Massachusetts: The Same Whale Washed Up To Shore Twice

We have many questions here. A dead whale washed up to shore in Swampscott on Tuesday morning, according to Boston.com. Moreover, the same exact whale was also found washed to shore in Marblehead on Monday.

Granted these two north shore towns are only about four miles apart from each other. Nonetheless, this is still a very unique circumstance.

"Several scars were found on the whale’s body when it first washed up in Marblehead, indicating a possible entanglement at some point in its life," Boston.com explained.

What is even more fascinating is that apparently, this whale first washed up to shore in April. It was then tagged on May 2. "Officials chose a location to dispose of the body that would best prevent the possibility of it coming back to shore," Boston.com said, via a quote they shared from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration spokesperson Andrea Gomez.

The carcass did not decompose, which is part of the main reason why the whale kept washing up across various areas along the north shore. How the whale washed back out from Marblehead on Monday in order to get enough push to make it four miles south to Swampscott remains a mystery.

If the whale's scars had traces of blood, it could draw sharks' interest. "Dead whales are notorious for attracting hungry sharks of all species, including great white sharks," the Miami Herald explains. This was after an intense attach on a dead whale back in March.

"Hungry sharks have descended on a 70,000-pound whale that died along Florida’s Gulf Coast, proving authorities were wise to tow it 15 miles out to sea," the Herald said.

Now we are obviously still in early May where swimming may not be popular along the shores just yet. However this is something to keep an eye one. Obviously shark activity along Cape Cod has become increasingly popular.

"Environmental efforts to protect sharks in recent years have resulted in a huge increase in the great white shark population off the New England coast," PBS said back in March as Conservationists began to track the surge of great white activity off the coast of the Cape and Massachusetts.

Whale activity in the area and especially Cape Cod is quite common. Whale watching out of Hyannis and Barnstable has long been a popular attraction for tourists and those visiting the area. In fact, they start their whale-watching tour experiences on Thursday, May 16.

The waves are starting to cooperate here in New England, so now is the time to get outfitted in the raddest gear. Here, I will take you through five of the best outlets to get surf attire in Massachusetts.

Over the past ten years, the shores of Rhode Island and Massachusetts have become hotspots for catching some of the best waves on the Atlantic coast. In recognition of the region fully adopting surf culture, major retail brands have opened locations in the area over the past year. Pairing national chains with local small business household names has made the area an east coast surfing hotspot. Jack Johnson, a Hawaiian north shore native, and the heart and soul of modern acoustic surf music, headlined the 2022 Levitate Music and Arts Festival.

The question is simple but the answer is complex. Obviously, the most crucial component to proper surf gear is a good surfboard. Many outlets allow you to rent, but once you are ready to take up the sport regularly, it's imperative that you have the board that is right for you. The best friend of the surfboard is a wetsuit. Often these items can be purchased from the same location. Though you can order wetsuits on Amazon or other digital retail outlets, they all seem to fit differently. Trust me, a loose wetsuit where water gets in the neck is one of the more initiating feelings in the water. Other necessary surfboard accessories include wax and a leash.

Finally, no surfer is properly equipped without attire to show you are a surfer when you are out of the water. Some of the stores we will list sell clothing that is representative of surf culture. In fact, one particular outlet makes their clothing with the beach in mind. They use recycled garments and often lead philanthropic efforts to help make our oceans cleaner.

Whether you are looking for a new board to hang ten with during the summer of 2023, or for athletic wear to sport while surf training in the winters, these five outlets for surf attire in New England are open and ready for you to cruise right in.

Where: 201 Newbury St.

What can I get here? The most comfortable and flexible athletic wear that you can feel great training or lounging in.

Selected item: Sunday Performance Jogger - perfect to wear to the beach during those cold sunrise mornings where the swell is best. Or - to simply lay on the coach in and watch football. Eight color options are available. Cost $98. www.vuori.com

Where: 1871 Ocean St.

What can I get here? Everything from boardshorts (year around) to fleece pullovers to longboards. And they also sell skateboards.

Selected item: Your first surfboard. A youth-sized soft-top (7 or 8 ft) can come fully equipped with a leash and wetsuit. If you are a youth beginner, this is all you need to jump right in. In addition, they often have boards from Joel Tudor or hand-crafted longboards. Regardless, Levitate always offers the highest quality boards perfect or east coast waves. Cost starts at $450 and up.
www.levitatebrand.com

Where: 131 Newbury St.

What can I get here? Denim made from environmentally sound materials, jumpsuits, and the most comfortable terry cloth sweatshirts imaginable. This brand was started by the most well-known and decorated pro surfers in the country, Kelly Slater. All of their clothing is made with sustainability at the forefront of manufacturing. You can read about their environmental efforts here.

Selected item: Hightide hoodie. Described as incredibly soft with legendary comfort, this is the perfect item to throw on after you have completed a surf session and are looking to wrap-up, sit in the sand, and marvel back at the ocean. This sells for $138.
www.outerknown.com

Where: 376 Gannet Rd.

What can I get here? NorEaster has established itself as the premier outlet for surfboards in New England. They have the largest selection of boards with a wide range of accessories. Their staff are professional surfers themselves, so they provide you with expertise that helps you to match your skill level with the right equipment.

Selected item: Daybag surfboard travel bag. Heading to San Diego because you can’t wait to get back on your board? These protective bags are durable enough to be tossed around in baggage claim while keeping your fully waxed board nice and safe. Cost starts at $149 depending upon size. www.noreastersurfshop.com

Where: 74 Narragansett Ave

What can I get here? You have all the shiny new gear now, how about setting up some lessons? This legendary, family-owned shop is in its 22nd year of business. You can walk through the wind-chiming doors to simply get a forecast or reserve your spot in an upcoming camp. Equally as important, this has become the spot to get Rhode Island branded surf swag. Trucker caps with gnarly logos fly off the shelves on a weekly basis. If you surf, you must show it!

Selected item: Narragansett Richardson trucker cap with “Surf Rhode Island” zip-up hoodie, combined cost of $73. www.narragansettsurfandskate.com