Kelly Slater has long been known as the ‘king of surfing’. Is he now going after Budweiser for the title of ‘king of beer’ as well?

No, Not really. But in a tribute to the 8-times world champion, Anheuser Busch (the self proclaimed king-of-beer) distributed Hinano Beer, in association with Quiksilver, has launched a limited edition beer-can designed with the original “SL8R” Quiksilver logo. If you ask me, the can looks more like an energy drink than it does a beer can. But I digress, they are pretty cool none-the-less.

The tribute to ‘The King’ has limited distribution and will only be sold in Hawai’i. Pick these up now while they’re available and save yourself a can or two. Who knows, these may become valuable collector items one day in the surf world.

Heading into the inaugural Boost Mobile Surf Sho event around this same time last year, Taj Burrow was sitting on top of the world. Earlier that same week he had won the 2007 Bells Beach title to then hold the world overall no.1 ranking. This time around he is not quite where he had hoped to be following the Australian two-step, but he’s hoping a repeat victory at an event that will jump-start a run to his long awaited ASP world championship.

Pulling off another victory at the aerial show will be anything but easy for Taj. He’s up against a field that includes current world-champ Mick Fanning, wonder-kid Julian Wilson, aerial-artist Ozzie Wright, as well as young-gun Ry Craike in the innovative and entertaining ‘game show’ style event. Getting back into the winners circle, even though it won’t count on the tour standings, would be a huge boost to Burrow’s confidence heading into Tahiti

“It’s been the most frustrating start to the year because I feel I’m surfing well, I’m fit and I’ve got great equipment,” said Burrow. “I’d love to make up for it by reclaiming the Boost Surf Sho title. I’ve been practicing and working on some new flips so, hopefully I can get the jump on the boys again”

The Boost Mobile Surf Sho in itself is huge for surfing’s progression. What really caught my eye is the prize money. First place brings home $25,000(AUS), which is roughly $23,500(U.S.). That’s pretty solid for an event that is only in its second year of existence, especially when you consider that the stagnant prize money totals for WCT events are not that much higher. The format is geared to make the event spectator friendly, and this is something that the ‘CT events have struggled with at times. Putting world-class talent in an event and rewarding progressive surfing with a large purse will surely bring a display of maneuvers that will leave us all standing in awe.

Reef has announced that they have come to terms with current world champion Mick Fanning on a new 5 year deal. Mick’s partnership with Reef dates all the way back to 1995. Since then, he has established himself as one of Reef’s elite footwear team riders, along with the likes of Rob Machado and Sofia Mulanovich.

“I’m so stoked to continue my relationship with Reef, they have been my longest sponsor along with DHD. I have been wearing Reef shoes and sandals for as long as I can remember. The people who work there are like family which makes the partnership that much easier.”

Mick’s journey to the top has been a long, arduous trek. Reef has seen him progress through National titles, Pro Junior series, and the grueling WQS on his way to winning the ASP title last year. Mick is as hard a worker and as dedicated a surfer as you’ll see on the tour. Reef has to be especially stoked on this deal, seeing that Mick’s consistency will almost undoubtedly keep him at or near the top of the standings in every one of those five years. Congratulations, once again, Mick Fanning.

As many do in their high-school years, a couple of my best friends and myself decided to take over the world in the form of a start-up clothing company. We actually did really well considering we started the whole project off with limited resources somewhere in the neighborhood of $650. Our marketing skills were obviously somewhat limited, but we were bound and determined to get our name out and simply would not be denied.

We used part of our initial “investment” and had a few thousand stickers printed up in order to put our name out for all to see. After seeing that O’Neill is using a similar - obviously more large-scale strategy - with their recently launched SuperFreak/RuOne online contest, I took a trip back in time to the days where no object within 100 mile radius was immune from the branding method used by a few ultra-dedicated teenagers looking to become moguls at an early age.

Basically whoever prints off the SuperFreak/RuOne creative, found on the O’Neill site, and slaps it in or on the most random and crazy location wins. Entries are to uploaded and submitted online. At the end of the contest surfing phenom Jordy Smith will review and personally hand pick the grand prize winner who will receive a brand new autographed Jordy Smith surfboard, signature boardshort, along with a bountiful apparel package.

O’Neill makes it clear they aren’t looking for entries that deface public property or that will be considered vandalism. My past experience with this technique is that there is really no way to avoid it. Depending on the participation in this contest, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the SuperFreak/RuOne image in some very unexpected places. We think placing one (or more) on the Cardiff Kook would do well.

The $40 shakedown has long been known to be expected as part of the Baja experience. As far back as I can remember, it has been common knowledge to bring a couple of extra twenties with you just in case. That way when the local police force in Tijuana and neighboring cities pull you over and begin telling you how all of the horrible traffic violations you “allegedly” committed are enough to lock you up in a Mexican jail for the rest of your life, you can simply slip a couple of Andrew Johnson’s his way and carry on to any one of the magical breaks that Baja holds.

The crime, drug-trafficking, and violence in Baja have escalated to new levels over the last year, and anyone contemplating a trip down should really take a second look before making the trek south.

My last trip down in September of last year ended with the $40 shakedown (to be exact, I think it ended up being an $84 shakedown). Compared to some of the horror stories that have been all to common recently, I can only be thankful to have made it out of there just losing a few bucks. Sexual and physical assault, kidnappings and extortions, and every other type of despicable criminal activity have taken place on those simply looking to go on a surf trip, much of which takes place under the supposed watchful eye of the federal police who were called in to curb such behavior.

A recent article on Surfline posed the question-

“Crystal Meth, Federale takeovers, corrupt cops, international drug dealers, itinerant poachers and poor desperate people all thrown into one narrow, long, dusty peninsula that happens to have some incredible surf and is located right next to California. What’s a surfer to do?”

So what is a surfer to do? For me, at this point, the answer is simple. Until they get their act together down south, I will be avoiding Baja altogether. The $40 shakedown is being taken to new levels, and good waves aren’t worth possibly finding myself and loved ones ending up in a real Mexican hell.

It looks like Southern California and Kauai aren’t the only locations that are finding themselves in the news for shark encounters. Sadly, the recent encounter that made headlines in Australia ended fatally.

A 16 yr. old boy was bodyboarding off of New South Wales in Australia when he called out to his friend to let him know he was in trouble. The friend went out to help, but at that point there had already been too much damage done by what officials are calling a “very large shark.” Rough seas and poor visibility have delayed any search for the shark, but many are leaning to the thought that the culprit was a bull shark as there had been several recent sightings in the area.

I can’t think of any action sport, or any other sport in general for that matter that has as much interaction with wild animals. Surfing is unique in that way and that is part of what makes it beautiful. Unfortunately, these types of deadly encounters take place on the rare occasion and remind us all to be as cautious as we can to avoid things like surfing near river-mouths, being out in the water when it’s dark, and coming out if you begin to bleed. Sharks have much more of a reason to fear us then we do them. Being aware and taking precautions will help lessen the already microscopic chances of having a shark make a mistake and grabbing a chunk.

Our hearts and prayers go out to the family and friends of the victim.

The future of professional surfing continues to look brighter and brighter. Brazilian Adriano De Souza is a big reason why. He took home a huge victory this past week at the Mark Richards Pro, defeating last years WCT rookie of the year and current 4th place contender Jeremy Flores in the final. Adriano himself is sitting tied for 9th on the Dream Tour, and at only 21 years of age has emerged as Brazil’s favorite to bring home a world championship.

Adriano announced his arrival on the world surfing stage in 2004, when he became the youngest ever surfer to be crowned the ASP World Junior Champion at just 16. He ended the following year as champion of the WQS; which was enough to see him qualify for the world tour in 2006.

Adriano surfs fast, almost “Mick” Fast. His heats are electric and that has been especially true at Snapper and Bells. Brazil has long been awaiting to have one of their own crowned ASP world champion, and Adriano de Souza is looking to do just that.

My nearly life-long appreciation of Dave Matthews makes be instantly biased toward any sort of project that he sets his hands on. Upon learning that he would be joining the lineup at Jack Johnson’s 2008 Kokua Festival - to be held next weekend at the historic Waikiki Shell in Oahu - I knew it would be something I would end up keeping a close eye on. Realizing that there would be many of our faithful readers unable to make it out to see what it’s about for themselves, I have gone ahead and decided to take one for the 5ones team. Duty calls, and I will be making the trip back to my hometown of Honolulu in order see for myself just what the Kokua Festival is about, and then report back.

From top to bottom, the Kokua Festival is a remarkable project in every sense of the word. It is held to benefit the Kokua Hawaii Foundation, which is a non-profit organization that supports environmental education in the schools and communities of Hawaii. The core volunteer force for the festival is made up by members of Kamehameha Schools’ Tree Hugger Club, and great lengths are taken in order to ensure that it will be completely eco-friendly.

The fact that Dave Matthews will be complimenting Hawaii’s favorite son Jack Johnson, as well as many other unbelievably talented musicians, to perform for a truly worthy cause makes this a can’t miss. I wish everyone had the priviledge of attending what is sure to be an unforgettable experience. For those who can’t make it, I got you covered;)

Sitting tied for 6th and only a dozen or so points away from 4th - after the first two events - wouldn’t be much to worry about on a normal year on the WCT. It was pretty clear coming into 2008 that this would be anything but a normal year and this years ‘CT has lived up to every bit of hype that had been bestowed upon it. Kelly Slater has apparently decided to go Tiger Woods on us, and that has left many wondering where the hopes of Andy Irons reclaiming the throne for himself and Hawaii sit after Snapper and Bells.

Although he has been at times slightly inconsistent, the only person to eliminate A.I. this year has been Slater. With the level that Kelly is currently performing on, that really isn’t much to be ashamed about. Yet at some point in the very near future Andy is going to have to start coming out on top of these match-ups if he wants to stay in contention. The best 9-of-11 format gives him an opportunity to hopefully replace one of those quarterfinal losses with a better scoring result. He’s going to need every single point he can pick up with Kelly, Bede Durbidge, Mick Fanning, and all of the other contenders showing no signs of slowing down.

Andy has his sights squarely set on going big in the upcoming Billabong Pro Tahiti, that will be held in May. He rides Teahupoo probably as well as any regular-footer alive, and a win here would have him right near the very top once again. And that is exactly is where Andy Irons loves to be.

Former world champion Sunny Garcia had high hopes for the Mark Richards Pro. Garcia was looking to use the 6-star WQS event as a springboard back onto to the elite men’s tour, but after this event those plans will be temporarily put on hold. In his very first heat at the event, The 38-year-old Hawaiian was nudged out of second place by less than a point in a last minute effort by Aussie Nick Riley from Queenscliff in Sydney.

Sunny played it off and was gracious in defeat. With that being said, this result undoubtedly does not sit well with the surfer who spent most of his career near the top.

“I’m a little unhappy that I didn’t make my heat because I did expect to do well,” he said. “Nevertheless, I’m here and I’m having fun. “I’ve got nothing to prove, I’ve got a world title and a triple crown - for me this is just icing on the cake.”

So where does this leave Garcia’s comeback? The tough part for him is that he is trying to get back on a tour that is as loaded and competitive as ever. We all know Sunny is an unbelievably talented surfer, but at the age of 38 and having faced quite a bit of turbulence over recent years he is facing an uphill battle just to even make it back on tour, let alone be considered once again amongst surfing’s elite.