Coast Day has become a cherished Delaware tradition that provides opportunities to experience the wonders of the ocean and the latest environmental research in a fun, family-friendly format. This year’s event, to be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 2, promises as much excitement as ever.

A free event now in its 35th year, Coast Day is held rain or shine at the University of Delaware’s Hugh R. Sharp Campus in Lewes.

It is sponsored by the College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment and the Delaware Sea Grant College Program.

“We look forward to Coast Day every year,” said Nancy Targett, CEOE dean and Delaware Sea Grant director. “It’s fun for us and it gives thousands of people the perfect opportunity to learn about the importance of the marine and coastal environment and the research we’re doing related to it.”

In keeping with this year’s theme, Coast Day - It’s About You, the event will showcase how the efforts of UD faculty, staff, and students benefit the citizens of the state and nation.

In addition to meeting scientists eager to share their work through presentations and demonstrations, Coast Day guests will be able to try hands-on activities and tour ships, including UD’s state-of-the-art research vessel Hugh R. Sharp. They will be able to attend lectures by experts on topics such as UD’s wind turbine, local weather, and marine transportation, as well as a special presentation by the director of the National Hurricane Center. And they can attend a special ceremony recognizing the winners of two Coast Day competitions for Delaware students.

Throughout Coast Day, children of all ages will find fun activities to capture their attention.

A treasure hunt will allow them to search for answers to questions about the environment. Youngsters can also meet marine animals such as horseshoe crabs at the critter touch tanks. A chemical magic show is sure to dazzle.

The schedule also includes plenty of attractions for seafood lovers. In addition to the beloved Crab Cake Cook-Off and Chowder Challenge competitions, visitors can attend seminars presenting innovative ways to prepare seafood, watch ice sculptures of marine animals being made, and purchase seafood.

Those wanting to relax while sampling food sold by more than 20 food vendors may wish to take in a special 12:30 p.m. performance by the Northern Neck Chantey Singers.

Working to preserve an important part of maritime history, their songs represent the men who worked on the seas, and hearken back to the days before machinery replaced manual labor on menhaden fishing boats. The popular local band Big Hat, No Cattle will also provide musical entertainment throughout the day.

In keeping with its emphasis on the environment, Coast Day is a green event. Recycling stations will be available, and many food vendors will provide compostable plates, cups, napkins, and utensils that guests can place in special bins provided throughout the campus. In addition, bike racks will be available for guests who choose to pedal to the event, eco-friendly reusable bags will be for sale, the event program will be printed on paper from forests managed in an environmentally friendly manner, and UD’s 2-megawatt wind turbine is expected to provide the electricity needed for the event.

Coast Day is supported by DuPont Clear into the Future, Gamesa Corp., NRG Bluewater Wind, OSG Ship Management Inc., UTEC Survey Inc., Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, WMDT - CW-3, Lewes Historical Society, Lewes Chamber of Commerce, PNC Bank, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

While Coast Day parking and admission are free, vendors will be selling food and other items. There is no ATM on the campus grounds.

For more information about Coast Day, visit www.decoastday.org or call 302-831-8083. The full event program will be available to view on the Coast Day website Tuesday, Sept. 20.

For more about CEOE, visit www.ceoe.udel.edu. To learn more about Delaware Sea Grant, visit www.deseagrant.org.

Whether you’re an aspiring chef in search of new recipes or a seafood lover with a taste for a classic crab cake, Coast Day has something for you.

A free event now in its 35th year, Coast Day will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 2, rain or shine, at UD’s Hugh R. Sharp Campus in Lewes. It is sponsored by the College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment and the Delaware Sea Grant College Program.

The wide range of seafood-themed events at Coast Day includes a series of culinary presentations that demonstrate how to make delicious recipes. Kicking off that series will be John Sapienza of SJ Foods LLC in Georgetown, who will show how to prepare rockfish, oyster, and wild mushroom carbonara at noon. At 1:30 p.m., Tony Hilligoss, chef instructor at Parkside High School in Salisbury, Md., will show guests how to make mussels IPA with roasted garlic and mussels Provençale. And at 3 p.m. Gretchen Hanson of Hobos Restaurant in Rehoboth Beach, will demonstrate how to cook smoked porcini scallop carpaccio.

Two of Coast Day’s most delicious traditions also are on the schedule: the Crab Cake Cook-Off and the Seafood Chowder Challenge. The annual Crab Cake Cook-Off will get started at 11 a.m. with eight finalists preparing recipes in their quest to make “Delaware's Best Crab Cakes.” A pre-selected panel of three judges will evaluate entries at noon, and the winners will be announced at 1 p.m.

The Seafood Chowder Challenge begins at noon and features a friendly competition between the ACF First State Chefs Association and the Delmarva Chefs and Cooks Association. Visitors will be invited to sample a two-ounce portion of each association’s chowder and then vote for their favorite. The winner will be named at 3 p.m. Clams, donated by Seawatch International Inc., in Milford, will be the featured seafood in this year’s chowders.

A large variety of seafood also will be available for purchase, including seafood soups and chowders, and crab-cake and soft-shell crab sandwiches. Non-seafood items also will be available. Coast Day visitors are advised that there is no ATM on campus grounds.

Coast Day is supported by DuPont Clear into the Future, Gamesa Corp., NRG Bluewater Wind, OSG Ship Management Inc., UTEC Survey Inc., Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, WMDT—CW-3, Lewes Historical Society, Lewes Chamber of Commerce, PNC Bank, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

For more information about Coast Day, visit www.decoastday.org or call 302-831-8083. The full event program will be available to view on the Coast Day website Tuesday, Sept. 20.

For more about CEOE, visit www.ceoe.udel.edu. To learn more about Delaware Sea Grant, visit www.deseagrant.org.

Paul Camenisch has been traveling the world in search of waves, culture and environmental awareness. His message is to respect and keep the ocean and beaches clean. Respect the mammals and support our community organizations. He is making a difference on many levels, from his surfing to being an excellent role model to the local community.

STATS Name: Paul Camenisch Nicknames: No nicknames! Age: 35 Weight: 150 lbs. Stance: Regular Hometown: Milton Home break: The world Board: 5'10" twin fin, 19" 2"1/4, but all of them. I'm addicted to surfboards, just ask my wife. I have quite a quiver. I enjoy riding all boards, from small to long. Sponsor: Prana Clothing, Rehoboth Beach Surf Shop

How long have you been surfing?
I've been surfing since I was twelve, I was always a skater, skated a lot when I was a kid, I bodyboarded and then I just wanted to surf. I got my first board, it was a used board, from Fenwick and I kept doing it, I kept trying whenever I could get to the beach, then I got my license and started going more and more.

You’re a world-class wave surfer, what are some of the places you have traveled?
I can't say I'm a world-class wave surfer, I like surfing world class waves!. I've been to New Zealand, Tahiti, Hawaii, Barbados, Puerto Rico, Fiji, Indonesia, Chile, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Costa Rica and Canada.

And your all-time favorite wave is? Why?
Hollow Trees in Indo, it's a really challenging right hander reef break and it's challenging but so rewarding. That's what intrigues me, I love reef breaks, but I have many favorite waves. There are so many waves out there and I like them all but H Trees (Hollow Trees) and Raglan in New Zealand, I caught it really good one time. It’s hard to just pick one.

What is the key to surfing in different places?
Tread lightly and show respect, what I have always enjoyed about surfing and what I have learned about is that you have to be one with the ocean and if I go to a different place I like to study the wave, see how it breaks, and not go out there thinking that I own it. I respect it and try to take in what I see from other people. Every wave is different, just got to enjoy the uniqueness of every wave.

I’ve heard that if you like to surf and you don’t travel you are not being fair to yourself. Do you agree?
I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to travel,and I know that not everybody has that opportunity. I started traveling in my adult life and it is something that I enjoy, I have set the way I live my life to be able to travel, but the ocean is what you make of it, it’s a playground no matter where you are and some people have all they need in front of them, and if that satisfies them that's all that matters. If you can't travel or if you can, you are what you make of what you have. The moment that you are out surfing is what counts, whether you are in Delaware or if it is around the world. You don't have to travel around the world to get surf.

How does one open fully to the ocean, the freedom of just going anywhere in search of waves?
The ocean is a power place, I'm happy I found the ocean, and always know there is more to it than just the waves, it’s a whole Eco system, you have to look at as a whole and respect it. I try to do my part as far as using it as something I love to do, by keeping it clean, respecting the animals that are around it, that is something that I’ve gotten into more now that I'm older. Try to be in balance with the ocean, not just use it for what it’s worth and disrespect it. It involves my whole lifestyle, I try to stay in tune with myself and all my surroundings, just flow. The ocean is a place that I go to ground myself and get back in balance if I have to. Even if it is just to swim or go body surfing.

Do you enjoy surfing smaller Delaware waves?
Yeah, I do. It’s funny that you ask, cause I think about that all the time when I'm traveling, it keeps everything in perspective, makes me appreciate where I come from and what I have, even going all around world, the waves are not always good and that's how it is here, I like to say every dog has its day, you can go to world class waves or different places in the world and you are not always going to get good waves, but here right at home, underneath your fingertips sometimes it lights up and it’s a magical session, you really have to be grateful for that. I feel fortunate that I was raised close to the ocean as opposed to being land locked, I think being able to surf and go in the water every day keeps me in check. If it works out that I get really good waves at home I'm just as happy as if I was getting good waves somewhere else.

What has been your best experience surfing in Delaware?
My best experience in Delaware would have to be being able to surf in the winter time, putting all the rubber on. I really feel the waves always get better in the winter and there are not that many people around so I enjoy surfing with a select few, being able to enjoy what it has to offer, the elements that are thrown at you. Not always catching the best wave but being one with nature in challenging conditions. I say challenging because the waves in the winter time in Delaware, late fall or early spring, can be just as challenging as anywhere, you are in with all the elements and have all this rubber on, you can't really function as you normally would, but it’s just fun to be out. Finding gems, beautiful beach break barrels. It’s here if you want to be committed

What is your worst experience/ maybe biggest wipeout?
I've had a lot of them! I feel the worst experience is when you are paddling back out and you are digging' for the horizon and the wave is coming and you know it’s going to break and you try to get underneath of it but it breaks two feet in front of you, picks you up, tosses you around, spits you out, rolls you over, and all the sudden you don't know where you are. Those are worst than me falling on a wave. Sometimes it’s fun but sometimes it’s like a roller coaster ride, but you gotta enjoy a good wipe out!

Do you do any special training and diets?
I'm really into yoga, I like to stay in tune with my body through yoga and I have my own personal training practices that I do. I enjoy swimming, I go to the Y in the winter, staying in shape and staying active. Just staying active everyday even if it is a walk with my dog or getting my heart rate up, I feel that's important. I try to eat a really healthy diet, try to eat all organic food, “you are what you eat,” that's one thing I learned in college , what you put in your body can really affect your mood, performance, and things like that.

What has been the biggest swell you have surfed this year?
I just got back from Indo, caught a pretty big swell there, caught some 6-8 foot reef break waves but I was in Chile in March and caught a pretty big swell there, 8' to 10' swell, really big sand bottom points there, where it was really top to bottom, with wet suit on, I would really say in March in Chile are some of the biggest waves I surfed this year.

How was your recent trip to Bali?
Bali is amazing, it’s not only just the waves. Bali is so alive and colorful, it’s a cool culture, they believe in the Yin and the Yang and they try to balance out their life with the good and evil. I like to take into perspective those same principles in my life. The people are a reflection of their surroundings and its cool to be in a place that can make you feel so small. Something that I enjoy about traveling is being in different cultures and seeing how people live and relate it to where you live, see what they do in their daily lives. One thing I really like to do when I'm in Bali is get on a moped and go in the rice paddies early in the morning and I get to see all the people working, basically going in the middle of it and see how they live their lives on that side of the world. I don't travel only to surf but I also travel to learn about cultures in other parts of the world. Makes me think about ways I live my life and what I can to better my self and people around me, just be a better person.

Who are some of your favorite surfers?
I enjoy watching all surfers, and taking a little bit from everybody, but some that I really enjoy surfing and just how they carry themselves, past, present , future. Dave Rastovich, Slater ever since I was a kid, Slater is the man, and still winning now, he is older than I am, on top of his game at his age, it has a positive influence, you can still do a lot of stuff at any age. Derek Hynd he is an old soul, he is still carrying out the soul surfing in his life and Tom Curren. Those guys are a big influence on me because they are soul surfers and not caught up on the media of surfing and that's something I try not to get caught up in, like traveling to places that are hyped up and rather going to places that I enjoy, not because it’s the new spot. Surfing is a freedom and they reflect that.

You said you skate and do you snowboard?
I love to skate, I started skating before I surfed, I try to skate as much as I can but I just had my meniscus repair this past spring, so I haven't been able to skate in the past year and half, but I have a half pipe in my back yard that really needs some TLC so I'm hoping to get that thing back in order. I really enjoy snowboarding, I lived out west for a couple of seasons, and I haven’t been in a couple of years cause of my knee problem but I'm really anxious to get back on the slopes.

Your thoughts on SUP?
I'm a fan, I have one, I use it more for training in flat water, I take it out in the bay, been out twice this week, since I've been home, I don't have an opinion with surfing with an SUP. I personally don't like going out in the line up with them, not that I disrespect anyone that does, I do feel they have their place in the line up and certain respects, but I choose not to bring them in the line up, but I do use them , its a great way to enjoy the water , you get to see a lot of the activity that's going on around you being on top the water like that. Its a useful tool, and that reminds me of my trade, carpentry, there is a tool for every job, I think you can use that in many respects , certain waves you need the right tool for the job if you don't you can get hurt. I use that not only in my surfing life but also I use it in my career

Any projects that you are working on?
I'm a contractor by trade, I have a couple renovations going on. I have also been trying to be more active in the community, I'm a member volunteer of MERR, which is the mammal rescue here in Lewes. And with my clothing sponsor Prana Clothing, when I went to Chile I did a blog spot for all the water pollution issues and the things they have been dealing with like smog, etc. I've been trying to be more active about being respectful towards the ocean and making people aware that they have to respect it. Keep it clean and show respect for the animals that call it home. Ocean awareness!!!

What do you have going on for the rest of the year and 2012?
I'm going to California in the beginning of November, my wife and I are going to take a road trip, gonna go visit my brother in law, he lives in San Francisco, go surf, travel and see some friends and family. Also hopefully get to Hawaii in the winter time, and 2012 I tentatively I have a plan to go back to Indo in April, but I'm really anxious to seek new places, not just for surfing but for travel, There are a lot of waves that I want to go find because it was really inspiring to go to South America and see the potential for waves in other places, there are other waves that are untapped that you can find.

Anybody you would like to thank?
My beautiful supportive wife that deals with my surfing addiction she is my rock and my best travel partner too. My parents that have always been supportive of me in everything I do, and everybody that I have met along the way, I've met some of my best friends traveling, and I'm thankful to be here today healthy and happy. I also want to thank Prana Clothing and Rehoboth Beach Surf Shop.

How cool is your wife?
She is amazing, loving, beautiful, and she makes beautiful art jewelery, she has a killer gallery in Rehoboth Beach, (Heidi Lowe Gallery) if any one wants to come out and support her, she is having a show the 8th of October, it’s going to be rad, she has been working really hard on it, influenced by the Silversmiths in Delaware, she was awarded an artisans grant from the state. She has some really unique and beautiful pieces, she carries artists from all over the world. Shout out to Heidi and the Lowe family!

Few things can be as refreshing as a quick dip in the pool on a hot summer day. Summer humidity can get to almost anyone, including the family pet. But while most members of the family can dive into the pool or take a cold shower to cool off, man’s best friend isn’t so lucky.

Keeping pets cool in the summer should be a priority, as Fido certainly can’t ask for the air conditioner to be turned up. Recognizing the need to cool down pets during the summertime, the American Animal Hospital Association offers the following tips to protect pooches throughout the summer months.

• Keep pets out of the car. Temperatures inside a car can quickly reach 120 F, even on relatively mild summer days. So while your pet may be a great companion when running errands in the spring, winter or fall, leave him home in the summer.

• Keep pets well groomed. Long hair should be trimmed and keep hair mats clipped to help pets survive the summer heat. However, don’t shave down pets to the skin because they may burn in the sun.

• Build a pet house. While many homeowners now invite the family pet into the house, there are still some who prefer man’s best friend live outdoors. Pet owners who keep their pets outside should build adequate shelter that helps pets survive midday heat and sun. Outdoor kennels should be well-ventilated and placed in a location that provides sufficient shade throughout the entire day, not just in the early morning or evening.

• Pay attention to your pet’s behavior. While Fido might not be able to tell you he’s hot, his behavior might be doing just that. Indicators of heat exhaustion include excessive panting, a blank or anxious expression, disobedience, rapid heartbeat, and vomiting. In addition, dry skin and high fever could be indicative of a pet that’s struggling with the heat.

Pet owners should lower the pet’s body temperature by spraying cool water on the pet or immersing the animal in cool water whenever he exhibits any of these symptoms.

• Avoid excessive exercise. Pets need exercise, but overexertion on hot days can lead to heat stress. On especially hot days, avoid excessive exercise and limit walks or time outside to early morning or evening hours.

The various aspects of life on an 18th century sailing vessel, from the mundane to the terrifying, will be explored during a program called Life at Sea that will take place from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 1, at the Zwaanendael Museum, at 102 Kings Highway, Lewes.

Held in conjunction with Lewes’ annual Boast the Coast Maritime Festival, Life at Sea will feature presentations on shipboard food, sea chanteys, sailor superstitions and diseases that afflicted mariners, such as scurvy. Admission to the program is free and open to the public. For more information, call 302-645-1148.

For information on the Boast the Coast Maritime Festival go to http://www.leweschamber.com or call the Lewes Chamber of Commerce at 877-465-3937.

The Zwaanendael Museum was built in 1931 to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the state's first European colony, Swanendael, established by the Dutch along Hoorn Kill (present-day Lewes-Rehoboth Canal) in 1631. Designed by E. William Martin, architect of Legislative Hall and the Hall of Records in Dover, the museum is modeled after the town hall in Hoorn, the Netherlands, and features a stepped facade gable with carved stonework and decorated shutters.

Zwaanendael Museum exhibits and presentations provide a showcase for Lewes-area maritime, military and social history. In addition to Life at Sea, the museum is offering Savory Sussex at 2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 8. This program is free and open to the public.

A series of programs on the unique and delectable local flavors of Sussex County, the event will feature Claus Hagelman, sales and marketing director for Georgetown’s 16 Mile Brewery, www.16milebrewery.com, in celebration of Oktoberfest.

From 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 29, the museum will host a program called Superstitious Sailing, a Halloween-related program featuring superstitions of the high seas including albatrosses, black cats, knocking on wood and Davy Jones' locker.

The Zwaanendael Museum is administered by the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, http://history.delaware.gov, an agency of the state of Delaware. Primary funding for division programs and services is provided by annual appropriations from the Delaware General Assembly and grants from the National Park Service, a federal agency.

The public is invited to stop by the Rehoboth Beach Museum to see the exhibit, Skimming the Surface: Surfing, Skimboarding, and Floating Off the Delaware Coast.

On display are vintage surfboards, skimboards and bathing suits. Surfing slang, board shaping and information about ancient Hawaiian surfing traditions are featured.

The exhibit continues through the first week of March 2012. Gallery hours for the summer are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday-Friday, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.

Visit rehobothbeachmuseum.org or call 302-227-7310 for information.

Admission rates are $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and active-duty military, and $2 for young adults 13 to 17. Children 12 and younger are free and receive a free gift. Group tours are welcome. Parking is free.

The museum is at 511 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach, near the Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center and The Grove Park.