Quick Hits Archive: January 31 - February 6, 2008
Mar 20 2008 / Los Angeles, CAFebruary 6, 2008
Rice Wins First Quiksilver Natural Progression
Published: 1:02 a.m. PT by Greg
Travis Rice has won the first-ever Quiksilver Natural Progression with Mark Carter coming in second. Full details, photos and more to be released soon...
Rob & Big: World Record Holders
Published: 12:51 a.m. PT by Greg
Okay, I admit it, I like to watch "Rob & Big." It's fun and where else can you see grown men playing around with a web-shooting gun. So imagine my surprise when I see Rob & Big Black deciding to take on the Guinness World Book of Records.
It didn't take the duo to find a few records worth breaking. For Big, there was the most bananas peeled and eaten in a minute (The record was two? Really?) and the most powdered donuts eaten in three minutes (four, by the way -- and you can't lick your lips for some reason). Big just did away with those and BAM! He's got two world records.
Rob set his sights a little higher, knocking out the following:
Most Consecutive Skateboard Frontside Ollies (halfpipe): 46
Most Ollie Big Spins: 12
Most Consecutive Nollie Kick Flips: 73
Most 360 Kickflips in One Minute: 12
Most Nollie Kickflips in One Minute: 22
Most Heel Flips in One Minute: 15
Longest Stationary Manual: 49 seconds
Most Switch Frontside Kickflips in One Minute: 9
Most Consecutive Ollies: 215
Longest 50-50 Rail Grind: 100 feet 5 3/4 inches
Longest Board Slide: 100 feet 5 3/4 inches
In all Dyrdek set a total of 21 records (so ten more than filmed or listed). Who knows how many those records actually existed before, but someone was watching.
There's probably some record for most records set in one skate sesion but no one mentioned that one. If you try to look up the record online you might see an old entry for the Frontside Ollie record (Sascha Müller could only manage 34 -- wimp) but don't worry, it's legit (sorry Big Black, couldn't find bananas or donuts listed). And yeah, we know the record was set last Septemeber -- that's when this show was taped. If you want to see it for yourself, see it here.
Not all of his televised records are listed -- guuess you need to buy the book for that -- but you can bet kids in skateparks all over America are going to be posting their videos on YouTube starting today to beat some of those numbers. Now worries, it's official now. According to the Guinness World Records, Rob Dyrdek is the Most Awesomest Skater Ever.
Robbie Maddison Too Cool For AustraliaPublished: 12:19 a.m. PT by Greg
Aussie Robbie Maddison has gotten so popular in the US after breaking the record for the longest motorcycle jump on New Year's Eve that he's having to skip out on previous engagements he had... in Australia.
"Unfortunately in the middle of last week he contacted me and said he had been booked for a major show in the States and wouldn’t be able to get home in time to perform at our show," John Bennett, the president of the Nowra show in Australia said.
"It's the opportunity of a lifetime for him, he has to make every move count at the moment and as a committee we fully understand his decision."
No word on what show would be so important for him to miss Norwa, which, after all, sounds like a great event with the rodeo, hayrides, clown cars and hot dogs -- Oh wait, on second thought...
You can read more here.
Burton Buys Alien Workshop
Published: 12:06 a.m. PT by Greg
Burton, the company known for its snowboards, has bought Ohio-based Alien Workshop, the home of skateboarders Steve Berra, Rob Dyrdek and Heath Kirchart, among others.
To be completely accurate, Burton is purchasing DNA Distribution, which owns AWS along with Habitat and Reflex. Acquiring companies outside of snowboarding isn't new for Burton, which purchased Channel Islands Surfboards in July 2006.
So far, no official acknowledgment of the purchase on AWS's website, but you can see the press release here.
other After a very successful 2007 season, capped by winning the Pipeline Masters and the Vans Triple Crown in December, pro surfer Bede Durbidge has started '08 by tying the knot with his girlfriend Tarryn Pennell.
In attendence were about 150 guests (barefoot of course) including world champ Mick Fanning and world #2 Taj Burrow.
You can read more about the wedding here.
February 5, 2008
Melanie Redman-Carr Has Baby Girl
Published: 1:38 a.m. PT by Greg
Pro surfer Melanie Redman-Carr, who missed part of the 2007 ASP World Tour because of being pregnant, gave birth Sunday morning in Australia to a healthy baby girl.
The baby, which is yet to be named, came a little earlier than expected, and Redman-Carr actually had gone surfing Saturday morning before going into labor that night.
Redman-Carr, who starts the 2008 ASP Women's World Tour ranked 13th in the world, is expected to miss the opening event of the season, the Roxy Pro, later this month, but may be in the lineup at the Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach in March.
Check out more about Redman-Carr on the ASP site.
Quiksilver Natural Progression Should End Today
Published: 1:02 a.m. PT by Greg
The Quiksilver Natural Progression contest was off on Monday and is expected to finish today with the 18 competitors hitting Casper Bowl.
If you need more info about what went down on day one read yesterday's story).
New York Surf Film Festival Open For Business
Published: 12:49 a.m. PT by Greg
If you haven't heard of the New York Surf Film Festival there's a good reason -- it's brand new. The festival has just been announced and will take place this fall in the Big Apple. According to the festival's website, the aim of this festival is to become the "premier showcase for international independent surf film."
Helping pick the best films in various categories including Documentary, Animation, Biography and Experimental will be a panel of mostly-NYC-based industry insiders including Surfer Magazine photog Gabe Sullivan and former pro Alex Karinsky.
While the film festival's dates have yet to be announced, the entry period runs through August 1 of this year. Visit the site for more.
Occy Update: Will Be at J-Bay, Fiji and PipelinePublished: 12:29 a.m. PT by Greg
When Mark Occhilupo retired from professional surfing at the end of last season we knew he would be showing up at some events in '08 -- now we know which ones. According to a new interview, the Billabong-sponsored Occy will be competing at Fiji (which was canceled in '07), Jeffrey's Bay in South Africa and Pipeline in Hawaii thanks to wild cards.
Otherwise, read the story to see how Occy is coping with retirement.
Bede Durbidge Ties the KnotPublished: 12:00 a.m. PT by Greg
After a very successful 2007 season, capped by winning the Pipeline Masters and the Vans Triple Crown in December, pro surfer Bede Durbidge has started '08 by tying the knot with his girlfriend Tarryn Pennell.
In attendence were about 150 guests (barefoot of course) including world champ Mick Fanning and world #2 Taj Burrow.
You can read more about the wedding here.
February 4, 2008
What the Hell Are the Laureus Awards?
Published: 1:32 a.m. PT by Greg
Speaking of Sheckler, he was among the nominees for some honor called the Laureus Awards, which are taking place in St. Petersburg (yep,, that's Russia). It "promotes the use of sport as a tool for social change and celebrates sporting excellence" (according to its website).
Nominated alongside Sheckler in the "World Action Sportsperson of the Year" category are Daniel Dhers, Mick Fanning, Stephanie Gilmore, Aaron Hadlow (he's a kitesurfer -- I had to look it up) and Shaun White. Now, Kelly Slater won last year and before that the award was called "Alternative Sportsperson of the Year." Layne Beachley won in '04, Bob Burnquist in '02 and snowboarder Shaun Palmer won in '00 (the first year, it looks like). Every other winner is not worth mentioning.
Whew. I think you now know everything of value there is to know about the Laureus Awards.
You Don't Have Enough Ryan Sheckler in Your Life? Here's More
Published: 1:11 a.m. PT by Greg
Since we have more than 24 hours until the next episode of "Life of Ryan" I know that many people out there are jonseing for a fix. You can catch a look at him on today's "Ellen DeGeneres Show". But in addition to that it's worth noting that critics out there actually like his show including the New York Times (in a review that's being reprinted all over the place). You know what we think of it (Or at least you should by now).
Huck Profiles Bam
Published: 12:51 a.m. PT by Greg
If you live in the UK you can pick up the latest issue of Huck magazine and read a new interview with Bam Margera. Not sure how new it actually is, but any story about or including Bam can usually be entertaining. You get a taste of it here but the geniuses at Huck decided that if you want the whole thing you have to buy it. That's very 1990s of them. The issue does also include an interview with Mick Fanning and a look at the Portland skate scene.
Published: 12:26 a.m. PT by Greg
Many, many months ago we told you about the Maloof Money Cup in Orange County, CA, that will award $250K in prize money to the top street and vert skateboarders in the country. Now we know how the event organizers, the fabulously rick Maloof brothers (owners of the Sacramento Kings, the Palms Casino and tons of other things we probably don't even know about), can afford the payout: the ridiculously expensive ticket prices.
That's right, Tickets are now one sale for the event which will take place July 11-13. Cheapie one-day tix will set you back $12 or as high as $35, but the three-day pass will cost nearly $90 -- and that's not including some huge fees from Ticketmaster.
Okay, so maybe those prices alone won't cover the purse that includes $100K for the top Street Skater, $75K (plus a SUV) for the top Vert Skater and a$75 total purse for women's street. Sorry, women vert skaters will have to wait until next year. Or never.
This should be a crazy event. But we've still got a few months to wait. More info here.
Rice Leads Quiksilver Natural Selection
Published: 12:04 a.m. PT by Greg
Results have been released for the first day of action at the Quiksilver Natural Selection comp. Saturday (the event was off on Sunday) saw hometown rider Travis Rice dominate the field with a top score of 431. Mark Landvik of Alaska was second with a 394 and Mark Carter of Wyoming had a 385 in third. In all, 18 riders took part in the action at Dick's Ditch (Bryan Iguchi was listed as "Did Not Finish"). For how all riders did check out the results.
One more day is needed to complete the event and its holding period runs through Tuesday, Feb. 5.
For more about the event here's the official site.
cr. Scott Sullivan
February 3, 2008
Getting Ready for the Phoenix AM
Published: 1:19 a.m. PT by Greg
The Phoenix AM has been one of the top AM events in the country and this year shouldn't be any different. Check out the flier for the comp below so you can get ready to attend. Know anyone who wants to take part? Hurry up and register -- only 100 spots open and there's a fee of $125 to sign up.
Overall prize breakout is $3000 for 1st, $2000 for 2nd, $1000 for 3rd. There will also be a Best Trick contest from ALPHANUMERIC with a $2500 purse.
If you want more details go here.
Quiksilver Natural Stage One Complete
Published: 12:55 a.m. PT by Greg
As expected the Quiksilver Natural Selection did go off at Jackson Hole, Wyoming yesterday but as of a little after midnight PT there aren't any results yet. "17 of the world's best snowboarders went hard on a snowy day at Dick's Ditch. The judges are now busy reviewing footage and results will be posted as soon as they are in." reports the website.
Check out the official site if you want to see event results are posted yet... We'll be putting up results, too, of course.
Pearce Wins Air & Style in Austria
Published: 12:19 a.m. PT by Greg
It's been a good few days for Kevin Pearce, who won the Billabong Air & Style TTR event in Austria Saturday. The win comes a few scant days after Pearce was named the winner of the Reader's Choice Award at the Transworld SNOWboarding Awards. Scotty Lago was second.
Worth noting was that Jack Mitrani came close to breaking Terje Haakonsen's record Quarterpipe height of 9.8m after he reached 10.2m but was unable to stick his landing. He did land an 8.2m Air and won the Swatch Highest Air Title for the contest.
The win propells Pearce into the #2 rankings on TTR while Risto Mattila remains first (he finished 10th at the event). For a couple of photos and more about the win, check out this story and Here's the official site if you want it....
cr. Oliver Kurzemann
Pipe Off Saturday; Sunday Not Promising
Published: 12:01 a.m. PT by Greg
The Monster Energy Pro had a lay day Saturday an may do the same today. A little more than one day is needed to complete the event and it's holding period runs through Wednesday, February 6. The weather forecast is not too promising for the next two days.
When competition resumes, it will start with heat 9 of the round of 64, with defending champ Jamie O'Brien facing off against Fred Patacchia Jr, Mark Healey and Darrell Goodrum.
Want more info? Check out the official site here.
February 2, 2008
Quiksilver Natural Selection May Happen Today
Published: 12:52 a.m. PT by Greg
The inaugural Quiksilver Natural Selection at Jackson Hole, Wyoming may go off today after three days of waiting for optimum conditions. The event, officially named the Quiksilver Natural Selection All-Mountain Freestyle Invitational, seeks to redefine snowboarding events by completely utilizing natural obstacles and courses as well as depending on pure 100% natural snowfall versus any man-made snow. Because of those conditions, a seven-day holding period is in place (it runs through Feb. 5) in order to maximize the ability to fit in two days of competition.
Quiksilver team rider helped organize the event and personally invited all competitors (there are 17 in all including Rice and his teammate Austin Smith, who just won two awards at the Transworld SNOWboarding Awards).
For more about the event check out the official site. We'll let you know what goes down.
Aussies Prepare to Celebrate Big Waves
Published: 12:25 a.m. PT by Greg
The entry period for the Oakley Surfing Life Big Wave Awards has passed and the final entries have come in for the event. The Big Wave Awards celebrate the best big wave riders in Australia and has an entry period from June 1 to February 1. The last entry came from 21-year-old Tasmanian surfer Brook Phillips was was filmed on a 18-foot-plus wave at Shipstern Bluff (see the pic below).
Winners will be chosen by a judging panel that includes top photographers, Surfing Life editors and veteran big wave riders. The winners will be announced at the Awards in Sydney on February 13.
Click here for more info.
pic cr. Oakley
Update From the Pipe: Irons Out
Published: 12:09 a.m. PT by Greg
The Monster Energy Pro at the Pipeline in Hawaii didn't go off yesterday but when action does resume there will be only 48 surfers will be left from the initial starting group of 136. The event's top seed, Andy Irons, was knocked out on Thursday, but many big names are still in contention including Bruce Irons, Fred Patacchia, Jamie O'Brien, Roy Powers and local Pancho Sullivan, who actually missed the registration for the event and therefore has had to surf from the trials instead of having an initial seed in the third round.
When action does resume, you can watch it live here.
February 1, 2008
Marie-France Roy is Queen of Transworld SNOWboarding Awards
Published: 4:12 a.m. PT by Greg
The 9th Annual Transworld SNOWboarding Riders' Poll Awards went down last night in Vegas and Rome's Marie-France Roy was the big winner, taking home three awards and getting mobbed on stage each time by her fellow Rome SDS-ites. In addition, the hard charging 23-year-old Canadian got carried off on her team's shoulders not once, but twice during the night.
The Rome delegate's hearty support of Roy proved to be the high point of the night of the event, which came close to filling The Joint to capacity at the Hard Rock Hotel in Vegas. For a full recap of all the winners, you can read my full recap here. We also have tons of photos here.
Here are a couple of things you won't read in the recap:
- The show started late -- no surprise there -- but that meant DJ Steve Aoki had one less hour to play the after-party. Problem was, less than half-an-hour after the show wrapped up at about 10:15 (it was a scant 45 minute affair), the place was almost empty and the dance floor along with it. He sounded great, though. - Nominees were given an okay New Era Cap to honor the night -- just not like the cool one the skateboarders got at the TWS awards last year. Judging from the number of hats left behind on the table, some lucky guests were going to sport those caps tonight. Check eBay tomorrow and you could probably buy one yourself.
Again, you can see photos here plus get a taste below!
Torah Bright and Spencer O'Brien
Three-time winner on the night: Marie-France Roy
Wolle Nyvelt - Men's Rider of the Year
Epicly Later'd Begins Its Epic John Cardiel Story
Published: 1:12 a.m. PT by Me
So we talked about how Patrick O'Dell has teased us with appetizers for the latest installment of Epicly Later'd but now he's begun serving the actual meal as the first episode of the John Cardiel profile has been posted and it looks like the whole profile is gonna be a whopper (14 total episodes!?!!?). If you aren't fully versed with the Cardiel story...basically Cardiel was one of the rawest skaters out in the 90s and into this decade then one day several years ago he suffered a major injury while on tour in Australia that had doctors telling him he wouldn't ever walk again. Given that this is Cardiel they were talking to they obviously made the wrong prognosis as slowly but steadily Cardiel fought back against the injury to the point where he's riding a bike again (see the episode). Basically it's one of those amazing stories reserved for Lifetime TV, but this time around it's with one of the biggest personalities out there. Obviously there's plenty of details to cover but that's what the 14 episodes are for. To check out the first part of the John Cardiel Epicly Later'd check the link here or just watch below.
Day 2 At The SIA (Tradeshow + Party)
Published: 12:49 a.m. PT by Me
To follow up all that we mentioned about the SIA yesterday we got Snowboard Mag's Day 2 coverage from the Tradeshow featuring both much of the same and completely new stuff (i.e. more hot chicks), plus some shots of the new brands we've mentioned here before such as Nomis Clothing, etc. And yep it's another Superpost so be prepared to be inundated with plenty of pics. To check out Snowboard Mag at SIA Day 2 click the link here. Oh and why not also check out their pics from the Vans Afterparty featuring the Pussycat Dolls (i.e. more-more hot chicks) here.
Another Day Another Skate Documentary To Wait For
Published: 12:23 a.m. PT by Me
The other day we mentioned a new documentary about skateboarding in New York which looked damn good, and now we got another documentary about skate culture in general, entitled 'Woven', that also looks damn good. As teased in the trailer this one touches on all aspects of being a skating from the sport itself to the art to the music. Sure beats girl problems, and bickering parents (*nods at Sheckler's show*). As of now details just include the fact that it will be released later this year so it's just best to keep an eye for it, in the meantime check the trailer below.
EA Skate Slams Tony Hawk
Published: 12:11 a.m. PT by Me
As if it wasn't apparent before ummmm EA Skate has completely dominated the skate game industry, outselling the established franchise's newest manifestation, 'Tony Hawk Proving Ground' by 2-to-1. Looks like Tony's bed is gonna be stuffed with a few less millions this year. For more on the numbers, statistics, and all that nerdy stuff check the article here.
January 31, 2008
Eric Koston Profiled
Published: 1:59 a.m. PT by Me
As you all probably know by now Steve Berra has been at the forefront of the recent well-deserved explosion of The Berrics, with his work directly on the site as well his work promoting it outside of the site (interviews, FUEL TV spots, etc.). But it's worth remembering the other half of the facility's namesake, Eric Koston, who as you all probably know (am I repeating myself) is one of the greatest skaters that ever lived. Well SkateBook (you know that free book you can most likely not pick up at most local skateshops) has obviously not forgotten Koston as they have profiled him for their SkateBook.tv site. The profile is listed as being a four parter with the first part having already been posted up. In the first part you get a lot of skaters, who are pretty amazing in their own right, who are familiar with Koston talking about how amazing Koston is. For instance you got Guy Mariano (and to a certain degree Jim Greco) talking about how the tricks Koston lands almost get minimal response from people because "it's Koston," as opposed to the reaction it would've gotten any other skater. It's definitely something worth viewing and hopefully it's an indication of what's to come in the future parts. You can check out the Eric Koston profile on SkateBook.tv here.
Day 1 At The SIA
Published: 1:34 a.m. PT by Me
With the Surf Expo (Jan 10 - 13) and the ASR (Jan 25 - 27) over with, the last tradeshow standing for the winter season is the SIA Tradeshow taking place at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas right now. The SIA is a tradeshow that caters to the snowsports and like most tradeshows in the action sports a lot of it seems more like play than work...which is fine by me because it makes for great coverage, like the Snowboard Magazine SIA Day 1 post for instance. In one of their trademark(ed) "Superposts" Snowboard Mag has gotten all corners of the SIA Day 1 covered with pics of booths, pics of products and pics of peeps (including the requisite girls). You can check out what I mean here. Also after that stop by Transworld SNOWboarding to see what they caught over at SIA.
Dane Williams Update
Published: 1:19 a.m. PT by Me
While we wait for news from the San Diego coroner in regards to the Dane Williams autopsy check out this article on William's death which features more on the man himself.
More Assorted Team News
Published: 12:59 a.m. PT by Me
• One of the best dudes out there on a snowboard, Danny Kass, has signed on to Union Bindings. The deal is a three-year one which will put Kass on a list of riders for Union that includes Dustin Craven, Hampus Mosesson, and TJ Schneider among others. Speaking on the deal Kass said, "My search for the best all-around binding is over. These things are comfy and perfect." For more info on the signing check the link here.
• French-Canadian skater Pierre-Luc Gagnon has joined ranks with the Canadian clothing brand RDS (Red Dragon). Check the RDS site for the official annoucement here.
• Having already been on the team for 5 years Former Girl On profilee Leanne Pelosi has re-committed herself to K2 Snowboards by re-signing with the company for another three years. Active Mail OrderCheck the announcement here.
Winter X 12 Goes Wild
Published: 12:29 a.m. PT by Me
You know when we mentioned last week that a lot of the athletes headed to the Winter X Games were headed there partly for the parties/debauchery involved in such an event. Well we weren't joking 'cause Snowboard Mag has got a gallery up featuring tons of photos from the "festive" happenings in Aspen and they sure do epitomize what we were talking about. From the ever present liquor to the freaks on the dancefloor to the appearance of producer/rapper Lil' Jon (evidence below) check out what we mean with Snowboard Mag's Winter X Party Patrol pictures here.
Surfline Boosts The Save Trestles Campaign
Published: 12:11 a.m. PT by Me
If you've been keeping up with local surf news out of California you're probably aware of the Trestles/Toll Road issue. It's basically that locals around South Orange County (where Trestles is located) with the support of California Governor, and star of 'Red Sonya', Arnold Schwarzenegger, want to build a toll road across the area to relieve some of the traffic issues. The problem is the road will have a significant effect on the famed surf spot as well as the nature around it. Hence many surfers are opposing the Toll Road, with a key date for the issue coming up February 6th when the California Coastal Commission will weigh in on the issue (the road will need their approval before it can actually go through). In light of that Surfline has put up a feature on their site that has a slideshow featuring artistic renderings of what the toll road might look like around the Trestles area in order to spur viewers of their site to get involved. You can check out their "Trestles: Before And After" feature here if you wanna know what the stakes are.
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