Barra Sunrise
Our View for the next 10 days
Getting some new equipment ready for the morning session
The hotel room
Livin it is aseries of webisodes following the winner of The Hunt and now Philips | O'Neill team rider,Tom Le Moing. This episode is all about waves, barrels and fun. Check for more: www.oneill.com/headphones
The 5th edition of the legendary FIAT Nine Knights in Livigno, Italy has officially wrapped up. Nicky Keefer was declared "Ruler of the Week" and winner of the "Best Style" award, while David Wise won the "Best Trick" award. The unforgettable week-long event on the colossal "Il Castello" was perfect, just watch the final highlight video for confirmation!
Six years ago Nico Zacek of the Marker Völkl team had a ludicrous idea, "Lets build a massive castle made of snow, with a bunch of jumps and rails on it and get the best skiers in the world to session it for a week!" What was just an idea six years ago has turned into an eagerly anticipated event at the end of a busy international freeski calendar; a chance to session an awesome feature all week, create amazing photos, push the sport and generally have a fun time with fellow freeskiers. This year the FIAT Nine Knights castle was more than twice as big as ever, "I was blown away by the magnitude of this feature," said O'Neill team rider David Wise, who was recently crowned AFP Halfpipe World Champion. "From the jumps, to the jibs, to the halfpipes: there are just so many options. I have never skied a feature like this!"
A blazing sun warmed gorgeous Livigno throughout the week and many rad sessions went down on the various features of "Il Castello" perched on the pistes of the Mottolino Fun Mountain. The free flow format of the FIAT Nine Knights makes it unique, as everyone can choose what feature to session and with copious photographer and filmers on site, everything gets captured and recorded. While the many jib and hip jams were super fun, the two heli sessions during sunrise and sunset definitely produced the best imagery. The riders banded together to hit every feature at the same time while the helicopter of the Flying Bulls recorded the action and the invited photographers clicked away. You don't want to miss the final edit of the FIAT Nine Knights, it's insane! Check here
A big mission of the FIAT Nine Knights is to create unique and awe-inspiring images, which is why every year four of the best international photographers get invited to compete in the photography contest. This year's photos truly accomplished this mission and can be viewed exclusively at www.nineknightsski.com.
Photography Awards:
"Best Action": Alessandro Belluscio
"Best Angle": Daniel Rönnbäck
"Best Diptic": Christoph Schöch
"Best Lifestyle": Christoph Schöch
Rider Awards:
"Ruler of the Week": Nicky Keefer
"Best Transition": Lolo Favre
"Best Style": Nicky Keefer
"Best Trick": David Wise - Double Misty 1080 Mute
The Jib Contest, which was held instead of the traditional Big Air due to bad weather, was won by Roy Kittler, with Henrik Harlaut and Fabio Studer in second and third respectively.
It truly was one hell of a crazy week in Livigno and the plans for next years castle are already in the works. The snow is being saved for next year, which can only mean one thing: next years "Il Castello" will be even bigger and better!
Watch the FIAT Nine Knights Highlight Edit here
Check Highlights from day 1 and 2 here
And if you haven't seen it yet, check out the crazy POV Contour course video here
Every year a limitless playground of potential lines greets the best riders in the world upon entering the "O'Neill Wake The Line presented by Relentless Energy Drink" arena. This year their jaws will hit the floor. With the unrelenting rate of progression in rail riding and kicker, most wake parks struggle to keep up. No such issues with UNIT Parktech, the planet's foremost manufacturers in obstacle innovation, as exemplified by the contest that started it all: "O'Neill Wake The Line".
This year sees yet more wake park ingenuity - with a course offering endless potential for individuality and creativity, thanks yet again to UNIT Parktech.
As always, the starting blocks sit under the impressive 10m high diving platforms of the open air Stadionbad arena. With little or no time to think our wakeboarders and wakeskaters will be flung straight into the first of two raised pools, with the low-to-high ledge rail running right down the middle. An obvious skate influence with huge rail rides, transfers from either side or meaty ollies onto the ledge, all highlighting why UNIT Parktech has named these latest creations "The Street Series".
From here both wakeskaters and wakeboarders have less than 50m of pool to choose a line from the most progressive creation at "O'Neill Wake The Line" to date, which will also be a word premiere – the Spillway pool. A skate-winch-style-ramp full of water, stairset and over 35m of the UNIT Parktech "Strees Series" narrow rails and ledges, framing the pool with a small, tech ledge down the middle. Having come away from this, hopefully unscathed, the "Relentless Energy Drink" quarter pipe will be looming over head, made even more imposing by it's increased size from 2012 and addition of the "Relentless Energy Drink" can as an extra play thing or punisher at the end of the first run.
With one fall in hand for every one of the 10 invited riders and 10 wildcard qualifiers, they'll have to suck it up and get straight back into the Spillway pool, launching huge transfers, ridiculously long rail rides, ledge ollie's or a combination of all of it. Rounding things off, as the crowds onsite and the ones watching the livesteam online come to expect, it's time for the riders to launch skyward off the UNIT Parktech Medium and XL kickers. For the first time, there will be kickers on both sides, so "regular" and "goofy" riders can now choose their favorite side. With the wakeboard world going double-flip-crazy, expect to see a big finale every time a rider rounds off their run.
This year's "O'Neill Wake The Line" set-up truly offers everything and anything a wakeboarder or wakeskater needs, to carve their names in history. Whether it's locked in presses, super tech ollie's on and taps off or good old fashioned air time.
So, it's just over a month before the most insane wake park set-up ever created will shine in "O'Neill Wake The Line presented by Relentless Energy" glory!
Half a meter of new snow in Livigno made the Big Aircontest impossible for the final day of the FIAT NineKnights, so a Jib Contest was held instead. Roy Kittlerreigned supreme on the rad jib features of 'Il Castello', withHenrik Harlaut in second and Fabio Studer third.
After five days of beautiful sunny blue bird days on the Mottolino Fun Mountain inLivigno, Italy for the FIAT Nine Knights, the weather decided to turn for the final twodays of the event. Half a meter of snow accumulated on 'Il Castello' over night and,although the vigorous Schneestern shapers and cat drivers of the Mottolino FunMountain started clearing the castle at 4am, the visibility and snow conditions still madeit impossible to run the traditional Big Air contest on the final day of the event. Eventhost Nico Zacek and the riders decided to hold a Jib Contest on the rad hips, spines,quarters and rails instead, and boy was it a pleasure to watch!
Even though it was snowing almost all day, hundreds of spectators watched the bestinternational freeskiers test their mettle on metal and snow. The two hour jam sessionallowed the riders to really explore all the creative lines and jibs of 'Il Castello'. RoyKittler from Germany came out on top, putting on a great show including a right 270 toswitch on the down-flat-down stair set to switch left 270 on pretzel 270 off the down rail,as well as a switch tail butter cork 720 on the spine. "I am really stoked on winning the Jib Contest," said Roy "although it would have been awesome to do the Big Air Contest, finishing off this amazing week with a Jib Jam was still perfect!"
In second place was late arrival Henrik Harlaut, fresh from securing the AFP Big AirWorld Championship. The steezy Swede was as creative as ever, sending big cork 270son the hip, a crazy cork 180 over the spine in addition to buttering and handdragging allover the rails. Austrian Fabio Studer claimed third with big flairs and super cork 360sover the spine, both way 270s and a switch tail butter 450 onto the down rail.
For highlights of everything that went down at the competition check out the video here
After the Jib Contest the clouds cleared and many riders sent the main jumps deep intothe landing, to the delight of the cheering spectators. Christoph Schenk held it down forItaly, stomping a bunch of doubles and almost landing a dub 10 over the spine!Everyone wore bright smiles at the end of the day, stoked on the entire week at theFIAT Nine Knights. A phenomenal feature, sunny skies and good times definitely madethe FIAT Nine Knights 2013 one to remember. Make sure to check out the highlight editof the first two days, and stay tuned for final highlight edit to be released next week.
For the first highlight clip check here
And if you haven't seen it yet, check out the crazy POV Contour course video here
Jordy takes home the gold over Eight of the world's best surfers who submitted 90-second video parts for XGames Medals. Congrats Jordy!
The voting poll for the popular vote is not over so make sure to get over to ESPN and click Jordy for your vote!
The best freeskiers from all around the globe have descended upon Livigno, the skiing and mountain biking capital of Italy, for a weeklong session on, in and around the most spectacular snow castle ever constructed. With jib sessions, halfpipe jams, helicopters filming and two magical sunset sessions, the first two days of the FIAT Nine Knights couldn't have gone better.
A huge variety of freeskiers have arrived in Livigno, Italy for the legendary FIAT Nine Knights, which has established itself as one of the most unique freeski events of the year. With skiers like Nicky Keefer, Marker Völkl athletes Matt Margetts and Paddy Graham as well as legends like Tanner Hall, Lolo Favre and Kevin Rolland in attendance, the riders list, their various styles and strengths couldn't be more eclectic. And that's exactly what you want for a feature as unfathomably creative and massive as the fabled "Il Castello" perched atop the picturesque slopes of the Mottolino Fun Mountain.
Every year the castle feature of the FIAT Nine Knights increases in size, this year however, it increased exponentially – with over 150,000 cubic meters of snow used in its construction, 90,000 cubic meters more than last year!
Let us show you just how big this behemoth is with the Contour course check video here.
Yes, the scale of "Il Castello" is quite unfathomable and already on the first day the riders explored every corner of the epic feature. It all started with a super fun jib session, as a beaming sun and blue skies smiled upon beautiful Livigno, the riders discovered numerous lines in and out of the four pipes and onto the many jibs. Synchronised airs, handplants, rail trickery and plenty of laughs, all while getting a sweet tan; the vibe couldn't have been better. The session concluded with everyone's first hits on the twin kickers of the castle as the setting sun swept golden rays across the castle. Everyone laid down their smoothest tricks as dusk set in, silhouetting their styled out grabs; an exceptional way to end the day.
A taste of the excellent cuisine of Livigno for dinner that evening prepared the riders perfectly for more awesome shredding the following day. They warmed up with another jib session in the afternoon, slowly pushing the level and finding even more lines through the pipes. As the familiar sound of rotors pulsed through the air everyonemoved to the twin jumps, as a chopper of The Flying Bulls arrived to film during sunset. A double misty 1080 mute grab by O'Neill team rider David Wise, a lazy boy double backflip and an insane nine-person train were some of the many highlights this evening. After only two day of shooting the photographers and filmers have innumerable bangers in the bag and everyone is eagerly awaiting the Big Air Competition on Saturday. If the first few sessions of the FIAT Nine Knights are anything to go by, the contest is going to be one hell of a spectacle, so if you are in the area definitely come to Livigno and check it out. Heck, even if you live on the other side of the globe it would still be worth it!
Don't forget to have a look at the Contour course check video here.
For a full schedule of the event as well as great special offers to stay and ski at Mottolino Fun Mountain check all the details below. We hope to see you there!
The Schedule:
Monday the 15th to Friday the 19th of April: Photo and Video Sessions Closed to the Public
Saturday 20th of April:
10:00 – 15:00 15.00 21.00
O'Neill, the original surf, snow and youth lifestyle brand for more than 60 years, is proud to announce that team rider, snowboard legend, filmmaker and environmental activist, Jeremy Jones, will visit the White House this Thursday afternoon as a 'Champion of Change' for his tireless work as founder of Protect Our Winters (POW) and advocacy on behalf of the winter sports community.
Jones is among 12 citizens, businesses, and community leaders whom the White House will honor for working to prepare their communities for the consequences of climate change. Along with Jones, these individuals are leaders and innovators working to prepare for increasingly extreme weather and other costly climate-related impacts. President Barack Obama, Nancy Sutley, Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, and others will honor them during a ceremony.
"When Protect Our Winters was started, we wanted to get the organization in front of important lawmakers and influencers who had a real impact on change, so it's great to see our message is getting through," said Jones. "We're glad that President Obama and other leaders are recognizing the real threat of climate change and bringing together other activists who are working to make a difference in their communities."
POW Executive Director Chris Steinkamp will join Jones at the reception, which starts at 12:30 pm EST and can be streamed live at www.whitehouse.gov/live
In the fall of 2011, Jones visited Washington, D.C. to meet with lawmakers about POW and his concerns about the impact of climate change on mountain communities throughout the U.S., including Jones' home of Lake Tahoe.
"This is such a great honor for Jeremy to be recognized for all the great work he's done on behalf of Protect Our Winters and bringing people together for a cause that he's really passionate about," said O'Neill Snow's Juliet Korver. "We're happy to support POW through his signature apparel line with O'Neill, and we'll continue to work with Jeremy to create the most sustainable outerwear on the market."
Jones helps provide design input to his signature O'Neill jackets and pants, which are all made from environmentally friendly materials and help benefit POW with each sale.
The Champions of Change program was created as a part of President Obama's Winning the Future initiative. Each week, the White House features a group of Americans – individuals, businesses and organizations – who are doing extraordinary things to empower and inspire members of their communities.
Featuring the Wilson Brothers, Brooks and KC, this short was created to give thanks to Herb O'Brien - Founder of Radar Waterskis. Herb was one of the founding fathers of Wakeboarding and Waterskiing, creating the industry we know today.
Radars newest generation, Brooks and KC, give us an insight to what skiing means to them, and acknowledge the hard work and creation Herb put into the sport.
The Contour Wanna Be A Knight online video contest has delivered some of the best freeski action ever committed to film, rocketing the sport into a new realm and showing what's in store for everyone at the FIAT Nine Knights from the 15th to the 20th April in Livigno, at the Mottolino Fun Mountain.
Impressing the judges and earning the right to throw down on the fabled "Il Castello" are Niklas Eriksson, Luca Tribondeau, Christoph Schenk, Dennis Ranalter and Nicky Keefer. Check out the best of the guy's submissions at: http://youtu.be/fYVEXvNewX0
The fifth edition of the FIAT Nine Knights promises the finest of what the freeski world has to offer with names like Paddy Graham, Bene Mayr, Kevin Rolland, Phil Casabon and Henrik Harlaut ready to deliver a combination of smooth skill, hard nut style and all-out steeze on the craziest feature ever conceived by the mind of man – "Il Castello".
Shaped to perfection by the geniuses at Schneestern and the master CAT drivers from Mottolino Fun Mountain, "Il Castello" defies comparison. 100,000 cubic meters of snow formed into a 60m long, 28m high, 150m wide behemoth of jumps, jibs, pipes and rails that will test the world's best freeski athletes and ensure the progression of freesking. Joined by a talented array of photographers and filmers ready to capture the action, the FIAT Nine Knights in Livigno is 2013's ultimate freeski supersession. Check out the Trailer at: http://youtu.be/U6OeJ-IiM6Y
Check out O'Neill Team Waterskier Brooks Wilson's lines.
Kyle enjoying the fruits of Mother Nature's labors. Photo: Cortese
Mountains or beach: Mountains. I grew up snowboarding in Canada so any excuse to head to the mountain and I'm there. I actually used to be a snowboard instructor before moving to Florida to pursue wakeboarding.
Shoes or flops: Shoes always. I'm not a fan of flops. Bare feet in public is a bit weird. There are some nasty feet out there.
Goatee or 'stache: I don't know. A good goatee is hard to come by, but at the same time the 'stache has made a comeback and nearly been played out. I'm reinventing myself this year as "the great white north" with a lumberjack beard.
Crossfit or P90x: Crossfit all day long. I've been doing it as a hobby for two years now. Rusty (Malinoski) and I are actually in the process of opening a crossfit gym in Clermont, FL right now. We should be open in about a month. I'm looking forward to finally having a spot close to home and also being in business with one of my best friends.
Fishing or golf: Golf without a question. I love golf. And I HATE fishing. I have a weird phobia with touching the fish. I don't mind catching it, but taking it off the hook is my worst nightmare.
Gold or silver: Gold. I think it's making a comeback. It went through a bit of a strange phase but I think that's done now. I want a gold watch for my birthday. Anyone?
Labbat or Molsen: Ummm I'm actually a big Molsen fan, especially when I'm at home in Canada. I love the taste and the label, but my favorite Canadian beer is called Alexander Keiths.
Bravo or HGTV: HGTV. My wife Katy and I actually really dig the show Property Brothers. I have it set as a shortcut on my remote. It's great since we're homeowners, but a true sign that we are getting old.
Double flips or 1080′s: At the moment I think I would prefer double flips. There are some crazy different variations coming out now. Dowdy's are insane. It's cool to see the progression of the sport.
G23 or G25: As long as there's a G, it's good with me. Currently I'm rolling in the G25. It's got a TON of room, sick for surfing, cruising the big lakes in Clermont, and obviously the wakeboard wake is a monster.
Wrap or pass: Wrap. Watching riders like Rathy and Danny lately has sparked my interest in new ways to spin. I've been working on slowing down and grabbing for longer. I've also been having a lot of fun with the rewind tricks lately. The wrap handle is a great way to put a new twist on your riding.
Kyle, unwrapping. Photo: Cortese
Jack O'Neill was honored and celebrated with the designation of his original Surf Shop as a California Historical Point of Interest.
SANTA CRUZ -- Surfing icon Jack O'Neill, who will be 90 on Wednesday, is still amazed at the local lore and global empire that swelled from his 500-square-foot surf shop on Cowell Beach. Opened in 1959 when O'Neill moved from San Francisco, the shack became known as "boys town" -- a place where parents would drop their sons to ride waves all day. Although the shop started by the pioneer of foam surf boards and thermal wetsuits is long gone, its legend will be forever preserved through a new California Historical Point of Interest plaque marking the original site.
"I never in my wildest dreams ever thought any of this would happen," O'Neill told the Sentinel after a dedication event Monday. "I thought I would make a few boards and have somebody to surf with."
Several black-and-white photos of O'Neill are featured in a temporary paper mural put up with the plaque on a retaining wall separating the surf shop site from the Dream Inn. When he opened the place, O'Neill said town leaders -- whom he called 'city dads' -- didn't consider surfing a legitimate past time, let alone sport.
"They said, 'You're going to sell to five guys on the beach and be all out of business,'" O'Neill said.
But as Councilman David Terrazas told dozens gathered Monday: "How could our city dads get it so wrong?" Terrazas, who led efforts to gain state recognition for the surf shop, called O'Neill Wetsuits "a symbol for our coastal economy."
O'Neill and family members built the Santa Cruz-based company after the beach shop closed in the mid-1960s. O'Neill later also established the O'Neill Sea Odyssey education program featuring a 65-foot catamaran anchored at the Santa Cruz Small Craft Harbor.
Executive Director Dan Haifley noted the program has introduced 75,000 students to the wonders of Monterey Bay for free. O'Neill's historic arc has stretched from "boys' town to the world's largest classroom," Haifley said.
Engineer Mark Mesiti Miller, who worked on O'Neill's cliff side home in Pleasure Point, recalled the surfer's determination to remove posts obstructing his living room view of the ocean. Mesiti Miller said the tricky renovation demonstrated an unstoppable will to accomplish the improbable.
"Jack's imagination is clearly without limits," he said.
Studio Holloday designed the O'Neill plaque and artist Eric Zwierzynski worked on the photo mural, which the city hopes to replace with permanent, interpretive signs. Zwierzynski said it was an honor to pay tribute to patriarch of surfing culture in Santa Cruz.
"He is such a dude," he said.
Here's what it takes to have the right equipment to stand at the top of the pile at years end!
O'Neill team rider Sebastien Toutant, aka Seb Toots, added another Gold medal to his trophy cabinet today when he defeated his friend & fellow Canadian Mark McMorris to win the Men's Slopestyle title at the X-Games Tignes, France.
Seb led after the first of three runs, in his second run he landed the first clean triple cork of the competition as well as super-smooth rail work to earn him a score of 95. He then had to watch as defending X-Games Aspen Gold medalist McMorris took a good shot at grabbing it back from him. McMorris came extremely close with a score of 94 for a run that included a Cab 1260 double cork and a backside triple cork. But it wasn't enough to knock Seb off of first place, making him the second person in snowboard Slopestyle history to win two X-Games Gold medals (the other being Shaun White). Third place went to Peetu Piiroinen from Finland. Torstein Horgmo, the top qualifier from Thursday's elimination round, fell in Run 2 and injured his ankle and couldn't make a third run.
"It wasn't my best season so far but I'm stoked to end up with a win here in France, stoked my backside triple cork worked out today, and stoked to ride with all my friends," Toutant said.
The Gold will be a big boost for Seb who is currently in training for Sochi, Russia where Snowboard Slopestyle will make its Winter Olympics debut in 2014.
Seb won his first X Games Gold in Aspen in 2011 and a Silver in Tignes in the same year when he was just a rookie.
Watch Seb's run here.
The Big Air Competition was the crowning moment of the remarkableNine Queens event and a sensational display of women's freeskiing prowess.Conditions in Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis couldn't have been better for the finalcompetition; blue bird skies and hardly any wind enabled the ladies to throwdown the hardest they have all week. During the last five days the fifteeninvited riders had multiple sessions with the invited photographers and filmerson the various awesome features of the impeccable Chateau.
Of course, we have a banger edit with the best action from Contest Day:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBPRpDJA2MM&feature=youtu.be
On competition day countless cheering spectators had the chance towitness freeskiing history in the making. Unfortunately Coline Ballet-Baz and Jamie Crane-Mauzy were unable to take part due to injury, but they definitely crushed it during the week and were cheering for the other girls. The Queens were all smiles, stoked to have such perfect conditions to hit the incredible jump. After an hour-long quali session in the morning, the girls had an hour and half long jam session where the top eight were selected to move into thefinals. A great combination of styled out grabs and technical tricks werelanded in the jam session: cork 900s, switch 900s and double grab 360s kept everyone amped up and demonstrated what freeskiing really is to any uneducated spectators.
Like every year, the final of the Nine Queens Big Air competitionwas one for the history books, with three tricks being landed that had never before been landed in a ladie's competition. The vibe at the top was phenomenal,there was no pressure and all the ladies cheered and encouraged each other topush themselves. They each had five runs to land their best tricks, with thebest two different tricks determining their final score.
The young German Lisa Zimmermann was unbeatable in the finals,stomping her cork 900 truckdriver on the first run and her double cork 1260safety on the second – a textbook demonstration of freeski mastery as she isalso the only woman in the world able to do those tricks. "I am super stoked toland the tricks that I did," said Lisa. "It's so special to have a Big Airevent just for girls. Being able to session the jump and hang out with thegirls all week is just amazing." The Slovakian Zuzička Stromková claimed secondplace stomping her styled out rodeo 720 safety and then landing a rodeo 900 forthe first time ever. Camillia Berra from Switzerland rounded off the podium with ahuge double frontflip and a smooth rodeo 720. During the finals Katie Summerhayes from the United Kingdom had a few issues landingher tricks and had to sit out a few runs due to a big crash, however she cameback after the competition was already over and landed the first switch 1260ever landed by a woman; a massive achievement she was overjoyed by.
The full list of results is as follows:
1. Lisa Zimmerman (GER) (double cork 1260 safety, cork 900truckdriver)
2. Zuzička Stromková (SVK) (rodeo 720 safety, rodeo 900safety)
3. Camillia Berra (SUI) (rodeo 720 safety, double frontflip)
4. Maude Raymond (USA) (switch 720 japan, switch 540 blunt)
5. Silvia Bertagna (ITA) (720 mute, 540 mute)
6. Katie Summerhayes (GBR) (switch 1080 no grab, 540 tail)
7. Dania Assaly (CAN) (360 mute, 540 mute)
8. Philo Bair (AUT) (360 safety, 540 safety)
"Yet again the Ladies pushed freeskiing to another level at theNine Queens" said head judge Christoph Thaler, "every year the event getsbetter and better, I can't wait to see what happens next year!" Needless to saythe athletes, media, spectators and organizers couldn't be happier with how the2013 Nine Queens finished up. Congratulations to all the Queens, and lets hopenext year's event is as good as this year's!
Moredetails of the event can be found at www.ninequeens.com!
The Queens of international freeskiing have been slayingit amongst the picturesque peaks of Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis in Tyrol, Austria. Withthe spectacular 'Chateau' serving as the centrepiece, the ladies have beendelivering a killer show for the accompanying photographers and filmers.
Many sessions have gone down in and around the 40,000cubic metres of snow that give rise to the Chateau and Jib Tower, delicatelyshaped by the unmatched talents of the Schneestern shaper crew. A Flying Bulls helicopterfilmed from the air for two amazing sessions, while the ladies went massiveover the 23-meter jump and took unique lines through the tunnels.
Between major sessions photographers and filmerscompeting in the film and photo contests selected individual riders to getcreative with; shooting lifestyles in traditional dirndl dresses and getting experimentalwith their angles and flash set-ups as the girls hit the jib feature in thesearch for that winning shot. As the sun set, the entire Chateau was lit bycountless coloured lights accentuating the Nine Queens fairy tale. Although animpenetrable fog made shooting the jump impossible, the mystical atmospheremade created perfect photo opportunities on the jibs. There was even time forthe ladies to let their hair down and dress up in traditional Tyrolean 'dirndl'dresses as part of the 'Lifestyle Photo' challenge.
The busy schedule has not phased the Queens one bitas they continuously push the limit during every session. The first highlightvideo will definitely make many jaws drop; it is a testament to the evolutionof the sport and the endless possibilities of freeskiing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkROax8tsRQ&feature=youtu.be
Be sure to stay tuned for the main highlight video ofthe entire Nine Queens event, to be released next week that will simultaneouslyblow your mind and your socks off, as we have saved all the absolute bangershots for it.
If you can't wait that long, why not come to thegrand finale of the Nine Queens on Saturday, the Big Air competition. Theladies have been practicing all week for the competition where all the biggesttricks will be put down to impress the judges. It is open to the public andseeing the action on the Chateau in real life is definitely worth checking out,not to mention the infamous Nine Queens after party presented by SweetProtection and downdays.eu at Patschi's. We hope to see you there.
Thethird edition of the fabled NINE QUEENS women's freeski event is off to aflying start in Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis in the midst of the picturesque TyroleanAlps, with the best female freeskiers already sessioning the perfectly shaped Chateaufeatures since Sunday.
Thehost of the event, recently crowned Halfpipe World Champion Virginie Faivre ofthe O'Neill International Team, is stoked on the epic beginning: "It's awesometo welcome back so many friends to ski this amazing set up," said Virginie. "Iam especially happy about the new faces this year who have been skiingferociously since the get go." With skiers like Keri Herman, Dania Assaly andMaude Raymond representing North America as well as Lisa Zimmerman, KatieSummerhayes and SFR champion Coline Ballet-Baz and many more holding it downfor Europe, there is no doubt that history will be written at the 2013 NineQueens, the only women's freeski big air event on the planet.
Thefirst session on all features began on Sunday and the ladies were stoked tofinally ride in the event they have been looking forward to for months. As thesetting sun swept golden rays over the peaks surrounding Serfaus – Fiss – Ladisthe Queens sent solid airs over the Chateau, getting accustomed to the jump inno time and already throwing down some serious trickery in the first session.After the session all of them agreed, it is by far the best jump they have skiedall season.
Thefollowing day thudding sounds of helicopter rotors amped everyone up, as aFlying Bulls chopper arrived to film the next session from the air. A plethoraof different tricks were witnessed and recorded by the large media contingent,many of whom are present to compete in the Video and Photo Contests. VölklMarker team rider Coline Ballet-Baz landed some very impressive lazy boy 360s,while Lisa Zimmerman stomped an unfathomable double cork 1260, the first timeanyone has even attempted a double cork at a Nine Queens event. JamieCrane-Mauzy also stomped a huge double backflip and was super close to landinga kangaroo flip, which would have been a world first. Not to worry, there arestill many more sessions planned for the week and plenty more opportunities forthe ladies to land new tricks on the fantastic Nine Queens Chateau.
TheSchneestern shaper crew have really stepped it up a few notches this year,adding an entire extra feature to the line up. The world renown jump feature;"The Chateau" has increased in size, measuring 23 meters from take-off tolanding, although many of the ladies have already sent the jump much furtherthan that. It also features two hips that are accessed by in-runs that are tunneledthrough the jump take-off itself, a masterpiece of human snow-shaping abilitythat must be seen to be believed. Yet another tunnel through one of the twotowers leads to the Blue Tomato down rail that literally projects the athletesout of the depths of The Chateau. The brand new obstacle, nicknamed "The JibTower" also holds all sorts of possibilities: a quarter pipe with coping, a battleshipbox and a sizable gap to down box are all seamlessly integrated into onespectacular feature.
Fora first person perspective of the mind-boggling set-up, check out the Contourcourse check video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAucEKoxU40
Thereis still the entire week to session all the features, culminating in the grandfinale on Saturday, the Big Air competition where the Queen of Queens will becrowned. The competition is open to the public, so if you are in the area makesure to check out the awesome Chateau perched on Serfaus and witness femalefreeskiing at its finest. If you are unable to attend, you can still lookforward to the stunning videos released throughout the week. Good luck to theQueens and stay tuned.
A memorable night at theVoss/Oslo Freestyle World Ski Championships yesterday saw O'Neill ridersdominate the podium hotspots. David Wise (USA) claimed his first ever halfpipetitle whilst fellow team mate Virginie Faivre (SWI) took the crown yet again.Freezing temperatures and a flawless pipe made for an exciting final with 12 ofthe world's best men and best women battling it out for the title of WorldChampion.
Attended by nearly400 athletes spanning 35 different nations, the biggest event of the FISFreestyle season got underway over the weekend. With the competition scheduleofficially kicking off on Monday, skiiers competed in the halfpipequalifications in an attempt to secure a place in last night's showdown. Andwhat a showdown it was, Oslo's Vinterpark was graced with the world's finestfreestyle talent duking it out for his and hers crowns.
Taking fourth place at the previous twoWorld Championships in 2009 and 2011, America's David Wise pulled out the stopslast night nailing him a winning 96.2 on his first run. Wowing crowds with a right-side double-corked 1260 muteto left-side double-corked 1260 mute secured him a well-deserved firstplace finish. Wise was joined on the podium by 17-year-old Torin Yater-Wallace (USA) taking second with (95.6) and ThomasKrief (FRA) taking third with a score 93.6.
Stoked on his gold,Wise commented 'I knew it wasgoing to be a good night right from the start. Finals at the WorldChampionships were absolutely unreal. Every single rider put down a solid run.So progressive. It's such an honour to be the new World Champion'.
Meanwhile the ladies champs saw Faivrehungrily battle for gold, scoring a winning total of 83.8 in her second run. Determined to retain her crown and impressingjudges with her crisp style and clean landings, Virginie's podium lead wasfollowed by Anais Caradeux from France with an 80.6 finish and Japans' AyanaOnozuka close behind with 80.4.
Faivre couldn'tcontain her excitement after her win telling reporters 'I am over moon with my second World Champion title. Youcan't imagine how happy I am. There are no words to describe how much joy thisvictory gave me. I had a rough time coming back from my head injury and this isthe biggest reward for all the hard work and the bad days I had in the lastyear. It's even better to share this amazing victory with my team mate David'.
Stay tuned for more news coming from VirginieFaivre as she is the host for the unique Nine Queens event from April 16 to 21st.
O'Neill team rider, Antoine Truchon (CAN), wonthe prestigious Toyota Big Air in Sapporo, Japan this past weekend, edging outcrowd favorite Toshiki Yamane (JPN) and third place finishers Sage Kotsenburg(USA) and Gjermund Braaten (NOR).
Playedout over two days and in front of more than 30,000 fanatical spectators, theToyota Big Air has become a right of passage for the world's top riders overthe last 17 years. Treated like veritable rock stars from the moment theytouched down in Japan, the riders threw down all weekend long, with 22-year-oldTruchon stomping a front 12 in the finals to claim the biggest title of hiscareer.
Itwas a spectacular return to form for the French Canadian rider, who kicked offthe season in podium-dominating style back in September when he took firstplace at Stylewars in Australia before scoring second place at Freestyle.ch onthe shores of Lake Zurich, Switzerland.
Speakingto the press after his victory, and with the sound of Japan's famously vocalcrowds still ringing in his ears, Antoine said: "This is what dreams aremade of - every rider dreams of coming to Japan to experience this crazy worldwhere the passion for snowboarding is like no other place on earth. It'samazing just to be here in Sapporo, but to win this event is something else!And now it's time celebrate!"
Despite his victory in the Sapporo Dome not counting towards his World Snowboard Tourranking points total, Truchon currently sits in 5th place in the Big Air Tourrankings - a title already claimed by compatriot Sebastien Toutant. Joined atthe top of the sport by good friend Maxence Parrot, the French Canadian trio ofO'Neill team riders have been pushing freestyle riding to the next level thisseason.
Stay tuned for more news from Team O'Neill as the most progressive riders in thebusiness head to Vail, Colorado this week for the Burton US Open - the final6-Star contest of the 2012/13 season.
Move over boys because the world’s best freeskiing girls are about to step-in, start-up, and storm the castle at the Nine Queens Freeski event at Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis in Austria’s mountain wonderland of Tyrol from 11-16 March 2013 with a huge contest day on March 16th, starting at 10am.
The brand new video trailer is online:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6IB_Dpir6q8
Innsbruck (AUT) February 19th, 2013 - O'Neillteam rider Virginie Faivre, 2010 halfpipe world champion and five times winnerof the European Freeski Open, will host this royal congregation at "TheChateau", a uniquely shaped and massive snow obstacle built by the twistedminds at Schneestern, Europe's premier park shapers. The castle is formed fromover 50,00m3 of snow and with integrated kickers, rails and jibs it will givethe athletes the chance to really test their skills, being able to grab up to27 metres of airtime!
Before the specially invited media professionals, thegirls will have a week to showcase their outstanding skills; with dedicatedheli-filming and photo sessions all aimed at delivering the best opportunityfor the girls to progress the sport of freeskiing.
As Her Royal Flyness Virginie Faivre says, "I amtotally pumped for it all to start to be honest. We have the crème de la crèmeof freeskiing here, the best girls in the world, and with a whole week to playon what has to be the most amazing obstacle that I have ever seen, it is sureto be a fantastic show!"
Joining Virginie to battle it out at the 2013 NineQueens are some of the top names in world of freeskiing. Norwegian TirilSjaastad Christiansen, winner of the slopestyle gold medal at the 2013 X-Gamesin Aspen, brings a skibag full of her trademark flow. Kaya Turski, 2012 X-Gamesgold medalist, hails from Canada and isn't afraid to throw down a 1080 or two.Estonia's wunderkind, 12-year old Kelly Sildaru debuted at the Nine Queens in2011 and the strength of her performances showed that she is a genuine star inthe making. Eva Patscheider is representing the local Austrian contingent.
Here's the complete list of starters:
1. Virginie Faivre (SUI)
2. Keri Herman (USA)
3. Eveline Bhend (SUI)
4. Kaya Turski (CAN)
5. Anna Segal (AUS)
6. Eva Patscheider (AUT)
7. Emma Dahlström (SWE)
8. Tiril Sjaastad Christiansen (NOR)
9. Jen Hudak (USA)
10. Grete Eliassen (USA)
11. Lena Stoffel (GER)
12. Kelly Sildaru (EST)
The Nine Queens will reach its peak when a huge number of spectators are expected for the official Contest Day on Saturday, 16 March, offering everyone the chance for an up-close and personal public viewing. The event will finish with a big party at Patschi, Serfaus, hosted by downdays.eu.
Program Overview
Monday 11 – Friday 15 March
Closed photo sessions and media focused projects
Saturday 16 March:
10.00 – 3.00pm Big Air Competition
3pm prize giving
From 10pm Afterparty at Patschi's by Sweet Protection and downdays.eu
More details about the event and an overview of the CONTOUR WANNA BE A QUEEN online video competition where we invite any girls out there who think they'd like to mix it with the Nine Queens to submit their best videos for a chance to join us in Serfaus Fiss Ladis at www.ninequeens.com
Further info about Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis
The winter sports paradise Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis with its three historical villages is located on a sunny high plateau above the Tyrolean Inn Valley, framed by the mighty 3000-metre Samnaun mountains and the Ötztal Alps. Here winter sports fans have the choice of 212 km of superbly groomed ski runs, of which 131 km are at over 2000 m altitude, 119 km of cross-country skiing trails – groomed daily –, 70 cable 70 different modes of transportation, freeride slopes, terrain parks, and the whole gamut of winter fun sports. With the Kinderschneealm childrens' entertainment centre, the Murmlipark and Berta's Kinderland, excellent ski schools, all-day childcare, separate children's restaurants and many other family-friendly attractions one can safely say that Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis has one of the best winter offering for families, and has indeed been commended several times as the most family-friendly resort in the Alps.
O'Neill global team rider, Sebastien Toutant, clinched his first World Snowboard Tour Big Air title this past weekend after finishing in second place at the maximum rated 6-Star Billabong Air & Style in Innsbruck, Austria.
The 20-year-old French Canadian rider, who won his first Big Air pro contest at the age of only 13, continues to go from strength to strength after claiming the World Snowboard Tour Slopestyle crown at the end of last season.
Speaking after snagging his latest podium result in the Bergisel stadium, Toots said: "I'm super-happy to add the Big Air title to my list of accomplishments. It's been a tough season and the standard of riding is getting better and better every year, with doubles and triples all over the place! To come out on top of the pile at the end of all that madness feels really great."
The final standings give proof, if ever it was needed, of the intense level of competition at the top of the sport. Finishing the Big Air season off in Austria with an impressive points tally of 827.76, Toots only just managed to edge out main rival Stale Sandbech by 1.01 points, and third-placed Mark McMorris by just over 10 points.
The final standings give proof, if ever it was needed, of the intense level of competition at the top of the sport. Finishing the Big Air season off in Austria with an impressive points tally of 827.76, Toots only just managed to edge out main rival Stale Sandbech by 1.01 points, and third-placed Mark McMorris by just over 10 points.
Michael Heath, Global Marketing Director at O'Neill, said: "Nobody deserves this title more than Seb. He's been playing a huge part in fueling the progression of the sport in recent seasons, redefining what's possible on a snowboard. It's great to see that combination of raw talent and hard work paying off, and it's just one of the reasons why we're so proud to have him be part of Team O'Neill. Congrats, Seb!"
Next on the agenda, Toutant turns his attention back to Slopestyle - a discipline that will for the first time form part of the Winter Olympic Games at Sochi 2014 in Russia. And with a last-minute invitation to Laax to compete in the Burton European Open possibly on the cards, and the Burton US Open of Snowboarding going down in early March, Toots will be going all-out to defend his Slopestyle crown against the world's best.
For more information about O'Neill, visit oneill.com
An action-packed day at X Games Aspen 2013 saw David Wise earn a repeat gold medal with two legendary runs that scored 94.66 and 95.66, landing the first back-to-back double cork 1260s in competition history along the way.
Before the finals, 12-year-old Aspen Spora dazzled the crowd and gave X Games fans a glimpse of the future with a SuperPipe forerun in front of a live national audience. Earlier in the day, Seb Toots joined other stars for an autograph session and offered an exclusive tour of the Red Bull Performance Center before landing in the Big Air finals later in the night.
Watch the video at the O'Neill Experience: http://www.oneillexperience.com
Closing the curtain on a competitive career that has been more than two decades in the making, the 35-year-old Swiss style master fittingly chose the O'Neill Evolution and the Swiss resort of Davos, located just a few miles as the crow flies from his home resort of Arosa, to say goodbye. "Finishing my 23-year contest career here is a dream come true," said Gian, a three-time Olympian. "It's the closing of a circle. I rode a board for the first time here in Davos; won my first major contest here; won my two World Championship titles right here too. So to finish off my contest career in Davos – it's the icing on the cake."
Having officially closed out his competitive career the day before with a very respectable 6th place in the Halfpipe Finals, and a typically enormous Backside Air on the last hit of his last run, Saturday afternoon's 'Legends Session' presented fans and fellow riders – both past and present – with an opportunity to honor Gian's remarkable contribution to the sport.
Gian Simmen (SUI) boosting airs sporting a 1980′s-inspired day glow one-piece O'Neill snowsuit.
The laid-back, fun-filled jam session saw a veritable who's who of European snowboarding royalty gracing the Halfpipe to doff their caps to one of snowboarding's greatest ambassadors. Among others, Xaver Hoffman, Michi Albin, Reto Lamm, Pascal Imhof and Johnny Eisenhut all rolled back the years and reminded the young guns how it's done. Not surprisingly, Gian was the standout rider, boosting double-overhead airs while sporting a 1980s-inspired dayglow one-piece O'Neill snowsuit. Style by the mile from the retiring hero.
Reflecting on his career at the end of an emotional day, Gian said: "Snowboarding has given me so much: the friends, the experiences, the chance to live a very special lifestyle – it gave me a place to clear my mind. As the first rider to win Olympic Gold almost 15 years ago, I understood very quickly there would be certain expectations of me. I just hope people remember me for the work I've done for snowboarding, the work I still plan to do, and hope they enjoyed my riding and riding with me over the years. I can't thank everyone enough for this amazing journey."
We're sure we speak for the whole snowboarding community when we say: "Thanks for the memories Gian; it's been one hell of a ride, and long may it continue!"
Save the dates: On May, 24th and May, 25th "O'Neill Wake The Line presented
by Relentless Energy Drink" will once again transform three Olympic size
open air pools in Cologne, Germany into a 1000 ft. wakeskate and wakeboard
playground. Legendary location, completely new designed setup, 12.000 fans
and $60.000 price money promise a stunning show.
New in 2013 will be a two-day-extension of the event. On Friday spectators can
watch a best trick contest over both quarter pipe and kicker. Also part of Fridays
action will be the riders draw for Saturday and a live music act performance. The
main wakeskate and wakeboard competition will be held on Saturday. Both days will
be rounded up with the aftershow party at Playa in Cologne, right next to the
Stadionbad.
Established in 2012 the "WTL Qualifier" series, which identified 12 wildcard winners, who joined the 2012 seated riders, will also take place in 2013. The dates and places for 2013 are:
- 6/7th April: Penrith, Australia
- 4th May: Orlando Watersports Complex, USA- 17-19th May: Moscow, Russia
- 18th May: Wasserski Langenfeld, Germany
So 12 wildcards are up for grabs again. Who will join the 2012 top 8 riders, the
winner of 2011 and the rail rider of the year 2012 for the "O'Neill Wake The Line"
2013 riders field?
The ticket sale will kick off 19th of January at www.waketheline.com and at the
BOOTSMESSE exhibition at the WASSERSKI LANGENFELD BOOTH. Due to the
two-day-extension six different ticket categories are available. Get your tickets now
and be part of "O'Neill Wake The Line" 2013.
What do you do when superlatives just aren't enough? The final day here at the O'Neill Evolution 2013 exploded into something that will go down as a watershed moment in snowboarding history.
Maxence Parrot (CAN) stomped the first ever contest-landed Triple Cork on European snow to take out the Big Air Finals just ahead of 15-year-old Kyle Mack (USA), who scored a world first by putting down the first contest-landed Triple Frontside Rodeo.
It was never a question of simple progression; this was the physical statement reflecting the quantum leap in the level of snowboarding heading into 2013. Tonight's results also saw Antoine Truchon (CAN) take the lead in the World Snowboard Tour Big Air rankings, and Kyle Mack (USA) move into second in the Overall rankings.
In a day that was always expected to build towards a climax, the first official action came in the form of the Women's Big Air Finals. While not a points-earning event for the Women, it was Miyabi Onitsuka (JPN) who impressed all week and took out the O'Neill Evolution Women's title with a huge Backside 360 to Lipslide to Front board, edging out an improving Christine Szumovski (AUT). It was left to the ever-stylish Celia Miller (USA) to complete the podium.
After the Women's Final and in anticipation of the men's spectacle, Gian Simmen and the 'Legends Session', rolled back the years as some of the sport's greatest European icons tore up the Halfpipe in honor of Simmen's final competitive curtain call.
Among the invited riders were Xaver Hoffman (GER), Nici Pederzolli (AUT), Anita Schwaller (SUI), Michi Albin (SUI), Johnny Eisenhut (SUI), Martina Tscharner (SUI), World Snowboard Tour judges Guillaume Morriset (CAN) and Pascal Imhof (SUI), and no less than World Snowboard Tour President, Reto Lamm (SUI). It proved to be a fitting tribute and a final hurrah to Simmen: the man, the myth, the legend.
Firing up the spectators, event speaker, Henry Jackson, summed it up best when he announced, ''We need to organize a Legends World Snowboard Tour. Every single person riding in this session has influenced snowboarding in some major way and the riding has been off the hook."
That said, today's 6 Star World Snowboard Tour Big Air climax was always going to be the highlight – and it delivered big time. And with the rider field whittled down to the Semifinals, only eight riders were left to battle it out for the World Snowboard Tour Big Air points and the lion's share of the US$ 80,000 prize purse.
Sebastien Toutant (CAN), with a Cab 1260 Double Cork Melon to Backside 270 Gap to Out, was unlucky to go out against Kalle Järvilehto (FIN) in the closest of knockout battles to decide the 4-rider Super Final. With only four riders still standing, the level went up yet another notch, reducing the field to just two riders.
In the last bout of the evening, Maxence Parrot clinically and unconditionally stomped the first ever European contest Triple Cork, scoring a seemingly insurmountable 93.40 – the highest score of the event. If you haven't heard the name Kyle Mack before, hear it here, and hear it now. The 15-year-old uber-ripper-in-waiting dropped into his second of three runs only to suffer the worst slam of the contest following a failed attempt at the unprecedented Frontside Triple Rodeo.
Having witnesses the slam and leading in the scores, Parrot was obliged to drop in first and decided to go for it, nailing his sickest Triple Cork yet before putting down a smooth Boardslide to Backside Lipslide combo in the rail section. Not surprisingly, the crowd went nuts, and the judges delivered him another highest score of the event with a fully-deserved 96.80.
With the contest all but wrapped up by Parrot, Mack picked himself up from his horror slam and dropped into this third and final run. Stomping a never-seen-before-in-contest Triple Rodeo 1440 Indy, the North American went on to Backside Lipslide to Frontside Noseslide to Fakie the rail section. Nervous moments ensued before the judges returned a 95.00 points score, thus awarding Parrot his biggest contest title to date.
If there was ever a time that the Boom met the Bang, it was here in Davos tonight. A new standard has yet again been set at another world-class edition of the O'Neill Evolution 2013 – the World Snowboard Tour at its very best!
Underneath the Jakobshorn here in Davos, in what must be one of the most incredible contest set up's ever, the 'Boom' has just come to town. Under an amazing riding, lighting and music set up, the 6 Star World Snowboard Tour event, the O'Neill Evolution, has stoop up and got really serious really fast. With the qualification session this afternoon advancing 13 riders to meet the 11 invited riders in the first round of the main event. All the signs through training and qualifications were that the O'Neill Evolution was going to yet again be a statement as to the level of where professional snowboarding is at – and it did not in any way disappoint…
Tonight's action took on the form of a 24 man head-to-head knockout format, where the 12 winners of each of the battles, plus the 4 Lucky Losers – being the highest four scored runs from riders who did not win their heats moving into the second round. Hands down, the level was off the hook!
Moving into the business end of the night, Round 2 morphed into a pure head-to-head knockout, no lucky losers, no friends on a powder day… While TV loves the head-to-head format, at times it can be tough for riders, but it also separates the men from the boys, those who understand and embrace the format, and those who may not have quite got it. Possibly the battle of the night was Markku Koski(FIN) vs Markus Mathis(SUI). Koski lead into the third and final run, deciding to go the style route, rather than to try to seriously improving on his Backside 1080 Mute to front boardslide, to boardslide hardway out, he went the super stylish Backside 540 Double poke 540 Indy. Possibly not since Terje Haakonsen's Stoney Baloney at the Air & Style 1995 when he had won the event before his last run, has such a style trick been thrown in a contest. Yet, under incredible pressure, Markus Mathis(SUI) dialled a huge Backside 1080 Double Cork to Lipslide to Nose Press to take out that battle by a single point.
Equally as impressive was Sebastian Toutant, who while sitting with a significant lead of 78.80 pts score vs a 54.20 from Matthias Vogt, dropped in to his last run with options abounding. Take it easy, or go for it. Not a surprise for anyone who knows 'Toots', his cab 1260 Double Cork Melon to Backside Lipslide to 270 out was the second highest score of the day. We sat with Toots and asked him where and why he pulled that out of the bag, and he said, "It's all to do with the format. I've been in knockout formats before, and left the door open to be taken out. I had to drop in first on my last run, so I wanted to make sure I closed that door straight off the bat. I think all of the riders who are likely to make it to the finals are pulling out what they need to but leaving something in the back pocket to blow the judges away – when it is needed."
The highest scored run of the day came from the impressive Maxence Parrot (CAN) who has already landed the Triple Cork, the first seen in a contest environment in Europe, throwing a flawless Frontside 1080 Double Cork Mute to Backside Boardslide to Noseslide Hardway out. When we asked him about the Triple he said, "I've wanted to do the triple for a long time, and the set up here is so good it sort of come naturally. I haven't pulled it out yet because I want to keep something up my sleeve for the judges as we get towards the finals." Yet, with Sebastian Toutant having all but landed a Triple in training we asked Maxence, if facing the last run with a Triple on the ground, what would he be thinking? He replied, "I first need to make the finals, and then I need to work out where I'm sitting going into the final run. If I am already on the podium, I'll be pulling out all stops. The best thing about these types of contests formats, is that you have to manage the tricks you've got with the situation at the time. I'd say, looking at who is still in the contest, I know I'm going to have to dig deep to get anywhere near winning this season's O'Neill Evolution."
As the lights dim here on site, and final preparations are underway for tomorrow nights Men's and Women's Big Air Finals, we leave you with the crazy line up for the Men's finals:
Antoine Truchon(CAN) vs Kyle Mack(USA)
Torgier Bergrem(NOR) vs Maxence Parrot(CAN)
Markus Mathis(SUI) vs Emil Ulsletten(NOR)
Kalle Järvilheto(FIN) vs Sebastian Toutant(CAN)
Big things are a foot. All the action is live broadcast and live webcast from 13:15 for the Woman's final, with the Gian Simmen 'Legends Session' live from 15:00 and moving onto the Men's 6 Star World Snowboard Tour O'Neill Evolution 2013 Big Air Round 3 starting at 17:30 and the Finals live at 18:30.
Gian Simmen takes 6th in his last competitive outing, protégés Rohrer and Scherrerreign supreme.
In what turned out to be an emotional and significant send-off, Swiss snowboard legend, Gian Simmen, stood the test of time by scoring a solid 6th place in his last competitive event here at the O'Neill Evolution in Davos, while two of his young protégés, Verena Rohrer (SUI) and Jan Scherrer (SUI), took out the Women's and Men's 5 Star World Snowboard Tour Halfpipe titles respectively.
Conditions were snowy, testing and the light low for the start of the women's Halfpipe contest. After a solid performance, local Swiss rider, Verena Rohrer, took out the Halfpipe title, making the judges' job that much easier by nailing down a silky-smooth run. French rider, Clémence Grimal, took 2nd with Japan's very impressive Akiko Milwa holding on to 3rd place. Rohrer's win propels her into 3rd in the Women's World Snowboard Tour rankings.
"I'm really blown away with this win," said a very excited Verena. "I didn't really have any expectations when I arrived in Davos; I just wanted to put my run down and let people see what I can do. So I'm pretty stoked with the result!"
The Men's Halfpipe Final was always going to be special. Not only did it include a field of some of the best up and coming riders, but it was also the last official contest for one of the most outstanding riders ever to grace a board. Having won his first Swiss Championships in Davos back in 1996, and having been crowned ISF World Champion in Davos in both 2001 and 2002, Gian Simmen chose the O'Neill Evolution as the stage to bid his final adieu to competitive snowboarding.
To a standing ovation from fans and fellow riders alike, Gian took his third and final run, stomping a massive Backside Air on the final hit of a typically styled-out run that was good enough to push him into 6th position overall, bringing the curtain down on an undeniably exceptional career.
It was left to 16-year old wunderkind, Kyle Mack (USA), to shake up the podium positions in the last run of the event, as he climbed into 2nd with a super-technical run that included a Front 9 Mute, and Front 10 Tail to Cab 7 Mute.
Be it chance, poetic license or the very well written script of a Hollywood feel-good thriller, local shredder and Gian Simmen's protégé, Jan Scherrer (SUI), took out his first World Snowboard Title with a Back 9 Mute, Front 10 Tail, Cab 7 Melon to Front 9 Mute. The emotional prize-giving ceremony was deservingly completed by an impressive Hiroki Suwa (JPN).
"Finishing my 23 year contest career here in Davos is simply a dream come true," said Gian. "It's like the closing of a circle. And to see Jan Scherrer and Verena Rohrer taking out the contest was all-time. I couldn't have wished for a better pair if you look at it as the changing of the guard. I can't tell you how proud I am of them both."
"I have to admit," continued Gian, "Walking to the top of the pipe for the last time was pretty emotional. The whole week has been emotional. I was just thinking about going big in my last run, but the younger kids said, "Nah,.. Gian, we want to see your A-game." So I took a deep breath, soaked up the atmosphere, and tried to make them proud. To make it just that much more special, my two children swamped me at the bottom of the pipe before I'd had a chance to appreciate that it was done! It's been a really special day."
Jan Scherrer went a long way to echoing that sentiment by saying: "This is the biggest result of my career and it's pretty special to do it at home, here in Davos. And to do it here at Gian's last contest... He's done so much for me and Swiss snowboarding. He's the man! The biggest influence to all of us ever. I'm stoked on the result and even more on being here and part of this experience. I'm looking forward to going riding with Gian soon - it's always good times with him!"
Stay tuned for more action from the O'Neill Evolution, with Big Air Qualifications scheduled for Friday, the Gian Simmen 'Legends Session' kicking off at 15:00 on Saturday, and the nighttime Big Air Finals on Saturday evening.
Maxence Parrot lands the first contest kicker Triple Cork in Europe, Toutant not far behind.
Just when you think it's time to send out that press release, something happens and it's all hands on deck again. As the lights were about to go out at the end of tonight's training session here at the O'Neill Evolution, Maxence Parrot (CAN) decided there was no time like the present to try his first Triple Cork. His first attempt was close, landing on his feet but slipping out and taking a nasty bum check in the process. Anticipation in the press tent was high as he dropped in for his second attempt, and this time he stomped it in a Torstien-Horgmo-Winter X-Games-perfect-score type of way, making it the first contest kicker Triple Cork in European history.
Never one to be outdone, Sebastien Toutant (CAN), the last rider to drop in during tonight's training session, went within a whisker of stomping his own variation of the Triple. The consensus on the ground here tonight is that we may well end up seeing a triple knock out another triple in the new 6 Star Big Air head-to-head format – suffice to say the level of progression is going through the roof.
As ever, the O'Neill Evolution brings together the best in progressive freestyle snowboarding, and this year's edition is shaping up to be one of the best ever. A perfectly shaped halfpipe will host the Men's and Women's 5 Star World Snowboard Tour Finals on Thursday, building towards the Gian Simmen (CH) 'Legends Session' at 15:00 on Saturday, in turn leading into the 6 Star World Snowboard Tour Big Air Finals.
A change of Tour leader is all but guaranteed with Antoine Truchon (CAN) needing only a Top 14 finish to take over the top spot, and a complete re-shuffle of the Top 5 is also on the cards as the French Canadian domination of Europe seems certain to continue.
'O'Neill Experience' online campaign follows Seb Toots, David Wise and others during X Games week in Colorado, January 24-27
Montreal, Canada (January 15, 2013) – O'Neill, the original surf, snow and youth lifestyle brand for over 60 years, will head back to Aspen, Colorado for X Games Aspen 2013 with snow stars Sebastian Toutant ("Seb Toots"), David Wise, Maxence Parrot, Celia Miller, Aspen Spora and other team riders. In addition to taking part in all the competition and activities associated with the Games, the team will be shooting the popular "O'Neill Experience" online and social media campaign. Located at www.oneillexperience.com, this third installment of the O'Neill Experience will offer additional behind-the-scenes video and photo content from on and off the slopes.
Gold medal favorites Seb Toots and David Wise will kick off the campaign, chronicling their journeys from home and time spent with family and friends while in Aspen. The O'Neill cameras will also follow Seb and David to competitions, practice, media appearances, nightly industry parties and downtime with other athletes on and around Buttermilk Mountain, home of X Games Aspen action. Seb will be competing in SlopeStyle and Big Air, while David is aiming to repeat his gold medal in Ski SuperPipe.
All content will be updated live via www.oneillexperience.com, along with O'Neill Snow's Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other partnering blog sites. In addition, the exclusive content at www.oneillexperience.comwill include up-and-coming star snowboarder, Quebec's Maxence Parrot, and Lake Tahoe resident, Aspen Spora, who competed in the ski SuperPipe as an 11 year old last year, with a highlight video receiving more than 142,000 YouTube views to date. Other O'Neill athletes appearing in Aspen include snowboard favorite Celia Miller from Breckenridge, CO and members of the O'Neill United program, flow team riders who have received increased exposure this season thanks to O'Neill social media support.
"Last year's O'Neill Experience at X Games was such a success with Seb, we decided to expand the behind-the-scenes access with our athlete team and offer more for fans in 2013," said O'Neill Snow's Juliet Korver. "We'll have daily athlete interaction through social media, special videos, interviews and point-of-view footage from the mountain that you can't see anywhere else."
During the O'Neill Experience, fans will be given the chance to win exclusive O'Neill gear, including hats, tees, DVDs and even athlete signature outerwear, which will be hidden in an undisclosed location within Aspen, with clues offered on O'Neill social media platforms daily through X Games Aspen week. Winning fans will receive personal congratulatory messages from O'Neill athletes during the daily O'Neill Experience videos.
"I had a blast at last year's X Games and can't wait to share the experience with other O'Neill riders," said Toutant, who will be wearing his signature O'Neill apparel during the campaign. "My fans, family and friends really enjoyed seeing how I balanced my time between having fun and focusing on the competition. We have lots of cool activities planned for this year and the cameras will be rolling, so the O'Neill Experience will be even bigger this time around."
Highlights from the O'Neill Experience at X Games Aspen 2012 included Seb prepping for competition in the athlete lounge, dog sledding with family on a day off, David Wise celebrating his surprise gold medal and Aspen Spora enjoying the X Games experience for the first time. A second version of the O'Neill Experience took place last summer in Whistler, BC, where the entire O'Neill athlete team came together for a week of boarding, skiing, paintball, cookouts and outdoor bonding with Camp of Champions attendees.
As the first full day of training draws to a close on what must be the sickest looking contest set-up yet here in Davos, Switzerland, the early standard of riding promises to deliver next-level, world-class snowboarding once competition gets underway.
Overwhelmingly positive rider feedback on the 6 Star World Snowboard Tour Big Air course has already been matched by the level of tricks stomped. Little to no compression on this year's kicker has paved the way for huge air time and a plethora of tech tricks, complemented by the biggest rail set-up ever seen at the O'Neill Evolution.
In no particular order, the pick of the riders on what turned out to be a relatively laid-back warm-up day, were: Sebastian Toutant (CAN) who dialled a bag of tricks including Cab 12 Double Corks, multi-variations on the Back 12 and Gap to Back 270's on the kinked rail. 15-year old sensation, Kyle Mack (USA), was putting down Back 10 Doubles and a uniquely stylish F/S 10 to late cork. Maxence Parrot (CAN) warmed up with Front 10 Doubles, Cab 10 Doubles and Back 12 Doubles, while Antoine Truchon (CAN) eased his way into the event with F/S Double Corks and huge Switch Back 12 Doubles. With the last few riders turning up in Davos this evening, and minor fine-tuning of the kicker taking place overnight, the trick list is sure to expand exponentially as another full day of training gets underway on Wednesday.
A change to the schedule in the 5 Star World Snowboard Tour Halfpipe contest will see the Women's Finals moved to join the Men on Thursday the 17th January, rather than Wednesday as previously stated.
After spending the whole day ripping the pipe, Swiss maestro, Gian Simmen, said: "The pipe is in really, really good shape, and it's only going to get better as we ride it in over the week. Today was a fairly easy training session, mostly you got to see back-to-back 7 combos and a couple of Cab 10's, but that is just the start of it as riders get used to the trannies. I think we are going to see a pretty killer pipe finals come Thursday night. And don't forget the Legends session on Saturday!"
With riders back at their hotels preparing for tonight's Riders' Welcome Party at the Bolgenschanz, it's time to sign off. Stayed tuned for regular daily updates as the O'Neill Evolution heads towards the Finals later this week, and look forward to another amazing celebration of progressive freestyle snowboarding in the picture-postcard location of Davos.
The mountain resort village of Davos, Switzerland, slowly awakes as the international professional snowboard community starts to descend on the picturesque alpine town for what has become one of the most iconic events on the annual contest calendar.
With light snow once again blanketing this winter paradise at the time of writing, fond memories of last year's edition of the O'Neill Evolution return to the fore, when more than two meters of fresh snow fell from the skies during the week, almost forcing the cancellation of the event.
And let's face it – if you are ever going to cancel an event, too much snow is the best reason there ever was or has been. Yet, with the almost unheard of 'powder landings' blessing a freestyle contest, Mark McMorris (CAN) squeezed his way past an explosive Eric Willett (USA) in a hard-fought and unforgettable freestyle throw-down. This year's edition of the O'Neill Evolution promises all of last year's standout action… and even more.
While not unfolding in the French-speaking quarter of Switzerland, you can expect to hear a lot of French with 'un accent quebecois'. Yet again, the best riders to emerge from Eastern Canada have invaded Davos, with Sebastien Toutant, Antoine Truchon and Maxence Parrot already laying down some seriously impressive training runs. A top 14 placing from Truchon will result in a new leader in the race for the World Snowboard Tour Big Air Title, while podium positions for either Seb or Maxence will see them drive into the Big Air Top 5.
Other names worthy of mention and certainly in contention are the Austrian contingent of Mario Wanger and Tom Klocker, both of whom will have their sights set on scoring podium results in the Big Air to jump up the rankings. Further major movements in the Big Air rankings will be more than probable should Scandinavian marauders Emil Ulstetten (NOR), Torgeir Bergrem (NOR) and Kalle Järvilehto (FIN) stomp all their tricks with typical Scandi precision.
Reflecting on the set up after his latest training session, Sebastien Toutant said: "This year, they have taken out a lot of the compression in the kicker, so it's way smother to ride and gives you way more manageable air time. It's a really promising set-up."
Throughout the week, the O'Neill Evolution is offering up invaluable Halfpipe and Big Air points, while the 'Gian Simmen Legends Session' on Saturday afternoon also promises to be a guaranteed highlight in the program prior to Saturday night's Big Air finals.
Regarded as one of the most naturally gifted and progressive talents of his generation, Jordy first signed with O'Neill as a 19-year-old World Junior Champion in 2007. During the course of the last five years, the South African has become one of the standout performers on the elite ASP World Championship Tour.
After winning the World Qualifying Series title in 2007, Smith embarked on his maiden World Tour season in 2008. Since then, he's racked up numerous career highlights with O'Neill by his side. Among other achievements, the 24-year-old secured top honors on the Transworld Surf Exposuremeter in 2008, starred in the game-changing surf film Modern Collective in 2009, snagged two World Tour victories at his beloved Jeffrey's Bay, and finished runner-up on the World Tour in 2010. More recently, Jordy starred in his own profile film Bending Colours, which earned a 2012 Surfer Poll Movie of the Year nomination.
"We are fortunate to have a surfer of Jordy's calibre representing O'Neill," said O'Neill Global Marketing Director, Michael Heath. "Whether it is during competition or while free-surfing, Jordy continues to prove he is one of the most progressive surfers in the world."
On his partnership with O'Neill, Smith stated, "The last five years with O'Neill have been unbelievable. They have given me so much freedom and yet so much support at the same time. I have built a relationship with O'Neill in which they help me out in so many different aspects of my life, and not just in surfing."
Currently, Smith is ramping up for the 2013 World Tour, which kicks off in Australia in early March, and remains focused on regaining the competitive form he enjoyed in the first half of 2011 before a rib injury derailed his WCT title challenge.
"I've been training and surfing a lot; reflecting on last year, and changing a few things" continued Smith. "First and foremost, my goal for the next five years is to win a World Title. I'm going to put my head down and definitely go for that."
O'Neill had added a new member to its UK team. The unusual addition is a 14 year Humboldt Penguin named Ralph who happens to be a permanent resident at Marwell Zoo. The not so feathery new team member has been given a brand new custom made O'Neill wetsuit in order to protect him from the cold elements that he faces after moulting his feathers too early!
Originating from South America, the Humboldt Penguin moults annually but unfortunately for Ralph it happens all too quickly. Over the past few years Marwell Zoo have been protecting Ralph with custom made wetsuits and so when O'Neill heard that Ralph was on the lookout for a new one they were more than happy to oblige.
Anna Ing, Team Leader of birds at Marwell said: "Ralph was in desperate need of a new wetsuit as his old one was starting to fall apart- his wetsuits see a lot of activity with him constantly on the go, swimming, climbing rocks and preening! He certainly looks the part with his custom made O'Neill wetsuit!"
Steve Peters, European Marketing Manager O'Neill Wetsuits comments "At O'Neill we strive to help and support marine habitats as well as understand the important relationship between the sea and the external environment. It was an absolute pleasure for us to provide Ralph with a new wetsuit and in celebration we have made him an official member of the team, after all, he is the ultimate Coldwater Specialist".
Ralph and penguin partner Coral have already been busy preening his new O'Neill wetsuit!
Afterweeks of building and shaping, the organizers of the O'Neill Evolution are onceagain welcoming riders to the picture-postcard resort of Davos in Switzerland.
The maximum-rated, 6-Star Big Air field is stacked, with many of the world's best riders throwing their hat into the ring to compete on the precision-sculpted course. A super-sized kicker and creative, urban-inspired jib section, featuring more than 20 different possible lines, will no doubt draw the best out of the riders as they vie for top honors in the floodlit finals on Saturday evening.
The French Canadian trio of Sebastien Toutant, Antoine Truchon and Maxence Parrot will be looking to keep their noses in front of North American counterparts including Eric Beauchemin, while hometown favorite Jan Scherrer will have his hands full fending off the Scandinavian contingent including Kevin Backstrom, Torgeir Bergrem and Emil Ulsletten. And then there's the ever-present threat posed by the timeless Markku Koski and 2010 O'Neill Evolution Big Air Champion, Marko Grilc.
A special mention goes to fellow legend and long-time Team O'Neill rider Gian Simmen, who will bring the curtain down on one of the sport's most illustrious careers when he competes in the 5-Star Halfpipe contest – his final pro event in a competitive history that spans 23 years. The 1998 Olympic Gold Medalist and former World Champion, who calls Davos home, has become one of the most respected riders on the tour thanks to his unique riding style and charismatic personality. The home crowd, numbering in their thousands, will no doubt want to see him go out on a high in the finals on Thursday afternoon.
The women's Halfpipe finals go down 24 hours earlier on Wednesday afternoon, and will see the likes of Japanese super-grom Miyabi Onitsuka attempting to cement her reputation as one of the sport's most promising young talents, while last year's third place finisher, Anna Gasser, will no doubt be looking to go all the way this time.
On Saturday at 3pm, Gian Simmen and friends will be rocking the pipe during an open jam session. Head to the foot of the Jakobshorn to watch Gian and fellow old-timers including Thierry Brunner, Fabien Rohrer, Pascal Imhof, Reto Lamm and Dani Costandaché roll back the years and stoke out the crowds before the Big Air finals go down. It's only right that Gian should sign off his distinguished pro career in his own backyard surrounded by friends, family and a home crowd.
If you can't make it to Davos, tune into the live webcasts on both Friday and Saturday, as well as the live TV broadcast on Saturday from 17.30 CET, and catch all the action as the riders battle it out for their share of the US$ 125,000 prize purse.
Jordy has been coming to Cape Town since he was a grom and has never surfed this wave the locals call "Dunes". He said, "I didn't think many people surfed there and always heard it was the starkest wave around." Now, every surf we go for this wave "Dunes" is engraved in his memory and never seems to disappoint. The feet melting walk is worth every step.
One of many photos click HERE for full gallery.
Innsbruck (AUT),January 8th, 2013 – The online video contest „CONTOUR WANNA BE AQUEEN" gives talented freeski ladies the opportunity to apply for one of thecoveted spots on the Nine Queens castle until February 25th. Theultimate contest "for girls only" also introduces a few exciting new elements this year.
All eyes of thefreeski world will once again be on Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis from March 11 to 16,2013. For the third time already, the attractive skiing region in Tyrolprovides the backdrop for the unique skiing event with the snow castle. After two successful editions, the Nine Queens has become an integral part of theinternational event schedule and in March, several innovations will make sureto set the bar even higher.
One new elementis the obstacle that event initiator and freeski legend Nico Zacek has come upwith together with the experts from Schneestern Parks and More. The plan is tobuild an enchanted fairytale castle from snow and ice that will require weeksof shaping and over 50,000m3of snow. The construction is centred around a kicker that offers the Queensperfect conditions to prove their skills with jumps up to 23 meters long.
Virginie Faivre, multiple winner of the European Open and host of Nine Queens activelysupervised the planning of her castle and is delighted with the result: "Girls'freeskiing has evolved in leaps and bounds over the past few years. The chateauis custom-made for our needs and once again plays a great part in continuingthe forward development."
No lessimportant for the sport's evolvement are the best freeski ladies in the worldwho will follow Virginie's invitation to Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis. Multiple X-Gameswinner Kaya Turski and former World Champion Anna Segal have confirmed theirparticipation, while the European freeski elite around Emma Dahlström, Eveline Bhend and Caja Schöpf havealready secured their spot on the castle as well.
However, the riders' list is not quitecomplete yet. The "CONTOUR Wanna be a Queen" online video contest invitestalented female riders to apply for participation in the Nine Queens. Anyfreeski lady who wants to seize this opportunity should submit a video edituntil February 15th at the latest to show her nine best tricks. Thejury wants to see a lot of airtime on kicker, quarter, halfpipe or hip as wellas three rail shots. All details can be found on the official event website: http://ninequeens.com/b11-wanna-be-a-queens-the-online-video-qualifying-contest/ where you will also find all the edits. Ajury will then pick the most talented newcomers who can look forward to anunforgettable week at the Nine Queens 2013. Let the teaser clip inspire you andtake part! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onhq_lKHsBw
For further info, go to the Nine Queenshomepage
www.ninequeens.com
or facebook
http://www.facebook.com/ninequeens
We will keep you posted!
O'NEILL x OHANA is a piece created to really highlight our athletes. The word Ohana means family in Hawaiian and everyone in this short film has spent countless years riding for the same brand we call O'Neill. Jordy Smith, Ian Crane, Timmy Reyes, Cory Lopez, and John John Florence (as seen in order) all feature their best waves from the time they spent on this rock called Hawaii. It's 8 minutes full of gold and you don't want to miss the end section with JJF. If you ain't having fun, then what the hell are you doing? Enjoi these next 8 minutes. Might blow your mind… Press Play.This is a short film starring Team O'Neill.
The winner of Solspot's 2012 Winter Wetsuit of the Year – O'Neill Psycho 1. A great combination of overall value and performance. Congratulations to the O'Neill wetsuit team.
Fresh Blood raids the North Shore of Oahu. Colt Ward, Jake Davis, Kain Daly, and Jake Kelley spend one week on the 7 mile miracle.
When the waves are flat in Hawaii things get weird around the O'Neill house.
ELI OLSON | FLIPPING OUT
More Portraits HERE
The Team O'Neill Wakeskate team and friends got to skate the Contingency set up at The Projects for 2 days with no one around. Check out this video Featuring: Bret Little, Scott Byerly, Brandon Thomas, Aaron ReedEdit by: Collin Harrington
Filmed by: Collin Harrington, Max Bingham
http://vimeo.com/54717752
John John Florence and his filmer, Blake Kueny, have been tight-lipped about a movie project they've been working on for the last 11 months. It's called Done and it's a 23-minute gold mine of full rotators, deep barrels and casual style, shot on the RED Scarlet. If you're in Hawaii, you can watch Done at the skate park on the North Shore on Sunday night. If you're not, you can watch the trailer here all week. When the real deal is dropping on iTunes sometime before Christmas. You will not want to miss it.
Sydney, Aust., Nov.19, 2012 – Surf brand O'Neill, widelyrespected as the 'first name in the water,' is concluding it's highlysuccessful global art tour revolving around one of the surf industry'sincredible pioneers Jack O'Neill. The main commissioned art pieces will gounder the final online hammer November 28th. All 6 of these amazing one offworks will be auctioned with www.charitybuzz.com, and proceeds of all sales areto be distributed evenly to 6 charities – O'Neill SeaOdyssey, Japan TsunamiAppeal, Surf Aid,Protect OurWinters, ChristchurchEarthquake Appeal & South Africa's Umthombo.
The feature artworks are by renowned artists ThomasCampbell, Geoff McFetridge, Liam Gerrard, Jim Phillips Jnr, Tim Chapman andMark Penxa who adds. "For me, Jack's face is the O'Neill brand. He isgenuine, sincere and he broke himself for what he loves it is all right therefor everyone to see and that is why the level of success has been so high forhim and his company. Honesty. It really does go a long way. He wasn't toodifficult to draw. I had always wanted to paint a portrait of him and was justlooking for a reason. I had it worked out pretty well in my head but, it wasmore fun for me to finally work on than anything and those are always the bestprojects to work on."
Jack O'Neill, 89, has lead a life of innovation anddiscovery. All from a simple notion of just wanting to surf longer, he became atrue non conformist waterman and adventurer, in every sense. Fromdeveloping the first wetsuit, the first surf shop, to hot air ballooning,surfing, sailing, and creating a global brand. The surfing world owes a lot toJack.
Brand Ambassador and Asia-Pacific Marketing Manager,Rob Bain, says 'When we set out this year to celebrate Jack's life and the60 years of the O'Neill brand, I personally had no idea just how inspiredpeople would be to learn the story. It has been such a joy to see the interestin Jack, the art submissions worldwide, and the chance to now make the main artpieces available for collection."
"The pinnacle of the tour for me, was when Jack andhis family visited the final Santa Cruz exhibition, and he was so stoked andhad such a great big smile on his face. That for me, was a great moment. I haveno doubt that these one off pieces will greatly add in value as the years passby, and the money raised will be deeply appreciated by the charities. Let's digdeep and celebrate the life of Jack, and give to a good cause."
For art bidding and more info, visit: http://www.charitybuzz.com/categories/77/catalog_items
For art tour info visit: http://60yearsofinnovation.tumblr.com/
Special thanks to theO'Neill family their support of the 60 Years of Innovation Global Art Tour.
Watch as Team O'Neill's Santa Cruz team Wyatt Barrabee, Wilem Banks, Ratboy, and Shaun Burns making their rounds throughout Santa Cruz.
Global Premiere of Jordy Smith'sBending Colours Debuts Tonight at 8 pm PST click here
SANTA CRUZ, Calif., Nov. 5, 2012 – The O'Neill Coldwater Classic, Stop No. 9 of 10 on the ASP World Championship Tour (WCT), completed Rounds 3 and 4 today, with the ASP World Title Race and requalification campaigns heating up at Steamer Lane.
Joel Parkinson (AUS), 31, current frontrunner for the ASP World Title, moved one step closer to achieving his goal of winning the O'Neill Coldwater Classic. Parkinson was selective in his slow Round 4 heat, but his cautious wave choice allowed the Australian to notch the day's highest score of 9.50 for a powerful combination of turns, aiding in his advancement to the Quarterfinals.
"It was really slow at the start and I didn't get a wave for about 11 minutes," Parkinson said. "That 9.5 was a good wave. I waited. I figured I wasn't going to waste my time on small waves. I'd rather lose than see someone get the wave that I wanted."
Parkinson, a three-time ASP World Runner-Up, is within striking distance of his maiden elite crown and knows big results in the last two events will be crucial in finishing atop the ASP WCT Rankings.
"That heat was really important," Parkinson said. "I'm dropping a 9th and replacing it with a 5th or better now. Tomorrow's a new day and there's still a lot of work to do. It's great to have the title come down to Pipe. It's the best thing to be in it for Pipe and it's good for surfing."
Jeremy Flores (FRA), 24, was another natural-footer to find success in today's challenging conditions. Like Parkinson, the Frenchman also started strong with a powerful forehand attack on his opening wave, notching an excellent 9.37 for the ride to hold off Tahitian powerhouse Michel Bourez (PYF), 27, and Kelly Slater (USA), 40, to earn his Quarterfinals berth.
"That first wave was perfect," Flores said. "It was the best wave I've had so far and I feel better. It's funny, I changed my wax and I actually felt better. It feels good to actually put a heat together. Wave choice out here is important. I think the guy that catches the right waves out here is going to win the heat if they don't fall. Of course guys like Kelly (Slater) or even Michel (Bourez) can get a 9 on anything. I've been scratching through heats, so that one felt better."
Taj Burrow (AUS), 34, looked sharp in his Round 4 bout. Combining an array of turns with airs, he advanced directly to the Quarterfinals over high-flying Brazilian Gabriel Medina (BRA), 18, and dangerous goofy-footer Travis Logie (ZAF), 33.
"I'm having fun," Burrow said. "The conditions aren't great, they're a little bit slow, but I actually connected quite a few good waves in that heat, so I was pretty lucky. Even on the good ones, they were pretty tricky to ride. I hit a few lumps. I got lots of good turns, but I fell twice on an air. Three man's pretty tough, but I was happy that I got a couple."
Burrow, current No. 7 on the ASP WCT, finished equal 13th in both France and Portugal and the progressive Australian feels his Round 4 success could be the rebound towards a strong result at the O'Neill Coldwater Classic.
"I'm feeling really good because I haven't had a good heat yet and I've just picked a new board that feels a bit sparkier," Burrow said. "I feel like my best is yet to come and I'm going to try and peak at the right time for a change. I feel like I'm on my way to doing that."
Matt Wilkinson (AUS), 24, former O'Neill Coldwater Classic winner (2010), was electric on his backhand today, taking top honors in both Rounds 3 and 4 to earn his best result of the season. Wilkinson, current No. 30 on the ASP WCT, was in need of a major result to remain among the ASP Top 34 for 2013 and his advancement to the Quarterfinals will vault him to a more stable position on the rankings.
"This result is massive for me," Wilkinson said. "It's the first time I've passed that third round this year. I'm freaking out. I know I really need points, so that feels good."
Up first tomorrow morning will be Gabriel Medina (BRA), 18, against Alejo Muniz (BRA), 22, in Heat 1 of Round 5.
Event organizers will reconvene tomorrow morning at 6:15am local time for a possible 6:45 start.
To watch the O'Neill Coldwater Classic LIVE log on to www.oneill.com/cwc/ and start the conversation with #oneillcwc
Don't miss the premiere of the long awaited, much anticipated Jordy Smith documentary Bending Colours tonight at 8 pm PST. Visit http://live.redbull.tv/events/145/bending-colours/ to watch the free live stream which will be available for 24 hours.
In addition to O'Neill, the event is supported by Philips O'Neill, Surfer Magazine, Surfline. Australian Surfing Life, Surf Session, Surf Portugal, Fluir, Waves, Santa Cruz Conference and Visitor's Council, and the Dream Inn hotel.
O'NEILL COLDWATER CLASSIC ROUND 4 RESULTS:Heat 1: Taj Burrow (AUS) 15.47, Gabriel Medina (BRA) 15.13, Travis Logie (ZAF) 12.67Heat 2: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 14.77, Raoni Monteiro (BRA) 11.93, Alejo Muniz (BRA) 7.37Heat 3: Jeremy Flores (FRA) 15.87, Michel Bourez (PYF) 13.50, Kelly Slater (USA) 13.00Heat 4: Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 16.60, Adriano de Souza (BRA) 15.20, Damien Hobgood (USA) 10.37
O'NEILL COLDWATER CLASSIC ROUND 3 RESULTS:Heat 9: Jeremy Flores (FRA) 9.50 def. Yadin Nicol (AUS) 8.66Heat 10: Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 14.83 def. Owen Wright (AUS) 14.00Heat 11: Damien Hobgood (USA) 14.26 def. C.J. Hobgood (USA) 12.56Heat 12: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 16.97 def. Patrick Gudauskas (USA) 15.23
The O'Neill Coldwater Classic, Stop No. 9 of 10 on the 2012 ASP World Championship Tour (WCT), returned to Steamer Lane in fantastic fashion today, bearing witness to major shakeups in the race for the 2012 ASP World Title.
Matt Wilkinson (AUS), 24, former O'Neill Coldwater Classic winner (2010), caused a significant upset this morning, eliminating ASP WCT No. 4 John John Florence (HAW), 19, in Round 2 of competition, ending the young Hawaiian's run for the 2012 ASP World Title. Wilkinson's victory came at the hands of a dominant backhand performance, where the talented goofy-footer claimed one of the day's highest scores of a 9.20 for a seamless combination of turns.
"I know I can get big scores out here and I kind of know which waves are good," Wilkinson said. "It's a really tricky wave and there are so many elements that can make a good wave bad. It was a relief when I got that 9. I started off on a wave that I thought was perfect and there was so much wonky stuff going on. I just decided to wait for a bomb and when that one was coming I was super nervous. I knew if I just surfed it I'd get an 8. It was a perfect wave and I got a good score so I'm stoked."
Wilkinson will face off against Owen Wright (AUS), 22, when O'Neill Coldwater Classic competition resumes.
Jadson Andre (BRA), 22, issued the upset of the day, eliminating current ASP WCT No. 3 Mick Fanning (AUS), 31, in Round 2 of competition. Andre was in need of a 7-point ride in the dying moments of his heat and combined a furious combination of backhand blasts to narrowly edge out the two-time ASP World Champion, significantly hampering Fanning's ASP World Title run.
"I knew that was going to be a hard heat," Andre said. "Mick was looking for the World Title and I'm trying to keep myself on the World Tour. It was an important heat for both Mick (Fanning) and myself. Mick started with a 9 and I was wondering what's going on. All of my heats, people are starting with 10s and 9.5s. I tried to stay focused and knew I could get the score if I had the opportunity."
Andre was unable to surpass veteran Australian Taj Burrow (AUS), 34, in their Round 3 affair however, taking an equal 13th place finish at the O'Neill Coldwater Classic.
Raoni Monteiro (BRA), 30, contributed to the Brazilian storm of upsets today, eliminating ASP WCT sophomore Julian Wilson (AUS), 23, in Round 2 before taking down Jordy Smith (ZAF), 24, in Round 3.
"I'm feeling good, comfortable and happy and I'm just thinking about going on there to surf," Monteiro said. "I'm just coming back from an injury. I spent three months at home and I feel like there's no pressure. I'm just thinking about surfing."
After suffering a career threatening knee injury in Massive Cloudbreak earlier this season, Monteiro has made a dramatic return to competition, besting Kelly Slater (USA), 40, in Portugal before taking down both Wilson and Smith at the O'Neill Coldwater Classic.
"I'm really happy because I had a pretty good result in Portugal, a 9th place," Monteiro said. "I'm happy to be here in Santa Cruz, I like this place and I like the cold water. This is a wild place. The cold water, seals everywhere, it's very different from where I come from and I'm just trying to enjoy it."
Gabriel Medina (BRA), 18, relied on his aerial game while hunting the lefthanders at Steamer Lane to best veteran Taylor Knox (USA), 41, in an intense Round 3 battle of power versus progression. In need of a solid score in the dying minutes, Medina launched a massive full-rotation aerial, earning a 9.53 for the ride and a spot in Round 4.
"I just knew I needed a 7," Medina said. "I saw the set coming and knew I was going to have a chance. I went for the air and made it, so I'm pretty stoked. Before my heat I was watching the waves and I saw the lefts were pretty good, with a section at the end of the wave. The wind is good to do airs and I just went for it."
Travis Logie (ZAF), 33, was another goofy-footer to put on a backhand clinic at Steamer Lane today, besting fellow right-foot-forward surfer Adrian Buchan (AUS), 30, to advance to Round 4 in a hard-fought heat.
"Ace (Buchan) is one of the most lethal backhanders out there and I knew it was going to be a tough one," Logie said. "The waves changed so much from the heat before, but I just stuck to my guns and waited for the two double-up ones and I'm feeling good now. I feel like my surfing suits this wave and I had a few good heats out here last year."
Logie, current No. 26 on the ASP WCT, is in need of a solid result to remain among the ASP Top 34 for 2013 and his advancement through to Round 4 marks the best performance of the strong South African's year.
"I've been stuck in that third round all year and Round 4 is a no-losers heat," Logie said. "It's always a lot of fun, there's no pressure, but there's still a lot at stake, so I'm going to be out there to win it. I want to get to that Quarterfinal so bad, so I'm excited. It looks like we're going to have some waves tomorrow and it should be a good day."
While Fanning and Florence fell early, current ASP poll leader Joel Parkinson (AUS), 31, and 11-time ASP World Champion Kelly Slater (USA), 40, were victorious today, intensifying the race for the 2012 crown.
Joel Parkinson looked at home among the righthanders of Steamer Lane and displayed his signature forehand approach to top dangerous local wildcard Nat Young (USA), 21.
"It was pretty cool surfing against Nat (Young)," Parkinson said. "It's always good to surf against someone who has the whole beach behind them. I get to do it at Snapper, but it's nice to see someone else get it."
Parkinson, the most consistent surfer this season, has yet to win an elite event in 2012 and clearly announced his intentions to take out this year's O'Neill Coldwater Classic to aid in his ASP World Title campaign.
"Making this round is good if you need a result, but I need a win here," Parkinson said. "I really want a win here. It's what I'm striving for and I can't really control what everyone else does, so I'm just worrying about myself."
Kelly Slater current ASP WCT No. 2, kept his hopes of a 12th ASP World Title alive, narrowly escaping a slow Round 2 affair over wildcard Jason 'Ratboy' Collins, before eliminating Dusty Payne (HAW), 23.
"There's a very good chance that I'm out of the race if I don't win a couple of heats here," Slater said after his Round 2 victory. "With that being said, it's easier for me to make up points if I start getting results. If I make Quarters or better, I'll add some good points."
Slater had admittedly struggled to find a rhythm in the challenging Steamer Lane lineup, but rebounded in his Round 3 bout against Payne, forcing an ASP World Title showdown at the Pipe Masters with his Round 4 berth.
"I just can't seem to figure this wave out, so I better figure something out quick," Slater said. "It's tough. There weren't many opportunities out there. I think Rat (Jason Collins) had a couple of good ones, but he kept telling me there were huge boat wakes coming in. My last wave was a nice open face, but I didn't have to do much on it. I just had to do a couple of turns and not fall. There just weren't too many waves at the time. I'm frustrated as could be right now. I just keep thinking I can't have a worse heat, so I hope I have a better one next heat."
Slater would regroup to survive a hard-fought battle with Dusty Payne (HAW), 23, in this afternoon's Round 3, eliminating the mathematical chance of the ASP World Title being decided at Steamer Lane and sending the race to the final event of the year in Hawaii.
When competition resumes, up first will be Owen Wright (AUS), 22, against Matt Wilkinson in Heat 9 of Round 2.
Event organizers will reconvene tomorrow at 6:15am local time for a possible 6:45am start.
Highlights from the O'Neill Coldwater Classic will be available via www.oneill.com/cwc/
O'NEILL COLDWATER CLASSIC ROUND 3 RESULTS:
Heat 1: Taj Burrow (AUS) 14.83 def. Jadson Andre (BRA) 12.17
Heat 2: Travis Logie (ZAF) 14.67 def. Adrian Buchan (AUS) 11.13
Heat 3: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 16.53 def. Taylor Knox (USA) 14.77
Heat 4: Raoni Monteiro (BRA) 11.10 def. Jordy Smith (ZAF) 10.23
Heat 5: Alejo Muniz (BRA) 13.33 def. Bede Durbidge (AUS) 11.30
Heat 6: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 15.63 def. Nat Young (USA) 12.43
Heat 7: Kelly Slater (USA) 15.84 def. Dusty Payne (HAW) 14.77
Heat 8: Michel Bourez (PYF) 12.40 def. Kai Otton (AUS) 5.27
O'NEILL COLDWATER CLASSIC ROUND 2 RESULTS:
Heat 1: Kelly Slater (USA) 11.20 def. Jason Collins (USA) 9.40
Heat 2: Jadson Andre (BRA) 14.10 def. Mick Fanning (AUS) 14.06
Heat 3: Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 14.50 def. John John Florence (HAW) 8.66
Heat 4: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 13.43 def. Adam Melling (AUS) 11.50
Heat 5: Raoni Monteiro (BRA) 14.44 def. Julian Wilson (AUS) 13.67
Heat 6: Owen Wright (AUS) 10.63 def. Tiago Pires (PRT) 8.27
Heat 7: Damien Hobgood (USA) 15.50 def. Josh Kerr (AUS) 12.94
Heat 8: Jeremy Flores (FRA) 13.47 def. Kolohe Andino (USA) 12.53
Heat 9: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 18.33 def. Kieren Perrow (AUS) 12.60
Heat 10: C.J. Hobgood (USA) 12.17 def. Heitor Alves (BRA) 10.53
Heat 11: Alejo Muniz (BRA) 15.10 def. Miguel Pupo (BRA) 15.06
Heat 12: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 13.40 def. Brett Simpson (USA) 9.07
Salzburg, Austria (October, 30 2012) — Thelong-awaited surf film, BendingColours, has arrived.Red Bull Media House, inassociation with Kai Neville Studio and O' Neill, will premiere their latestcinematic creation about Jordy Smithat the Del Mar Theatre, in Santa Cruz, on November 5, 2012. For fans unable to make the trip to Santa Cruz, all the actionfrom Bending Colours will be live-streamed for free at www.redbull.tv beginning at 8:00PM PST.
Witness interviews with Jordy and other athletes, filmmakers andspecial guests on the red carpet, follow the cameras inside with the crowd tocatch the introductions and watch the film live as it premieres to the world.If viewers miss any of the excitement, the entire live stream loop will bebroadcasted continuously for 24 hours.
Just around the corner from the O' Neill Cold Water Classic, an ASP World Tour Stop, Jordy Smith willbe joined on the Red Carpet by fellow surf stars such as Julian Wilson, JohnJohn Florence, Josh Kerr and Tom Curren. Bending Coloursfollows a year long free surfing journey with Jordy Smith and documents hisprogression from teenage prodigy to oneof the world's best surfers. The 24-year-old combines ultra-progressive stylewith a competitive savvy beyond his years. This combination leaves us with onlyone conclusion, and that is that it is only a matter of time before he becomesworld champion.
"Iwanted to document the free surfing of Jordy, from the early years to today.How he's grown as a surfer", says director Kai Neville who has earnedhimself the reputation ofbeing a visionary in the genre of surf documentary. State-of-the-artcamera equipment and original direction allow the viewer to experience surfingcloser than ever before. Futuristic maneuvers are slowed down to reveal everyflex of board, body and manipulation of water molecule in the minutest detail. BendingColours redefines the parameters of surf movies with Jordy, along with acast of the best surfers, pushing the limits of high-performance surfing.
Filmed in exotic locations such asSouth Africa, La Réunion, Hawaii and Indonesia, the film takes the viewer on anunparalleled cinematic trip showing the beauty, power and soul of surfing at itsbest. Watch BendingColours on www.redbull.tv and tune in on November 5from 8:00PM PST forthe 24 hours on demand free live stream! From November,6 2012, Bending Colours will be available on DVD, Blu-Ray™ and iTunes.More information, additionalcontent, exclusive previews and details about the live premiere on www.redbull.com/bendingcolours
With only small surf on offer at Steamer Lane today, event organizers at the O'Neill Coldwater Classic opted to call a lay day for competition with an eye on the projected swell for the coming days.
Event No. 9 of 10 on the ASP World Championship Tour (WCT), the O'Neill Coldwater Classic carries the weight of potentially crowning the 2012 ASP World Champion as well as playing a vital role in the requalification campaigns of the world's best surfers.
"With the dropping swell and incoming tide we have decided to call competition off for today," Rich Porta, ASP International Head Judge said. "We'll be back tomorrow morning at 6:15 am to make the call for a possible start to Round 2."
When O'Neill Coldwater Classic competition resumes, reigning 11-time ASP World Champion Kelly Slater (USA), 40, will face off against O'Neill Wildcard and Santa Cruz local Jason Collins (USA), 38, in the opening Round 2 heat.
Watch the O'Neill Coldwater Classic webcast LIVE via www.oneill.com/cwc/ and start the conversation with #oneilcwc
In addition to O'Neill, the event is supported by Philips O'Neill, Surfer Magazine, Surfline. Australian Surfing Life, Surf Session, Surf Portugal, Fluir, Waves, Santa Cruz Conference and Visitor's Council, and the Dream Inn hotel.
O'NEILL COLDWATER CLASSIC ROUND 2 MATCH-UPS:
Heat 1: Kelly Slater (USA) vs. Jason Collins (USA)
Heat 2: Mick Fanning (AUS) vs. Jadson Andre (BRA)
Heat 3: John John Florence (HAW) vs. Matt Wilkinson (AUS)
Heat 4: Adriano de Souza (BRA) vs. Adam Melling (AUS)
Heat 5: Julian Wilson (AUS) vs. Raoni Monteiro (BRA)
Heat 6: Owen Wright (AUS) vs. Tiago Pires (PRT)
Heat 7: Josh Kerr (AUS) vs. Damien Hobgood (USA)
Heat 8: Jeremy Flores (FRA) vs. Kolohe Andino (USA)
Heat 9: Adrian Buchan (AUS) vs. Kieren Perrow (AUS)
Heat 10: C.J. Hobgood (USA) vs. Heitor Alves (BRA)
Heat 11: Miguel Pupo (BRA) vs. Alejo Muniz (BRA)
Heat 12: Bede Durbidge (AUS) vs. Brett Simpson (USA)
Decreasing swell and an incoming tide have forced event officials at the O'Neill Coldwater Classic to call competition off for today.
Stop No. 9 of 10 on the ASP World Championship Tour (WCT), the opening day of competition saw several upsets unfold in Round 1, with several ASP World Title contenders set to compete in Round 2 when competition resumes.
"With the dropping swell and incoming tide we have decided to call competition off for today," Rich Porta, ASP International Head Judge said. "We'll be back tomorrow morning at 7:45 am to make the call for a possible start to Round 2."
When O'Neill Coldwater Classic competition resumes, reigning 11-time ASP World Champion Kelly Slater (USA), 40, will face off against O'Neill Wildcard and Santa Cruz local Jason Collins (USA), 38, in the opening Round 2 heat.
Watch the O'Neill Coldwater Classic webcast LIVE via www.oneill.com/cwc/ and start the conversation with #oneilcwc
In addition to O'Neill, the event is supported by Philips O'Neill, Surfer Magazine, Surfline. Australian Surfing Life, Surf Session, Surf Portugal, Fluir, Waves, Santa Cruz Conference and Visitor's Council, and the Dream Inn hotel.
O'NEILL COLDWATER CLASSIC ROUND 2 MATCH-UPS:
Heat 1: Kelly Slater (USA) vs. Jason Collins (USA)
Heat 2: Mick Fanning (AUS) vs. Jadson Andre (BRA)
Heat 3: John John Florence (HAW) vs. Matt Wilkinson (AUS)
Heat 4: Adriano de Souza (BRA) vs. Adam Melling (AUS)
Heat 5: Julian Wilson (AUS) vs. Raoni Monteiro (BRA)
Heat 6: Owen Wright (AUS) vs. Tiago Pires (PRT)
Heat 7: Josh Kerr (AUS) vs. Damien Hobgood (USA)
Heat 8: Jeremy Flores (FRA) vs. Kolohe Andino (USA)
Heat 9: Adrian Buchan (AUS) vs. Kieren Perrow (AUS)
Heat 10: C.J. Hobgood (USA) vs. Heitor Alves (BRA)
Heat 11: Miguel Pupo (BRA) vs. Alejo Muniz (BRA)
Heat 12: Bede Durbidge (AUS) vs. Brett Simpson (USA)
The O'Neill Coldwater Classic, stop No. 9 of 10 on the ASP WCT, kicked off competition on the opening day of the waiting period and saw several upsets unfold in shifting two-to-four foot waves at the iconic California pointbreak of Steamer Lane.
Nat Young (USA), 21, former O'Neill Coldwater Classic winner and 2012 Trials winner, was responsible for the upset of the day, relegating reigning 11-time ASP World Champion Kelly Slater (USA), 40, and ASP WCT Rookie Kolohe Andino(USA), 18, to Round 2 with his signature backhand attack at his local break.
"I just wanted to be able to enjoy that heat," Young said. "It was a really special heat being able to surf against Kelly Slater. He's been my idol since I started surfing and having him at my local spot and Kolohe (Andino), he's one of my best friends, so I was just really excited. The waves weren't really that great in the heat. I just got a couple of 6s and made it. I'm really happy, but I wish we could have had better waves."
Dusty Payne (HAW), 23, current ASP WCT No. 33, contributed to today's upsets, besting two-time ASP World ChampionMick Fanning (AUS), 31, and former Pipe Masters champion Kieren Perrow (AUS), 35, to advance directly through to Round 3.
"I have such a bad seed for this year and coming up against Mick (Fanning) and Kieren (Perrow) in my first heat, it's not easy, so I'm happy to make it through that heat," Payne said. "Those guys are two insane surfers. They've both been on Tour for so long and I look up to those guys a lot. I just got lucky and got two of the best waves in that heat."
Patrick Gudauskas (USA), 27, wasted little time in his Round 1 affair, striking first with an early score against current ASP WCT No. 4 John John Florence (HAW), 19, and Heitor Alves (BRA), 30. The talented natural-footer quickly backed up his ride and held on to the lead throughout the heat's entirety, despite the efforts of his opponents, to advance directly through to Round 3.
"It was definitely tricky because the tide was coming in," Gudauskas said. "I surfed out here yesterday in similar conditions. I tried to hug the rock and get the local vibe going and find something with a wall on it. It was a little tricky, but I'm stoked I made it."
Gudauskas, current ASP WCT No. 33, has lost several close early-round bouts over the course of the season and his Round 1 win today marks a crucial step towards his requalification campaign for 2013.
"This win is huge," Gudauskas said. "I think Round 2 is the battle zone and I think everyone wants to make it out of that one. Guys like John (Florence) and Adriano (de Souza) are so gnarly that you don't want to come up against them in Round 2. I'm psyched. Hopefully I'll come up against one of the top dogs in Round 3 and I can shake it up a little."
Michel Bourez (PYF), 27, put together a series of powerful turns on two right-handers to take a hard-fought victory over Australian flyboy Josh Kerr (AUS), 28, and Raoni Monteiro (BRA), 30, securing his place directly to Round 3.
"It was a really tricky heat because of the seaweed," Bourez said. "It's hard to stay focused and not get stuck. When you get the right one, you just have to forget about it and do the best you can. I've been traveling since I was 17, so I'm used to the cold water here and after San Francisco last year, I get used to it pretty quickly."
While several top seeds were relegated to Round 2, current ASP WCT frontrunner Joel Parkinson (AUS), 31, dominated his Round 1 affair from start to finish, amassing the day's highest heat-total. Parkinson, a former O'Neill Coldwater Classic winner (2000), looked at home at the righthand pointbreak and unloaded an array of seamless carves to notch a 9-point ride on the way to his 16.83 out of 20 heat total.
"This is my first time back here since I won," Parkinson said. "It's a tricky wave, but when they come they're really fun. It feels good to get that Round 1 heat win for sure, but those guys in the red jerseys that lost today, I think you'll see most of them in Round 3."
Gabriel Medina (BRA), 18, discovered a rare lefthander in his heat and took to the air, lofting a monster air-reverse to notch the day's highest single-wave score of 9.43 out of 10. Medina, who finished runner-up at the last ASP WCT event in Portugal, is admittedly becoming more comfortable in the Steamer Lane lineup and hopes to put together another banner result at the O'Neill Coldwater Classic.
"That was a fun heat," Medina said. "I was waiting for the air and that wave was a surprise. Last year I didn't do well but I'm starting to love this place. It's been fun. I got here a week ago and have been trying a lot of boards. I'm sticking to the same board as Portugal though and hopefully I can get a good result. I'm feeling better after Portugal and I'm trying to focus on getting a result here.
Another former O'Neill Coldwater Classic Champion, Jordy Smith, 24 (SAF), advanced directly to Round 3 after overcoming Tiago Pires, 32 (PRT) and Adrian Buchan, 30 (AUS) in the final heat of the day. As part of the festivities at the 2012 O'Neill Coldwater Classic, Bending Colours, a documentary featuring Smith's surfing journey from teenage prodigy to one of the world's best surfers will debut to the world on Monday, Nov. 5.
When competition resumes, up first will be Kelly Slater (USA), 40, up against Santa Cruz local wildcard Jason Collins (USA), 38, in the opening heat of Round 2.
Event officials will reconvene tomorrow for a 7:15am call for a possible restart to O'Neill Coldwater Classic competition.
Surfline, official forecasters for the O'Neill Coldwater Classic, have predicted that the current WNW swell will fade through the day on Friday and offer small leftovers for most of the day on Saturday. A larger WNW swell will build all day Sunday, peak overnight, and then ease through the day on Monday. Another fun size WNW swell is lining up for Tuesday.
Watch the O'Neill Coldwater Classic webcast LIVE via www.oneill.com/cwc/ and start the conversation with #oneilcwc
In addition to O'Neill, the event is supported by Philips O'Neill, Surfer Magazine, Surfline. Australian Surfing Life, Surf Session, Surf Portugal, Fluir, Waves, Santa Cruz Conference and Visitor's Council, and the Dream Inn hotel.
O'NEILL COLDWATER CLASSIC ROUND 1 RESULTS:
Heat 1: Taylor Knox (USA) 12.80, Julian Wilson (AUS) 11.40, Alejo Muniz (BRA) 10.60
Heat 2: Kai Otton (AUS) 13.00, Adriano de Souza (BRA) 9.86, Jadson Andre (BRA) 8.60
Heat 3: Patrick Gudauskas (USA) 13.16, Heitor Alves (BRA) 12.96, John John Florence (HAW) 7.00
Heat 4: Dusty Payne (HAW) 15.30, Mick Fanning (AUS) 14.94, Kieren Perrow (AUS) 12.93
Heat 5: Nat Young (USA) 12.17, Kelly Slater (USA) 10.00, Kolohe Andino (USA) 9.57
Heat 6: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 16.83, Damien Hobgood (USA) 11.40, Jason Collins (USA) 7.00
Heat 7: Taj Burrow (AUS) 14.46, Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 13.67, Brett Simpson (USA) 13.33
Heat 8: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 16.53, Bede Durbidge (AUS) 14.77, Adam Melling (AUS) 6.80
Heat 9: Yadin Nicol (AUS) 16.03, Owen W right (AUS) 12.50, Miguel Pupo (BRA) 10.33
Heat 10: Michel Bourez (PYF) 14.70, Josh Kerr (AUS) 14.56, Raoni Monteiro (BRA) 11.40
Heat 11: Travis Logie (ZAF) 15.27, Jeremy Flores (FRA) 14.93, C.J. Hobgood (USA) 4.37
Heat 12: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 16.10, Tiago Pires (PRT) 15.67, Adrian Buchan (AUS) 11.93
O'NEILL COLDWATER CLASSIC ROUND 2 MATCH-UPS:
Heat 1: Kelly Slater (USA) vs. Jason Collins (USA)
Heat 2: Mick Fanning (AUS) vs. Jadson Andre (BRA)
Heat 3: John John Florence (HAW) vs. Matt Wilkinson (AUS)
Heat 4: Adriano de Souza (BRA) vs. Adam Melling (AUS)
Heat 5: Julian Wilson (AUS) vs. Raoni Monteiro (BRA)
Heat 6: Owen Wright (AUS) vs. Tiago Pires (PRT)
Heat 7: Josh Kerr (AUS) vs. Damien Hobgood (USA)
Heat 8: Jeremy Flores (FRA) vs. Kolohe Andino (USA)
Heat 9: Adrian Buchan (AUS) vs. Kieren Perrow (AUS)
Heat 10: C.J. Hobgood (USA) vs. Heitor Alves (BRA)
Heat 11: Miguel Pupo (BRA) vs. Alejo Muniz (BRA)
Heat 12: Bede Durbidge (AUS) vs. Brett Simpson (USA)
The world's best surfers have arrived in Santa Cruz, California for the penultimate event of the 2012 ASP World Championship Tour (WCT) season, the O'Neill Coldwater Classic at the iconic Steamer Lane.
Astaple of the ASP's qualifying circuit, the O'Neill Coldwater Classic has been sanctioned at the elite level of competition this season, celebrating the brand's 60th anniversary of operations. The event will play a crucial role in both the 2012 ASP World Title Race and the requalification campaigns of the world's best surfers and could commence as early as tomorrow.
Steamer Lane produces solid conditions for today's Trial event. Photo: Ryan Miller
Mick Fanning (AUS), 31, current No. 3 on the ASP WCT rankings, has two victories under his belt this season, but suffered two relatively early exits over his European campaign. After recharging his batteries at home following the last event in Portugal, the polished natural-footer is out to rebound his ASP World Title hopes at the O'Neill Coldwater Classic.
"I like to sneak under the radar, but the last couple of events haven't been the greatest for me," Fanning said. "It was great to go home and readjust and refocus. I have a new quiver of boards and I'm excited to be here."
Fanning's appearance at this year's event marks his first return to Santa Cruz in over a decade and the two-time ASP World Champion (2007, 2009) is excited to take on the challenges brought on by Steamer Lane's ever-changing conditions.
"I think it's great having this event on the schedule this year," Fanning said. "The past few years, we've had The Search event and you go to new places and it's great to have a new wave every time and learn the spot as you go through the rounds. This event has been around for a long time, but personally, I haven't been here since 2000. It's great to be back and every surfer will be learning, so it's going to be exciting."
Fanning will face Kieren Perrow (HAW), 23, in Round 1 of competition.
John John Florence (HAW), 20, current ASP WCT No. 4, has extensive experience in the Steamer Lane lineup even as one of the youngest competitors in the event. Despite his history with the venue, Florence made it a point to arrive early and reacquaint himself with the break.
" To prepare for this contest I arrive a few days early to get used to the cold water," Florence said. "I've been coming here since I was pretty little to surf in the event and Santa Cruz is a cool place. Every year that I come here is a new learning curve for me and that's why I came here a few days early to get used to it again. To be able to come here and watch everyone adapt to the colder water, and the Lane, it's not an easy wave to surf, so it's fun to watch everyone surf it."
Florence has drawn Heitor Alves (BRA), 30, and Patrick Gudauskas (USA), 26, in the opening round of competition.
Miguel Pupo (BRA), 20, winner of last year's ASP Prime rated O'Neill Coldwater Classic, returns to Steamer Lane as a sophomore among the world's best surfers and is ready to defend his title against his fellow ASP WCT competitors.
"It's just great to be back," Pupo said. "I love this place. Last year was a pretty challenging contest because we had a couple of days at Steamer Lane and a couple of days at Waddell Creek. I'm happy to be back in the water with my booties on."
Pupo admitted that the younger surfers may have more recent experience at Steamer Lane via the ASP Prime rated event of the past, but the top level of competition on the ASP WCT will level the playing field.
"I think it's good because I've been coming here the last four years and the young guys have as well because of the Prime," Pupo said. "We kind of have that advantage, but the veterans have surfed here in the past too. Steamer Lane is a tricky wave and they probably know what to expect. Realistically, it's the top 34 guys in the world, they surf every wave well, so I think it's even."
Pupo will face Owen Wright (AUS), 22, and Yadin Nicol (AUS), 26, in Round 1 of competition.
Santa Cruz local Nat Young (USA), 21, was electric in today's local trial, stringing together a series of impeccable backhand performances to earn his berth in the main event, marking his first appearance in an ASP WCT.
"I knew it was going to be tough in the local trial," Young said. "We have so many good surfers up here and everyone is capable of doing well and getting big scores. It was a long day and I'm really stoked. I'm against Kelly (Slater), so to be able to surf against my hero at my home break in my first WCT, it's pretty special."
Young joins fellow Santa Cruz surfer Jason Collins (USA), 38, as the two wildcards into the O'Neill Coldwater Classic.
Event organizers will convene tomorrow at 7:15 am to assess conditions for a possible 7:45 am start.
Surfline, official forecasters for the O'Neill Coldwater Classic, have predicted that fun size WNW swell prevails on the first day of the waiting period, Thursday the 1st. A passing front will bring some showers in the morning, with skies clearing over the afternoon and manageable wind conditions most of the day. A larger WNW swell is lining up for the afternoon of Sunday the 4th and Monday the 5th with favorable conditions, if the storm behaves as forecast in the next few days.
When competition commences, up first will be Julian Wilson (AUS), 23, Alejo Muniz (BRA), 22, and Taylor Knox (USA), 41, in the opening heat of Round 1.
The O'Neill Coldwater Classic will be webcast LIVE via www.oneill.com/cwc/
In addition to O'Neill, the event is supported by Philips O'Neill, Surfer Magazine, Surfline. Australian Surfing Life, Surf Session, Surf Portugal, Fluir, Waves, Santa Cruz Conference and Visitor's Council, and the Dream Inn hotel.
O'Neill Coldwater Classic Round 1 Match-Ups
Heat 1: Julian Wilson (AUS), Alejo Muniz (BRA), Taylor Knox (USA)
Heat 2: Adriano de Souza (BRA), Kai Otton (AUS), Jadson Andre (BRA)
Heat 3: John John Florence (HAW), Heitor Alves (BRA), Patrick Gudauskas (USA)
Heat 4: Mick Fanning (AUS), Kieren Perrow (AUS), Dusty Payne (HAW)
Heat 5: Kelly Slater (USA), Kolohe Andino (USA), Nat Young (USA)
Heat 6: Joel Parkinson (AUS), Damien Hobgood (USA), Jason Collins (USA)
Heat 7: Taj Burrow (AUS), Brett Simpson (USA), Matt Wilkinson (AUS)
Heat 8: Gabriel Medina (BRA), Bede Durbidge (AUS), Adam Melling (AUS)
Heat 9: Owen Wright (AUS), Miguel Pupo (BRA), Yadin Nicol (AUS)
Heat 10: Josh Kerr (AUS), Michel Bourez (PYF), Raoni Monteiro (BRA)
Heat 11: Jeremy Flores (FRA), C.J. Hobgood (USA), Travis Logie (ZAF)
Heat 12: Jordy Smith (ZAF), Adrian Buchan (AUS), Tiago Pires (PRT)
Check out our wetsuits featuring in Chasing Mavericks in theaters October 26th. If you notice in every surf scene the actors are wearing O'Neill branded wetsuits. Come October 26th make sure your ticket stub says "Chasing Mavericks" you don't want to miss out on this…
"When young Jay Moriarity discovers that the mythic Mavericks surf break, one of the biggest waves on Earth, exists just miles from his Santa Cruz home, he enlists the help of local legend Frosty Hesson to train him to survive it. "
The 2012 O'Neill Coldwater Classic will return to Steamer Lane in Santa Cruz, Calif. as an Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Championship Tour (WCT) event November 1-11. The world's best surfers will travel to Northern California for the second to last stop on the 2012 ASP WCT, which may well determine the 2012 World Champion.
This year at the O'Neill Coldwater Classic, expect to see all of the biggest names in surfing from around the globe in action, including the current ASP Top 10: Joel Parkinson (AUS), Kelly Slater (USA), Mick Fanning (AUS), John John Florence (HAW), Taj Burrow (AUS), Adriano de Souza (BRA), Owen Wright (AUS), Josh Kerr (AUS), Gabriel Medina (BRA), and Jeremy Flores (FRA).
After the last event in France, which wrapped up last week, Australian Joel Parkinson took over the frontrunner position on the 2012 ASP WCT ratings. As stop number nine of 10 on the Tour, the O'Neill Coldwater Classic will prove pivotal in the final standings, and with a win at the 2000 O'Neill Coldwater Classic, Parkinson has established his abilities at Steamer Lane before.
"I've been to Santa Cruz once when I was 18 years old, but not for 12 years. It has been a long time," Parkinson said. "I really enjoyed my time. I won when I was there, so it would be nice to go two for two. All the right points I feel comfortable at. I can't wait for it. It suits my surfing."
With a long and rich history, the O'Neill Coldwater Classic at Steamer Lane is known for producing powerful and consistent conditions in a classic Northern California setting. Originating in 1987, the event has taken on various incarnations over the past three decades. It was once an ASP WCT event (prior to the ASP creating a two-tier system), but for the past few years, it has run as an ASP Star or Prime event. With this year's upgrade to the highest echelon of professional surfing, it will not only bring the top caliber of talent to Steamer Lane, but a lofty $425,000 prize purse as well.
"We're very happy to confirm the 2012 O'Neill Coldwater Classic Santa Cruz as an ASP World Title event," said Renato Hickel, ASP World Tour Manager. "Santa Cruz offers a variety of world-class waves for our surfers to perform on and we're hopeful that conditions will deliver for the world's best to do battle in."
The event's upgrade coincides with O'Neill's 60th anniversary. The globally recognized lifestyle brand, founded in 1952 by Jack O'Neill, revolutionized modern day surfing with the invention of the first wetsuit allowing surfers to spend more time in the cold waters of Northern California.
"We are excited to see a World Tour level event return to Santa Cruz as part of O'Neill's 60 year anniversary," said Pat O'Neill, President & CEO of O'Neill Wetsuits. "Santa Cruz, with its rich surf history and tradition, is the perfect venue for this pivotal event. Mainland surfing started in Santa Cruz, Jack O'Neill developed many pioneering surf inventions here and it's been home to the O'Neill brand for over half a century. Santa Cruz has always been regarded as a true surf community and was named the number one surf town in the U.S. by Surfer magazine. With a World Tour event in 2012 and the possibility of the World Champion being crowned, we expect to see an exciting chapter in surfing history written right in our front yard."
The world's top 34 surfers will compete in the O'Neill Coldwater Classic November 1-11, 2012. Watch the 2012 preview trailer here. Stay tuned to oneill.com/cwc for more information and start the conversation on Twitter and Instagram with #oneillcwc.
In addition to O'Neill, the event is supported by Philips O'Neill, Surfer Magazine, Surfline. Australian Surfing Life, Surf Session, Surf Portugal, Fluir, Waves, Santa Cruz Conference and Visitor's Council, and the Dream Inn hotel.
Bending Colours, the long-awaited action-sportsmovie about pro-surfer Jordy Smith is nearing its November 5 world premiere. Amust-see for fans of exquisite jams and stunning cinematography, you can get ataster of what to expect from the pre-release trailer available to watch now onwww.redbull.com/bendingcolours.
Bending Colours, a Red Bull Media House productionrealized by Kai Neville Studio, gains unprecedented access to Jordy Smith'spersonal and professional life and, through the use of new camera andproduction technologies, presents a wholly unique take on the surfing moviegenre. One of the world's most intuitive and expressive board riders, Jordy canregularly be seen on the podium at competitiveevents. From Reunion Island to Mexico to Indonesia and back again, theSouth African surfs like a shaken-up bottle of champagne as he squirts roostertails and drowns rails on the high seas.
Director Kai Neville (Modern Collective, LostAtlas and Dear Suburbia) takes Jordy as his subject in Bending Colours andcreates something totally new to the surfing genre, thanks to a hugelyinventive mixture of cinematic highs, visual manipulation and pulse-quickeningsurf action.
The trailer, online now at www.redbull.com/bendingcolours, will give you a great taster of what to expectfrom this hugely anticipated movie event and will undoubtedly build upexcitement levels for the World Premiere taking place at the O'Neill Cold Water Classics in Santa Cruz on November 5.The World Premiere will be accompanied by a live web cast on www.redbull.com/surfing. BendingColours is released internationally on iTunes, DVD and Blu-ray™on November 6, 2012.
This piece documents three days of Jordy and his preparation for the Hurley Pro at Lower Trestles. It gives you an inside look at what he represents and his overall outlook on surfing.
Check out our new on going series "Three Days".
Check out all the behind the scenes photos from the new movie Fighting Fear with Mark Mathews which Premieres on the 16th!
You've seen what went down in the Mentawais during this year's Kustom Airstrike boat trip. Now it's time for jury-duty. Voting has officially opened and you, the people, must vote for John John for best aerial.
Go vote at the kustomairstrike.com, now
At 35 years old Cory Lopez is in the best shape of his life and not slowing down. Recently, Cory took the groms down to Costa and showed them how real men work. He was up at 4:30 each morning doing his wake up rounds, in the water by 5:30. Cory was ripping whatever surf he could find for 10 hours a day, eating two meals, just pure stoke and love for surfing. In Costa Rica he is known as Legendary and this video will show you why...
Team O'Neill's Rob Rojas defends his 14′ SUP class title at the SEA Paddle NYC presented by O'Neill. Rojas put in a time of 4 hours 17 mins to repeat as champion in the 14′ SUP class. Having to battle brutal humidity and a gale force head wind on the East River, this was the most challenging race of his career. Using his course knowledge from last year's victory, Rojas navigated through Manhattan's challenging waterways and brought home his 23rd professional victory.
Colt Ward couldn't have started off the 2012/2013 season any better. He takes the win at DMJs located on Camp Pendleton. The Surfline forecast was calling for 3-4+ with an increasing SSW and fading SSE that offered up some really fun waves throughout the weekend. Check out Colt's outstanding performance in the photos below.
The Dutch contestant Charis has become the winner of the 2012 O'Neill Superkini Model Final in Miami. Charis impressed the judges during the three-day final through a combination of her natural beauty, model looks and fun personality.
Quote Charis:
I'm so excited to have won the O'Neill / NEXT Model competition, I'm speechless. I can't wait to start here at NEXT Miami and am looking forward to the summer shoot with O'Neill next year! Whow, it's all pretty unreal!
For our winner Charis, her life is set tochange completely. She will become a face of O'Neill for Spring/Summer 2014 andfeature in the global O'Neill Girls campaign, plus she will also sign a year'scontract with Next Model Management Miami.
Quote Next Model Management:
Charis is a beautiful girl and we are thrilled to be representing her at Next Miami. The modelcompetition has been very fierce and we want to take this opportunity tocongratulate Savannah and Maria the runners up, on reaching the finals in Miamiand thank them for being such charming girls throughout. The whole Next Model steam has loved working with O'Neil for the second year of this hugelysuccessful global model competition and look forward to our continuingrelationship moving forward.
The three finalists beat off competition from over 3,000 girls who entered the competition which ran on www.facebook.com/oneillgirls earlier this summer. Maria and Charis were selected by representatives from O'Neill and Next Models, whilst Savannah received the highest number of votes from the public to synch her spot.
Quote O'Neill:
All three girls were amazing. The photos from theshoots showed their natural talent and potential. Their personalities shinedall the way through the weekend. We are very happy to have a new O'Neill girl with so much affection for the surf lifestyle as well as model qualities. We look forward to working with Charis.
It'sthe moment the three girls have been waiting for – ever since they got thephone call from O'Neill & NEXT telling them they had made it to the finalof the Superkini Model Search; Charis, Savannah and Maria have been countingthe days waiting for this weekend to arrive.
For these three model-hopefuls, this is a very special weekend - this is theirfirst taste of life as an international model. For one girl, it will mark the launch of her new career. The three girlsbeat competition from 3,000 other entrants around the world to synch their spothere at the Final in Miami. The winner will become an O'Neill Girl forSpring/Summer 2014 and sign a year's contract with Next Model Management. Plus all three girls will take home a bigstash of O'Neill goodies and have an amazing, unforgettable life experience.
During the three-day final in Miami, Charis (23, from the Netherlands), Maria (18,from Germany) and Savannah (19, from the USA) are staying in a big hotel roomon Collins Avenue together. Their days are filled with many new and exitingexperiences.
Dayone the girls got to go on their first beach shoot ever! This swimwear shoottook place on Miami Beach and the three right away showed all their modelingqualities, like real naturals.
On the second day the girls had a very early call time to have a fantasticlifestyle shoot with well-known photographer Beth Studenberg. The girls completely threw themselves in to the deep and gave their utmost model moves.
Savannah:
" I thought our beach shoot was very exhilarating. So much fun. I never shot with amale model, nor have I had a real beach shoot either. I loved getting to workwith professional photographers. And I learned a lot from these passed twodays! – Now I'm just most nervous for the catwalk practice."
Maria:
" Ireally loved the shoots, the photographers were great, the locations wereamazing and I loved the beach. The bikini's were super cute and the outfitswere great. I was not so nervous in front of the camera, I just had a reallyfun time!"
Charis:
"I've been very excited about the shoots, but in a positive way, which reallysupported me and gave me a lot of energy. I loved doing the shoots, and I likedworking with a male model and I really can't wait to see the end resultstomorrow! Moreover I just wish we could stay here for one more week."
After the shoot days the girls were giving some proper pampering. They got hairblowouts and manicures, living the true USA-life.
Now that the girls had turned in to real models within the first two days in Miami,O'Neill & NEXT had a surprise for the girls: Visit some of the biggestshows on the Miami Swimweek! In theircutest outfits they arrived at the venue, absolutely thrilled and somewhatquiet from all the impressions.
Afterthe shows they said unanimously:
"The shows were amazing, so much fun and inspiring! Can't wait to go to a showagain if I could and of course….walk in one one day!"
Katyfrom NEXT Model Management:
"Thecompetition has been very fierce between the girls, because they are allabsolutely beautiful. I'm really impressed with how hard they've worked and howwilling they are to embrace the true modeling experience which they've had sofar in Miami"
Butonly one of the three girls will win the grand prize and see her life changedforever – and that's the girl who the O'Neill and Next Model Management judgeswill choose, based on her combination of model looks and fun attitude - thewinner will be announced tomorrow so stay tuned!
In a riveting 30 minute duel in epic conditions on the final day of the O'Neill Freak of the Reef Challenge at "Yoyos" West Sumbawa, Bali's Raditya Rondi showed his skill & aggression in the solid 6 foot plus waves and posted a string of impressive scores to beat fellow Bali ripper Pepen Hendrik, adding a second West Sumbawa trophy sword to his trophy collection and receiving a winners check for Rp 15 million proving he was indeed the "Freak of the Reef."
This win is especially sweet for the talented goofy footer as he dominated the field of top seeded Indonesian surfers and one of Australia's top pro juniors (Josh Hay) on his backside to win. "I'm so happy right now…don't know how to say it, just so happy, said Raditya immediately after the final. "The conditions were really hard in the final, with strong wind and big waves. I was so lucky to beat Pepen in the final, so I'm stoked." He then added, "It was a great event and I think I'm lucky to win. I was stoked to beat Josh in the semifinals, as he is one of top juniors in Australia, and that I won over Putra in the quarters, then to beat Pepen also, it was pretty good eh? I want to say thanks to all the boys, to the judges, to the ISC crew and the government for making this such a great event, and I hope we can come back and do it again next year!"
Runner up Pepen Hendrik was all smiles after accepting his West Sumbawa "Perang" sword and second place winner's check saying, "I'm used to getting second place so I'm ok with my result. It was a lot of work out there after surfing two other heats this morning, with strong current and wind, but the waves were great and anytime I can get into a final I'm happy." Coca-Cola ISC President Tipi Jabrik was watching the action from the judging tower on the final day, "I really liked what I saw out there today with Raditya's performance. He was definitely the in-form surfer of the day. He was very committed on each maneuver and seemed to be only looking for the biggest waves to attack. I think some of the guys underestimated him because he has such a good small wave repertoire, plus he was on his backhand.
The Women's Division took place on day two of the waiting period & it was Michaela Partin (USA) who added another winner's check to her collection with her second win of the year, having won her first comp in Indonesia at an ISC/ASC event in the Mentawaii Islands in May. Coming in second was Salini Rangganis from Java, and Alia Murizi from Kalimantan. Tai Graham from O'Neill Indonesia was nothing but stoked after the conclusion of the event, saying "I couldn't be happier with the outcome of our first event here in Indonesia. We challenged the boys to come here to West Sumbawa and put it all on the line. In some pretty heavy conditions on finals day Raditya proved he was truly the Freak of the Reef by charging the biggest waves and going for risky and highest scoring maneuvers. We're stoked, and want to thank the ISC for all their help, the Government of West Sumbawa and PT Newmont for their sponsorship and support, and for the gracious hospitality of Nichole, Cahyo and all the crew here at Ubantu. We're really looking forward to doing this again next year, but even bigger and better!"
The Six Star O'Neill "Freak of the Reef" Challenge was sanctioned by the Coca-Cola Indonesian Surfing Championships and took place in the scenic area around the PT Newmont mining site in West Sumbawa over a 4-day period from June 28 to July 1st. The competition was run primarily at the backup location of "Yoyo's" in the Sekongkang area, as the primary site of "Scar Reef" only produced a few hours of its world-renowned waves.
The wait is finally over! Three aspiringmodels are getting ready to pack their bags to fly to Miami for the final ofthe O'Neill Superkini Model Search – a final which will land one of them thecoveted role as an O'Neill Girl and with it a global contract with Next ModelManagement.
Over 3,000 girls around the world entered theO'Neill Superkini Model Search which ran for six weeks onFacebook.com/oneillgirls earlier this summer. But there could be only threefinalists and congratulations go to MariaMoeller, 18, from Germany and Charis Buchinhoren, 23, from the Netherlands whowere chosen by representatives from O'Neill and Next Model Management. Theywill be joined by Savannah Jerson, 19, from the USA, who received themost votes to win her place.
During the final on July 21-24, the girls will experience life as an international model – theywill stay in a real model house, meet casting agents, stylists and take part intwo photoshoots. At the end of the three days, the winning girl will be chosenbased on a combination of her natural beauty and personality; values that O'Neill Girls reflect inits campaigns, clothing and team riders.
"Next Model Management is so excitedto be working with O'Neill for the second year in a row and the girls whoentered this year's model search were fantastic. I can't wait to see how theycope with the 'model life' we have set up for them in Miami – roll on July!"said Katy Moseley, Head of PR, Next Models.
The three finalists described the moment theygot the call telling them they had made it to the final… said Savannah; "Initially, Icried because it was so hard to believe! Once the shock wore off, I logged ontoFacebook and thanked all of my family and friends for voting and for all theeffort they put into helping me succeed - without them I may not have had thisopportunity - I don't fit the typical model type and I am hoping I can inspireothers to try modelling."
Said Charis;"After I got the call I started dancing in the living room to Surfing USA with my boyfriend! I wasdancing for half an hour with the adrenaline rushing through my body and mymind going crazy: "ME... going all the way to the USA… with O'Neill! Something Iused to dream about as a little girl! It all kept whizzing through myhead and it was just too much to take in... After a while I stoppeddancing and checked my mobile again… yes!! They really just called – I made thefinal!"
Mariawas equally happy; "Rightafter I heard I was invited to Miami I couldn't really think ... I was too busyjumping up and down the hallway, but then it sank in and I thought - wow! Ifthis works out it will be like a dream come true."
"The competition level was very high this year, which made the judging processreally interesting for us as there were so many beautiful girls to choosefrom," commented Grace Puc, from Next Models Miami, "we are thrilled thatMaria, Charis and Savannah are the final three and we can't wait to take themto Miami in July to give them a taste of what model life could be like for themif they win this amazing competition."
O'Neill Girls looks forward to welcoming thethree girls in Miami at the Next Models Head Office and giving them anunforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience. But only one of them will win thegrand prize and star in the O'Neill Girls SS14 Campaign and sign that lucrativecontract with Next Model Management. Watch this space to find out who makes it www.facebook.com/oneillgirls
Follow the entire O'Neill Team as they meet up for summer in Whistler, BC for photo shoots, Camp of Champions, skate parks and more.
The Spectacular "O'Neill Wake The Line presented by Relentless Energy Drink" Wakeboard event stunned the 8000 strong crowd under a burning hot sun at the incredible setting of sold out Stadionbad Cologne.
The atmosphere throughout was thick with tension from the awe inspiring head to head format and the brand new, extremely technical and demanding set-up created by UNIT Parktech yet again. Featuring the Tech-Series as well the new and improved stair set, the abilities of the riders were pushed to the limit throughout the day, every one of them raising their game round by round.
Year on year the level of boarding and skating pushes further ahead and this year's event was no exception. Bigger airs out of the much bigger quarter pipe, presses in every direction, bigger and more technical rotations on to and off rails not to mention several double flips going down alongside a whole host of 900s.
With many new faces in the line-up because of the new qualifying series of events held in the US and Europe, the big names were under a lot more pressure. Reigning champion Nico Von Lerchenfeld, succumbed to this pressure in the second round of head to heads against O'Neill team rider rider Steffen Vollert, who made it through the Langenfeld qualifier to squeeze ahead of Nico, into the Super Final and secure a third place finish.
It was the Raph Derome Show all the way through though, with not a single waiver in any round. Doubles, 900s and some of the most insanely technical and tweaked out rail hits ever witnessed. Seasoned O'Neill Wake The Line competitor and more than capable rail rider, Kevin Henshaw pulled out a run that under any other circumstances would have run away with a clear win, but this time securing him second place at arguably the most closely fought WTL in it's 5 year history.
Not to be outdone, the huge Stadionbad crowd were left with their jaws on the floor with the wakeskate superfinal, Daniel Grant, retaining his title to yet again prove he is the man of the moment when it comes to skate.
For more information: www.waketheline.com
RESULTS
Wakeskate
1. Daniel Grant
2. Lukas Suess
3. Jan Kissmann
Wakeboard
1. Raph Derome
2. Kevin Henshaw
3. Steffen Vollert
Seb Toots won the men's snowboard slopestyle Finals on Sunday with his second-run-score of 94.50, increasing his lead on his victory lap. With the win, he also took home his first Dew Cup at the Toyota Championships at Snowbasin Resort in Utah.
David Wise took the lead in his first run and held onto it until the end. In that winning run, Wise started with a switch double 1080, into right 9, left 9, alley oop flatspin 5 tail to end with a double cork 12. Total score of 94.50
David Wise
Seb Toots
Seb Toots takes 2nd at Toyota Big Air in Japan and Quebec‘s O’Neill Snow athletes get 3 podium spots at Axis Slopestyle at MSSI.
It all started with Seb Toots taking 2nd at Toyota Big Air in Sapporo, Japan, on Saturday. Sebastien has thrown a Double Backside Rodeo 1080 in the Semis for the best score of the event but unfortunately didn't stomped it in the Superfinal against Chas Guldemond, who spun a Backside 1260 for the win. Mark McMorris and Seppe Smits tied in 3rd.
And later that day, 3 O'Neill Snow athletes took a podium spots – including 2 First Place - during the Axis Slopestyle at MSSI.
In Men Open Snow, Antoine Truchon took 1st with the best two runs scores of the day. His winning run was a 50-50 front flip out on up rail / frontside 900 nose grab / switch backside 1080 double cork / switch backside rodeo 540 and frontside 270 in on the downrail staircase. Other Team rider Maxence Parrot took 8th but amazed everybody watching with a Double Backside Rodeo 900.
In Women Snow, Laurie Blouin, 14 years old, took 3rd place with spinning 360s on the Men's kickers. Laurie has been training hard and evolving enormously since the beginning of the season to become one of the best female snowboarder in the province.
Finally, in the Junior Snow category, the 12 years old and newest addition to the O'Neill Team, Francis Jobin, took the 1st place. The athlete from Quebec City scored the best two runs of the day and showed that he has to be taken seriously in the future. The winning run was frontside 180 in - switch backside 180 out on the flat downbox / switch backside 180 out on the flat downbox / backside 360 tail grab / backside 540 tail grab / cab 180 nose grab and frontside 180 in to switch 5-0 on the downrail staircase.
You can watch Francis' run and some highlights of Antoine at http://vimeo.com/20451521
Antoine and Maxence are involved in the Coors Light Saint Sauveur Challenge 2011, a 3 day filming and editing video contest. You can watch their submission following the links below and help them win :
Antoine Truchon - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvBWH_UkRqI
Maxence Parrot – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkBASdNoYhs
You can also watch some footage of Sebastien, Laurie and Maxence while training on trampoline with team manager Max Henault at Maximise HQ :
Sebastien Toutant - http://vimeo.com/20255308
Laurie Blouin - http://vimeo.com/19917427
Maxence Parrot - http://vimeo.com/19847040
Warmond, The Netherlands - January 24, 2011 - Just like they do at the end of every January, theworld's political and business elite are preparing to don their moon boots andhead up to the picturesque mountain resort of Davos in Switzerland for theAnnual Meeting of the World Economic Forum.
Butlittle do they know that for the people of Davos, the main show has alreadybeen and gone.
Why?Because the 2011 edition of the O'Neill Evolution will go down as one of themost significant milestones in the history of professional snowboarding. Thiswas the year that four of the sport's best Slopestyle contest riders raised thebar by stomping trick after trick when it mattered most, and the year thatthree close friends ended up on the podium after arguably the best and mostthrilling Superfinal ever. And spare a thought for Belgian rider Seppe Smits -a score of 93.57 would normally be more than enough to win any contest, but onthis special night his score wasn't even good enough for a spot on the podium.Enough said...
O'Neill team rider Seb Toots, who claimed the win with a perfectly landed cab double cork 1260, summed up the night's momentous events by saying: "The quality of riding in this final was insane. Everyone was stepping it up on every run. Eric, Mark and Seppe just killed it. I'm just so stoked to win the title with the last run of the contest, and to be on the podium with two of my best friends."
So find it within yourselves to forgive the people of Davos if they struggle to focus on the serious global issues this coming week. While the world's economy begins to stutter back into some form of recovery, they're no doubt still dazed and dazzled after witnessing the sport of snowboarding in a whole new light.
1. Toutant, Sebastien 96.64
2. McMorris, Mark 94.77 3. Willett, Erik 94.63 4. Smits, Seppe 93.57
Canadian freestyle snowboard star Sebastian Toutant has just signed a new 5 year contract with O'Neill.
The 18 year old snowboarder – knownthroughout the world of snowboarding as Seb Toots - signed the contract infront of a crowd of fans at the O'Neill Evolution in Davos Switzerland justhours prior to his Slopestyle victory at the TTR World Snowboard Tour 6StarEvent.
"O'Neill has been behind me since the verybeginning, so this renewed partnership means a lot," said Seb. "I'm stoked onthe company, its people, and the amazing signature products that they've helpedme create. So I'm sure the next five years with O'Neill will rock, just likethe last five have!"
Seb joined O'Neill back in 2005 and in his5 years with the brand has grown into one of the most exciting freestylesnowboarders in the world, pushing the boundaries and setting new standards inhis sport.
"We are extremely proud to renew thiscontract with Seb for the next 5 years as one of the top snowboarders in theworld," Bernhard Ritzer O'Neill Director Global Sports Marketing. "Havingsupported him since he was a rookie we are excited to continue to grow thispartnership and support him in what is going to be a huge snowboarding careerahead."
"Seb has already established himself asone of the global faces of O'Neill alongside freeride legend Jeremy Jones andsurfing superstar Jordy Smith," said Bernhard Ritzer.
Currently sitting 6th on the Swatch TTRWorld Snowboard Tour, Seb's victory here at the O'Neill Evolution comes off theback of his recent win at the Shaun White Air & Style in Beijing. Next upis Seb's first ever X Games in Colorado where expectations are high.
China is not you average surf destination. Most people relate the PRC (People's Republic of China) to industrial sweat shops & yum cha. I too was one of the skeptics until last week when I along with Mark Matthews & Rob Bain descended on beautiful Hainan Island to take part in the 2010 Wanning International Surfing Festival & compete in the O'Neill Surfing Hainan Open.
It crossed my mind a couple of times that the pain of filling in visa forms and standing in cues at the consulate might just out weigh the reward of swell, surf and sunshine. I was very relieved and extremely excited that my rare state of pessimism hadn't jinxed us as we were greeted with consistent 3 foot lefts peeling into Riyuewan Bay, kissed with sunshine and airbrushed with offshores. The sight of almost perfection was enough to transform the three of us into groms & started a surf prep frenzy of FCS fins and board shorts to see who would be the first into the brine to ride a wave in the South China Sea.
Hainan Island is two flights from Sydney then a 45 min coach from Sanya Airport to Wanning County. It being a surf destination in its infancy you are limited to a couple of options for a roof over your head and a bed to sleep in. Le Meridian Hotel, Shimei Bay (where we were lucky enough to stay) is a 5 star dream that you never want to wake from. Built on the sand with a river mouth left for a view it has the most comfortable beds on the planet, a world class gym, 4 restaurants, awesome staff and a karaoke room, what more could you ask for! Option B, The 21 Hotel is your typical salty dog surf lodging, totally comfortable but stereotypically China. It will save your pocket $220 per night and comes with the perk of being first into the lineup at Riyuewan every morning for free. The cool thing about this new surf destination apart from tropical water is its consistency. The few locals I spoke to bragged of head high waves and offshore trades every week between Nov & April.
The following 6 days were a surreal surf adventure that danced between banquets with Government officials, media scrums, autograph signings, fun competition and exploring the palm lined, surf ridden coast of Hainan Island. The Chinese Government have Wanning County spotlighted as its tropical getaway oasis and with O'Neill's support of Mark Matthews, Rob Bain and myself there to give it surf credibility along with direction to grow tourism organically always keeping the environment & specifically the ocean at mind.
I may have won the race for the first wave of the trip but eventually lost the heat going down to Bainy & Matthews in the Semi's. Mark went on to win the Pro short board division & Bainy took out "Wingnut" (Endless Summer 2) to stand atop the podium for the Pro longboard bragging rights. 45 locals & working expat's from around the globe competed in 5 divisions, over 3 days. The festival & event truly embraced the surfing spirit, a celebration of good times in the ocean with friends and memories I will never forget.
Hainan Island in China might not be the new Bali but its lineups are deserted and its ready to be explored!
Wetsuit pioneer Jack O'Neill made a career of protecting surfers from the ocean's chilly waters.
By Kurtis Alexander
PLEASURE POINT -- Wetsuit pioneer Jack O'Neill made a career of
protecting surfers from the ocean's chilly waters. Now he's trying to protect
himself from its fury.
The 87-year-old Santa Cruz icon says his home on East Cliff Drive is
threatened by damaging down-coast currents as a result of a new
1,100-foot-seawall being built by the county. O'Neill claims his best defense
is a seawall of his own, and he's asking state regulators for permission to
build one.
"I was satisfied with my house the way it was," O'Neill said
Wednesday, looking out at the emerging seawall that runs up against his
property. "But the wall creates a little hurricane when the sand and sea
get washed down, and it eats out what's at the end."
O'Neill, who moved to the Santa Cruz area in the late '50s to open a
surf shop, has lived in the house he's now trying to protect for 40 years. The
two-story home, while modestly built, is one of few that sits directly on the
bluffs above Pleasure Point's famed surf breaks and is a longtime landmark on
the county shoreline.
"It's a fantastic spot," O'Neill said from his sofa, which
provides a 180-degree view of the bay that inspired the international wetsuit
company he built and has since passed on to his son, Pat, to run.
O'Neill's seawall plans call for expansion of the county's concrete
seawall around his property. The work, which he says will cost him at least $1
million, involves removing the rock and riprap that now offers him protection
from the waves and replacing them with a sturdier wall contoured around his home.
Like the county seawall, which is in its final stage of construction,
O'Neill's wall would be sculpted and colored to look like the bluffs.
The California Coastal Commission is scheduled to make a decision on
O'Neill's proposal next week.
"He's in a very vulnerable spot," said commission planner
Susan Craig, noting that seawalls often deflect wave energy to nearby areas
that are not armored with concrete. "This new seawall could provide him
better protection over time."
Commission planners are recommending their governing board approve the
project at its meeting Wednesday in San Luis Obispo, with the proposals O'Neill
has made for the public.
One is a path in front of the seawall for beachgoers to use during low
tide. Another is making sure the parcel next to his property, which he also
owns and is commonly called the "dirt farm," is not developed and
remains open to people walking along the bluff top.
Surfrider Foundation regional manager Sarah Damrom, whose organization
fought unsuccessfully to stop the county seawall, reluctantly said she would
not oppose O'Neill's plans.
"We don't support armoring the coast there. However fighting things
piecemeal doesn't seem like it's going to solve the problem," she said.
Surfrider and other environmental groups have challenged the rationale
for seawalls, noting they only deflect the erosion problem. But with the
numerous seawalls on the coast, critics have softened their protest,
particularly to smaller projects, and have instead sought to sway planners to
their line of thinking.
Some worry seawalls, like the ones at Pleasure Point, could dampen the
waves the surf community has come to rely on.
A surfer coming up from the beach Wednesday, though, didn't concern
himself with that potential.
"Hey, it's Jack O'Neill's house," he said. "Let him do
what he needs."
Warmond, The Netherlands – November 26, 2009 - Dutch kiteboarder, Kevin Langeree yesterday became PKRA World Champion for the first time ever.
“It’s so hard to believe,” said Kevin. “This season has been amazing. I was so focused on winning the world title, and I did it!” he said.
Dutch kiteboarder, Kevin Langeree yesterday became PKRA World Champion for the first time ever.
"It's so hard to believe,"said Kevin. "This season has been amazing. I was so focused on winning the world title, and I did it!" he said.
The 21 year old O'Neill kiteboarder from Noordwijk in the Netherlands had three years previously been runner up to British kiteboarder Aaron Hadlow. And once again it came down to the final event on the tour – the Teri Kite Pro in the warm waters of New Caledonia.
Kevin came second in this final PKRA stop on the World Tour, however it was enough to push long term rival Aaron Hadlow off the top of the rankings and take the World Title.
The young talented kiteboarder isn't going to take it easy from here however. "I'm going to enjoy this victory," said Kevin. "But I will keep training hard. I want to be ready for next year's tour."
October 13 2009, Berlin, Germany - Sixteen year old Seb Toots won the freestyle.berlin on the weekend with a perfect backside 1080 double cork – showing just why he is currently TTR World Tour number one.
"I am super excited to win," said Seb "There were a lot of good ridersthere so it means a lot to me. It's like a dream to come out first."
The Canadian beat an impressive lineup at the big air contest in its first year in Berlin, taking victory over Eero Ettala and current TTR World Champ Peetu Piiroinen with his backside 1080 double cork. And he made it look easy. "I think the hard part about a backside 1080 double cork is learning it," said Seb. "It's always scary to try the first time, but once you can control it, it's a great trick."
His first place comes right after finishing second at the freestyle.ch a few weeks ago.
"Peetu and Eero are really good riders and you never know what they are gonna throw in the contest," said Seb. "Eero got first place at freestyle.ch, and I got second so I am really stoked to be first this time with this good line up of riders."
CONGRATUALTIONS SEB!
Seb Toots has continued his onslaught of the season – coming second at the freestyle.ch in Zurich over the weekend.
The 16-year-old Canadian snowboarder who currently sits top of the TTR World Snowboard Tour ranking list, pulled off a Rodeo 5 and Back 1000 Double Cork to come second behind Eero Ettala.
And this is only the start of the season. Expect big things this year from the young star.
Californian surf, snow &lifestyle brand O'Neill adds a new member to its UK team. The unusual addition is a14 year Humboldt Penguin named Ralph who happens to be a permanent resident atMarwell Zoo. The not so feathery new team member has been given a brand newcustom made O'Neill wetsuit in order to protect him from the cold elements thathe faces after moulting his feathers too early!
Originatingfrom South America, the Humboldt Penguin moults annually but unfortunately forRalph it happens all too quickly. Over the past few years Marwell Zoo have beenprotecting Ralph with custom made wetsuits and so when O'Neill heard that Ralphwas on the lookout for a new one they were more than happy to oblige.
Anna Ing, Team Leader of birds at Marwellsaid: "Ralph was in desperate need of a new wetsuit as his old one was startingto fall apart- his wetsuits see a lot of activity with him constantly on thego, swimming, climbing rocks and preening! He certainly looks the part with hiscustom made O'Neill wetsuit!"
StevePeters, European Marketing Manager O'Neill Wetsuits comments "At O'Neill westrive to help and support marine habitats as well as understand the important relationship between the sea and theexternal environment. It was an absolute pleasure for us to provide Ralph witha new wetsuit and in celebration we have made him an official member ofthe team, after all, he is the ultimate Coldwater Specialist".
Ralphand penguin partner Coral have already been busy preening his new O'Neillwetsuit!
ANE ENDERUD CROWNED FREERIDE WORLD CHAMPION 2010!
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ANE ENDERUD CROWNED FREERIDE
WORLD CHAMPION 2010!
Verbier, Switzerland
– 22 March 2010 - O'Neill freeride skier, Ane Enderud has won
the Freeride World Championship 2010 following a spectacular victory in the final
event of the season – at the Bec des Rosses in Verbier, Switzerland.
"I
just can't believe I am on top!" said Ane after her run, which brought her the
World Tour victory.
It
is the second year in a row that the Norwegian skier has taken the accolade. And
it is made all the more remarkable by the fact that she was forced to sit out
the first part of the Freeride World Tour this season with a back injury.
"I
am super happy especially after the disappointing start of the season when my
back problems forced me to pull out of the competition in Chamonix," said Ane.
However,
determined as ever, she followed this up with two victories and a second place
result.
And
her victory in Verbier on the weekend was the final achievement, which secured
her title. "I got a bit lost down the Bec des Rosses and changed my line choice
when I skied it," said Ane. "So I was stoked to take the big cliff jump and
land it clean without having inspected it beforehand!"
CONGRATULATIONS
ANE ENERUD!!
Martinez, team O'Neill's latest signing has arrived on the Gold Coast in preparation for the 2010 Dream Tour event at Snapper Rocks. Bobby has been zoning in and avoiding the Superbank crowds by taking the drive south of the Tweed River making the most of the hollow pipes and punt sections at Fingal.
Stay tuned to www.oneill.com as team O'Neill surfers Jordy Smith, Bobby Martinez, Roy Powers and Shaun Cansdell tear up the Gold Coast.