The waiting period for the contest starts this Saturday (Friday Cali time), and of course the thing on everyone’s mind is: Does Slater have another in him? Can he break records and succeed in a 12th World Title? Is he really human?

CHECK OUT SOME PHOTOS OF SLATER THROUGHOUT HIS CAREER:

ASP caught up with Slater to ask some questions as he gets geared up for the contest.

Here ya go: 

Kelly Slater (USA), 40, 11-time Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Champion, has categorically dominated the sport of surfing for the past two decades. The Floridian has collected an astounding 48 elite tour wins throughout his tenure amongst the world’s best surfers and holds virtually every record the surfing world has to offer.

The question on everyone’s mind at the moment is “will Kelly put in a full year at the elite level of competition to defend his throne?”

Historically coy when discussing his annual plans, Slater’s commitment status of “full-time” to the ASP World Title Series traditionally rests upon his performance at the opening event of the season, the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast presented by Land Rover – an event he’s won on three previous occasions (2006, 2008, 2011).

“There have been years when this approach has been a little frustrating but it’s also sort of a wildcard way of deciding,” Slater said. “I’ve had good success on the Goldy and this year should be fun again. I can’t wait to be there. I’m undecided as to whether I’ll apply full time (to the 2012 ASP World Title Series). That’s probably no secret. I’ll go by feel and whatever feels right internally, I’ll stick with that.”

While considered a “citizen of the globe” due to his extensive travels, Slater’s primary residences during this past offseason have been Southern California and the North Shore of Oahu. With an abundance of swell hitting both locations throughout December, January and February, the iconic natural-footer has had plenty of opportunity to ready for the opening event of the year at Snapper Rocks.

“I usually finish prepping for the start of the year by surfing Rincon,” Slater said. “It’s easy to tune in boards quickly there to know what you’re dealing with. I’ve been scoring a lot of surf last few weeks. Probably more water time than normal. I haven’t been riding shortboards a lot though, focusing on mostly barrels and not necessarily performance so I’ll have to tune in to what I’ll have to do in Oz.”

Although having recently turned 40, Slater feels few, if any, physical deficiencies and generally believes he is a stronger all-around surfer and competitor than he was when he first commenced his touring back at age 20.

“I have a few nagging injuries but overall I’m pretty good,” Slater said. “I hurt my ribs pretty badly a couple weeks back but they should be okay by Snapper time. I do feel a little bit of issue there, but I’m planning on being healthier and stronger in the coming years. I’m much better all around now than when I was 20. Probably the hold back is the overall desire to improve day to day. I focus more on enjoying my surfing than expanding day to day, but I still get kicked into gear when I see what everyone is working on and doing. Being in the environment on tour with the guys gets you going pretty quickly.”

The 2012 ASP Top 34 will see a historic age disparity of 23 years between the oldest surfers at the elite level and the youngest. As a new generation of surfers readies to do battle on the ASP Dream Tour, Slater is excited to see how performance levels will continue to soar as well as the how the dynamics of the 2012 ASP World Title race unfold.

“Of course I’m excited to see guys like Dane (Reynolds) and Kolohe (Andino) and Gabriel (Medina) and Julian (Wilson) and Miguel (Pupo) and Josh (Kerr),” Slater said. “Then the usual suspects: Joel (Parkinson), Mick (Fanning), Taj (Burrow), etc. We’ll surely be hearing talks of ASP World Title threats within weeks and it’ll be fun to watch it pan out and see who steps up to the plate and who has trouble dealing with it. It’s always an interesting start to the year.”

The Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast will run from February 25 through March 7, 2012 and will be webcast LIVE via http://quiksilverlive.com/progoldcoast/2012

Running in conjunction with the men’s event will be the Roxy Pro Gold Coast presented by Land Rover, the opening event in the ASP Women’s World Title season.

For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com

ASP article: Slater eyes Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast is a post from: OC Beach Blog

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Want to be transported to Hawaii? Make sure to get to your local surf shop this Friday, when the latest Ghetto Juice Magazine hits the stands. They’ve got their annual Hawaii issue coming out – and we’re stoked to be the first ones to congratulate photog John Salanoa on nabbing this issue’s cover!

It’s a first GJ cover for Salanoa, who also does a lot of surf shots for OrangeCounty.com and other publications around town. He’s out there on the sand tirelessly looking through the lens to nail just the right shot, and was at home in Hawaii during the big winter season to capture all the action.

The cover shot is of undergrounder Hank Gaskel during the Billabong Pipe Masters.

Here’s a bit of a teaser from co-publisher Skip Snead:

It’s our Annual Hawaii Issue and the main story line is HAWAII LEI TO Z, hardly everything you ever wanted to know about surfing Hawaii… but we’ve also got great coverage of what we called THE EPIC SEAN COLLINS SWELL…and of course PT’s infamous Talk Show…

We’ve also got a ton of sick photos, lots of fun reading, and of course those wonderful Hank girls!
You can get your free copy of Ghetto Juice at your favorite surf shop. Can’t wait!

Follow reporter Laylan Connelly on Twitter @ ocbeaches, or at facebook.com/ocbeaches.

Ghetto Juice annual Hawaii issue out Friday is a post from: OC Beach Blog

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Photog John Salanoa shot down at Huntington Beach this morning, and it was tough to find waves – the only spot showing was a sand bar on the south side of the Huntington Pier for a few hours, he reports.
CHECK OUT SOME SHOTS FROM TUESDAY:

Will the rest of the week be the same story? Here’s the Surfline.com forecast for the week ahead:

Weather:

Favorable winds and weather will prevail on Wednesday with mostly clear, sunny skies and calm light offshore winds in the morning. The afternoon will see a light to moderate onshore sea-breeze develop out of the West.

Conditions look like they will fall apart a bit for Thursday and Friday with light southerly winds in the morning possibly creating some surface texture/bump for many areas with a south-to-west-southwest wind developing each afternoon. Expect more cloud cover and cooler temperatures as well. Ocean water temperatures continue to hang in the upper 50s through the week.
Waves:

The second half of the week will see a mix of northwest and southwest swells. Wednesday will be small, with ankle-waist high (one-foot-to-three-foot range) waves at the better exposures.

A slight pick-up in size is due for Thursday and Friday as more northwest swell fills in for knee-waist (two-foot-to-three-foot range) waves and occasional chest-shoulder high (4 feet) waves at top winter spots, especially through the north end of the county. A slow easing trend will take over on the weekend.

The better combo exposed beach-breaks through the county that can offer a good balance to both the southwest and northwest swells should see some fun peaks cross up from time to time.

Also, this week will see large tidal swings play a major factor in surf quality each day, so be sure to take these into account when planning your surf session. Check out Surfline.com for all the latest details on these swells and any other long range possibilities. Have fun, be safe and we’ll see you out in the water.

- DAVE SELLIN, SURFLINE.COM

Follow reporter Laylan Connelly on Twitter @ ocbeaches, or at facebook.com/ocbeaches.

Surfline report: Any waves this week? is a post from: OC Beach Blog

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San Clemente’s Colin McPhillips, three-time ASP world longboard champ, won his heat this morning as the action heated up for the first day of the contest. O.C. local Emmy Merrill, 18, is also out representing the U.S. team – winning her Round 1 heat. Another local to watch is San Clemente’s Rob Rojas, who will be competing in the SUP Marathon race against Australian Jamie Mitchell,  the 10-time paddleboarding world champion.

Waves are the 3-foot-to-4-foot range, and the contest is held on the best days during a 7-day waiting period.

WATCH THE EVENT LIVE HERE

Colin McPhillips gets warmed up before his heat. Photo courtesy of Michael Tweddle/ISA

The inaugural contest is happening at Miraflores, in Lima. There’s 17 nations represented, where various countries raised their flags during the opening ceremonies, according to the release.

“Locals and tourists lined the streets around Parque Kennedy and cheered the teams as they came by, saving their most intense applause for Team Peru,” the announcement reads.

Here’s a bit more:
“I’ve been coming to Peru for many, many years, and the passion of the people in this country is why the ISA keeps coming back to host events here,” said Fernando Aguerre, the president of the ISA. “This is the first official gathering of the best StandUp Paddle and Paddleboarders in one place, and we should have an amazing week.”

There’s much talk about the continuing push for SUP, paddleboarding and surfing to get into the Olympic Games. Jamie Mitchell, 10-time paddleboarding World Champ, spoke about the need for the sports to be included.

“I think it’s important to support the ISA and what they’re beginning here in Peru, not just for ourselves but for our kids and for future generations,” said Jamie Mitchell (AUS), the 10-time paddleboarding world champion and Team Australia Captain. “By the time they’re in the Olympics, I’ll probably be too old, maybe not, but people will be able to look back at guys like me or women like Brandi (Baksic, USA) who helped get it there.”

Follow reporter Laylan Connelly on Twitter @ ocbeaches, or at facebook.com/ocbeaches.

O.C. battling in Peru for ISA World SUP and Paddleboard Championships is a post from: OC Beach Blog

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The sun would peak in and out all morning producing some great conditions to take some shots, hope you enjoy them. Photos by Jordan R Anast.

Click here or on the image below to view more photos

Clean conditions and a few decent corners at Salt Creek on Presidents Day – Feb 20th, 2012

Presidents Day surf in OC is a post from: OC Beach Blog

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Reporter Kelli Hart Kehler went up to Bear Mountain to check out the conditions, while I got up at 5 a.m. for the six hour drive north to Mammoth Mountain.

CLICK ON THE IMAGE FOR MORE FROM BEAR AND MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN

Here’s a bit from the story of how the mountains were looking: 

Southern California’s ski resorts received a generous dumping of snow last week, blowing in a flurry of skiers and snowboarders for the holiday weekend and a positive economic outlook for the remainder of the season.

Big Bear Mountain Resorts, a shorter trek for Orange County visitors, is benefitting from recent snowfall ranging between 14 and 16 inches – a bounty this destination hasn’t seen since before Christmas.

“We’re bouncing back this weekend,” said Bear Mountain General Manager Brent Tregaskis, noting that a lull from Christmas through January resulted in fewer visits and the need to generate manmade snow.

Now, in what first looked like a drier-than-normal snow season, the resort is back on track.

“We don’t anticipate needing to make snow anymore this year,” he said.

At Mammoth Mountain, skiers and snowboards headed up for President’s Day weekend – perfect timing to enjoy stellar snow conditions from the recent storm that dumped 27 inches on the slopes.

The Ibelle family makes the six-hour trek north each year from Aliso Viejo. With the kids off from school for the week, the family got up to the mountain for the first time.

“We’re stoked, it’s awesome,” said Robbie Ibelle, who brought his wife and four kids with him. “We’re just excited to be here and have family time.”

The snow was packed but soft and light, with great coverage over the entire mountain. Mammoth has the most snow cover they have had all season, with 100 percent of the mountain open. The crowds were thick with those who have been waiting for fun conditions.

READ THE FULLS STORY HERE.

Slopes get busy for holiday weekend is a post from: OC Beach Blog

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The 17-year-old Australian not only won the junior title in front of a huge crowd at the inaugural event, but then went on to take down some of the best surfers in the world to claim the first-ever Australian Open of Surfing title. Fellow Aussie and reigning champ of the US Open of Surfing Sally Fitzgibbons took home the win for the women’s title.

CHECK OUT SOME OF THE SURF ACTION THROUGH THE 9-DAY AUSTRALIAN OPEN OF SURFING:

It was an exciting nine days of action  as Hurley and Billabong brought a contest that mirror’s the world-famous US Open of Surfing to Manly Beach in Sydney – a festival that brought not only surfing action, but a skate contest, music and art on the sand. Much like summer-time waves in Huntington, the beach break produced just mediocre surf through the event – but the top surfers had no problem making the competition held in 2-foot waves exciting to watch.

Banting was emotional after his win against Florida’s Evan Geiselman, both displaying big air reverses and showing the skill level of the next generation of surfers.  Banting surfed more more heats than any other surfer in the contest.

“It’s the best feeling I’ve ever had . I’m feeling on top of the world. I can hardly talk. I’m so shaky,” Banting said.

Some called it the largest contest ever held on Australian shores, and it was an event the government got behind, with an expected  $6 million in new revenue.  The crowds packed the sand for the final day, some say was comparable to what we see at the Huntington Beach event.

CHECK OUT SOME OF THE SAND SHOTS THROUGH THE WEEK:

“The area isn’t as big as the US Open, but the crowd has been amazing for showing up, they’ve filled the sand. I think we’ve matched them,” said contest director Luke Egan.

Commentator and 1988 World Champ Barton Lynch said that while the concert was going on on Day 8, he sat out in the water and watched all the kids enjoying the music on the sand.

“I couldn’t help but smile. It’s so great that Hurley and Billabong gave us this gift, to celebrate surfing in this way,” he said. “It’s exceeded most people’s expectations.”

It sounds like there was a three-year contract for the contest, as commentators said the event will happen at least two more times.

“You guys have been phenomenal and gracious,” said Bob Hurley, creator of surf brand Hurley, to the big crowds. “I just want to say thank you. The surfers brought their magic, and you guys did your part as well.”

Several Orange County surfers traveled Down Under to compete in the event, all eventually knocked out before the final day.

Fitzgibbons took out Peruvian surfer Sofia Mulanovich, 28,  in the final, keeping busy from the start of the heat. The Australian surfer hadn’t been in a competition since the US Open of Surfing, and surfed with a wrap  protecting her recently fractured wrist.

After winning the final, she threw her fists up in the air, a smile splashed across her face. Young girls surrounded her to get autographs and photos.

“I’m so excited. This is insane. I can hear it from the beach,” she said. “It’s the most unbelievable feeling.”

Banting took an early lead in his final, posting a high 8.10 with just minutes on the clock. He spent much of the heat paddling close by Geiselman to keep him off the waves.  Banting entered the contest with an ASP Wildcard, and ended up beating out some of the best surfers in the world to win the title.

“This has been the best week of my life,” he said. “It’s been unreal.”

For more info, photos, video highlights and more, go to australianopenofsurfing.com

Follow reporter Laylan Connelly on Twitter @ ocbeaches, or at facebook.com/ocbeaches.

Big action on final day of Australian Open of Surfing is a post from: OC Beach Blog

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WSA surf series has its stop in Huntington Beach this week, with the south side of the pier the zone for some grom surfing. The conditions where challenging to say the least – with on shore winds pushing the swell into a mush and the high tide washing through the sets.

Today will be the better of the two days for surf, as tomorrow we will have possible rain along with heavy winds and storm serge.

CHECK OUT SOME PHOTOS FROM THE EVENT:

Follow reporter Laylan Connelly on Twitter @ ocbeaches, or at facebook.com/ocbeaches.

WSA contest happening in Huntington Beach is a post from: OC Beach Blog

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From a pro to a paraplegic, Stephen Murray continues to inspire people all around the world.

Nearly five years ago, Pro BMX Rider and three-time X Games U.S. Gold Medalist Stephen Murray crashed while attempting a double back flip at the Dew Action Sports Tour in Baltimore, Maryland – a crash that would forever end his career and leave him paralyzed from the shoulders down.

Following his injury, Murray fought to rehabilitate himself and started his “Stay Strong” foundation as a source of income to support his family.

Murray was recently featured in ‘Pass the Bucket,’ an episodic mini series presented by Vans.  Directed by award-winning director for Best Documentary on Vimeo Eliot Rausch, the ‘Pass the Bucket’ series gives “a look into the humanitarian side of today’s most celebrated action sport athletes, musicians, artists and foundations.”

Eliot Rausch and Stephen Murray talk about the Making of Vans "Pass the Bucket" at the Vans HQ (photos by Kris Heineman)

The ‘Pass the Bucket’ series conveys a large bucket that helps human beings regain consciousness and be aware of the issues at hand to not only offer opportunities to be selfless, but to also lend a hand.

In church, a basket is passed to collect money to keep the building lights on.  In alcoholics anonymous, a can is passed to collect money to keep the coffee fresh.  A musician passes his hat to keep his passion alive, and a homeless man holds a cup in hopes for handouts to survive.

The Stephen Murray episode was created on the idea to inspire people of different genres and demographics who are down, but to also give people hope to knock down doors and pass those barriers.  “I’m in a bad situation, but there are people who are worst than me so I consider myself lucky,” Murray said.

As spirited as one can be, Murray admits he too can become mentally weak.  “When I stay in a room by myself, kind of secluded, sometimes I can get some dark thoughts, but you just have to keep on believing and keep persevering,” Murray expressed.  Murray’s first priority is being a father to his two young boys, Mason, 6, and Seth, 9, who both ride BMX, motocross, and practice Jiu-Jitsu and boxing.

What started as a foundation from the overwhelming amount of support from fans and friends, Murray has now turned the “Stay Strong” foundation to a platform to help others like him or in similar situations.  “Sometimes you just feel like an empty shell,” Murray said, “but you just have to stay strong in your thoughts, and just keep on fighting and try to inspire others.”

Since the episode aired April of 2011, Stephen Murray’s story is now seen as an inspiration to not only viewers, but to its director Eliot Rausch.  “Inspire is an understatement.  Stephen is like my teacher.  He’s a human being in the face of adversity, but continues to live with intent and purpose,” said Rausch, “Doing the piece was life changing.”

Creating the series was Rausch’s way of passing his bucket.  “I wasn’t doing enough for the common good.  It’s my way of paying it back and paying it forward.”  The ‘Pass the Bucket’ series not only accomplishes awareness for organizations that need help, but also awareness to inspire other human beings to be more conscious with the relationships they have and to strive for more in life.

With the completion of the series’ first season, what would we be expecting from season two?  According to Rausch, season one was more about awareness to the individuals and their organizations, season two will be more about the human spirit and paying it forward.

Season 2 will air on March 12 at offthewall.tv

The full episodes with Stephen Murray and Tony Alva are below

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Vans celebrates human spirit with “Pass the Bucket” is a post from: OC Beach Blog

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But as someone who writes regularly about surf happenings and products, I feel a sense of responsibility when I come across something that – to put it bluntly – sucks.

I first want to say that I’m a fan of Sex Wax as a whole – they’ve got that old school smell that always takes me straight to the beach, I’m generally satisfied with their wax, I enjoy their fun advertisements over the years, and realize their significance as one of the original brands out there.

So I was quick to pick up some of the new “Dream Cream” Gold Label that hit the market recently when I saw it in a store. When I glided it over my board this morning, it felt sticky, kind of like it had melted a bit, and I figured it would harden up when I hit the cold water in Newport.

It didn’t. It stayed gooey and gross, and rubbed residue off all over my fairly new black wetsuit – leaving white streaks across my arm, chest, knees, and my butt that is tough to get off.  A layer of waxy film stayed on my hands after I got out of the water, and it was just kind of gross.

To be fair, I looked up the wax and there was a warning with the product announcement release (which was not on the wax packaging itself):

“Sexwax is pleased to announce the release of it’s Dream Cream Gold Label topcoat formula for cold and cool water. Dream Cream Gold is incredibly soft with a level of stickiness that can be best described as ‘Obscene’. Dream Cream Gold is well suited for competitive or high performance surfing, and may be too sticky for some users.… some sticky residue will adhere to wetsuits and other objects upon contact.”

Obviously everyone has their own opinions on the best wax out there – but I just felt a responsibility to give a head’s up about this particular product – if anything to save a few wetsuits out there.

Anyone have tips on how to remove wax from a suit?

Follow reporter Laylan Connelly on Twitter @ ocbeaches, or at facebook.com/ocbeaches.

Wax warning: Use caution with new Sex Wax “Dream Cream” is a post from: OC Beach Blog

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Ultimate Backpack Beach Chair with Cooler - LayFlat 5 position
The best selling backpack chair of all times with built-in collapsible cooler and separate storage pouches on seat back. The removable headrest ca... Read More >

WearEver Steel Hi-Back Backpack Beach Chair - Green
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Franklin 5716 Haymarket Leather Recliner Chair Type: Rocker Recliner, Fabric: Leather - BeachFranklin 5716 The Haymarket Recliner will add a sophisticated, yet comforting appeal to any living décor. It's no-sag spring construction and extra t... Read More >