Archive for February, 2009
February 8, 2009 at 8:38 pm | Spongercity Industry News
Some people might have noticed some new stickers on Ryan’s boards recently ? Well.. Ryan just signed with UNITE Clothing Company. The news has just been released on thr UNITE website. This is fuckin good news for both Ryan, UNITE and the bodyboard industry in general. Ryan had been dropped by Billabong a couple month ago and was looking for new sponsors, now UNITE has one of the sickest team in the industry and it shows that bodyboarding companies can actually make it, afford to sponsor hi-profiled riders, and strenghtening their brand and the industry in general in the process.
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February 8, 2009 at 8:15 pm | Spongercity Contests News
wtf ?! Pro surfer Jamie O’Brien scores a seed in IBA grand slam event at pipe. This is what we just read on the IBA website.
Sounds weird. Sounds good but surprising… we’re not sure what to think about this one. Is this a desperate attempt to get more media coverage during the pipe comp ? or is this a cool way to try to bridge the gap between bbers and surfers ? Jamie O knows how to surf pipe better then anyone and will definitely get barrelled there on a boogieboard but why chose Jamie O for this seed instead of some hi-profile bber ? Will Jamie O prove that bbing is way easier then stand up surfing ? or will bbers prove that bbing is just as technical and hard as standup surfing if Jamie doesnt make it thru his heat ? It’s really hard to tell but we’ll wait and see. Exciting stuff… but very surprising.
Here’s the press release from the IBA about this:
In one of the most extraordinary twists in modern Pro surfing, Pipeline local Jamie O’Brien has been granted a start in the seeded rounds of the Turbo Bodyboards Pipeline Pro.
This is the first event on the International Bodyboarding Association Men’s World Tour for 2009 and carries a Grand Slam status as well as double points towards the championship.
International General Manager of the IBA Terry McKenna says that O’Brien started his surfing career on a bodyboard as a kid before making the transition to fibreglass.
“Apparently Jamie was into it when he was younger and still feels keen enough about it to have a start in the event. Word on the street is that he can still hold his rail in and ride deep in the barrel at Pipe, so it will be amazing to watch ” said McKenna.
“Jamie is one of the most innovative surfers in the world and an astounding waterman so I would not put it past him to blow some minds at his home break.”
“I can only imagine that this will be one of the most highly anticipated heats of the year and watched by everyone in the surfing community. It’s a bold move and a first for the IBA ” said McKenna.
Jamie O’Brien had a different sort of sandpit to play in as a child. His backyard was Pipeline and no one knows this break better than him. This is supported by the fact that he was the youngest surfer to ever win the Pipeline Masters ASP event and recently won the backdoor shootout.
O’Brien will be seeded into the rounds 33-80 in a field of 144.
The waiting period begins on Feb 17th and continues till Feb 27th with the best three days being used for competition.
The event is being webcast at www.ibaworldtour.com/live More info www.ibaworldtour.com
Media enquiries terry@ibaworldtour.com
February 6, 2009 at 12:29 am | Spongercity Contests, Industry, Magazines, Moving Pictures News
There’s a siiiiiick little Pipeline video clip on the Rookies Site (Pipe from Feb 2008) right now. You gotta watch this !
While we’re talking about pipe make sure you also check the IBA site and get ready for the TURBO Pipeline pro action starting on the 16th of Feb. 2009 ! Yewwww. There’s a little video clip presenting the event on the IBA home page so check it out.
Issue 15 of Crysis Bodyboard Mag is now available. Features include an interview with Micah McMullin, Hurricane Force from the East Coast, Chaos in Cabo, Nic Lugo profile, Road Warriors in South Africa, a 2009 Calendar and tons more. Subscribers, look for yours in the mailbox within a few days and others can pick them up at your favorite retail location soon. Rumor has it Manny Vargas and the crew will be at the Trade Show with boxes of em’!
Last but not least: we got an email from Ben at EBB presenting the impressive 2009 team riders from EBB and VOID Wetsuits. Check out the EBB Blog here to check all the riders and and peep the Void site for more info about the suits and the Void team if you havent checked it already.
February 3, 2009 at 8:36 pm | Spongercity Boards Tests, Tests News
Early 2009…time for more board tests ! We just tested the VS Rawlins Model – PE + stringer – crescent tail – size 41 – Test conditions: in 12 to 14°C waters. (about 53 to 57°F). Shorey waves from 3 to 5 feet, glassy and hollow. One of the best sessions we’ve had for board tests so far !
Read more about the board in this test.
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February 2, 2009 at 8:42 pm | Spongercity General, Industry News
Some links from Europe this week:
- Incinerate Productions in Portugal has a new site and video to watch here: http://www.incinerateproductions.pt.to/
- Portugal also has a new messageboard here: http://www.bodyboard.pt
- Check French site Lanitzprod.fr for some cool pictures from Bali documenting the VS-NMD trip from May 08 featuring PLC, Winny, Benny, Max Arent etc.
- Amaury Lavernhe now rides for Licious Board Shop in France.
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