SBCSurf.com - News

Envirosurfer Donates 5% of Sales to Save the Waves

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 19:56:00 -0400

Envirosurfer, an online eco-friendly surf shop, has announced that it’s kicking off September by donating 5% of the month’s sales to the Save the Waves Coalition. A non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of surfing coastline and the marine environment, Save the Waves is a devoted group protecting our wild coastal areas around the world.

"Save The Waves is a very small grassroots organization and we dedicate all of our limited resources to protecting surf spots,” says Josh Berry, Save The Waves Environmental Director. “Your support goes directly to our nonprofit environmental programs."

By purchasing your eco-friendly surf products through Envirosurfer surf shop, not only are you purchasing products that are environmentally sustainable, but you’re also making a direct contribution to organizations such as Save The Waves, who are fighting on the front lines to protect the waves you love.

For all your eco-friendly surf needs visit www.greensurfshop.com and for more information about the Save The Waves Coalition visit www.savethewaves.org.

Surfrider Vancouver August Beach Cleanup at White Rock Beach

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 11:21:00 -0400

Surfrider Vancouver's next beach cleanup will be taking place at White Rock Beach on Sunday, August 29th from 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. White Rock Beach is located just off the main promenade in White Rock. Meet at the big white rock, located to the left of the pier under the Surfrider Foundation tent to sign in and grab your bag and gloves. Please feel free to bring your own reusable bag and gloves to Rise Above Plastics.

As well, Soya World will be hosting a FREE breakfast at each of the Capers/Whole Foods locations in the greater Vancouver region on Sunday, August 29th from 9:00am-12:00pm. Anyone who purchases So Nice Organic Soy beverages or yogurts will receive a reusable bag, which will include other food products and coupons. In addition to this, the event will be promoting Surfrider Foundation and will donate 10% of the days sales of the So Nice products towards the Surfrider Foundation Vancouver Chapter.

SUP Race Tomorrow in Quebec

Sat, 21 Aug 2010 23:39:00 -0400

For the stand-up crew in Central Canada, there's an SUP race in Quebec tomorrow:

"Départ sous le pont Jordi-Bonet, St-Hilaire.// B.B.Q. a l arrivé, possibilté de démo apres la course. Location de planche pour l événement."

For full information, check the event page on Facebook here.

Job Opportunity at SBC Media

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 13:26:00 -0400

SBC Media has a position open for a full-time copy editor. Candidates should have a degree or diploma in journalism and/or English, be familiar with CP style, and have previous experience editing copy. The job requires proofreading and fact-checking as well. Keen attention to detail and the ability to work efficiently on several different magazine titles at once is necessary. The candidate should be available to work regular weekday hours in SBC Media’s Toronto office. A willingness to remain with the company for at least a year is preferred. Familiarity with Mac and InDesign is a plus. Knowledge of some or all of our sports (snowboarding, skateboarding, windsurfing, wakeboarding, skiing, surfing, kiteboarding) is a bonus. Position to commence immediately. Please e-mail résumés to Luke Fox at luke@sbcmedia.com.

Futures Riders Dominate the US Open of Surfing

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 15:20:00 -0400

Local favorite Brett Simpson (Huntington Beach, CA), 25, defeated current Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World No. 1 Jordy Smith (ZAF), 22, to win his second consecutive ASP PRIME US Open of Surfing presented by Hurley and Nike 6.0 title, while clinching the highly sought after $100,000 check at South Huntington Beach Pier in two-to-four foot (1 meter) surf. Simpson’s fin of choice was the Hamish Graham Super Stix RTM. Simpson was elated to take his second consecutive US Open Championship, and credited his fins as a key part of his victory saying, “I love these fins! They turn my boards into magic! I’ve been using them consistently and they give me that extra confidence I need.”

In the hotly contested Pro Junior, Futures also won with Evan Geiselman (New Smyrna Beach, FL), 17, using the new AM3 template. Evan put in an impressively progressive performance to clinch the ASP Grade-2 US Open of Surfing Pro Junior to solidify the title of 2010 ASP North America Pro Junior Series Champion. He was extremely committing and pushing the performance envelope on every wave. Also of note in the Pro Junior final was the surfing of Alejo Muniz, using the Black Stix EA model. Alejo posted one of the highest scores of the final but an interference penalty was too much to overcome. His surfing was very impressive however.

Sage Erickson also won her Women’s Junior pro final on Futures and the new AM3 template, the same fin used by Geiselman. Sage, who was the runner-up in last year’s Women’s US Open Pro Junior, jumped out to an early lead in the stacked heat and led the field throughout its entirety to clinch her first ASP victory over last year’s winner Malia Manuel (Kauai, HI), 16, ASP Women’s World Tour campaigner Coco Ho (North Shore, HI), 19, and reigning ASP Women’s World Junior Champion Laura Enever (AUS), 18.

Futures Fins congratulates all these riders for their performance. Their surfing and feedback continues to drive us to produce the lightest, fastest, highest performing fins on the market today.

www.futuresfins.com

Rip Curl's Tip 2 Tip Searches Indonesia

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 15:26:00 -0400

Rip Curl's "Tip 2 Tip" Search project is a surf trip like no other. Six months on a boat, 21 professional surfers, a mission to explore the entire Indonesian archipelago - from one tip to the other.

A journey about discovery, adventure, adversity and the people who share the laughs along the way, Rip Curl's "Tip 2 Tip" has it all and more. From perfect waves to unlocked mysteries, feral pirates to cabin fever, from cheers and tears to fresh fish and beers.

Now, thanks to 14 cameramen, seven editors, five journalists and a handful of untitled others, Rip Curl will unravel the entire search trip online with anyone keen to jump on board for the ride.

Rip Curl will launch its "Tip 2 Tip" blog at www.ripcurl.com/tip2tip from August 16. Web users the planet over will share stories from a unique part of the trip every week until the entire project wraps up in October, 2010. Each chapter will boast three video episodes, several photo galleries, trip stories and other random bits and pieces putting you with the crew Living The Search.

"We have created a crazy amount of content from this six month expedition, so we worked out that we're going to need nearly three months to share all the best stuff on the T2T microsite," says Neil Ridgway, Rip Curl International Marketing & Advertising Chairman. "The site will be a cool way for people around the world to follow the trip and get involved with some of the stories."

Rip Curl took possession of the Quest 1 charter boat in March this year, signed on longtime surf guide Albert Taylor to lead the charge, and then rotated surfers and image-makers on and off the boat accordingly while searching every beach, reef and stretch of coastline they could find.

"Rip Curl started The Search trips for its early surf films up there in the ’90s with Martin Daly, so to take Indo Searching to the next level, we knew we had to have a boat that could just Search wherever and whenever we wanted," continued Ridgway. "It took a lot of work by a lot of good people, but ‘Tip 2 Tip’ proved that it's still possible to find new waves and new locations to surf - at the end of the day it's true that the Search never ends. We also had the chance to put some of our best creative designers on board as well and there'll be a Search inspired range for surfers to check out in 2011."

The "Tip 2 Tip" project stars a global cast of the best Rip Curl riders including: Dillon Perillo, Dean Brady and Bruno Santos, while featuring Gabriel Medina, Steph Gilmore, Koa Smith, Bethany Hamilton, Garut Widiarta, Ricardo Christie, Tyler Wright, Davey Cathels, Stu Kennedy, Kekoa Bacalso, Taylor Knox, Alana Blanchard, Timmy Turner, Ben Dunn and reunites the legendary Search team of Frankie Oberholzer and Tom Curren and Tom's sons Pat and Frank.

You can follow the "Tip 2 Tip" Search project online at www.ripcurl.com/tip2tip from August 16.

Polls Open for the Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 12:38:00 -0400

Public polling has begun for the 26th annual Quiksilver In Memory Of Eddie Aikau. Voting will close August 31, 2010. More than 70 of the world's best big wave paddle-in surfers are posted on the polling list. To vote for your favorite big wave rider go to www.polls.quiksilver.com. Voting is limited to one vote per voter.

This is stage one of the selection process to elect the esteemed 24 invitees for the Quiksilver In Memory of Eddie Aikau. The event will run on one day between December 1, 2010, and February 28, 2011, when waves at Waimea Bay, Oahu, Hawaii, reach a minimum of 20 feet. An Opening Ceremony on December 2, 2010, will bring together the Aikau Ohana and selected Invitee and Alternate competitors.

A testament to the global appeal of Aikau’s story, "The Eddie" has grown to be the world's longest-running and most respected big wave specialty event. First staged at Sunset Beach in the winter of 1984/85, then moved to Waimea in 1985/86, it has been held eight times. Its strict adherence to wave height stipulations has only served to underscore the authenticity and importance of the event. Past champions are Denton Miyamura (1985), Clyde Aikau (1986), Keone Downing (1990), Noah Johnson (1999), Ross Clarke-Jones (2001), Kelly Slater (2002), Bruce Irons (2004), and Greg Long (2009).

On December 8, 2009, during the most epic big wave season on record, the Quiksilver In Memory Of Eddie Aikau was staged in breath-taking waves as tall as palm trees. Images and stories from that day reached the largest international audience in history for a surfing competition.

The Quiksilver In Memory of Eddie Aikau is staged in honor of Waimea Bay's first official lifeguard and Hawaii's most famous big-wave rider. A humble Hawaiian surfer, Aikau set the bar for big wave riding at Waimea Bay in the '60s and '70s. A natural born waterman, Eddie saved countless lives during his watch as Waimea Bay lifeguard. He also traveled as one of the first touring professional surfers in the mid-'70s when he was ranked among the world's top 16. During his travels Eddie touched countless lives around the world as he voluntarily delivered a personal message of aloha from Hawaii, often accompanied by his younger brother Clyde and their slack-key guitar playing that was famous for bringing people together.

Eddie lost his life at the age of 31, during an ill-fated voyage of the Hokule'a sailing canoe in 1978. En-route to Tahiti from Oahu, the Hokule'a capsized in the Molokai Channel in heavy weather and giant seas, injuring crewmembers. Aikau was last seen paddling for the Hawaiian Islands to get help. His life, spirit of aloha, and passion for the ocean and mankind is celebrated annually through this big wave event. It is arguably the most famous story in surfing.

This year's list of potential invitees includes big wave riders from Australia, Europe, South Africa, South America, Japan, USA, and Hawaii.

About Quiksilver

Quiksilver is committed to providing tools for uncovering, expressing and expanding your personal style. Our aim is to foster the sense of individual expression and excitement - the stoke that is the essence of boardriding*. We're also here to spread the word because the only thing better than finding stoke is sharing it.

*Boardriding is about timing and style. It’s youthful, active, casual, and free flowing. There is no wrong way to ride a board. The goal is simply to learn, progress, improve, and give it your own interpretation.

Press Contact

Catlin Rawling

Quiksilver

714.204.9899

catlin.rawling@quiksilver.com

Scott Hawaii Gets Canadian Distributor

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 12:13:00 -0400

Steve Scott, president of Scott Hawaii, (Honolulu, HI) is pleased to announce the appointment of The Olde Shoe House Ltd. (Burlington , ON) as their exclusive Canadian distributor for Scott Hawaii. “The team at TOSH will be a great partner for us at Scott to introduce our Slippahs, (sandals) to the Canadian market”, said Scott. “Rich Hunt knows what his customers like and want from their footwear in Canada and understands Scott as being the better grade sandal line for the dealers who only want quality footwear in their shops.”

“We really see Scott as being the truly authentic Hawaiian sandal company. Being established there since 1932 makes Scott the favourite of locals and visitors alike,” said Rich Hunt, TOSH President. “Our national rep team and Burlington-based service team know the Canadian dealers who will excel with Scott and look forward to showing them the Scott 2011 line of Scott Hawaii footwear and to get them started with the new Scott POS system for free when booking their initial orders.”

Scott Hawaii produces men’s, women's and kids “slippahs” for the better beach and comfort shops. Some call them flip-flops, some call them sandals or thongs, but around here we call them affectionately "slippahs." From hi-end leather to affordable basic styles, we accommodate all different types of feet by offering different widths and arch supports. For more information on or to view product from Scott Hawaii see their website at www.scotthawaii.com. TOSH is located in Burlington, ON and can be contacted at 866-787-9861 or email at info@tosh.ca. Visit their website at www.tosh.ca.

David Rutherford Wins Quiksilver Pro Puerto Escondido

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 14:21:00 -0400

Local standout David Rutherford (Puerto Escondido, MEX), 25, charged to victory at his home break today to clinch an emphatic win at the ASP 4-Star Quiksilver Pro Puerto Escondido. His win topped international standouts Kevin Sullivan (Lahaina, HA), 23, Casey Brown (Kona, HI), 22, and Ricardo dos Santos (BRA), 20, in excellent four-to-six foot high-performance barrels. The Quiksilver Pro Puerto Escondido’s unique location on the Mexican Pipeline attracted a big list of up-and-coming competitors, an assemblage of local talent and several of the world’s most renowned big-wave surfers.

Rutherford, who was a Quiksilver Pro Puerto Escondido wildcard entry, went on an absolute tear during the final day of competition, threading a perfect 10-point ride on an amazing backside barrel in his semifinal heat before amassing the highest heat total of the entire event in the final, a near-flawless 18.45 out of 20 to secure the victory. The Mexican Pipeline charger was thrilled to clinch the major ASP victory in front of his home crowd to bring this year’s Quiksilver Pro Puerto Escondido title to Mexico while representing the local surfers.

For 2010 Quiksilver Pro Puerto Escondido highlights, log on to www.quiksilver.com/puerto/.

New Canadian Surf Brand Launches

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 15:57:00 -0400

Victoria-based contract manufacturer, Swell Source, has announced today that its newest brand, “Cascadia Board Co.,” has hit the racks of local shops. The surf brand is the first of its kind north of the border and although they offer a variety of different water sport products their focus will be on hand shaped surf and stand up paddleboards.

“We’re building products specific to the Canadian and the Pacific Northwest conditions. We’ve developed special manufacturing methods that make our boards more durable in our conditions as well as using shapes for our unique conditions,” explains company founder Jeff Zamluk.

Cascadia Board Co. utilizes different construction techniques used in other board sports to help make their products stronger and perform better in local conditions. Zamluk hopes that this will give them a competitive advantage when competing with the large companies south of the border. “Our main shaper has over 10,000 boards under his belt and we are always looking for new ways to innovate traditional construction methods which shows in this year’s line.” The company is looking forward to pushing new ways of building water sports and hopes to support the local industry and culture in the future.

Local surf shops are also excited to see a local brand that can service them. Mike Bray from Relic Surf Shop in Ucluelet sees value in having a homegrown brand in his back yard and has chosen to support Cascadia Board Co. in its first year. “This means we won’t have to make buying trips to the States. It's much nicer to have local brands to buy from and makes getting and checking the product out that much easier.”

In their first year Cascadia Board Co. will be focusing on hand shaped surfboards, stand up paddle boards, body boards, and their XRF rental specific soft top surfboards and will be selling exclusively to North American core shops.

Cascadia is now available at Relic Surf Shop, Second Wave Surf and Snow, Storm Surf Shop, Long Beach Surf Shop, Alternative Groove, Red Nik Surf Shop, Switch, North Beach Surf Shop, Wave Hounds, Rossignol Surf Shop, Sitka Surfboards, Cove Board Shop, and other leading retailers.

Swell Source, established in 1998 on Vancouver Island is a private label manufacturer specializing in the action sports industry. They proudly manufacture, sell and distribute two brands, Zed Skimboards and the newest surf brand in Canada, Cascadia Board Co.

SWELL SOURCE
"Manufacturer of Everything"
www.swellsourceonline.com

Taylor Knox Signs With Dragon

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 01:09:00 -0400

With much excitement, Dragon is proud to welcome Taylor Knox to its ever-growing roster of global surf athletes. After almost two decades of competition, Taylor remains the most longstanding surfer on the World Tour and one of the most highly respected power surfers on the planet. He currently sits at #16 on the World Tour rankings going into the Billabong Pro at JBay, an event he is considered a favorite at.

"I'm so stoked to be on a sunglass brand like Dragon that has the best surf team in the world!" says Taylor. "I'm excited to be part of a team that includes a lot of my friends, and to be able to bring whatever I can to the table in helping to build the brand."

Taylor joins an all-star surf team that includes current World Champ Mick Fanning, surf icon Rob Machado, World Tour rookies Owen Wright and Brett Simpson, as well as big-wave standouts Shane Dorian and Reef McIntosh.

"Taylor is icing on the cake," exclaims Sean Taylor, Dragon Surf Marketing Manager. "I don't know one person today who doesn't still look up to Taylor. He's at the top of his game and surfing better than ever. He brings the experience and longevity that many of these young kids can aspire to. I see him being a mentor to our amateur program as we build the next crop of World Tour athletes."

ABOUT DRAGON

Established in 1993, Dragon set out to be the leading independent eyewear and accessories brand in the youth/lifestyle market. That mission still holds true today and is the driving force behind the company's success and heritage. As one of the few independent brands in the action sports market, Dragon captures the youthful, free thinking attitudes of our consumers and translates that into product that is connected to first-mover innovation, athlete performance, and cutting edge style. Dragon manufactures a mix of surf, snow, motorsports, wake, and alternative lifestyle products that align us with the young, core participant consumer base who are loyal to our brand.

Message from the ISA Regarding International Surfing Day

Sat, 19 Jun 2010 20:30:00 -0400

Dear Friend of surfing,

Tomorrow, June 20th, we celebrate surfing. We celebrate something that we really love and enjoy. But as in any true love, our love for the sport of surfing should be demonstrated each day. We should take the time to enjoy the waves, the ocean, the beaches, but we also should be defenders of the health and integrity of the ocean, so that it, too, can have a long and healthy life.

For thousands of years, human beings saw the ocean as something endless andeternal, a symbol of something indestructible. But nowadays we have a better understanding that that’s not the way it is. It is very big, but it’s also very fragile. For thousands of years we have been destroying and polluting it and thereby shortening its healthy life. But the last decades have been especially destructive. Like Jacques Cousteau used to say: “It’s very likely that in our generation we will see the ocean turn into an empty and polluted body of water”… Unless we do something about it and change our relationship with it.

Surfers have the good fortune of being one of the human groups that enjoy the ocean the most and destroys it the least, but we are also part of the problem – especially if we allow its degradation and pollution in any way. It’s up to us to educate ourselves on how to become part of the solution rather than continuing to be part of the problem. This process starts in our homes with our leaky faucets, broken toilets, cars that leak oil or grease, wastewater from our washing machines, or whatever. Remember that most everything we see on the streets eventually ends up in the ocean.

This means that everywhere we go – from school to the office to the work place, in the public or private sector – there’s something we can do. A more moderate and less selfish use of nature signifies simply that more nature will be available to more people for a greater length of time.

It is water, including that of the ocean, which makes the biggest difference between our planet and the rest of the planets of the solar system. That’s the reason there is life here. That’s why our planet is so special. We should demonstrate our true love for this world by taking care, preserving, and preventing our oceans from continuing to be the silent victims. Let’s all be guardians of the ocean. Let’s all get educated about the ocean. Let’s all be lovers of its health. But especially, let’s use it in ways that honor its existence. It depends on us. The ocean gave us life. Now it’s our time to make sure that the ocean’s life remains a good one.

Muchas gracias,

Fernando Aguerre
President
International Surfing Association

Learn to Surf with DaCane

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 13:08:00 -0400

DaCane Surf Shop presents a unique opportunity for beginner surfers to improve their surfing abilities. The ‘Learn to Surf Clinic’ will be held every Tuesday evening during the summer months and will run an hour and a half long. The cost of the clinic is $19.99 (per person/per lesson) and includes all rental equipment as well as in water instruction. For an additional $10 transportation to and from the beach will be provided.

For more information please contact DaCane Surf Shop by phone at 902 4341-7873 or by e-mail at info@dacanesurfshop.com.

One Life Kicks Off 5th Season

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 12:37:00 -0400

One Life Surf School, Eastern Canada’s first women-owned, women-operated surf school, will kick off its fifth year in business on June 11th at the Seahorse in Halifax.

The celebration kicks off at 9 p.m. with Billabong Surf Video “Get Filthy” followed by live hip-hop band Something Good and The Modern Men. Women’s DJ collective, Ladies Beverage Room, will be kicking off the music and keeping the music going until the end of the night.

This year’s party includes amazing prizes from Billabong, Von Zipper, Kannon Beach Surf Shop, EC Lips, Sitka Surfboards, ProGirl, Scotia Sessions and Feelsgood.ca.

It’s going to be a hot night and a perfect way to kick off the summer!

For more information contact:

Caralee Murphy
Owner
cara@onelifesurf.com

Janine Strickland

Owner

janine@onelifesurf.com

New Coastal Park in Nova Scotia

Thu, 13 May 2010 15:46:00 -0400

The Coastal Access Committee is excited to announce the founding of a new public park in Cow Bay, Nova Scotia. Through a collaborative effort between the surfing community, the Halifax Regional Municipality and the local residents of Cow Bay, an important coastal access point will be established servicing two of Canada’s premier surfing breaks. Likewise a fragile coastal wetland will be preserved and an important piece of recreational infrastructure for local residents will be created.

Preliminary plans include the construction of a parking lot and boardwalk leading to the coast. Full infrastructure plans will be released later this spring after public consultations with the local community that are to take place on May 27th, 2010 at the Cow Bay Community Hall. The first stage of infrastructure is expected to be completed in the summer/fall of 2010 with the second phase completed in 2011.

The first stage of the proposed infrastructure will be funded by a combination of a substantial private donation, Districs Counsellor Jackie Barkhouse’s discretionary funds and funds raised in the community by the Coastal Access Committee. The Coastal Access Committee is raising funds by “selling” engraved boards on the proposed boardwalk for $100 each. Donors will have their names, names of loved ones, or that of a business engraved in the right hand side of boards on the boardwalk. People interested can purchase boards at Emma’s Eatery in Eastern Passage, If Only Surfshop in the South End, Propeller Cold Beer Store in the North End and Kannon Beach Surf & Windsurf Shop in Lawrencetown. Full details on purchasing boards are available at participating locations and coastalaccessns.blogspot.com. The second stage of the project is contingent on provincial funding and will be completed in 2011.

Contact:

Iaian Archibald, coastalaccessns@gmail.com

SBC Surf Magazine: Spring 2010 Preview

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 12:33:00 -0400

On the Cover
Jeremy Koreski captured a portrait of a jubilant Peter Devries at the O'Neill Cold Water Classic. Peter’s WQS win was an historic moment for Canadian surfing, and it was pretty much unanimous that it deserved a place on the cover.

Surftown Liberia

It’s easy to forget how good we have it. For most of us, our worries don't run much farther than where to go surf on the weekend. Things are a lot harder in the developing world, though, and Myles Estey and Sean Brody give us a glimpse of surf culture emerging in a place where it's a serious struggle just to get by.

Longboards and Fanny Packs

The pointbreaks of the Maritime provinces are a paradise for log riders—with all of those perfect lefts and rights, there's plenty of space to draw some lazy lines and hang your toes over the nose. Dean Petty, an accomplished longboarder himself, wonders why are more folks out there aren’t tuning into the slide.

Seven Days

The O'Neill Cold Water Classic was the most prominent surf contest ever held in this country. For a week last fall, the beaches of Tofino were the focal point of the surf world as top pros chased after a $20,000 prize. For one of the Tofino's native sons, the week would become an exclamation point on an already stellar career.

Simple Commitment

Slab waves are frightening prospects at the best of times. The waves themselves are enough to worry about, not to mention the rocks that are waiting if you straighten out or get caught in the lip. Factor in the freezing temperatures of Nova Scotia, and you've got a type of surfing that's not for the faint of heart.

Plus:

Belinda Baggs and Crystal Thornburg on the West Coast; handboarding in Mexico with Adam Dewolfe; big Hawaii with Julien Fillion; a fourteen-page Frame File; surf dreams of Sable Island. And much, much more.

Future Fins on YouTube

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 14:37:00 -0400

The folks down at Future Fins sent us a link to these YouTube videos that talk you through the Solus and Elevon, two of their new space-agey fin designs. For more, visit the Future site here.

SANS Contest Goes Saturday

Thu, 08 Apr 2010 12:18:00 -0400

This year's Surfing Association of Nova Scotia Nor'Easter surf contest is scheduled for this weekend at Lawrencetown Beach. It's set for Saturday, but if the surf doesn't show, they'll hold it on Sunday. There's no waiting period, so it's this weekend or not at all. The call will be made by noon tomorrow. For more information, click over to the SANS site here.

Occy vs. Curren at Bells

Sat, 27 Mar 2010 13:21:00 -0400

It’s the 1986 rematch the world has been waiting for. A true Clash of the Icons will be on the ultimate stage for the world to see from March 30 to April 10 at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach.

California style guru Tom Curren vs. Australian surf hero Mark Occhilupo. One heat. Two legends. Three reasons to be at Bells Beach this Easter.

The rivalry between Occy and Curren produced the most exciting competitive clashes in the history of surfing. Their 1986 heat at Bells Beach is critically considered the best heat ever surfed in pro surfing.

During the 1980s no rivalry was more heralded than the Tom Curren/Mark Occhilupo challenge. Whenever the two surfers came up against each other in heats, sparks flew, temperatures rose and onlookers gathered to witness unmatched and historic wave-riding duels.  
"I saw Occy before he became a household name, when he was first breaking out, it was at Jeffrey’s," said Curren. "He had so much energy, just pushing every turn with so much speed and power. I watched his footage over and over and seeing him for the first time I remember thinking his anticipation going into every turn was something great; something amazing."

Occy - amped, animated, and outspoken - was a young Aussie mischief-maker and a powerhouse hell-competitor beloved by everyone. Curren - enigmatic, humble, and deceptively understated - was a precise but devastatingly savage contest opponent idolized globally.

"I first saw Tom surf when I was really young in Cronulla, it was at Wanda Beach," said Occhilupo. "He was staying at Jim Banks' house, I walked over the hill to the beach after school and it was like solid 6-8ft and he was the only one out. I think he won the Beaurepaires that year and the first time I saw him he was at his peak, he was just ruling."

No matter where the event was held or who else was in it - there were always two camps, the Occy troop and the Curren crew. It was goofy vs. natural, radical power gouges vs. the sublime style-master, Australia vs. America.

Curren went on to win 353 heats, 33 events and three World Titles while Occy won 380 heats, 12 events and one World Title. Both featured in spectacular comebacks - Tom returning from a two year hiatus to clinch his third crown from the trials in 1990 while Occy's well documented rise to the 1999 crown after a decade in the wilderness is one of the greatest feats in sporting history.

The Billabong Pro Jeffrey’s Bay held Round 1 of the Occy vs. Curren "Clash of the Icons" in South Africa last year, where they split the 2 heats with one win a piece, and we're putting the duo back in the water and on the webcast again this year at Bells to settle the score.

Watch the teaser clip on YouTube here.

Follow all the action live at ripcurl.com.

Clark Little Releases Limited Edition Book

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 14:18:00 -0400

Clark Little, the Hawaiian photographer who shoots those stupendously beautiful shorebreak photos, has published a limited edition book featuring some of his best work. There are also rumours of a book tour being in the works for British Columbia this summer. Here's the news release:

It is our pleasure to announce the release of the long awaited Limited Signed Edition 182-page 12”x12” coffee table book created and published by North Shore Hawaii wave photographer, Clark Little. The book is now available for purchase through Clark’s website www.ClarkLittlePhotography.com.

Waimea shorebreak surfer turned art photographer, Clark Little has included a collection of his popular photos as well as new images, each of which capture the power and beauty of Oahu's North Shore waves from the inside out. Forewords written by Jack Johnson and Kelly Slater introduce the reader to the more than 100 photographs featured in “The Shorebreak Art of Clark Little”. Seventy-five of these are two-page spreads and include captions of the photographs.

Anyone who appreciates and enjoys a one-of-a-kind ocean vista with a close-up clarity and perspective seldom seen even by the most experienced surfer, will delight in this unique (and safe) experience. The Limited Signed Edition book retails for $100 and the first 10,000 will include Clark’s signature on page #1 and a hand-woven slipcase to protect the book.

Title: The Shorebreak Art of Clark Little (Limited Signed Edition)
Price: $100
Size: 182 pages (12”x12”)
Cover: Hardcover
Publisher: Clark Little Photography
Printed: October 2009
Release: November 2009
ISBN: 978-0-615-31199-9

In the near future, a Collector’s Edition will also be available for $350. Only 500 of the Collector’s Edition will be printed and will include a leather cover, clamshell case with embossed lettering, and two limited edition prints only available in the Collectors Edition. All books will be autographed by Clark Little, Jack Johnson (musician) and Kelly Slater (surfing 9-time world champion).

For more information on Clark Little or his book “The Shorebreak Art of Clark Little” please visit www.ClarkLittlePhotography.com.

About the Photographer

Waimea Bay shorebreak surfing pioneer, Clark Little has gained national and international recognition for his North Shore Hawaii wave photography with appearances on television shows Good Morning America, Inside Edition, The Today Show, and ABC World News Now. Clark’s work has been featured in many publications and newspapers including Paris Match (France), La Vie (France), The Guardian (UK), The Telegraph (UK), Nalu (Japan), Surfer’s Journal, Surfer Magazine, Surfing Life (Australia), Geo (Germany), Nature’s Best Photography, Stern-View (Germany), Hana Hou (Hawaiian Airline In-flight magazine), The Honolulu Advertiser, The Honolulu Star-Bulletin, and Honolulu Weekly among others.