There you can view video of the boat in action, see vignettes taken throughout the history of its development, as well as find boat and accessory specifications.

Leon Halfon

Calling for submissions for the first-ever Canadian O’Neill Surf Academy Logo. Read more at Pacific Surf School.com

THE MISSION HITS THE COAST OF FRANCE IN ITS CONTINUOUS SPIRIT OF EXPLORATION

The O'Neill Mission
The Ultimate Freesurf Contest Challenge
French Coast
17-25 May 2008

May 15, 2008 - Free to roam the world in search of the best uncrowded waves, The O'Neill Mission has chosen the west coast of France for its latest adventure. From the wild and rugged coastline of the north around Brest to the renowned surf beaches of Biarritz and Hossegor in the south west, this coastline stretching over 1,000km long offers more than imagined by most.

O'Neill will bring 10 of the most dynamic surfers on the planet to Biarritz on May 17th 2008 from which point they will continuously explore every bay and beach of the French coast in the quest for perfect waves.

They will not stop until May 25th. With the unique contest formula, there is no set plan. The O'Neill Mission is free to drive to wherever the charts inspire, wherever the crowds thin, and (hopefully) the offshore lightly blows.

It is geographically a world away from the past two years of the Mission, staged in the French Polynesian Islands. But as Mission director, Bernhard Ritzer explains: "We wanted to do something totally different from the two previous years. It is about exploring new coastlines, enhancing the spirit of adventure, and getting the best experience for the freesurfing. The west coast of France offers so much potential. It fits perfectly with The O'Neill Mission's core principles and spirit of exploration and adventure; not to mention challenging the boundaries of professional event innovation."

The final line up of surfers on this unique adventure for 2008 has been finalized, and nine high profile surfers have already booked their places. The two previous winners of The Mission, Ian Walsh (Haw) and Michel Bourez (Tah) have confirmed they will be back on this year's trip - each attempting to become the first to win The Mission twice.

Representing the young talent of the world will be Julian Wilson. The 18-year-old is one of the biggest emerging stars from Australia and recognized for his freesurfing prowess, making his mark on the surfing world in Young Guns II. The former ISA World Junior Champion is also credited with performing and naming the worlds first Sushi Roll. Expect great things from this guy in France.

Former WCT competitors, Australian Jarrad Howse, and American Cory Lopez have booked their spots on The Mission 2008, as have three European chargers, Justin Mujica from Portugal and the two French surfers, Tim Boal and Hugo Savalli. Completing the most dynamic lineup of surfers The Mission has seen so far is the recently crowned winner of The O’Neill Highland Open, Adam Robertson.

After two years exploring the Tahitian surf, The Mission has chosen France for its adventure in 2008. The location might have changed, but the unique and innovative 'no judges, no rules' formula of The O'Neill Mission remains. This is surfers judging surfers, with the overall winner walking away with US $25,000.

This unique event taking in the expanse of the coast from Brittany to the Basque country - even including the option to detour to the Mediterranean, continues to push the boundaries of surf events and exploration. Now on the European shores, it will be even easier to follow every moment of the journey.
Check out complete coverage at: www.oneilleurope.com/themission

XCEL WINS 2008 WETSUIT OF THE YEAR
Second Win in a Row as Infiniti Drylock Waterproof System is Honored

HALEIWA, OAHU, HAWAII - MAY 19, 2008 - Xcel proudly announces its win as "Wetsuit of the Year" for the revolutionary Infiniti Drylock waterproof system.

"Wetsuit of the Year" is a prestigious industry award for the wetsuit retailed in 2007 that featured the most exciting design, appeal, or innovation. The title was given by SIMA (Surf Industry Manufacturer's Association) at its annual industry conference and Image Awards program in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

The Infiniti Drylock system, the most watertight, flexible wetsuit on the market today, features a 100% waterproof Drylock zipper as part of Xcel's X-ZIP 2 entry system. It is the next evolution of the Infiniti Series wetsuits that won Xcel these same honors last year.

This year's award cements Xcel's clean sweep of SIMA's "Wetsuit of the Year" title in the only two years it has been a category in SIMA's Image Awards program.

"This is a true honor to have the Infiniti Drylock system recognized by our industry for the first year it hit retail," says Xcel president and founder Ed D'Ascoli. "Achieving this award two years in a row is an exciting example of Xcel's unwavering commitment to delivering the best possible product, as we keep evolving our core products to the next levels of performance, flexibility, and warmth. I'm especially proud of Xcel's great team of staff and retailers whose support and dedication keep making it happen."

Xcel's Infiniti Drylock system was chosen over fellow "Wetsuit of the Year" nominees such as Body Glove, Rip Curl, and O'Neill.

The SIMA Image Awards identifies the surf industry's most influential companies, recognizing them for their efforts to advance and to grow the industry. It is the only awards program that gives the surf industry the opportunity to recognize fellow companies for their outstanding contributions to the industry. Nominees are selected by a panel of industry experts, followed by a formal vote by SIMA members and specialty retailers who determine the ultimate winners.

"We've been seeing the Infiniti Drylock system consistently deliver in all aspects of performance," adds Greg Wade, Xcel vice president of sales and marketing. "Its performance in the water, at retail, and now at SIMA's award program, are all testaments to Xcel's position as a leader in wetsuit design and innovation, and an inspiration to us to keep pushing that leading position even farther. I'm especially excited about the expanded Infiniti Drylock line that we'll be introducing later this year!"

Xcel first introduced the X-ZIP front horizontal zipper system in 1997, a wetsuit entry system that would become the foundation of Xcel's Infiniti Series wetsuits, and the beginning of multiple innovations that would come together to define the complete Infiniti system. The Infiniti Drylock system expands upon the X-ZIP2 front angled zipper to create a whole new maximum-performance waterproof entry system.

All Infiniti Series and Infiniti Drylock system wetsuits feature Xcel's exclusive Fusion Seams for maximum stretch and durability, and ultra-flexible, ultra-light neoprene for an ideal balance of warmth and comfort.

About Xcel
Founded in 1982, Xcel International, Inc. (Xcel) is a global wetsuit brand distributed throughout the Americas, Europe, Asia, and the Pacific Rim. Headquartered on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, Xcel's core wetsuit business focuses on the cutting edge of material and design development. Xcel's primary markets include surf, dive, wakeboard, paddle, and sun (UV Performance Gear).

In addition to its North Shore office, Xcel has retail stores on Oahu and a warehouse/repair facility in California. To learn more about Xcel, please visit www.xcelwetsuits.com.

Red Nik is having our 7th annual Customer Appreciation Sale and BBQ

Spring is here (would not know it today), and Red Nik is having our 7th annual Customer Appreciation Sale and BBQ.

This Saturday May 10th from 10AM - 5:30PM. We will be BBQ'ing the dogs from 11AM - 3PM, so make sure to come by for a Dog and iced Tea.

We will have all clothing at 10% OFF , and Men's and Women's T's at Buy 2 and get a 3rd FREE.

We will be giving away some really great prizes his year as in the following:

• 1st Prize; Channel Islands 8.0 Epoxy Longboard
• 2nd Prize; Burton Snowboard
• 3rd Prize; Smith Sunglasses

All winners will be announced at 5PM saturday.

So we hope to see you all saturday (rain or shine)

Cheers
Billy, Lisa, Matt, Elisa, Jill, Lindsey, Mishi, Misean, Hannah and River. Red Nik Surf Co

AN INTERVIEW WITH CHRIS COLE...

My name is Chris Cole.

Do your tricks come naturally or do you work for them?
The stuff that makes it to the video tends to take me a while. I have ideas of what I want to have in my part and I think I aim too high. So I get a beat-down trying to meet my goal.

Can you tell us about the new Hot Wax video?
It is the 2nd video we've done, it has some new dudes in it that didn’t have parts in the last one. It is awesome; I am really excited about it. Real fun, but still has shredding stuff. The best part is I didn’t have to edit it. Ian did all that. So I just get to watch it and enjoy.

The deadline for the Fallen video Ride The Sky is approaching.
How is filming with a deadline different than filming without a deadline?
Well filming for videos are generally a good time, until deadline comes up, or you are trying to get your final tricks. The final tricks are all the ones that are either super gnar for you, or a trick that you can’t do well and are trying to make the part diverse. Either way it is frustrating and physically trying.

You are leaving the east coast and heading west soon. Why are you leaving?
And what differences in skating will there be in the east vs. west?
We are. The reasons being that my sponsors are out there. Our filmers and photographers are out there. To be the skater I want to be I need to go where I can get the most done. I love it here but it is time to make the move. Although I will be back in Philly a ton

Your son, Wyatt, is approaching 2 years old soon.
How has he changed your life?
In every way. I am really proud of him. I know that doesn’t answer the question but I like this answer better.

Five-O Fakie
 
Is Wyatt shredding yet?
He is in love with skateboards, and everything he gets turns into a skateboard. It can be a toy car, or a toy guitar. They all get skated. He loves Tech-decks now. When we have to take one away from him so he can eat or something, there is hell to pay.

Has being a married man changed your life?
It hasn’t. I feel the same but very happy that I am a married man. My wedding ruled as well.
My wife is creative and beautiful, and can make a gorgeous kid.

You have been winning a lot of contests lately.
Do you plan or train for the contests or just skate?
I just skate. I try to keep every trick I know all the time. So contests are just fun. If I'm gonna go, I might as well try my hardest. Sometimes the creativity isn’t there though, and I can’t think of what to do

You have been painting guitars for a bit and got involved with some guitar companies. Can you elaborate/explain any of this? What is the deal with your pro model guitar?
I love painting guitars. I haven’t had much time for it lately, but I have a bunch already. They are so fun, and it really isn’t hard to do at all. I don’t know how much I am allowed to say about the signature thing, but I am working with Jackson guitars on a custom shop guitar. There will only be a couple made, look out for it in the near future.

Who are your favorite skaters right now?
Tom Asta, - he is a skate rat. It makes me pissed I can't be that good that easily.
Rattray - I've always been a big fan but I always forget who my favorites are when I am asked so I told myself I wouldn’t forget this one the next time. Boozecan- gets a beat down for his tricks Hardy- I am down for this dude, even though he is a big moody giant.

The new Hot Wax video "Shred the Gnar" comes out on December 7th.
Check out the photos from the Hot Wax "Shred the Gnar" Premiere @ www.blackboxdist.com.

Fanning Claims Quiksilver Pro France Crown, Can He Clinch Title Next Week?

SEIGNOSSE, France (Saturday, Sept. 29, 2007) – Mick Fanning (AUS) the newly crowned 2007 Quiksilver Pro France Champion, is mathematically capable of clinching his maiden Foster’s ASP World Title in Mundaka, Spain next week. Fanning beat South Africa’s Greg Emslie, in three to five foot (one to one half meter) surf at Les Bourdaines this afternoon. "I’m just so stoked to have another win under my belt," Fanning, who also won the first event of the year on the Gold Coast of Australia, said. "I’m pumped! After the semis I really realized that you had to have the best waves to win, so that’s what I did. I just sat and waited for the whole time."

Fanning caught four waves to Emslie’s 12, but garnered his winning heat total of 18.43 (out of 20.00) with his first two rides – the second of which he scored a near perfect 9.93 (out of 10) for. "That wave just sat up really, really nicely and I was able to get some good turns off," Fanning said. "I’m just stoked, that’s about all I can say."

Fanning could clinch the title with a win in Spain should his closest threats, reigning World Champion Kelly Slater (USA) and Taj Burrow (AUS), not make it to the Semifinals. If he finishes 2nd in Spain, Slater and Burrow have to post a 5th place or better to keep their title aspirations alive.

"There’s no pressure at all in Mundaka for the title," Fanning said. "I’m just doing what I’ve been doing, taking it heat by heat. You can’t win in the final if you don’t win the first round, so yeah, you’ve just got to take it heat by heat." Fanning beat fellow Australian Troy Brooks in the Semifinals. Brooks had the lead with six minutes to go, but Fanning scored an 8.00 and 9.67 in quick succession to leave Brooks needing a 9.18 he never found. "I finally got a few good ones out there," Brooks said. "I sort of put the pressure on Mick, but that’s why he’s No. 1 I guess, because he came out of it and smashed me."

The next Foster’s ASP World Tour event, Stop. 8 of 10 on this year’s tour, begins in Mundaka, Spain on Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2007.

Quiksilver Pro France Final Results:
Final: Mick Fanning (AUS) 18.43 def. Greg Emslie (ZAF) 11.63

For further Media Information, contact:
Shaun Wright, Team Manager, shaun@creatures.com.au,
Shane Partington, International Sales Manager, shane@creatures.com.au and
Garrick Jackson, Australian Sales Manager, garrick@creatures.com.au
Garrick Jackson, Australian Sales Manager, garrick@creatures.com.au
in Canada contact Canz Distribution, info@canz.ca
Visit our website www.creatures.com.au to view the full range of Creatures of Leisure products.

Source: www.aspworltour.com

Sacred Craft | 2007 Consumer Surboard Expo

Del Mar Fairgrounds - October 13 &14, 2007

IN THE BEGINNING...... it was all about the surfboard. The only thing that mattered. From ancient Polynesia to the ASP World Championship Tour; from Waikiki to Maverick's; from The Endless Summer to Surfline; as the eras passed what we've worn or said or listened to or traveled to or read or watched are just sidebars on surfing's timeline. Because the history of our sport is the history of the surfboard. Nothing has defined the surfing experience more than that on which we ride the waves. Nothing defines the surfer more than his (or her) surfboard. So much more than a tool, the surfboard has become a philosophical icon, a sacred craft, a culturally pervasive symbol of freedom, adventure and enduring youth.

more info at http://www.surfboardshow.com

Billabong International Limited Acquires Xcel

Gold Coast, Australia - September 7, 2007 -- Billabong International Limited (ASX: BBG) today announced the acquisition of the United States-based wetsuit and technical watersport-accessories brand Xcel.

The brand, established in 1982, is focused on product for the surfing, diving (recreational and military), ocean paddling and wakeboarding markets and was recently awarded the "Wetsuit of the Year" title by the Surf Industry Manufacturers' Association.

Billabong Chief Executive Officer Derek O'Neill said the acquisition strengthened the Group's position in the wetsuit category.

"Xcel is a category leader, particularly in its primary markets of Hawaii and mainland USA," said Mr O'Neill. "It has an authentic surf heritage and it is a brand that we feel can readily benefit from the support of the Billabong Group."

Xcel founder and owner Ed D'Ascoli will remain with the business and continue to operate Xcel from its Hawaiian base.

"Xcel will remain focused on its core products and will then leverage the support of the Billabong Group in areas of distribution and product development," he said.

The acquisition is effective from 1 September 2007 and is expected to be earnings per share accretive in year one. It is anticipated Xcel will contribute in the range of 1% to Billabong Group revenue in the 2007-08 financial year.

About Xcel International
Founded in 1982, Xcel International (Xcel) is a global independent wetsuit brand distributed throughout the Americas, Europe, Asia, and the Pacific Rim. Headquartered on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, Xcel's core wetsuits business focuses on the cutting edge of material and design development. Xcel's primary markets include surf, dive, wakeboard, paddle, and sun (UV protection).

In addition to its North Shore office, Xcel operates two retail stores on Oahu and a warehouse/repair facility in California. To learn more about Xcel, please visit www.xcelwetsuits.com .

Push Skateshop For Sale

Excellent location-across the street from bonsor skatepark

Priced to Sell

Contact Tony (604) 836-1850 or by email