We’re fans of Lib Tech Waterboards, so we’re even more hyped when we see them adding to their quiver of durable, repeatable, ripping shapes, like this Ringer for Huntington Beach’s big and tall Ryan Carlson.
“The Ringer” mixes a pulled in performance nose with a wide acceleration platform blended into a double winged swallow tail that offers control and precision in all conditions. A mild single to double concave bottom with a flat exit offers speed and adds a positive, loose feel. The skate inspired concave deck insures a comfortable paddle and locked in front foot traction. Carlson at six four is a big guy who surfs aggressively, traditionally a chronic board breaker… Lib Tech’s rugged Eco Iso construction has been a game changer for Ryan. “I used to go through a board or two a week. It was a nightmare, shapers hated me. My Libs last forever and Olson loves me. So stoked”. Initially introduced as a 6’2” the Ringer is now available in smaller 5’10” and 6’ sizes opening up this magical performance shape to more average sized surfers.
Owen Wright finally entered the water last week to belly ride a wave in and it brought into focus just how much the traumatic brain injury at Pipeline in December 2015 has affected the former world title hopeful, according to a story on ABC News Australia.
Wright is reportedly working with top specialists who have told the surfer that it may be a “long time” before he feels “normal again.” We hope his recovery continues to go well and look forward to seeing him back in the lineup even if it isn’t in a competition jersey.
Hard to believe it was only four years ago that Travis Ferré, Stuart Cornuelle, Scott Chenoweth, and Kai Neville got together (along with a couple perennial action magazine backers) and launched What Youth. Travis says:
The video above is the first moving thing Kai cut to harness the energy, the life, the vision and the fuck it that was inside of us. And we released it on this day, four years ago. We’ve made 13 issues of What Youth (14 in the works), produced and directed several films, and have a website and social media things that allow us to be ourselves right alongside you every day. Not much else to say besides: Thank you. Thank you a lot.
We’re still asking “What?” each time we flip through the magazine, but it sure is pretty and that paper is so stiff, and the ink smells good, and they’re still doing it up right, and that’s not easy. So congrats, What Youth, you’re almost five!
Sometimes we just post things so we can look them up later. Matt Wilkinson and Tyler Wright winning the Gold Coast Pro on Wednesday, March 16, 2016 is one of those times.
For the official story from the people who create, control, capture, and protect the content from the production held at Snapper Rocks this week, please follow the jump. [click to continue…]
Snapper Rocks provided exactly what the men needed to blast through Round 1 of the Formerly Bankrupt Now on Top of the World Pro Gold Coast. The 2016 competitive surf content generation season has officially kicked off and even though Mick Fanning (above) plans to surf a soft production schedule this year, he didn’t act like it today as he blew past trials winner Wade Carmichael and Matting Banting.
“I wasn’t tense, I was laughing and relaxed. Even paddling out in the heat I wanted to surf and get a couple of good waves and it was fun,” said Fanning winning after his heat. “I always just want to go surfing. I’m not as freaked out to be the first one in the water anymore it is more about just surfing when I want to surf and being in love with it.”
Most impressive surfing of the day goes to defending champ Filipe Toledo who used Snapper’s ramps to work his patented arial wizardry. For the official word from the event owning content generation company responsible for this television production please follow the jump.
Kala Alexander shares the mission behind the Mauli Ola Foundation and an event for kids with cystic fibrosis they held in New Zealand during the 2016 Ultimate Waterman competition. It’s always good to see surfers making a positive impact.
Italy’s Leonardo Fioravanti is the newest member of the Smith Global Surf Team.
“Smith is very excited with the addition of Leo to our athlete portfolio,” says Carlos Alves, Director of Marketing at Smith. “Leo is a world class surfer who will bring lots of energy and authenticity to the Smith brand. We are honored to have Leo as part of Smith family.”
For the official word from Smith, please follow the jump.
Jack Freestone has joined Nixon’s global surf team. He’s been wearing the watches for a while, so this is really a promotion.
“It’s exciting to have Jack officially represent Nixon front-and-center,” said Nixon Marketing Manager, Michel Murciano. “He is a part of a new generation in professional surfing and has the ability, smarts and style to take Nixon to a new level.”
For the official word from Nixon, please follow the jump.
Myra Aikau said it best this morning (February 25, 2016), “We are proud to tell you that today, Eddie will go.”
“This is what we’ve been waiting for,” said event director Glen Moncata. ”This is real Eddie. It’s going to be a little morning sick to start as it fills in, but as the trades come on we will be looking at one for the record books.”
The surf looks great, the guys are already up charging (heat 1 is in the water), and really, do you have something better do today? Watch it all live by clicking right here.
For the complete heat line-up and official word from Quik, please follow the jump.
Tatiana Weston-Webb is releasing a signature line of traction with her longtime surf wax and accessories sponsors, Sticky Bumps. She also renewed her contract with the Vista, California based company.
Tati has been with the brand for over 6 years, and this year she will release her signature traction pad for Sticky Bumps, the Tati Signature Traction. 2015 marked Tati’s rookie year on tour, and her incredible surfing resulted in top finishes and earned her requalification for 2016. She finished the year at #7 in the WSL Championship Tour rankings. As the 2016 contest circuit begins in Australia, both Sticky Bumps and Tatiana are eagerly anticipating each event. The Tati Signature Traction will be available online and in stores this summer.
For the official word from Sticky Bumps, please follow the jump.
