After watching the top Puerto Escondido locals and visiting pros balance that fine line between life and death on ‘Huevos’, we couldn’t stop there. We followed that up with the 2006 Puerto Underground 4: Alma y Corazon, which is Ogle’s most recent addition to the Puerto Underground series.

I realize that nobody really gives a shit about what movies I’m watching when the weather doesn’t cooperate with the need to surf. But the moral of this story is that if you have yet to see any of the Puerto Underground series, or if it’s been a while since you’ve dusted these bad boys off and put ‘em in to watch, I highly recommend you do so. There’s far too many incredible surfers on these films to even begin naming the names of guys shown in the series. That almost becomes irrelevant anyway. When it comes right down to it, the real star of the Puerto Underground series is the “Mexican Pipeline” itself.
Take a look for yourself-

Puerto Underground 4 - Funny home videos are a click away

It’s been a long, interesting journey for all involved with the project. One that has been filled with varying thoughts and points of view from those throughout the surfing community.

The concept of the reef was brought about when a large rock jetty was built nearly 25 years ago to protect a marine terminal and underwater pipelines at a Chevron facility in El Segundo, California. The jetty interfered with incoming swells an put a huge damper on much of the surf in the area. Surfrider Foundation stepped up and led a battle to remedy this issue and, after years of perseverance, a deal was eventually put in place to create Pratte’s Reef. The reef, constructed by the placing of geo-textile sandbags, was named after legendary surfing activist Tom Pratte, one of the leading forces in fighting the jetty and eventually getting everything in place for it’s placement.

The first section of the reef was placed in the water in the fall of 2000. When results weren’t what everyone had hoped for, Pratte’s Reef was increased the following spring, an upgrade that did little to obtain the desired results.

Now, roughly seven years later, divers who surveyed the reef have found it in shambles. The bags are dislodged, falling apart, buried in the muck and sand, and Pratte’s Reef has been rendered useless as a means for wave-creation. It is now being pulled out of the ocean piece by piece.

There’s plenty of blame going around right now as to how exactly we’ve come to this point. A recent L.A. Times article included some very informative thoughts and points of view given by those who have taken up the cause that is Pratte’s Reef. If there is any lesson at all to be learned from this, it’s that no matter how smart we think we may be, we will never, ever be able to replicate that which Mother Nature has done on her own.

With that being said, those (and there are many) who have taken to this blossoming sport can take solace in a couple of points. First, the USCG determined stand-up paddleboards to be classified as vessels when used ‘beyond the narrow limits of swimming, surfing or bathing area’. So depending on how much of a pri…stickler your local USCG officer wants to be in determining just where those limits are, you’ll probably be just fine. Also, I doubt there will be a large number of patrols set out with the intention of nailing SUP’ers for not having a life-vest, although I could be wrong.

It would really be a tragedy if this recent classification of stand-up paddleboards as vessels has a sizeable effect on the sport. I’ve never had any issue with those who choose to ride waves this way, nothing beyond the normal type of stuff that goes on in the water with waveriders of every sort. And, as evident in the clip below, seeing what guys like Bonga Perkins, Laird Hamilton, and Garrett Mcnamara are doing on sup’s, the future of stand-up paddleboarding has quite a bit in store for all of us.

“This project is about the sport of surfing and is an important initiative to improve the sport in a really big way,” said Nevett. “I’m pleased to be in the position to help out such a noble cause and I hope others in my situation will also step up and contribute financially to Surfing America. This organization is doing tremendous things for kids, all over the country, who love to surf. It’s a natural giveback for anyone who’s benefited from everything the sport has to offer.”

Surfing America’s purpose is ‘to promote the growth, competitive success, and positive image of surfing in the USA and to provide the best possible experience for all participants by encouraging, developing, advancing, and administrating the sport–while producing champions.’ Needless to say, one of Surfing America’s most diligent workers, executive director Mike Gerard, was beyond charged about this latest of goodwill gestures by Mr. Nevett. “This is an incredibly generous contribution from Sean Nevett for which we are extremely grateful,” said Gerard. “Sean’s ongoing generosity and support has been extremely important to successfully continuing to build the program. Surfing America has come a very long way in a short time, but still carries some liabilities from starting up the rebuild and securing the National Governing Body status in 2004.”

A donation of this type is even more remarkable when you consider the dire state of the economy right now. Good on ya Mr. Nevett. Let’s hope there are who heed your call to step up and contribute financially to Surfing America

San Clemente, CA, September 7, 2008 – Project BLUE, the environmental initiative established to raise funds in support of the non-profit Surfrider Foundation’s mission to protect the oceans and beaches, would like to welcome Famous Wax into the family. As part of their support, a portion of the proceeds from Famous’ petrochemical-free Green Label Surf Wax will be donated to Surfrider. The latest member of the project BLUE initiative, Famous joins industry leaders Billabong, DAKINE, Electric, Nixon, O’Neill and Reef in their ongoing support of clean water and safe beaches worldwide.

Forward thinking and environmentally conscious, Famous represents an ideal partner for project BLUE. After two years of R&D, Famous was able to create the Green Label line of wax to be both environmentally friendly and at the same time, perform to the standards of the Famous surf team. In addition to having superior grip in the water, Famous Green Label Surf Wax is biodegradable, 100 percent organic and non-toxic.

“We developed the Green Label wax in the mindset of wanting to do our part and help Earth conscious surfers take a step towards limiting their global footprint by offering them an alternative to petroleum based surf wax,” commented Sam Sciortino, owner of Famous Wax. “When we were first preparing to introduce the Green Label wax to retail, partnering with project BLUE seemed like a natural evolution for our company. As surfers, we all need to do what we can to keep the oceans and beaches clean, joining the project BLUE initiative and helping Surfrider is just one way we’re trying at Famous.”

Famous has taken steps to make the packaging of their wax more environmentally as well. Green Label wax is wrapped in FSC certified recycled paper and uses soy ink in the printing process.

“Famous stepping up for project BLUE provides one more outlet for surfers to support Surfrider and the environment through conscious decision making in their regular routines. Famous may be a smaller company when compared to the other project BLUE partners, but their support is a great example of how little steps can lead to big changes,” said Vipe Desai, brand strategist at Propaganda HQ and founder of the project BLUE initiative. “Project BLUE isn’t a showcase for companies trying to out green each other. What we are doing is providing easy options for people to plug into Surfrider with minimal effort. If everyone took little steps towards helping the environment, we’d see big changes in the oceans.”

Famous Green Label Surf Wax is available in five temperature ranges (including base coast) and is currently at better surf shops nationwide. More information on Famous Wax can be found at www.famouswax.com.

ABOUT project BLUE

project BLUE is an unprecedented collaboration of leading and competitive brands in the multi-billion dollar surf industry. Each of the project BLUE partner brands has created special edition product specifically for the initiative, with a portion of the proceeds from each sale going towards the non-profit Surfrider Foundation. Billabong, DAKINE, Electric, Famous Wax, Nixon, O’Neill and Reef have all pledged their long-term support for the program. project BLUE products can be found worldwide at leading surf retailers and online through Swell.com. More information on project BLUE and its partners can be found at www.betruetoblue.com.

The competition was so close they ended up settling everything with a two-on-two tag team game of skate. From there, the Regulars took the win. Not sure a game of skate was the best way to settle it though, basically they put the entire hands of a team on two guys? And a few tricks? Not quite what I had in mind for a contest settler. Not only that, but the way they played the game of skate was insane. Probably the hardest version of SKATE possible. Basically anything goes but it had to be done on the designated section. So if someone did a kickflip 5-0 ,kickfliped out, landed to manual and then threw another kickflip out. Then that would be the trick that the opposing team member would have to try. A little to crazy if you ask me.

Props to the regulars for winning. In my book, and I’m sure in many others, both teams won this contest. That and everyone keeps over shadowing this but if you can, get a chance to check the footage of Christian Hosoi in the bowl competition, or should I say “Masters” competition. The dude looks like he was reincarnated into his young self again. Huge airs and the energy of a 20 year old. Pretty amazing and inspiring to see someone of his age throwing it down like that.

Overall, the entire GVR contest was off the hook. Next year hopefully they come up with some other way to settle a tie if that were to occur again. Maybe like a best trick competition or something. Either way both stances killed it this year. Here are the results.

Regular Team
1. Team MVP Chris Cole* - $17,000
2. Andrew Langi - $10,000
3. Julian Christianson* - $6,000
4. Carlos de Andrade - $3,500
5. Chris Troy* - $3,500
6. David Loy - $1,000
7. Fabrizio Santos - $1,000
8. Rick McCrank* - $2,000
9. Kurtis Colamonico - $1,000
10. Austen Seaholm - $1,000
11. Sean Malto* - $2,000
12. Steve Reeves - $1,000
13. Chris Mendes - $1,000
14. Adam Dyet - $1,000
15. Danilo Do Rosario - $1,000

Goofy Team
1. Tyler Hendley* - $2,000
2. Jereme Rogers* - $2,000
3. Team MVP Justin Figueroa - $2,000
4. Rodolfo Ramos - $1,000
5. Chad Bartie - $1,000
6. Caswell Berry* - $2,000
7. Brandon Westgate - $1,000
8. Darrell Stanton* - $2,000
9. Taylor Smith - $1,000
10. Alex Olson* - $2,000
11. Felipe Gustavo - $1,000
12. Tom Fynn - $1,000
13. Morgan Smith - $1,000
14. Kevin Romar - $1,000
15. Helder Lima - $1,000

etnies Girl Jam Final Results
1. Rachel Reinhard - $2,500
2. Lacey Baker - $2,000
3. Leticia Bufoni - $1,500
4. Marisa Dal Santo - $1,000
5. Amy Caron - $600
6. Vanessa Torres - $400
7. Lorena Lima - $300
8. Lyn-z Adams Hawkins - $200

Zumiez Best Trick Contest Results
1. Rodolfo Ramos - Frontside 180 Switch Krooked Grind to Frontside Half Cab Out - $2,000
2. Julian Christianson - Nollie Heelflip to Feeble Grind - $1,500
3. Cody Davis - Kickflip Backside Smith to Backside 180 Out - $1,000

Nicaragua Surf Report has been at it since 2004. Since then, they have been capturing at the very least a taste of the magic Nicaragua holds on a daily basis. Based out of San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua, N.S. R. started with the simple concept of taking a few shots with a basic digital camera and posting them online. It has since become a blossoming business that has been huge in propelling the local economy. What has struck me about N.S.R., more than anything, is their rapidly growing grassroots following of those who have experienced Nicaragua for themselves. If you have yet to see for yourself just what the Nica-hype is all about, take a few minutes and scroll through past N.S.R. reports. Nicaragua is really that good…

It’s good to be king. The surfing world is all things Slater right now, and for good reason. Since winning his 9th world championship last week in Mundaka there has been an absolute whirlwind of fresh press popping up regarding Kelly’s run. The chatter surrounding Quiksilver’s offering Kelly Slater a $10,000,000 bonus for winning #10 started long before he took to the water for the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast to kick-off his campaign for #9.

Kelly accomplishing that remarkable feat in Spain last week has eliminated the variable from the issue and turned speculation into a legitimate question. While it’s still officially unknown whether or not Quiksilver has thrown out such an offer, the mere fact that this is even a consideration is unreal. I would be through the roof if someone was even considering paying me $10 to surf the best waves around the world for a year, let alone $10 million.

Surfer Mag’s Chris Mauro penned a solid Kelly piece that sheds some light into just where Kelly is at in his career and puts into perspective the fact that he has reached a point of dominance at 36 yrs. of age. Will a 36-year-old Andy Irons have it in him to win a title in 2014? Will a 36-year-old Mick Fanning have it in him to win another one in 2017? Will Jordy perhaps stand a chance in 2024? I guess anything is possible, but the chances of it being their 9th world championship for any of the surfers mentioned by Mauro are, at best, very slim. Especially given Irons apparent disinterest in the tour at the moment.

Surfing guru and WQS Tour Manager Al Hunt brought up an interesting comparison between Slater and his reign and Lance Armstrong’s 7 Tour de France victories. Over the past few weeks that have led up to Slater’s #9, stories of Armstrong’s return to cycling and the drama surrounding that have far outnumbered any mentions of Slater’s utter dominance in competitive surfing. It’s never really bothered me that networks like ESPN don’t as much of a mention in respect to Slater. I’ve just never really understood the rationale behind it.

Apparently there is more of an interest is an MMA brawler named Kimbo Slice getting knocked cold in 14 seconds then Kelly Slater winning his 9th world championship in a 16 year span. It’s too bad, but for whatever the reason the vast majority of news/sports networks would rather cover some big dude get pummeled for a few seconds over the brilliant performance that took place in Kelly’s title-clinching heat (pay attention to the 00:45 second mark, how he pulls off that floater is still beyond me)

Regardless of how the rest of the world regards Kelly Slater and what he is accomplishing, the surfing community is well aware of just how incredible what we are witnessing Slater do really is.

It’s definitely good to be king, but right now, it’s even better to be Kelly Slater.

CINCINNATI, Ohio (October 5, 2008) — The final stop on the 2008 Action Sports World Tour (ASWT) concluded tonight at the Bank of Kentucky Center on Northern Kentucky University with fan favorites capturing the top prize in their discipline and the pros pushing the sport to the next level with tricks that far surpassed the expectations of the spectators and the judges.

Vert ramp action started the evening, with 16 men competing in a BMX vert contest that showcased the flair of favorite Jamie Bestwick (Darby, UK) and saw him ride away with the $10,000 first place prize. Although at 37 he was one of the oldest riders in the competition, Bestwick’s talent and skill never wavered; his execution was flawless. Tonight, perfection was necessary in order to win, for Steven McCann (Melbourne, Australia) and Simon Tabron’s (Newquay, England) rides were equally as impressive as Bestwick’s. McCann’s remarkable full-pull presentation rewarded him with second place, while Tabron effortlessly landed the 900 for which he has become known and finished in third.

Pierre-Luc Gagnon (Montreal, Canada) continued his winning ways in 2008 and rode to victory in the skateboard vert contest, confidently nailing multiple 720s and back to back technical spin tricks in a single run that left no question as to who was the event’s winner. The new 10-wall format (versus the usual 45-second run) worked well for “PLG”, allowing him to plan his performance and turn out the run he had been envisioning.

“That last run I did was great,” PLG said after his win. “I have been struggling with the Mountain Dew Tour ramps all season, but I love this ASWT ramp. It was amazing to pull off that run on this ramp. And, I like the format too. I can plan what I want to do and not worry about the time.”

San Diego, California’s 17 year-old Alex Perelson took the silver medal, and veteran Danny Mayer (Omaha, Neb.) finished in third.

Closing the night was the Big Air BMX Triple Jump contest that brought fans to their feet several times in admiration. With his first run of the night, Rob Darden (Greenville, NC) successfully rode the 165 foot long course performing three, exciting big-air stunts, then re-jumped the second jump, heading back toward the starting ramp. He is one of only two riders to jump back in the opposite direction and by the competition’s end he had completed this stunt in all three of his runs. Darden was rewarded with the Big Air BMX Triple Jump title and $10,000 for his efforts.

“I ride at a skate park that is built that way, where you can ride forward and backward in a single run. The only difference here is that the jumps are taller and you can’t see the landing. But the quarterpipe on this course gives you the speed you need and makes it easier to do it,” explained Darden. “I just went out to have a good time, tried it, and it worked out.”

Always a contender, Mike Spinner (Miami, Fla.), triple tailwhipped his way into second place, and 19 year-old Zack Warden of O’Fallon, Illinois finished third. Warden performed one of the night’s most exciting tricks when he landed a bike-flip 360, a trick he calls the “iron lotus”. The only rider to have ever landed the trick, Warden secured the bronze medal.

Providing the wow-factor of the Big Air BMX Triple Jump contest was T. J. Ellis with his second run of the evening. Turning in a first run during which he successfully performed a no-handed front flip, Ellis nailed a double backflip and surprised not only the crowd and the judges, but also himself.

“I’ve done it before on dirt courses, but never on this course. I just thought I’d try it and it worked!” The double backflip helped Ellis to advance to the Semifinals, which saw further attempts at the trick fail and keep him from advancing to the Finals.

The Cincinnati Action Sports World Tour event was the final qualifier before the prestigious LG Action Sports World Championships on October 31- November 2 in Seattle, Washington. KeyArena will see 175 of action sports pros gather in Emerald City to determine the best action sports athletes of the year.

CBS Sports will air ASA Entertainment’s Cincinnati Action Sport World Tour stop on November 8th. Please consult your local listings for the times in your area.

For more information on the Action Sports World Tour or photos from the Cincinnati tour stop and complete results, please visit actionsportstour.com or contact Denise M. Abbott at 310 430 0496 or via email at abbott@asaent.com.

CCS is an online and catalog retailer geared towards teenaged guys that has sold skateboards, footwear, apparel, and accessories for over the past two decades. Chairman and CEO of Foot Locker, Inc. Matthew D. Serra, said, “We believe that expanding our offerings in the skateboard category will allow us to broaden our appeal to the teenaged male, providing an exciting growth opportunity for our Company. The combination of the highly regarded CCS management team and our well-run Footlocker.com/Eastbay operation is expected to provide significant benefits to both businesses.”

Since the company has so much current success, don’t expect to see any changes due to this deal to dramatically affect the appearance of the catalog, as it will retain its branding across all platforms like the CCS website, clothing line and skate team, just to name a few. This new growth may even serve as a new way for the brand to grow and expand, as many other brands have into mainstream culture. I do have to say, it does always get harder for core skateboards to respect such changes when these types of things go down, but that’s the nature of business and if we want to continue to see these types of focused industry retailer survive, change is the only way especially in these hard economic times.