Frigid temperatures didn’t deter the Island’s surfing community, which took to the water in 6-mm thick wet suits, resembling seals more than people as they paddled out in search of waves.

Each family has its own Vineyard specialty, a beloved summer-after-summer tradition that everyone cherishes and remembers during those empty winter days in February. Sometimes it is the patriarch’s birthday party. Sometimes it is the matriarch’s birthday party, especially if the house belonged to her family.  Sometimes it is a Fourth of July or a Labor Day event when far-flung family members assemble to celebrate.  One of our friends, who is not French, gives a lavish annual dinner party with many guests in honor of Bastille Day.

It was a time before Rip Curl or Billabong, a time before Gidget, before Frankie > (Avalon) and Annette (Funicello) or Beach Blanket Bingo. In the early 1960s, surfing was still considered a cult sport, limited to beach bums in Southern California and Hawaii.

By MARK ALAN LOVEWELL

Tropical storm Hanna kicked up seas, brought wind and rain, but had a lot less punch than anticipated. Harbor masters and shipyard owners were relieved following several days of preparations. By the time the storm arrived Saturday, the forecasted heavy rains and high winds were somewhere else.

Surfing Accident Leaves Visitor with Serious Injury

By MANDY LOCKE

A 51-year-old vacationer faces possible paralysis after being
thrashed against the South Beach shoreline by fierce waves Tuesday
afternoon.

George Medford of Ballston, N.Y., who had been bodysurfing close to
the South Beach shoreline with his son, snapped several vertebrae in his
neck when he struck his chin against the sand, officials said.

Winter surfing is a tradition on up-Island beaches.