What's Up in April... Greg Long Waterman of the Year; New Tech Spec Videos; Featured Rider Lucas Angulo
Greg Long to be Honored as SIMA's Waterman of the Year
Congratulations are in order for Greg Long, who'll be honored as Waterman of the Year at the Surf Industry Manufacturers Association (SIMA) Waterman's Weekend in August 2011.
Hailing from San Clemente, California, Long is at the forefront of big wave surfing, advancing the sport while giving back through his involvement with community groups and environmental causes.
Waterman of the Year Greg Long is often referred to as “the best young big wave surfer on the planet,” continues SIMA's press release. Like the waves he surfs, his resume of accolades is equally as impressive: winner of the 2003 Red Bull Big Wave Africa, the second longest running big wave paddle event in the world; 2008 champion of the Mavericks Surf Contest; in 2008 he earned an official invitation to the most prestigious big wave event of all time, the Quiksilver Eddie Aikau, held at Waimea Bay Hawaii, and won the event in 2009.
Long has become one of only two surfers in the world to be invited to all three major big wave paddle events. Long is also the winningest surfer at the Billabong XXL Global Big Wave awards, and has been featured in magazine publications such as Sports Illustrated; Outside; Men’s Fitness; and numerous others, as well as newspapers and surf films across the globe. When he’s not tackling the world’s biggest waves, Long gives back to the community by giving motivational presentations to schools and community groups, as well as through his involvement in environmental organizations including Surfrider, Save the Waves, Wildcoast, and The San Onofre Foundation.
“As arguably the leading figure in big-wave surfing today, it is an honor to recognize Greg Long as Waterman of the Year,” said Doug Palladini, SIMA President. “What Greg is doing to advance the sport of surfing is truly awe-inspiring, and he embodies the term 'waterman' to the fullest extent. We look forward to celebrating his accomplishments and contributions to our sport at the Waterman’s Ball.”
SIMA's Waterman's Weekend will be held August 11th and 12th later this year in Laguna Niguel, CA. In addition to honoring Long, Jefferson "Zuma Jay" Wagner will be honored as Environmentalist of the Year, and George Downing will receive SIMA's 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award.
New Tech Spec Videos on xcelwetsuits.com
The devil's not always in the details...
Our Tech Spec video series is focused on features and benefits that make each product unique - those technical details, from zippers to materials to seams, that seem minor but can make a major difference in warmth and performance.
Now we've added even more videos to the Tech Spec series, reviewing key "Fit Points" to help you find your wetsuit size; taking you through each Dive 2011 fullsuit series in about 3 minutes; and explaining why we use a short front zip and Velcro shoulder opening on our Xflex Long John/Long Jane.
Be sure to browse through the site for these and all of our Tech Spec videos.
Featured Rider of the Month: Lucas Angulo
Kauai grom Lucas Angulo is our Featured Rider for April. At 13 years young he's already got a signature deck pad. Did you have a traction pad named after you when you were 13?
Either way, read on to learn more about Lucas, and check out his Winter 2010/11 video on YouTube here.
Hometown: Hanalei, Kauai, Hawaii
D.O.B: April 12, 1997
Local Spot: Pine Trees
Sponsors: Xcel, Sticky Bumps, Kaenon, Ocean Minded, Freestyle.
Local Crew: Hanalei boys.
Tunes: Lil’ Wayne, Niki Minaj and Drake, Eminem.
Favorite Wave: Secret spot!
Travel Highlights: All of the Hawaiian islands, Costa Rica, Cali.
Dream Trip and Crew: Boat trip in the Mentawais with local friends.
When I’m not surfng… Call of Duty.
Best video to amp to?: Any movie with Andy.
Advantages of growing up in Kauai?: BARRELS! And getting to surf with Andy and Bruce.
What pro surfers inspire you to be the best you can be?: Andy, Sion, Dane, and Kelly.
If you were born and raised in Kansas, what would you be doing right now? Definitely not surfing.
If you could take over as front man for any band, past or present, who would it be? Hannah Montana.
When it's all said and done: What happens, happens.
Parting Words: Life is short – keep surfing!
