Snowboarder rescued near Mount Rose summit

What started out as an avalanche training session for many local safety agencies, quickly turned into a search and rescue operation.

The Washoe County Search and Rescue team was participating in the training when they received a call about an injured snowboarder near the Mount Rose Summit Tuesday afternoon.

"We were up in Sheeps Flat training, practicing avalanche training with all the different agencies and the call came that there was an injured snowboarder just north of where we were training," Sgt. Darrin Rice said.

About 40 rescuers from different agencies quickly switched gears to help find the woman who was backcountry snowboarding with a friend.

"We had sufficient resources within minutes and located her and began the process of getting her out," Rice said.

Rice said the snowboarder was found about 200 yards from an access road.

Although her injuries were not severe, Rice said she could not get out on her own. According to Rice, the most challenging part of this rescue was finding a place for the care flight helicopter to land and take the woman to the hospital.

Rice said the snowboarder broke her arm and dislocated her hip. However, he said she did not have hypothermia because she was well-prepared for the winter conditions. Rice also said the fact that her friend had a cell phone and called for help was a big factor in the rescue operation.

Red Bull Buttercup Series - Sunday River

Red Bull Buttercup is an extra creamy new contest series on the East Coast, stopping from Maine to New Jersey and everywhere in between. Red Bull has built a super fun, custom butterpad that will be traveling to each resort in the series. Set at the base of your local mountain, under the lights after the lifts are closed, Red Bull Buttercup is all about how much style you can spread onto the butterpad. Jib, bonk, tap and slide your way across the multi-featured pad however you like, just make sure you lay it on with a lot of smooth buttering.

Overall style and creativity will help the cream rise to the top in this jam format contest. Only tricks that include buttering will count for judging, so be ready to spread it on in this purely pasteurized competition!

Red Bull Buttercup is divided into two divisions: pro and am. Registration for the am division is free. First, second and third place will receive prizes from Rome SDS, Oakley and Red Bull. Registration for the pro division is ten dollars and the winner at each mountain will take home all the cash from sign ups. Top three in the pro division from each stop also get spots in the Red Bull Buttercup Finals at Mount Snow, Vermont on February 28, 2009. At finals there's $1,000 and a trip to Windell's or Woodward up for grabs for the shredder who can lay out the most creative and smoothest style on the butterpad. Check out redbullbuttercup.com for more info on how to spread your butter.

SCHEDULE:
January 24th – Seven Springs, PA
January 24th – Stowe, VT
January 30th – Mountain Creek, NJ
January 31st – Sunday River, ME
February 14th – Big Boulder, PA
February 21st – Loon, NH
February 21st – Holiday Valley, NY
February 28th – Mount Snow, VT FINALS (pros only)

Boys' hard work soiled by BMX bike theft

When thieves escaped into the night with BMX bicycles owned by two Brownsville brothers, they took more than just bikes.

Zachary DeMello, 12, and his 17-year-old brother, Robert, each worked countless hours to buy the bikes and outfit them with parts that made the machines unique — and expensive, said their mother, Lydia Sarao.

The bikes, which disappeared Saturday night from the porch of the family home in the 9100 block of LaPorte Road, had an estimated total value of $3,300 — all of it income from lawn work and other jobs, Sarao said.

Zachary had planned to attend a BMX camp this spring in Woodland. With family finances tight, that's out, she said.

Theft seems to an increasing problem in the small foothills town, she said. The same weekend the bikes disappeared, another family posted a notice in the Gold Eagle Market on Willow Glen Road about two stolen motorcycles, she said.

While Brownsville — or 90 percent of it — is "an awesome community," an element of young troublemakers has her thinking of moving. Since the theft, her younger son feels less secure in his own house, said Sarao.

The boys are known in the community by their fancy, multicolored bikes. Whoever took them knew where to look, she said.

Sarao said she hopes publicity will make it impossible for the thieves to sell the bikes in the "fish bowl" town, and let other young people know "that they need to protect their stuff."

Yuba County Sheriff's Department deputies were helpful, but the chances of tracking down the bikes, which may have been repainted by now, probably aren't good, said Sarao.

Sheriff's Department spokeswoman Melanie Oakes said she has no statistics pointing to a rash of thievery in Brownsville. But foothills residents commonly don't report thefts that aren't major, she said.

"There are lots of times when they may encounter a deputy or make a call for something else two, three, six months later and mention it only as an afterthought," said Oakes.

"Obviously that makes it a bit harder for us to track patterns as they are occurring. We've tried, and continue to try, to get the message out about calling right away, but I think it will take some time to change the mindset," she said.

Robert said his bike was black and green. Zach's was gray and neon yellow-green. Both have no identifiable brand, having been put together from so many different parts, he said.

With car insurance and other expenses coming up, it may take him a year or longer to replace his bike, Robert said.

"My little brother was more devastated than I was. To work all summer and then have this happen," Robert said.

"I just hope he gets his bike back."

Contact Appeal-Democrat reporter Rob Young at 749-4710 or at ryoung@appealdemocrat.com.

11th Annual Cholula Triple Air Show Spices up Mountain High

Mountain High is importing a triple shot of big air flavor when the 11^th Annual Cholula Triple Air Show returns to Wrightwood on Saturday, February 7, 2009. The spicy big air contest is Mountain High’s largest event of the season presented by Monster Energy, Powder & Sun Boardshop, Jarritos Soda, and title sponsor Cholula Hot Sauce. These partners bring a hot $25,000 cash purse to the richest “one day triple air contest” in the nation, complete with live DJ and vendor village for the public.

First held in snowboarding’s method-grabbing heyday of 1998, the Cholula Triple Air Show was created as a corner-stone event for Mountain High. The legacy of big-name competitors who have stepped up to the hottest big air event north of the border include Shaun White, Kevin Pearce, Matt Hammer, Keegan Valaika, Hana Beaman, and Laurie Currier.

Registration for the Cholula Triple Air Show will take place from 7:30-9:30am in Big Pines Base Lodge at Mountain High West. Entry is $150 on a first come, first served basis on the day of the event. There are two divisions: men’s open and women’s open. The men’s division will pay through sixteenth place and the women’s division through sixth place. All competitors receive breakfast courtesy of Mountain High and lunch compliments of Wahoo’s Fish Tacos.

The contest starts at 10am on the run Lower Chisolm. The qualifying round will be a best of two runs format on a triple jump lineup with hits ranging from 50-75 feet. The top 16 men and top six women advance to the single run finals. Check out the exclusive webcast from REELcomp at reelcomp.com.

For more information on the Cholula Triple Air Show please visit mthigh.com/events or contact Bryce Maxwell at bmaxwell@mthigh.com or Chuck Allen at callen@mthigh.com.

Photos: Cholula Triple Air Show at Mountain High.

Credit: Mountain High

Freewheels Club looks to create awareness for proposed skate park

The Freewheels Club of Cranford will host a spaghetti dinner and movie viewing at the Community Center at 220 Walnut Ave. beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 28. The free-admission event was organized to create discussion for efforts toward the construction of a BMX/skateboard park in the central Union County area. After the spaghetti dinner segment of the event, a 7 p.m. viewing of the documentary, "Groundbreaking: The Story of the First Skate Plaza" will take place. Any donations made at the gathering will benefit the Cranford Skatepark Initiative fund and go towards park construction. Those who plan to attend are asked to contact Monica Shimkus at (908) 265-3469 or send an e-mail to cranfordfreewheels@yahoo.com. Donations can also be mailed to: Cranford Skatepark Initiative, PO Box 1583, Cranford, NJ, 07016. For more information on skateboarding and BMX bike riding, visit www.skatingisnotacrime.com.

Winter Conditions and Fresh Snow Return to Mountain High

Winter conditions returned to Mountain High overnight as temperatures dipped into the teens and two inches of natural snowfall complimented heavy snowmaking on the mountain. Weather forecasts are calling for continued snowmaking temperatures in the evenings throughout the week, which will allow Mountain High to add to the 12-24 inch base of fresh packed powder. Up to eight chairlifts are currently in operation accessing 19 trails and the mountain plans to have 100% of trails open at the West Resort by this weekend.

In less than two weeks Mountain High will hold its biggest event of the season, bringing a triple shot of big air flavor to Wrightwood with the 11^th Annual Cholula Triple Air Show. The big air contest boasts a hot $25,000 cash purse and is the richest “one day triple air contest” in the nation, complete with live DJ and vendor village for the public.

For more information on the $25,000 Cholula Triple Air Show or the most updated lift and snow report please visit mthigh.com.

Photos: Mountain High West, January 26, 2009

Credit: Mountain High

A Tight Monster Energy® Supercross Chase Sets Stage for Excitement at Reliant Stadium

While San Manuel Yamaha’s James Stewart, of Haines City, Fla., is on a two-race win streak, Rockstar/Makita Suzuki’s Chad Reed, of Tampa, Fla., takes over the points race as Monster Energy® AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, heads to Houston’s Reliant Stadium this Saturday night. With tickets available for as low as $10, fans can watch this epic showdown in the AMA Supercross class and the opening race of the Western Regional AMA Supercross Lites class.

Media day is Thursday, January 22 from Noon-2:00 in the press box at Reliant Stadium, featuring the Monster Energy Kawasaki team’s Tim Ferry and Ryan Villopoto. Villopoto and Ferry will be available for interviews and will ride the track for the media.


With three races completed, the hotly contested AMA Supercross class has seen two winners, JGRMX/Yamaha/Toyota’s Josh Grant (Anaheim 1) and Stewart (Phoenix & Anaheim 2). Last Saturday night 43,009 Monster Energy® fans at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Calif., watched Stewart win his second consecutive race of the year and chipped away at the points deficient he was faced with after finishing 19th at the season opener.

Heading into Phoenix’s Chase Field Stewart was 23 points out of the points race; his victory there moved him up to seventh place in the standings (18 points out of the points standings) and a win Saturday night in Anaheim moved him into fourth place, just 12 points behind Reed. A three-time winner in Houston, Stewart continues his quest to the top.

“I didn’t get the greatest start,” said Stewart. “It was a freight train out front, but I was able to get around Windham (Kevin) and Ryan (Villopoto). I came up short on the triple jump and lost my back brake for a few laps.”

Reed knows something about comebacks as well. Starting in last place Saturday night in Anaheim, Reed used every lap of the 20-lap main event to claw his way into second place, which was good enough to take over the points lead from Grant. Reed, a two-time winner in Houston, races for his first win of the 2009 Monster Energy® Supercross season.

“I was somewhere in the top five off the start and someone took me out,” said Reed. “I tried to play damage control tonight,” added Reed. “It was a super difficult track to pass on. We have the points lead now, so I am so excited. Our team has been working their butts off, and I am confident. I tried to be smart for 20 laps. I knew these guys would get tired, so I kept my head down and charged hard.”

The AMA Supercross class main event at Angel Stadium began with GEICO Powersports Honda’s Kevin Windham, of Centerville, Miss., winning the holeshot and leading the first 10 laps before Stewart passed him for the lead.

The riders competing on the Western Regional AMA Supercross Lites class championship will take a break as the Eastern Regional AMA Supercross Lites class championship begins at Reliant Stadium. Rockstar Makita Suzuki’s Ryan Dungey, of Belle Plaine, Minn., takes a six point lead into the break over Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Ryan Morais, of Murrieta, Calif.

Coming into Anaheim, Dungey enjoyed a two-point lead. In the main event, he passed Morais for the lead and rode off to his second consecutive race win of the season and extended his points lead.

“It was a great ride,” said Dungey. “I heard the fans every step of the way. The track played out really good for us. This is really enjoyable. We have a two week break in the Lites class, so we can go back and work hard and show up prepared for the next race.”

The Eastern Regional AMA Supercross Lites class championship will be headlined by last year’s winner at Reliant Stadium Austin Stroupe (Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki) rookie Blake Wharton (Geico Powersports Honda), veteran Brett Metcalfe (Geico Powersports Honda), sophomore Wil Hahn (MDK/KTM) and 2008 AMA Supercross Lites third-place finisher Nico Izzi (Rockstar/Makita Suzuki),

This weekend’s Monster Energy® Supercross race from Reliant Stadium will mark the 43rd time the gate has dropped in Houston. During last year’s AMA Supercross class main event, GEICO Powersports Honda’s Kevin Windham grabbed his first victory since 2005, capitalizing on an error by Davey Millsaps to go unchallenged the rest of the way.

“I have been working hard this year, and tonight it paid off,” said Windham after last year’s victory. “I could not have won in front of a better crowd. I put my head down tonight and used the crowd to my advantage. The crowd was on their feet for the entire race.”

The win sparked a stellar championship run for the veteran, who chased eventual champion Chad Reed to the wire.

Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Austin Stroupe became the fourth different winner of a young 2008 season when he garnered his first career victory in Houston. The rookie competitor made an impressive pass for the lead over Jason Lawrence to stay in front over the final 10 laps of the main event.

“I finally had a decent start, and that helped me in the beginning of the race,” said Stroupe. “I put myself in position to stay up front and that’s what I did.”

Since 1974 Houston has been on the AMA Supercross class schedule. From 1974-2002 the Houston Astrodome served as host to the race before the race was moved to Reliant Stadium in 2003. The first AMA Supercross class race in Houston was on March 15, 1974 where Jim Pomeroy earned the win. In AMA Supercross Lites competition, Eddie Warren won the first race held in Houston on April 20, 1985. Jeremy McGrath, the all-time winningest supercross rider, shares the all-time win record along with Mark Barnett with five.

Tickets are available at Reliant Stadium, all Ticketmaster locations, participating Yamaha locations or by phone at 713-629-3700. Extreme and Club level tickets are available for $40 club; Gold Circle tickets $40/adults/$10 kids; Treadhead Seats $10. Get in free with an empty can of Monster Energy.

AMA Supercross Class Results, Anaheim 2
James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Yamaha
Chad Reed, Tampa, Fla., Suzuki
Kevin Windham, Centerville, Miss., Honda
Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki
Josh Grant, Riverside, Calif., Yamaha
Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, Honda
Ivan Tedesco, Tallahassee, Fla., Honda
Tim Ferry, Largo, Fla., Kawasaki
Mike Alessi, Apple Valley, Calif., Suzuki
Davi Millsaps, Tallahassee, Fla., Honda

AMA Supercross Class Season Standings
Chad Reed, Tampa, Fla., Suzuki, 64
Josh Grant, Riverside, Calif., Yamaha, 61
Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, Honda, 53
James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Yamaha, 52
Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki, 48
Ivan Tedesco, Tallahassee, Fla., Honda, 47
Tim Ferry, Largo, Fla., Kawasaki, 43
Kevin Windham, Centerville, Miss., Honda, 41
Mike Alessi, Apple Valley, Calif., Suzuki, 32
Davi Millsaps, Tallahassee, Fla., Honda, 31

Western Regional AMA Supercross Lites Class Results, Anaheim 2
Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., Suzuki
Ryan Morais, Murrieta, Calif., Kawasaki
Jake Weimer, Rupert, Idaho, Kawasaki
Jason Lawrence, Carlsbad, Calif., Yamaha
Chris Blose, Phoenix, Ariz., Honda
Dan Reardon, Menifee, Calif., Honda
Justin Brayton, Murrieta, Calif., KTM
Kyle Cunningham, Fort Worth, Texas, Kawasaki
PJ Larsen, Stanley, N.C., Kawasaki
Ryan Sipes, Vine Grove, Ken., KTM

Western Regional AMA Supercross Lites Class Season Standings
Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., Suzuki, 70
Ryan Morais, Murrieta, Calif., Kawasaki, 64
Jake Weimer, Rupert, Idaho, Kawasaki, 63
Justin Brayton, Murrieta, Calif., KTM, 50
Chris Blose, Phoenix, Ariz., Honda, 50
Ryan Sipes, Vine Grove, Ken., KTM, 39
Jason Lawrence, Carlsbad, Calif., Yamaha, 34
Ben Evans, Boise, Idaho, Honda, 31
Dan Reardon, Menifee, Calif., Honda, 28
PJ Larsen, Stanley, N.C., Kawasaki, 26
Past Winners in Houston

AMA Supercross Class
February 16, 2008: Kevin Windham
February 10, 2007: James Stewart
April 01, 2006: James Stewart
April 30, 2005: James Stewart
February 14, 2004: Chad Reed
March 29, 2003: Chad Reed
March 23, 2002: Ricky Carmichael
March 24, 2001: Ricky Carmichael
February 05, 2000: Jeremy McGrath
March 19, 1999: Jeremy McGrath
January 17, 1998: Ezra Lusk
March 22, 1997: Jeff Emig
March 16, 1996: Jeremy McGrath
March 25, 1995: Jeremy McGrath
January 22, 1994: Jeremy McGrath
January 16, 1993: Damon Bradshaw
January 18, 1992: Damon Bradshaw
January 19, 1991: Jean-Michel Bayle
February 03, 1990: Damon Bradshaw
March 18, 1989: Jeff Stanton
February 06, 1988: Jeff Ward
February 07, 1987: Jeff Ward
February 02,

FUSE Snowskate Company to host Snowskate Park at Winter X Games, 09

FUSE Snowskate Company brings skateboarding to the snow. And, now the Winter X Games 13, X Fest, brings the FUSE Snowskate Park presented by WARHEADS & sponsored by Guiness World Records to action sports fans.

The FUSE brand Snowskate has four skis in place of wheels on a skateboard with real skate trucks for control and true skateboard feel. With this in mind, the park will have features and obstacles similar to a modern skateboard park: drop in deck, pyramid, flat bank to step up box, down box, manual pad, picnic table, round bars, and other assorted features.

The park will be open from Thurs., Jan. 22 through Sun., Jan. 25 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The public is welcome to demo FUSE Snowskates free of charge. IDs and signed wavers will be required (parent or legal guardian signature required if under 18). A contest will be held for The FUSE Snowskate Amarama Fri, Jan. 23 at 3 p.m. and the FUSE Snowskate Showdown Qualifiers Sat. Jan.24 at 11 a.m. with the finals at 4:30 p.m. The event is open to all snowskaters and is free to enter. Registration will be open up to one hour before the qualifier event.

To see what FUSE is all about and become a fan go to: http://www.facebook.com/pages/FUSE-Snowskate-Co/52112633145?ref=nf

The North Face Masters of Snowboarding Kicks Off at Snowbird Mountain Resort

Epic snow conditions and $45,000 tour prize purse attract snowboarders from around the globe for the first stop on the only big mountain snowboarding tour in North America

Salt Lake City, Utah, January 20, 2009—The much-anticipated first stop on The North Face Masters of Snowboarding (TNF Masters) big mountain snowboarding tour arrives at Snowbird Mountain Resort, Utah, January 29-February 1, 2009. Big-name pros, along with up-and-comers from around the globe, will battle it out for the $15,000 prize purse on Snowbird’s impressive North Baldy amphitheatre finals venue. With one of the deepest snow packs in the country, Snowbird Mountain Resort is more than ready to host the world’s best big mountain snowboarders.

“Snowbird’s big mountain terrain gives both competitors and spectators a great venue for an event the caliber of The North Face Masters,” said Snowbird President Bob Bonar. “We’re looking forward to seeing these talented athletes show off their skills on the best Snowbird has to offer.”Read more

WINTER X GAMES 13, JANUARY 22-25, 2009

When: Thu, Jan 22, 2009

Event runs through: Sun, Jan 25

Where

Buttermilk Mountain
P.O. Box 1248
Aspen, CO 81612
United States

The Winter X Games, the premier winter action sports event in the world, will be held January 22-25, 2009 from Aspen/Snowmass, Colorado. The annual event features athletes from across the globe competing for medals and prize money in the following sports: Skiing, Snowboard and Snowmobile. January 20-21 will serve as practice and elimination days. All Winter X Games competitions will take place at the resort's Buttermilk Mountain. Winter X Games 13 will air live on ESPN and ABC and will feature nighttime events. The event will remain at Aspen/Snowmass through 2010, for a total of nine consecutive years (2002-2010).

Winter X Games 12 Results
Winter X Games 12 was ESPN's most-watched in history The eight telecasts averaged 863,000 homes, up 17% from 2007. Many key demo groups (Men and Persons 18-24, 18-34, 18-49, and 25-54) also delivered their most-viewed Winter X Games, all up double-digits across the board from Winter X Games 11. Of the eight Winter X Games 12 telecasts, six were among the top ten most-viewed in Winter X history, including the final night and most-viewed Winter X telecast ever — Sunday night (1,117,000 HHs, based on a 1.2 rating). ABC's Winter X Games 12 telecast on Saturday afternoon delivered a 1.3 household rating and 1,424,000 HHs, up 9% and 10% respectively from Winter X Games 11. Overall, ABC was up across the board among all people and male demos, with Men 18+ up 29% from last year.

Aspen Skiing Company
Aspen Skiing Company operates the four mountains in the Aspen/Snowmass area — Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk - as well as the award-winning Ski & Snowboard Schools of Aspen/Snowmass. The area offers unparalleled nightlife and off-slope activities as well. Aspen/Snowmass is accessible by two of the most convenient airports in the mountains — Aspen Pitkin County Airport (ASE) (3 miles from Aspen) and Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) (70 miles from Aspen). For more information on Aspen Skiing Company, please call 800-525-6200 or 970-925-1220, or visit the company's website at aspensnowmass.com.

Forthcoming details on Winter X Games can be found on expn.com for fans or on espneventmedia.com for media only.

Visit espnmediazone.com for ESPN's latest releases, schedules and other news, plus photos, video and audio clips and more.

Apres Ski Fundraiser with B4BC & ESPN's V Foundation

When: Wed, Jan 21, 2009

Website: http://www.b4bc.org/index.php?...

Where

320 East Hyman Avenue
Aspen, CO 81611
United States

Boarding for Breast Cancer (B4BC) and The V Foundation join forces in this one-of-a-kind charity event benefiting cancer research, awareness and education. A night for the family where guests can mix and mingle with Winter X Games athletes, enjoy a musical performance by pro-snowboarder Tara Dakides, bid on fabulous silent auction items and much more.

Tickets include:
* Gift bag
* One raffle ticket (additional raffle tickets may be purchased at the event)
* Gourmet appetizers provided by the St. Regis
* S'more Station in the Fountain Courtyard--a St. Regis tradition
* Hosted beer and wine provided by the St. Regis
* Specialty drinks
* Opportunity to meet and mingle with Winter X Games athletes
* Live music

Sandbox New Year Update

We made a shortened version of All Day Everyday for the film festival circuit and the short is getting some great reviews. We are very happy to announce we have been selected and showing at the X Dance Festival in Utah. This is the biggest action sports film festival in the world and it takes place during the prestigious Sundance Film Festival in Salt Lake City, Utah. Check out the x-dance site for more details and view trailers of the other great films we will be showing with. We have also been selected for the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour where they will be taking our film on a 30 country road trip around the world.
Read more

Ocean Minded launches new line during trade show tour

Ocean Minded is pleased to announce the US debut of their new Fall/Holiday 2009 line of closed-toe shoes and boots at the upcoming, Surf Expo, Agenda, and Magic tradeshows. The collection consists of 7 new men’s styles and 4 for women, all featuring various combinations of eco-conscious materials and processes.

“The new Fall/Holiday shoe collection establishes Ocean Minded as a true ‘Ocean Lifestyle’ footwear brand. After we sold out of our initial spring/summer offering we’re set to grow exponentially in this category in the second part of 2009. Early orders from some of the majors have already been exceptional,” said Ocean Minded General Manager, Andy Palmer.

These new Ocean Minded™ products will be showcased at Surf Expo on January 15th – 17th, booth #1645S. The company will attend San Diego’s Agenda tradeshow for the first time from January 22nd – 24th , and will be exhibiting the collection in booth # J11. Lastly, the brand will be featured in Ecollection, a section of the MAGIC tradeshow, in Las Vegas, which showcases eco-fashion and accessories, February 17th – 19th booth # E19817.

“After a decade of building a strong performing sandal category we’re positioned to maximize our footwear opportunity with existing and new distribution channels. Despite a slow economy Ocean Minded is looking at significant growth,” stated Palmer.

Be Ocean Minded™

That simple idea is the foundation of our company. Being ‘ocean minded’ and living an ‘ocean lifestyle’ begins with the inspiration and allure that the world’s oceans and beaches offer each one of us.

The Ocean Minded™ brand enables an individual to identify, visualize, and embrace their personal beach and water-oriented passions in the course of their daily adventure.

Whether you’re devoted to surfing in Hawaii, kayaking on the Sea of Cortez, snorkeling over the Great Barrier Reef, or warming up around a campfire in Big Sur, Ocean Minded™ welcomes you with open arms.

Live. Protect. Respect. ™

We can no longer deny that our planet is rapidly becoming a crowded and polluted place. Our chosen lifestyle, and the passion for the ocean we all share, cannot be taken for granted. Ocean Minded™ believes we should utilize recycled and sustainable materials in our products and collateral material whenever possible, and we consistently strive to achieve this.

Additionally, we feel that as both a corporation, and a group of individuals, it is essential to Live, Protect, and Respect our environment. Since 1996, we have been organizing community beach clean-ups around the world, and educating our customers on the importance of leaving their chosen playgrounds in better condition than when they were found. Our belief that everything eventually ends up in the ocean has led us to host additional clean-ups in the mountains, as well as on the banks of inland rivers and lakes.

These values are the cornerstones of our Brand, and we invite you to Be Ocean Minded™

www.oceanminded.com

Davelehl.com 08/09 Is Live

Check out shred photographer Dave Lehl's new website, davelehl.com.

Renthal Brakes to Sponsor Canidae Motosport Kawasaki for the 2009 Season

Renthal Brakes, a division of Renthal Ltd., is proud to announce their partnership with the Canidae Motosport Kawasaki race team for the 2009 SX and MX season. The entire team will be using the brand new RC-1 Works brake pads on the front and rear of their Kawasaki KX250F’s. Renthal Brakes RC-1 Works Brake Pads are a premium high performance sintered metal brake pad that provide excellent stopping power, a progressive feel and no brake fade. Better yet, these high end brake pads come in at a very reasonable price of just $34.95 a set. “We are very excited to have the Canidae Motosport Kawasaki team on board with our brake pads this year. With 5 riders on the team and numerous race bikes & practice bikes each, our brake pads will definitely receive plenty of use and abuse throughout the week which will help further their development.” Stated Brad Cameron, Brand Manager for Renthal Brakes. Bill Keefe, team manager for Canidae Motosport Kawasaki said “We couldn’t be happier partnering up with Renthal for their new Brake Pad line, Renthal has always produced the very best products and their new brake pad is no exception.”

For more information please visit www.renthal.com.

The North Face Masters Rob Kingwill Interview

Rob Kingwill is a man of many talents. Besides winning first place at The 2008 North Face Masters event in Alyeska, AK, X Games medals, world cup and grand prix wins he is also a business entrepreneur, an artist, and an all around shredder. He runs AVALON7 a community of creative minded individuals that all share their love for snow, music, art, and culture through functional apparel and accessories. Rob is a super busy guy but MSI was fortunate enough to ask Rob a couple of questions about the upcoming 2009 North Face Masters series as well as some other topics. Read more

Piiroinen Lifts Off Into Swatch TTR Top 5

Davos, Switzerland, 11th January: Towering airtime, technical tricks and fearless snowboarding were the order of the night at the 6Star O’Neill Evolution Quarterpipe stomp fest. After two nights of thrilling excitement, Chas Guldemond (USA) has narrowly managed to defend his Tour lead spot with a 81.98 point lead in front of Janne Korpi (FIN). At the end of the night though, it was Finland’s Peetu Piiroinen who finished on top of the podium and in World No. 5. He was followed by his fellow Finn, Risto Mattila in second and Steve Krijbolder (NED) in third.

Superpipe Opens at Waterville Valley

After 100 hours of snowmaking and 6 days of hard work Waterville's 350 foot long 57 feet wide Superpipe is officially open for the season! The superpipe was sculpted by SPT's Tyson Terpening hailing from Sierra at Tahoe in California. With 15 foot walls and the smoothest transitions around guests will be psyched to drop into this superpipe. Waterville's plan is to cut it twice a week for the rest of the season to keep it as smooth as possible.

Pauline Ado crowned 2009 ASP World Junior Champion

Pauline Ado (FRA), 17, has just made ASP history as the first non-Australian female to claim the undisputed ASP Junior World Title, defeating opponent Bethany Hamilton (HAW), 18, in a hard-fought Final at the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships.

Clean three-to-four foot (1 metre) waves were on offer at Sydney’s legendary North Narrabeen beach today, and after completing Round 3 of the men’s division, the dramatic women’s action commenced with the Quarterfinals before culminating with the crowning of Ado as the newest ASP World Junior Champion.

“I’m speechless,” Ado said. “I am so stoked. This is a dream come true. I can’t believe that I won. When I woke up this morning, I never imagined that this would happen.”

While her opponent Hamilton exhibited patience throughout the day, Ado wasted no time in busying herself on both the lefts and rights in the Final, and although the lead flipped back-and-forth, it was the young Frenchwoman who sealed the deal with a solid 13.43 out of a possible 20.

“I didn’t watch Bethany on her last wave, but I could hear the crowd and the commentators in the background,” Ado said. “I thought she had won, but luckily for me, it wasn’t the case.”

Ado now joins the prestigious ranks of past ASP World Junior Champions Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS), 22, Nicola Atherton (AUS), 22, and Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), 18 – all three past champions qualifying for the prestigious ASP Women’s World Tour within one season of claiming the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships.

“I have so much confidence now going into 2009,” Ado said. “I really want to do well in the ASP WQS and hopefully qualify for the ASP Women’s World Tour, but for now, I’m just stoked to be ASP World Junior Champion.”

In addition to being crowned ASP World Junior Champion, Ado will also receive a guaranteed seed into the second-to-last seeded round of all ASP WQS events in 2009, giving the young natural-footer a great advantage as she vies for a position on the elite ASP Women’s World Tour in 2010.

Hamilton, who suffered the loss of her left arm during a Tiger Shark attack at home in Kauai in 2003, put in an inspirational performance today, besting heavy event favorites Laura Enever (AUS), 17, and Leila Hurst (HAW), 16, before falling short to Ado in the Final.

“I’m really happy with my performance at this event,” Hamilton said. “To make the Final is really good for me. I haven’t had a good result in a while so hopefully this will give me some confidence for the rest of the year.

I think my nerves got the better of me in the Final. I should’ve made a couple of turns where I fell. I’m kind of bummed about that last wave, but I guess that’s surfing.”

Courtney Conlogue (USA), 16, was in sensational form today, netting the event high heat total of an 18.23 out of a possible 20 in the Quarterfinals to dispatch of 2009 ASP Dream Tour rookie Paige Hareb (NZL), 18, before losing out to Ado in the Semifinals.

“I’m bummed, but when you look at it, it’s a great result even though I got the same as last year,” Conlogue said. “I’m happy with my result. It’s a great start to the year, but the Final would have been even better. Hopefully now I can follow through and have a strong year.”

Hurst joined Conlogue in their equal 3rd place finishes at the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships, and the young Hawaiian is looking forward to year of competition as she aims for a shot at the prestigious ASP Women’s World Tour.

“This year will be a big year doing all the ASP Pro Junior events and some ASP WQS events,” Hurst said. “I just got knocked in the last minutes when Bethany (Hamilton) got a 6, but it’s a great start to the year. This is my best result here at the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships after three years.”

Pauline Ado : photo ASP Robertson/Covered Images

While the women’s competition has completed at North Narrabeen, the men will push on, beginning with Round 4 when competition recommences.

Event organizers will reconvene tomorrow morning at 7:30am for a possible 8am start. Highlights from today’s Billabong ASP World Junior Championships will be available via billabongpro.com with Heats on Demand accessible in the VIDEO section.

BILLABONG ASP WORLD JUNIORS (WOMEN) FINAL:
1 – Pauline Ado (FRA) 13.43
2 – Bethany Hamilton (HAW) 12.47

BILLABONG ASP WORLD JUNIORS (WOMEN) SEMIFINAL RESULTS:
SF 1: Pauline Ado (FRA) 12.17 def. Courtney Conlogue (USA) 10.00
SF 2: Bethany Hamilton (HAW) 11.50 def. Leila Hurst (HAW) 10.07

BILLABONG ASP WORLD JUNIORS (WOMEN) QUARTERFINAL RESULTS:
QF 1: Pauline Ado (FRA) 16.33 def. Arini Mason (NZL) 11.87
QF 2: Courtney Conlogue (USA) 18.23 def. Paige Hareb (NZL) 10.33
QF 3: Leila Hurst (HAW) 11.17 def. Diana Cristina (BRA) 9.23
QF 4: Bethany Hamilton (HAW) 14.83 def. Laura Enever (AUS) 12.77

BILLABONG ASP WORLD JUNIORS (MEN) ROUND 4 MATCH-UPS:
Heat 1: Tamaroa McComb (PYF) vs. Julian Wilson (AUS)
Heat 2: Alejo Muniz (BRA) vs. Tanner Gudauskas (USA)
Heat 3: Lincoln Taylor (AUS) vs. Kiron Jabour (HAW)
Heat 4: Granger Larsen (HAW) vs. Jadson Andre (BRA)
Heat 5: Maxime Huscenot (REU) vs. Alex Ribeiro (BRA)
Heat 6: Marc Lacomare (FRA) vs. Jayke Sharp (AUS)
Heat 7: Matt Wilkinson (AUS) vs. Nat Young (USA)
Heat 8: Stuart Kennedy (AUS) vs. Kai Barger (HAW)

2009 Quiksilver Goodwave entries open on Thursday.

Quiksilver South Africa are proud to present the sixth edition of the Quiksilver Goodwave, a prestige-laden and extremely popular event on the South African surfing calendar. The entries for the 2009 event are set to open up online on 1 January, and all surfers who want to put their names down to get a possible slot in the 2009 line up need to register at www.goodwave.co.za to be in the running for selection. The competitors will be chosen at the end of January, and they will be selected on various criteria: ability in good solid waves, previous event performances and track record at New Pier are just a few of these criteria.

For the lucky 32 who crack the nod, it’s a really big day of surfing that starts off with the traditional one Rand entry fee. With a first prize of R65,000 and a total prize pool of R102,600, as well as every surfer getting paid to surf, it’s easy enough to see why the 32 spots are so coveted.

Amongst those surfers clicking on the ‘enter’ button on the website will be most of the former winners who are Llewellyn Whittaker (2003), Simon Nicholson (2004), Warwick Wright (2005), Antonio Bortoletto (2007) and Shane Thorne (2008). “It is an unreal day of surfing,” said Shane Thorne. “One Rand to enter, a day of good waves and the chance to walk away with sixty-five Grand at the end of it all. You can’t beat that.”
“It is by far my favourite event of the year,” said Simon Nicholson. “I wait all year for the Goodwave to happen, and am always so stoked when it runs. It’s a great day of surfing.”

The event website www.goodwave.co..za has got some good stuff on it, including video highlights from the 2008 event, images, a daily surf report with images of the surf at New Pier, interviews with previous winners, a ‘Lemme Know’ link to sign up for notification when the event goes. To-the-minute scores and results will be posted as the event runs when it runs and will include the best images on a regular basis.

Jet ski’s will be used in the event to transport surfers back into the lineup in what is usually a grueling paddle out, the event has a simple four-man heats of 30 minutes, top two waves counting as per international criteria, and the event will be judged by the best judges in the country. The waiting period for the event is 1 Feb 2009 – 31 Dec 2009.

So if you want in, log onto the event website, click on the ‘enter’ button, fill in your credentials and hope for the best. Cyclone season is just around the corner and there’s nowhere better than to hide from a cyclone than deep within a New Pier barrel.

* Please note that this is an invitational event and participation is by invite only. Contestants are selected by Quiksilver in its entire discretion and Quiksilver’s decision shall be final. All of Quiksilver’s rights are reserved.

2008 Runner–Up Daniel Redman is always a standout at the New Pier and is sure to be in this event in 2009.

For more info contact:

Dane Patterson
Quiksilver Marketing Manager
Cell: +27 824445333
Tel: +27 31 3131465
Fax: +27 31 3131 436
4th Floor, San Angelo Building,
218 Stamfordhill Rd, Durban, SA
Email: dane.patto@quiksilver.co.za

www.quiksilver.com
www.goodwave.co..za

Ultima prueba: Circuito El Diario Vasco de Bodyboard

16 competidores, los 16 mejores del ranking del 2008 de la categoría reina (Circuito A), serán los agraciados y por lo tanto quienes compitan sobre una de nuestras mejores y mas preciadas olas. Una ola sin igual, que rompe a los pies de la central nuclear de Lemoiz (Bizkaia), de dificil acceso, de gran belleza y muy respetada sobre todo por expertos amantes del bodyboard. Una ola, sobre la que se ha hecho un único campeonato, la prueba que culmina el Circuito El Diario Vasco de Bodyboard y que volverá a repetir escenario este año.

Dada la peculiaridad de esta ola, situada en un marco incomparable de nuestra geografía, se ha establecido un periodo de espera de 3 meses, que empezará mañana, 1 de enero de 2009. Durante este tiempo, época propicia para el gran oleaje en nuestra costa, se espera se cumplan las condiciones mínimas deseadas: olas de 1,5-2 m de altura.

Se disputarán dos mangas, de 45 minutos cada una. Una tercera de 60 minutos. Segun las condiciones de las que gocemos finalmente, se determinará el número máximo de olas que deberán coger los riders y cuántas serán puntuables. En cualquier caso y mas que nunca, los jueces valorarán el tamaño de las olas y la radicalidad de estos conocidos riders, liderados por el campeón mundial David Perez, a la cabeza del ranking.

Se premiarán las siguientes categorías: la ola mas grande, el mejor wipe out, la mejor maniobra y el mejor tubo. Será además una prueba puntuable para el Circuito El Diario Vasco de Bodyboard 2008, a pesar de tener características distintas al resto de pruebas. De las 4 pruebas que componen este circuito, puntuarán las 3 mejores.

Listado de riders:

1.- David Perez
2.- Aritz Larrinaga
3.- Alex Uranga
4.- Alex Sebastián
5.- Antonio Ortiz
6.- Beñat Elosua
7.- Lander Irazabalbeitia
8.- Tony Leguern
9.- Ion Lopez
10.- Andoni Izaga
11.- Borja Fernandez
12.- Iñaki Llona
13.- Joserra Martinez
14.- Jon Ander Bengoetxea
15.- Gorka Lasa
16.- Iñigo Gainzarain

Fotógraf@s y reporter@s gráfic@s especializad@s, podrán recoger las imágenes del evento desde agua. Deberán registrarse previamente en EHSF y necesitarán acreditación de ésta. Igualmente aconsejamos a los medios de comunicación en general, que deseen cubrir el evento, contacten previamente con la organización, para facilitar su trabajo, dadas las caracerísticas orográficas y del campeonato en sí.

La competición durará toda una jornada, de 8:00 a 17:00 mas o menos.
Pero tras ésta, se desarrollarán otras actividades entorno al bodyboard y este gran día en Armintza:

Programa establecido por la tarde:

17:30 a 18:30 actividades para niñ@s
18:30 a 19:00 charla de bodyboard
19:00 a 20:00 proyección video bodyboard
20:00 Entrega de premios y sorteos
21:00 Cena popular, entrega de Premios del campeonato y del
ganador del Circuito Vasco A 2008

Los riders podrán hacer uso de una moto de agua que la organización pone a su disposición.
Todas las mangas y mas detalles sobre la cuarta prueba del Circuito El Diario Vasco de Bodyboard 2008 están en la web oficial de EHSF (Euskal Herriko Surf Federazioa):
( www.euskalsurf.com/documentacion.html )

Mientras esperamos que la ola de La Central muestre todo su potencial, urte berri on denoi!

Surf's officially up for Mavericks

Big wave watchers are ready. The waiting period for the Mavericks Surf Contest is officially today and continues through March 31.

Contest organizers announced this week that action sports network FUEL TV will showcase Mavericks in the first high-definition live surfing webcast at www.fuel.tv/maverickssurf.

In addition to over the Internet, the HD webcast will be simulcast at AT&T Park in San Francisco. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the gate.

MySpace, the giant social network, will webcast the contest in standard definition at www.myspace.com/maverickssurf. The 2008 webcast was the largest in MySpace history with more than 1 million viewers.

Beginning at 8 a.m. on contest day, the free webcasts will feature all the action, live interviews with the surfers, up-to-the-minute heat results and the awards ceremony. Waves for Mavericks during contest conditions usually top 25 feet.

Mavericks Surf Ventures, the contest organizers, were able to pull together enough sponsors this month to fund the big-wave extravaganza with new sponsor Jim Beam bourbon putting Mavericks over the top.

Invited surfers - and fans - will get 24-hour notice when the contest will be held at Half Moon Bay. To sign up for an alert or find other details, go to www.maverickssurf.com.

VF Corps Dave Gatto discusses Reef with Josh Hunter

Reef will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2009, Transworld Business interviewed Dave Gatto, President of VF Corp’s Outdoor Americas Coalition, here's his take on how Reef fits into VF’s stable of brands, what the future holds for the company, and his strategy for weathering tough economic times.

How does Reef fit into the overall strategy of VF Corp’s outdoor coalition?
The outdoor coalition is one of the leading sectors of VF’s business. VF recognizes the long term growth opportunities, as well as the marketability of authentic lifestyle brands. Reef fits that niche perfectly, and will remain an anchor of the outdoor coalition.

How is the brand performing in the current economic climate?
The brand is performing as to be expected in this new environment. The Reef customer is loyal, but they are instinctually cutting back on unnecessary spending… this exacerbates the ripple effect of a faltering economy. In the 25 years that Reef has been in business, the company has seen recessions before, the way to come out on top is to stay focused on the consumer, foster the relationships we have with our accounts, our vendors and our factories to help work through these tough times. We all know there can be a huge up-swing when the market recovers; it’s just a matter of adjusting the business responsibly to survive the lulls and hopefully emerge a stronger, more efficient brand.

How important is the US market to Reef?
The U.S. market is crucial to Reef. Trends originate here and trickle down into other markets, our headquarters are here and this is where the brand direction is set. Right now, there is a big emphasis on China as an explosive growth market. This year we went direct, with an office in Hong Kong.

Read the full interview by Josh Hunter at Transworld Business

http://business.transworld.net

www.reef.com

BMX development team chosen for 2012 Olympic Games

CYCLING Australia has confirmed it has chosen a BMX squad to train ahead of the 2012 London Olympics.

The five riders will train and compete under the guidance of Cycling Australia's BMX High Coach Wade Bootes, as part of the cycling body's development squad for 2009.

The team will comprise of 18-year-old Caroline Buchanan and 17-year-olds Rachel Bracken, Josh Callan, Lauren Reynolds and Sam Willoughby.

It will begin training on January 1 ahead of the Nerang round of the 2008-09 UCI BMX Oceania series on Friday.

"The riders show great potential to continue to develop and to reach their best in the years to come,'' Bootes said in a statement.

"I am fortunate to be able to work with and guide talented riders who have the motivation and drive to succeed.

"I believe these riders will lead the rest of the nation to a level that will help Australia dominate at the international level on the BMX track.''

Australia's BMX motocross team failed to win a medal during the sport's Olympic debut at the 2008 Beijing Games.

Bootes said 2009 will be a year for development as the five riders step up from the junior ranks.

"With great results in 2008 as juniors and already mixing it with the best senior riders around the world in BMX and MTB events, I see them continuing on with their success for many years ahead.''

"The aim is to expose them to as much international racing experience as possible so they can improve and excel as we head towards the 2012 Olympic Games in London.''

BMX development team chosen for 2012 Olympic Games

CYCLING Australia has confirmed it has chosen a BMX squad to train ahead of the 2012 London Olympics.

The five riders will train and compete under the guidance of Cycling Australia's BMX High Coach Wade Bootes, as part of the cycling body's development squad for 2009.

The team will comprise of 18-year-old Caroline Buchanan and 17-year-olds Rachel Bracken, Josh Callan, Lauren Reynolds and Sam Willoughby.

It will begin training on January 1 ahead of the Nerang round of the 2008-09 UCI BMX Oceania series on Friday.

"The riders show great potential to continue to develop and to reach their best in the years to come,'' Bootes said in a statement.

"I am fortunate to be able to work with and guide talented riders who have the motivation and drive to succeed.

"I believe these riders will lead the rest of the nation to a level that will help Australia dominate at the international level on the BMX track.''

Australia's BMX motocross team failed to win a medal during the sport's Olympic debut at the 2008 Beijing Games.

Bootes said 2009 will be a year for development as the five riders step up from the junior ranks.

"With great results in 2008 as juniors and already mixing it with the best senior riders around the world in BMX and MTB events, I see them continuing on with their success for many years ahead.''

"The aim is to expose them to as much international racing experience as possible so they can improve and excel as we head towards the 2012 Olympic Games in London.''