Spangler's Archive

February 7th, 2012 | By | 2,681 Comments

Valentine’s Gifts for Guys: Red and Rad

Guys can be impossible to shop for, but SWELL is here to make you look like girlfriend-of-the-year. Recent improvements in surf style and gear has made this year’s picks fit for a man-cave.

They’re red, they’re rad, and priced for any girl’s budget this Valentines Day.

1. Nixon Tide Watch -Lucky for you, guys don’t measure gifts by the price tag, so you can buy him a watch that wont affect your credit score. The Nixon Lodown is the favorite wrist piece for pro surfers like world #10 Alejo Muniz. They rely on it’s accurate and user-friendly tide functions pre-programmed for 200 beaches around the world.

With the tide and time at his fingertips your man will stay healthier by surfing more, and wont have an excuse for missing dinner.

2.Volcom Luggage -Lifetime warranty. If that’s not a solid Valentines metaphor, I don’t know what is. He’ll be soo psyched on this carry-on bag styled out with skate wheels, metal handle and stash pouches, that he’ll start planning your next getaway on the spot. Travel in style.

3. RVCA Hybrid Shorts  -Just another pair of shorts?… think again. RVCA secretly equipped these would-be walk shorts with all the features you’d find in performance boardshorts. Quick drying, stretch comfort, and wrinkle free, the Punch-it shorts  answered the prayers of every guy who wishes he could live in boardshorts.

Start looking for a matching dress, because he’s probably wearing these to your Valentines date.

4. GoPro Water Camera -If he’s been an extra good boyfriend/husband this year, the GoPro is the ultimate romantic expression, so he can tape his session. But its not just for him, you can steal it to go skiing, snorkeling, biking, sailing, or any activity. Still-frames on GoPro videos have more HD clarity than that digital camera you gave him last year. It’s a tool that any guy would love regardless of his age, favorite activity, or skill level.

Don’t let Facebook become your only family photo album, GoPro!

5. Nixon Headphones – Starting at $30, these are a good gift for girls on a budget, or just don’t want to come on too strong. A must-have for dudes who hit the trail when there’s no surf, or don’t like those cheap uncomfortable ear-pieces they give you on airplanes.

6. Intimates -Nothing says I Love You, like some sexy lingerie. After-all, he reads magazines about them in the bathroom every morning .  A Valentines present you can both enjoy.

 

Thank you for visiting the Swell blog. Visit us on www.facebook.com/swell for more exclusive fan offers, giveaways and more.
February 3rd, 2012 | By | 2,428 Comments

Featured Photographer: Matt Kurvin (Spring Catalog 2012)

The SWELL Spring 2012 catalog features tons of coastal eye-candy from our new favorite lensman Matt Kurvin. He recently won the People’s Choice Award for Larry “Flame” Moore’s Follow the Light Foundation, sponsored by SWELL.

Since winning the award, Kurvin has published surf photography in almost every major surf periodical including Surfline.com, Surfing Magazine, Surfers Journal and ESPN.

Kurvin’s career path started by moving to almost every major surf center in the USA. Originally from Sarasota, Fl he moved to California in 2001, lived in Encinitas for a few years and moved to Santa Cruz in 2003. That is where he and his wife now reside.

He is currently on the North Shore of Oahu for 2 months . The opportunity for getting great photographs there has paid off during the last couple major swells, and we expect to see much of his worked circulating magazines in the coming months. Next on his global journey is France in April, and mainland Mex in August. His main goal in life is to travel as much as possible.

See more of Matt’s work here

Get your free Swell catalog

 

February 2nd, 2012 | By | 1,269 Comments

Gear Analysis of John John’s Pipeline Victory

It’s no coincidence that progressive surfing and the evolution of it’s equipment have a direct correlation. The historic 2012 Volcom Pipe Pro tested surfing’s best gear in life-threatening conditions… rewarding glory to some, and getting gory on the rest. One 19yr old man’s equipment passed that test, here’s how.

Success in pro surfing is no longer left to fate and raw talent. The equipment developed in this multi-billion dollar industry rivals the technology used by NASA. Kevlar, carbon-fiber, elastane, diet regiments, and Olympic style training have become the status-quo in pro surfing. When surfers pick their sponsors today, they are fully aware that riding for a brand with sub-par products is like bringing a knife to a gun fight.

John John Florence’s dramatic last second victory over Jamie O’Brien looked impossible, but the unmake-able wave that he pulled, can be traced back to his cutting edge equipment. This John John gear guide can help an average surf step up his game through the lip and beyond.
Futures_Fins_Techflex

His Fins: With most fins you have to choose between quick bursts of speed at take-off, or hold and drive in your bottom turn. The Techflex fins from Futures feature a fast lightweight core with a reinforced carbon-fiber base for hold in the bottom turn, then more carbon in the tip for additional drive. John John looked completely maxed out after his bottom turn, but his fin gave him that extra thrust, when most others would have succomed to the speed and turbulence of a 10ft backdoor freight train.
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January 31st, 2012 | By | 2,970 Comments

Surf Shirts…Yes, for Surfing

Surf Shirt, Rashguard or Thrashguard…who cares? You should, because surf companies finally bridged the gap between wearing that super-hero spandex top, and a soggy stretched-out cotton tee. The goal of the “Surf Shirt” aims to provide a top that protects watermen from UV rays and rashes, without making you look like a barn.

10 years ago companies came out with surf shirt that were stiff, non-breathable, and easily became caked in surf wax. Today’s Surf Shirts feature the same soft heathered fabric blend you love in street tees, combined with flexible, quick drying fabric. This improved functionality means you can wear surf shirts in and out of the water, without leaving a snail-trail on seat-backs after getting wet.
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