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PADDLE FOR A CAUSE
Jersey surfers go the distance for Dean Randazzo
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VIEWS:13201
COMMENTS:23
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By:
Jon Coen
July 18, 2008
Chances are that you have some kind of awareness of Dean Randazzo.
Maybe you remember him from the Tour in the mid-90s. Perhaps you saw the shots of him collecting the X Games MVP back in 2004. It's possible that you've heard about his bouts with cancer.
No matter where you're from, you may have taken part in one of the events to benefit the Dean Randazzo Cancer Foundation, an organization he set up to help other athletes stricken with the disease - a golf tourney, surf contest, bar event, or blood drive. |
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But aside from his family (Joe Randazzo just donated stem cells to Dean's last transplant) no one has supported Dean the way seven surfers did on Sunday when they paddled 21 miles around Absecon Island. The whole idea behind "Paddle for a Cause," came from Mike May, the 52-year-old surfer, shortboarder we might add, from Margate, New Jersey. May took to distance paddling a few years ago and had planned to do the 33rd Annual Catalina Classic Paddleboard Race, from Catalina Island to Hermosa Beach, CA, in September, raising money for the foundation. (Despite his three relapses, Randazzo's organization is still helping others.) Instead, May enlisted a hearty crew of marathon men, who saw fit to forsake a rare NJ summer swell for the cause. He could have opted for a 5-mile paddle, but wanted everyone to experience pain, just a fraction of what Randazzo has gone through. They were led by endurance-psycho Todd Desatnick from Cape May, whose idea of fun is paddling across Delaware Bay. "Completing a distance paddle can be achieved by any determined person with proper training," said Desatnick, as he came down from his paddler's high, "Uncertainties, like tidal flow, waves, sun, and biting insects along a course may present challenges, but that can all be overcome with persistence." Right with him was Cape May native, Gavin O'Donnell who "Commuted for A Cause" from NYC for the one-day paddle, renowned NJ power surfer/Atlantic City fireman, Franky Walsh, and May. Just a few strokes behind were Margate's Chris Maher, Mike Tkacz of Ventor, and Atlantic City Surf Club Founder, Tom Forkin. "I talked to Dean that night. He was laughing at us. Though we were crazy, but he was so thankful for the attention we bought to the cause."
-- Jersey's Mike May
They launched paddle craft from the Margate Pier through relentless swell from Hurricane Bertha, stroked southward toward Atlantic City, into the AC inlet, past Donald's empire and into swarms of greenheads in the back bays of Absecon Island - bugs that leave nipple-sized welts. "Paddling distance is about getting into a rhythm with your stroke, which was virtually impossible with a hundred greenhead humping your back at the same time," reported Forkin. "Apparently July is hatching season for the 'greenies', and they are attracted to dark colors. They were biting clean through the material of my rash guard." They met the Atlantic Ocean at Longport Inlet and paddled "downbeach," back to Margate Pier, finishing in about 5 ½ hours. "There were some dramatic moments. I was about 50 yards behind the guys in the Ocean City/Longport Inlet. I got hit by a line, lost my board, and got sucked back into the bay. Luckily, Gavin grabbed my board. It looked like the Colorado River rapids," recalled May. Walsh, who has proven himself from Crystals to Sunset Beach, was energetic throughout and even tried to snag a few set waves on the outside. "It's always something I'd thought about doing, but when I heard it was for Dean, that was all the motivation I needed," explained Walsh. "He busted down the door for other pro surfers from New Jersey and now we enjoy that lifestyle. We owe him." Each paddler had collected pledges from friends and co-workers. The Margate Fire Company, Harrah's Entertainment, and Surf Taco also made generous contributions toward the $3,500 total that was raised. "I talked to Dean that night," says May, "he was laughing at us. Though we were crazy, but he was so thankful for the attention we bought to the cause." Randazzo is recuperating from his recent transplant and chemotherapy. He looks forward get back to New Jersey and in the water soon. To help, check out DeanRandazzoCancerFoundation.org. Comments: (23) Add Your Comment
Aidan 08/13/2008 05:26 PM
Mike May ROCKS!!!!!
Pete from N. Fl. 07/24/2008 01:06 PM
I've followed Deans surfing career for the last 20 years and have to say every picture and video Ive seen of the guy represent surfing at its finest. Dean inspires more people then he might ever know. I pray for your recovery. God Bless.
Dave Schauber 07/23/2008 09:40 AM
Dean sent ya a few messages on your site w week or so after you got home from surgery. Can't wait to see you back in the water. You are the only guy in the world with a more beautiful bottom turn than Tom Curren. That double pump fade bottom turn back into the pocket is truly a pleasure to watch. La Libertad El Salvador @ Punta Roca will always be my favorite segment of you. I overheard Tom Carroll say Dean was one of the most stylish and powerful surfers he'd ever seen. To me that said it all.
Ben Shultz 07/22/2008 08:52 PM
Strong work guys. I'm originally from Ventnor, NJ. It's great to see that community pulling together as it always has to help those in need. Keep your head up Dean, you'll beat it again just like in the past.
David A. Woods 07/22/2008 01:25 PM
Dean "The Dazzler" Randazzo--
You are certainly the most courageous human being I've ever had the pleasure to meet, know, surf with, taking care of industry buisness, and a few ales, and all that time still to be my friend. I can't wait to go for a surf real soon. We at Aviso Surfboards stand behind your fight, and for me personally, I know you'll be out in the glorious Ocean, involving your life with Mother Nature and your family again, shredding in no time for sure!
Take Care-Much Respect!
Viviane Mason(San Diego) 07/22/2008 08:39 AM
Hey Dean,
Mike and I (cherry hill) are crossing our fingers that this time is going to be your remission. Keep up this positive attitude. My prayers are with you. Take care
Vivi
Deniz Ari 07/22/2008 05:33 AM
I still remember Dean winning the UCSD Sundt Open at Blacks Beach against Slater, Machado, Hobgood, Frankenreiter, etc. in 1999! Go Dean! (He rips!) double overhead and Dean is a guy who can just play with it...
Dean Randazzo 07/21/2008 07:50 PM
Just wanted to add a big thanks to Ed DeLamarte who also did a paddle in hawaii in May "7 mile miricle paddle"
Dean Randazzo 07/21/2008 07:46 PM
Great write up! I just want to thank everyone for all of the incredible support out there it has made this fight a lot easier. Its any easy time to get depressed but with all of the positive energy and support it has helped to keep the spirits up. Its great to see so much support for the "Cause" which will allow the DRCF to offer more support to others to help them in their difficult times. Hat's off unbelievable effort paddleing 21 miles! Can't wait to share some waves with you guys!
Miguel Pedreira 07/21/2008 11:41 AM
I just know Dean from the surfing contests he got at, in Portugal, since I'm a surfing reporter here. Interviewing him was always a pleasure and when he got to the CT I was really happy for him, as we also share the same ocean. I almost felt like a victory of someone in Europe... When I found that he had HD, I was crushed, but overwhelmed by his strength, courage and capacity. He returned to my country after the first blow and he seemed ok. But now I know he'll be ok again soon! GO DEAN! FIGHT!
Bruno "santa-claus" 07/21/2008 10:46 AM
I saw ,and talked to Dean a few times when he was in Portugal for the WQs !!! Hes tough and a full on guy ...so he has the energy to get it on !!!
Bob Hardman 07/21/2008 10:07 AM
Keep up the fight. Just read the clip and there is nothing like families and friends. Life is a gift, enjoy every moment, every breathe, and every wave. Surfing is a gift, be thankful to who ever got you in the water and why you first got in the water. Don't know you Dean but your positive fight is reassuring to those others going through a similar ordeal. Prayers to you and your family
Jill Landgraf 07/21/2008 07:39 AM
Way to go Mike!
John Logan 07/20/2008 04:10 PM
Dean is one of my best firnds and we have travelled the world together for years. His attitude is incredible and I will never forget the day we traded off close outs at pipe and each of us came up laughing! Dean will be back in the water ripping just like he never left! I know that boy too well!!!!!!!!!!!
John Logan Costa rica
rob 07/19/2008 09:02 PM
I believe most of the people who witness Dean surfing have been amazed. I was lucky to see him in San Diego, and it blew my mind. I will pray for your recovery Dean..
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