Ballito, Durban. O’Neill surfers Jordy Smith and Casey Grant were one and two at the recent 5 star ASP International Mr Price Pro event in Ballito. Both surfers had an exceptional event on either sides of the draw, taking out some big names before meeting in the final. Jordy Smith is renowned for his incredible surfing and impressive career history, while Casey is something of a dark horse at this stage.
Jordy was a jubilant winner, especially stoked with winning in front of his home crowd. “I haven’t won an event in front of my home crowd since I was fifteen,” said Jordy. “This is just wild! I am so happy right now I don’t even know what to say.” Despite being the favourite to win the event and really finding form in the contest, Jordy was still full of praise for his opponent. “Casey has been one of the most outstanding surfers of this event, and I knew I had to bring my A Game against him.”

Casey, who hails from the quiet Southern Natal town of Scottburgh, was a very happy finalist, putting a healthy cheque into his pocket. Grant has yet to enjoy international surfing success, but this could all change after this career-boosting result. “I never dreamed I would be up here alongside Jordy,” said Casey. “Words can’t even describe how stoked I am right now.” Grant has been touted as the next big thing to come out of South Africa as a result of his performance in this event, and is set to hit the Star Tour full time in 2011.

Another person who was very impressed by the two surfers’ performances was O’Neill’s Paul Canning. A successful former World Tour campaigner, Paul knows what it takes to be a professional surfer. “Jordy is already a proven world-class surfer, but we at O’Neill are just so proud of Casey and are going to back him and give him all the support he needs as he launches his professional career.” Jordy moves on to surf in the Billabong Pro World Tour event at Jeffrey’s Bay next, where after Jordy and Casey will both compete in the O’Neill Cold Water Classic in Cape Town at the end of the month.  Along with O’Neill surfer Chris Bertish winning the Mavericks Big Wave Event earlier this year, O’Neill South Africa are having a very successful year.

Runner up Casey Grant

HOSSEGOR, FRANCE- Almost 10 years to the day when Nixon established its first European Headquarters in Hossegor, France, Nixon is pleased to announce the opening of its new European office. The new Nixon European Headquarters is now located just around the corner from its previous office in Soorts Hossegor. The new office is completely custom to Nixon and drafts off the spirit and vibe of the Nixon Global Headquarters located in Encinitas, California. The opening of the Nixon office was recently initiated with a gathering of the brands founders, team, reps, employees, retailers, friends and family where toasts were made with plenty of high fives and cheers. Nixon is excited and focused to hit new levels of creativity and productivity with this larger and more creative space, while providing a better home and environment for our employees and customer’s needs.

During the opening night of the new office, original team members Iker Fernandez, Alain Goikoetxea, Fredo Robin and Javier Sarmiento were recognized for their support in rocking Nixon for over 10 years with a presentation of a customized, limited edition 51-30 watch. This “10-year Nixon” watch is only bestowed upon employees and team riders who have hit the decade of dedication mark.

The new Nixon European Headquarters is located at 185 Avenue Pascouaou – 40150 Hossegor, France and is now open for business.

About Nixon:
Founded in 1997 in Encinitas, CA, Nixon is the premium watch and accessories brand for the youth lifestyle market. Focused on making the little stuff better, Nixon began with a small line of team-designed, custom-built watches sold exclusively in specialty boardsport and fashion retailers. Currently distributed in over 40 countries, Nixon’s product range has grown to include select men’s and women’s softgoods, leather goods and custom headphones. For more information, please visit: NixonNow.com

I teamed up with Shaun Bond to shoot this new concept massage from Tai chi to Chai tea, many aspects of the Orient have been assimilated into Western Culture over the last few decades. Now, a uniquely new type of venue called enmasse is about to change the notion of massage forever by combining the allure of authenticity with the familiarity of convenience, something never seen in the field of massage. The perceived inherent goodness and balance of Eastern ways has always fascinated the fast-paced Occident (which means Western, you learn something new every day!). This has often led to an unnecessary exclusivity for aspects of Eastern life, which are taken for granted in the lands of their birth.

http://enmasse.co.za/concept.html

Very cool space

Thanks for the support guys, have a look at my previous post to see what I’ve been up to.