Recent Articles
Willem Haitink is the new CEO of O'Neill
Author: SurferToday.com
"I am thrilled to be working for a brand with such a rich history," said Willem Haitink. "I look forward to spearheading the growth of O'Neill globally and bringing the brand closer to consumers around the world in a manner which fits the authenticity of the brand," he said.
He has worked for Nike and will be replacing Jan Valdmaa, who successfully led the brand to growth over the past two years.
"Willem is well respected in the industry and we are confident that he will fit in with O'Neill very quickly. With his quality and experience he is the right fit to propel O'Neill growth on a global scale, where we aim to become the preferred international brand in our industry over the coming years", says Ronald de Waal of WE international.
The O'Neill brand was founded in 1952 by Jack O'Neill, a passionate Californian surfer. Pioneering the world's first neoprene surf wetsuit, Jack had successfully found a way to extend his surf sessions in the bone-chilling breaks of Northern California. He opened up the garage doors to his first surf shop soon after.
Today, O'Neill is a member of the elite club of four companies that control more than 80% of the surf industry market.
Laird Hamilton is the 12th honorary crew member of the Puma Ocean Racing team. The legendary big wave rider will have the mission of searching for the world's biggest rideable waves. Hamilton will commence the exploration of the world's monster waves during the upcoming Volvo Ocean Race 2011-2012. He will be joined by skipper Ken Read and the crew aboard Puma's "Mar Mostro". When they find what they want, the Hawaiian will attempt to surf them, getting him one step closer to achieving his...
More than 50% of all world board riders live in the American continent. The latest surf industry report released by SurferToday.com shows that 29% of the US surfers, kitesurfers, windsurfers and bodyboarders are currently enjoying waves in California, the sunshine state. The intelligent data analysis revealed that Sydney, London and New York are the world cities with the most number of wave riders. Interestingly, the capital of the United Kingdom is not a coastal city, but the number of...
A group of multinational kitersurfers is planning to kite across the Taiwan Strait, in September. This will the first attempt made ever in this region. The group is going to kite across over 130 miles from Taiwan to Mainland, regardless to the big waves, hairy wind, strong current and the political tensions between the two countries. The journey will require 10-12 hours straight of intense kiting. At the same time, this will set a record in the history, if kiteboarders meet success. They be...
Aaron Hadlow has successfuly landed a 900. The British kiteboarder has completed the move in a spot known for wave riding, instead of flat water and bumpy lake or river. Watch it, here. Hadlow was trying to complete the 900 trick for a few months. The stunt means the kiteboarder has secured 2,5 total rotations around him and landed it perfectly. Ruben and Lewis came along to see if Aaron could manage it. There was a lot of riding around and searching but some absolute...
Martin Gaveriaux has successfuly windsurfed from Saint Nazaire to Sainte Marine, in France, a 180 nautical mile distance journey. Equipped with a GPS device strapped to his forearm, Gaveriaux was the only windsurfer competing at the Record SNSM, along with 70 boats and 364 crew members. The challenger had already linked Key West, in Florida, and Cuba, one year ago. "On one occasion, I was on starboard, I was green but no-one gave way", he tells. The yacht sailors that he passed applauded...
Jason Polakow has enjoyed the perfect windsurf trip. The experienced Australian rider and Scott McKercher have traveled thousands of miles to meet Gnarloo and its stunning extreme sports scenario. Watch the whole experience, here. "In my opinion, Scotty, is definitely an anomaly amongst other sailors. His passion for chasing great waves is unrelenting, with regular 12 to 15 hour trips a way of life for him", reveals Polakow. When they arrive at Gnarloo, the picture was quite simple. "The...
Jack Johns has conquered the 2011 Wedge Air Show, in Tolcarne, Cornwall, UK. In the 20 minute final heat, Johns beated the experienced Rob Barber, Alex Winkworth and Damian Prisk. The second event of the British bodyboarding championships was held in three-foot wedges and offshore winds. Fortunately, the contest was held in sunny conditions, which makes it perfect for riding waves in the beautiful Tolcarne Beach, in Newquay. In the Drop Knee contest, Olly Medland was stronger and got over...
The world bodyboarding community is disappointed with Nike's latest ad "The Chosen", where surfing, BMX, skateboarding and snowboarding are presented as the future priorities of the brand in the extreme action sports field. Bodyboarders believe Nike should have included prone riding in the advertising campaign and in the sponsoring plans. They can't understand why Pierre Louis Costes gets a sponsorship deal with Nike 6.0 on February 2010 and, one year later, bodyboarding is out of their...