An all-ages pro-am event, “The Classic” features divisions ranging from the 11 & under “Gremlins” to the 55+ “Legends” and will run from 7:00am to 5:30pm both days.The Quiksilver Rincon Classic 2012 will also showcase crowd-favorite specialty events like the “Locals Only Legacy,” a revamped Red Bull Air Show in which competitors will be awarded points for each air they perform. On the beach, special events and activities are provided by local business and community members. The contest and activities are open to the public.

Visit the event website here – http://www.rinconclassic.com/

Dead Snails from Future Enigma on Vimeo.

Untitled from Surfing Life on Vimeo.

For fans in the U.S., tune-in March 31st to catch the two-hour Red Bull Supernatural special airing nationally on NBC from 1-3pm EST.

Birdwatching With A Brown Microwave Television. from Michael Kew on Vimeo.

Clay Comes to Stay from Tom Jennings on Vimeo.

“We’re walking away with a different state of mind. This was an experiment and it’s the beginning of a new, possible future for snowboarding,” says Rice. “These guys ride like this all the time. It’s just a really tough thing to capture, even in a video part. No breaks, riding first tracks and on all-natural terrain. Here we are able to showcase the talent in snowboarding today.”

Rice came out hot from the very start putting down a nearly flawless run, hitting as many features as possible, stomping landings and adding inversions to multiple maneuvers. His first score of 91 held the top spot throughout the day. Gigi Rüf scored 84 points on his first run, which held the second spot throughout the day. Nicolas Müller topped John Jackson’s score of 80.6, with an 82.6 in the final run with buttery transitions and the solid, stylish riding he is known for. But Jackson didn’t walk away empty handed, he won ‘Best Trick’ by stomping a double cork 1080 off the big kicker on his final run.

“We had no idea that people would tee off that big without having ever seen anyone hit the features before,” says Tom Burt, Head Judge for Red Bull Supernatural. “This contest puts together where snowboarding is headed, riding the mountains. But adding freestyle riding into the mix really ups the level. Nature alone can’t fully provide a course like this.”

Travis Rice’s dream run for Red Bull Supernatural is built across 2,200 vertical feet on the slope nicknamed “Scary Cherry.” The run is now host to over 80 man-made features including pillow lines, enormous platforms and goal posts in the over 40 degree top section. Most riders had hit five or more features over varying size before heading into the super-kickers where fresh powder landings allowed riders to open up with speed and style. The final slopestyle section had pillow platforms to tap and log rides that took riders straight into the finish line.

“Today was a great example of where our sport is going and what we can do to get it to the next level,” says Jeff Pensiero, Owner of Baldface Lodge. “I was surprised at how much these guys really stepped up their game to ride this course. I thought a lot of it was not rideable, but these guys proved that they earn their livings exceeding expectations.”

Standouts of the day include Terje’s fast turns punctuated by massive methods off the hip transfers, Eric Jackson’s butter into a huge 540 off an upper platform and Lucas Debari’s enormous air launched off a platform initially built as an evacuation heli platform. Burt says, “Everyone had standout moments. The talent on course today was mindboggling.” Burt also points to Devun Walsh’s 360 pillow platform tap on the final hit and Nicolas Müller’s switch 720 off the kicker as some of the day’s most notable moments.

For photos, video and updates on Red Bull Supernatural, please visit www.redbullusa.com/supernatural. For fans in the U.S., tune-in March 31st to catch the two-hour Red Bull Supernatural special airing nationally on NBC from 1-3pm EST.

Travis on the podium courtesy of twsnow.com

Baldface getting to know Travis. Photo: Nomadda/Red Bull Media House North America, Inc.

For those who like their rock and roll delivered in charmingly sloppy fashion – with a few bonus sneers thrown in for good measure – Xray Eyeballs could be the band of the year. They’re certainly a contender for us. The Brooklyn group’s songs work the dark side of the garage, with off-key vocals and menacingly strummed guitars bouncing off fuzzy bass lines and martial-beat rhythms. If you’re into Vivian Girls, Crystal Stilts, or Crocodiles, you won’t want to miss Xray Eyeballs’ brand-new long-player, Splendor Squalor, which is available now on iTunes.

And be sure to check this episode of Pipe House Chronicles, featuring the band’s “Kam Sing Knights”!

X-ray Eyeballs’ Facebook Page
Kanine Records

In Episode 2, the crew heads into Manhattan for an all-night session. The next morning they shake hands with John Cardiel, pick up some product and go right back out to shred NYC.

Balaram not only got an insane tube and advanced to the final day in his greatest competitive moment to date, but was awarded $1,000 cash for his perfect 10 point ride. Here is what Balaram had to say about his 10, “I knew the waves were firing and there was only three other guys out and that doesn’t ever happen so I was hoping I’d get a wave and I don’t know the stars aligned. I got one!” He continued with “It was, you know, pretty nerve racking just being out there. It’s what I’ve always wanted to have a heat out there in pumping waves at that so…yeah, I don’t know, I just thought if the wave came I’m going because if not I’ll regret it forever”. Nice work Bal and the best of luck when the comp continues.

In the final heat of the day it was up-and-coming North Shore charger Koa Rothman’s turn to take on the epic Pipeline conditions. Koa’s heat was a nail-biter stacked with all Hawaiians but the young local was able to answer Dusty Payne’s 10 with a 9 on the very next wave, which was enough to tie Ian Walsh for the heat win. Definitely keep your eye on Koa as he is determined to shake things up.

Organizers expect competition to wrap up on Wednesday, February 1, and a champion to be crowned. All of us at Quik are pulling for our boys…help us cheer on Ramzi Boukhiam, Tyler Newton, Reef McIntosh, Koa Rothman and Freddy P. when competition resumes.

He came to Hawaii looking to fulfill a childhood dream and humbly gain experience at the world’s most revered and feared surf spot: the Banzai Pipeline. But 20-year-old New York pro surfing rookie Balaram Stack scored one of surfing’s rarest waves: a perfect 10 on a fearsome day deemed only for warriors at the Volcom Pipe Pro. Fifteen-to-20 foot Pipe doled out its fair share of injuries, snapped surfboard and bruised pride today. No-one imagined that the kid from New York would steal the show, unscathed.

Stack was up against one of Pipeline’s most respected riders today – Kalani Chapman, 29, and a pair of rising Hawaiian stars in Granger Larson, 21, and Tonino Benson, 22. He had a nail-biting start; skittling to the bottom of his first ride on his stomach, and following up with a short tube-ride that almost knocked him off. But none of his challengers were fairing much better in the rogue lineup and Stack surprisingly took a slim lead.

Then with three minutes to go, a huge A-frame peak pushed through and Balaram, sitting deepest, swung and stroked over the ledge. He dropped weightlessly, set the rail of his surfboard on edge and pulled up into a gaping, hollow barrel, arms outstretched. When he exited in a plume of spray and whitewater, he was standing casually with hands held behind his back… in disbelief.

Stack also scored a bonus $1,000 as part of the ELECTRIC Perfect Ten bonus awards. He is now among the final 32 surfers left in the event and will next face defending event champion John John Florence (Hawaii). The Volcom Pipe Pro is expected to wrap up and crown a champion tomorrow.

“It’s what I’ve always wanted – to have a heat out there in pumping waves,” said Stack. “I just thought that if the wave came, I was going, if not, I’ll regret it forever. I knew the waves were firing and there were only three other guys out. That never happens, so I was just hoping I would get a wave. The stars aligned. I got one.

“It was pretty nerve-wracking just being out there. All I was hoping was to make another heat and make it to the next round, but now I don’t even care if I make the next round, that was the best thing ever.

“It’s the first time I’ve ever surfed a contest out here and it’s definitely a dream I’ve had for a while.”

On taking the heat from Kalani Chapman with a perfect 10: “Yeah, that definitely wasn’t supposed to happen.”

Visit Surfline for more from Day three of the Volcom Pipe Pro, including highlights of Quiksilver Team Riders Balaram Stack and Koa Rothman

Photos by Mike Coots

Mark Healey on the Cover of Hawaii Skin Diver this month. Photo by Cameron Kirkconnell

The team will consist of watermen from all three organizations, spending the first half of the year exploring the coastline: chasing hurricane swell in the Atlantic, freediving Spanish shipwrecks, sailing in the Gulf of Mexico, stand up paddling the state’s coastline, catching mini-season lobsters in July, spearfishing in the Dry Tortugas, stopping into local beachside communities and hosting cleanups. They’ll encourage others to paddle with them, including team riders from Quiksilver and various celebrity paddlers. They’ll also be mapping the coastline and waterways with the help of Below the Surface and their Riverview Project (imagine Google Street View for rivers). In addition, the team will be collecting research and data along the way to further ocean science.

Team XF500 will then turn inland, spending the second half of the journey along the rivers, lakes, estuaries, and marshland – the intricate network that makes up the Florida marine ecosystem. They’ll document, map, and explore the waterways in similar fashion as they did with the coastline. They’ll camp and airboat through the Everglades, canoe the natural springs, drive old pickup trucks that run on algae biofuel, film amazing Florida wildlife and scenery, kayak and stand up paddle the rivers and waterways, and leave the land in better and cleaner condition than when they arrived. Camping and living off the land will be the norm.

The expedition’s primary goal is to highlight the importance of stewardship efforts as they relate to the ocean, coastlines, waterways, and the marine ecosystem. Florida is unique in that it embodies the entire marine waterway system from source to sea – one of the few places on Earth with such thriving wildlife and a natural environment based around water. The team will document their journey through daily blogging, daily photos and videos for social media outlets, filming for their own documentary, and filming for Tahoe SUP’s EXPLORE project series.

XF500 was designed by Justin Riney, founder and Executive Director of Mother Ocean. Riney recently launched Mother Ocean on January 1, 2012 with the purpose of creating, inspiring, and empowering ocean advocates worldwide. “Our goal with Expedition Florida 500 is to merge our passion for ocean advocacy with an incredible storyline that resonates with the masses. With the help of Quiksilver and Tahoe SUP, our voice and platform will reach a global audience. XF500 is just the beginning – we’re rallying the troops.” Riney will lead the expedition with Peter Mel of Quiksilver Waterman Collection, Matt Kechele of Quiksilver, and Nate Brouwer of Tahoe SUP rounding out the project management team. In addition, both Quiksilver and Tahoe SUP have designated Riney an ambassador and team rider for their brands.

Be the first to know if The Bay Calls The Day at http://www.quiksilver.com/eddie

Travis Rice giving his acceptance speech. Photo: TransWorld SNOWboarding

Despite missing Gold, Iouri said he was satisfied  with his performance. “I am really happy actually because I have never put that run down so clean,” an exhausted Podladtchikov said following his last run. “I wish I had another run because I was just getting warmed up.  It was my personal best run so far but it wasn’t enough today.”

‘Like’ facebook.com/QuiksilverSnowboarding to stay up to date on all Quik Snow happenings.

Chris Rasman – B Shots & Bails 2011 from CHRIS RASMAN on Vimeo.

Surfing With NFL Legends Drew Brees, Tony Gonzalez, And Doug Flutie from Transworld Surf on Vimeo.

Kelly Slater, Fred Patacchia. Reef McIntosh, and Mark Healey join Drew Brees, Tony Gonzalez, and Doug Flutie at White Plains beach for a shred sesh like no other. Photo: JC

Writing flawless pop gems is no easy thing, but Kinch make it sound like it’s just another day at the office. With no shortage of catchy melodies, piano-driven hooks, and the occasional giant guitar drop-in at its disposal, this Phoenix-based band has spent the last three years touring the country and winning over the hearts of fans one club at a time.

Kinch have seen their national profile grow steadily thanks to high-profile shared bills with Jimmy Eat World, Calexico, Against Me!, and the Thermals – not to mention the killer records they’ve been putting out on their own the last few years. We’re major fans of the band’s latest album, The Incandenza, now streaming on Kinch’s Bandcamp page.

“Like A Curse” was recently used in a Hawaii episode of Quik Brasil’s Reports – check it out below!

All Pro linebacker Clay Matthews from the Green Bay Packers with recent Da Hui Backdoor Shootout winner Reef McIntosh. Photo: JC

Mark Healey breaks down the finer points of a tow-in board. Some of the dudes in the crowd were so big they’d need a pair of jet skis to whip them into a wave. Photo: JC

Our very own Kristen showing off the Patriots boardies. Who are you pulling for this Super Bowl?

Slater from Future Enigma on Vimeo.

Be sure to ‘like’ facebook.com/QuiksilverSnowboarding for all Quik Snow news.

Tony Hawk in B&W at Bondi Beach from Knack Studios on Vimeo.

Watch all the Weekly Waimea Reports and be the first to know if The Bay Calls The Day at http://www.quiksilver.com/eddie

Yesterday, January 19, 2012, our community lost an icon. Sarah Burke, freeskiing pioneer, six-time X Games gold medalist and beloved wife, daughter, aunt and friend passed away. Sarah was truly a legendary athlete, role model and an inspiration. She was everything so many of us aspire to be. Sarah brought worldwide recognition and validation to the sport she so loved. Every ski athlete chosen to represent his or her country at the 2014 Sochi Olympics will feel her influence. Without her, the sport of freeskiing would not be included.

Sarah is a pioneer of her generation. Her life and legacy embody the defining spirit of action sports; a movement of individuals driven to innovate, master and explore the frontier of physical possibility. Sarah’s love of skiing took her life to amazing places. Her accomplishments on skis continue to inspire girls everywhere to believe in themselves and follow their hearts. Her passing is not a cause to pack up our skis, but rather a reason to step-in and ski for Sarah and the dreams that inspired her star to shine.
Sarah did so much for females and winter sports during her time with us; now we are asking for your help.

Sarah leaves behind her beloved husband Rory, loving parents Jan and Gordon and her supportive sister Anna. Please consider helping them cover the enormous cost of Sarah’s recent medical care and to provide for other arrangements by donating. Your support in their greatest time of need will be gratefully appreciated and forever remembered. We encourage you to share this link with others who have been touched by Sarah. www.giveforward.com/sarahburke

***PLEASE be patient with the www.giveforward.com/sarahburke site. Due to high traffic the page may be slow to load***

For Sarah’s Facebook Image Gallery, click here.

Watch all the Weekly Waimea Reports and be the first to know if The Bay Calls The Day at http://www.quiksilver.com/eddie

Now, more than two decades on and his astonishing professional career still bubbling at its peak, the 33 year-old ASP Men’s World Title aspirant presides over one of Australia’s most revered competitive stepping stones – the annual Billabong Taj’s Small Fries U/16 junior event – held each January in Yallingup in his honour.

In 2012, the Taj’s Small Fries celebrated its seventh edition and again the Fries came, nearly 100 grommets and their families, coaches and minders, to compete and encourage each other to the podium across five divisions. In building three-to-four foot waves (double overhead for some competitors!) at Yallingup’s intimidating main break, the 2012 Small Fries contenders battled their way to the finals.

Jack Robinson, a prodigy of Burrow’s ilk from nearby Margaret River, surfed his way to his third straight win in the blue-ribbon U/16 Boys division, the blonde 14 year-old natural-foot holding out two other locals, Jacob Willcox and Josh Burke, and perennial East Coast contender, Jeames Young (Angourie, NSW). Robinson has made the comp his own. Three years ago he qualified for the final in all three divisions and everybody was suddenly asking, “Jack Who?”

Zac Wightman (Skennars Head, NSW), Dexter Muskens (Kirra, Qld), Eliza Greene (Yallingup, WA) and Emi Campbell (Denmark, WA) won the other divisions, accepting their first-place swag from Lord Burrow during a casual preso at Yall’s infamous rest-stop, Caves House.

Some surfers are still too frail to paddle in the ocean alone. For them Burrow conceived the “Push In” division; a spectacle where fleets of micro-sized grommets are pushed by loving parents shoreward on boards that would not float anyone twice their size. Except of course these kids are about two-foot tall and if the wind was strong, could be blown away like bluebottles on the breeze. They are awarded prizes too.

“It’s unbelievable to think this event has been running for seven years,” reflects Burrow, who can see the entire set-up from his newly built home overlooking Yallingup’s surfing amphitheatre. “There’s some guys I surf with locally and I still look at them as younger kids. Then they told me they were in the first Small Fries event and I was like, ‘Huh, what?’ but they’re fully-grown, in their early 20s which is just bizarre. Time has really flown.”

Burrow is undoubtedly a surfing freak. Well before he won his first event, it was clear he possessed something special. With his parents watching nervously from shore, little fry-guy Burrow was confronted with a wall of white water during a freesurf. Instead of panicking, baby-Burrow held on tight and copped the wave head-on. Somehow in the fracas he stood up with his back to the beach, the board spun round and he continued riding in.

“I’m of the belief the more experience you have, the more time in the water, the more heats you surf, the better the foundation you have to a successful career. I’ve watched a few guys compete right through the under twelves, under fourteens, under sixteens and during that five to six year period progress a lot,” says Burrow. “It makes me feel good to know that kids come across the country to surf in the event. Rivalries have developed, there’s the opportunity for them to develop their skills in a variety of conditions and I’m proud to be a part of that,” he adds.