[Update November 2, 2011: The ASP admitted on Friday, November 4, 2011 that, due to a tabulating error, Kelly Slater had not actually won the 2011 title on November 2, 2011 and that he needed to win one more heat. Click here for that story.]
We figured there was nothing that would keep Kelly Slater from winning his 11th World ASP Title (aside from some wild life), but Australia’s Daniel Ross gave him a run for it. With less than three minutes to go and Ross in the lead Kelly Slater got the wave he needed to clinch the title at the Rip Curl Pro Search SF.
“This is pretty fabulous,” Slater said. “Two days ago in the afternoon it was chunky and small and didn’t look inviting at all. Yesterday was nice and today looks like a nice day in France. I don’t know, this hasn’t sunk in. I’ve been pretty stressed about it and I’m glad it’s over. It’s very fulfilling and there’s personal satisfaction. It feels real nice. I’ve dedicated my life to surfing and competing and to go a whole year and win a world title and have it pay off, it’s really fulfilling. To win on American soil is nice. Everyone’s been so cool and the locals have been so stoked. It’s been a special time. It’s been warm and offshore and a nice little swell. Someone’s looking over us and probably Andy (Irons).”
California’s Mammoth Mountain is opening on Thursday, November 10, 2011 and it’s not just the snow that will keep the troops entertained. Oh no. It’s four days of non-stop entertainment.
Don’t believe us? Follow the jump for the entire schedule including the traditional Champagne Toast on the sundeck and a performance by the Black Lips. [click to continue…]
As of December 15, 2011 current Spy Optic CEO Carol Montgomery is moving to the company’s board of directors and Michael Marckx will get to trade in his president title for that of the chief executive officer.
“The past several months have been very positive for Orange 21 and SPY. Carol was consulting for the Board when we appointed her CEO in April 2011. She completed her mission ahead of schedule and above expectation,” said Seth Hamot, Orange 21 Chairman of the Board. “Carol will continue to play a strategic role as a member of The Board. Michael Marckx was instrumental as President in reinvigorating the SPY brand and developing innovative sales strategies and product extensions. Michael Angel’s contributions have helped us put the Company on a more solid foundation.”
Seems like the more we stare out into those snow-covered mountains the more we think riding lifts is something that should be left to civilians. Dave Downing may not be ready to throw away his global chairlift privileges, but he’s definitely down for riding the splits.
Ride Snowboards has released the final graphic in the DH2 Limited Edition Artist Series with a collaboration with Mythical Creature Collective.
The DH2.7 is like nothing you’ve seen yet, as Ride pulled in the minds of three unique creatures, U. Nipeg, the Chizard, and Pan D. Puss, to concoct the rarest breed ever ridden. Hailing from the furthest reaches of the Himalayas, the three were banished to the Pacific Northwest by forces of evil, only to have one of their own turn upon them in a fit of madness. The Ride crew found them in their last hours and was able capture their fate bringing their final masterpiece to light. (Witness the moment of creation of the DH 2.7)
Inspired by get-rich-quick schemes, exercise equipment, absurdity of extreme sports, weight-loss plans, and modern strategies for success and happiness, this collection exhibits Smith’s signature clean and minimalist techniques. Included are twelve new paintings, the revolutionary life changing healing device Personal Pyramids, and video installation “Digital Detritus”. Become a Better You.
While NorCal’s Ocean Beach locals would probably prefer that everyone continue to believe that there is no surf in San Francisco, day one of the Rip Curl Pro Search SF (and Matty Wilko above) let the secret out that ignoring the cold (and the big fish) waves can be had in The City by the Bay.
“It’s hard because you can’t hear any scores out there,” Wilkinson said. “I got a fun left to start with and a fun right to back it up. I was feeling solid, but I knew Michel (Bourez) was going mad and I didn’t feel safe. It was a real fun heat. There’s a ton of paddling but it’s super fun out there and it’s worth it. There are some fun waves.”
Aside from Dusty Payne’s close call with a large ocean predator the rest of the day went pretty well. With a win in the first round Kelly Slater is only one heat away from number 11. And, as the event is running today, it just might happen today if the event can roll through round 3.
It didn’t take long at the Rip Curl Pro Search SF before the men in the gray suits made their appearence. With five minutes to go In Round 1 Heat 4, Dusty Payne (who was being handily beaten by Jordy Smith) paddled in after seeing something in the water.
“I was just sitting there waiting for a wave,” Payne said. “And I’ve seen dolphins before. It wasn’t a dolphin. . . It was the biggest fin I’ve ever seen in my life coming straight at me. The waves are terrible and I’m not going to stay out there and get bit by a shark.”
Can’t say we blame him at all. Especially after what happened in Monterey on Saturday.
Jamie O’Brien may be in a little trouble after his apparently misguided attempt to raise awareness for a herpes-type virus” called fibropapilloma that affects sea turtles with this Brent Bielmann photo, according to a Fred Pawle story in The Australian.
A report on the Khon 2 news website in Hawaii quotes Pat Opay, of the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration’s Endangered Species Branch, saying the turtle in the photo may be a green sea turtle. The fine for approaching this endangered breed is up to $13,200.
