Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Stellar Surf Blog
Please visit www.stellarsurf.wordpress.com as that one is my primary blog. Thanks so much!!!
Monday, August 30, 2010
An App for the WCT?? Yes, please
I'm sure by now, you can see what a big marketing budget for a surf contest can do as evident by this year's US Open of Surfing. Pro surfers Julian Wilson and Josh Kerr tweeted how the Open was noticeably bigger than last. Even the local newspaper called it the SuperBowl of surfing.
The US Open of Surfing was co-sponsored by Nike 6.0, Hurley and Converse, and with that came a handsome marketing budget. They even developed a FREE US Open of Surfing app for the IPhone where you can watch the live webcast of the surf contest, music concerts, Walk the Walk fashion show, BMX, and skate competition. How much did that cost? Several thousands? Try at least $25,000 just for developing the app. Then there's the cost streaming and hosting.
However except for a few minor glitches in the beginning, I really liked how I could watch the live feed right on my iPhone. In addition, there were the results and schedule all conveniently located. I wouldn't have to be glued to my laptop for the web-cast.
However an app for just one event?? Well that doesn't do me any good after the event ends. I deleted the US Open app the day after. So it got me thinking, what if the major surf companies: Billabong. Quiksilver, Rip Curl, and Hurley either 1) develop an app to stream their events or 2) all team up with FuelTV to stream each WCT event.
Because in reality, these surf companies just don't have that type of money or resources to develop an app for just one event. The money would be of better use to improve the web-cast or the contest. Fuel TV is already making ways by broadcasting several of this year's WCT surf events live on their channel.
I'd pay for an app that allows me to stream the contests right on my iPhone though I might be regretting it later when I see my data plan bill for the month. Did they really get rid of unlimited data plan?? I'd be willing to pay up to $2.99; I think at any price point higher, the value doesn't equate to the cost (streaming quality, small screen, interactive features). How much would you pay??
Note: I couldn't see the live score or the situation as the heat progressed so if you're reading this and are considering on developing an app please add live scoring.
The US Open of Surfing was co-sponsored by Nike 6.0, Hurley and Converse, and with that came a handsome marketing budget. They even developed a FREE US Open of Surfing app for the IPhone where you can watch the live webcast of the surf contest, music concerts, Walk the Walk fashion show, BMX, and skate competition. How much did that cost? Several thousands? Try at least $25,000 just for developing the app. Then there's the cost streaming and hosting.
However except for a few minor glitches in the beginning, I really liked how I could watch the live feed right on my iPhone. In addition, there were the results and schedule all conveniently located. I wouldn't have to be glued to my laptop for the web-cast.
However an app for just one event?? Well that doesn't do me any good after the event ends. I deleted the US Open app the day after. So it got me thinking, what if the major surf companies: Billabong. Quiksilver, Rip Curl, and Hurley either 1) develop an app to stream their events or 2) all team up with FuelTV to stream each WCT event.
Because in reality, these surf companies just don't have that type of money or resources to develop an app for just one event. The money would be of better use to improve the web-cast or the contest. Fuel TV is already making ways by broadcasting several of this year's WCT surf events live on their channel.
I'd pay for an app that allows me to stream the contests right on my iPhone though I might be regretting it later when I see my data plan bill for the month. Did they really get rid of unlimited data plan?? I'd be willing to pay up to $2.99; I think at any price point higher, the value doesn't equate to the cost (streaming quality, small screen, interactive features). How much would you pay??
Note: I couldn't see the live score or the situation as the heat progressed so if you're reading this and are considering on developing an app please add live scoring.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Wish I was in Tahiti for the Billabong Pro
Every year, I look forward to the Billabong Pro in Tahiti. Tahiti and Pipe Masters are probably my favorite contests to watch because of how big and gnarly the waves can be. It certainly gets the adrenaline pumping just by watching the pros take off on a bomb. We’ve seen countless of photos and covers of pro and free getting barreled at Teahupo’0 and getting the ride of their life. I would just love to see big waves during the competition. Who wouldn’t want to see Andy Irons, CJ Hobgood, Kelly Slater get barreled while going left on a 8ft+ wave??
At Teahupo’o local knowledge here is key. In this year’s VZ Trials 2 local surfers, Tuamata Puhetini and Tamoroa McComb, won the wild card spots in pumping 6ft+ waves. They will join seeded wild card Manoa Drollet in Round 1. Typically at Chopes, it’s either on or off and the scores are either high or low. In 2008, wild card Bruno Santos won with a score of 9.16. Really?? A WCT win with a combined score of 9.16??
Is it Monday yet?? On a side note I need to check up on my Fantasy Surfer team for Chopes. To add more excitement at Chopes, 14 surfers will be cut at the end of the contest. Therefore those surfers in risk of being cut need to put it all on the line for a good result. Tune into the action with the live web cast provided by Billabong at www.billabongpro.com starting Aug 23. The waiting period is from August 23 – Sep 3rd.
At Teahupo’o local knowledge here is key. In this year’s VZ Trials 2 local surfers, Tuamata Puhetini and Tamoroa McComb, won the wild card spots in pumping 6ft+ waves. They will join seeded wild card Manoa Drollet in Round 1. Typically at Chopes, it’s either on or off and the scores are either high or low. In 2008, wild card Bruno Santos won with a score of 9.16. Really?? A WCT win with a combined score of 9.16??
Is it Monday yet?? On a side note I need to check up on my Fantasy Surfer team for Chopes. To add more excitement at Chopes, 14 surfers will be cut at the end of the contest. Therefore those surfers in risk of being cut need to put it all on the line for a good result. Tune into the action with the live web cast provided by Billabong at www.billabongpro.com starting Aug 23. The waiting period is from August 23 – Sep 3rd.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Is "Revolver" the "Modern Collective" of Skiing?
Summer coming to an end, it’s about time to start thinking about the winter. With winter, comes winter swells to offer surfers ample waves to satisfy their appetite. With no forecast of El Nino, I don’t expect this winter to be like the last. However what is winter without a little bit of snow and time on the slopes?? I stumble upon this trailer of a new ski movie, Revolver, from my twitter friend @theMorantAgency. I’m not going to even pretend I have any clue about skiing, but the airs and jumps these guys are pulling is simply mind-blowing. Kind of reminds me the airs Dane, Jordy, Dusty, Dion, and Yadin were pulling in Modern Collective. Your thoughts?
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Back to Back Wins for Local Boy Brett Simpson
Then man of the moment is no other than Brett Simpson. Brett came into the US Open of Surfing as the defending champion, and now will go down in surfing history as the only surfer to win back to back titles in the men’s division here in Huntington Beach.
Local boy Brett Simpson edges out South African surfer Jordy Smith in the 35 minute finals in front of a home crowd packed onto the beach and wins $100,000. World #1 Surfer Jordy threw spray and pumped down the ramp to do an air but just couldn’t stick the landing.
On Brett’s road to a second US Open of Surfing title, he defeated surfers Dane Reynolds, Nathaniel Curran, and Kelly Slater. Brett beat out Kelly Slater in the semi finals just by .04 points, talk about a close one. Some would argue that Kelly’s first wave was underscored, but the 9x World Champion was a true champ and conceded the heat to Brett with only 20 seconds left.
Kolohe Andino, Alejo Muniz, Evan Geiselman, Miguel Pupo
In the men’s junior division, Evan Geiselman was crowned champion and donated $1,000 of his winning to the Stoked Mentoring organization. Kolohe Andino won the Hurley Pro trials and will get one of the Wild Card position for the Hurley Pro in September. Julian Wilson went bigger than Dane Reynolds to win the WPS All-Star Expression session.
On the women’s side, Nike stepped up and increased the prize purse giving 1st place winner Carissa Moore $50,000 in prize money; the largest cash prize for women’s in surfing history. Sally Fitzgibbon placed second and walked away with $15,000. Sage Erickson won the junior women’s title.
In the Pacifico Nose Riding Invitational, it was Joel Tudor who won; further solidifying his status as the winningest longboarder.
As promised Nike, Hurley, and Converse made this year’s US Open of Surfing bigger and better. We saw Weezer played on the beach in front of 50,000 people that stretched from the stage all the way to the beach. The kids at Corona Del Mar High School won Walk the Walk. In addition, we saw some great surfing by all the surfers who came out. It was crazy busy and like a circus in Huntington Beach during the nine-day event that offered surfing, BMX, and skateboarding.
Local boy Brett Simpson edges out South African surfer Jordy Smith in the 35 minute finals in front of a home crowd packed onto the beach and wins $100,000. World #1 Surfer Jordy threw spray and pumped down the ramp to do an air but just couldn’t stick the landing.
On Brett’s road to a second US Open of Surfing title, he defeated surfers Dane Reynolds, Nathaniel Curran, and Kelly Slater. Brett beat out Kelly Slater in the semi finals just by .04 points, talk about a close one. Some would argue that Kelly’s first wave was underscored, but the 9x World Champion was a true champ and conceded the heat to Brett with only 20 seconds left.
Kolohe Andino, Alejo Muniz, Evan Geiselman, Miguel Pupo
In the men’s junior division, Evan Geiselman was crowned champion and donated $1,000 of his winning to the Stoked Mentoring organization. Kolohe Andino won the Hurley Pro trials and will get one of the Wild Card position for the Hurley Pro in September. Julian Wilson went bigger than Dane Reynolds to win the WPS All-Star Expression session.
On the women’s side, Nike stepped up and increased the prize purse giving 1st place winner Carissa Moore $50,000 in prize money; the largest cash prize for women’s in surfing history. Sally Fitzgibbon placed second and walked away with $15,000. Sage Erickson won the junior women’s title.
In the Pacifico Nose Riding Invitational, it was Joel Tudor who won; further solidifying his status as the winningest longboarder.
As promised Nike, Hurley, and Converse made this year’s US Open of Surfing bigger and better. We saw Weezer played on the beach in front of 50,000 people that stretched from the stage all the way to the beach. The kids at Corona Del Mar High School won Walk the Walk. In addition, we saw some great surfing by all the surfers who came out. It was crazy busy and like a circus in Huntington Beach during the nine-day event that offered surfing, BMX, and skateboarding.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Jack’s Surfboards U.S. Open of Surfing Store Signings
Come on down Thursday Aug. 5th for the start of the major events during the U.S. Open of Surfing. Jack’s will definitely be contributing to the awesome stuff going down with tons of team signings, giveaways, and more all weekend long!
U.S. Open Of Surfing Jack’s Surfboards Shop Events:
Thursday 8/5
12:00 Rusty/Rockband Stage
2:00 Reef
3:00 Etnies, Body Glove
4:00 Freestyle
4:00 Roxy (girls store)
Friday 8/6
11:00 DC
12:00 Matix
1:00 DVS
1:00 Billabong (girls store)
2:00 Oneill
2:00 Oneill (girls store)
3:00 Vans
4:00 Volcom
4:00 Reef (girls store)
5:00 Billabong
Sat 8/7
10:00 Fox
11:00 Rusty Carnival
1:00 Globe
2:00 RVCA
3:00 Electric
4:00 Von Zipper
5:00 Lost
Sun 8/8
11:00 Reef
1:00 Oneill
2:00 Fox
3:00 Ezekiel
via U.S. Open of Surfing Store Signings Event List | Jack’s Surfboards :: Blog.
U.S. Open Of Surfing Jack’s Surfboards Shop Events:
Thursday 8/5
12:00 Rusty/Rockband Stage
2:00 Reef
3:00 Etnies, Body Glove
4:00 Freestyle
4:00 Roxy (girls store)
Friday 8/6
11:00 DC
12:00 Matix
1:00 DVS
1:00 Billabong (girls store)
2:00 Oneill
2:00 Oneill (girls store)
3:00 Vans
4:00 Volcom
4:00 Reef (girls store)
5:00 Billabong
Sat 8/7
10:00 Fox
11:00 Rusty Carnival
1:00 Globe
2:00 RVCA
3:00 Electric
4:00 Von Zipper
5:00 Lost
Sun 8/8
11:00 Reef
1:00 Oneill
2:00 Fox
3:00 Ezekiel
via U.S. Open of Surfing Store Signings Event List | Jack’s Surfboards :: Blog.
"Scratching the Surface"
Quiksilver’s pro surfer Julian Wilson’s much highly anticipated surf film Scratching the Surface will make its World Premiere this Friday night, August 6th at the Samueli Theater in Costa Mesa. With the US Open of Surfing competition going on just a few miles away in Huntington Beach, there is no doubt we will see several pro surfers at the premiere. Hopefully Adam Durrant doesn’t make an appearance (Adam Durrant is a web phenomenon trying to steal Julian’s identity).
Scratching the Surface also features pro surfers: Dane Reynolds, Taj Burrow, Mick Fanning, Dusty Payne, and a few more surfers doing what they do best on breaks all around the world. Costa Mesa is just the first stop of Scratching the Surface national tour, visit www.julianwilson.com for a list of tour dates and to see if a premiere is happening right by you!! Follow Julian on Twitter at @julian_wilson. Watch the trailer below…
Scratching the Surface also features pro surfers: Dane Reynolds, Taj Burrow, Mick Fanning, Dusty Payne, and a few more surfers doing what they do best on breaks all around the world. Costa Mesa is just the first stop of Scratching the Surface national tour, visit www.julianwilson.com for a list of tour dates and to see if a premiere is happening right by you!! Follow Julian on Twitter at @julian_wilson. Watch the trailer below…
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