Tony G. on storm damage, roundup of more relief efforts

Editor's note: We finally reached Tony G. of Ocean Hut whose store is in one of the hardest hit areas of the Jershey shore. We also have a roundup of some other relief efforts taking place.

Because there are so many relief efforts underway, it is impossible for us to write individual stories about all of them. We will do regular roundups of how the industry is helping. We will also be checking back with shops that were impacted.

Please see our previous stories and press releases on other relief efforts by industry brands, retailers and non-profits, plus how shops fared, in our Sandy Relief archives.

Tony G. out of house and store for now

Tony Giordano “Tony G” of Ocean Hut in New Jersey was caught right in the eye of Hurricane Sandy when the storm hit. He called me this week to catch me up on what happened, and to tell me how supportive members of the surf industry have been to him and his family.

Despite losing three of his cars after the eye of the storm passed over, having his house completely flood, having to get rescued with his wife and son by the state police in a rescue boat, and having his shop completely looted the day after the storm passed, Tony was incredibly optimistic.

“First off I am very thankful for all the support I have gotten from the surf industry and all the people since the storm has happened,” he said. “I’ll take that energy to rebuild Ocean Hut as good as it has been and it will continue to be that landmark business that it has been for the last 37 years.”

“My family and I are safe. We are in the great hands of Kevin Casey, a surfer, and even though we are banged up, the building and sign still stand and we will rebuild Ocean Hut as fast as we can. We are hoping to get back into our home in one month. I still have seven insurance companies to deal with and have only been allowed back into my store for 60 minutes, but I am trying to stay as positive as possible.

“The surf industry has just been so helpful. Bob Hurley called me right as the storm was hitting to check on me, my Oakley rep drove down with a generator recently and I have had multiple calls from Bob Hurley, Bob McKnight, Paul Naude and Richard Woolcott.

The support from the surf industry has really given me the lift I need to carry on, and I am incredibly grateful to them.”

Lots of companies and stores are getting involved in relief efforts. Here is a roundup of some efforts underway.

Electric, Waves for Water, others, coordinate collections at surf shops

I also spoke with Bruce Beach at Electric who said he’s also been following the storm and has been worried about everyone there.

“These guys are like family; they are not just business partners,” said Bruce, citing many of the shop owners from the East Coast that were hit hard by Sandy.

Bruce said Electric has partnered with photographer Jason Murray, Waves for Water, Surfers Environmental Alliance and various surf shops in Southern California in a relief supply initiative specifically for the surf community to channel their support and efforts.

The drive involves several well-known surf shops as collection centers, including Electric HQ in San Clemente, as well as HSS, Becker, California Surf Museum, Killer Dana, Surf Ride, Surfside, LSS, Hansen’s, Catalyst and more. All are ready for donations, and Bruce said they have been overwhelmed by the immense support so far.

Electric HQ will act as the central hub and staging area for all items collected. Once Electric has gathered a sufficient amount of relief goods, a freight truck will be arranged to transport the items to East Coast relief teams and families.

If you are an individual or business who would like to contribute, or would like to follow the progress and learn more about the relief effort, please visit this specific fundraising page wavesforwater.org.

Contact: Jack Rose Jack@wavesforwater.org P.O. Box 57285 Sherman Oaks, CA 91413

See Page 2 for details about Hurley's relief T-shirt collection, other relief efforts