? That's pretty RAD! Long before 'the Situation's' fade or Snooki's "Poof," Eastern Lines has been a piece of shore lore as Jersey as Lucy the Elephant. Some in the Jersey surf culture might pan this place as the "touristy" surf shop or the "mainstream" one but that's usually just left over punk ethos that gets stale when you get older.
I am pretty close to considering myself a Los Angelino now, and when in Jersey I usually go to a surf shop closer to my break which is in Deal, but Eastern Lines will always have a special place in my memory vaults.
For Godsakes, it is where I bought my first boogie board and first my surfboard. I got a good deal on a retro Ashton that is literally as old as I am in excellent condition. (Its not anymore, the board you learn on never is.) The lead singer of Barry and the Penetrators, Barry works here and stays close to both to New Jersey's surf culture and "rock-reggae" scene which has grown by leaps and bounds since I have flipped coasts. The store itself does a lot to foster the musical revolution that started to grow when Bradley left this earth way too soon. The shops sells the CDs and promotes the shows of many of the local acts that comprise the music scene that is conjoined at the hip with Jersey's oft over looked surf culture. (These reggae shows are WAY more fun than that a night out at "Headliners" anyway.)
It's staff is helpful and knowledgeable. This place rings true with good vibrations. Two floors.
If I'm in town I will still go once in a while (But only in September though.) I refuse to get ticketed by Belmar township because it is impossible to find legal parking in the summer and I REFUSE to pay beach badge fees. ( Should be against the law. )
I do stop in when ever I go to the Belmar ProAm which is a really incredible event. Incredible off season discounts on clothes. The water is 70 degrees warm. The tourists and fist pumpers are not around. The leaves are changing color. The weather is perfect ( not too not not too cold ) They have stopped charging a beach access fee and the music is great.
FORGET SUMMER, THERE IS NO TIME LIKE THE FALL AT THE JERSEY SHORE.
Now after Sandy I saw the clean up effort on and the internet. Fans of the surf shop are lending a helping hand. If I'm in town for Christmas I would love to come and help out. This place has a lot of heart, a lot pride, and a loyal fanbase and represents all the BEST the Jersey Shore any way you slice it!
When I paddle out to Dog Beach, my new favorite surf break on the West Coast, I look at my leach and the fin of my board on which the EASTERN LINES logo is permanently emblazoned and it reminds me of my fondest Jersey memories !
DO YOUR PART!
REBUILD THE SHORE!
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