Congrats to John John, Jaime O'Brien, Kai Barger and Nate Yeomans for one of the best finals Pipeline has seen. Jaime O'Brien looked to shut the door on the rest of the pack early on with a 9.0 on his first wave and an 8.33 for a follow up in the first 5 minutes.
Jaime had three 9+ rides in the heat and had the field combo'd. Kai Barger battled wave for wave with Jaime and paced him nearly wave for wave with an 8.87 and a 9.3. Jaime's third 9+ wave was a 9.93 that put Kai back in combo land, but not before John John caught a picture perfect Pipe barrel and scored a perfect 10.
With his high 9′s, Jaime knew John John was his only threat and with two minutes to go he shadowed John John. With the surf apparently going flat, John John congratulated Jaime in the water… until he spied a bump coming his way.
Before Jaime saw what was happening John John bolted, first going for the left then changing to the right where he dropped into a backdoor barrel and scored a 9.93 to bump Jaime out of the top spot as the horn sounded the end of the 2012 Volcom Pipe Pro! Epic! Special thanks to Transworld Surf/Brian Bielmann/JC for the photos!
O'Neill will bring fans up close and personal with leading team rider and Winter X Games 2012 star athlete, Seb Toots, via "The O'Neill Experience."
Located at www.oneillexperience.com, this campaign will follow the Canadian-born rider throughout his week at Winter X events, which takes place from January 26-29 in Aspen, Colorado
Click here for The O'Neill Experience
A glimpse into Cory Lopez’s Hawaii winter.
While filming for Brett Barley's part for the movie "Innersection," we collected a ton of left-over clips and made them into a mini-series. This is the final episode.
The 4th Annual O'Neill Generation Next fashion show, design competition and concert was a huge success! All 5 of our high school finalists did an amazing job and we are so proud of them. For the first time in GenNext history we had a tie for the winner of the event which was Nahal and Grace!
Meet our 2012 O'Neill Girls Surf Team featuring Malia Manuel, Sage Erickson, and Kiana Fores! Learn more about the girls here http://oneillgirls.com/team
Watch the video to witness the madness and hear what Axi has to say as he waited anxiously for the swell to hit.
Featuring John John Florence and his 2011 experiences at home on the North Shore
Davos, Switzerland, Saturday January 7, 2012. Theworld of professional snowboarding kicked off 2012 with a bang as hard foughtO'Neill Evolution victories by Canadian, Mark McMorris, and compatriot, Spencer O'Brien, capped a week of dramatic action in Davos, Switzerland.
Despite significant weather challenges throughout the contest, the first major event onthe 2012 TTR World Snowboard Tour once again brought the cream of internationalriders and the highest level of performance to the picturesque Alpine resort ofDavos. Pushing the highest known technical limits, competition was fierce asriders vied for a share of the $125,000 prize purse, TTR Ranking points andseeding into the World Championships.
The Women's Final was blessed with the best ridingconditions of the week, and the eight competitors who made the final took notime in demonstrating massive progression. Despite stiff competition, SpencerO'Brien raised the bar from the outset, and continued to set the standard forthe remainder of the 3-run finals.
O'Brien'sfirst run, a stomped frontside 720 nosebone to gapped lipslide, caught theimagination of the judges and saw her take home $20,000 USD and directqualifications to the World Championships. Sina Candrian(SUI) was alwaysdangerous, but failed to land her final run leaving her in 2nd place while AnnaGasse(AUT) managed to fend off podium-hungry challengers to secure third.
Therewas an electric atmosphere enveloping the huge crowd at the foot of theJakobshorn as an incredible light show welcomed in the 16-man Night Final.Every person present was treated to a rarely seen level of progressivefreestyle snowboarding.
Theatmosphere intensified as the lead was swapped between Eric Willet(USA) andMark McMorris. Willet scored what looked like an unassailable 95.30pts with aswitch backside doublecork 1260 to lipslide 270 in his second run, only forMcMorris to edge in front of him with a score of 95.60pts thanks to an evenbigger backside doublecork 1260 to lipslide 270. Seppe Smits(BEL) turned up thepressure, landing a cab 1440 mute to cab 270 fronside boardslide in his finalrun, but it was not enough to change the order of the podium, with McMorrispocketing a cool $40,000 USD for his efforts.
The results also saw major Tour Lead changes on the TTR World SnowboardingTour Ranking system. Eric Willet now moves to the top of the TTR Big AirRanking, Christian Haller(SUI) moved into the TTR Overall lead while SinaCandrian(SUI) and Seppe Smits(BEL) booked places at the World SnowboardChampionships.
Inwhat will be remembered as one of the most incredible O'Neill Evolutions todate, the celebrations are set to start and look certain to go well into thenight.
For all addition details for the Women's orMen's Finals please check: http://www.oneill.com/evolution/
Norwegian,Stale Sandbech powers into finals with strong showing from Canadians, MarkMcMorris and Antoine Truchon while compatriot and defending champion, SebastienToutant bows out in bizarre circumstances. Semi Final Friday here at the TTR 6Star O'Neill Evolution will go down in snowboarding history as one of the mostunique on record.
Continued record heavy snowfall in Davos hit the contest for thesixth straight day, as a massive storm credited with breaking records acrossCentral Europe continued to pound the area. The resort was closed Fridaymorning as controlled avalanche blasting attempted to dislodge the approximated50cm of fresh overnight snow while the shaping crew once again undertook themonumental task of digging out the course. Organizers pushed Women'sQualification to Saturday morning with the hope of finishing Men'sQualification in the afternoon.
Riders took the opportunity to head up as soon as lifts opened,all whom eventually returned claiming the best powder day ever. Continued snowand gusty periods saw training curtailed and a subsequent riders' vote thatresulted in Qualifications merging directly into a single 46 rider Semi Finalstarting at 18:00 when event lighting would take effect and improve visibility.
While by no means perfect and with heavy snow continuing to fall,conditions eased somewhat and wind died sufficiently for the Semi Finals tocommence on time. Making the 16-man cut in a two run, best run counts formatwas the single goal for competitors – waxing and speed as critical as trickselection. With the optional line to rails the only feasible option; ridersattacked it with vigor, chasing major TTR Ranking points and a share of the$125,000 prize purse.
An almost perfect first run from defending champion Seb Toots(CAN)including a Double Cork 1080 Mute to cab 270 on the wall ride would have beenenough to claim the run of the day were it not for his legs inexplicablyletting him down on landing. Meanwhile solid first runs from MarcMcMorris(CAN), and Charles Reid(CAN) put them into solid Top 5 territory whileStale Sandbech(NOR) stormed into the lead with a stomped frontside 1080 tofrontside 270 to lipslide out. Current TTR Big Air leader, Roope Tonteri(FIN),posted solid points leaving him within striking distance of the top 10, whilepowder rookies, Jamie Nicholls(BGR) and Seppe Smits(BEL) continued the formthat has been turning heads.
With everything to play for in the second round, Werni Stock(AUT)powered into the Top 5 while the shock of the night arrived when pre-eventfavorite, Seb Toots, seemed to hang up on the coping of the kicker. Fortunateto avoid injury, the incident nevertheless resulted in Toots bowing out of thecontest. Christian 'Hitch' Haller(SUI) made it inside the 16-man cut, only forEric Willet(USA) to edge him back out in the 2nd last run of the night with a frontside Double Cork 1080 mute tobackside lipslide on the down rail, enough to propel himself into 4th.
For the complete list of the Top 16 qualified riders in the Men'sFinals and for tomorrow's schedule for the Woman's and Men's Finals, and forall the details for the live webcast, check: http://www.oneill.com/evolution/
The best start to the season in Davos for ten years, and hardest conditions run a contest. It is the beauty and the beast - all in one magnificent package. The O'Neill Evolution course at night in covered in the pure white beauty mother nature has given us with the storm system passing through Europe's Central Alps. Qualified Dutch riders, Dimi de Jong and Rocco van Straten, compliment the hard working shapers and discus issues of speed...
Davos,Switzerland, Thursday January 5, 2012 - Heavy snow arrived asforecast this morning at the TTR 6 Star O'Neill Evolution Big Air and Railevent in Davos, coinciding with the first round of Men's Qualification. Allthree Round 1 Qualification Heats were completed, cutting the Men's field from75 to 30 riders who move on to the second round. At times, the fresh snowcreated speed issues, but did little to dampen the level as British rider,Billy Morgan, put down the score of the day with a double backside rodeo to gappedcab 270 on the kinked rail.
It'shard to describe the atmosphere here in Davos for the O'Neill Evolution. It'seven harder to imagine how hard it is snowing. A testament to an immense effortfrom the organizers, shapers, event staff and above all, the riders, the firstround of qualifications were completed on schedule. It was a surreal experienceto see the look of concentration on competitors' faces as they focused on theirheat, soon replaced by a look of elation as they arrived back at the contestsite after a powder run.
TheNight Final event lights were illuminated from the start of the first 09:00training session and remained switched on all day to assist visibility. Beforethe snowfall intensified, the overnight fine-tuning of the main kicker wastested with broad approval from riders, before speed became an issue resultingin the optional line to rail set up favoured by the contestants.
In a two-run, best run counts format, the top 10 riders from each heat made itthrough to Round 2 of Men's Qualification. Some of the runs of the day asscored by the judges included:
Heat 1:
Sven Thorgren(SWE) - Backside Double Cork 1080 to gapped stalefish to nose press
Jamie Nicholls(GBR) - Backside 540 crail to gapped Cab 270 to frontside boardslide
Ethan Morgan(GER)- Frontside 720 tailgrab tofrontside tailslide on the down rail
Heat 2:
Markus Mathis(SUI) - BacksideDouble Cork 1080 mute to frontside tail slide to revert on the wall
Petja Piiroinen (FIN) - Backside Double Cork1080 mute to frontside 50-50 on thewall.
Emil Ulsletten(NOR) - Frontside 1080 melon to frontside tail blunt to 270 out on the down rail
Heat 3:
Billy Morgan(GBR) - Double Backside Rodeo to gap cab 270 on the kinked rail
Ville Uotila(FIN) - Frontside 1080 Mute to gapped backside lip slide
Rocco Van Straten(NDL) - Backside Double Cork 1080 to frontside boardslide onthe down rail
Winter conditions welcomed in the last full dayof training here in Davos at the O'Neill Evolution. The entire field of international andregional riders had their last chance today to test the new Big Air and Railset up before the business end of the contest kicks off with tomorrow's Men'squalifications.
Despite facing testing conditions withperiods of gusting winds and snow flurries, the contest course was open to trainingfor the entire day. Riders had the luxury of sneaking in a couple of powderlines between training runs to change it up and keep the brain alert andmotivation on high.
The optional line to Rail and Wall Rideset up was in full effect with positive feedback coming from all sides,translating into an increasing level of riding and range of tricks throughoutthe day. Particularly noticeable was the riding level from the Women as theyworked through their individual bag of tricks and upped the tech rail tricks.
The main kicker line proved morechallenging in the testing conditions, with rider feedback employed to makeminor adjustment over the course of the day. "The rail set up is all-time,"said Sebastien Toutant shortly after the riders meeting, "The main kicker isreally technical this year, quite a bit of compression and a lot of pop rightnow. We've been talking to the shapers and they have been fine tuning it for usover the day and are doing a final re-tune tonight. That's what's good aboutthis event, they totally listen to our feedback."
The shaping crew are already out thereaddressing the minor adjustment asked for by the riders. The First Round ofMen's Qualifications are set to start at 09:00 tomorrow morning, with all threeheats scheduled to be completed over the course of the day.
Mother nature looks as if she is going tocelebrate the O'Neill Evolution by bringing another fresh layer of white goldwith 40cm's of snow forecast to arrive in Davos in the late afternoon - perfectfor the imminent arrival of freeride legend, Jeremy Jones.
"It might be that the O'Neill Evolution turns into an epic day of powder riding tomorrow," said Event Director, Bernhard Ritzer, "I don't see anybody complaining about that!"
Stay tuned for updates and schedule changes at....
Training for the 6th edition of the O'Neill Evolution opened today in its traditional home resort of Davos, Switzerland. Bluebird conditions, 40cm's of overnight snow, and a picture perfect Big Air and Rail set up welcomed the international snowboard world.
As O'Neill celebrates its 60th anniversary at the O'Neill Evolution it also becomes the first TTR World Snowboard Tour 6 Star event of 2012. International stars and qualification hopefuls have started arriving at the resort to test and train in the all new Big Air and Rails set up. The new look set up was designed in combination between Dirk Scheumann from Schneestern and Max Henault, North American Team Manger for O'Neill. "We looked at creating a new technical and impressive rail and wall ride set up for the huge crowd that turns up for the event," said Henault. "The kicker to rail section is going to be challenging for the riders, and totally visible for the crowd." he concluded.
Sitting at a strategic point in the contest season, international stars including Sebastien Toutant(CAN), Christian Haller(SUI), Roope Tonteri(FIN), Stale Sandbech(NOR), Ethan Morgan(GER), Werni Stock(AUT), Seppe Smits(BEL) amongst others are looking to post Big Air and Overall Ranking points.
The Women's contest will see TTR Tour leader, Cilka Sadar(SLO) face off against international stars including Silvia Mittlemüller(GER), Kjersti Buaas(NOR) and former Tour Champion, Cheryl Maas(NDL).
Re-shaping is underway at the foot of the Jakobshorn here in Davos, with open training resuming tomorrow morning for the 80 men's and 40 women's qualifiers.
Qualification heats are scheduled for Thursday and Friday, while Semi Finals run through Saturday day leading up to the Saturday Night main event finals.
Davos, Switzerland, December 22, 2011 – TheO'Neill Evolution 2012 is gearing up to welcome the world's best freestylesnowboarders back to the Jakobshorn in Davos, Switzerland from January 2-7,2012.
Due to the widespread lack of early season snow, organizers regret to announce thecancellation of the Halfpipe contest. O'Neill's Bernhard Ritzer, Global SportsMarketing Director, said: "Despite recent snowfalls, Mother Nature hasn'tmade things easy for us. As a result, we have decided to focus all our time,attention and available snow on staging the best Big Air contest the O'NeillEvolution has ever seen. This single-minded focus means we can give the ridersall the time, support and favorable weather windows they need to push theevolution of freestyle snowboarding to the next level."
This year's maximum rated TTR Big Air event will see the return of current EvolutionBig Air Champion Seb Toots. Another rising star looking to put it down in frontof cheering crowds will be Norway's Gjermund Braaten - winner of last weekend'sSlopestyle title at the prestigious Dew Tour stop in Breckenridge, Colorado.Three-time TTR World Tour Champion Peetu Piiroinen - himself no stranger to theO'Neill Evolution podium - will also be gracing the event with his presence.
It will be no walk in the park for the Finn, though, with nine of the world'scurrent top 10 Big Air riders already signed up to throw down on a kickerspanning 24 meters in length - the biggest Davos has ever seen, and one thathas been specifically designed to allow riders to attempt triple corks. Aninnovative rail feature at the foot of the Big Air, featuring a straight rail,kinked rail and wall ride, will ensure only the most versatile of riders standa chance of claiming the lion's share of the $125,000 total prize money andranking points.
With three full days of practice available toriders and shapers alike, you can bet your bottom dollar it's going to go offonce the contest gets underway. With rider numbers in Round 1 increased from 50to 75 and an extra round thrown in for good measure, the O'Neill Evolution 2012will offer the freestyle superstars of tomorrow a golden opportunity to make aname for themselves on the big stage. The not-so-small matter of $40,000 and $20,000 winner cheques for themen and women respectively is a guarantee, if ever it was needed, that theworld's best riders won't be holding anything back during the nighttime finals.
Don't miss it, whatever you do. And if you're unable to make it to Davos to watch allthe action in person, be sure to tune into the live webcasts and live TVbroadcasts during the business end of the contest.
Check out the website for more info now: www.oneill.com/live
EVENT ON FACEBOOK:
http://www.facebook.com/events/312454465433836/
"We're very happy to confirm the O'Neill ColdWater Classic Santa Cruz as an ASP World Title event in 2012," Renato Hickel,ASP World Tour Manager, said. "Santa Cruz offers a variety of world-class wavesfor our surfers to perform on and we're hopeful that conditions will deliverfor the world's best to do battle in."
The O'Neill Cold Water Classic has a long-standing history of competition, previously as an ASP World Title event (before the two-tier system) and then as an ASP Star and ASP Prime event. Next year's status as a returning elite ASP World Title event coincides with the 60th anniversary of the O'Neill family's contribution to surfing.
"We are excited to see a World Tour level event return to Santa Cruz as part of O'Neill's 60 Year anniversary," Pat O'Neill, President & CEO of O'Neill Wetsuits, said. "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."
An ASP event for over three decades now, the O'Neill Coldwater Classic has been championed by California standouts such as Tom Curren, Bobby Martinez and Chris Brown from Santa Barbara, Peter Mel, Kieran Horn, Adam Replogle and Nat Young from Santa Cruz, Richie Collins and Todd Miller from Newport Beach, San Clemente's Nathan Yeomans and Carlsbad's Taylor Knox.
Illustrating the global impact of the event, the winners' dais has also hosted international standouts Martin Potter (GBR), Todd Prestage (AUS), Beau Emerton (AUS), Joel Parkinson (AUS), Toby Martin (AUS), Jordy Smith (ZAF), Matt Wilkinson (AUS) and most recently Miguel Pupo (BRA). When the ASP Top 34 hit Santa Cruz next November, you can expect another worthy name to be added to such a historic list.
"Joining the other great events on the ASP World Tour makes celebrating O'Neill's 60th anniversary in 2012 even more exciting," Toby Bost, CEO of O'Neill Clothing USA, said. "With such a prestigious event, coupled with the amazing group of past winners and new crop of incredible talent on the Tour, there will definitely be a lot of anticipation and energy heading into Santa Cruz next year."
The world's best surfers will contest the O'Neill Cold Water Classic Santa Cruz from November 2 – 12, 2012
Team O'Neill highlighted on the North Shore. Starring John John Florence.
O'Neill, the original surf, snow and youth lifestyle brand, is happy to congratulate team rider John John Florence on clinching the prestigious Vans Triple Crown of Surfing® in front of his friends and family at Pipeline, a break he has been surfing since the age of eight. Florence's Triple Crown victory vaults the 19 year old to Hawaiian surfing legend status and a top contender for the 2012 ASP World Title.
Competing in his seventh Triple Crown after debuting at 13 years old, Florence came to Pipe with the lead after winning the World Cup at Sunset Beach last week and finishing 5th at Haleiwa in November.
Riding his home break, John John remained consistent throughout the three days, riding deep inside the barrels of 10-15 foot Pipeline waves. On day one, he claimed the event's first perfect 10, then went on to defeat Kelly Slater and the Hobgood brothers in head-to-head heats during day two, reaching the quarterfinals before falling to Slater. Florence officially won the Triple Crown after Michel Bourez lost his semifinal heat to Kieren Perrow.
"I really can't believe this has happened, winning the Triple Crown has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember," said Florence. "It's been a really fun year, getting to compete on the ASP Tour and learning from a lot of the guys out here. To win at Pipe in my backyard with close friends and family watching is such an incredible way to finish the tour."
Florence was off to a dominant start in 2011, winning the Da Hui Back Door Shootout and Pipe Pro in January. He then went on to the ASP World Tour, where he earned a top 10 finish in Portugal, reaching the quarterfinals. He qualified for the 2012 ASP Tour and will finish the year with a big jump in world rankings.
"We've all known for years that John John had the talent to be one of the best surfers in the world," said Garth Tarlow, O'Neill's Director of Sports Marketing. "This year has proven that he'll be a force on the scene for years, maybe decades, to come."
With the Triple Crown win, John John joins other Triple Crown legends such as Kelly Slater, Andy Irons, Sunny Garcia and Derek Ho, making him a serious threat to take the 2012 world title.
"This kid is a phenom, and with his confidence riding high, there's no limit to what he can do," said Toby Bost, CEO, O'Neill Clothing USA. "Team O'Neill will be a force in 2012."
Florence started his memorable week by taking home the Andy Irons Breakthrough Performer Award at the Surfer Poll Awards on Wednesday.
O'Neill teamrider John John Florence has won the World Cup at Sunsetbeach and taken the lead on the coveted Vans Triple Crown ratings.
It was an overwhelming victory for the 19 year old Hawaiian who surfedhis first Triple Crown event at the age of 12.
Inthe final, Florence led a spectacular tube-riding battle in perfect 10-footsurf against Michel Bourez (Tahiti, 2nd), Adam Melling (Australia, 3rd), andHank Gaskell (Maui, 4th) to win $40,000.
Histwo-wave heat total of 17 points (9.5, 7.5) eclipsed the field, leaving theother three in need of a two-wave combination of scores to overtake the lead.
"I'mhaving fun, I surf for a living and that's a dream in itself," saidFlorence.
"Thisis my first 6 star Prime win, it's at home, it's one of my home breaks and allmy family and friends are here, so it's one of the best moments of my life, forsure. It means everything. I've watched these guys since I was so littlegrowing up here and coming to events when I was six years old, getting theirautographs."
Florencebegan his Triple Crown campaign two weeks ago at Haleiwa, where he placedfifth. The third and final leg of the Triple Crown now awaits him on his homedoorstep at Pipeline.
The Pipe Masters will get underway on December 8. Florence began his 2011 campaignat the Banzai Pipeline in February, winning the 5-star Pipeline Pro. Fromthere, he leapt off onto the global ASP tour with hopes of securing a berthamong the elite Top 32. He has achieved that, now ranked 19th in the world.
Onthe upcoming Pipe Masters: "I live right there at Pipe and I surf therealmost every day in all conditions. Its going to be fun, for sure."
Artist: Peoples Persons
Title: Greatest Invention
Collectors and lovers of bric-a-brac, the four Peoples Persons began to make music with a cheap four track and charity shop/Ebay instruments and so began the creation of tape upon tape of gatherings and bizarre parties. Being far removed from reality, Peoples Persons avoid the ever present glare of the professional world to spend early evenings and dark nights together making good, good sounds that have so far only been heard by a select few.
To download click here
The track was featured during the last weeks edit of the Psycho 2 video
Thanks to Five Missions More. For more about O'Neill and music check out www.fivemissionsmore.com/oneill
The Triple Crown season has begun...unfortunately not with a lot of swell. Here are are few selects from the "flat" North Shore.
And you can win tickets to the European Premiere of your choice by entering the competition on www.facebook.com/oneill, to meet the guys, watch the film, and party with them afterwards.
Fighting Fear, staring O'Neill big wave surfer Mark Mathews along with his best friend Ritchie Vas, will start its European showing in Biarritz tomorrow (Friday) night following resounding success in their native Australia.
"It is an amazing experience to tour with this film," said Mark Mathews after the World premiere in Sydney. "Seeing us on the big screen was pretty weird. It's not just a surf film or a fight film. People walk in expecting that and have all been pleasantly surprised. It's a lot more than that and there are so many ups and downs it almost exhausting for me to watch"
The feature length documentary Fighting Fear gives a personal insight into both Mark and Richie - two world-class athletes in sports with deadly consequences, and how their friendship has helped bring them through the extreme challenges they have faced. It is no ordinary surf movie.
Following the first European showing in Biarritz, the boys will tour Europe along with friend, film director, editor and filmer, Macario De Souza (Kid Mac). They will attend not only the movie, but also the after party where movie-goers will have added bonus of having Kid Mac DJ to entertain.
The European-wide tour starts in Biarritz on November 18th before heading to Peniche in Portugal for a premiere at the Surf Castle. The boys then travel to Hamburg, Germany for the 24th November. The following night, the 25th they will be in The Hague, in the Netherlands, the 26th they're in Belgium, the 28th they hit Leicester Square in London for the big UK premiere. The 30th of November the boys are in Prague the grand finale finds them in Paris on December 8th.
For your chance to win tickets to a premiere near you visit www.facebook.com/ONeill Catch the trailer at www.youtube.com/teamoneill
FIGHTING FEAR EUROPEAN TOUR 2011
18th NOVEMBER FRANCE BIARRITZ CINEMA
19th NOVEMBER PORTUGAL SURFCASTLE PENICHE
24th NOVEMBER GERMANY HAMBURG
25th NOVEMBER NETHERLANDS FILMHUIS DEN HAAG
26th NOVEMBER BELGIUM GAND VOORRUIT
28th NOVEMBER UK LONDON
30th NOVEMBER CZECH REPUBLIC PRAGUE
7th DECEMBER SPAIN SURF FILM FESTIVAL SANTANDER
8th DECEMBER FRANCE PARIS
The maverick, the pioneer, the legendary man behind the wetsuit and first surf shop, Jack O'Neill, celebrates 60 years of pioneering a revolutionary brand that changed the surf industry forever. O'Neill will be releasing a biographical coffee table book following the journey of the man whose passion drove him to create an innovative suit that allowed surfers to be the first in the icy waters of the San Francisco Bay and the last out. The 256-page, hardcover book written by Drew Kampion and published by Chronicle Books will be released on oneilleshop.com, O'Neill stores and other selected retail shops starting November 1. "Jack O'Neill, It's Always Summer on the Inside," will retail for 29.95 euro with a portion of sales going to Jack's own non-profit environmental education program, O'Neill Sea Odyssey.
In 1952, Jack O'Neill opened the doors to the world's first surf shop offering wetsuits, surfboards, surf wax, travel bags, and more. Originally located in his garage, the successful O'Neill shop was relocated from his home, to San Francisco where the business began to boom, to finally Santa Cruz simply because according to Jack, "it had the best waves in California." The O'Neill Surf Shop is still located at 41st Avenue in Santa Cruz, California.
Although Jack O'Neill has been numerously named the original surf industry innovator and entrepreneur, he does not remotely consider himself a businessman at all. "I'm just a surfer who wanted to build something that would allow me to surf longer," says O'Neill. "By having the surf shop and inventing the wetsuit, it was my job to test out my products. I loved my job. My job was to surf."
In the 1950s, the idea of being paid to surf was not an option. Currently, surfing is part of a $6.24 billion industry, according to a third party research conducted by the Surf Industry Manufacturers Association (SIMA). Starting as a garage-based surf shop and wetsuit brand, O'Neill has evolved to dominate not only with their products but also by sponsoring the world's best riders in surfing, snowboarding and wakeboarding. O'Neill's roster of athletes include some of the world's biggest phenoms in their respective sports including surfers, Jordy Smith, the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World title contender and defending champion, 18 year old surfing wonder, John John Florence, and Malia Manuel, the youngest contestant to ever win the US Open of Surfing; Other action sport marvels include Snowboarder and X-Game Gold Medal Sebastien Toutant and wakeboarding legend Scott Byerly. O'Neill has also put their stamp on the fashion industry, with their women's line and have partnered with supermodel, Elyse Taylor, as the global face and ambassador of the brand through 2012.
Jack O'Neill began with a vision to create an innovative suit and unknowingly he spawned an entire industry. Today, O'Neill is sold in more than 47 countries and is the number one wetsuit brand in the world. The brand is currently carried in core shops, department stores, and other mass retailers world-wide and is known for high-quality goods for men, women and children. "O'Neill has a 60 year history of developing the industry's best products," says Pat O'Neill son of Jack and CEO of O'Neill Wetsuits, "the brand was founded on Jack's passion to be the 'first in the water' and we infuse this belief into each product we produce." O'Neill continues their heritage as an innovative brand by introducing revolutionary products to the industry such as the Psychofreak, containing XDS technology making the O'Neill wetsuit the warmest and most flexible in the market; the Hyperfreak boardshort, the first multi-stretch, fast drying boardshort made with hyperstretch fabric; and the revolutionary Superkini, the bikini designed with NANOFRONT™ technology, making the Superkini the first to have 200% more grip.
"It was Jack O'Neill's persistence, vision, and innovation that inspired an industry that has spread globally. It is an honor to be able to tell the story of a man's journey to perfect a pastime that was once not as celebrated as it is today," says author Drew Kampion.
Kampion has been a long time veteran of the surf industry serving not only as an author, but as a former editor of Surfer and Surfing magazine and has first handedly experienced the growth and expansion of O'Neill as previously holding the post of advertising director.
"Surfing has been forever evolving since the creation of the wetsuit. Kids now are doing things I would never imagine," says Jack. Some of the most respected surfers and ocean-oriented icons, including Bruce Brown, Shaun Tomson, Robby Naish, Tom Curren, Fred Van Dyke, Ken"Skindog" Collins, and Jordy Smith help tell the story of "Jack O'Neill, It's Always Summer on the Inside" by illustrating the appreciation and awe of the passion of one man's vision to step up the game of surfing.
The book will serve as the kick off to O'Neill's 60th anniversary. Stay tuned for more events in 2012.
To buy the book click here
Further Unplugged takes you behind the scenes of Jeremy Jones' two-year snowboarding film, Further. Get an inside glimpse of what goes on between the lines as Jones and other top riders including Terje Haakonsen, Xavier De Le Rue and Josh Dirksen travel to exotic locations such as Japan, the Arctic Circle and the Wrangell-St. Elias Wilderness.
Challenges arise around every corner as this crew attempts to push their minds and bodies further. In the first episode of Further Unplugged, Jones travels to Japan to snowboard with Josh Dirksen and Forrest Shearer. With the help of Japanese mountain guide "Yeti" Dave, the group explores the Japanese Alps on splitboards and scores deep powder turns. But the true adventure begins when a blizzard moves in and the crew must hunker down in a high alpine refuge. Stay tuned for 11 more Further Unplugged episodes, released once a month here on oneill.com
Artist: Exit Ten Title: Curtain Call
To say that Exit Ten have worked hard to achieve their current status as one of the most promising bands in UK rock and metal would be an understatement. The band's critical acclaim belies their relative youth, and this combined with a iron determination and adept technical skill, makes for a band with world-conquering potential.
to download click here
For more info about Exit Ten check out their Facebook
The track was featured during last weeks edit of the CWC Santa Cruz - Highlights day 2 video
Thanks to Five Missons More. For more about O'Neill and music check out www.fivemissionsmore.com/oneill
Low tide snowconditions in the european alps tempted us to follow the snow up to the far north of Norway and to explore, hike and ride the remote mountains there.
After the last two years of realizing our hike project in the Austrian alps and at the end of a really bad season here in our Austrian home mountains our search for snow brought us up to the northern part of Norway. Bib Pekarek and myself were driving up my dads campervan filled up with everything we would need for hiking, riding, surfing and camping out in the snow.
Up there we met our skiing friends Stefan Häusl and Björn Heregger to complete our crew of riders plus our camera team of two. The mountains up there are insane, some of them stick right out of the ocean and are about 2000m high. it can be quiet a mission to reach the lines you want to ride so beside some experience and knowledge, it is good to bring everything you need for exploring, like a rope to rappel into some couloir for example.
As days get longer and longer so far north until it doesn't get dark at all anymore we once had our last run at 10pm before getting up at sunrise at 3am again to hike up for our next mission.
The most difficult challenge for us was the weather which was always changing and made it impossible to plan stuff ahead.
It was an experience and a trip from bad weather frustration to powder in the woods to magic moments in an unreal beautiful mountain environment….
Video Higlight Final Day
Miguel Pupo has won the O'Neill Cold Water Classic Santa Cruz as well as the O'Neill Cold Water Classic Series 2011, walking away with a total of $90,000 prize money at this ASP Prime Event.
"I didn't even realise that I was in to win $50,000 for the CWC Series win until I got into the semi final," said Miguel Pupo. "I can't believe that just happened right now. I am feeling so great," he said. With Steamer Lane not breaking properly, the final day of competition took place under bright sunshine at the beach break of Waddell Creek. "I've been surfing a beach break my whole life so I know how to surf these waves," said Miguel. "It was perfect for me it moved to here. The story could be different if they moved to the Lane. I am lucky to come down here."
Going into the competition Miguel was a long shot for the O'Neill Cold Water Classic Series title. The 19-year-old Brazilian had been sitting in 17th place on the CWC rankings list following a 5th place in New Zealand, "I didn't go to Scotland because it was way too cold for me," said Miguel.
To win the CWC Series, Miguel needed to win the event – and that he did in his $90,000 final against Tiago Pires as he pulled out a 9.3 and a 9.6. "It feels kind of weird to have a Brazilian guy win the Cold Water Classic Series," said Miguel. "Brazilians are just used to surfing in boardshorts. I am surfing in my 4:3 with booties on which is definitely not natural for me!"
"I have loved the O'Neill Cold Water Classic Series," said Miguel. "I was in New Zealand before this, he said. "But I didn't go to Scotland. It was too cold. Here I am in a thick wetsuit so I am ok. But it is incredible to be here in California surfing this event."
En-route to the final Miguel knocked out some big names including local star Nat Young in the quarterfinals as well as fellow countryman Willian Cardoso in the semi finals, who would have taken the Series win had Miguel not gone on to win the final. In the other semi-final Tiago Pires took out South African, Jordy Smith. "I am happy to come here to an event I wasn't expecting to surf and finish third," said Jordy.
With a small swell, the 7am call in the morning at Steamer Lane saw event organisers forced to move the competition up north to Waddell Creek once again to complete this iconic event for 2011.
Video Highlight Day 4
As the O'Neill Cold Water Classic 2011 moved towards its closing stages, four quarterfinalists were decided as contest organisers once again took full advantage of the event's mobile format.
Willan Cardoso, local boy Nat Young, Nic Muscroft and Josh Kerr all made it through the non-elimination heat straight into the quarterfinals at Waddell Creek before the event was called off for the day as the swell died off.
But it was Josh Kerr who made sure that all eyes we be firmly fixed on him for the rest of this competition. The Australian posted both the highest heat and wave scores of the day in a high-pressure heat against both Jordy Smith and Tiago Pires in the non-elimination round to advance into the quarterfinals.
"I was thinking that, all three of us guys are World Tour guys and I'm into the Quarters now, and I think the way it works is that I'll have Jordy (Smith) in my next heat and that's going to be tough. I'm going to get a good night's sleep and try and get psyched up for that," said Josh following his victory.
But Josh's performance wasn't the only talk on the beach. At the start of the day local surfer Nat Young took out one of the event favourites the in-form Julian Wilson in front of supportive crowds at Steamer Lane.
He then followed this up with a victory in the 4th round to take him straight into the quarters.
"Getting in to the Quarters and skipping that round is nice," said Nat. "It'll be good to take a break and not have to surf again today. I'm stoked to make it to the Quarters, but I want to keep going in this event."
The Cold Water Classic Series rankings and the $50,000 prize money was also causing quite a stir on the beach. Still in the lead, but out of the O'Neill CWC Santa Cruz is Brent Dorrington.
However, had Adam Melling made it into the quarterfinals today he would have taken the lead in the series rankings, but would still have faced competition from Willian Cardoso, Tom Whitaker and Miguel Pupo, all still in the running.
Instead, Adam finished second behind Nic Muscroft so the suspense for Brent Dorrington continues into another day.
On this fourth day of competition in sunny Santa Cruz, another morning start at Steamer Lane for heats 5 – 8 of round three, was once again followed up by a northerly move up the coast to the sunning yet challenging beach break of Waddell Creek to finish off the round as well as round 4.
Video Highlight Day 3
Santa Cruz, California – October 28, 2011 – It was a non-stop day of action at the O'Neill Cold Water Classic 2011, as the event took full advantage of its mobile format to make the most of the swell on offer.
Starting just after sunrise at Steamer Lane to finish off the Round of 96, the event packed up and headed up the coast to the beach break of Waddell Creek to plough through the Round of 48. Then just to finish things off, it returned back to the Lane to get stuck into the man-on-man heats in the Round of 24 until the sun set.
"It's like surfing two different events in two days," said Jordy Smith. The South African who currently sits at number 6 on the ASP World Ranking took the final wildcard position at this ASP PRIME event and advanced with ease through to the Round of 24.
"I just want to take confidence from this event," said Jordy. "I wasn't expecting to compete. My ribs have been back and forth up and down the last month. One week they are ok, and the next week I cant move. But at the moment I can surf one or two heats and it's ok."
There were waves, sunshine, stand out performances, and of course drama on this third day of competition.
But whilst Josh Kerr produced the drama yesterday by powering through his heat after an interference, he today went through with signature style and ease netting both the highest heat score and wave score of the day.
No, the drama today came from fellow Australian, Bede Durbridge.
Arriving at the beach late for his heat after accidently falling asleep, Bede got into the water with 8 minutes to go, caught two waves in quick succession, scored a 7 point ride and a 7.50, won his heat and progressed to the round of 24.
"I was stressing," said Bede. "I picked up my wife from the airport, came home and fell asleep," he said. "When I woke up I opened the computer and realized I had a few minutes to go until my heat. I thought it was at the Lane so I thought I could make it so I raced down there then realized it was at Waddell."
"When I got here I had 8 minutes left of my heat and was thinking it's going to be tough now," he said. "But I was positive even though my back was against the wall. Thankfully the waves came straight to me. Someone was watching out for me."
As the competition moved into the man-on-man heats, the race for the O'Neill Cold Water Classic Series title – and the $50,000 - has started to heat up.
Currently in the lead but out of the competition is Brent Dorrington. However still in the running in order of current standing are Adam Melling, Willian Cardoso, Miguel Pupo and Tom Whitaker.
And it was Miguel Pupo who made his claim today taking out the in-form Kolohe Andino to advance to the round of 12.
"He has just won two big events in my country so I had to really just go out there and focus on my own surfing and I am so excited to get through," said Miguel.
The next call will be October 29th at 7.30am.
Watch the event live at: www.oneill.com/liveThe event is supported by Philips O'Neill Headphones, Sierra Nevada, Dream Inn Hotel & Aquarius Restaurant.
Video Highlights Day 2
–Once again it was the setting for a perfect day of competition – clear blue skies, and whales out in the bay - on day two of the O'Neill Cold Water Classic, Santa Cruz.
A high tide meant that despite at 7am start for the call, Steamer Lane wasn't working its magic until after lunch when local surfer Jonny Craft got into the water and took out the first heat of the day.
"I was really stoked that I got my first wave right when the horn blew," said Jonny. "I got a 5th place here last year and now I am looking to better that."
Another competitor out in the water today with steely determination was the winner of the first stop on the O'Neill CWC Series out in New Zealand, Adam Melling
With current Series leader Brent Dorrington out of the event Adam Melling is now eyeing up the $50,000 prize money on offer to the CWC Series winner as he sits a mere 920 points behind Brent.
And he made his intent known in the early stages of his heat, pulling out the highest wave score of the event with a 9.50.
"I knew it was going to be pretty slow out there so I thought the guy who goes through is going to get the set. Luckily that set had a few waves in it and the last one was the best one. I was glad to get it," said Adam
"I am definitely getting into the water with a fight. It might not have looked like it as I didn't catch another wave until the last 5 minutes. I would really need the points for my ASP World Ranking, so I am probably going to think about that more than the money. But that $50,000 would definitely be a good bonus for the end of the year.
Another fighter out in the water was Josh Kerr. Sitting in first, he picked up an interference and slid down to 4th place. And then pulled out the second highest wave score of the event, a 9.30.
"There was a little bit of hassling going on behind the rock. Cory and me were having a little tussle the whole heat. We were pushing each other too deep and I thought he wasn't quite going to get it, so I was going no matter what. Sure enough he got it and I got an interference.
And then they ended up hassling themselves all too deep and I ended up getting the best wave of the heat."
Whilst the weather might have provided the perfect backdrop to the day, the waves were a challenge for the surfers as the young World Tour surfer John John Florence was finding.
"It's great to be back at the CWC in Santa Cruz again," said John John after his heat. "It's just a challenge with four men in the water instead of two and the waves are a lot more challenging."
With a decreasing swell on the horizon, the event organisers are eying up the back up location of Waddell Creek just north of Santa Cruz.
The next call will be tomorrow October 28th at 7am for a possible 7.15 start.
Watch the event live at: www.oneill.com/live
The event is supported by Philips O'Neill Headphones, Sierra Nevada, Dream Inn Hotel & Aquarius Restaurant.
Follow the event at:
www.oneill.com/cwc
facebook.com/oneill
twitter.com/teamoneill
John John cracking jokes
John John checking the surf before his next heat
John John getting barrelled yet again....NICE
John John telling tales from the tube
Young Gun John John Florence
John John and Supertubos had a gooood time
Jordy Smith checking the scene at Supertubos.
The waves and Jordy Smith pleasing the press.
John John giving the groms some love before his killer heat - combined total of 19.53!
John John turns it on and enjoys a super tube at Supertubos....
Supertubos is living up to it's name at this years Rip Curl Pro Portugal and John John is taking full advantage.
John John taking advantage of the perfectly-hollow Supertubos...
Sydney Australia, - It is, of course, a story of bigwave riding – the feats of which still manage to astound no matter how many times they are witnessed.
Moreover,however, Fighting Fear, the new movie from OʼNeill big wave charger MarkMathews, documents an extraordinary story of friendship between Mark and fellow surfer and Ultimate Fighting star Ritchie Vas as they chase their dreams and combat the demons of their past.
The two friends from Maroubra, in Sydney Australia, are fearless, living life on the edge, daring each other to surf bigger waves, party harder, and take greater risks.
But when their adrenalin-seeking antics & partying turns sour, it sets in motion adramatic and life-changing series of events that threatens to derail everything they have worked so hard for.
The feature length documentary Fighting Fear gives a personal insight into these two world-class athletes in sports with deadly consequences and how their friendship has helped bring them through it.
"We have been filming this over three years," says Mark Mathews. "Itʼs been an incredible experience. Sometimes scary, sometimes crazy, but overall just amazing to be able to look back at everything myself and Richie have been through... and come through."
This winter,the movie will be making its tour through Europe along with its stars, Mark Mathews, Richie Vaculik and film director, editor, filmer, Macario De Souza .
Donʼt miss Fighting Fearʼs European movie tour.www.facebook.com/ONeill
Catch the trailer at www.youtube.com/teamoneill
Mark Mathews
When the swell forecast predicts waves over 40 feet, that's when Australian Pro- Big Wave surfer Mark Matthews starts getting excited. The 29 year old from Sydney's Maroubra has become one of the World's Best Big Wave surfers over the last five years. Mark and Richie's friendship dates back to early days in the water when Mark was scared of big waves and often had to get his mother to come and paddle him in.
Although his entire family surf, he is the only one to focus on making it his career - indeed Mark's dad is a surgeon, his mum runs a yoga retreat in New York and his sister teachers in China.
In 2007, Mark caught the wave of the day at the 2007 Monster Energy Pro at Pipeline, Hawaii, earning him global recognition, since then, Mark has been unstoppable in his quest for bigger waves, winning Big Wave Awards in 2009, 2010 and at the Oakley 2011 Big Wave Awards.
When waves are flat or between injuries Mark plays piano, the guitar, or picks up a new instrument to pass the time until he can surf again. He makes a conscious effort to keep hisenergy positive, especially in the weeks before a big swell and is known to meditate & read spiritual self-help books to help him mentally prepare for conquering impossibly high waves.
FIGHTING FEAR EUROPEAN TOUR 2011
18th NOVEMBER FRANCE BIARRITZ CINEMA
19th NOVEMBER PORTUGAL SURFCASTLEPENICHE
24th NOVEMBER GERMANY HAMBURG
25th NOVEMBER NETHERLANDS FILMHUIS DENHAAG
26th NOVEMBER BELGIUM GAND VOORRUIT
29th NOVEMBER UK LONDON
30th NOVEMBER CZECH REPUBLIC PRAGUE
7th DECEMBER SPAIN SURF FILM FESTIVALSANTANDER
8th DECEMBER FRANCE PARIS
Artist: Leni Ward
Title: You Love For A Living
Leni Ward is a one woman musical army. She writes, produces, records
engineers and performs, playing a wide variety of instruments across the
course of the album. Live, Leni recreates the rich layers of her recorded
work by becoming a "modern one-woman band", playing two keyboards
simultaneously and triggering samples and effects with her feet.
to download click here
For more info about Leni Ward check her website
Thanks to Five Missons More. For more about O'Neill and music check out www.fivemissionsmore.com/oneill
Artist: Frootful
Title: Astronaughty
Frootful isthe name guitarist & illustrator Nick Radford records under. Musically hebridges the gap between past and present, acknowledging classic 60s soul-jazz,Latin, ska and R&B influences, while reflecting the creative process oflooking back to move forward. His debut album 'Colours' is out now on FreestyleRecords.
to download click here http://t.opsp.in/14wr0
For more info about Frootful check their website or Facebook page
Thanks to Five Missons More. For more about O'Neill and music check out www.fivemissionsmore.com/oneill
Philips and O'Neill are stepping up their successful headphones collaboration by announcing the imminent launch of Tested on Animals: The Seb Toots Edition - a new interactive YouTube video campaign, featuring O'Neill Global team rider Seb Toots, that puts you the viewer right at the heart of the action.
Taking interactive video marketing to the next level for the snow industry, this new and graphically unique campaign showcases the mind-blowing riding skills of Toots, as well as the multiple features that make The Bend his favorite Philips | O'Neill headphones to wear while tearing up the TTR World Snowboard Tour.
Tested on Animals: The Seb Toots Edition will see you calling the shots as Toots charges his way down the mountain. You get to decide what trick Seb pulls every time he approaches a kicker, rail or wall ride. From backside 7's to backside 10 double corks and backside lips, you'll enjoy a rare opportunity to realize your own vision of the ultimate park run courtesy of Toots' phenomenal arsenal of tricks.
The video also provides an insight into the brutal testing that Toots subjected The Bend to. Built to resist the demands of a pro rider's uncompromising lifestyle, The Bend features a robust construction including safe-release cans and a super-flexible headband for unbeatable resistance to impact forces. So on the few occasions that Toots does bail hard, all he need to worry about is himself, and not his headphones. An innovative anti-slip goggle grip, meanwhile, means Toots' headphones always stay in place no matter how hard he throws down.
After wrapping up filming of the YouTube video in Whistler, Toots said: "That was a lot of fun. It's been a hectic couple of days, but it worked out really good. This is the first time I've ever been involved in an interactive project like this, and its cool to do something that is new."
Jump into the driving seat and take control: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5ROb4GxKjM
For more information about Philips|O'Neill: www.toaheadphones.com
Winning back to back Star Events in Europe to join Sage Erickson on the 2012 World Tour!
Artist: BLACK PISTOL FIRE
Title: SILENT BLUE
Black Pistol Fire is a Rock and Roll duo originally from Toronto Canada, now based out of Austin, Texas. Their sound has been described as a mix of classic southern rock and garage punk. In just a few short months since its release, their self-titled debut has landed nearly a dozen placements in major media, including television, advertising and video games. Amidst their many live shows, the band is recording their second record, coming in 2012.
Download link: http://t.opsp.in/14eMh
For more info about Black Pistol Fire check their Facebook
Thanks to Five Missons More. For more about O'Neill and music check out www.fivemissionsmore.com/oneill
Welcome to O'Neill's Fall/Winter 2011-2012 photo shoot where things are DEFINITELY not what they appear to be.....Check out behind the scenes.
www.oneill.com/illusion
Welcome to O'Neill's Fall/Winter 2011-2012 photo shoot where things are DEFINITELY not what they appear to be.....Check out behind the scenes.
www.oneill.com/illusion
John John Florence speaks to the media after his round two victory. © ASP/ Kirstin
John John Florence heads out for his round two heat. © ASP/ Kirstin
Despite John John Florence's incredible performance in round three he wasn't able overtake World #2 Owen Wright. ©ASP/Rowland
John John Florence packs some power behind his carves at Lowers. © ASP/ Kirstin
John John Florence posted a scintillating round two victory over Alejo Muniz. © ASP/ Kirstin
John John Florence was in good form in his first heat as an ASP World Tour competitor.©ASP/Rowland
Raoni Moneiro surfed well but unfortunately he didn't advance into round three.©ASP/Rowland
We got a hold of the Cabreiroa Pantin Classic Pro Champ Malia Manuel as she heads to the Azores for the Azores Island Pro.
How's it feel to win a 6 star on the road?
Malia – It feels so good to win after so long and so many seconds!!
How long has it been since you've won an event ?
Malia – It's been 465 days and 3 hours since I got my last first place. Haha!
The first half of the year you struggled a little bit , what did you do different this event? Mindset, equipment Ect.?
Malia – I just had to get back into contest mode after filming for Leave A Message. I think I had too much fun free surfing with all my friends and I carried that into contests. That definitely didn't work. It also helped we had some decent waves the past couple events. I was looking forward to surfing a contest or two in Hawaii this winter, but unfortunately the women don't have any this year.
Good Luck in the Azores!
Malia – Mahalo!
Artist: STEVIE LEE
Title: LAST MAN STANDING
Upbeat driving rock is what Stevie does best and Last Man Standing is a
perfect example of this. His production style revolves around lashing
gritty guitars, heavy drums and bass! Short & sweet but very effective!
Download link: http://t.opsp.in/14O4A
For more info about Stevie Lee check his website
Thanks to Five Missons More. For more about O'Neill and music check out www.fivemissionsmore.com/oneill
Artist: Hairy Hands:
Title: It Was Kerry's Idea
Label: Tape Club Records
Hairy Hands, aka singer/producer Mr James Bright, specialises in making music using his voice/electronic/acoustic/handmade/homemade instruments. Is it folk beat? Or clitch hop? No one knows! His debut single 'People Chat Alot' is out mid September followed by the full album 'Within A Palms Reach' later in the year on Tape Club Records.
Download Link: http://t.opsp.in/142y4
If you want to know more about Hairy Hands visit their website or their Facebook page
Thanks to Five Missons More. For more about O'Neill and music check out www.fivemissionsmore.com/oneill
Title: Lament No.77 (We Will Follow!)
Label: Nice Weather For Airstrikes
Blurb: Monsters Build Mean Robots (MBMR) is a Brighton based band currently releasing through Post Rock Label Nice Weather for Airstrikes. What began as a side-project for members of Last Days of Lorca and Court of Hidden Faces quickly turned into one of Brighton's biggest and best Post Rock bands. Since releasing their début album in 2007 the band have extensively toured the UK and Ireland, and have just released their follow up album (produced by Pigeon Detectives / Pulled Apart By Horses Producer Andy Hawkins)
Download link: http://t.opsp.in/142wZ
Link to buy: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/weshouldhavedestroyedourgeneralsnottheirenemies/id442129025
Its featured during the final day of CWC Scotland 2011http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Soc7Qob3AJs
For more info about the artist check their blog http://mbmrobots.wordpress.com or go to their Facebook page .
Thanks to Five Missons More. For more about O'Neill and music check out www.fivemissionsmore.com/oneill
The 2011The O'Neill Surf de Nuit, presented by Philips & Orangina returns toAnglet/ Chambre d'Amour to produce the most spectacular and exciting event ofthe summer.
The O'Neill Surf de Nuit is not just any surf contest, it is an astounding mix ofmusic and surf, with day and night spectacles providing an experience like noother.
Frommidday on August 19th, O'Neill is providing free surf lessons andstand up paddleboard lessons with professional Team O'Neill riders as yourteachers.
Then at6pm is when things really get started. With surf videos playing on a giant screenon the beach, free music concerts and DJs – Da Brasilians, Kid Bombardos, Hushpuppiesand DJ Maf will play live right on the beach of Sables d'Or.
It is the perfect backdrop to what is guaranteed to be an amazing finals of the nightsurfing aerial show with some of the best freesurfers in the world, including ShaunCansdell, Nick Riley, Hugo Savalli, and Christophe Allary
10,000spectators are expected to watch the boys showing off their best tricks in thewater under the light of huge helium balloons hovering overhead.
Aperfect surfing day open to everyone, a unique night air show together withlive music…it is the ultimate O'Neill experience not to be missed.
Check outthe 2011 Surf de Nuit teaser at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3XWd1coINQ
EVENT PROGRAM
Friday August 19th
12.30 - 17hrs
- Free Surf Academy on Sables d'or beach with team O'Neill & Anglet Surf
- Club and free Stand Up Paddle initiations with Enbata
- REGISTRATION at Anglet Surf Club or at marketing@oneillfrance.com / 0033 761 587 185
- Free surf/stand Up Paddle product Testing
-Qualification series for main event -For entry contact angletsurfclub@orange.fr / 0033 559 030 166
-Surf movies on giant screen
From 6pm
FREE CONCERTS:
6-7 pm Da Brasilians
7.30- 8.30 pm Kid Bombardos
9-10.30 pm Hushpuppies
10.30 pm DJ MAF
From 10.30pm :
FINALES OF O'NEILL SURF DE NUIT
DJ MAF
A look back at the 2011 O'neill Sea paddle NYC.
Rob Rojas dominates the elite field,while the event raises more then $400,000 for Surfer's Environmental Awareness and Autism.
Artist: The New Burn
Track: Patch You Up
Mark Wilkins' obsession with overdrive has lasted two years. Across 12 intense songs, 10 classic guitars, six hand-built distortion pedals, four vintage amps and two continents he's toiled.
Painstakingly, meticulously – religiously – he's matched sound with sound, clashing riff against riff, in search of something truly timeless, perfectly saturated, harmoniously destroyed: right in all the wrong ways. His goal: to produce a proper, timeless rock record – with wall-to-wall guitars and loads of feel. One that reflects his band's influences yet captures their own sound.
Link to download: http://t.opsp.in/13k0t
If you wanted to know more about the new burn visit their website
Thanks to Five missions more. For more about O'Neill and Music check out www.fivemissionsmore.com/ONeill
Artist: TrailTrack: Fumes
Trail started out by building a fanbase and a steady buzz the old fashioned way...hard work! In 2008 their bedroom demos caught the attention of loyal listeners around the world who invested their own money towards the making of Trail's first album. The band flew to LA to record with multi-platinum producer Matt Wallace (Maroon 5 / Faith No More).
The resulting album entitled To The Rest of The World has won critical acclaim from national publications such as Kerrang!, Music Week and Clash Magazine, multiple plays on national and regional UK radio.
"The most important thing is just how convincing these guys are - You believe in the songs because the band clearly do, too. They give it their all, they have too. because thats how bands start out and get noticed. And if they keep it up, it's sure to pay off." CLASH MAGAZINE
Link to download: http://t.opsp.in/13k0V
If you want to know more about Trail visit their Facebook page or go to www.trailmusic.co.uk
Thanks to Five missions more. For more about O'Neill and Music check out www.fivemissionsmore.com/ONeill
O'neill team rider malia Manuel surfing Trestles.
This years US Open hasn't been kind to the O'Neill team. With early losses for Timmy, Roy, Raoni, Cory and Luke, John John is our only rider left in the contest. 2Johns is making up for it in a big way by taking out some big names along the way including 2 time US Open Champ Brett Simpson yesterday.
Today is another story and another set of contenders left in his wake with Nat Young and Nate Yeomans suffering in the small surf and inconsistent swell. Check out the live feed tomorrow if you can't get there to watch it live. John John takes on the formidable Brazilian Miguel Pupo at the very end of Round of 24.
Jeffreys Bay, July 24th, 2011. Team O'Neill surfing sensation Jordy Smith, has taken one step closer to making his 2011 world title dreams a reality by winning the Billabong Pro, an Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Tour event held at Supertubes in Jeffreys Bay, South Africa. The result earned the twenty-three year old US$75,000 in prize money, and boosted Smith from fifth to second on the ASP World Tour rankings, leaving him within striking distance of current ratings leader Joel Parkinson (Australia).
With the world's best surfers descending on Jeffreys Bay to contest one of international surfing's most prestigious titles, Smith was touted as a favorite to defend his 2010 Billabong Pro title, but faced several difficult heats on his way to victory. Smith opened his campaign by defeating wildcard Sean Holmes and Adam Melling in round one, and then dispatched close friend and fellow Durbanite Travis Logie in round three. From there Smith eliminated 2010 semi-finalist Bede Durbidge, Florida's Damien Hobgood, and Australian Adrian Buchan as he charged through to the final where he faced two-time World Champion Mick Fanning.
Despite world-class surfing conditions at Jeffreys Bay for the fourth and fifth rounds, the final day delivered tricky conditions courtesy of a strong onshore wind. The final started with a bang, both Fanning and Smith found quality rides within the first few minutes. Fanning was awarded an 8.0, but the Australian's lead was short lived as Smith quickly answered with an 8.6. Fanning was patient to counter, sitting for over seventeen minutes before catching his next wave to post a 6.83. Once again Fanning's score was to be outdone and Smith grabbed the lead for good with a 7.0 score for his second counting.
With the blast of the hooter, the final concluded and an elated Smith stood on his board with his hands in the air acknowledging his native fans that braved the rain and cold. Emerging from the water Smith was carried up the beach on the shoulders of a throng of his friends.
"Mick (Fanning) has surfed amazing all week," Smith said. "He's always an inspiration and he's right there with everyone in the hunt for the title. Today's a huge win for me. Last year, it was very emotional. To back it up this year just feels really, really good. It's huge for my confidence and I'm looking forward to the rest of the year."
"I'd like to congratulate Jordy on behalf of everyone at O'Neill," said O'Neill South Africa Sales and Marketing Manager Paul Canning. "Throughout the event Jordy showed the sort of commitment and determination that has made him one of the worlds best surfers and we're very proud of his performance this week."
To further highlight Smith's domination of the 2011 Billabong Pro, he also walked away with the Nixon Winner Takes All US$10,000 watch for achieving the contest's highest heat score, an impressive 18.30 out of a possible 20 in his Round 5 tussle with Bede Durbidge.
Team O'Neill Girls USA Championship Highlights
Jordy Smith scored for his first wave a 8.0.
Second wave score was 8.53 winning the heat with a 16.53
Last wave Jordy smashed his 2010 J-Bay victory board.
Raoni Monteiro
A 14.03 was not enough against Michel Bourez who took honers of the day, netting the event high single-wave score 9.30 and total of 17.07
Jordy was out Free surfing around the Bay!
The first round and half of the second round saw Jordy Smith advance past fellow South African Sean Holmes and Aussy Adam Melling into the third round against Travis Logie. Logie, also a native of South African, replaced Kelly Slater in the lineup as Kelly is chasing a huge swell in Tavarua. As the swell is diminishing in South Africa, Slater's choice is proving to be the better.
Brazilian Raoni Monteiro will surf in heat 8 of the second round against Michel Bourez when competition resumes. O'Neill wildcard Cory Lopez fell in round two to and on fire Ace Buchan.
Artist: HERMA PUMA
Title: CIRCLE OF DESTINY
Label: FIRST WORD RECORDS
Herma Puma met through a shared love of obscure jazz, library and funkrecords. The transatlantic Hip Hop duo (Pimpernel Jones (UK) and Simple X(US)) quickly started to produce beats together. Their style of head noddinggrooves are a melting pot of the last hundred years of music flipped intofresh production for today. Circle Of Destiny is taken from their debut LP –Synchromystic.
Link to download: http://t.opsp.in/139Gc
During the O'Neill Coldwater Classic Scotland 2011 we used "Herma Puma – Circle of destiny" for Day 4 highlights with epic surf.
If you want to know more about Herma Puma visit their website: www.firstwordrecords.com
Thanks to www.fivemissionsmore.com
Jordy Smith was on fire in J-bay for round 1 he scored a 9 and a 7.87 through to round 3! Cory Lopez and Raoni Monteiro are both in round 2. Next call Saturday morning 7 A.M.
June 18, 2011. Cologne, Germany –German wonder kid Nico von Lerchenfeld has won the O'Neill Wake the Line World Championships this weekend in Cologne, Germany, ahead of Shawn Watson and Keith Lidberg, in second and third place. With two near-perfect runs across the challenging course at the Stadionbad in Cologne, Von Lerchenfeld had no problem impressing the judges.
His first run included a snowboard inspired combo on the first gap, a huge melon air out of the quarterpipe and a switch toeside frontside 900 to top it off. When he hit his own signature obstacle in his second run, he nailed a backside 270 to switch noseslide and secured his win at the 2011 OʼNeill Wake The Line Shawn Watson proved to be the most consistent rider, laying down top level runs all evening including his signature move, an olé toeside 540.
Third place went to Keith Lidberg, who impressed the massive crowds assembled all evening, but couldnʼt maintain the same consistency as the two ahead of him. In the wakeskating division, 13 year old Daniel Grant from Thailand amazed everyone when he first hit the course. putting pressure on big names such as Nick Taylor (USA) and Leo Labadens (FRA). In his final run, Grant exploded and laid down the best line of the day, topping it off with a clean heelside frontside 540.Second place went to last years winner Jan Kissmann from Germany, followed by another German, Andy Kolb. Johannes Degenhardt, one of the founders of Wake The Line, was extremely pleased with the result of this year's edition. "I checked the weather forecast about 10 times a day the past week and we got some great support from the sunshine god", he said. "As every year the setup, organisation and riders management stepped it up a notch for a spectacular show."
June 17, 2011. Cologne, Germany – O'Neill Wake The Line, the biggest competition and spectacle of all time in the world of Wakeboard and Wakeskate, is getting ready to launch.
From 5pm tomorrow the Stadionbad in Cologne will be transformed into one of the most progressive arenas for the top Wakeboard and Wakeskate talent in the world to show their skills and battle it out for the title of World Champion and the $30,000 that comes with it.
Among those already gathered in Cologne is legendary Scott Byerly who will be on the judging panel for the Wakeskate competition.
"The set up here looks amazing," said Scott. "I think it's really going to bring out the best of all the guys who are coming to this event, so we should see an incredible show here tomorrow," he said. "For now, I just can't wait to get out there and try it all myself."
Those he will be judging include one of the top and most progressive Wake Skaters in the world right now – Nick Taylor, from Florida, USA.
Joining him in Cologne are Dylan Miller (Canada), Shawn Watson (USA), Colin Harrington (USA), Shane Bonifay (USA), Nico von Lerchenfeld (Ger), Kevin Henshaw (Canada) and Steffen Vollert – all chasing previous winner Raph Derome.
Entrance is free for the first 6,000 visitors
Nick Taylor sessions the winch spot deemed “Pandora”. Your options for lines are infinite at this spot down under. Talk about dream wakeskate winch spot….
June 9, 2011. Ibiza, Spain – Dutch contestantTatjana Maul has won theO'Neill One Way Runway model search in Ibiza.
Tatjana wowed the judges not only with her naturalbeauty and model looks, but also with her playful and positive attitude as shewalked the catwalk built into the cliff at Cala Bassa beach before leaping intothe sea.
"I can't believe this whole experience," said Tajiana."At the moment it doesn't feel real. I think when I go back to Holland and takea breath I will realise how amazing these few days have been," she said. "Ijust can't believe I won!!!"
Tatjana will star in the Spring Summer 12 campaign forO'Neill and has also won a modeling contract with Next Model Management.
All 12 girls from around the world - chosen from thethousands who joined the competition on www.facebook.com/oneillgirls,put on a spectacular show in front of the hundreds gathered around the cliff forthe event.
However despite all the confidence and smiles on theRunway, there were a few nerves and fears amongst the girls.
I didn't tell anyone before,but I am actually scared of heights," said Tatjana. "However the one good thingwas I knew that the O'Neill Superkini was going to stick to me, which was quitea good thing considering there were cameramen under the water!"
Given the enthusiasm and excitement fromall the girls, it was a tough decision for the panel of judges who were sittingwatching the catwalk and cliff jump. Choosing the winner were supermodel, ElyseTaylor, O'Neill professional surfer, Raine Jackson, O'Neill Female BrandManager, Carla Eikenaar, Next Model Management Women's Booker, Grace Puc, andCompany Magazine editor Victoria White.
Victoria White.
"All the girls were amazing up theretoday," said Elyse Taylor. "They looked great, had so much energy and so manylaughs, and they had guts to jump off that runway."
"Tatjana is the perfect O'Neill girl,"said O'Neill Female Brand Manager, Carla Eikenaar. "She is the kind of girl whowill have fun no matter what she is doing, and she looked amazing up there onthe One Way Runway."
Although it was a competition – which started back inMarch on www.facebook.com/oneillgirls- the past three days has been focused on having fun.
"Of course we have all come here and wantto win," said German contestant Sophie Ferch. "But actually it has been so muchfun and I have had the best time hanging out with all of the girls, it hasbecome more about the whole experience. It's been amazing.
The finalists on the One Way Runway were(in alphabetical order):
ALICE IVAN (USA)
AURORE MORISSE (BE)
JENNIFER VAN DER TOORN (NL)
KARYCIA IGLESIAS (ES)
NATASHA FOOTMAN (GB)
SARAH EBSTEIN (FR)
SOPHIE FERCH (DE)
SOPHIE JASPERS (BE)
STEVIE BREEZE (AU)
TATJANA MAUL (NL)
TEREZKAPROUZOVA (CZ)
VALENTINA VALENTE (PT)
June 8, 2011. Ibiza, Spain – The OʼNeill One Way Runway – a model contest with a difference - has arrived in Ibiza and is ready to kick off.
12 models have flown into the sunny Mediterranean island of Ibiza, and supermodel and jury member Elyse Taylor has just arrived from New York and is ready to cast her eye over the hopefuls.
12 models have flown into the sunny Mediterranean island of Ibiza, and supermodel and jury member Elyse Taylor has just arrived from New York and is ready to cast her eye over the hopefuls.
"I canʼt believe we are finally here," said Elyse Taylor. "Itʼs been such an exciting build up to get to this moment itʼs so great to now see it all about to happen. The girls are all brilliant – they all seem to have a real fun OʼNeill spirit and I think everyone is now just counting down until tomorrow evening for the catwalk."
Tomorrow at 6pm local time, the girls will be wearing the new OʼNeill Superkini – the only bikini that will stick with you no matter what the water throws your way – as they jump the few meters off the cliff at the end of the catwalk and into the sea.
Underwater cameramen and photographers will be capturing all the action as it is broadcast live on a big screen for the hundreds that are geared up to line the beach in the bay of Cala Bassa.
Each girl will have one chance to walk along the cliff top, and jump into the water to show that she is a model with a difference. The prize is to star in the OʼNeill 2012 campaign as well as win a modelling contract with Next Model Management.
The 12 girls will be judged by supermodel, Elyse Taylor, OʼNeill professional surfer, Raine Jackson, OʼNeill Female Brand Manager, Carla Eikenaar, Next Model Management Womenʼs Booker, Grace Puc and Company Magazine editor Victoria White.
"We are looking for girls who not only look good on the runway, but also have that OʼNeill spirit," said Carla Eikenaar about choosing the winner. "Itʼs about getting up there, jumping into the water and having a lot of fun."
p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica}p.p2 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; color: #404040}The catwalk will take place at 6pm local time on the stunning beach of Cala Bassa where the 12 girls will walk the runway built into the cliff and jump off the end into the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean wearing the OʼNeill Superkini – the bikini that, thankfully, sticks to you.
www.facebook.com/oneillgirls
Twitter: Follow @ONeillGirls for live updates during the event. Use #ONeillSuperkini to tweet about event!
The first stop of the O'Neill Tahoe Cup Race Series was held at Donner Lake this past weekend. The event was met with unusual winter like conditions making the race extremely challenging for competitors. The day started out with sunshine lighting up the snow-capped backdrop, but by the time the starting horn blasted a light snow began to fall. The 5-mile race started at the West End Beach Park where competitors paddled 2.5 miles along the south shore of Donner before making the crossing near China Cove. Once the buoy on the north shore was reached, there was an upwind 2.5-mile paddle back to the West End Beach Park and the finish line.
Recent Big South Swell Hits Southern California.
Cory, Roy, Timmy and John ripping in OZ.
Team O'Neill Lowers Day 4 Highlights
We had a few words with Mark Mathews during a recent visit to the O'Neill offices.
John, Cory, Roy and Malia get in some surf before the start of the contest.
All eyes of the surfing world were focused on the Grove Theater in Anaheim, California this past Friday for the XXL Big Wave Awards. A night filled with emotional celebrations for the biggest and heaviest waves ridden over the last twelve months was highlighted by O'Neill Team rider Danilo Couto winning top honour - Ride of the Year for his amazing air drop at the infamous big wave spot Jaws. Forever considered a wave that was too big and too fast to paddle in to, Couto and an elite group of big wave surfers began to take on the massive waves off the coast of Maui without jet ski assist. After getting one swell under his belt a large swell with extremely challenging conditions hit Jaws on February 8. It was then that Couto air dropped in to a wall of water taller than a five-story building and earned himself XXL Big Wave Ride of the Year.
An air drop that would've seemed to last an eternity, Couto landed half way down the wall of water and side-slipped the face of the wave before regaining control and pulling up for an amazing ride in the bowl of the wave before safely exiting to the safety of the channel, a ride of a life time for the Brazilian and a new chapter in the surfing history books. Couto reflected on his accomplishment and being a part of the big wave paddle renaissance, "I've been feeling really good for two months, ever since I caught that wave," said Couto. "I couldn't sleep for days, knowing I had done something so special. To be a part of surf history, to have an impact, it's special."
Over one thousand images and videos were submitted for judging for the XXL Awards, winners were decided by a panel of several hundred surfers, photographers and surf media editors. A previous nominee for the XXL Awards, Couto's mission this past winner was to take home the top honour."From the start of the season my goal has been to win the Ride of the Year in the XXL by paddling into a wave at Jaws. I knew it was possible and wanted to show the world. I have surfed huge waves at Jaws and other places towed in by jet skis but I have always believed that the best, most pure and rewarding way of surfing big waves is by paddling into them and that's what I have been dedicating all my energies towards." Married with a young daughter, the thirty-six year old Couto has lived on the North Shore of Oahu for the last fifteen years. He is a native of the city of Salvador, in Bahia, Brazil, where he first stood on a surfboard in 1985. The transplanted Brazilian is proud to represent his native country and thankful for his life in Hawaii today, "I also did this for my country and it's proud and patriotic people. Coming from Brazil things are always harder to accomplish but we never give up. I also want to thank the people of Hawaii and their hospitality. It's where I call home and I have received so many blessings from the ocean. It's where I made my family, had a daughter born and have a lot of friends so I feel very lucky for all of that. Jaws is one of my favourite spots. More than that I feel I have a spiritual connection with it; it's a sacred place. Big wave riding is about respecting the ocean and being connected with it..."
An emotional part of the evening was when the late Sion Milosky won Big Wave Performer of the Year. Cuoto was in the water at Maverick´s when his friend and fellow big wave rider Sion Milosky died in March. For Couto the loss was shocking, specially knowing that Sion leaves a wife and two beautiful daughters behind. Nonetheless Danilo believes that, "considering that our passage on earth is such a short one, there is a certain beauty to die doing what you love". Couto will donate a portion of his $50,000 prize money to the Sion Milosky foundation. The big wave surf community is a small elite group that is held together with a uniquely strong bond that is formed by the fact that each other's lives are often on the line, looking out for one another is a natural trait for these surfers. While Couto is proud of his accomplishment he knows he wasn't alone, "It has been a great year for me and my friends pushing the big wave paddle movement at Jaws," Couto proudly stated after the awards Friday night. "I was the one that caught the wave but it's important to say that you don't do something like that alone. So I have to give thanks and share this emotion with my friends and family.
Australia's Mark Matthews has been rewarded the peoples choice "Worst Wipeout" honour for his heroics gone awfully wrong at the 2011 Billabong XXL awards. Shipsterns Bluff in the icy & remote waters of Tasmania can deliver you the wave of your life or a pounding you'll never forget. Matthews has seen both sides of the Dr Jeckyl & Mr Hyde mutant they call "Shippies". "That wipe-out in particular was super violent, I just covered my head and hoped I didn't hit the bottom" Matthews recalled at home in Maroubra, Australia. "That wave was so insane, I thought I'd made it to the bottom then it stepped out on me, I barely handled the first bump and tried to hold my line in the barrel as it warped again. I knew I was gone but tried to hang on, next thing I was upside down getting so smashed I thought the power of the wave was going to rip me in half" Mark reflected. "I'm honoured to win the award, its just cool to be recognized amongst the best big wave guys in the world regardless of the accolade". "I'm donating the money I won to Sion Molosky's wife and children. I got to know Si really well during the late season in Hawaii this year, we surfed Waimea a bunch together. It's so sad to see such a nice guy lose his life and leave a widow and 2 young children. Giving them the cash is the least I could do"
Mark who recently signed a 5-year deal with O'Neill International is currently chasing Australia's autumn swells and favorable conditions hunting the biggest waves the country has to offer. " I love this time of year in Australia, there's heaps of swell and epic conditions" Matthews said. " And having O'Neill back me for the next 5 years is amazing, I can do what I love properly which is chasing and riding the biggest waves on the planet".
Check out the new cover of Ghetto Juice Magazine, featuring our Saffa surfer Jordy.
Introducing Oneill team rider Jake Davis
April 17, 2011 – Thurso, Scotland – Brent Dorrington raised the Highland Sword high above his head as he was knighted Lord Dorrington after winning the O'Neill Cold Water Classic Scotland 2011.
"I decided to man up and come try to surf in the cold," said Gold Coast surfer Brent. "I'm so glad that I did. I've never be in a final and to win my first final is the best feeling ever.
"I am on top of the Cold Water Classic Series now, so I am going to be focused on that and the $50,000," he said. "Plus this week was the best waves I have ever surfed in a competition."
In addition to the title of Lord and $20,000 prize money, Brent also gets to bring home the Highland sword.
"My friends who I travel with – Lord Adam Melling and Lord Royden Bryson - both have a Highland Sword each, so it's great I have one too now," said Brent. "I'm going to hang that sword on my wall in the pool room above the pool table."
This second stop on the O'Neill Cold Water Classic Series 2011 was almost an all-kiwi final after Jay beat Alain Riou. However Brent pulled out a 9.0 and a 9.5 in the semi final to leave Richard Christie unable to fight back, providing an Anzac final instead.
Whilst last year's O'Neill Cold Water Classic Scotland was held in a freezing cold snowstorm, this year the competition wrapped up on a stunning sunny Sunday evening as competitors watched the action, laying in the sun on the cliff above the reef.
"Since coming up here with this event we have always battled the elements on this exposed wild coastline of Scotland," said Bernhard Ritzer, O'Neill Director of Sports Marketing. "This year, while the water is still freezing, the conditions out of the water have been a pleasant surprise for everyone involved in this event," he said.
2011 has been one of the most spectacular years for the O'Neill Cold Water Classic Scotland. The mobile event had no need to explore further than the world-class wave of Thurso East much to the delight of all the surfers who made the journey up to this remote part of the world.
"It's been an awesome week of surf," said Australian Jarrad Howse. "These have been some of the best conditions we have ever had for this competition. Not only has the comp been impressive, but the freesurfing around this area has been incredible. It doesn't get much better than this."
For more go to: www.oneill.com/cwc
Unlike most legendary Scottish campaigns, The Battle of Thurso was fought in the icy seas, where swords were substituted for surfboards and thick neoprene replaced the tartan kilt.
Although no blood was spilt in this 96 man, 5 day conflict there were some brave individual performances. Barrels were ridden, fins were ditched and rails were buried until there was one man standing alone on the shoreline after defeating his final challenger.
This event will go down in the history books as the best event ever on the WQS, and the surfer who fought the hardest, dominated the perfect conditions and became a Lord was Brent Dorrington.
Ironically Lord Dorrington eventually threw down his board and lifted a sword to become the 2011 O'Neill CWC Scotland champ!
I really wish I'd ticked the insurance box for my Nuevo iphone 4 this morning, and its not because it slipped from my paws txt-ing and splintered the screen. When the silly thing starts flashing, vibrating and singing an hour before the bird's chirp and the mercury's under 5 my reflex reaction was to ice the little apple and continue snoring.
Fortunately I slid the screen lock returning my room to silence, flicked on the sunbeam til she blew steam and stirred up an instant.
Caswell, the director, had me simulate a dawn patrol (the ritual of surfing before the sun rises to beat the crowds) for the 26min doco we pump out each event to capture the true essence of surfing.
I wrestled on my suit, boots and mitt's in record time, thrilled to be greeted by a stack of groomed corduroy unloading onto the slate reef. Today the early bird did seize the worm, in the form of empty 6 foot barrels.
I just set my alarm for tomorrow; 4:45am!
Jarrad
April 16, 2011 – Thurso, Scotland – Eight surfers today moved one step closer to being able to hang the Highland Sword on their mantlepiece and acquire the title of 'Lord' as the quarterfinalists were decided at the O'Neill Cold Water Classic Scotland.
Among them were two New Zealanders who have stood out throughout this competition so far; Jay Quinn and Richard Christie.
Jay started his heat against Yujiro Tsuji in a determined and impressive fashion and continued to dominate the rest of his heat.
"At the beginning of my heat it just pulsed," said Jay. "I started with a score of 6 and kept building and building and the waves just kept coming. It was one of those heats where things just go right," he said.
Fellow countryman Richard had a more closely contested final against Frenchman Romain Cloitre. "I didn't even know if I got through in the end," said Richard.
"But it's so good to have two Kiwis through to the quarters," he said. "Jay had the best heat. I was stoked to stay in the comp with him. Now the goal is to have me and Jay in the final – that would be the ultimate."
But the two Kiwi boys are facing some stiff competition in the way of the French here in Scotland.
Joan Duru, pulled out the second highest wave score of the competition with a 9.8 in his heat against Tim Boal.
"When I paddled into that wave I thought for sure there was no barrel, I was going to do some turns," said Joan. "When I got on the wave I saw it was really fast so I knew there was nothing to do so I just pulled in."
Joining him the quarterfinals for another possible one-nation final is fellow Frenchman, Vincent Duvignac who knocked out Kevin Sullivan in their Round 4 match up.
Alain Riou, Hodei Collazo, Leonardo Neves and Brent Dorrington make up the final eight competitors in the quarterfinals.
In what is becoming one of the most classic years of this competition ever, the town of Thurso on the northernmost coast of Scotland awoke once again to clean head high waves and epic conditions at Thurso East. And things are looking the same for tomorrow.
"I can't wait for the early start tomorrow," said Richard Christie. "Mornings are so good out here its so fun to be out there in good waves."
The next call will be April 17 at 7am for the quarterfinals
April 15, 2011 – Thurso, Scotland – 'Expect the unexpected'is a saying that all surfers and spectators at the O'Neill Cold Water ClassicScotland have learnt to embrace at this competition.
Butthis year the unexpected has come in the form of sunny good weather, lightwinds and epic Thurso East conditions.
"Thurso is showing us every bit of magic it's got this week," said Australian Dion Atkinson. "It's been amazing. The waves have been unbelievable. We were just getting barreled non-stop. You have to treasure those days, we don't get them too often on this tour."
"We came straight from the comp at Margaret River in Australia all the way to this northern tip of Scotland," said Dion who impressed in the first two rounds but was knocked out of the first heat of Round 3 by Joan Duru and Jay Quinn. "But it has been worth it for these waves we are getting at this event. I'm so glad I came."
Following a lay day yesterday, the 6 Star ASP event kicked off at 8.30am on this sunny Friday morning at Thurso East in a solid 6 foot swell. Contest director Dave Reed finished off Round 1, moved through Round 2 and into the first two heats of Round 3 in another long day of surfing that made the most of the long days in this northern Scottish location.
"We have had some fantastic surfing on the two days we have run the competition so far," said Dave Reed. "The first day was amazing, then this morning was epic."
"As for the forecast, we are looking at a building swell for tomorrow with a bit more of an onshore wind unfortunately," said Dave. "But it will be a good size and it looks like Thurso East is once again going to be the best spot to hold the competition, so we are looking forward to that tomorrow."
Among the stand-outs today were New Zealand surfer Richard Christie who scored a heat total of 17.17 in Round 2, and Frenchman Joan Duru who progressed through to the man-on-man heats of the 4th Round.
Yesterday's 10 point ride scorer British surfer, Micah Lester continued his run today to move into Round 3.
"It's definitely still cold out there. And it was quite tricky out there at the end of the day with so much water moving around," said Micah. "But if you do get the right wave you can just let loose on it. It's got enough power. It's such a great wave."
The next call will be April 16 at 8am for Heat 3 in Round 3
Free surf session at Thurso East with perfect Barrels, big waves and off shore wind.
April 13, 2011 – Thurso, Scotland – Thurso East worked its magic to produce some of the best conditions even seen in the history of this competition on the first day of the O'Neill Cold Water Classic Scotland 2011.
And it was English surfer Micah Lester who made the most of the conditions scoring a perfect 10 in the final heat of the day with a huge barrel and massive cutback – that one wave taking him through the heat. "It was an amazing day of surfing out there," said Micah. "I have never surfed Thurso East like that before. And I was so stoked from that 10 point wave."
"It's so good out there," said Guadeloupe surfer Charlie Martin who was impressive in the head high clean conditions, advancing top of his heat in the first round with a score of 11 out of 20. "I got a few barrels and really enjoyed it even though it's hard in all this wetsuit," he said.
"I came to this contest two years ago and it was a completely different wave – windy and messy," said Charlie. "I'm not the biggest fan of surfing in cold water but this wave is so good right now that it's worth it for sure!"
Another standout from 10 hours of competition was Spanish surfer Indar Unanue who pulled out the best backhand barrels of the competition so far.
"The first wave I got was so good. I was so happy," said Indar. "This year we have perfect offshore conditions. Perfect waves. I don't need hot water with waves like this. I am cold. But I am happy!"
And conditions did not relent throughout the day. Australian surfer Dion Atkinson started off the day with a high heat score of 15.33 in Heat 1. And in Heat 16 of the day New Zealand surfer Richard Christie came up with a score of 17.50.
But there was no forgetting that this is the North coast of Scotland. Whilst the waves were drawing cheers from the crowds gathered on the shore, the weather was not. Cold temperatures both in an out of the water, coupled with rain and hail ensured this was classic Cold Water Classic conditions.
But nothing was going to take away from the quality of surf today as contest organisers got through 20 heats in the first round of this 6 Star ASP competition.
"These big west swells here at Thurso East are it," said Local surfer and event ambassador Andy Bain: It's a nice head high, double overhead on the sets, and with the west swell you usually get a predominant offshore wind as well."
Watching the wave from the shore he Andy said: "This season we've had these swells every week from January through to March. I've been scoring this ever since January but it still sure would be nice to get out there but it's good to give these guys who have travelled all this way for the competition a chance to experience it."With this swell looking to hold for a few more days, the competition looks set to push on, picking up with Heat 21 in Round 1 tomorrow morning.
The next call will be April 14 at 8am.
For more go to www.oneill.com/cwc
John, Luke and Nils in So Cal.
Gisborne, New Zealand, March 29, 2011 – Adam Melling (AUS) has clinched the first event of the 2011 O'Neill Cold Water Classic at Gisborne, New Zealand today claiming the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) six-star event in the last 30 seconds over Brazilian surfer Willian Cardoso.
The final took place at The Pines on Wainui Beach in clean 1.5m waves with offshore winds. This was despite a horrid forecast of gale force onshore winds for today. The miraculous turn around in weather had the crowds out, rugged up and absorbing the action that unfolded in the last seven heats.
Melling posted 15.20 out of a possible 20 points for the win, made even more special given he was celebrating his 26th birthday.
"I am 26 today and I won the final… I am stoked" said Melling after being chaired up the beach by his mates.
"Pretty fun out there, it turned on for the final. Even though the tide come up there were still sets. It was a little slow at the start but came on in the end, last 90 seconds anyway" added Melling of his last minute victory after scoring an 8.03 point ride for two huge forehand turns with only seconds to spare."
At the prize giving after an emotional haka performed by an inspired local Maori, Melling was awarded with a traditional Maori weapon called a tewhatewha, in the tradition of the O'Neill Cold Water Classic Series where the winners receive meaningful awards from the host country.
Melling received $20,000 USD for the win and moves up one place on the ASP One World Rankings to 23rd and hopes to be able to attend more O'Neill Cold Water Classic events in a bid to win the Series and claim the $50,000 USD prize money for the Series win.
After the win Melling was full of praise for the Gisborne Region. "It is a perfect spot for the comp – not too cold but some freezing mornings still. So many different waves on offer and you can hide from the weather."
Despite placing second scoring 13.67 points after holding the lead for more than 29 minutes, Cardoso was still happy with his result today.
"I am so stoked, it was a really really fun day."
"I did my best in the final and I take an 8.5 on my first wave and only need a back up and I got 5.0 on my second wave. Adam is a great surfer and on the world tour. The last second he changed the result but I am stoked to get a great start to the year" said Cardoso who has been travelling in motor homes with eleven of his Brazilian friends enjoying waking up at the beach each day and enjoying the New Zealand coastline.
Placing third today were Australians Tom Whitaker and Stu Kennedy.
By way of his third place, Whitaker jumped one place on the ratings to 32nd pushing Bobby Martinez (USA) to 33rd. However this was the last thing on Whitaker's mind after losing to his good mate Adam Melling.
"Yeah mate it is his birthday, we sat 200m apart we didn't want a piece of each other in that heat and he got the waves, I didn't. It is the only way you want to lose to a good buddy. To watch him go on and win it is epic, we are going to have a good time tonight."
Kennedy on the other hand was left wondering what might have been after losing to Cardoso.
"I don't know, I didn't think one of his scores was a six, but that is what the judges are there for and they do their thing. I don't know, I was in the water right there."
Despite the afterthoughts Kennedy was still happy with the third placing.
"I am pretty happy with third, would have been good to have a final with Adam on his birthday but I will be there to chair him up the beach when he wins" said Kennedy who also gave glowing reviews of the event held over the past week. "New Zealand is great. I can't wait to come back next year. This place is perfect for it you know."
Please see below for the final results from the O'Neill Cold Water Classic – Gisborne completed today (Tuesday 29th March).
QuarterfinalsHeat 1 - Adam Melling, AUS defeated Gony Zubizarreta, ESP Heat 2 - Tom Whitaker, AUS defeated Joan Duru, FRA Heat 3 - Willian Cardoso, BRA defeated Thiago Camarao, BRA Heat 4 - Stu Kennedy, AUS defeated Miguel Pupo, BRA
SemifinalsHeat 1 - Adam Melling, AUS defeated Tom Whitaker, AUS Heat 2 - Willian Cardoso, BRA defeated Stu Kennedy, AUS
FinalAdam Melling, AUS defeated Willian Cardoso, BRA
Updated ASP One World Rankings – Top 101 Kelly Slater (USA)2 Jordy Smith (ZAF)3 Mick Fanning (AUS)4 Taj Burrows (AUS)5 Dane Reynolds (USA)6 Adrian Buchan (AUS)7 Owen Wright (AUS)8 Bede Durbidge (AUS)9 Jeremy Flores (FRA)10 Michel Bourez (PYF)
Following the launch in New Zealand, the O'Neill Cold Water Classic Series will travel to its northernmost destination – Thurso, Scotland, for the 6 Star ASP World Tour event from April 13 until April 19, before culminating once again at the 6 Star Prime ASP World Tour event, the O'Neill Cold Water Classic Series, California, in Santa Cruz, October 24-30, 2011.
Video from Yesterdays Lay Day: Team O'Neill hits Waterfall:
Gisborne, New Zealand, March 27, 2011 – Day five of the O'Neill Cold Water Classic played host to the most innovative surfing witnessed in New Zealand as the world's elite surfers attacked the Gisborne waves today.
A delayed start was forced on the competitors due to small conditions. A small 0.5m - 1.0m swell built throughout the morning allowing the surfing to kick into action by 11:00am at The Pines on Wainui Beach.
Honours were split between Australia and Brazil who each had three surfers progress through to the quarterfinals along with a surfer each from Spain and France. The Australian's applied the pressure early with calculated approaches, both Tom Whitaker and Adam Melling controlling their heats from the outset.
Whitaker, who fell outside of the top 32 surfers half way through 2010, has found himself back contesting the Association of Surfing Professional (ASP) Prime and Star Series events early in 2011. Despite hating the hassling that is associated with four man heats he has been enjoying his time in New Zealand at the O'Neill Cold Water Classic. "Yeah you know conditions aren't totally favorable today – but one minute prior to a restart in our heat that absolute bomb came in and I had the position on it and got an 8.0 point ride." "I hate hassling in the four man heats so I was lucky at the start of the event when it was big, I could go and surf by myself and now it is small it is man on man and you just have to sit and wait for the good ones, so far so good."
Whitaker defeated Marc Lacomare (FRA) who came back half way through the heat with a 6.5 point ride putting a bit of pressure on Whitaker. "Marc is always going to do that in these little waves, he has the cool aerial manouvres and he got a couple of inside waves. I wobbled on my second wave and if I had have finished the wave it would have been an easier win" said Whitaker.
Like most surfers left in the event Whitaker was happy to see the days competition finish after the Round of 16 surfers had been completed. "Yeah I think they are saying a bit more swell tomorrow" said Whitaker adding "This comp has been a total WQS comp – every condition from 6-8ft wild stuff down to little grovelly stuff you seem to see on WQS. It is good. I am getting practice in every condition, four man heats, the lot… I feel like a grommet again."
Adam Melling posted a 14.00 point heat total to defeat fellow Australian Nic Muschcroft (10.90) in the first heat of the round which he was happy to see the back of. "It is good to be down this end of the event, good points and cash up for grabs so I am stoked to make it through the last heat." "It is small but I am happy though, it is rippable out there today, it gets like this at my home break, it is still pretty fun out there."
The Brazilian surfers exploded in the small beach break conditions using their natural flare, Thiago Camarao posting the highest heat score of the day – a near perfect 17.17 out of a possible 20 points to progress along with fellow countrymen Willian Cardoso and Miguel Pupo. Camarao was the star of the day busting several huge airs in a 'highlights reel' 30 minute heat as he went toe to toe with fellow Brazilian surfer Thomas Hermes who also surfed brilliantly scoring 14.20.
Spanish surfer Gony Zubizarreta found himself on the lucky side of the conditions finding a bomb at the start of the heat and surfing to an 8.0 point ride in his heat. "I was just in the right spot and got a really long wave, an 8.0 I think, then I just had to focus on a back up and I had priority and got a 7.0, it is small but fun." "I changed my board to a 5'11 that is shaped for little waves and it worked perfectly out there."
Zubizarreta chimed in with Whitaker on holding off on the quarterfinals after what he described as a draining performance the day prior. Late in the day Stuart Kennedy (AUS) defeated Aritz Aranburu (EUK) 15.66 to 12.84 to complete the Round of 16 surfers.
For more go to: O'Neill Coldwater Classic Website
Gisborne, New Zealand, March 26, 2011 – The O'Neill Cold Water Classic was ruled by the top seeds on day four. The event's top seed, Adam Melling (AUS), was the first surfer to move through to Round of 12.
The event remained at 'The Pipe' on Midway Beach for the second consecutive day with a slight drop in swell but a cleaner line up with excellent peeling left and rights running in all directions along the beach.
Melling scorched several right-handers opting to keep away from his opponents who were predominantly surfing the lefts. He scored a 13.43 point heat total to win the heat and eliminate the last standing Kiwi, Maz Quinn.
"Mate, it is always hard coming up against the local guys, they always know where to sit and they usually get the bombs so I just sat beside Maz and picked a couple off" said Melling.
"I love going right so I stayed away from the other guys towards the end. The lefts were good but they were sorta running down the beach away from the judges and the rights were fun so I stayed on them" added Melling.
With the southerly swell that everyone has enjoyed over the past few days dropping, a third location change could be on the cards as a new easterly swell develops – a change that Melling would be happy with.
"I wouldn't mind going back to the other place, it is a little more flat here and we are staying out at Wainui Beach where I think it is more peaky and fun."
Melling along with Jeronimo Vargas (BRA) eliminated local hope Maz Quinn who was philosophical about exiting the event.
"Yeah I am pretty gutted, I had a chance on my last one but slipped on my second turn and got the wobbles and wrecked the rest of the wave. I am pretty happy with where I got but it sucks to lose at home." Despite being the highest placed Kiwi at the event, the result gives Quinn no desire to chase the ASP World Tour. "No, it is too easy to go out and compete at your home break but this result doesn't persuade me into going back on the WQS."
Spanish surfer Gony Zubizarreta also moved through to the Round of 12 surfers late in the day.
"Yeah the waves are getting smaller but they are real fun rights and lefts" said Zubizarreta of the conditions. "I was just trying to surf fast and I got a 6.17 early then it took me ages to get another and I went to third place and then got one at the end to push me back into first so I am really happy. Nic Muscroft (AUS) and Roy Powers (USA) – that's a hard heat and I am really happy to get through"
Earlier in the day Miguel Pupo (BRA) was a stand out surfer in the Round of 48 powering through some massive turns throwing spray skyward despite being on borrowed equipment.
"I didn't have a plan, I just wanted to go out and get waves. I broke two boards in the last two days so I borrowed this board off Gabriel (Medina) and it goes really good."
Stu Kennedy was another to shine in the round of 48 and is looking confident moving into the final stages of the event.
"Yeah I am feeling really good at the moment but I couldn't find any waves at the start of the heat. I kinda built momentum through it and finally put one wave together at the end there so I hope I can keep it going for the rest of the event."
Kennedy is the defending event champion having won the Tasmania leg of the O'Neill Cold Water Classic Series in 2010 which was moved to Gisborne for 2011. He is keen to defend his title at this year's event.
"I am just trying to get that feeling back, it seems to be working at the moment and I am just trying to get that momentum, possibly I can do it" said Kennedy in reference to the chances of a title defence.
Gisborne, New Zealand, March 25, 2011 – The O'Neill Cold Water Classic Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) 6-star made a change in venue halfway through the day today.
A move from the primary venue of Pines at Wainui Beach to Pipe at Midway Beach in the township of Gisborne saw extremely improved conditions that had the international contingent of surfers foaming at the mouth to hit the water for their heats.
After two and half days of strong onshore winds, Pipe offered up solid 1.5m plus waves and little-to-no wind with cranking left and right-handers running up and down the beach. Earlier in the day seven heats were contested at Pines which started out clean with offshore winds that quickly swung onshore turning the ocean into a washing machine.
Australian Tom Whitaker contested one of the last heats of the round that was hampered by the strong onshore winds. Despite that, he posted an 11.50 point heat total to move through to the round of 48 with some powerful surfing. "The conditions weren't the best out there, pretty challenging really, but I got a couple of good ones and I am through to tomorrow's action, I just hope it cleans up a bit" said Whitaker post heat. Whitaker led a number of Australian surfers through to the round of 48 that included an in form Heath Joske who won his heat as well as Brent Dorrington and Parish Byrne.
The day was not without its upsets however with 2010 O'Neill Cold Water Classic Series winner Shaun Cansdell (AUS) being eliminated along with Gabriel Medina (BRA) Cory Lopez (USA) and Nathaniel Curran (USA).
French surfers Marc Lacomare and Joan Duru completed a one-two for their country today placing first and second in their heat respectively. Lacomare took the win over his countryman scoring 11.87 points in his heat. Duru on the other hand had to battle away after finding himself in fourth place late in the heat. "Yeah it was very good I was with the pack and I was fourth so I took off away from them down to the left and got two waves at the end" said Duru of how the heat unfolded. Like most surfers he was also willing the wind to die down and the waves to clean up despite not having seen a weather forecast for the past few days. "Today is better than yesterday and the day before so yeah, I hope it is better again tomorrow."
Matt Hewitt (Mount Maunganui, New Zealand) won his heat today causing an upset of sorts to move through to the Round of 48 surfers. The 19-year-old recently won an ASP Australasia Pro Junior event in Australia and has been focused on the Pro Junior Series despite competing in several local ASP Star Series events in the Australasian Region.
Today Hewitt posted a low 9.20 point heat total which was enough for a win in the last heat before the event was put on hold and subsequently moved. "It was good this morning, nice and clean conditions. But then you could see this wind line coming in. Half a heat before mine it hit the comp area and turned choppy but there were some good ones out there still, you just had to find them" said Hewitt who is one of five Kiwi's remaining in the event and enjoying the home town support. "It is huge for me to get through, keeps the Kiwis in the draw and with everyone here they all say good luck and it amps you up, everyone wishing you well before your heat, it pumps you up, it is pretty cool."
Late in the day New Zealand's top ranked surfer Richard Christie suffered a shock elimination placing third in his heat. Going for broke with several big aerial maneuvers did not pay off with Christie falling several times in front of a big home crowd that lined the beach as he was unable to find a 5.35 point wave for progression.
Following the launch in New Zealand, the O'Neill Cold Water Classic Series will travel to its northernmost destination – Thurso, Scotland, for the 6 Star ASP World Tour event from April 13 until April 19, before culminating once again at the 6 Star Prime ASP World Tour event, the O'Neill Cold Water Classic Series, California, in Santa Cruz, October 24-30, 2011.
Gisborne, New Zealand, March 24, 2011 – Top seeds dominated proceedings on day two of The O'Neill Cold Water Classic Series 2011 with Australian Nic Mushcroft, American Nat Young and Spanish surfer Gony Zubizarreta dominating proceedings as the event moved into the early stages of the Round of 96.
Conditions remained unruly on day two of the event with a persistent onshore wind that continued to hamper the quality of the solid 2.0m south swell that is hitting the Gisborne Region.
Nic Mushcroft was explosive in his performance attacking the heavy close out sections to post a total heat score of 14.33 out of a possible 20 points.
"I was kinda feeling a bit wobbly, I don't know if any one has mentioned it but the water is really slippery, I don't know what it is" said Mushcroft. "I had some wax on my feet and even took a block out with me." He said.
A former World Championship Tour surfer, Mushcroft his 100% focused on requalifying to compete in the World Championship Tour events.
"Yeah I am aiming to get into the top 32 by the mid year cut off but you got to go really good especially in these six stars you have to make the final to make it a keeper."
Nat Young (USA) surfed to the highest heat score of the day posting a near perfect 9.67 point ride in his 17.5 point heat total. Young blazed a big lefthander with two huge forehand turns for his top scoring ride.
Young now faces top seed Adam Melling (AUS) and fellow day two stand out Nic Muscroft (AUS) along with Alex Chacon (AUS) in the next round.
Gony Zubizarreta (SPN) surfed was one of the first top seeds to blow up in his heat dominating his opponents for an easy heat victory. The Spanish surfer was the only European to compete in the round of 96 today posting 16.50 to eliminate Masatoshi Ono (JPN) and James Woods (AUS).
The New Zealand surfers were well represented on day two with Maz Quinn (Gis, NZL) and Billy Stairmand (Rag, NZL) both moving through to the Round of 48 surfers in the challenging conditions.
Stairmand, the only Kiwi to win an event of this rating (2010), was stoked to be surfing at an international level in New Zealand.
"It is pretty cool having everyone here. All the boys came over from Aussie and picked me up and it is cool to take them around and show them our waves. I am their little tour guide, its cool."
Stairmand won his heat today to progress alongside Tim Macdonald (AUS) who together defeated Chad DuToit (ZAF) and Mason Ho (HAW). He was philosophical about the conditions on offer at Pines on Wainui Beach.
"At least there are waves. It is New Zealand conditions, warm for us, cold for them" said the young natural footer from Raglan who admitted to feeling nerves prior to his heat.
Stairmand was joined by Maz Quinn who despite looking like being eliminated managed to score a 3.33 point ride on his last wave with 30 seconds remaning – enough to squeeze him into second place.
Other Kiwi's still alive include Richard Christie (Gis), Jay Quinn (Gis), Tim O'Connor (Mnt) and Matt Hewitt (Mnt).
The event will be the richest to ever frequent the shores of New Zealand with a massive $145,000 (USD) up for grabs.
Following the launch in New Zealand, the O'Neill Cold Water Classic Series will travel to its northernmost destination – Thurso, Scotland, for the 6 Star ASP World Tour event from April 13 until April 19, before culminating once again at the 6 Star Prime ASP World Tour event, the O'Neill Cold Water Classic Series, California, in Santa Cruz, October 24-30, 2011.
Check out the O’Neill girls surf team on the North Shore of Hawaii. Malia Manuel and Sage Erickson try out the new Spring 2011 swim collection and have some fun with the rest of the team in Hawaii.
Island boy Roy Powers gets some surf while visiting the mainland.
The 4th round of the Quik Pro kicked off in difficult conditions this morning seeing upsets galore in a rookie dominated no loser round. Jordy struggled to find the inside connection in a frustrating heat and was relegated to a sudden death Round 5 match up with local favorite and 2x Quik Pro champ Joel Parkinson. Smith and Parkinson traded blows in the most anticipated heat of the event so far and it was Parkinson with priority and the lead with less than five minutes remaining. Under the nose of Parkinson with 60 seconds on the clock Jordy showed the masses lining the shore why he will be World Champ one day tearing a pressure filled wave apart with no two turns the same bagging a 7.5 and an emotional victory!
O'Neill team riders and good friends Jordy Smith & Cory Lopez found themselves matched up in round 3. Keeping out of each others way the pair exchanged excellent rides enjoying the opportunity to surf a WT heat together at perfect 4 foot barreling Snapper Rocks. Cory logged some serious tube time but it was the World No. 2 Jordy Smith with the highest combined heat total of the event 17.17 showcasing his power, tube riding and modern approach that finished victorious.
Competition finally resumed at Snapper Rock's after 7 grueling lay days waiting for swell to arrive. Lopez fought out a tough heat in challenging conditions against tour veteran Chris Davidson, with Cory narrowly defeating Davo to move through to Round 3 and a match up with O'Neill team rider & World No 2 Jordy Smith. Brazilian ripper and new O'Neill team rider Raoni Monteiro never found his rhythm on the point and was unfortunately eliminated from competition.
Team O'Neill WT surfers Jordy Smith, Cory Lopez & Raoni Monteiro hit the water for their first heats of 2011 at ripable Snapper Rocks yesterday. In fun head high waves it was the world no. 2 who dominated with a awesome display of style, tail blows and airs to post two 8+ rides and move straight through to round 3.
Lopez and Monteiro surfed well but unfortunately find themselves in the sudden death second round when competition resumes at Snapper Rocks.
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
Forced to skip the Arctic Challenge due to a rib injury at Munich Air&Style, Seb Toots came back home last week to receive treatments. He worked on a intense program over the week and been okay'd to get back to business on Friday. Despited not being 100 %, he filled a late registry for Saturday's Snowboard Jamboree FIS Big Air in beautiful downtown Quebec City, in front of a frenzy crowd of his own, rooting for him and the 5 other Canadians in Final.
Sebastien took the victory by smoothly dropping down the « Tootsie Roll » (Back 10 double cork melon) on his third run. He landed a FS double cork 1080 melon in the second lap after missing his first jump due to heavy winds. Cumulative 56.5, 5.5 points over the 2nd place, Matts Kulisek, also from Montreal. Kulisek scored 51.0 with a frontside 1080 and a switch backside 900. Toutant is the current leader of the FIS standing with two slopestyle events to go.
O'Neill Close Encounter did hit the jackpot. Nine local heroes from seven European countries joined forces with three of world's best surfers - Cory Lopez, Mark Mathews and Shaun Cansdell - on untouched magic Moroccan surf spots.
The force was with them and the unique film and photo project was firing. It had all the ingredients of the perfect surf trip: no stress, sunny skies, waves all day every day, a beautiful place to stay and the best crew to hang out with! The O'Neill family strings are tightened and all the riders scored some amazing images and footage that surpasses everybody's wildest expectations.
Watch the final edit:
Indar Unanue Perez (Spain)
This Zarautz goofy footer popped up on the O'Neill radar last winter when he was sighted charging Waimea Bay, taking off deep, eating shit and copping the beast on the head.
Joackim Guichard (Portugal)
Joackim and his twin brother Luca were born in Oslo. Fortunately their French father and Norwegian mother choose for the warmth of the Portuguese coast. Joackim scores well with his explosive style.
Christophe Allary (France)
Christophe Allary grew up in his father's house, in the immediate vicinity of a surf spot on La Réunion. He devoted his youth completely to his surf career and his motivation is expressed in his surfing style.
Micah Lester (United Kingdom)
Once in Australia Micah Lester challenged the best in the world and was coached by the greatest names. He ended up in the United Kingdom and became national champion. Nowadays he uses his years of experience to train new talent.
Sam Lamiroy (United Kingdom)
Sam Lamiroy has been the entertainer on the O'Neill surf team ever since he joined the crew way back in the day, and his natural talent on a surfboard has ensured he's remained at the forefront of the European surf scene for many years now.
Paul Grey (Germany)
At the age of ten Paul Grey moved from Berlin to Portugal where he started surfing. Afterwards he joined the German national team and became second in the German championship. To the question whether there is a woman in his life Paul answered: "I am in love with surfing, engaged to my wax and married to my board."
Pascal van der Mast (The Netherlands)
Pascal van der Mast is surfing an awful lot in The Netherlands. Pascal is the talent of the Low Countries and won the national junior title four times already.
Niels Musschoot (Belgium)
He took his first steps on a surfboard in the North Sea waves. His father moved to Fuerteventura and Niels left school to become the most extreme surfer of his country. He is the first Belgian to surf mountains of water.
An enterprising company in Basque country called Wave-Garden has created a man-made wave that our team just visited. Jordy, Bobby and Roy were all stoked to test it out!
Cory Lopez, Timmy Reyes and friends enjoy the comforts of being in Hawaii for the late season.
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
Alize Arnaud was crowned World Junior Champion today at the second and final World Junior Surfing Championships event held here at NorthNarrabeen, Australia.
"It's so good it's… what a feeling!" said Alize. "Since my firstwave 10 years ago I've always wanted to be world champion and now to get itnow, it's my last junior year, so it's just perfect."
The 20 year old O'Neill rider from Anglet, France was lifted upthe beach after her semi final heat, draped in the French flag
Despite having lost that heat, Alize's closest rival for thetitle and good friend, Laura Enever, was knocked out in the semi-finals,allowing Alize to take victory: "She showed she was the best in both events,she performed in every condition and got through and that's what it takes to bea world champion," Laura Enever said.
CONGRATULATIONS ALIZE ARNAUD
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.
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.
Mark Mathews inside Ours with a hand-held video camera.
Awesome footage!
THE MOST NORTHERN, THE MOST SOUTHERN, THE WILDEST, THE COLDEST & THE MOST CLASSIC SURF CONTEST ON THE PLANET
Blake Thornton, the 24 year old from Maroubra, Sydney, surfed the perfect final in epic Cape Town conditions to knock out local favourite Royden Bryson, and take victory at the O'Neill Cold Water Classic South Africa.
"I am so excited to win this," said Blake. "Royden fell on his wave at the end. I think maybe the cold was getting to us," he said shivering in his wetsuit. "I am sorry for him, but so glad I won."
In victory, Blake lifted the CWC South Africa trophy – a replica shark's jaw – high above his head on the shoreline at Kalk Bay.
"Thankfully this is a fake jaw," said Blake. "Hopefully I won't see any real ones. There was actually a seal swimming around out there with us in the final," he said. "Everyone knows that sharks love seals, but actually in a heat you're only worried about what's going on in the heat."
After a lay day yesterday which saw everyone hiding away from the storms, conditions came together perfectly on the eastern side of the Cape with offshore winds and a solid six-foot swell.
The barreling left hand reef break of Kalk Bay provided the dream final day for the first professional surfing event in Cape Town in 21 years - the 4 Star ASP WQS O'Neill CWC South Africa.
And local Cape Town surfer Royden Bryson almost provided the dream local ending. "From the water I could hear everyone supporting me – shouting and honking their horns on the beach," said Royden. "I don't think I've ever had support like that in a contest. It was amazing."
"I wish I hadn't folded on that last wave, but what can you do," he said. "I will kick myself for about half an hour and then it will be good."
Although eager to win the trophy, Royden hadn't been too keen on the idea of displaying the shark's jaw. "There would be no way I would want to see that thing before I went in for a surf!" he said.
The anticipation of Kalk Bay working for the final day had been building all week, so when contest director Matt Wilson made the call to start at 11am with man-on-man heats, the surfers were ready.
"It was a good decision to have man-on-man heats out there," said semi-finalist Jarrad Howse. "There would have been too much hassling if you had four man heats."
Jarrad was one of the standout performances of the day – actually looking like he was having a lot of fun as he pulled into barrel after barrel on his backhand.
The shock of the day was the early departure of World Tour star and event ambassador, Jordy Smith – knocked out by Glenn Hall in the round of 16.
And the wave of the day came from the eventual winner who pulled into an awesome barrel to score the highest wave score of the competition – a 9.6.
"My first heat was a shocker, I just wasn't understanding the wave," said Blake. "I think in the next heat I was a bit more relaxed and just pulled into that wave and it worked out."
The O'Neill Cold Water Classic South Africa had been billed as the 'wildest event in professional surfing'. Over the past week it more than lived up to its name.
"O'Neill took a risk to hold an event here in Cape Town in the middle of winter," said Royden. "There can be some pretty huge out of control storms down here."
With howling winds, huge rain squalls, and cold winter temperatures both in the water and out – there were definitely some out of control storms.
And although the sheltered east coast of the Cape provided a sanctuary, it was still quintessential Cold Water Classic conditions.
"I was cold all day," said Blake. "I think it is the adrenaline that kept me going. I cannot wait for a hot shower and a few beers. But that's part of the whole series – battling the elements."
And it's not going to get any warmer; next stop on the CWC Series - the freezing colds of Vancouver Island, Canada in October.