We knew it, you knew it, and now all of OC does too. Swell.com was just voted as OC Weekly’s favorite surf shop. Yes, surf shop. Not their favorite clothing store or beach boutique, but SURF SHOP! So, to everyone who claims we don’t support the sport: Suck it! And when you’re done you should check out our GEAR section, featuring all the latest and teched-out wetsuits, fins, leashes, traction, boardbags for 2009.
We have seen the future and its a beautiful, beautiful thing. ASR 2008 will forever be known as the historic event that saw the debut of Rip Curl’s H-Bomb, the first ever wetsuit to feature an internal heating system. For a mere $1,100 or so, and a handful of batteries, this revolutionary fullsuit uses a patent-pending coil system to keep wearers as warm as they want. Shock proof? You betcha. Easy to care for? Not even close. Don’t try throwing this in the back of your truck or over the shower rod, as it comes with only a 1-year warranty–compared to the lifetime warranties Rip Curl usually provides their suits. And you should know that the heating system needs to be “unplugged”after each use to avoid a reverse charge. But being that you’re probably filthy rich if you can actually afford it, we’re sure you can train your assistant to cherish it.
(Check out our Flickr site for all the winners of our ASR Booth Awards.)
You’ve got questions? Bill Larity, the Dude from Ask A Dude, has answers. From trick tips and weather patterns, to nail polish and DIY denim cut-offs, Bill’s been there and rocked that. In this week’s Ask A Dude, Jack Nutt from Ponte Vedra, FL, asks how to select a quality fullsuit for winter conditions.
If you have a burning question, please write to Bill at: askadude@swell.com
Hurley and Dita have teamed up to design some truly amazing sunglasses. These new stunner shades reflect Hurley’s love of the ocean and its constant state of change. The looks range from vintage to modern inspirations, proving solid style can be timeless! Check out some of the more fashion forward styles right here.
Big up’s to our good buddies at Sector 9 for their recent partnership with Billabong. The big B had the good sense to buy S9 this past week, proving to the world that we should bomb hills, not countries. We just received five new Sector longboards last week, and let me tell you our knees haven’t been this bruised since our sorority days.
How hot does our mom look these days? We keed, we keed. But if our mom or sister came even close to looking this stunning, we’d proudly display their image on our board. And thanks to Headline Graphics, you can too. Based in Cardiff-By-The Sea, HG is giving it their all to revolutionize surfboard adornment through a process called PhotoCloth in which art can be transfered to a fiberglass cloth. The result is a highly vibrant display that is guaranteed never to fade. So you better think twice before memorializing your fondness for anything, as the art is sure to last longer than your relationship will.
It’s on! Only Christmas, high school graduation and your dream bachelor party rolled into one could make for day slightly better. Channel Islands will kick off the first leg of their demo tour on April 26 at Seaside in Cardiff By The Sea. You, your mother and your brother are all invited to test the new prototypes that are being considered for the 2009 line. Al himself will be attending each event and is anxious for some serious feedback. And plenty of porta-potties will be on site for anyone who thinks they might pee their pants.
And just when you though it was safe to go back in the water. Earlier this week while being tested at a popular surfing beach in South Africa, the much anticipated Shark Shield and the device it was floating on was eaten by a Great White. Speculative causes: The electrical fields designed to repel sharks might actually attract them. In defense of the manufacturer however, the device does work. But it’s only “really” useful when a surfer is just floating in the water. The Australian has more.
Heeeeaveeeey. If you haven’t already checked out Nixon’s super duty 51-30 watch, let’s just say it’s larger than life. No joke, Flavor Flav is considering suing for whiplash. And that’s just the sort of thing National Geographic was looking for when they were compiling their Best of Adventure Gear for ‘08.
As you would expect, we’ve been all over it since the beginning.
When does surf wax become more than just sticky treading, but the accessory everyone is on fire for? When it’s Magma, baby! Although they been around the garage scene since 1998, Magma wax, (excuse us, “advanced technical traction”) has recently gone full-bore into research and development to launch the world’s first color-coded bars that allow you to quickly determine what temp that stubby nug in your ashtray is intended for. But if that doesn’t shiver your timbers, keep in mind that the packaging is 100% recycled. Now that’s hot.
If you’re new to the fixed bike phenom, we’re here to tell you there’s just no stopping ‘em. Pardon the pun, but it’s sorta funny when one of the hottest trends on both coasts is geared (oops, there’s another one) towards passive death-wishers. As the original racing bikes, “fixies”, as they’re called, are sans breaks. Slowing and stopping is done the Fred Flintsone way. All the rage among LA and NYC hipsters, their popularity is getting just about everyone to slow down and take notice. Jocko Weyland’s recent New York Times piece gives an in-depth perspective to this thrill ride, as does this extensive Fixed Gear Gallery.
We want to give a big ‘atta-boy to our friends at RVCA for this week’s launch of their first retail store. While we would have been happier if it had been in our hood rather than in San Francisco, we’ve heard word that similar stores are opening in LA, Sydney, NYC and Tokyo. In addition to apparel, the venue will also feature the talents of their Artists Network Program (ANP), and will also sell an assortment of books, music and DVD’s curated by the LA based Family. Who knew Mork was such a fan?
When it comes to sustainable living, apparently no one cares as much as House of Chanel. Just in time for the holidays, Uncle Karl and co. have launched a highly coveted 8-speed bicycle, complete with the trademark quilting and double-C logo at the leather seat and functional side bag. As part of their Spring 2008 offering, the bike was created to pay homage to CoCo Chanel’s intense love of sport. Weighing in at 36 pounds, and a tidy $12,000+, this limited edition accessory makes for a sensational stocking stuffer. Don’t even consider yourself a real OC’er if you don’t get one of these between your legs.
“Stay analog Ponyboy. Stay analog.” In this troubled digital age, it does a weary heart good to know there’s a group out there who’s mission is to document our world through kinder, gentler means. Boasting more that a million members world wide, The Lomographic Society International is dedicated to building the largest snapshot portrait of everyday world events, thereby “revolutionizing picture communication.” Insomuch, they have recently introduced two custom, limited edition White Stripes cameras: The JACK Holga and the MEG Diana. Both known for their “serendipitous imperfections and cinematic qualities,” the cameras follow the band’s red and white color schemes and even boast a peppermint swirl on the advance dials. Due to a frenzy of interest and the collectible nature of the cameras, LSI asks that purchases be limited to only one per person. Which of course begs the question, “If we take a picture, will it last longer?”
Ahhhh fall. The air is crisp, TV shows are new, and thanks to daylight saving’s, Happy Hour gets moved up to 4pm. Yes, we always seem to be rushing about come autumn. Strolling seems to be so faux pax with so much going on. We’re either heading out, heading home, hitting the road, or hoping we don’t have to get another part-time job for the holidays. With all the new baggage we take on this time of year, it’s no wonder that bags themselves take on a new importance in our lives. The wallets and coin purses of summer are of no use to us now, especially with the onslaught of beanies, scarves, gloves and laptops we need to carry. Come on, we’re just as bummed as you to see summer end. So don’t kill the messenger. Especially when they’re as fierce as the ones here.
Seems like everyone’s playing games these days. So, either the boss is out of town or we’re all suffering an early mid-life crisis. Either way, for most people work is a lot less sucky lately.
We’re going to give a lot of credit on this to shoe and sandal maker Sanuk, who’s been hard at work making life less boring for the masses. (By the way, did you know their name is Thai for “happiness”?) Their indoor bocce ball set is transforming cubical life around the world, and introducing an old world game to a new generation. Who knew the old men in bad hats and too-tight pants were having so much fun?
And as an added bonus the balls can also double as jumbo hacky sacks, so now even the warehouse crew can get a piece of the action.
Our friends at Dwell.com are always so quick to report on the cool come-ups. Take their recent post on the new iPod Death Clock website for example. Ultra convenient, this site predicts when your little friend will bite it. All you do is enter the serial number, and BAM! You’ll get a readout stating whether it’s all good or a gonner. Think about it, with this information you can appear all-the-more chivalrous to that clingy coworker you had the one-nighter with: “No, you go ahead and keep it. We’ll always have the memories of Taco Tuesday.” Or then again you may want to get it back prior to dumping your latest mistake right before Christmas. We’re just hoping this type of technology really takes off. We’ve been wondering about our Betta fish and Sandra Bullock’s career for a while now.
