Quick Hits Archive: August 30 - September 5, 2007

Oct 09 2007 / Los Angeles, CA

September 5, 2007

Cardona Games Wrap-Up
Published: 12:46 p.m. PT by Me

In case you missed it this past weekend the Cardona Games 2007 went off in New Zealand. The event isn't just some dinky snow event with a couple of contests, nah, the Games involved Freestyle Skiing, Snowboarding, Moto X and Snowmobiling topped off with music from Salmonella Dub DJ Sound System. With an event this jam-packed highlights were a plenty: from the first ever Moto X backflip on snow to Lindsey Jacobellis winning the Snowboarding Halfpipe event you can get the lowdown/recap right here and if you were one of them sticklers for details you can get the full results here.

Shaun White's 21st Birthday Pants - I mean - Party
Published: 12:30 p.m. PT by Cary

You know that completely over-used phrase "Party Like A Rockstar"? I know you've heard it before, they even made a song about it, a terrible one at that. Well Shaun White actually took it there this past weekend with his 21st birthday, because the man of the hour showed up in foreskin-tight leopard-print pants. You don't believe me check the picture...oh yeah that's Tony Hawk there admiring the pants with one hand and admiring something else with the other.

 

Either way you and I shouldn't be laughing though because the party ended up at the Playboy Club in Vegas and I'm pretty sure those pants didn't mean a thing to the female "fans" of White that were there. Actually I'm pretty sure pants, in general, don't mean a thing to those females. Ooops I think I mispelled something there I forgot to add an "i" and an "e" to one of the key words. Suffice it to say White had a fun time for his birthday popping bottles (legitimately now) and living the lavish life of someone who can afford better than Chuck-E-Cheese for his 21st Birthday Bash (thanks Mom).

For more pics from White's party head to that Perez Hilton site.

Rip Curl Pro Girls Festival Sees First Day Of Action On Day 2
Published: 11:36 a.m. PT by Me

After spending a day waiting in the Spanish sun the pros at the Rip Curl Pro Girls Festival finally got a chance to show their wares on Day 2 finishing Round 1 and 2 before conditions could get the best of them again. Day 2 featured no real upsets, though current ratings leader Stephanie Gilmore (pictured) was pushed into Round 2 before she got in the groove. On the other hand former champ Sofia Mulanovich needed no time to get into dominant form as she put up a 9.25 early.

RIP CURL GIRLS PRO ROUND 2 RESULTS:
Heat 1: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 17.00; Claire Bevilacqua (AUS)11.50; Caroline Sarran (FRA)9.25
Heat 2: Melanie Bartels (HAW)11.75; Megan Abubo (AUS) 9.20; Jacqueline Silva (BRA) 9.00

RIP CURL GIRLS PRO ROUND 1 RESULTS:
Heat 1: Sofia Mulanovich (PER)16.75; Melanie Redman-Carr 11.50(Aus); Melanie Bartels (HAW)9.35
Heat 2: Samantha Cornish (AUS)10.25; Jessi Miley Dyer (AUS)9.10; Caroline Sarran (FRA)7.75
Heat 3: Chelsea Hedges (AUS)13.85; Alana Blanchard (HAW)11.20; Jacqueline Silva (BRA)8.05
Heat 4: Rochelle Ballard (HAW)12.90; Layne Beachley (AUS) 9.60; Megan Abubo (HAW)7.35
Heat 5: Amee Donohoe (AUS)6.60; Roseanne Hodge (AUS)6.30; Stephanie Gilmore (AUS)6.30
Heat 6: Silvana Lima (BRA)12.25; Rebecca Woods (AUS)9.25; Claire Bevilacqua (AUS)5.80

For more details on the first day of work at the Rip Curl Pro Girls Festival in Spain check out the official update here.


Taj Burrow - Is This His Year? (No)
Published: 1:36 a.m. PT by Greg

It's about that time of year on the ASP Foster's World Tour when you start taking odds on who will win the top prize. We've been pretty confident that it will be Mick Fanning, but Taj Burrow seems to be feeling, well, a little bit cocky after taking two events so far this season.

"I feel like in a way I've cracked the code to winning events a little easier," Burrow said. "I’ve never won two in one year, so having won two out of five events this year is a great confidence booster. For me to finish No. 1, I need to maintain that confidence."

Yep, confidence is good. Unrealistic expectations... well, not as much.

"I love Lowers, it's so good for letting loose," he also said "If you have a good board and feel confident, it's the kind of wave you feel invincible on. It's so playful you can do anything you want. So my approach is to pick the perfect board for out there and start letting loose."

Sounds good. Mr. Fanning, he with the 800+ point lead thanks to five straight top three finishes, is less talky.

"I really enjoy surfing the place and find I do well there – I haven’t won that event yet but am really looking forward to it," he said.

All you can be sure of is to expect the unexpected -- after all, last year Bede Durbidge shocked Kelly Slater in the finals.

Read more here...

Here's the lineup when the contest kicks off:

Boost Mobile Pro of Surf Round 1 Match-Ups

Heat 1: Daniel Wills (AUS), Ben Dunn (AUS), Shaun Cansdell (AUS)
Heat 2: Bobby Martinez (USA), Adrian Buchan (AUS), Mark Occhilupo (AUS)
Heat 3: Dean Morrison (AUS), Luke Stedman (USA), Trent Munro (AUS)
Heat 4: Bede Durbidge (AUS), Adriano de Souza (BRA), Troy Brooks (AUS)
Heat 5: Damien Hobgood (USA), C.J. Hobgood (USA), Neco Padaratz (BRA)
Heat 6: Joel Parkinson (AUS), Fredrick Patacchia (HAW), Gabe Kling (USA)
Heat 7: Taj Burrow (AUS), Kai Otton (AUS), Luke Munro (AUS)
Heat 8: Mick Fanning (AUS), Chris Ward (USA), Dane Reynolds (USA)
Heat 9: Kelly Slater (USA), Pancho Sullivan (HAW), Rob Machado (USA)
Heat 10: Andy Irons (HAW), Cory Lopez (USA), Jordy Smith (ZAF)
Heat 11: Travis Logie (ZAF), Ricky Basnett (ZAF), Dayyan Neve (AUS)
Heat 12: Taylor Knox (USA), Phillip MacDonald (AUS), Victor Ribas (BRA)
Heat 13: Bruce Irons (HAW), Raoni Monteiro (BRA), Rodrigo Dornelles (BRA)
Heat 14: Jeremy Flores (FRA), Bernardo Miranda (BRA), Michael Lowe (AUS)
Heat 15: Michael Campbell (AUS), Greg Emslie (ZAF), Royden Bryson (ZAF)
Heat 16: Tom Whitaker (AUS), Leonardo Neves (BRA), Josh Kerr (AUS)

And here's the official site...

Zac Efron Can Surf And Go To Hell
Published: 1:11 a.m. PT by Me

High School Musical' star and Zac Efron is rumored to be bringing that Elvis surf film 'Blue Hawaii' back to the big screen. I have nothing but contempt for this kid and I know nothing about him (seriously I had been out of the country during the whole 'High School Musical' phenomenon so I don't know anything about it, not even the plot...I swear). All I know is if I dig deeper I'm pretty sure I can find either A) a fraternity sweater in his closet, B) past ravings for the new 'Fall Out Boy' album, C) excessive use of the word "bro", or D) Urinary Tract Infection, attached to his biographical material.

Get this, in talking about the film and its rumored star one Hollywood exec said, "It's a perfect vehicle for Zac! Not only can he sing and dance, but he's a truly great surfer and wants to perform his own surfing scenes." Do I smell 'Point Break Part 2'? How about 'Waterworld 2'? (Please God make it the latter, or actually a combination of both also starring Patrick Swayze) If you actually want to learn more about the story and immediately lose masculinity points check the gossip here, 

Hurley.com Re-Introduces Itself
Published: 12:39 a.m. PT by Me

Keeping up with the kids these days is a hard bargain. Just ask Hurley, in order to stay at the head of the class the surf company has revamped their website to make it jive well with the cool kids (they still use "jive" right?). Their new site breaks down into five easy to navigate categories: Surf, Music, Girls, Art, and Skate. Within each subsection you're liable to find things like photos (that's a given), athlete/personalities profiles, constantly updated streaming music and videos, and of course product info. And none of it is labyrinthian like last weeks Math test.

To find out more about the relaunch as well as planned additions to the websites in the upcoming weeks check out the press release, then head on over to the site itself.

84 Surfers Ride One Wave, No Fights Break Out
Published: 12:02 a.m. PT by Me

I've always thought intentionally breaking world records was kinda stupid. You always hear of a person doing something somebody otherwise would have never tried doing just for the sake of making the record books...like knitting for 293 hours straight or something. But in this case it was definitely worth it. That's because a group of 84 surfers in Brazil broke the world record by riding the same wave together for at least 5 seconds, all in the name of charity.

The feat was part of the Earthwave project which is a surfing organization intended to spread the word about global climate change through eye-catching events like these. The actual stunt was tried in seven different countries simultaneously but it was Brazil that took the cake by getting 84 surfers on out of the 100 that initially tried. Think of it this way we could have this, which is intended to help raise awareness to a good cause, or we coulda had like an ungodly amount of senior citizens doing the Macarena at the same time. You choose.

September 4, 2007

Event Reminder: Fighting 4 Dreams Art Show
Published: 1:56 p.m. PT by Me

This Thursday if you're in San Francisco Real Skateboards/DLX Skate Shop has got some culture for you. The Fighting 4 Dreams Art Show presents works from Jeff Soto, Regino Gonzales, OG Abel, Maxx242 and others. Music at the event will be provided by BLKTOP Project. For more info on the event check the DLX website or the 111 Minna Gallery (where the show will be held).

 

IGN Interviews John Rattray
Published: 3:46 p.m. PT by Me

While we're eagerly anticipating the release of EA's Skate (less than 2 weeks away) IGN has decided to add more kindling to the burning passion in our hearts for the game* by interviewing one of the skaters featured in the game, Zero's John Rattray. In the interview Rattray talks about what he likes about the game (the realistic treatment of skating), the changes in skate culture from its early years to now (not much changed), and the skate-ability of different cities (Barcelona - Yay, San Diego - Nay). Check it out here, it's actually a pretty good interview, and if you don't know much about EA Skate check out screenshots from the game to get an idea.


*Enthusiasm may vary

Rip Curl Pro Girls Festival Update
Published: 12:56 p.m. PT by Me

Though conditions have forced the first round of the Rip Curl Pro Girls Festival (an ASP Women's WCT event) to be put on hold in Spain, it doesn't mean you can't get caught up on the event through previews and such . For example you might wanna check up on the Round 1 heats, since it features World No. 2 Melanie Redman-Carr and 2004 ASP World Champion Sofia Mulanovich facing off against each other (with Melanie Bartels thrown in for added competition). You've also got Layne Beachley up against Megan Abubo and Rochelle Ballard. So basically what we're trying to say is keep an eye out on this one, because when it goes down it'll probably promise some fireworks, or waterworks...whichever works best.

Random Notes And Updates: Buck Off Rail Jam And M.A.S.S.
Published: 1:56 p.m. PT by Me

We got a couple of event updates for you:

• Mt. High's Buck Off Rail Jam (which we mentioned earlier) still went off despite the 100+ degree weather Southern California has been facing. Snow was still dumped on the site and the locals took full advantage of it. Read more here.

• The Ledo Pizza Mid-Atlantic Skate Series Final event finished up with categories ranging from Red Bull Manny Mania/Best Trick to Street to Longboard included in the event. For full results go here.

Dyrdek To Act With De Niro And Pacino Then Ascend To Heaven Shortly After
Published: 12:26 p.m. PT by Cary

Rob Dyrdek's star just keeps on shining brighter and Hollywood has seemingly caught on. That's because the 'Rob and Big' star has just signed on to join the cast of 'Righteaous Kill' the...get this...Robert De Niro and Al Pacino cop thriller. Jesus Christ Superstar that's amazing. I was almost tempted to write that last sentence in all caps and size 24 font. This is De Niro and Pacino we're talking about. Together. In one film. Which hasn't been done since 'Heat' . If you've been living in an Amish community for the past ummmm 30-some years you probably don't know about De Niro and Pacino, but then again you probably wouldn't be reading this if you lived in an Amish community so actually I don't even have to explain who they are.

The film will be written by the guy who wrote the excellent 'Inside Man' and will also feature 50 Cent, John Leguizamo and Donnie Wahlberg. The plot will involve police investigating some vigilante killing, and we hope some gratuitous acting. At this time we don't know how Dyrdek will fit into the film's equation but we do know that he'll be working with ROBERT DE NIRO and AL PACINO. Good God what a life he's built for himself. For more details on the project (that's Hollywood speak) check out the official Daily Variety release.

Hurricane Felix Produces Waves Of Deaths...Oops I Mean Deaths And Waves
Published: 12:02 p.m. PT by Me

Surfers are quite good at finding the silver lining in things. Like just a couple of weeks ago we were talking about some guys who took advantage of the waves caused by crumbling glaciers. Well this past weekend we got word of something similar. In this case the tragedy has been Hurricane Felix, the Category 5 storm that has ripped into Central America (albeit at a lowered Category 3 status). It seems that the storm had passed roughly 150 miles south of Jamaica creating some eye-opening waves along the south coast of the island, with some waves topping 15'. Surfers living in the area thus took to the beaches and took full advantage of the conditions.

While we don't actually think of these surfers as callous in the face of tragedy, we'll still make sure to keep an eye out for the next surf story involving nuclear war with Iran or something like that. For more about the Felix surfers check the link here.

"Life of Ryan" Episode Two
Published: 2:22 a.m. PT by Greg

Hey, Monday was Labor Day, but not everyone took the day off. Ryan Sheckler was working after all -- he had a new episode of his show on. So that means we took the time to watch what went down.

It was a pretty fast-paced episode, actually, featuring a few heartfelt moments. I was surprised, actually!

Want to see what happened? Read our recap and then check out a photo gallery from the episode.

September 3, 2007

Mountain Biker/BMX Racer Tara Llanes Badly Injured in King of the Mountain Event
Published: 9:42 p.m. PT by Greg

Tara Llanes, 2006 USA Cycling Downhill National Champion and two-time national four-cross champion, was badly injured in the Jeep King of the Mountain contest in Beaver Creek, Colorado, this weekend.

After crashing in a semi-final race against Jill Kintner, Llanes was airlifted to Denver Health Hospital where she underwent seven hours of surgery for a lower back injury. Additionally she has been diagnosed with a C-7 fracture which has been deemed as stable. She has since undergone an additional surgery.

Although she is breathing on her own and able to communicate, Llanes has no feeling below her waist at this time. Her family and friends have come to Denver to support her.

James Herrera, a coach who has worked with Llanes, wrote the following email to friends and fans:

We ask that you have as much faith as Tara does throughout this difficult period. Please leave a message on this page www.myspace.com/mtbtara and we will make sure she receives each and every one of them. In the meantime, we are hoping Tara will be able to come back home in 1 to 2 weeks. Flowers and/or gifts may be sent to:

Denver Health Medical Center
777 Bannock Street, Room B 316
Denver Colorado, 80204

A relief/rehabilitation fund for charitable gifts is currently being arranged. Information will be available later in the week.

Lat34 will bring you more updates about Tara's condition as it is released. For more about her, check out our recent profile or her website.

Tara is pictured to the right in a photo from her MySpace page showing her after her surgeries -- the thumbs up showing her spirit is definitely strong...

Shaun White is 21 - Lock the Liquor Cabinet
Published: 8:43 p.m. PT by Greg

Shaun White turned 21 today and while he's done and accomplished more in his 21 years than, oh, let's say 99% of all people alive, he couldn't legally drink or gamble in these United States until now.

Of course, many of the foreign countries he has been hanging in have no such hang-ups. Indeed, the United States has the oldest minimum drinking age, with Portugal having no minimum; Norway, Switzerland and Germany at 16; and about 40 countries or more at 18.

So chances are White has had his share of libations over the years, especially given that in his American Express commercial he hits several of those countries in just a weekend.

As this helpful website points out, it's actually not against the law to drink if you're 21 -- usually you just can't buy liquor. Thanks for the clarification.

By the way, Shaun White should buy the next round -- he can afford it.

Alana Blanchard Wins Rip Curl Girls Pro Jr., Takes Wildcard into Women's WCT Event #4
Published: 1:04 a.m. PT by Greg

Alana Blanchard, 17, has won the Rip Curl Girls Pro Junior in Spain against Pauline Ado, Laetitia Sudre and Lea Mengual, all from France. More importantly for the young Hawaiian, the win earns her a Wildcard entry into Round 1 of the Rip Curl Girls World Tour contest, which is set to start Tuesday. It is the fourth stop on the ASP Women's World Tour and marks Blanchard's first appearance in a World Tour event.

Among Blanchard's biggest wins prior to this are two consecutive victories in the Women's Pipeline pro, including the 2007 honor earlier this year.

Check out her official site for more about Blanchard and check out the Rip Curl Girls Festival site for more about the contest or to watch it LIVE..

RIP CURL GIRLS PRO ROUND 1 MATCH-UPS:
Heat 1: Melanie Redman-Carr (Aus); Sofia Mulanovich (PER); Melanie Bartels(HAW)
Heat 2: Samantha Cornish (AUS; Jessi Miley Dyer (AUS); Caroline Sarran (FRA)
Heat 3: Chelsea Hedges (AUS); Jacqueline Silva (BRA); Alana Blanchard (HAW)
Heat 4: Layne Beachley (AUS); Megan Abubo (HAW); Rochelle Ballard (HAW)
Heat 5: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS); Amee Donohoe (AUS); Roseanne Hodge (AUS)
Heat 6: Silvana Lima (BRA); Rebecca Woods (AUS); Claire Bevilacqua (AUS)

Action Sports World Tour Kicks Off - Tabron, Enarson and PLG Win
Published: 12:36 a.m. PT by Greg

The Action Sports World Tour has kicked off this year's series with an interesting event in Phoenix that featured the new BMX Box Jump event, won by 16-year-old phenom Dennis Enarson, who just won the BMX Dirt title in Portland on the AST Dew Tour.

Among the other winners, Simon Tabron in BMX Vert and Pierre-Luc Gagnon in Skate Vert. We've got all the results here as well as a photo gallery of highlights. Be sure to check it all out.

We've got a couple of photos below -- but like I said -- check it out!

September 2, 2007

Aono and Pesko Win at World Cup Opener
Published: 1:45 a.m. PT by Greg

Swiss snowboarder Manuela Pesko and Japan's Ryoh Aono were the big winners in Cardrona, New Zealand, as the FIS World Cup kicked off. Pesko is the ladies' 2007 world champion and 2006/07 FIS World Cup winner. Coming in second was defending FIS World Cup snowboard cross champion Lindsey Jacobellis. Rounding out the women's podim was Clair Bidez, the reigning Junior Worlds half-pipe gold medalist

For the men, Aono is the defending FIS World Cup halfpipe title holder in the halfpipe. Coming in second was Iouri Podladtchikov (Switzerland), followed by his teammate Rolf Feldmann.

Full results and more here!

Final Results - Halfpipe - Top Five Men

1. AONO Ryoh (JPN)
2. PODLADTCHIKOV Iouri (SUI)
3. FELDMANN Rolf (SUI)
4. WYNEN Luke (USA)
5. AUTTI Antti (FIN)

Final Results - Halfpipe - Top Five Women

1. PESKO Manuela Laura (SUI)
2. JACOBELLIS Lindsey (USA)
3. BIDEZ Clair (USA)
4. YAMAOKA Soko (JPN)
5. CASTELLET Queralt (SPA)

Bank Robber Dubbed 'X-Games Bandit', Sponsors Line Up
Published: 1:11 a.m. PT by Cary

Hey America's got talent, it's also got creativity. The proof: a bank robber who chose to get away by means of a bike or skateboard has been labelled the 'X-Games Bandit' by local press and authorities (who are Americans) despite not pulling a 360 filp or crooked grind in the process at all. The suspect was also described as being 20 to 25 years old, 5'8", and 150-160 lbs. which means the runner-up nickname must have been the 'Chad/Tim/Steve Bandit'.

If you think about this story long enough possibilities are endless, had he used a getaway car instead would he have been labelled the 'NASCAR's Nextel Cup Bandit'? How about the 'War of 1812 Bandit' if he used a musket as a weapon? Or the 'Three Tenors Bandit' if he had a beautiful voice?

Random Notes: Plan B In Spain, Juliette & The Licks At SR
Published: 12:43 a.m. PT by Me

• Plan B has put up some footage from their trip to Spain on their home page . Nothing vital to note just some cool footage to make you feel like a globe trotting pro. Oh and good call on The Clash.
• If you're gonna be in San Diego for the ASR you might as well catch Juliette & The Licks (actress Juliette Lewis' band) performing live 5pm that Saturday (September 8th). It's FREE.

Flores Wins the Buondi Billabong Pro
Published: 12:07 a.m. PT by Greg

Jeremy Flores has won the Buondi Billabong Pro in Portugal, defeating Josh Kerr in the final. Both Flores and Kerr are on the Foster's ASP World Tour and aiming for requalification.

"This is one of the most important results of my life... Getting such a big event crown is definitely what I wanted since last year where I started to improve. I'm so stoked," Flores said.

Read more about the finals.

Final Results

JOSH KERR (AUS) - 6.00
JEREMY FLORES (FRA) - 15.16

Semi Final Results

Heat One
BRETT SIMPSON (USA) - 11.33
JOSH KERR (AUS) - 13.50

Heat Two
LEIGH SEDLEY (AUS) - 11.83
JEREMY FLORES (FRA) - 16.43

September 1, 2007

Billabong To Premiere 'Trilogy' Twice. Billabong To Premiere 'Trilogy' Twice.
Published: 2:22 a.m. PT by Cary

What if I told you of a great DVD to pick up from director Taylor Steele? Odds are you'd think I was suggesting a porno with a name like that right? Well in this case you'd be wrong (we won't talk about the other "cases") because Taylor Steele is an amazing director of surf films. By the looks of things his newest work 'Trilogy' is falls in line with that description in terms of quality (just check the pic from the film). 'Trilogy' is Steele and Billabong's newest surf film which follows three titans of surf, Andy Irons, Joel Parkinson, and Taj Burrows, on their own individual journey to push the surfing envelope.

For a film of such magnitude and with that lineup it's gotta have a huge premiere right? You betcha. The premiere is gonna be so big they're gonna do it twice. The first premiere will take place at the ASR Trade Show in San Diego on September 7th and will feature a show by Angels and Airwaves, the band that's featured prominently in the film. Then the following day the party...I mean premiere...will head on over to Las Vegas (smartest decision ever) for the second premiere at the Hard Rock Hotel. That premiere will again feature an Angels and Airwaves show as well as a beach party alongside the pool (I wonder if they're gonna invite Annette Funicello) and a wakeboarding demo in it. Sounds as wild as a Quiet Riot song.

So to find out more about the premiere as well as the film in general go here.

To see trailers and more photos from 'Trilogy' head to their official website here.

Dane Reynolds Headed For The 2008 WCT And Buondi Billabong Pro Update
Published: 1:51 a.m. PT by Me

Despite being knocked out of the 6 star WQS Buondi Billabong Pro earlier this week Dane Reynolds has plenty to be smiling about with regards to his surfing career. That's because he's qualified for next years WCT.

The qualification came about shortly after Reynolds finished 2nd at last weeks Sooruz Lacanau Pro causing him to jump up the WQS standings to second place. What this means is next year the "Young Gun" Reynolds will be competing against the pro's pros like Taj Burrows, Mick Fanning, and Andy Irons instead of hanging around plain folks like us (me specifically). Read the story here for more including reactions to Reynold's feat . Farewell Reynolds, you're off to bigger and better things.

Which reminds me, there's still some Buondi Billabong Pro action going down over in Portugal. Day 4 featured conditions that caused the contest to move yet again south of the main site, yet there was still ample enough waves for Nathan Hedge to go off, Jeremy Flores to post the contest-high score, and reigning Buondi champ Tiago Pires to get upset. For the whole scenario check the update posted at the official contest site.


Puma Hits The Skate Market With Scott Bourne Shoe
Published: 1:07 a.m. PT by Me

Shoe company Puma seems to following in the footsteps of its competitors Nike and Adidas and releasing their own skate shoes, previews of which have just been released. The Scott Bourne Clydes will pretty much keep the look of the original Clydes but with minor tweaking ostensibly for those who wish to skate with the shoes. Take a peak.

For further details on the shoe check the link.

Snow Resorts Opens (Winter) Season With A Bang Part 3
Published: 12:44 a.m. PT by Me

As I mentioned a couple days ago some resorts in California are starting their snow season off with nice little events, from the Buck Off Rail Jam at Mt. High to the Hot Dogz and Hand Rails at Bear Mountain. Well Colorado won't be outdone. They'll just be a few months late (Vail does open a little later than the resorts mentioned above). That's because they're kicking off the start of their Winter season with the Vail Snow Daze Event/Festival.

The week-long event (from December 3rd to the 9th) will feature DJ sets, giveaways, free instructions, and other things that are par for the course. BUT the catch is that one of the nights will feature a music set with The Roots and Ludacris headlining. Beat that Cali resorts. Entry to the show won't be free though (awwwww) they will involve tickets but still this is The Roots we're talking about...and to a lesser extent Ludacris. So if you're up for it check out the official event page for more details on the show and the whole weeks worth of frozen water based fun.

Surprising Story Of The Day: Girl Loves Sheckler
Published: 12:19 a.m. PT by Me

It premiered less than a week ago but we already got reviews back on 'Life Of Ryan', alright actually it's just one review and it's from the New York Daily News (essentially a tabloid dressed up as a newspaper) but so far everything's coming up roses in terms of first impressions. The reviewer must have let her teenage daughter (if she has one) ghostwrite the review though because the review mentions how hot and cute Sheckler was on the show and questions Cambria's decision not to get with Sheckler.

As you can tell the review goes in depth in its critique of the show, there's even a swipe at the girls from 'The Hills', which precedes 'Life of Ryan'. You can just imagine the hearts dotting the "i's" on the original manuscript. Don't believe me? Here read it for yourself.

August 31, 2007

Musical Worlds Collide At Central Park
Published: 2:49 a.m. PT by Cary

Wasn't it just a little while back that Central Park was thought of as a place where joggers ended their daily jog as just another statistic? Well I guess not anymore because on September 22nd Central Park will play host to the New York Tokyo Music Festival.

The festival is meant to bring together some of the most acclaimed hiphop artists from the States and Japan together on one bill. Featured acts include MF DOOM along with Pharoahe Monch (who I personally consider one of the greatest MCs ever) on the American side, and The Teriyaki Boyz (A Bathing Ape founder Nigo's hiphop group) on the Japanese side. The festival will also feature streetwear brands from both countries which seems to be all the rage with the cool kids today...as a matter of fact this event seems exactly like something the cool kids will go to, so maybe you should think about going if you're anywhere near NYC in late September. To find out just exactly how you can do that, as well as more about the acts playing head to the official homepage for the event.


Cartoon Network To Do A Feature On 9-Year-Old Skater/Surfer
Published: 2:17 a.m. PT by Cary

Have you ever heard of Kalani David? Well I hadn't up to this point in time. Supposedly he's this action sports renaissance man/boy that's only nine years old....Alright I just watched some clips of him and the kid is pretty damn amazing (cover your eyes when you read that Kalani, you'll learn about 'damn' in due time). He's like equally adept at skating and surfing. Man what are they gonna have next? Rodeo bull riding fetuses?

The thing is, like me, much of the world probably haven't heard of this Tremendous Toddler© (I'm hoping that nickname will stick, yep even past puberty) but pretty soon they will. That's because Cartoon Network has decided to feature the Korkriding Kid© (there's another one, damn I'm genius) on a one hour special this Saturday night (7 p.m.) as part of their 'Get Animated' initiative.

The initiative is intended to motivate its children viewers into going outside and getting active so their legs/arms won't atrophy off due to too much TV watching, which strikes me as odd since if the initiative delivers on its message then the network that spawned the initiative will atrophy off the broadcast list. So Cartoon Network will use Kalani as a role model of sorts in the one hour special, and will of course profile him as well as have pros like Andy Irons and Bob Burnquist stop by to give Kalani some tips for their sports. If it all works out kids will hopefully end up amazingly gifted like Kalani, and if not they might end up like this guy.

Find out how I found out about Kalani David here.

Red Bull Big Wave Africa Comes To A Quiet Close
Published: 1:55 a.m. PT by Me

With most surf contests weather and surf conditions play a big role in deciding how the contest goes, this is all the more pronounced when it comes to big wave contests. So it shouldn't be a big surprise that this year's 'Red Bull Big Wave Africa' at Dungeons was essentially called off yesterday (there have only been three full events held at Dungeons over the last nine years) amidst unreliable conditions. What this pretty much means is that there was no BWA for 2007, which is understandable given the dangers inherent in surfing big waves.

You can read about the cancellation here. Here's to hoping that 2008 will be different.

Southern California Resorts Start Snow Season Off With A Bang
Published: 1:44 a.m. PT by Me

As we slowly move from summer into fall (almost at a snail's pace), snow resorts are setting up shop and lining up events in order to get riders to hit the slopes (and spend their money). The two major resorts that service Southern California are doing just that with two separate events.

First up is Mountain High's 'Buck Off Rail Jam' on September 1st. The Rail Jam will be an open event where all visitors will be able to take advantage of the expected 120 tons of snow featuring 7 different jibs so long as they sign waivers and wear the proper gear (think helmets). The event will also feature a live DJ spinning as well as booths set up by vendors such as DVS, 32, Matix, Quiksilver, and many more with chances to get some good discounts on gear. Basically it's like Open House for Mountain High.

Two weeks later Bear Mountain will be hosting the 'Hot Dogz and Hand Rails Pro Jib Contest' on September 15th. The contest will feature riders like Johnny Miller, Mike Burton, and Derek Dennison and much like the 'Buck Off' the event will also feature a live DJ and vendor booths. There will also be free giveaways and autograph signings by pros like Antti Autti and J.P. Walker.

Sure does beat back-to-school night doesn't it? For details on each event head here for the 'Buck Off' and/or here for 'Hot Dogz and Hand Rails'.

Snowboarding World Cup Opens Saturday in New Zealand
Published: 1:19 a.m. PT by Cary

Ahhhh Labor Day. Perfect holiday for your final BBQ of the summer, college football, snowboarding, and poking your fat little cousin with a tree branch. Wait, what?!?!? Snowboarding? Yep snowboarding. Nevermind that I'm talking to myself and listen up for a minute. Competitive snowboarding is officially beginning its season this weekend in New Zealand with the Nokia Snowboard FIS World Cup.

The event will feature riders such as Gretchen Bleiler, Tommy Czeschin, Clair Bidez (pictured) and others from the US Team trying to win the NZ$58,000 in prize money (you do the math/conversion) and rep their homeland in a place they're familiar with (the US Snowboarding team practices in New Zealand about a month every year).   So if you aren't like me and don't think it's bizarre that we're talking about snow while Los Angeles is burning right now you can head over here to get more details.

Fuel TV's September Programming Highlights
Published: 12:32 a.m. PT by Me

We get them up just as fast as they put them out. The "they" in this case is Fuel TV with their programming updates. This time around though they've helped us compile a month's worth of highlights together in one list. Highlights from the highlights include the Cliche team's 'Gypsy Tour', in which the team sets out to tour with virtually no cash, and the 2007 Billabong Pro Jeffrey's Bay. Wait I got a better idea, why don't you just check the list itself instead of making me do all the work.

Oh yeah also don't miss out on “Strange Notes: NY to Shanghai” (the Crux Skate Team in China) and the “2007 Rockstar Masa Pro” (skate competition) airing tonight on Fuel.

Friendly Reminder: Kelly Slater Starred In Baywatch
Published: 12:11 a.m. PT by Cary

Did you ever forget that Kelly Slater actually had a prominent role (well maybe not prominent) in that lovely TV Show 'Baywatch'? Well his friends didn't forget.

August 30, 2007

Round 2 and 3 Action At The Buondi Billabong Pro
Published: 2:16 p.m. PT by Me

As if in a mad rush to get as many good heats as possible in inconsistent waters the Buondi Billabong Pro (a 6 star WQS event) moved a little bit south from the main event site and opened up to banks for competition. The result was that round 2 was ran through and competition stopped after the sixth heat of round 3 with Daniel Ross pulling off a nice heat in Round 2. For more details from the day of surf check the link and stay tuned as action begins to heat up in the next few days.


Tony Hawk Starts To Look More And More Like Rupert Murdoch
Published: 2:02 a.m. PT by Cary

Oh man, in Tony Hawk's never ending quest to flood all media outlets he's finally gotten himself grouped together with Clay Aiken. In my book that's kinda like selling your soul for three spools of yarn and a bag of pogs (admittedly a big bag), but then again my book hasn't quite built a wradillion dollar (don't ask me if that's a real numeric unit, I failed math, and science, and P.E., and that test I took at the local clinic) empire. Oh which reminds me don't forget to read Tony Hawk's Tony Hawk series of books available at your nearest book store.

So back to the lecture at hand. Tony Hawk has signed himself up to star in Donald Trump's 'Celebrity Apprentice'...oh wait that's not it...Tony Hawk has signed himself up to star in the Celebrity Edition of 'Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader'. He'll be up against showbiz powerhouses like Billy Bush, Lauren Nelson, Kellie Pickler, and of course Clay Aiken in their fight against knife- wielding fifth grade war-criminals specially selected by Jeff Foxworthy*. You don't trust me? Well check it out for yourself here**.

*Rules of the game are subject to Cary's imagination
**We kid, we kid. It's all done for charity which is something we whole-heartedly approve of

Surf Industry Raises $500,000 For Environment
Published: 1:56 a.m. PT by Me

It seems like we've been reporting a lot of Good Samaritan/feel good type stories recently involving the action sports. It's a good thing, actually it's a great thing, and today is no different. This time heavyweights from the surf industry got together at the Annual Waterman's Ball to celebrate the environmentalists among them and (more importantly) raise money for environmental causes.

This year a total of $500k was banked to be distributed among 16 different non-profits focused on protecting the waters and oceans of our world. Also, as mentioned, a few surf industry heads were honored for their efforts in helping the environmental cause, including pro surfer Lisa Andersen ("Waterman of the Year"), singer Eddie Vedder ("Environmentalist of the Year"), and legendary surfer Randy Rarick ("Lifetime Achievement Award").

For full details on the event including more on the winners as well as a full list of the charities involved check this link.

Former USC Football Player Escaped Stardom But Couldn't Escape The Law
Published: 1:22 a.m. PT by Cary

Seems like Todd Marinovich just can't shake the memories of playing football. Even now, years after he became a flaming bust in the NFL (1st round draft pick by the Raiders), he'll treat anybody who chases him as if they were linebackers in the olden days...like policemen for example. That's because the other day a Newport Beach police officer tried to simply stop Marinovich from skateboarding on Newport pier. The result, Marinovich ran (or possibly skated) for his life just as if he was still on that field of manly competition...too bad he was actually on the field of life.

Policemen though, unlike defensive linemen, don't give up chase and within 15 minutes they discovered the play Marinovich had drawn up for the scenario: Blue-28-Thunder-Left-Hide-In-Car-Parking-Lot. At the parking lot they found him huddled with his new found teammates: about one gram of methamphetamine , a metal spoon and a hypodermic needle. Needless to say Marinovich was arrested and charged with all the requisite drug charges.

This all reminds one of that old Bon Jovi song, which I'm willing to bet Marinovich is quite familiar with, 'Blaze of Glory', except in this case there is no glory just a huge smoldering blaze, full of failure and disappointment (can you tell I'm a Raiders fan?). For more highlights of Marinovich's botched run head to this link

AST Free Flow Update From Utah
Published: 12:55 a.m. PT by Me

Many times lost in the shuffle that is the AST Dew Tour is coverage of the AST Free Flow Tour (which is the amateur series run by the AST). But not by us! We got coverage of the skate portion of the Utah stop of the tour courtesy of a report by our friends down at Adventure Sports Weekly.

The report gives you a taste of how it feels to be a up-and-coming teenager (the contest was only for 18 and under age groups) trying not only to get your name out but also just to do what you love with no regards for the Ogio packs crammed with goodies such as $120 sunglasses, certificates for free shoes, and plane tickets to Florida for the Nationals. Hey wait I have some regards for that, if any of the winners who received that prize pack wants to give it up contact me at the email address above. I'll help unburden your soul of those material possessions.

But yeah the report can be found here. Oh yeah if you're living in Nashville don't miss the final stop of the Free Flow Tour on September 1st.

Oh How The Mighty Have Fallen: OP To Be Sold At Walmart
Published: 12:39 a.m. PT by Me

I remember a time when OP along with T&C and eventually No Fear was the cool stuff to wear in elementary school. Well it seems things have gone half-circle as OP has agreed to an exclusive direct-to-retail deal with world destroyer Walmart. Now instead of happily wearing the same OP shirt every other day like I used to, younger kids are going to frown and make the gasface upon hearing their moms say, "Well Ricky/Steven/Dusty, now this is a nice looking shirt. Here let's get the blue one. Your favorite color is blue." while back-to-school shopping.

So let's run a little checklist now. Dog food? Check. Paper Towels? Check. Maxipads? Check. Genocide? Check. Ocean Pacific Wear? Check. WOW Walmart's got everything, they should build one everywhere.

Notes And Reminders
Published: 12:11 a.m. PT by Me

***EVENT REMINDER*** This weekend over in Huntington Beach, California they're having 'Boardfest', the "All Girl Action Sports, Music & Empowerment Festival" featuring surf, skate, snow, and music fun for all. One thing I would mention to promoters if you go though is maybe they should think about changing the wording on their promo line I quoted above, because with with an improper pause the event takes on a whole new persona for the listener. For a preview of the event check out this write up.

***EVENT REMINDER*** Though it's still early don't forget about the 9th Annual Tim Brauch Memorial Contest on September 29th and 30th which donates 100% of the funds towards skateboard park development and scholarships. Learn about it here.

***PRODUCT UPDATE*** Ricta has just released their newest 53mm Chad Muska Chrome wheel, which according to them is made up of the new "White Lightning" (sounds like a metal band) urethane that's more resistant to flat spots. To help kick off the product there's a giveaway you can sign up for here.

Older Archive: August 23th - August 29, 2007