
If you hang out on the beach and boardwalk area long enough, you will start to notice the same unique people over and over. These characters make up a team of all-star beachgoers who add a fun atmosphere to the community. Of course, the most well-known member of this exclusive club has to be “Slomo.” His slow-motion tai chi-like movements performed on roller blades and familiar outfit is unmistakable. If you don’t know who Slomo is, then you probably haven’t spent much time on the beach. I mean, the guy has postcards and books for sale in some of the souvenir shops. On the beach itself, you can find “Red” playing horseshoes and blasting music from his makeshift umbrella bungalow almost every day of the year. Then there’s “Coach,” the visor-wearing gentleman who roams the beach with a football in hand looking for interested players. It doesn’t matter how good you are, Coach would love to have a toss. If he gets enough people interested, he’s quick to set up cones for a “real” game. His propensity to throw bullets all day long is nearly as impressive as his infectious grin and warm personality. So what does it take to achieve all-star beachgoer status? Well, from what I’ve been able to deduce thus far, said person must be consistent in displaying his or her talents. Coming out and trying to do something crazy along the boardwalk for a few months won’t make the cut. An all-star must live an alternative lifestyle with passion and gusto for the craft. This individual doesn’t think about achieving some kind of status — they do it because they love it. For this reason, longevity comes naturally. The other key trait a local celebrity must possess is a unique shtick. There are hundreds and sometimes thousands of people who traverse the boardwalk on any given day. Jogging every morning for 10 years won’t get you noticed by the masses. Wear a Speedo, blast a boom box, dance everywhere you go, but do something different to leave that lasting impression if you want to make the team.
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