Kanoa Igarashi is now officially surfing for Nippon. The International Surfing Association (ISA) officially approved Igarashi’s request to represent the nation of Japan at future ISA World Championships and potentially the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
Effective immediately, Igarashi will be eligible to represent Japan and will be able to surf on Team Japan through the qualification process for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.. . . Igarashi previously represented USA in ISA World Championships and the WSL Championship Tour, but due to his possession of dual citizenship with USA and Japan, he is eligible to change nations.
Guess this means he’s pretty serious about going to the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. For all the details, click the link.
Stance has teamed up with LA based furniture makers Modernica on a Stance branded Case Study Rocker. The chair (originally designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1948) has been called “the most important chair you’ll ever sit on” and is one of the finest examples of mid-century modern design. Unfortunately, all 50 of this limited edition collab have already been sold so all we can do is hope for a second run.
Still go to trade shows? Then you should probably click the red rectangle and get yerself set up for Agenda Long Beach June 28 -30, 2018. We hear Brockhampton and Lil Yachty will be there along with our new favorite musicians Activations, Pop-Up Shops, and Panels. Oh, wait, those last three aren’t musicians they’re the other stuff going on at the Agenda Festival. Our bad. Wonder if Aaron Levant will be there? Thinking that last thought was the only reason we posted this in the first place. Follow the jump for all the official details from Reed Exhibitions.
Tuesday April 24, 2018 is the day that Boardriders, Inc. (Oaktree Capital’s action fashion brand holding company) officially takes the reigns at Billabong. The company has wasted no time waving bye-bye to Billabong’s board of directors and others including Neil Fiske, Peter Myers, Tracey Wood, Jim Howell, Mara Pagotto, and Paul Burdekin. But that list is sure to get much longer of the next few weeks. And presented their list of new “appointments.”
“Today marks the beginning of what will be a turning point for our industry,” said Dave Tanner, Chief Executive Officer of Boardriders Inc. “With the combination of Boardriders and Billabong, we bring together the best of both companies, creating a dynamic enterprise under the Boardriders umbrella.”
At least we can agree with Dave on the whole “turning point for our industry” thing. Which way its turning will be up for discussion for years. We are happy to say that we still know two people at the new mega corp. If you’d like to check the list for your friends, please follow the jump. [click to continue…]
We’re all looking forward to checking this one out — especially those of us who were fans of Andy Irons in spite of full knowledge that he was on the downward spiral. We hope Kissed By God can be both a celebration AI’s life and a cautionary tale for an industry that has all too often ignored serious personal issues in pursuit of quality marketing. You know what we mean.
Kissed By God premiere’s in Los Angeles, CA on May 2, 2018 at the Regency Village Theater. In Honolulu, May 6, 2018 at the Hawaii Theatre Center, and in NYC on May 10, 2018 at NYU Skirball. For all the details click the link.
We all love a good zombie story, so how’s this? Men’s fashion label Perry Ellis has just signed a deal with Kennek FZE in North Africa to “source and distribute a full range of products from surf boards and wetsuits to casual wear and footwear under the Gotcha brand.”
“We at Kennek are very proud and excited to join the Gotcha family and showcase the Gotcha brand’s action sports legacy. We look forward to expanding the Gotcha brand with franchises throughout Africa and seeing the success of the Gotcha brand in North Africa in the years ahead,” said Mamoun Tadili, CEO of Kennek FZE.
It’s not dead yet, in fact, they’re still using all the old photos because, you know, it’s retro now.
At this point in the private equity take over of the surf trunk industry it’s nice to see anyone trying something new. Roark has taken the side seams on their 19 inch Savage board shorts and angled them forward 33 degrees. They say it offers “reduced friction & seam obstruction.”
As anyone who’s spent a week or two near the equator in never-quite-dry trunks can tell you, reduced friction could be huge. We haven’t tried these yet, but we’re stoked to see a sellable feature that just might work.
A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help those most affected Kauai’s Hanalei-Haena Flood. Over $200,000 has already been raised, but the goal is $1 million. Here’s what organizers Koral McCarthy, Gabby Reece, and Hannah Skvarla have to say about it.
Your donations will help us move past this devastation, and we will remain transparent about how they are being managed. Thank you for your patience as we continue to work out logistics while also doing our part with impacted friends and neighbors. Thank you so much!
Tomorrow is Earth Day, maybe you can do you part be helping some people in this specific part of the world. For all the details, please click the link.
On Earth Day (April 22, 218) Jones Snowboards will be donating 100 percent of online sales to POW: Protect Our Winters. That means, if you’re going to buy something from Jones Snowboards, tomorrow is the day.
Jones Snowboards is a proud member of 1% For Planet. Every Jones product we make gives back to the playground we strive to protect. In honor of Earth Day on Sunday, April 22nd we are stepping up that support and donating 100% of online sales to Protect Our Winters. All online customers who make a purchase on Earth Day will also be registered for a free membership to POW.
Jeremy Jones has been making big moves for the environment for years, can you help tomorrow? For all the details, click the link.
The Vans Park Series, arguably the best skateboarding contest series to be streamed online, is partnering up with ETN in an exclusive (yet free to all of us) deal for 2018.
The 2018 Vans Park Series Pro Tour will be broadcast live and for free on the ETN app, ETNlive.com, and vansparkseries.com. The new partnership will expand Vans Park Series’ global reach to inspire a diverse and engaging audience, from core skateboarding loyalists to an emerging mainstream skateboarding fan base worldwide. Download the ETN app or visit ETNlive.com for more information.
For all the details (and the complete Park Series schedule) please follow the jump.
Tuesday April 24, 2018 is the day that Boardriders, Inc. (
We all love a good zombie story, so how’s this? Men’s fashion label Perry Ellis has just signed a deal with Kennek FZE in North Africa to “source and distribute a full range of products from surf boards and wetsuits to casual wear and footwear under the 
On Earth Day (April 22, 218) 
