Duke & Sammy with Mike May

Swell Season

On this episode of the Swell Season Surf Podcast we have an incredible in-depth conversation with the legendary Mike May, a former New Jersey surfing champion and surf historian. The episode explores May's efforts in uncovering lesser-known historical narratives about early surfing in the U.S. East Coast, discussing figures such as Sam Reid, who was a protégé of Duke Kahanamoku. The discussion highlights the cultural ties between Hawaii and Atlantic City, Sam Reid’s complicated friendship with Tom Blake and their being the first to surf Malibu.
We also touch on the underinvestment issues facing Atlantic City, and celebrate the resilience of local surfing icon, Dean Randazzo and his current fight with Cancer. May has also contributed to surf literature recently with his new Children’s Book, ‘Duke and Sammy and is definitely worth checking out. May addresses the importance of preserving surfing history and fostering cultural connections while continuing to share fascinating surfing stories. This is one for the Surf Nerds out there. We hope you enjoy this episode of the Swell Season Surf Podcast.
To Follow Mike May on Instagram, go to @Hawaiitoac
His Book ‘Duke and Sammy’ is now available on Amazon. You can get a copy here: https://www.amazon.ca/-/fr/Mike-May-ebook/dp/B0DHV4FHZL
The Swell Season Surf Podcast is recorded by The NewsStand Studio at Rockefeller Center in the heart of Manhattan and is distributed by The Swell Season Surf Radio Network. For more information, you can follow @swellseasonsurfradio on Instagram or go to our website: www.swellseasonsurf.com
Music:
Artist: Bruce Springsteen
Song: Thundercrack (Studio Outtake 1973)
Album: Tracks
Show Notes:
00:00 Introduction to the Swell Season Surf Podcast
01:19 Meet Mike May: New Jersey Surf Legend
01:52 Mike May's Surfing Journey
02:19 Contributions to Surfing and Community
02:59 Mike May's Personal Life and Current Adventures
03:21 Mike May Joins the Podcast
03:39 East Coast vs. West Coast Surfing
06:07 Mike May's Historical Surfing Research
16:14 The Story of Sam Reed
23:51 Reflections on Surfing Culture and History
35:33 George Gerlach's Influence on Surfing
38:25 Mike May's Children's Book on Sam Reed
47:56 The Evolution of Surfing in Atlantic City
53:16 Blake's Influence on Surfing
54:02 The Kook Box Controversy
54:54 Sam Reid and Tom Blake: A Tale of Two Surfers
59:24 The Legacy of Duke Kahanamoku
01:04:15 The Dark Ages of Surfing
01:05:00 Founding the New Jersey Surfing Hall of Fame
01:11:58 Atlantic City's Rise and Fall
01:23:00 Dean Randazzo's Battle and Legacy
01:29:17 Closing Thoughts and Future Projects
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