SBCSurf.com - Video Display

O'Neill's Jordy Smith Wins Billabong Rio Pro

Tue, 21 May 2013 12:31:00 -0400

O’Neill teamrider Jordy Smith has won stop number three of the ASP World Championship Tour in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Smith (ZAF) defeated national favorite Adriano de Souza (BRA) in the final by a score of 17.80 to 16.34 in shoulder-high surf at Barra Da Tijuca.

The Billabong Rio Pro victory marks the third career ASP WCT event win for Smith and his first away from South African soil. “This win feels unbelievable,” Smith said. “It’s another dream come true. I knew I could win a World Tour event, but I had to prove to myself that I could do it away from South Africa.”

Smith is currently riding a momentum of success and is poised to make a run at the 2013 ASP World Title. His victory at Rio follows a 3rd place finish at Bells Beach and has him currently sitting number two in the ASP World Title race. Outside ASP competition, Smith continues to prove to be one of the most progressive surfers in the world. Earlier this month, Smith also took X-Games Gold for an incredible display of progressive surfing in an innovative free-surf video competition.

Jordy Smith’s bid for an ASP World Title will continue at stop four of ten, the Volcom Fiji Pro, June 2-14.

ABOUT O'NEILL

O’Neill, the original California surf, snow and lifestyle brand, was founded in 1952 when a young man named Jack O’Neill took his unstoppable passion for surfing and used it to battle Mother Nature. Jack’s initial vision of producing functional and innovative board riding products continues to lie at the core of everything the company does. From the first neoprene surf wetsuit and board leash to the world’s first stitchless board shorts. O’Neill will always be committed to growing its reputation as one of the world’s leading youth lifestyle brands based on being the First Name in the Water.

Drift Launches Waterproof Case for Drift HD Ghost

Tue, 07 May 2013 14:09:00 -0400

Drift Innovation, the award-winning action sports technology company specialising in the capture and sharing of digital imagery, are pleased to announce the release of the all new waterproof case designed specifically for the Drift HD Ghost.   

Drift founder, Robin Parker said. "The Drift HD Ghost is waterproof to a depth of 3m straight out of the box. The waterproof case, however, allows our customers to use the camera for scuba-diving down to depths of 60m and in high pressure environments such as big wave surfing. The case also offers incredible protection for action sports where the camera risks being scraped or dropped on the ground e.g. motorsports against flying pebbles/debris, paintball etc. The large replaceable flat lens also permits you to easily see the coloured LED on the front of the camera, so you always know exactly what function mode you are on, irrespective of how far below the water surface you may be (green = video, yellow = photo, pink = time lapse, blue = photoburst).”

The Drift HD Ghost waterproof case allows you to get the most out of your camera without compromising the sleek design.   

Features include:

-waterproof to a depth of 60m 

-dual locking system to ensure the Drift HD Ghost is always securely sealed and kept dry 

- durable and functional button design for easy use 

- front loading design 

- compact and streamlined 

- replaceable lens cover 

- anti-fog inserts

The case itself measures 113mm in length, 81mm in height and 63mm in width. The standard Drift universal clip screws neatly into the bottom of the case enabling it to be used with any of the Drift mounts, including surfboard / fcs / suction cup / monopod etc.   The Drift HD waterproof case is perfectly suited for all aquatic activities including diving, snorkeling, surfing, stand up paddling, wind surfing, kite surfing, wakeboarding etc.

Don’t take our word for it, Get Out There and try it yourself!

For more information, please visit our blog or email laura@driftinnovation.com.

ABOUT DRIFT INNOVATION    

Drift Innovation is an action sports technology company specialising in the capture and sharing of digital imagery across all platforms. Drift manufactures quality point of view HD cameras, mounts and accessories, inspiring action sports enthusiasts to document their experiences, capture the emotion and share their vision with friends and family. Drift’s mission is to ensure that their unique product features such as an LCD screen for instant playback, wireless remote control, rotatable lens and intuitive interface, guarantee a simple, positive user experience. Drift sponsored professional athletes in moto, auto, outdoor, snow, aquatic and airborne sports, are an integral part of the R&D process, testing the performance and durability of Drift products in the field. Drift, widely recognised as one of the top three point-of-view camera brands globally, distributes its products in more than 25 countries.

For more information about Drift Innovation, visit driftinnovation.com and follow Drift Innovation on facebook.com/driftinnovation and on Twitter @DriftInnovation.

ZEAL Optics Welcomes Liz Clark to the Team

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 13:52:00 -0400

ZEAL Optics is proud to call professional surfer, international sailor and explorer, Liz Clark, part of the ZEAL pro team. Known for being a strong advocator for environmental awareness, surfing, sailing, and a passion for adventure, Liz also dedicates herself to simple living and hard work. Liz’s career highlights include National Scholastic Surfing Association and College Women’s National Surfing Champion 2001. In 2007, Surfing Magazine named Liz one of five “World’s Most Committed Surfers”. In 2008 she completed the first solo ocean crossing to and from the Line Islands from French Polynesia for 3,500 miles.

“We are proud to call Liz part of the ZEAL family,” said ZEAL president John Sanchez. “Not only is she incredibly accomplished, she embodies the values of ZEAL – eco responsibility, social responsibility and living your life outdoors and to the fullest.”

Having grown up in Southern California, Liz has a special connection with the water. Her passion for leaving the ocean just as she found it is inspirational. Heavily influenced by her first sailing trip as a child, the trip set the course for her incredible life. Since 2006 the Swell, her sailboat, has been her home and travel companion in adventuring through the vast seas the world has to offer.

Liz is now continuing her life journey aboard Swell navigating over 18,000 nautical miles of ocean to date. Her exploration of the world has led her to an inspiring life and she believes, “There’s always more to learn.” Her full heart and relentless positivity drives her to make a difference in any way possible.

“ZEAL's eyewear is made out of castor bean oil, not petroleum! This means fun, high-quality eyewear without compromising my commitment to sustainable living,” said Liz. “My most powerful activism is through the choices I make in my daily life--being true to myself, loving my fellow humans, and honoring the Earth every chance I get and I only partner with companies that embody these same values.”

For some inspiration and adventure, check out Liz’s blog at swellvoyage.com.

About ZEAL Optics

Proudly the most sustainable sunglass company in the world, ZEAL designs and crafts every sunglass from renewable plant-based materials. ZEAL is also known for revolutionizing the goggle market with the HD Camera Goggle and the original GPS goggle. Based in Boulder, Colo., USA, ZEAL is a boutique brand with advanced technology made for life outdoors. Stay tuned to ZEAL Optics’ Facebook page at facebook.com/zealoptics for more updates.

STAND Sheds Light On a Threatened BC Coast

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 12:22:00 -0400

STAND, presented by Quiksilver Waterman, is an independent, cinematic and controversial ocean sports film that sheds light on the threat of an oil spill on BC's west coast as a result of the proposed Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline and tanker route.

Visually stunning, the film follows the journey of professional, expedition stand-up paddle-boarder, Norm Hann, as he paddles the 350km east coast of Haida Gwaii, directly adjacent to the proposed tanker route through Hecate Strait. Narrated by Hann, the film highlights the natural beauty and diversity of the marine and terrestrial environment.

Also speaking out about the proposal is a Heiltsuk Grade 12 woodworking class building their own cedar stand-up paddle-boards as a means of connecting with their traditional territories and protest. Construction of the students' paddle-boards coincided with the Bella Bella Joint Review Panel hearings where 11 students participated in a 48 hour hunger strike—a radical gesture.

Joining Hann is surfing icon and Tofino native, Raph Bruhwiler. Bruhwiler demonstrates the lifestyle and connection to the coast that many on Vancouver Island maintain and highlights how the proposal's potential affects are not limited to BC's North and Central Coast, but would alter an entire west coast way of life.

STAND traverses the Great Bear Rainforest, Haida Gwaii and Vancouver Island, portraying the diversity of people, landscapes and wildlife that would be threatened by an oil spill one paddle stroke at a time.

“One part surf, one part nature, and one part environmental documentary, STAND doesn't fit into a traditional category of film,” says Hann. “We wanted people to feel like they are truly experiencing this special place that is, in fact, quite difficult to access yet highly threatened.”

“We hope to offer an insight in the culture, landscape and freedom of the west coast, and along the way raise awareness about what is at stake,” says co-director Nicolas Teichrob.

Leveraging the popular crowd-funding platform, IndieGoGo.com, STAND raised over $12,000 from the public to supplement sponsorship contributions.

Stand is produced by b4apres Media and Nicolas Teichrob Photography. Presented by Quiksilver Waterman.

Supported by Ikelite USA, Wefi Surfboards, The Escape Route, Pacific Wild and Boardworks Surf Canada.

Additional support provided by SBC Surf, Coast Mountain Culture, the Dogwood Initiative, Soul Haven Sailing, Mountain Surf Adventures and Tofino Surf Adventures.

Facebook page: facebook.com/standfilm

Twitter: @quiksilver #standfilm (@anthonybonello, @nicolasteichrob)
Instagram: @normhann @quiksilver #standfilm (@anthonybonello, @nicolasteichrob)

Please visit standfilm.com to find a show near you or for more information about hosting a screening of Stand.

Body Glove Celebrates 60 Years of Surfing

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 16:15:00 -0400

Body Glove, the original surf and dive industry pioneer and creator of the first commercially viable wetsuit, is commemorating its 60-year anniversary. The family-owned and operated business is excited to honor its history with co-founder Bob Meistrell and the group of athletes and business partners that have been so vital to their business.

"We had three goals when we were small boys: own a submarine; go deep-sea diving; and treasure-hunting. Somehow we managed all three," Bob Meistrell said. “Sixty years later, there are 3 generations of Meistrells diving, surfing and continuing our legacy of innovation, value and service at Body Glove.”

Identical twin brothers Bill and Bob grew the Body Glove brand alongside the surfing boom of the 50s to become one of the most recognizable action sports brands in the market today. In 1953 they designed the first neoprene wetsuit, which blazed a new path for generations of surfers and divers to follow. When asked what makes it so special, Bill always responded, “Because it fits like a glove.” Sixty years later, Body Glove has expanded its product line to be an industry leader in watersport apparel, accessories, SUP and body boards, diving equipment, waterproof mobile gear and much more.

Bill and Bob are two of the only three watermen named to both the Surfers Hall of Fame and the Divers Hall of Fame. If water is the essence of life, these fun-loving innovators lived it to the fullest. They started diving as kids in their Missouri farm's pond using an oilcan for a helmet and a bicycle pump and a hose for air. The twins were practically inseparable on land and in the water until Bill’s death in 2006. Now their children and grandchildren work together to continue their legacy of innovation, value and service.

Body Glove will be celebrating its 60-year anniversary with a party to commemorate this momentous occasion. The 60th Year Celebration will be held in their founding location, Redondo Beach, with their closest friends and business partners who have helped the brand get to where it is today.

For more information about Body Glove and its 60-years of innovation see their timeline here.

For more information on Body Glove go to bodyglove.com, and for daily updates visit facebook.com/bodyglove.

About Body Glove

Founded in 1953, Body Glove is a leading, worldwide watersports brand specializing in wetsuits, swimwear, clothing, footwear, accessories, and technology accessories. The company sponsors one of the most respected surf and wakeboard teams in the industry with such powerhouse names as pro surfers Jamie O'Brien, Cheyne Magnusson, Anthony Walsh, Alex Gray and Holly Beck and wakeboarders Rusty Malinoski, Harley Clifford, Bob Soven and Jeff McKee. Body Glove and Jean-Michel Cousteau and his Ocean Futures Society have formed a legendary alliance to help preserve and protect the ocean while providing ocean and diving geared equipment to water enthusiasts around the globe. Some of the proceeds from the sale of those products go directly to Ocean Futures Society. Through Reef Check, SIMA's environmental fund, Heal the Bay, and the Surfrider Foundation, Body Glove also works to preserve the purity of the waters it loves. Body Glove products are sold in the U.S. by a network of independent retailers. Body Glove is also sold in approximately 50 countries internationally.

Wildcard Announced for Rip Curl Pro at Bells

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 11:38:00 -0400

Indonesian surfing sensation Hairil ‘Oney’ Anwar has been awarded the men's wildcard for the 2013 Rip Curl Pro presented by Ford. The young talent will come up against the best surfers in the world at Bells Beach, Victoria, including 2x ASP World Champion and defending event champ Mick Fanning, and last year’s runner up, 11x ASP World Champion Kelly Slater.  

The 19-year-old natural footer who hails from the remote Indonesian village of Lakey Peak on the island of Sumbawa, has been living on Australia's Gold Coast since 2007, earning his high school diploma and training with friend and mentor Mick Fanning.   “I still can’t believe it, I'm so stoked to receive the wildcard and get to surf against the top guys in such an iconic event. Ever since I competed in the Rip Curl GromSearch finals at Bells as a junior in 2009, I’ve wanted to surf in the Rip Curl Pro main event” commented Oney.  

In 2010, Oney became the first-ever Indonesian surfer to win an ASP Pro Jr. event when he claimed the Dripping Wet Pro Junior at South Curl Curl Beach on Sydney’s northern beaches. He then starred in Rip Curl’s landmark ‘Seven Ghosts’ river surfing expedition in 2011.   Now Oney has his sights set on becoming the first Indonesian surfer to qualify for the elite ASP World Championship Tour and is using his first-ever appearance in an ASP World Championship Tour event to get some experience for the journey ahead.  “It’s a great opportunity to see how I compare. I want to make the WCT in the future and this event will push me harder to qualify and be part of those top 34 surfers in the world” said Oney.

  The Rip Curl Pro is presented by FORD with partners the Victorian Government, Momentum Energy, Mophie, Tooheys Extra Dry, Jim Beam, Skullcandy, Red Bull, Telstra, Surf Coast Shire, Surfing Life Magazine, Fuel TV, Ozmosis, Nova, CO2 Australia, Coastalwatch Plus and co-managed by Surfing Victoria.  

The 2013 Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach will be webcast LIVE via live.ripcurl.com. You can also watch the event live via the Rip Curl Pro iPhone app, available free in the iTunes App Store.

Oakley Launches 2013 Ambassador Contest

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 11:27:00 -0500

Oakley Canada today announced the launch of the 2013 Ambassador contest in collaboration with Elle Canada and Elle Quebec. The contest allows women to share inspirations that fuel their active lifestyle by posting their pictures and videos for the chance to win an Oakley Ambassadorship for a year and a fitness retreat in California. Winners will be chosen by voters from the public on the Oakley Active Facebook page and by Oakley Canada judges.

Contest entrants must submit photos and video, and describe what gets them excited about life and why they are so pumped to become an Oakley 2013 Ambassador. 12 Winners will receive an Oakley ambassadorship for one year plus six sets of workout gear valued at $3,000.00. Two of the winners will be selected for an all-expenses-paid fun-filled girls’ trip to California this summer, valued at $5,000.00 each.

Are you looking for a new and exciting challenge? Or, do you know someone you feel should make her mark? Please submit applications by visiting ELLE Canada here or share this contest with inspiring women that are out there every day, fearlessly pushing their limits and having an awesome time along the way.

The contest is launching today, February 19th and runs until May 8th, 2013. This is a women’s only contest and entrants must be 18 or older.

About Oakley, Inc.

Established in 1975 and headquartered in Southern California, Oakley is one of the leading sports brands in the world. The holder of more than 600 patents, Oakley is continually seeking problems, solving them with inventions and wrapping those inventions in art. This philosophy has made Oakley one of the most iconic and inimitable brands on the market, with innovations that world-class athletes around the globe depend on to compete at the highest level possible. Oakley is famed for its insuperable lens technologies such as High Definition Optics® (HDO®) which is incorporated into all Oakley sun and prescription eyewear, and goggles. Oakley has extended its leadership position as the world’s leading sports eyewear brand into apparel, footwear and accessories collections. Laser focused on the consumer, Oakley has both men’s and women’s product lines that target Sports Performance, Active and Lifestyle consumers. Oakley is a subsidiary of Luxottica Group. Additional information is available at ca.oakley.com.

Rip Curl's Flash Bomb Wins SIMA Wetsuit of the Year

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 18:30:00 -0500

The Best Just Got Better. Rip Curl is extremely honored and humbled to win the 2012 SIMA Image Awards' "Wetsuit of the Year" for the FLASH BOMB for the second consecutive year. The awards took place this past February 7 at The Grove Theater in Anaheim, California.

The award, which aims to recognize the wetsuit that "featured the most exciting design, appeal, or innovation", was a true credit to the Rip Curl wetsuit department who took the success of the award-winning Flash Bomb and worked diligently to improve it.

Boasting Flash Lining, which wicks water from the interior of the suit within seconds of being exposed to the air, the FLASH BOMB is dry to the touch in roughly 15 minutes after surfing when hung up. Hence, "World's Fastest Drying Wetsuit".

Rip Curl would like to thank and recognize all the valued specialty retail partners nationally who have contributed to the success of the FLASH BOMB, as well as our world-class roster of athletes who have played a major role in the development process.   

For more from Rip Curl, see ripcurl.com.

ABOUT RIP CURL

What started in 1969 as a vision, or Search, of two surfers has evolved into a way of life for surfers and board sport enthusiasts worldwide. Rip Curl remains a private company committed to the mission of being regarded as The Ultimate Surfing Company. Now designing, producing, and distributing a variety of highly innovative clothing, wetsuits, boardshorts, watches, mountainwear, footwear, eyewear, accessories, and other equipment for the range of board sports through more than 60 countries around the globe, Rip Curl prides itself on its world class roster of athletes and the simple objective to Live The Search.

Dragon Partners with Rip Curl Pro Puerto Rico

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 11:55:00 -0500

Dragon is excited to announce its partnership with Rip Curl as the official eyewear sponsor of the 2013 Rip Curl Pro Puerto Rico, an ASP 4-star event set to run at Jobos Beach, Puerto Rico from February 9-13. Famous for its passionate fans and pumping world-class waves, the Rip Curl Pro Puerto Rico will showcase surfing from some of the world's best athletes, including Dragon team riders Taylor Knox, Evan Geiselman, Balaram Stack, Taylor Clark, Philip Goold, Ricky Whitlock, Andrew Jacobson and Seth Moniz.

"We're deeply embedded in our local surf community, but the opportunity to branch out beyond California and show support for surfing and Puerto Rico is a no brainer," says Dragon Global Brand Manager Rick Irons. "We've been waiting for the right time to get behind an ASP stop, and the Rip Curl Pro Puerto Rico is the perfect juncture-especially with so many of our riders in the event, including locals Tommy Bursain and Carlos "Chispa" Torres."

See Dragon's website here.

ABOUT DRAGON

Established in Southern California in 1993, Dragon is a premium eyewear manufacturer with a deep heritage in the action sports market. The brand is internationally recognized as a youth lifestyle brand and is distributed in over 50 countries. Dragon has a world class team of athletes which help inspire the product and technology, and produces a range of products including sunglasses, snow goggles, motorsport goggles, and select softgoods.

Oakley's Sebastien Zietz Wins Triple Crown

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 14:35:00 -0500

Oakley, Inc. today congratulated Sebastian “Seabass” Zietz for winning the 2012 Vans Triple Crown of Surfing. Part of the Oakley Surf family since he was 16, Zietz has now secured a place on the 2013 Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Tour.

“A member of the family is achieving his dream, and all of us at Oakley salute him,” said Oakley CEO Colin Baden. “When Seabass was carried up the beach in a victory march, it was a moment that took more than just three events to achieve. We salute his years of dedication, his love for the sport and his well-earned glory.”

“Winning the Triple Crown has been a dream of mine since I was a little kid,” said Zietz. “It’s second only to winning a world title. To have my name on that list with all those other guys, including Andy Irons, is just amazing.”

Comprised of the Reef Hawaiian Pro at Haleiwa Ali’i Beach Park, the Vans World Cup of Surfing at Sunset Beach, and the Billabong Pipeline Masters at the Banzai Pipeline, the Vans Triple Crown is considered the ultimate test of a surfer’s ability to take on big waves.

This is the first Triple Crown title for the 24-year-old Hawaiian native. Not since the legendary Andy Irons has a surfer from Kauai earned the top spot in the prestigious series. As the winner in this 30th anniversary year, Zietz took home a $100,000 check, a $10,000 watch from Nixon and a $30,000 Harley-Davidson.

The surf pro expressed his excitement over securing a spot on the World Tour, and his eager anticipation of next year: “Qualifying for the World Tour has been my dream for eight years,” said Zietz. “The timing, and to have it happen in Hawaii, could not be any more perfect for me. I am confident and ready for 2013 and just super stoked.”

Zietz puts his faith in the industry-leading performance of Oakley board shorts, and he respects the style and comfort of Oakley apparel that takes him from surf and sand to the street and beyond. For the entire competition, he relied on Saba Bank, one of his favorite new Oakley board shorts. The quick-drying design is engineered with the free movement of resilient four-way stretch, and it carries a unique sublimated print.

“When you’re out there [in competition], you can’t let anything hold you back or break your focus,” said Zietz. “Oakley board shorts are so comfortable...they’re a big advantage, and a lot of surfers should feel lucky Oakley has always been so hell-bent on being the best.”

“The sport is part of our heritage and we are honored to have some of the world’s greatest surfers in the Oakley family,” Baden added. “Oakley puts tremendous resources into creating unrivaled performance apparel and eyewear. With the success of Seabass, we feel the pride of seeing a family member getting the honor he deserves, and the pride of knowing all our hard work in research and development has achieved innovation that helped an athlete reach his dreams.”

“The relationship I have with Oakley is more like a family than a support crew,” Zietz added. “We’re all good friends. I don’t even feel like we’re business associates. We’re just all kind of family. It definitely helps not having to stress knowing that Oakley has my back no matter what.”

Zietz comes from a surf family and has earned renown for his smooth, dynamic style punctuated by powerful turns, big aerial maneuvers and barrel-riding prowess. He grew up on the garden isle of Kauai, the middle child among nine siblings, and his older brothers became well known for their surfing talent. Sebastian has now taken the reins in bringing surf pride to the Zietz family name. In addition to his Triple Crown victories this year, he came in first at the Oakley World Pro Junior competition in 2008, and earned Macy’s Trifecta Title that year.

Visit Oakley’s website to discover more about the company’s surf collection, and to get the latest news on Oakley pro surfers.

About Oakley, Inc.

Established in 1975 and headquartered in Southern California, Oakley is one of the leading sports brands in the world. The holder of more than 600 patents, Oakley is continually seeking problems, solving them with inventions and wrapping those inventions in art. This philosophy has made Oakley one of the most iconic and inimitable brands on the market, with innovations that world-class athletes around the globe depend on to compete at the highest level possible. Oakley is famed for its insuperable lens technologies such as High Definition Optics® (HDO®) which is incorporated into all Oakley sun and prescription eyewear, and all premium Oakley goggles. Oakley has extended its leadership position as the world’s leading sports eyewear brand into apparel, footwear and accessories collections. Laser focused on the consumer, Oakley has both men’s and women’s product lines that target Sports Performance, Active and Lifestyle consumers. Oakley is a subsidiary of Luxottica Group. Additional information is available at www.oakley.com.

Patagonia Develops Big-Wave Inflation Vest

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 13:59:00 -0500

Patagonia Inc., a leading designer of core outdoor, surf and sport-related apparel, equipment, footwear and accessories, announces today the creation of a Portable Self-Inflation vest.

“Inflation vests are pretty much mandatory if guys are going to go out and push it in big-wave conditions the way they want to,” says Jason McCaffrey, Patagonia’s Director of Surf. “Our main concern right now is to have a product that will help improve safety when surfing giant waves.”

A while back, Patagonia’s Research and Development division, known as The Forge, began work on an inflatable vest. The company turned to Patagonia ambassador and big-wave surfer Kohl Christensen for ideas on what would make the ideal inflation vest.

“We sent Kohl early versions last winter and gathered feedback,” says Walker Ferguson, Patagonia field testing manager. “What we got back was fairly consistent - we needed a vest that could be incorporated in a variety of suits, support multiple inflations, and be deflated easily.”

For months Christensen and Patagonia engineer Casey Shaw experimented with various pulls, valves and bladder configurations. Each new iteration of the vest would be taken down to the pool and tested. “With R&D, you are always trying to improve the tools you use, without reinventing the wheel,” Shaw says. “This project has been a tremendous opportunity to build something that may substantially impact a surfer’s experience and improve safety in giant waves.”

Eventually, Shaw and his team built a vest that can support four inflations, be worn under a variety of wetsuits (short johns, springs suits, and full suits), features an air release valve, achieves face-up orientation in flat water testing, and allows the surfer to paddle and swim when fully inflated. Presently, a wetsuit must be altered by Shaw and his team to be compatible with the prototype vest. Testers also must go through a safety course before they can use the vest.

On November 30th, Patagonia presented a prototype of the Portable Self-Inflation vest to big-wave surfers at the Big Wave Risk Assessment Summit at the Turtle Bay resort in Hawaii. The response from surfers was resoundingly positive and optimistic.

“I can’t wait to see where this kind of gear will be two years from now,” says Dan Malloy, Patagonia ambassador and a participant of the summit.

Patagonia has provided a number of prototypes to top big wave surfers in the world to test this winter. The product is still in its test phase, and not available for sale at the consumer level yet. Patent is pending. A video about the vest can be found here: http://youtu.be/uNJeIStDn_A

About Patagonia

Patagonia, Inc., based in Ventura, California, is a leading designer of core outdoor, surf and sport-related apparel, equipment, footwear and accessories. With sales last year of $540M, the company is noted internationally for its commitment to authentic product quality and environmental activism, contributing over $47.5M in cash and in-kind donations to date. Incorporating environmental responsibility into product development, the company has, since 1996, used only organically grown cotton in its clothing line. Committed to making its products landfill-free, the company’s entire product line is recyclable thorough its Common Threads Initiative.

Grassracks New Bamboo Storage Racks for Boarders

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 13:18:00 -0500

Take a deep breath, Boarders, now release. They’re finally here. No more mistreating your boards by hiding them in your garage. It’s time to display those beautiful boards, skis, and bikes.

Introducing Grassracks, a new line of bamboo board racks and shelving by Maholla Products. Strong, stylish, and incredibly easy to install, Grassracks provides the chance to not only safely store, but display your boards and accessories on what would otherwise be a boring, empty wall space.

Using our newly-engineered mounting system, each rack can support 200+ lbs. when drilled into wall studs and can be easily installed in under a minute. Aside from the 3 screws that fasten the Mounting Bar to the wall, everything from supports to spacers is solid bamboo, not merely a bamboo veneer. No glues, no screws, no nails.

The secret is the material. Bamboo is an incredibly strong and versatile material, used in everything from making t-shirts that are softer than cotton to making skyscraper scaffolding in Asia. Additionally, bamboo has a beautiful natural grain, giving it a great look to compliment any living space. As one of the fastest growing and most sustainable resources on the planet, there was never another material option for this Eco-Friendly line.

Safe, functional, gorgeous. Give your board the respect it deserves with Grassracks.

Founded in 2010, Maholla Products’ mission is to give the world an eco-friendly, high-quality, and innovative alternative to the everyday metal and plastic products that exist today. You don’t have to be a board sport enthusiast or environment lover to appreciate the strength and beauty of our products. Maholla Products is a privately held company headquartered in Malvern, PA. We are committed to making the world a better place through environmental and social responsibility through products like Grassracks.

For more information on Maholla Products, please visit grassracks.com.

Sitka Announces New Ontario Agency

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 12:02:00 -0500

Sitka is happy to announce that they have hired a new sales agency for the territory of Ontario. Sitka will now be working with the Toronto-based agency Spearmint Pelican Sales.

The switch-up comes on the heels of last week’s announcement that the company would also be changing its representation in Quebec & the Maritimes, and is part of a larger effort to ensure that Sitka’s representatives are able to adapt to the changing and growing needs of the company. Joining key territory brands like WESC, Insight, Penfield, Brixton and several others, Sitka is pleased to add a strategically aligned sales partner with an impressive list of complimentary brands. Picking up the reigns for the F/W 2013 sales season, the new allegiance has big plans for Ontario in the seasons to come.

“We’re very happy to join the Spearmint Pelican brand line-up,” says Mike Pepperdine, Sitka’s Director of Sales. “Rick Buchanan, Tyler Beatson and their team have done a great job creating an almost one- stop-shop for Ontario retailers; his showroom and his brand list are impressive to say the least.”

“We have been following Sitka for a while now and heard great things from our accounts about the brand,” says Rick Buchanan, Spearmint Pelican Founder. “Being a great Canadian-rooted brand, we welcomed the opportunity to represent it in Ontario.”

About Sitka

Sitka is a lifestyle brand designed by the sea and woven by a common thread. With roots in surfing, skateboarding and art, Sitka is a product of the sea and the trees where the company finds itself so at home. Sitka places its values in a reverence for the natural world and the beauty that surrounds and inspires the company. As such, sustainability and fair-practice are two of the cornerstones of the company’s business beliefs.

www.sitka.ca

About Spearmint Pelican Sales

Spearmint Pelican Agency is a street wear and fashion sales and marketing agency representing cutting edge art, music, surf/skate and fashion influenced global brands. We are not your average agency; we evolved from within the street fashion industry and we work with a global family of friends, influencers and tastemakers to build brands. Our family of brands consists of WESC, Insight, Penfield outerwear, Brixton hats, Native shoes, Gram footwear, Generic Surplus, Raen Optics, Allday Apparel, Classified, Borel belts and accessories, Archive Belts by Fullum and Holt. All the brands we represent have unique commonalities and compliment each other in our showroom, in our retailers and to our end consumer.

OluKai Launches Spring Collections

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 12:29:00 -0500

OluKai has just launched their Spring / Summer 2013 collection for men, building on the brand’s continued commitment to CRAFT with the finest Italian leathers and suedes, laser-etched native artwork, hand-sewn detailing and durable construction, ISLAND LIFESTYLE with designs, innovations and purposes inspired by the island environment of Hawai’i both upcountry and ocean-side and MAKAI PERFORMANCE (‘Makai’ means ‘Toward the ocean’), which is the brand’s commitment to building the very best footwear to be worn in and around water.

This collection also marks OluKai’s commitment to comfort with the new inclusion of very breathable materials such as mesh and laser-perforated leathers for a better barefoot feel. All styles in the collection, whether they are sandals, sneakers, moccasins or active footwear, feature the signature OluKai footbed based on OluKai’s design philosophy Fit by Nature, Crafted by Hand™ and ‘Wet Sand Principle,’ which is the moment a bare foot touches wet sand: the heel is cupped, arch supported and toes splay out. This concept of comfort is the design principle behind everything OluKai thoughtfully creates. OluKai’s footbeds utilize the most advanced materials and technology available.

For more from OluKai, see olukai.com.

OluKai has also just launched their Spring / Summer 2013 collection for women, building on the brand’s continued commitment to CRAFT with touches such as saddle-inspired stitching, sea-glass beading, bracelet-inspired details, original artwork and hand-tamped rivets and ISLAND LIFESTYLE with designs, innovations and purposes inspired by the island environment of Hawai’i both upcountry and ocean-side and MAKAI PERFORMANCE (‘Makai’ means ‘Toward the ocean’), which is the brand’s commitment to building the very best footwear to be worn in and around water.

All styles in the collection, whether they are sandals, closed-toe or active footwear, feature the signature OluKai footbed based on OluKai’s design philosophy Fit by Nature, Crafted by Hand™ and ‘Wet Sand Principle,’ which is the moment a bare foot touches wet sand: the heel is cupped, arch supported and toes splay out. This concept of comfort is the design principle behind everything OluKai thoughtfully creates. OluKai’s footbeds utilize the most advanced materials and technology available.

For more, see olukai.com.

Real Surf Trips and Lisa Andersen Announce Costa Rica Camps

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 12:10:00 -0500

Real Surf Trips and women’s 4x world champion Lisa Andersen announced new girls instructional surf camp dates for intermediate and advanced surfers in beautiful Playa Negra, Costa Rica. These “all-inclusive” surf camps will take place beginning April 2013 and continuing through September 2013.

The Real Surf Trips location is home of one the most swell exposed and wave-rich surf zones throughout Costa Rica's Guanacaste Coast and is perfect for the intermediate or advanced surfer.

Girls will get tips, direction and advice for every aspect of their surfing ability, from training and fitness, to nutrition and competitive psychology. Lisa and her ISA certified staff will help the girls fine-tune their skill set.

Real Surf Trips Founder, Bob Witty said, “We are excited to partner with Lisa and create this amazing world class surf camp. After the success of the Roxy sponsored Lisa Andersen Champ Camp we hosted last August, it was obvious that we had the infrastructure and training methodology in place to create future offerings like this.”

Lisa said, “I am so excited to inspire, instruct and just surf with the next generation of female athletes. What Real Surf Trips has created for the surfer plus the location is perfect for these instructional camps.”

Daily Schedule:

- Surf and Learn with Lisa and her ISA Certified Assistants
- Full Time Photographer and Videographer w/ Daily Photo and Video Analysis
- Working with Photographers (land and water)
- Strength Conditioning, Yoga and Core Training Techniques
- Competitive Strategy, Heat techniques
- Working with Sponsors and Branding Assistance

Accommodations and Features:

Double occupancy in 5-bedroom air-conditioned ranch style home
24 hour gated private beach community.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner everyday - delicious and nutritious meals support high intensity surfing. Vegetarian diets accommodated.
12-passenger van for all transportation needs
WiFi & Swimming Pool

For more information see RealSurfTrips.com/lisa-andersen-surf-camp.

Available Dates:
April 20-27
May 26-June 1
June 29-July 6
July 27-August 3
Beginner Camps TBA

See a video of the recent Lisa Andersen Camp hosted by Real Surf Trips: Surfing, Interviews, and Camp Overview

###

Media Contact:
Daryl Wise-StreetWise PR
831-763-9313
dsw@streetwisepr.com

Real Surf Trips Contact
Bob Witty
831-440-7676
Bob@RealSurfTrips.com

About Real Surf Trips:

Real Surf Trips was created by two surfing veterans, Bob Witty & Tony Roberts, that wanted to offer a special surf destination that they could share with their friends and other surf enthusiasts. After living in Costa Rica for almost 20 years and traveling the world surfing for almost three decades, they settled on the most consistent place for great waves to set up shop, the Pacific Coast of Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Real Surf Trips is for the individual who wants to surf some of the best-uncrowded waves with a variety of spots and some of the best surf conditions possible. A favorite motto of theirs is, “vivir para surfear y surfear para vivir”...live to surf and surf to live!

Patagonia Launches First Neoprene-Alternative Wetsuit

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 11:35:00 -0500

Patagonia Inc., a leading designer of core outdoor, surf and sport-related apparel, equipment, footwear and accessories, and Yulex Corporation, a clean technology company developing agricultural-based biomaterials for medical, consumer, industrial and bioenergy products, announced today the introduction of a guayule-based wetsuit, a renewable biorubber that is the first alternative to traditional fossil-based Neoprene.

“When we started to build wetsuits we knew that neoprene, by nature of its production, was the most environmentally harmful part of the product. Our initial approach was to use innovative materials, like wool, that are highly insulating and allowed us to use as little neoprene as possible. But we quickly realized that we needed to create a new material that could be a true alternative to neoprene,” notes Jason McCaffrey, Patagonia’s surf director. “After four years of working together, Patagonia and Yulex have co-developed a unique material that allows us to make a wetsuit that is 60% guayule (plant) based. Our goal is to have the formula be 100% plant based, but we feel that for now this new material is a big enough step forward to let the world know it is possible to buy something cleaner. This is just the first step; it’s our hope that other brands see this as interesting and join the effort to innovate and implement alternatives to traditional neoprene that is used in wetsuits.”

Yulex’s biorubber material is made from guayule, a renewable, non-food crop that requires very little water, is grown domestically in the US, uses no pesticides, and in comparison to traditional neoprene, has a very clean manufacturing process.

Initially, the new suits will be available in Japan only. In Spring 2013, surfers will be able to order custom suits out of Patagonia’s wetsuit facility in Ventura, CA, with a global rollout to follow.

“Yulex commends Patagonia for supporting the advancement of a sustainable, low-carbon future by embracing agricultural-based, biomaterials to replace petroleum-based synthetics,” said Jeff Martin, CEO, president and founder of Yulex Corporation. “Patagonia is guiding the action sports industry to a new level and setting an example for the importance of sustainable practices. Yulex views this partnership as a major step towards a future where use of our renewable, guayule-based biomaterials is the industry standard for consumer, medical, industrial and bioenergy products.”

About Patagonia

Patagonia, Inc., based in Ventura, California, is a leading designer of core outdoor, surf and sport-related apparel, equipment, footwear and accessories. With sales last year of $540M, the company is noted internationally for its commitment to authentic product quality and environmental activism, contributing over $47.5M in cash and in-kind donations to date. Incorporating environmental responsibility into product development, the company has, since 1996, used only organically grown cotton in its clothing line. Committed to making its products landfill-free, the company’s entire product line is recyclable thorough its Common Threads Initiative. The company also advocates corporate transparency through its interactive website, The Footprint Chronicles, which outlines the environmental and social footprint of individual products. Patagonia was featured as The Coolest Company on the Planet on Fortune Magazine’s April 2007 cover.

About Yulex Corporation

Yulex Corporation has developed a portfolio of biomaterials derived from the U.S. grown guayule plant. The company’s technological innovation is designed to replace traditional tropical or petroleum based rubber for consumer, industrial and medical markets, with the residual agricultural materials utilized as a feedstock for bioenergy. Yulex collaborates with customers to develop and market highly differentiated, premium performance products in an ecologically responsible, sustainable manner. For more, visit yulex.com.

Lambrecht Offers Mexico Wooden Board Workshop

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 21:14:00 -0500

Lambrecht Surfboards is offering a build your own board workshop this winter in Sayulita, Mexico. This clinic will allow you to build your own wooden surfboard from reclaimed wood. At the end of this clinic you will have a board ready to take home with you.

Details: The workshop will be held in Sayulita, Mexico, over seven days. All materials and tools will be provided, all you have to do is show up and build a board. Includes three days of guided surfing at local breaks. Accommodations can be arranged upon request.

BOARDS

9' Longboard: $1100
7'6" Mini Mal: $900
6'8" Swallow Tail: $900
6'2" Fish: $800
5'10" Egg: $800
5'10" Shorboard: $800

Custom shapes also available. All prices in Canadian Dollars.

For more, see lambrechtsurfboards.com or email andy@lambrechtsurfboards.com.

Vans Get-N Classic, Vol.2 Out Now

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 13:44:00 -0400

Vans’ highly anticipated second surf film, Vans’Get-N Classic, Vol. 2 is available to watch in its entirety now at vanssurf.com/getnclassic.

The expedition continues in Vans’ Get-N Classic, Vol. 2 as the team chronicles their travels to the world’s most exotic destinations in search of the best surf and adventure. Witness this unique juncture in surf history as Joel Tudor, Nathan Fletcher, Dane Reynolds, Pat, Tanner and Dane Gudauskas, John, Ivan and Nathan Florence, Dylan Graves, Alex Knost, Andrew Doheny, Kalani Chapman, Jason "Ratboy" Collins, Wade Goodall and Leila Hurst make their mark as the most talented and interesting individuals in surfing, conquering the most coveted surf spots in South Africa, Indonesia, Hawaii and more.

Following a rousing reception from the crowd at the European premiere Saturday night in Biarritz, Get-N Classic, Vol. 2 debuted in the United States for more than 250 surf fans last night at the House of Vans in New York. The talented cast and crew attended including Vans Surf team riders Nathan Fletcher, Tanner and Dane Gudauskas, Ivan and Nathan Florence, Dylan Graves, Joel Tudor and Leila Hurst along with director Graham Nash. Underscored by the crowd’s excited cheers and whistles, the film's gripping waves triggered resounding applause as the audience clenched for more. With the mood set by DJs Stretch Armstrong and skate legend John Cardiel, moviegoers enjoyed a classic Vans affair complete with epic surf, good company and hotdogs served by the man himself, Steve Van Doren.

Additionally, Get-N Classic, From the Cutting Room Floor featues behind the scenes and more surf footage and is available now at
vanssurf.com/getnclassic and offthewall.tv.

Vans supports and promotes surfing and surfers through a full line of footwear and apparel and events such as the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, the ASP 4-Star Vans Pier Classic at Huntington Beach and the ASP 6-Star Vans Pro and Vans Pro Junior at the East Coast Surfing Championships and the progressive longboard Joel Tudor Duct Tape Invitational contests. The Vans Surf team is led by a talented group of riders including Nathan Fletcher, John Florence, Joel Tudor, Dane Reynolds, Pat, Dane and Tanner Gudauskas, Ivan and Nathan Florence, Alex Knost, Andrew Doheny, Dylan Graves, Kalani Chapman, Wade Goodall and Leila Hurst.

For more information on Vans surf happenings plus our footwear and apparel, visit vanssurf.com and follow us on Twitter @vanssurf.

Surf Survival Camp at Harmony Hotel

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 14:29:00 -0400

What do you do if the surf gets too big, you step on a sea urchin, or your buddy slices his leg open during a wipeout? Thanks to Nosara’s Harmony Hotel you can find out at its first Surf Survival Camp, Nov. 10 - 17, 2012.

Led by Dr. Andrew Nathanson, one of the authors of the best selling handbook Surf Survival, guests will experience a week of hands-on wilderness first-aid workshops, fitness tips for getting the most out of the surf season, and learn how to avoid surfing injuries.

“With surfing’s ever increasing popularity, the world is beating a path to our door,” says Irene Morales, general manager of the Harmony Hotel, “Therefore we want to provide the skills people need to truly get the most out of a surfing vacation. And true to Harmony’s nature, we have included plenty of yoga and relaxation time as part of the program.”

The Harmony Hotel Surf Survival Camp package includes a seven-night stay in either a Cocos room or Bungalow; daily Asana yoga classes; daily a la carte breakfasts; two dinners and two lunches; a choice of two of three activities including: a stand-up paddling tour, kayak tour, or ziplining excursion; one 60-minute massage; and transfers to and from the Nosara Airport. Surf Survival Camp packages start at $3,125.70 USD for a Cocos room, based on double-occupancy. Single occupancy pricing is also available.

As part of the on-site instruction from Dr. Nathanson for the Surf Survival Camp, guests will learn to:

- Minimize the risk of surfing injuries

- Rescue a surfer / swimmer in trouble and perform CPR

- Repair wounds using skin staplers, wound adhesives, and steri-strips

- Prevent and diagnose common tropical diseases

- Treat bites and stings from dangerous marine animals

- Prepare for a remote Surf-ari and put together a first-aid kit

- Make splints for sprains and fractures and re-set dislocated joints

Dr. Nathanson is a clinical associate professor of emergency medicine at the Alpert Medical School of Brown University and works at a level-one trauma centre. Nathanson has published numerous studies on surfing, windsurfing, and sailing injuries, and organizes a biennial Wilderness Medical Society conference on marine medicine.

“I am passionate about teaching surfers the basic medical skills surfers need so they can be safe whether surfing at their own home beak, or venturing to a remote island in the South Pacific,” says Nathanson. “I cover everything from what you should have as part of a first aid kit, and how to deal with common skin and ear problems, to what you should eat for maximum energy while out on the water.”

For parents looking to provide their children with a better understanding of the risks and rewards associated with surfing, the Surf Survival Camp is open to anyone aged 12 and up. A second Surf Survival Camp is also planned for summer 2013.

To learn more about the Harmony Hotel Surf Survival Camp, email surfsurvival@harmonynosara.com or visit harmonynosara.com.

About The Harmony Hotel

Inspired by the old school tropical destinations of eras that appreciate low-key glamour and total escape, the Harmony Hotel is the perfect setting for people to get in tune with their natural rhythm. For more information, visit harmonynosara.com.

New Teaser for Vans Get-N Classic, Vol. 2

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 12:53:00 -0400

In a special teaser trailer, check out exclusive, never before seen footage of John Florence on an off day at the Fiji Pro. With dangerously huge waves and only a few surfers allowed in the water, John manages to catch the barrel of our dreams in this epic clip. Expect more insanity in Vol. 2 of the Vans Get-N Classic surf film series, available worldwide Oct. 3rd at vanssurf.com/getnclassic. Check out the teaser here.

On October 3rd, Vans’ first-class surf team returns in Get-N Classic, Vol. 2, a chronicle of their travels as they've crossed the globe in search of prime surf and adventure over the last twelve months. Witness Joel Tudor, Nathan Fletcher, Dane Reynolds, Pat, Tanner and Dane Gudauskas, John, Ivan and Nathan Florence, Dylan Graves, Alex Knost, Andrew Doheny, Kalani Chapman, Jason “Ratboy”Collins and Leila Hurst making their mark as the most talented and interesting individuals in surfing and conquering the world's most coveted surf spots.

Filmed and edited by Graham Nash and Reagan Ritchie, Get-N Classic, Vol. 2 captures a unique juncture in surf history, featuring the Vans Surf Team's global excursions to exotic destinations including South Africa, Bali, Indonesia, Hawaii and more.

Vans’ Get-N Classic, Vol. 2, will be available to watch for FREE worldwide on October 3rd at vanssurf.com/getnclassic. A free download of the movie
will also be available.

Additionally, check out the latest episodes of Get-N Classic’s Cutting Room Floor web series on offthewall.tv featuring a behind the scenes look plus
additional surf footage from Vol. 2.

Cutting Room Floor – South Africa
Cutting Room Floor – South Africa Part 2
Cutting Room Floor – Indonesia
Cutting Room Floor – Indonesia Part 2
Cutting Room Floor – Bali, Hawaii and California

In addition to supporting the talented group of surfers on the Vans team, Vans promotes surfing and surfers through a full line of footwear and apparel, events such as the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing™, the ASP 4-Stars Vans Pier Classic at Huntington Beach, the Vans Pro at the East Coast Surfing Championships and the progressive longboard Joel Tudor Duct Tape Invitational contests.

vanssurf.com/getnclassic

Joel Tudor Duct Tape Invitational Heads to Biarritz

Tue, 25 Sep 2012 00:07:00 -0400

The world’s best longboard surfers and their uniquely progressive longboard surf style come to the epicenter of European surfing as the Joel Tudor Duct Tape Invitational presented by Vans heads to Cote des Basque in Biarritz, France, September 28-30, 2012. Directed by two-time world longboard champion Joel Tudor, the event will require competitors to bring two boards: a traditional style longboard and a mid-length board (ranging from 7’ to 8’ 10”) – each must be single fin and leashless boards – with contestants riding what the conditions demand. Expect to see amazing style and nose riding that harkens back to surfing’s early years, but with progression that only today’s most talented surfers can bring.

The 16-man contest spans a three-day holding period and will offer a $10,000 prize purse with top contenders including past winners Alex Knost and Tyler Warren of California, Floridian Justin Quintal and other standouts such as Californians Jared Mell and Ryan Burch and Australian Harrison Roach. New invitees to watch include English longboard champion James Parry and local French longboarder Clovis Donizetti of Biarritz.

Vans also debuts Get-N Classic, Vol. 2, the latest surf film chronicling the exploits of the Vans surf team, in Biarritz, the specific details of the premiere will be released soon.

Biarritz marks the sixth event in the Joel Tudor Duct Tape series, with each stop taking place at famous global surf spots. Quintal won the
inaugural contest at the 2010 East Coast Surfing Championships in Virginia Beach, followed by another win in late fall waves at Montauk, New York’s Ditch Plains. Three Duct Tape contests were held in 2011 with Knost winning at Steamer Lane in Santa Cruz, Warren capturing the title at the Salinas Longboard Festival in Spain and Knost again pacing the field at Surfrider Beach in Malibu later last year.

Contest Invitees Include:

Alex Knost, Robbie Kegel, Tyler Warren, Ryan Burch, James Parry, Chad Marshall, Justin Quintal, Harrison Roach, Lucas Dirkse, Jared Mell, Clovis Donizetti, JJ Wessels, Tanner Prairie, Andy Nieblas, Troy Elmore and another wildcard to be announced.

About Vans Surf

Vans supports and promotes surfing and surfers through a full line of footwear and apparel and events such as the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, the ASP 4-Star Vans Pier Classic at Huntington Beach and the ASP 6-Star Vans Pro at the East Coast Surfing Championships and the progressive longboard Joel Tudor Duct Tape Invitational contests. The Vans Surf team is led by a talented group of riders including Nathan Fletcher, John Florence, Joel Tudor, Dane Reynolds, Pat, Dane and Tanner Gudauskas, Ivan and Nathan Florence, Alex Knost, Andrew Doheny, Dylan Graves, Kalani Chapman, Wade Goodall and Leila Hurst.

For more information on Vans’ surf happenings, our team plus our footwear and apparel, visit vanssurf.com and follow us on Twitter @vanssurf.

Canadian Surf Film Festival Announces 2012 Lineup

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 12:17:00 -0400

The 3rd annual Canadian Surf Film Festival (CSFF) launches its 2012 program, full with regular length features and shorts about surfing, its communities, its environments and the soci-political issues that define it. As in year’s past, the event runs in Halifax over four days – September 27-30 – bringing international film festival darlings and local indie shorts together for the viewing pleasure of surfers, non-surfers and film lovers alike.

“It’s lining up to be another great one for the Festival. We’re excited about our third year: the premieres, the parties and the new partnerships,” says Development Director, Keith Maddison. “We’ve got strong local content in our program, with a special focus on Canadian premieres. It’s always fun to have a program that tackles everything from shark myths in South Africa, to stories of surfing Japan’s coastlines after the 2009 disaster, to some retro “surf-porn” shot by local filmmakers.”

The Festival kicks off with the documentary Surfing and Sharks on Thursday, September 27. Filmed in South Africa, it tracks pro surfers in some of the world’s most shark-infested waters–uncovering secrets surrounding the highly stigmatized species. Also during the CSFF, the Canadian premiere of El Mar, Mi Alma – an award-winning film shot entirely on 16mm – stars pro surfer and famed environmentalist Dave Rastovich in a visual love song to the surf-blessed land of Chile. Here and Now is a community surf film project featuring more than 25 filmmakers and surfers on their respective 24-hour adventures on May 2, 2012. From world champs like Kelly Slater and Stephanie Gilmore to free spirits like Rastovich, Ozzy Wright and Canadian pro Pete Devries, this project runs the gamut of surf experiences on a single day. The Canadian premiere of North of the Sun takes things beyond the most intense Canadian winter surfing experiences with two Norwegian surfers, Inge Wegge and Jørn Ranum, as they make a go at nine months in an isolated bay in northern Norway. We Are All Radioactive explores surfing and the environment in Japan after the disastrous 2011 earthquake, tsunami and nuclear explosion. The Canadian premiere of A Deeper Shade of Blue follows the iconic surf filmmaker Jack McCoy as he ventures into a new realm, exploring surfing’s deepest roots–the subconscious, the ancient lore, the craft of shaping, and man’s perpetual quest for a joyful relationship with the natural world. Finally, as part of the Shorts Program on September 28, Up Cycling, Much Better Now and Souls in the Water screen. For further program details and trailers, visit csff.ca/full-2012-csff-schedule-welcome.

For the third year running, CSFF brings back the Short Film Challenge – a Canada-wide short film competition that encourages both experienced and inexperienced filmmakers to create and produce short films (10 minutes or less). All submissions are considered for the Grand Prize and a World Premiere for a shortlist screens Friday, September 28. The Grand Prize is a Stamps Surfboard longboard and screening spots at both the London Surf Film Festival and SMASH NYC’s US Tour. Local musician and surfer Matt Mays won last year’s Short Film Challenge with his short Surfer’s Road.

The CSFF Jury, comprised of surf and film aficionados from here and away, choose the best film of the Festival, as well as the winner of the Short Film Challenge. Among the jurors, Andrew Murphy, Programming Manager at the Atlantic Film Festival; Cyrus Sutton, founder at Korduroy TV, Emmy Award winner and surfer hailing from California; Lesley Choyce, poet, novelist and surf legend from Lawrencetown Beach; Justin Huston, local surfer and President of the Surf Association of Nova Scotia; and Caralee Murphy, co-founder of One Life Surf. For more on the jurors, visit csff.ca/2012-csff-jury.

The CSFF is excited to host several special events during the Festival. Among them, the Patagonia Festival Launch Party at The Patagonia Shop (1496 Lower Water Street) on Thursday, September 27 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.. The Opening Night Post Party follows at The Seahorse Tavern (1665 Argyle Street) with the Mellotones on Thursday, September 27 from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.. On Friday, September 28 Garrison Brewery (1149 Marginal Road) hosts a special CSFF tour from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m.. Also on Friday, the 15th Annual Surf Art Show at the Laughleton Gallery (115 Shore Road, West Chezzetcook) opens for a public exhibit from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. with work from over 40 artists, celebrating surf and art culture in Nova Scotia. On Saturday, September 29, If Only Surf Shop (1300 Queen Street) and Spy Optic host an early party from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.. A Surfin’ Rockabilly Riot follows that evening at The Seahorse Tavern from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.. Moksha Yoga (1512 Dresden Row) invites the public for free surfer’s yoga, September 30 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.. And the CSFF closes the Festival Sunday evening with the Awards Show at The Seahorse Tavern from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m..

All screenings are at Empire Theatres in the Park Lane Mall (5657 Spring Garden Road). Tickets for screenings and special events go on sale Monday, September 24 at the Canadian Surf Film Festival Box Office in the Park Lane Mall, on Ticketpro.ca and at If Only Surf Shop. Screening tickets are $10 or $75 for an All-Access Pass. All prices exclude HST and Service Fees. For hours of operation, visit csff.ca.

The CSFF shares up-to-date news and announces ticket and other prize giveaways daily on Twitter @canadasurffilm and on Facebook facebook.com/canadiansurffilmfestival.

ABOUT THE CSFF

The Canadian Surf Film Festival began in Halifax, Nova Scotia with a handful of local surfers who dreamed of watching surf films, old and new, on the silver screen with their friends. Now in its third year, the CSFF has garnered international press, securing its position as a force in the surf film festival circuit. It is committed to providing a unique and celebratory forum for local, national and international surf films and surf culture.

ZEAL Optics Welcomes Pete Devries to the Team

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 13:10:00 -0400

ZEAL Optics is proud to call Canadian surfer Pete Devries part of the ZEAL pro team. Born and raised in Tofino, British Columbia, Pete started surfing at the age of seven when his dad first pushed him onto waves in front of their home. He recently won the Cold Water Classic in his hometown, showing the world what he's capable of. Pete has graced the cover of Surfer and has been featured in Innersection films by Taylor Steele for the past two years. Check Pete out in the latest Innersection here.

“ZEAL is stoked to have Pete as part of the family,” said director of marketing Joe Prebich. “He is an unstoppable surfer, not even the frigid waters of B.C. hold him up. His passion for his sport and lifestyle fit perfectly into the ZEAL brand.”

When not in the surf, Pete enjoys tennis, basketball and backpacking with his friends and family. He is currently working on building a house right across from one of his favorite home breaks, so that his commute to the waves will end up being less than a two-minute walk down the beach.

“I'm excited to be part of a team that is creative and passionate in what they do,” said Pete. “Products are only as good as the people behind them, and the team at ZEAL is full of great people creating great products.”

About ZEAL Optics:

ZEAL Optics is based in Boulder, Colorado and known for revolutionary advances in performance eyewear. ZEAL's passion is creating some of the world's best performing sunglasses and goggles for those that enjoy an active lifestyle.Located in the mountains, ZEAL is built for beach living, mountain fun and every kind of active adventure in between. Every ZEAL sunglass frame is made from Z-Resin, a plant-based resin made from castor bean oil instead of crude oil, making the entire line of eyewear eco-friendly. Stay tuned to ZEAL Optic's Facebook page at facebook.com/zealoptics for more updates.

Shark Brand is Official Timekeeper for 2012 Hurley Pro

Thu, 13 Sep 2012 17:19:00 -0400

Shark Brand, the original action sports watch manufacturer, will be the official time keeper for the annual Hurley Pro at San Onofre State Beach – Lower Trestles starting this weekend. In addition to the Shark branded clock on the beach, there will be a branded timekeeper featured on the Hurley Pro website for the over one million expected viewers.

“We are excited to be the Official Timekeeper of the 2012 Hurley Pro. When you combine the world’s most rippable wave with the world’s best surfers, the result is the world’s best surfing,“ said Director of Brand Management, Brian Brewer. “We are producing a limited edition run of Hurley Pro / Killer Shark Tide watches for the competitors. The watches will have tides pre-set to Lower Trestles and will be presented to the competitors prior to the event.”

Mick Fanning, Kelly Slater and Joel Parkinson are set to compete for the top three spots. John John Florence and Gabriel Medina will also participate looking to build upon their stellar rookie campaigns. All in all 38 men are expected to put on a show for the world to see via hurley.com/hurleypro/live.

About Shark Brand

Founded in 1981, Shark Brand is a one of a kind sports watch brand with a legacy of performance timing. With original roots firmly planted on the California Coast, Shark Brand has since developed its own iconic youth influenced style. Built on a foundation of authenticity and fueled by the adrenaline generation, the Shark Collection features the iconic Shark signature silhouette and street inspired lifestyle watches. We are forever inspired by the athletic feats of our generation's sports and youth culture and we will continue to push the limits of innovation and styling. For more information on Shark Brand visit us at http://sharkbrand.com.

SPY Happy Lens Releasing Soon

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 09:13:00 -0400

SPY Inc. today unveiled new lens technology that not only improves vision and performance, but is also designed to invigorate mind and mood alike.

The SPY Happy Lens™ technology was born of SPY’s desire to help improve concentration, refresh and improve the quality of everyday experience—making people “happier”—while at the same time providing the protection, optical clarity and comfort for which the Southern California-based eyewear brand is renowned.

The SPY Happy Lens™ boasts an innovative, patent-pending lens technology formula that fuses years of optics design experience with contemporary research into human color preference. Not only does the SPY Happy Lens™ provide 100 percent UV protection, block more than 99 percent of glare, provide remarkable contrast, depth perception and color enhancement, it is also designed to “harmonize” with the body’s physiological preference for a specific color transmission, optimized through the important wavelengths between 450 and 500 nanometers, where the “uplifting” effects of blue (“happy”) light are most prevalent.

Making its debut in the spring of 2013, the SPY Happy Lens™ will be available across a wide array of styles, including vintage-inspired Crosstown Collection, Fade to Black Collection and high-performance cycling models.

“This is the most exciting product innovation we’ve ever created,” said SPY President and CEO Michael Marckx. “Our Happy Lens™ applies advanced technology to the eyewear world and strikes a powerful balance in sunglasses—one that can be seen and felt, enhancing experience in manifold and novel ways. It’s the single most important product breakthrough I have ever worked on.”

The SPY Happy Lens™ is designed to achieve an unparalleled balance of experiential and functional features and benefits that will complement the style, quality, comfort, durability, and exceptional fit of SPY frames, along with design features that have set the brand apart, like Scoop™ Airflow Technology, ARC™ (Accurate Radius Curvature) Prismatic Lenses and Trident Polarized Lenses.

SPY Inc.:

We have a happy disrespect for the usual way of looking (at life) and this mindset helps drive us to design, market, and distribute premium products for people who “live” to be outdoors, doing intense action sports, motorsports, snow sports, cycling and multi-sports. We actively support the lifestyle subcultures that surround these pursuits, and as a result our products serve the broader fashion, music and entertainment markets of the youth culture. Our reason for being is to create the unusual and this is what helps us deliver distinctive products to people who are active, fun and a bit irreverent, like us. Our principal products—sunglasses, goggles and prescription frames—are marketed with fun and creativity under the SPY® brand. More information about SPY may be obtained from: spyoptic.com, facebook.com/spyoptic, Twitter @spy_optic and Instagram @spyoptic.

Safe Harbor Statement:

This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements relate to future events, future product performance or product attributes and are subject to risks and uncertainties. In some cases, you can identify forward- looking statements by terminology such as “designed to,” "may," "will," "should," "expect," "plan," "anticipate," "believe," "feel," "estimate," "predict," “hope,” the negative of such terms, expressions of optimism or other comparable terminology. These statements are only predictions. Actual events or results may differ materially. Factors that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in our forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to inability of achieving customer acceptance of or perception of the benefits of the Happy Lens technology, and the other risks identified from time to time in our filings made with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in our forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results. Moreover, except as required by law, we assume no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of such forward-looking statements and undertake no obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements.

Skullcandy Introduces Supermodel Crew

Tue, 28 Aug 2012 11:22:00 -0400

Skullcandy, Inc., a high-growth performance lifestyle audio brand, today revealed the Supermodel Crew in its entirety. Earlier this summer, Skullcandy introduced the first face in their lineup, Sports Illustrated “it girl” Kate Upton, who is joined by model and Twitter favorite Chrissy Teigen and two of high fashion’s greats, Jessica Stam and Chanel Iman.

Fans can expect exclusive access to the four ladies in the form of original content, advertising, social media and more. Skullcandy will air “Model Monday” across its digital platforms throughout the month of September. The first series of Supermodel videos featuring Chrissy, Jessica and Chanel kicks off with the ladies designing their own custom Aviator headphones.

“We are very excited to reveal our full Supermodel lineup,” said Nate Morley, VP Marketing and Creative, Skullcandy. “We have collaborated with some of the world’s greatest athletes and artists, and today we're happy to officially add Kate, Chrissy, Jessica and Chanel to our roster of ambassadors.”

For more information about the Skullcandy Supermodel Crew visit: ca.skullcandy.com/models

About Skullcandy, Inc.

Skullcandy became one of the world's most distinct audio brands by bringing color, character and performance to an otherwise monochromatic space; helping revolutionize the audio arena by introducing headphones, earbuds and other audio and wireless lifestyle products that possess unmistakable style and exceptional performance. From the award-winning, optic-inspired Roc Nation Aviator headphones to the evolutionary fitting FIX earbuds and a roster of some of the world's finest athletes, musicians and artists, Skullcandy continues to redefine world-class audio performance and style. Visit skullcandy.com or join us at facebook.com/skullcandy or on Twitter @skullcandy.

Wilson and Peterson Win Nike US Open of Surfing

Tue, 07 Aug 2012 11:23:00 -0400

Julian Wilson (AUS), 23, has emerged victorious at the ASP Prime Nike US Open of Surfing over fellow ASP World Championship Tour (WCT) campaigner Miguel Pupo (BRA), 20, today at Huntington Beach.

Culminating a week-long battle at the iconic venue in dramatic fashion, the Australian and Brazilian put on an incredible show throughout the Final in front of the tens of thousands in attendance and the massive online audience.

Wilson was lethal throughout the entirety of the Nike US Open of Surfing, continuously posting several of the event’s highest scores. The Australian battled hard on the final day, edging out Hawaiian prodigy John John Florence (HAW), 19, and South American phenom Gabriel Medina (BRA), 18, with last-second heroics on his way to the Final.

“I’m over the moon,” Wilson said. “I got a really good start and my hat goes off to Miguel (Pupo) he’s deadly. I knew he was going to be hunting those lefts the whole heat and I just tried to apply a bit of pressure on him. He got that 8.93 and was right back in the heat with plenty of time left. There weren’t that many opportunities out there but it came down to the last minute and I had to just pray there wasn’t one behind it.”

A quick start against Pupo in the Final, as well as an impressive finish, ensured the young Australian would end the day atop the podium (collecting the third ASP win of his young career).

“I felt like I was just building house the whole event,” Wilson said. “I really had to fight for it every heat in the dying minutes and those heats always feel good. I wouldn’t say I peaked in the final but I got a good start and got two good waves.”

Pupo consistently strung together some of the highest scores including a standout victory over Kelly Slater (USA), 40, in their Semifinals bout, but was unable to overtake Wilson in the Final and finished runner-up.

“I’ve had a great week and I had such amazing heats with Filipe (Toledo) and Kelly (Slater) and I’m learning every heat,” Pupo said. “I beat Kelly, but I knew Julian (Wilson) was going to be a tough one. It’s been awhile since I’ve had a good result and I’ve been working hard. It feels good to see the result come and I’ll be working hard for Tahiti.”

Gabriel Medina (BRA), 18, was electric throughout the competition, unloading a barrage of amazing aerials including the only perfect 10-point ride in his Quarterfinals win over countryman Adriano de Souza (BRA), 25. Medina launched an inverted backside, full-rotation air and followed up with a finishing maneuver on the inside for his perfect ride. Although appearing destined for a Finals berth, Medina was toppled by eventual winner Wilson in the Semifinals in the dying moments.

“I just went for that one,” Medina said. “That was a hard one and I couldn’t believe I made that, it was pretty sick. I’m stoked that I got a 10. Adriano is such a good surfer and is really hard to beat and I knew that it was going to be a tough heat, Adriano is such a smart competitor, so I just tried to go big and get my waves.”

Kelly Slater (Cocoa Beach, FL), 40, reigning 11-time ASP World Champion and last year’s Nike US Open of Surfing winner, quietly navigated his way to the final day of competition. The legendary Floridian topped progressive wizard Dane Reynolds (Ventura, CA), 26, in their morning Quarterfinals affair, but was unable to overtake Pupo’s outstanding effort, finishing Equal 3rd.

“I never really felt like I got it going all week,” Slater said. “Miguel (Pupo) and Medina (Gabriel Medina) have been so consistent, getting 9s every heat and they are tough to beat out there. If you’re going to beat them out there you really need to be on your a-game. These are the waves they grew up surfing and this is their bread and butter.”

Lakey Peterson (USA), 17, defeated Carissa Moore (HAW), 19, to clinch the final event of the 2012 ASP Women’s World Championship Tour season, the Nike US Open of Surfing, in front of a capacity crowd at Huntington Beach.

“I don’t even know what to say – I’m speechless,” Peterson said. “The Final was really slow and I was pretty bummed because I wish we both could have got some really good waves. I’m so stoked and I really wanted to win on a high note.”

Into her first year amongst the women’s elite, Peterson capped off her season on the highest of notes, bettering last year’s Runner-Up finish at the Nike US Open where she competed as a wildcard.

“I’ve been staying calm and sticking to my game plan,” Peterson said. “I haven’t been letting anything else faze me and I’ve been staying focused and going out and surfing and having a really good time. I’ve loved every minute of this event and it’s been great.”

Peterson finished the 2012 ASP Women’s World Championship Tour season in 7th place.

The 2012 Nike US Open of Surfing provided a window of redemption for Moore after a relatively lackluster year of results. The 2011 ASP Women’s World Champion came off of last year collecting a slew of wins and Finals appearances, but has struggled to replicate the same form this season. Today’s Runner-Up finish was a step in the right direction for the young Hawaiian and Moore will come back in 2013 re-focused and revitalized.

“It was a good event for me,” Moore said. “Lakey (Peterson) was surfing really well all event and it’s a deserved win. I haven’t have the best year in terms of results so to finish with a Finals berth is a positive place to build on for next year. I’m really looking forward to the break and working hard for next year and this gets me fired up for next year, for sure”
Moore finishes the 2012 ASP Women’s World Championship Tour season rated No. 3.

Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), 21, last year’s event winner, went down in a controversial and extremely-close Semifinal bout against Moore. Having the young Hawaiian on the ropes early, Fitzgibbons watched as Moore chipped away at her significant lead before clinching the win in the final moments of the heat.

“It’s a tough one,” Fitzgibbons said. “No one wants to lose like that. It was a split (judging) panel and I felt like I surfed to the criteria. I had built myself a good momentum through the event and felt like I was ready for the Finals. We’re athletes. We’re here to win and anything less than that is always going to be a disappointment.”

Despite the today’s frustrating loss, Fitzgibbons has had another incredible year, finishing Runner-Up on the elite ASP Women’s World Championship Tour rankings.

“It was a good year for me,” Fitzgibbons said. “Runner-Up is another great finish for me, but the goal is the World Title. As soon as Steph (Gilmore) clinched in France, my mindset went from challenging to preparing for 2013. This event was the first part of 2013 for me mentally. I win would have been better, but I’ll just focus on the things I can do to get myself ready for next year now.”

Malia Manuel (HAW), 18, was a solid performer this week at Huntington Beach, culminating an impressive maiden year amongst the world’s elite with an Equal 3rd place finish and clinching the highly-coveted ASP Women’s Rookie of the Year Award.

“It’s my second best result, the Semis, and it’s a really good finish to the year,” Manuel said. “The day before yesterday I knew I just had to make the Quarters to win the Rookie of the Year award and that was my goal. It’s a great award to win especially with the past rookies that have won and it’s such an honor. Especially this year, the other rookies are so progressive and women’s surfing is at its highest point.”

Highlights from the Nike US Open of Surfing are available at usopenofsurfing.com.

Grain Surfboards Announces 2nd Annual Surf Re-Evolution

Thu, 02 Aug 2012 13:00:00 -0400

Grain Surfboards has locked down the dates for their biggest event of the year—the 2nd Annual Surf Re-Evoultion. Stretched into a two-day festival this year, September 8th and 9th, Grain will be opening up their headquarters and local beach to a many new exhibitors and special guests.

"After last year's success, we couldn't have stopped there," states Tyler Briggs, event manager and curator for Grain. "We've added in some new elements, stretched the celebrations and hands-on fun throughout the whole weekend, and stayed true to the center of what this is all about—the re-evolution of the surfing industry. We're really trying to create a new and creative platform for this."

Saturday, September 8th, located at Grain's headquarters in York, Maine, will be filled with film, local food, a gallery show in the barn with over 20 artists who each have created an original piece of work on an off-cut from Grain's shop floor, live music, and a very unique panel of guests sharing their thoughts and knowledge on innovation, sustainability and the craft of surfboard design. Staying true to last year, Grain will close Saturday night with a bonfire in the fields of the farm.

Following Saturday's festivities, on Sunday, Sepetmeber 9th, the celebration will move to Long Sands Beach for an all-day beach demo allowing everyone to experience the re-evolution first hand in the water. Sunday will be closed out by a concert to say thank you to everyone at the Inn on the Blues.

2012 Confirmed Attendees:

Entropy Bio-Epoxy

Greenlines Recycled Board Shorts

 Sustainable Surf  Merchants Row 

Jon Wegener

 Randy Budd 

Jimbos Wax 

Crooked Blanks

 Ceto Surf

Grain will be realeasing the full line-up as well as tickets in the next week.

Grain is also offering a way to "super-size" attendees re-evolutionary experience by offering a two-day paipo class with Jon Wegener. The class, taught by legendary finless pioneer Jon Wegener and the crew from Grain Surfboards, allows students to build their own paipo using local natural materials. Paipos have been around for thousands of years and provide huge fun in a small package. The two-day class is scheduled for the two days leading up to the event, September 6th and 7th, giving attendees the ability to shape and finish their own paipo and have it to enjoy the weekends' festivities. For more information and to secure a spot in the class, please visit the class page.

For more information on the event, please visit Grain's event page here.

Falco Books Publishes Surf Trip Survival Guide

Thu, 02 Aug 2012 12:43:00 -0400

When you think about a surf trip, you think about crystal-clear water, sandy beaches, tropical islands, sexy bikinis, tanned skin and sunset cocktails. But in reality, things look different: Going on a surf trip means facing trouble.

First you have to deal with jet lags; then jellyfish, urchins or even sharks are waiting for you in the ocean, while villains, gangsters and corrupt cops try to trap you on land; and the morning after your hangover demands a cure. Sometimes you even have to escape hurricanes, fight malaria mosquitoes or survive on a deserted island after your charter boat has sunk.

Innumerous horror scenarios, one helper in need: The Surf Trip Survival Guide.

144 pages packed with more than 100 tips from pro surfers, survival experts and globetrotters. Traveling with The Surf Trip Survival Guide shows you how to surf the biggest waves of your life, how to continue your trip even though you are broke and how to know which boardshort colors are in vogue with sharks.

To make a long story short: You will be ready—no matter what!

The Surf Trip Survival Guide, published in May 2012 by Falco
Books, pocket size, 144 pages, price: 16.95, £14.95 or $22.50.

Available at surftrip-survival-guide.com and in select surf shops.

Brixton Launches Fall 2012 Collection

Fri, 27 Jul 2012 14:52:00 -0400

Brixton's Fall 2012 collection is now available for purchase at Brixton.com and through Brixton retailers featuring a full range of fall staples including twill pants, chinos, jackets, wovens, knits and a deep selection of Brixton's signature hats for men and women.

Check out the video highlighting the new collection above.

For more, follow the Brixton blog here.

Sanuk Welcomes Raph Bruhwiler

Tue, 17 Jul 2012 13:53:00 -0400

Welcome to the team, Raph Bruhwiler. Sanuk Canada is happy to announce the latest addition to their National Surf Team.

Raph Bruhwiler is one of Canada’s most elite surfers who grew up surfing the cold waters in what is now Canada’s most popular surf destination, Tofino, B.C. He has been perfecting the craft, living in his hometown, and working hard at his own surf camp, the Bruhwiler Surf School. Raph has traveled Canada and the world surfing countless waves. While he continues to do so, Raph will be spreading smiles, rocking the Sanuk name proudly.

Raph joins three other talented happy heads on Sanuk Canada’s Surf Team—Jacob Albury and Logan Landry, representing on the East Coast of Canada, as well as Janek Paledeau from Tofino, B.C.

Be sure to watch for Raph’s Innersection part this upcoming season on innersection.tv, happily sponsored by Sanuk.

For more from Sanuk, see shopsanuk.ca.

Photo by Adam Dewolfe.

Sitka Welcomes New European Distributors

Fri, 13 Jul 2012 14:16:00 -0400

Sitka is happy to announce they have added three new European distributors to their overseas base. Sitka is now being represented in the UK and Ireland by ‘Black Closet Distribution’, in Greece by ‘Jack of All Trades Distribution’ and in the Benelux by ‘Vista Mar Distribution’.

Joining the likes of ‘77Ride’ in Germany, and ‘Roots Distribution’ in Switzerland, the three new distributors are now a part of Sitka’s constantly expanding European distribution force. The new partners are equipped and ready to take on their respective territories for the Spring 2013 sales season.

“We are very happy to add three companies with such a wealth and variety of experience in the industry,” said Mike Pepperdine, Director of Sales at Sitka. “The European market is proving to be an interesting and valuable territory for the Sitka brand, and we couldn’t be happier with our new and existing distribution partners.”

For sales inquires in Europe, please contact:

Germany
77Ride
Ben Arslan
t. +49 40 57 133 160
ben@77ride.com
www.77ride.com

Benelux
Vista Mar Fashion
Steven Sandberg
t. +31 (0) 624095823
steven@vistamar-fashion.com
www.vistamar-fashion.com

Switzerland
Roots Distribution
Lukas Berger
info@roots-distribution.ch
t. +41 34 424 06 17

UK / Ireland
Black Closet
Robin Fairweather
t. +44 (0) 7720 806409
rob@blackcloset.co.uk
www.blackcloset.co.uk

Greece/Cyprus
Jack Of All Trades Distribution
Renee Avloniti
t. +0030-2106022285
info@jackofalltrades.gr
www.jackofalltrades.gr

About Sitka

Sitka is lifestyle brand designed by the sea and woven by a common thread. With roots in surfing, skateboarding and art, Sitka is a product of the sea and the trees where the company finds itself so at home. Sitka places its values in a reverence for the natural world and the beauty that surrounds and inspires the company. As such, sustainability and fair-practice are two of the cornerstones of the company’s business beliefs.

Sitka’s Spring 2013 Collection, Close to Home, is a journey into to the wild and untamed beauty of the world. Exploring the genre’s of classic Canadiana work wear, 70’s inspired surf grunge and the liquidity of the sea, we embark on a journey that takes us from the deepest seas to the tallest of trees.

For distribution Inquiries, Please Contact:
Mike Pepperdine – Director of Sales
c. +250 589 9809
t. +250 385 7873
f. +250 920 7873
pepperdine@sitka.ca

SurfSpotting Now Available in Apple App Store

Fri, 06 Jul 2012 13:19:00 -0400

Available today, the app SurfSpotting offers surfers 1250 preset surf spots around the world. Its purpose is to provide surfers with a collection of surf spots around the world with a brief description of each spot. The app is map based and displays surf spots within a 20 kilometre (12 mile) radius from the user’s current GPS location. Users can also search for surf spots by browsing global regions, searching by individual spot names or by entering the current wind and swell directions.

The development of SurfSpotting focused on providing preset surf spots, but what makes it different from other ‘surf apps’ is that it allows users to collect and store their own spots. Both the preset and added spots are displayed on the maps and are used with the built-in search functions. Each spot has its own brief description including best wind direction, best swell direction, wave direction (left hander, right hander or both) and a summary of the surface below (rock, reef or sand). The home page displays all spots within a 20 kilometres (12 miles) radius of the user’s current GPS location. Users can also search for surf spots by browsing global regions, searching by individual spot names or by entering the current wind and swell directions. When searching for a spot using the current conditions, the user must input the current wind and swell direction, wave direction they prefer and surface below. The matching results are then displayed on the map. SurfSpotting can be used by the travelling surfer or surfers just looking to discover new surf breaks.

SurfSpotting is now available for $2.99AU and is priced accordingly in other regions. The app is available world-wide on the Apple App Store.

For more, see surfspotting.net.

Lib Tech Launches Surfboard Line

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 17:51:00 -0400

In a wave to mutilate the environmental and durability issues that have plagued traditional shaping practices and surfboards, Lib Tech, manufacturer of the world’s most environMENTAL snowboards, NAS, and skateboards have announced the launch of their Waterboard line. The Waterboard is a culmination of three decades spent surfing and experimenting with eco-radical watercraft by Lib Tech founder, chief surfboard designer, and composites guru, Mike Olson. Distribution of Waterboards from Lib Tech’s laboratory in Near Canada, USA will begin in select shops on the West Coast, and will also be available online at libtechwaterboarding.com.

Generated through Isotropic conFusion, the Waterboard is a homogenous gathering of 31 classified eco materials and components. They ride with the panache of a traditional polyester board, though as stated by Olson, “Every material used is completely new to surfboards. Every technique is completely unique—to any industry. It’s not only a new way of making surfboards, it’s a whole new way to make anything.” These new environMENTALLY nicer technologies need no sandpaper, paint brushes, tape, or solvents except water.

The de-classified components include:

2D2D Volcanic Organic Basalt Honeycomb Technology: Lib Tech is the first to use Basalt in surfboard design. Volcanic Organic Basalt Honeycomb Technology is an incredibly strong, impact resistant layering of fibers that withstands heel kicks, has no additives, and is extremely lively underfoot. This technology is 2D2D, Dang Difficult to Ding!!

The Powerpop Airspring Foam Core: A lightweight foam composed of an exclusive closed cell alloy formula that WILL NOT ABSORB WATER, has elastic qualities like a trampoline, contains up to 50% recycled content, and uses ozone friendly blowing agents. 100% of the off-cut foam produced while shaping is then recycled into new blanks. This is a new foam formula that didn't exist a year ago.

LVR43 High Rebound Matrix: Instead of toxic industry-standard polyester resin or old-fashioned epoxy, Olson created LVR43 High Rebound Matrix, a chemistry that has higher elongation, extreme ding resistance, and responsive rebound.
Elastomatrix Perimeter 2D2D Dampening Web: Rails are wrapped in rubberized metallic fibers to give the boards a silky smooth ride even in choppy conditions and also 2D2D.

Lib Tech Leash Plug - It’s still just a leash plug, but it’s different. Lib Tech’s newly designed leash plug featuring an anodized 6061 T6 aircraft aluminum pin that will never rust and a super lightweight fiber-composite cup.

MO BOX Fin System: To increase the adjustability of fin placement, all Waterboards feature Lib Tech’s new MO BOX fin system and come with four of Lib Tech’s new Maximum Intensity Leading Foil (M.I.L.F) fins, including a smaller trailer fin. The user has the freedom to adjust their fin to the fore or aft by 5/8th of an inch, creating a personalized fin setup for different conditions and styles of wave riding. The fin boxes are chemically and physically integrated into the board, and fit both Lib Tech’s new M.I.L.F Fin System, and the FCS fin system.

Mike Olson and co-conspirator craftsman, Jeff Henderson, broke down every element of surfboard design in Lib Tech’s windowless Waterboard lab to build maximum functionality into the lineup. Ergonomic elements including grab rails (small channels on the rails) for maximum hold for duck diving, as well as aerials, and a concave deck for rib comfort are standard in every Waterboard shape series; Ramp, Bowl, and Vert. These shapes were created to provide maximum eco-radicalness on the wave face and beyond:

Ramp - A magically fast, short, and wide, low rocker series with a speedy thumb tail and flipped stub nose. A surf skate tailored to accelerate and take you over the coping in small to medium waves. This is a punk rock grovel master, air blaster, mini slasher!

Bowl - A magically fast quiver killer in small to overhead waves, featuring a wide, speedy thumb tail and pulled-in nose for aggressive modern performance. Medium-low rocker skates through flats sections and provides enough banana to pull through on pitching takeoffs. This is Lib Tech’s most versatile shape.

Vert - A high performance design for high performance waves. Pulled nose, squared thumbtail, increased rocker. Meant to be ridden at standard lengths and widths. Get pitted.

For people who enjoy sliding sideways with art underneath their feet, Waterboards are available with the sublimated works of renown Lib Tech artists Jamie Lynn, Quincy Quigg, and Ryan Davis. For the purist, Waterboards are also available without graphics.

Mervin Manufacturing home of Lib Tech, GNU and Bent Metal is a leading designer and manufacturer of snowboarding, NASing, surfing and skateboarding products built at the world’s most environMENTAL factory by people who ride them. Mervin Manufacturing was founded by snowboarders Mike Olson and Pete Saari in 1977, with much of the original financing to build snowboards coming from the profits Mike Olson made shaping surfboards for his Near Canadian cold water brethren. In an industry where virtually every other snowboard, ski, skateboard, and surfboard company has moved production to China or offshore, Mervin is the longest running and last major board building factory in the USA. Based out of Carlsborg, Washington, between the rugged Olympic and Cascade Mountain Ranges, Mervin is a direct link between riding and manufacturing.

Trust Mervin Manufacturing.
Bitchin’ Board Builders.

Mervin Manufacturing
mervin.com

Bombora Vodka Signs Keala Kennelly

Fri, 22 Jun 2012 18:49:00 -0400

Bombora Vodka proudly announces a partnership with Billabong pro-surfer Keala Kennelly. Keala is a Kauai-born surfer who turned pro at age 17. She has accumulated so many awards and wins over her career there are too many to mention, but her most recent awards include 1st place at the Nelscott Reef Big Wave invitational 2010, winning the BILLABONG GIRLS BEST PERFORMANCE AWARD in 2011, and her fantastic 2nd place finish in the Bud Light Lime Surf Series on June 3, 2012.

Since being the first female surfer to tow in at Teahupoo in 2005, Keala has focused heavily on big wave surfing, recently catching what is arguably the best barrel ever ridden by a female surfer at Teahupoo during the Code Red swell of 2011. In addition to her career as a pro surfer, Keala also is an accomplished actor having played key roles in the movies Blue Crush and Step Into Liquid, and starring as Kai in the HBO series John from Cincinnati. When she’s not surfing or acting, Keala also is a DJ.

Bombora is an Australian vodka distilled 5 times from premium red and white grapes grown in the famed Barossa Valley Wine Region in Australia. Bombora means “Reef” in Aborigine. Bombora is all about sun, surf and sand, and was created in the famous surfing region of Surfer’s Paradise in Australia.

When the Bombora team set out to search for a great brand advocate, and they found Keala, they knew immediately she was a perfect fit. According to CEO Dave Freyder, “Keala is a fierce competitor, is passionate about life and surfing, and exactly the type of person we want representing our brands. She’s fun, was born a surfer, and loves the nightlife as well. She embodies Bombora’s culture - “It’s Fun Down Under” – in every way possible.

From Keala’s perspective, "I'm super excited to be joining forces with Bombora Vodka. Their Vodka is super smooth, and I have mixed up quite a few yummy cocktails. Together we are going to collaborate to create all kinds of fun and mischief together. Just thinking about it is making me thirsty."

Check out Keala winning the 2011 Billabong Girls Best Performance Award.

Since Bombora Vodka launched a few years ago, it has gained international fame having won medals at the San Francisco International Spirits competition and the International Wine and Spirits competition in London as well as the New York World Wine & Spirits Competition. Bombora has also received an outstanding rating by Anthony Dias Blue of Blues Review and The Tasting Panel Magazine and is highly recommended by Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

For more, please visit bomboravodka.com.

Nike US Open of Surfing Brings Sport, Music and Art to Huntington Beach

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 11:54:00 -0400

After an unprecedented showing last year, the Nike US Open of Surfing® will kick off on July 28th in Huntington Beach for what has become one of the most anticipated surf, music and lifestyle events of the year. Title sponsor Nike – along with presenting sponsors Hurley and Converse – continue to elevate the event which will attract over three quarters of a million fans and onlookers along a 14-acre stretch of sand on the south side of Huntington Beach Pier, showcasing the best in surf, skate, music, and art.

"The US Open of Surfing is the epicenter for action sports culture. This year we will introduce the biggest stadium in surf and largest skate contest on the beach as the top action sports athletes, art and music talent hit the sand in Huntington," said Sandy Bodecker, VP of Nike Action Sports.

The 2012 Nike US Open of Surfing will run from July 28 to August 5. All events are free and open to the public and can be viewed live daily at usopenofsurfing.com. With more than 3.6M+ webcast viewers last year, the webcast broke viewership records and expects to deliver content to even more viewers worldwide this year. The event is owned and produced by IMG, the global leader in sports and entertainment.

Fans will see all of their favorites battle it out again this year in surf and skate’s biggest stadium spaces on both water and sand. This year's surf stadium and skate arena will take the competition to another level. Anchored by the world’s largest professional surfing competition, the US Open is a pivotal point on the ASP World Tour for both the men and women. For the men, a win at the US Open – a North America ASP Men’s Prime event - will earn them valuable points right before the coveted ASP Top 34 rotation. And for the women, the US Open of Surfing® marks the final stop on the 2012 ASP World Title Tour. With everything on the line and a close race for the World Title, the US Open will potentially crown a women’s World Champion in Surf City this summer.

"The US Open is the biggest stage in competitive surfing, and I'm excited to compete again in Huntington, where the world's best athletes come together to vie for one of the most prestigious titles in the sport," said Carissa Moore, 2011 Women's World Champion. "To compete in an arena with surfing at center stage is a dream come true, and I'm putting everything on the line to bring home the US Open title again."

“There is no other event like the US Open of Surfing. Together with Nike, Hurley and Converse, we have created the ultimate arena for athletes, musicians and artists to showcase their talent,” says James Leitz, Senior Vice President of IMG. “With hundreds of thousands of people coming down to the beach to celebrate action sports, the atmosphere is electric, vibrant and youthful. This US Open of Surfing is the epitome of the California lifestyle.”

From the water to the sand, the action doesn’t stop. Converse Coastal Carnage, a pro/am skateboarding competition, will once again host the most talented and diverse crew of riders from across the globe as they compete in a state-of-the-art skate bowl with ground breaking tricks for a piece of the $90,000 prize purse. And for the first time, Nike Skateboarding is hosting the Damn Am HB presented by Nike Skateboarding, will be featuring the world’s top amateurs showcasing their skills on the ultimate street course inspired by the best street spots from around the world. In addition one of the week’s most popular events, the US Open Music Stage, will host a soon-to-be-announced lineup of bands that will surely rival last year’s MGMT performance in front of hundreds of thousands of screaming fans.

The Nike US Open of Surfing is proudly sponsored by Casio G-Shock, Red Bull, Pacifico, Paul Mitchell Salon Haircare, TransWorld Media, Verizon Wireless, Casio G’zOne and 7-Eleven.

The Nike US Open of Surfing airs on NBC Saturday, September 13, 2012 at 1:30 pm EST as part of the “Red Bull Signature Series.” Nike partnered with the Red Bull Signature Series on events including Supernatural, Lowers Pro and the US Open of Surfing, to support some of the most progressive and innovative surfing, snowboarding, and skiing action sports events. For more information, visit redbullsignatureseries.com.

About Nike

Engineered for world-class athletes, Nike Action unites the performance innovation of Nike with a deep commitment to the history, creativity, and raw athleticism of action sports. With a focus on Skateboarding, Snowboarding and Surfing, our footwear and apparel merge advanced materials and design with classic styling, driven by the voice of our athletes. Based at Nike headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon, Nike Action is dedicated to inspiring and supporting the world of action sports. For more information, visit nikeinc.com.

About Hurley

“Hurley is a company based on inclusion,” says chairman and founder Bob Hurley. This philosophy applied to Bob Hurley's early years as a Huntington Beach shaper, working with friends alongside the world's best athletes to make a better surfboard. It applied to the company's launch in 1999, when Hurley decided to start a brand that was a true microphone for youth. In 2002, Hurley was acquired by Nike, the largest and most influential sporting brand in the world. Inclusion remains a guiding principle of the company today, where innovative products like Phantom Boardshorts and game-changing events like the US Open of Surfing continue to redefine what is possible in our world. Hurley headquarters are in Costa Mesa, CA with international offices in Sydney, Tokyo, Barcelona and Bali. hurley.com.

About Converse

Converse Inc., based in N. Andover, Massachusetts, is a wholly owned subsidiary of NIKE, Inc. Established in 1908, the Converse brand has built a reputation as “America’s Original Sports Company”™ and has been associated with a rich heritage of legendary shoes such as the Chuck Taylor® All Star® shoe, the Jack Purcell® shoe and the One Star® shoe. Today, Converse offers a diverse portfolio including lifestyle men's, women's and children’s footwear, apparel and accessories. Converse product is sold globally by retailers in over 160 countries and through 63 company-owned retail locations in the U.S. For more information, visit converse.com.

Joel Tudor Cross Steps to Crosstown

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 13:46:00 -0400

SPY today announced the addition of professional surfer, history buff and cultural icon Joel Tudor to rock its new Crosstown Collection—a line of stylish handmade acetate sunglasses inspired by vintage fashion, music, art and life in the Golden State. Tudor will also “see more better” through SPY’s new ophthalmic collection—SPY Rx.

“I haven’t had a sunglass sponsor since ’96 due to the fact most companies out there lack creativity,” says Joel Tudor. “The crew at SPY is definitely on point, and so are their Crosstown and Rx collections.”

An understudy of ’60s and ’70s surfing legends like Phil Edwards, Nat Young, David Nuuhiwa, Miki Dora, Wayne Lynch, and Gerry Lopez, Tudor melded their time-honored approaches to forge his own path where he boldly encouraged a new generation of non-conformists to flip the bird at the “usual” way of looking at modern day surfing.

Aside from being the world’s best longboarder over the past two decades, Joel is just as well known for busting down the stigmas associated with the type of surf craft someone chooses to ride,” explains Devon Howard, SPY marketing director. “Today, he remains as relevant as ever in board design innovation and traditional types of surfing—as well as being a respected authority on surf culture and history. Honestly, we couldn’t ask for a better guy to back SPY’s Crosstown and Rx collections.”

Revered as a “soul” surfer that never sold out, Tudor was still no stranger to competitive success. His timeless style earned him two ASP World Longboard Championships, eight US Open Longboard Champion titles, and a number of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu championships under his black belt.

“I’m happy I’ve found a home at SPY where I don’t have to worry about wearing tacky sunglasses or prescription frames that only kooks would be caught dead wearing,” adds Tudor, who also recently opened his own Jiu-Jitsu school in Solana Beach, CA. “After walking around blind for the past 15 years, I can finally wear glasses I’m proud of.”

Tudor will join the company of SPY’s current Crosstown athletes Nate Tyler, Wade Goodall, Darrell Mathes, Ryan Burch and Jared Mell.

To see Joel Tudor at work, check out vimeo.com/9031792, or pick up the current newsstand issue of Surfer Magazine, (Vol. 53, Issue No. 7,) for a feature-length interview on his relevance in today’s surfing world.

For more information about SPY, log-on at spyoptic.com, facebook.com/spyoptic, Twitter @spyoptic and @spyoptic on Instagram.

See the Crosstown Collection at spyoptic.com/collection/crosstown and the SPY Rx Collection at spyoptic.com/rx-sunglasses/l/402_viewall.

Dragon Launches Webisode Series Frame of Mind

Wed, 06 Jun 2012 12:26:00 -0400

Dragon releases the first of a four-part webisode series called "Frame of Mind: The B-Sides of Life," featuring Mick Fanning, Evan Geiselman, Owen Wright, and Rob Machado. This video collection of short stories is a view into the different sides of the surfer's personalities, more specifically, what inspires them in and out of the water.

By definition, Frame of Mind is described as "the disposition of one's inner thoughts." This series of webisodes focuses in on the seldom seen personas behind some of surfing's biggest names. It will be told online starting June 5 at www.DragonAlliance.com, when the first installment of Dragon's Frame of Mind goes live on the Web. In the first episode, titled "The Escape", Mick Fanning talks about how the real stoke in surfing is in escaping with his friends to surf perfect waves without the pro surfing circus.

The rest of the series will be hitting the web throughout the summer with fresh, original edits and entertaining stories about some of the coolest surfers on the planet.

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.

Kelly Slater Rides With GoPro

Sun, 03 Jun 2012 16:00:00 -0400

GoPro, the company that began as a wrist camera for surfing and now produces some of today's most engaging content, reaches the pinnacle of the sport by welcoming Kelly Slater, 11-time World Surfing Champion, to its team of athletes.

"I'm stoked. I've had a lot of fun with the GoPro camera and in just the few sessions I've had so far with it, I've gotten more images than I have in a long time," said Slater.

"Working with Kelly takes me back to why I started GoPro," says GoPro's Founder and CEO, Nicholas Woodman. "We began as a wrist camera for surfing company with a vision to help the average surfer capture photos that made him or her look like a pro...like Kelly Slater. Now GoPro is helping Kelly, himself, capture and share his own experience with fans around the world and it's blowing my mind. I guess this whole GoPro thing is kind of working out."

For more, see gopro.com.

Focus SUP Joins Forces With Body Glove

Wed, 23 May 2012 19:57:00 -0400

Focus SUP (Stand Up Paddleboards) is creating a new line of Body Glove boards and accessories. They will be working closely to develop synergy between both brands. Focus SUP will distribute to the specialty SUP market, while Body Glove will be distribute to the sporting goods market.

“With the continuing growth of the SUP market in the board-sport industry, this endeavor is a very important business objective for Body Glove. We could not be happier about our new partnership since their products are of the highest quality, best design and have a history of excellent distribution,” says Robbie Meistrell, CEO of Body Glove International.

“Partnering with a brand such as Body Glove to develop a new line of SUP products is a milestone for Focus SUP. The new Body Glove SUP line will push the envelope in design and function,” states Jacob Benzvi, President of Focus SUP.

The new boards will be available to dealers around the world in June of this year. There will initially be 3 models of boards, sizes 9’10", 10’10" and 11’10", which will cater to the everyday SUPer.

For more information on Body Glove SUP and Focus SUP products go to focussup.com and for daily updates visit facebook.com/focus.sup.

About Body Glove

Founded in 1953, Body Glove is a leading worldwide water sports brand specializing in wetsuits, swimwear, clothing, footwear, accessories and technology accessories. The company sponsors one of the most respected surf and wakeboard teams in the industry with such powerhouse names as pro surfers Jamie O’Brien, Cheyne Magnusson, Anthony Walsh, Alex Gray and Holly Beck and wakeboarders Rusty Malinoski, Harley Clifford, Bob Soven and Jeff McKee. Through Reef Check, SIMA’s environmental fund, and the Surfrider Foundation, Body Glove works to preserve the purity of the waters it loves. Body Glove products are sold in the U.S. by a network of independent retailers. Body Glove is also sold in approximately 50 countries internationally.

About Focus SUP

Focus SUP was established by Jacob Benzvi, Nitzan Benhaim and Tal Meirovitz in late 2008 with the idea of designing the best SUP boards. Designed in Hawaii, Focus SUP boards are sold worldwide.

Skateistan Book Coming Soon

Mon, 21 May 2012 18:02:00 -0400

"A skateboard park and school surrounded by war makes perfect sense in a senseless world, doesn’t it?” – C.R. Stecyk III

What’s it like to grow up working on the streets in a warzone, or to spend the first 15 years of your life pretending to be a boy? How does it feel to be one of the first skateboarders in a country, and at the same time a girl in a conservative Muslim society? In a nation divided along ethnic and gender lines, how do art, education and skateboarding create change?

After years of interviews, documentation and hard work, the NGO Skateistan is excited to announce the release of its very first book, revealing how a grassroots skateboarding project has made a lasting impact on the lives of Afghan youth.

Skateistan: The Tale of Skateboarding in Afghanistan shares the strange and beautiful intersection of traditional Afghan society and a new generation of Afghan skateboarders and artists. Through a balanced mix of words and photographs, the book tells the tale of ‘Skateistan,’ which since 2007 has taught skateboarding and creative arts to girls and boys in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Skateistan gives a rare, in-depth look into the lives of exceptional young Afghans facing incredible challenges and giving new life to a city that has been ravaged by war.

This 320-page color book features stunning, previously unpublished photographs accompanied by essays, interviews and personal stories from Skateistan’s founder Oliver Percovich and the young Afghans that have gone from being streetworking kids to teachers in the skatepark and classrooms. Full of hope, beauty, brutal honesty—and skateboards—this is a story about Afghanistan that you won’t find anywhere else.

The book’s official release date is set for June 9, 2012 in Berlin, Germany, with purchase available soon through Amazon, the Skateistan online store, and local skateboard shops.

100% of proceeds will go towards Skateistan’s activities. Download sample spreads and find more info here: skateistan.org/book

Book sponsored by Kindle Project and the Danish Embassy in Kabul.

For more, see skateistan.org.

Santa Cruz Formally Dedicated as a World Surfing Reserve

Tue, 01 May 2012 13:23:00 -0400

The local and international communities came together on Friday and Saturday to commemorate and celebrate Santa Cruz as a World Surfing Reserve, in a series of dedication events that included a number of festivities, from an “Evolution of the Wetsuit” fashion show to a spiritual paddle out at Pleasure Point. The official dedication event took place in front of the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum at Steamer Lane, and featured a collection of inspiring speeches from local surfing and environmental leaders and public officials.

“The Santa Cruz World Surfing Reserve implicitly underscores the importance of our waves and coastline,” said Pat O’Neill, President and CEO of O’Neill Wetsuits, a supporter of the reserve. “It provides additional worldwide recognition to what we have long known and cherished—that Santa Cruz is a unique special place worth protecting for our families and future generations.”

The heralded Santa Cruz surf zone—designated as the area from Natural Bridges on the western end to Opal Cliffs just east of Pleasure Point—joins only three other sites to claim such status—Malibu in California, Ericeira in Portugal, and Manly Beach in Australia.

On Friday night, the community held a celebration at the Cocoanut Grove at the Santa Cruz Wharf, which included a show tracing the evolution and development of the modern surfing wetsuit from the 1950s to present, using local surfing celebrity models. The show began with the precursor to the wetsuit, a high-waisted “speedo-type” belted swim suit made of wool, and ended with a 2013 O’Neill wetsuit.

Saturday morning at Pleasure Point, Ohlone Native American Indian Elder and Shaman Patrick Orozco led a moving blessing on the beach that was followed by a beautiful song performed by local musician and surfer Ashley Lloyd. Surfers then paddled out into the kelpy waters of Pleasure Point where they united in a circle and gave thanks to the natural and cultural surfing heritage of Santa Cruz. During the paddle out, local icon Jack O’Neill came out onto the balcony of his house at Pleasure Point and saluted the surfers, which was met by a loud chorus of cheers from all the surfers in the water. Finally, on Saturday afternoon, community members gathered at the Lighthouse lawn at Steamer Lane for the official dedication ceremony, and listened to brief talks from local leaders on the importance of protecting Santa Cruz’s waves and coastline.

"We are so blessed in this community," said Santa Cruz Vice-Mayor Hilary Bryant, who is a surfer herself and serves on the Santa Cruz Local Stewardship Council, the group that will provide ongoing oversight for the Reserve. "As important as our parks are, the waves are important to us too."

Santa Cruz received its approval as a World Surfing Reserve in February 2011. Its application ranked highly on all World Surfing Reserve criteria: wave quality and consistency, unique environmental characteristics, surf culture and history, and community support. More than 23 surf spots dot the area’s coastline, with a handful of iconic locations such as Steamer Lane and Pleasure Point. The cold-water marine environment not only provides a playground for surfers, but also provides habitat for one of the most robust coastal and marine ecosystems on the planet. Santa Cruz’s importance in the history of surfing is undeniable. It was the birthplace of surfing on the North American continent and played a pivotal role in the creation and development of the surfing wetsuit, which opened up surfing to new regions around the world.

"This honor is perfect for Santa Cruz,” said Robert “Wingnut” Weaver, a Santa Cruz World Surfing Reserve ambassador. “We are ground zero for surfing on the mainland. No town deserves it more."

At the end of the dedication ceremony, the members of the Local Stewardship Council signed a plan for the ongoing management and stewardship of the Santa Cruz World Surfing Reserve. This plan outlines how the group would respond to threats that may arise, what type of stewardship activities the group will carry out, and how the group will reach out to the general public to provide education about Santa Cruz’s incredible surfing resources and how to protect them.

“Santa Cruz is a leader not only in the surfing world but also in maintaining a tremendous environmental legacy,” said Save The Waves Board President and World Surfing Reserves Executive Committee member Dean LaTourrette. “We’re excited to honor this heritage and to work with the community to build increased layers of environmental protection.”

About World Surfing Reserves

World Surfing Reserves (WSR) proactively identifies, designates, and preserves outstanding waves, surf zones and their surrounding environments, around the world. WSR is an initiative launched by Save The Waves Coalition in 2009 in conjunction with National Surfing Reserves Australia and other partners.

For more information:

worldsurfingreserves.org

savethewaves.org

Surfs Up Here Airing Now

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 12:32:00 -0400

VICE Canada and Red Bull want to let you in on a little secret that a select few have always known, that when it comes to chasing waves, Canada’s massive coastline actually rules. The only thing is, it takes a lot of dedication and determination.

Surfs Up Here is a new video series that follows Canadian pros on the East and West coasts as they show some Yankee friends the ropes, and dig into our biggest, best, and mostly untapped resource—the Canadian outdoors. With a little help from some seaplane and ‘chopper pilots, we dive deep into remote areas as our surfers hunt down world-class waves in our own rugged and wild backyard.

With an immersive, driving, and dark original score written and performed by John Fraser Carpenter and Ben Koller (drummer of Converge), ride along with our frostbitten pros as they wax their boards, swing axes, and explore the remote and often hauntingly beautiful coastlines.

Episode 1 is online now. Watch it here:

redbull.ca/cs/Satellite/en_CA/Video/Surfs-Up-Here-Canada-West-Coast-Episode-%231-021243200923359

ABOUT VICE

Since its launch, VICE has become an industry leader in creating and distributing high-quality original content, providing online news, and generally killing it on all fronts. VICE boasts over 40 established shows covering everything from current events to sex to investigative reporting to music, to kittens. And our newest venture, VICE.COM, the crowning achievement of VICE's collective output.

Brixton Welcomes Thom Pringle

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 16:59:00 -0400

We are excited to welcome Australian surfer Thom Pringle to the Brixton Surf team. Hailing from Mudjimba, Queensland, Thom, 20, grew up hunting for waves on the Sunny Coast and over the past few years has been quietly making his mark on the global surf scene, appearing in a handful of clips and film projects including Now, Chippa Wilson’s debut film, and Thom—A Portrait of Modern Youth, an experimental documentary by Riley Blakeway. With his unique, eclectic style and love for airs, Thom takes a truly individual approach to his surfing.

“What I like about Thom is he just does his own thing,” said Brixton Founder and Brand Manager David Stoddard. “He marches to the beat of his own drum and has a genuine love for surfing and skateboarding.”

These days Thom splits his time between Australia and Southern California and when he’s not in the water he’s usually skating, drawing, painting and exploring his passion for photography, citing people like Ed Templeton, Greg Hunt and Thomas Campbell as influences. Thom’s also been busy filming for the upcoming Waves Magazine film Shortcuts, due out next month.

Check out Thom's welcome video here: http://vimeo.com/40553503

Thom joins surfers Troy Elmore, Taylor Curran, Jesse Steelman and Jeff McCallum in the Brixton Union.

Thom’s sponsors in addition to Brixton include Vans, Sabre, Agent Eighteen Wetsuits and Haydenshapes Surfboards.

For more on Brixton visit brixton.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Korduroy.TV Launches New Website

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 17:24:00 -0400

After a successful Kickstarter campaign and months of development, we have transformed from a successful cult blog to a clean, communal website featuring some of surfing and skating's most creative craftsmen and women. Focusing on creativity and self-reliance, join us as we trail blaze solutions for today's adventurous creatives through our articles, interviews and new lineup of eclectic web videos.

THE NEW EXPERIENCE

Along with our award-winning webisodes, the new Korduroy features a collective of the world's finest surf, snow and skateboard builders, as well as photographers, designers and filmmakers sharing their blogs, galleries and storefronts in one streamlined location.

In addition to the new Makers section, we have added 2 new series, 'Happy Beach' and 'D-I-Why Not' to our lineup of original shows as well as a new season of our popular 'Sea Movies' series with the support of REEF.

Here's a link to the video announcing the new site: http://vimeo.com/36180963

DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT

"As an independent creative and surfer, I've always wanted to see a focused place where influential people can share their ideas. I find myself spending way too much time surfing from Maker to Maker profile looking at what they're all up to, it's kind of addicting," explains Korduroy Founder and Creative Director, Cyrus Sutton.

ABOUT KORDUROY.TV

Korduroy.TV is a place where creativity meets the outdoors. Korduroy was the winner of Surfer Magazine's 2010 Battle of the Blogs and has been featured in ESPN, Ready Made, Nylon Magazine, Surfer Magazine, Surfing Magazine, The Surfers Journal, Tracks Magazine, Huck Magazine, New York Times, Mashable, Gizmodo and ESPN: The Magazine.

Grain Surfboards Launches New Skateboard Line

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 01:34:00 -0400

It lies around the shop in piles, buckets and bins, just waiting for a life of its own. Most people would see it as “waste,” but a very special corner of Grain Surfboard’s catalogue is made exclusively from it—wood scraps. These bits of wood, coupled with Grain’s passion for “closing the loop” have inspired their latest effort, which they call The Offcuts Initiative.

"The Offcuts Initiative is a recognition of our effort to waste no waste,” states Brad Anderson, Grain co-owner. “In the normal course of producing surfboards and Home Grown Kits, we’ve simply devoted ourselves to finding ways for each offcut to be used somewhere down the line.” Though the last stop for Grain’s shavings and splinters is as animal bedding or garden mulch, whatever wood harbors even a hint of utility gets saved in the corners of the shop to await its full potential.

As they previously have with Grain’s line of hand-planes and body boards, these saved scraps seem almost to inspire a path to their own future. And so, when master-deck-presser Courtney Strait strolled into Grain’s shop one day with a collection of her skateboards, the way seemed clear. A plan was soon hatched to laminate a pile of beautiful, leftover cedar veneers together with SFI-certified sustainably harvested maple to create The Cidar Hill Skateboard. Finished with a “permanent grip-tape” deck of bamboo cloth laminated with Entropy Eco-resin, and with the distinctive Grain Surfboards logo burned into the deck and bottom, this first skateboard to come from The Offcuts Initiative is like no other. With all the perfectly paved roads around Grain Surfboard’s headquarters, the R&D department will be quite busy.

Grain Surfboards is proud to bring its line of handplanes, the Sea Sled body boards, and now The Cider Hill Skateboard, into the new Offcuts Initiative program. With this step, surfers, skaters and people that care about thoughtful product development can know that they’re “recycling and recovering the resource” even as they combine their passion for street-surfing or body-surfing with caring for the planet.

ABOUT GRAIN SURFBOARDS

Grain Surfboards is committed to promoting the benefits of building and surfing wooden surfboards and believes that wooden surfboards can have more impact on the surfing experience and less impact on the environment. All of the wood products used in Grain surfboards and kits are sourced from local mills and forestlands in Maine that practice sustainable harvesting. All wood waste from the production of Grain's boards and kits is actively reduced and creatively recycled. Grain ships surfboards and complete surfboard kits worldwide and hosts week-long classes in which anyone can learn to handcraft their own wood surfboard. Grain is co-owned and managed by Mike LaVecchia and Brad Anderson.

grainsurfboards.com

Garrett McNamara Signs With Body Glove

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 14:45:00 -0400

Extreme waterman Garrett McNamara is the latest athlete to join the Body Glove family. McNamara has signed on for wetsuits, PFD’s and accessories.

“Garrett is one of the craziest big wave surfers exemplifying passion, talent and the mentality of risking it all. We are excited to have an all around waterman with such a great personality on our team,” said Billy Meistrell, Body Glove International, Vice President.

McNamara is most famously known for breaking the world record for largest wave ever ridden, when he was towed into a 90 foot wave in Portugal, at the North Canyon. He also won the Tow-in World Cup at Jaws along with partner Rodrigo Resende.

“Mainly, I need wetsuits that I can trust. Most of the situations I get into...my life is on the line. They can’t be blowing out or falling apart during a massive wipeout. I also need personal flotation devices for a lot of situations. We can collaborate on ideas and create superior impact vests and suits. After meeting and getting to know everybody, they’re all really good people and it’s going to be fun. It’s all about having fun and doing what you love,” states Garrett McNamara.

This year has been an incredible year for Garrett. He has been nominated for 2 awards in the 2012 Billabong XXL Awards including, “Ride of the Year” and “Biggest Wave.” Here are some highlights of his performance over the last several months.

For more information on Garrett McNamara and other Body Glove athletes and products go to bodyglove.com and for daily updates visit facebook.com/bodyglove.

About Body Glove

Founded in 1953, Body Glove is a leading worldwide water sports brand specializing in wetsuits, swimwear, clothing, footwear, accessories, and technology accessories. The company sponsors one of the most respected surf and wakeboard teams in the industry with such powerhouse names as pro surfers Jamie O’Brien, Cheyne Magnusson, Anthony Walsh, Alex Gray and Holly Beck and wakeboarders Rusty Malinoski, Harley Clifford, Bob Soven and Jeff McKee. Through Reef Check, SIMA’s environmental fund, and the Surfrider Foundation, Body Glove works to preserve the purity of the waters it loves. Body Glove products are sold in the U.S. by a network of independent retailers. Body Glove is also sold in approximately 50 countries internationally.

Global Surf Film Festival Collective Launches New Submission Process

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 13:30:00 -0400

The New York Surf Film Festival (NYSFF) presented by Barbados is pleased to join surf film festivals around the world in the collaborative launch of the Global Surf Film Festival Collective (GSFFC) at gsffc.org, a streamlined one stop submission process to worldwide surf film festivals. The New York Surf Film Festival along with San Diego Surf Film Festival, Portuguese Surf Film Festival, Wavescape Surf Film Festival, SAL – Surf At Lisbon Film Festival, British Surf Film Festival, Yallingup Surfilm Festival, Ombak Bali International Surf Film Festival, X-Life Film Festival, Fesitvalma, Bondi Beach Surf Film Festival, Sao Paolo Surf Film Festival, Berlin Surf Film Festival & Puerto Rico Surf Film Festival have formed this association of film festivals to share films and ideas in an effort to unify the global surf film festival community for both filmmakers and fans.

“Filmmakers spend too much time, funds, and resources shipping off DVD’s around the world to each individual festival. We wanted to help ease this financial and logistical burden,” said Morgan Rae Berk, Founder of NYSFF. “Surf film festivals around the world have been sharing information and resources behind the scenes for a while now and this is a natural evolution in the digital age to ensure films are considered for as many festival screenings as possible around the world.”

Filmmakers can head to gsffc.org, fill out a simple electronic submission form, and securely upload films and other supporting documents to GSFFC’s private viewing site accessible to the associated festival curators. Each festival maintains its own unique program and independently chooses their film lineup. Acceptance to one festival does not necessarily imply acceptance to all. Individual festivals will reach out to filmmakers direct to secure films for their lineup. Festival’s submission close dates are year round. Kindly check individual festival websites for important dates, deadlines, rules, guidelines and general information for each festival. The GSFFC is proud to include the following international surf film festivals:

NYSFF | NEW YORK SURF FILM FESTIVAL
Website: www.newyorksurffilmfestival.com
Contact: info@nysurffilm.com
Festival Dates: September 2012
Submission Close Date: June 30

SDSFF | SAN DIEGO SURF FILM FESTIVAL
Website: www.sandiegosurffilmfestival.com
Festival Dates: May 11 – 13
Submission Close Date: March 31

PSFF | PORTUGUESE SURF FILM FESTIVAL
Website: www.portuguesesurffilmfestival.com
Festival Dates: July 6 – 7
Submission Close Date: May 31

WAVESCAPES SURF FILM FESTIVAL
Website: www.wavescape.co.za
Contact: ross@wavescape.co.za
Festival Dates: DURBAN July 24 – 30, CAPE TOWN Dec 5 – 18
Submission Close Date: DURBAN April 15, CAPE TOWN July 1

SAL | SURF AT LISBON FILM FEST
Website: www.surfatlisbonfilmfest.com
Festival Dates: June 14 – 16
Submission Close Date: May 15

BSFF | BRITISH SURF FILM FESTIVAL
Website: www.britishsurffilmfestival.com
Festival Dates: TBD 2012
Submission Close Date: TBD 2012

YSF | YALLINGUP SURFILM FESTIVAL
Website: www.yallingupsurfilm.com.au
Festival Dates: January 2013
Submission Close Date: TBD

OBISFF | OMBAK BALI INTERNATIONAL SURF FILM FESTIVAL
Website: www.ombakbali.com
Contact: keikobeatie@gmail.com
Festival Dates: July 26 – 28, 2012
Submission Close Date: May 31

VBLFF | Virginia Beach Life Film Festival
Website: www.xlifefilmfest.com
Contact: keikobeatie@gmail.com
Festival Dates: August 23 – 26, 2012
Submission Close Date: July 1

FESTIVALMA
Website: www.almasurf.com
Contact: keikobeatie@gmail.com
Festival Dates: July 4 – 8, 2012
Submission Close Date: March 1

BBSFF | BONDI BEACH SURF FILM FESTIVAL
Website: coming soon
Festival Dates: February 2013
Submission Close Date: December 2012

SPSFF | SAO PAULO SURF FILM FESTIVAL
Website: www.spsurffilm.com.br
Festival Dates: April 2013
Submission Close Date: January 2013

PRSFFF | PUERTO RICO SURF FILM FEST
Website: coming soon
Festival Dates: coming soon
Submission Close Date: coming soon

The New York Surf Film Festival is excited to celebrate our 5th anniversary in September 2012. Further information about the New York Surf Film Festival is available at www.NYSurfFilm.com, info@nysurffilm.com, or by regular mail to New York Surf Film Festival LLC 242 President St #3R Brooklyn, NY 11231.

For updates on the 2012 NYSFF, fans can follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

If By Sea in Victoria

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 13:35:00 -0400

The Water’s Edge Project and Surfrider Foundation are pleased to invite you to its upcoming fundraiser, If By Sea on March 28th at 6:30pm. The event will be held at Habit Coffee in Victoria, located at 552 Pandora Ave.

The evening will feature food, drinks, art and film in support of our oceans and coastlines. A silent auction and raffle will also be held with all proceeds going to support the Water’s Edge Project and Surfrider Foundation.

“We are really looking forward to this event,” said Christian Moutinho of the Water’s Edge Project. “Not only is it in support of two great causes, but it is lining up to be a really fun evening with some amazing photography and film from some extremely talented artists.” The event will feature art from Dean Azim, Sachi Cunningham, Chris Hannant, Jeremy Koreski and Malcolm Johnson.

Event sponsors include Rip Curl, Sitka, HtO, La Taquisa, Spinnakers, Coastline Surfshop, Art Box, Habit Coffee, Natural Elements Vacation Rentals, Electric Eyewear, Nixon Watches and Ainey Construction, The Boulders Climbing Gym, Muse Wine and Victoria Spirits.

For additional information, please contact Gillian Montgomery at info@watersedgeproject.com.

The Waters Edge Project is all about helping to sustain healthy coastlines and communities while providing opportunities for environmental stewardship. The project offers both water and land based learning opportunities for youth in coastal communities.

watersedgeproject.org

Surfrider Foundation Vancouver Island is a collection of like-minded Vancouver Island coastal inhabitants. Its mission is the protection and enjoyment of oceans, waves and beaches through a powerful activist network.

vancouverisland.surfrider.org

Fuerza Chile Campaign Inspires Hundreds to Take Action

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 16:43:00 -0400

In a region that still experiences the realities of natural disasters, as seen in yesterday’s 7.1 magnitude earthquake in the Maule Region, Chilean communities know how to come together in extraordinary ways to overcome challenges. This past Saturday, March 24th, more than 600 volunteers gathered at 16 sites in nine regions to cleanup and restore beaches and coastal areas throughout Chile. In an unprecedented day of cleanups, volunteers removed more than 4,000 kilos of trash (more than 500 bags of trash) and debris, cleaning and restoring beaches, river mouths, and estuaries along more than 25 kilometers of Chilean coastline.

The number of volunteers ranged from site to site, with the largest turnout in the northern city of Iquique with over 140 volunteers. One small group of 15 volunteers in south central Chile near Loanco worked all day and collected more than 1,000 kilos (12 pickup truck loads) of trash and debris. In Carelmapu in southern Chile, in addition to the cleanup, a group of surfers also created a mural of a humpback whale, a frequent visitor of southern Chilean waters. The most common pieces of trash at each site often were cigarette butts and plastic bags, and the most unusual items found during the cleanup included the hood of a car, mattresses, under garments, and a dishwasher.

Initially, the cleanups were planned for five iconic places related to surfing, including Pichilemu, Punta de Lobos, Loanco, Curanipe, and Cobquecura. However, interested communities, organizations, schools, youth groups, unions, private companies, etc. throughout Chile joined the campaign, organizing additional cleanups in Arica, Iquique, La Serena, Con-Con, Quintero, Iloca, Loanco, Buchupureo, Mehuín, and Carelmapu.

“We started this campaign thinking we would coordinate a handful of beach cleanup sites in a few regions. Very quickly, word spread, and communities all over Chile contacted us to join the effort,” said Katie Westfall, Environmental and Program Director for Save The Waves Coalition. “It has transformed into a national movement for the conservation of Chile’s coast and sea, and we hope this mobilization results in continued focus on coastal protection even after the cleanups.”

"Fuerza Chile" began as a campaign of the nonprofit organization Save The Waves Coalition (STW) and its partners and collaborators to provide humanitarian relief to the hardest hit communities immediately following the tragic 8.8 magnitude earthquake-tsunami of February 27, 2010 (27/F).

To give continuity to the effort led by Save The Waves, in conjunction with the Muale-Itata Coast Keeper Program and various zonal coordinators, “United for Cleanup Water,” the next phase of work, focuses on addressing water quality issues and conservation of coastal and marine ecosystems, particularly in Chile’s south central regions. An integral part of the campaign emphasizes the importance of stewardship of natural resources by local communities.

“As Chileans, we have a very important connection with the ocean. From the food on our plates, the work that provides us livelihood, the places we go for relaxation and recreation, the ocean is a fundamental part of Chilean identity,” said Rodrigo de la O, Director of the Maule Itata Coastkeeper headquartered in Curanipe in the Maule Region. “It’s up to all of us to ensure a healthy and thriving coast and ocean for future generations.”

A short video of the cleanups is currently being produced by award-winning filmmaker Sachi Cunningham in conjunction with Save The Waves and will be shown at the Patagonia Adventure Film Festival, which will take place on March 29th – 31st in Santiago, Chile at the Corporación Cultural de Las Condes. More information about the festival can be found here: adventurefilm.org/film_festival/chile/index.aspx

“It’s been inspiring to document the local efforts here, particularly in light of the earthquake and tsunami that happened two years ago. Hopefully the day’s events will remind people everywhere that keeping our beaches clean is a gift that we can provide our oceans with everyday,” said Cunningham.

For more photos from the event, please visit savethewaves.org/news/fuerza-chile-inspires-hundreds.

About Save The Waves Coalition

Save the Wave Coalition is an environmental nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and preserving the coastal environment, with an emphasis on the surf zone, and educating the public on its value.

Save the Wave works in partnership with local communities, national and international governments, as well as other conservation groups to conserve surfing ecosystems worldwide. Save The Waves is a 501(c)3 nonprofit.

savethewaves.org