Sexual Snowboarding - The Movie!

MTB "How To" Video - Courtesy of Mercedes Benz

New MTB "how to" video released, courtesy of Mercedes-Benz Vito Sport:

Red Bull Racing Hits the High Road

To watch a video trailer click here

The Global Kiter Foundation Launches a New Website

Global Kiter Foundation launches bigger and better website!

BEST Kiteboarding has teamed up with www.globalkiter.com to celebrate its relaunch.

The Global Kiter Foundation is delighted to unveil its brand new, re-designed website. There are lots of changes to the site, which better reflect the work we are doing, and how the Foundation has evolved. These changes include:

• Projects: learn about our ongoing projects and find out how GKF is supporting people with physical disabilities through kiting, developing environmental awareness programs and creating new opportunities through kiteboarding. You can easily be involved as a volunteer or participant in any of our events.
• Donate: Great new options make it even easier that ever to help a great cause. Learn more about in-kind donations, monthly giving and workplace giving.
• The Wire: is a beautiful streamlined communications section to keep up with all our news, find updates on the blog and check to see what world media is saying about GKF.

• About Us: Find out about our fantastic GKF team and Ambassadors, our mission and our supporting Centers in our new-look About Us section.
• Boutique: Shop and Give! Anything you buy through the GKF Boutique goes directly to support the work of the Foundation. Check out the amazing tshirts and wristbands to start off with!

Alongside the relaunch, we are very excited to announce a special raffle!

BEST Kiteboarding has joined forces with GKF to give you a chance to win a brand new 9.5m Kahoona kite. BEST is supporting GKF’s fundraising efforts through this generous in-kind donation. How does it work? Simply buy a ticket through www.globalkiter.com/one-kite-one-euro: One Euro for One Kite! Buy as many tickets as you like- this could be your BEST Christmas EVER!! Visit the site for more details.

Our next website update will be translations into the following languages: French, Spanish, Italian and Greek. More will follow after that!

Global Kiter Foundation is a non-profit organization, created in February 2011 and started operations in May 2011.

GKF’s Wind that Works program helps us meet our objectives to:

·        Enable people to achieve incredible results through sport, regardless of health conditions

·        Educate communities about the importance of natural resources like wind and nature

·        Sustain our efforts by encouraging communities to engage with and preserve our environment

Visit www.globalkiter.com for more info or contact info@globalkiter.com. The global winds of change have finally arrived! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

MIGUEL PUPO WINS THE O’NEILL COLD WATER CLASSIC SANTA CRUZ AND THE O’NEILL CWC SERIES WALKING AWAY WITH A TOTAL OF $90,000.

O’Neill Cold Water Classic, Santa Cruz, California
October 26-31, 2011
ASP PRIME EVENT

Santa Cruz, California – October 30, 2011 – Miguel Pupo has won the O’Neill Cold Water Classic Santa Cruz as well as the O’Neill Cold Water Classic Series 2011, walking away with a total of $90,000 prize money at this ASP Prime Event. 

“I didn’t even realise that I was in to win $50,000 for the CWC Series win until I got into the semi final,” said Miguel Pupo. “I can’t believe that just happened right now. I am feeling so great,” he said.

With Steamer Lane not breaking properly, the final day of competition took place under bright sunshine at the beach break of Waddell Creek. “I’ve been surfing a beach break my whole life so I know how to surf these waves,” said Miguel. “It was perfect for me it moved to here. The story could be different if they moved to the Lane. I am lucky to come down here.”

Going into the competition Miguel was a long shot for the O’Neill Cold Water Classic Series title. The 19-year-old Brazilian had been sitting in 17th place on the CWC rankings list following a 5th place in New Zealand, “I didn’t go to Scotland because it was way too cold for me,” said Miguel.

To win the CWC Series, Miguel needed to win the event – and that he did in his $90,000 final against Tiago Pires as he pulled out a 9.3 and a 9.6.

“It feels kind of weird to have a Brazilian guy win the Cold Water Classic Series,” said Miguel. “Brazilians are just used to surfing in boardshorts. I am surfing in my 4:3 with booties on which is definitely not natural for me!”

“I have loved the O’Neill Cold Water Classic Series,” said Miguel. “I was in New Zealand before this, he said. “But I didn’t go to Scotland. IT was too cold. Here I am in a thick wetsuit so I am ok. But it is incredible to be here in California surfing this event.”

En-route to the final Miguel knocked out some big names including local star Nat Young in the quarterfinals as well as fellow countryman Willian Cardoso in the semi finals, who would have taken the Series win had Miguel not gone on to win the final. 

In the other semi-final Tiago Pires took out South African, Jordy Smith. “I am happy to come here to an event I wasn’t expecting to surf and finish third,” said Jordy.

With a small swell, the 7am call in the morning at Steamer Lane saw event organisers forced to move the competition up north to Waddell Creek once again to complete this iconic event for 2011.

WILLIAMS WINS IN CHINA, STEINRIEDE ON TOP OF THE WORLD, LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY SHARES THE STOKE

A timely overnight pulse in swell and offshore winds groomed shoulder to head high wave faces at Riyuewan Beach for finals day of the SWATCH GIRLS PRO CHINA hosted by Wanning. Today, beachgoers were treated to another display of cutting edge longboard riding from the very finest female talents. A healthy crowd lining the beach on the southeast coast of Hainan Island watched Chelsea Williams win the event, whilst Lindsay Steinriede was crowned 2011 ASP Women's Longboard World Champion. "I can't believe how amazing this event has been," said Chelsea on the podium, "being part of history in the first international pro contest here has been so cool, and to come out with a win against such a strong group of girls, wow, I'm so stoked right now." Meanwhile, Lindsay was overjoyed at claiming her maiden world title. “It feels so good to be crowned world champ,” reckoned the Californian, “The level of surfing is so good and it’s such an honor to finish on top.”

"I'm so stoked to see Kelia (Moniz) make the final," reckoned Swatch ProTeam rider Kassia Meador, who finished 3rd overall after numerous heats entertaining spectators with her trademark smooth style and classic, polished technique. "She's like family to me, she's the future of girls longboarding." As for the reception the girls have enjoyed from the locals throughout, Kassi added, "I don't think the people could have been any more cool, they've been awesome. We're so lucky to be invited here and to share their coast, I want to thank them all for being such great hosts."

While the action in the contest occupied the southernmost break against the rocky point at Riyuewan, just a few metres up the sand north in beachbreak peaks, Chinese surfing was taking giant strides as local surfers shared waves with some of the finest longboarders in the world. With each coming set of South China Sea swells in the tropical, sand-bottomed peaks, local wave riders male and female, young and old, traded hoots, took tips and admired the footwork of the visiting pros, and it was impossible not to notice the inspired, organic buzz amongst Hainan's local surf community. "Being a traveling surfer isn't just about contests," added Kassi, who spent as much time freesurfing up the beach as competing here in Riyuewan, "It's also about meeting people, sharing their culture and of course sharing waves. The local surfers here have been so stoked, it's infectious. They're getting really into surfing, it's not gonna be long before there's all kinds of local rippers out here, and that's really exciting. If kids get inspired by seeing us here, and then get into being out in the ocean and surfing, then that's all the reward I'll ever need." 

UK Pro Wakeboard Tour 2011

Relentless UK Pro Wakeboard Tour 2011 – Stops 2 to 4 round up

Back to back weekends of events would see the 2011 UK wakeboard contest season wrapped up through September and early October including the final three stops of the Relentless UK Pro Wakeboard Tour. With the first cable stop at Sheffield Cable Park out of the way, it was on to Boat at West Midlands Waterski Centre, then back to Cable at JBSki and finally rounding the series off at one of the major homes of British boat riding, Quayside Wake & Ski.


Complete Tour round up report

It was not likely that we’d see the kind of weather that graced us at the first stop, for the rest of the summer, never mind on the remaining tour stop dates. We seriously lucked out though, at every single remaining event. The second stop was the most touch and go as far as conditions were concerned but in between light showers and gusts, the sun came out and the water glassed off. This gave every rider a good chance of throwing down all that they could but it was the youngster and team O’Neill rider Jorge Gill who took the first win despite some seriously heavy competition from the likes of David Coates who got second and Scotty Broome who came in third. Fellow O’Neill athlete Jules Haley took the win that was looking very much on the cards from the moment she took the 2011 National title a few weeks previous.

Back to cable for stop 2 and hosted by Relentless’ long standing wake venue partner, JBSki. Yet more blue skies and some seriously nice conditions had every rider amped, which translated into an extremely tight contest indeed. There was no stopping Kustom team athlete, Tor Young, at this final cable stop as she cruised into first spot on the day and number one spot overall, taking the 2011 Pro Tour Cable title. The return of Declan Clifford to the tour mixed things up somewhat with him charging his way through to first place. Ever present Lewis Cornwall could not be held back as he narrowly missed out on first place but in taking second on the day joined Tor as 2011 UK Cable Tour Champion.

The grand finale ended up being one of the most sensationally hot weekends of the year, just getting hotter and hotter every day in the lead up to the main event. Quali’s saw big names fall by the wayside such as Sam and Johnny Carne but both clawed their way back into the finals through the LCQ’s. Sian Hurst caused an upset early on, snagging the lead off Jules going into the finals but Jules came up trumps yet again come results, taking the win and adding another title to the ever more heavily laden mantelpiece of Team O’Neill. Having got back into the running, Sam just couldn’t get ahead of his fellow Relentless rider David O’Caiomh who could not be reigned in. Dave took the win, Sam second with his brother, Johnny third. Having missed the first stops Dave and Sam couldn’t edge their way into the running for the title with all the main contenders racking up finalist points as well. David Coates’ fourth place finish was enough to secure the overall title ahead of Jorge Gill, Johnny Carne, Scotty Broome and Jonty Green.

The overall tour titles have changed hands again, keeping the series as fresh as ever and ready for more all comers to put it all on the line next season in the hunt for the 2012 Pro Tour honours.

http://www.loveextremesports.com

The U.K. Pro Wakeboarding Tour - October 2011

The Global Kiter Foundation in Athens

Calling all Biking Fans

It’s been a great year for all things Mercedes-Benz Vito Sport. We have been fortunate to take part in some great activities and events with our ambassadors within the mountain bike community. We aim to continue to do this in bigger and better ways.

We now have a great community of biking fans who regularly ask advice from us. Our Friends at Biker Riders United are going to be creating some riding skills 'How To' videos. This provides a great opportunity for connecting with the Vito Sport channels and creating engagement with our biking community.

We are encouraging fans to let us know which skill they want to learn. The most popular suggestions will be created into ‘How to' Videos by the Bike Riders United Pros for fans to watch and learn from. 

http://www.facebook.com/vitosport?sk=app_184280381648616

Killan Martin Photos - Courtesy of Lucozade

Killan Martin Photos

ikitebecause.com gets bigger and better!

ikitebecause.com is officially unveiling its brand new re-design. Dedicated to the entire kiting community, the site is a free platform for users to share, vote, comment, rate and be inspired by kiting!

The team behind ikitebecause has been working behind the scenes for months to bring you an amazing update to the website. New features include:

· A dedicated video gallery, where users can show the world their kiting style and tricks, and show us the reason why they kite,

· Our photo galleries are updated, so you can now see the top photos and videos of the week,

· Each member’s profile shows their favorite kiting spots, and their top equipment.

· You can also make sure your favorite kiter gets recognized as ikb’s Star of the Month. It is simple to nominate and we feature the winner’s profile and a fresh interview each month in our Hall of Fame.

Now it’s even easier to share and join the worldwide kiting party!

ikitebecause is dedicated to kiters all around the world. Legendary kiters such as Dimitri Maramenides, Nuria Goma, Charlotte Consorti, Jack Elston and Alex Caizergues are just some of the kiters sharing their photos and videos on ikitebecause.com. Join the fun!

Whether you love kiting on water, land or snow, ikb is dedicated to you.

Red Bull XRow

 18 kilometres of rowing, and seven kilometres of running while shouldering a 100-kilogram boat! These are the figures that make Red Bull XRow what it is - the world’s hardest and craziest rowing challenge!

The rest is pain, teamwork, and fun. The fastest team on the race course from Zug to Lucerne was the “Swiss Selection” with Mario Gyr and André Vonarburg, followed by the Frankfurter RG Germania and Seeclub Zurich. 

6 selected teams made the starting grid in Zug, Switzerland. Amongst the top athletes where future as well as seasoned Olympians like Mario Gyr (SUI), Johannes Karg (GER) and Toby Garbett (GBR) who rose to the challenge of the “cross-row”.

After the start, the senior German teams took the lead, not able to shake the juniors from their tail while the local heroes “Switzerland Selection” fell into last position after a minor collision. It was not long though, before the Swiss met the expectations as favorites.

Like an unstoppable locomotive, they steamed into the lead. After a further run between the villages Meggen and Wartenfluh the physical strain of the demanding race was beginning to show and the distances between the boats had increased. 

With burning arms and legs, the crews fought their way across the last two kilometers to the finish line. With 2 hours and 30 seconds, Switzerland Selection took home the victory of this year’s Red Bull XRow. Roughly two minutes later, Frankfurt RG Germania (GER) took second place, just ahead of the surprising third Seeclub Zurich (SUI).

O'NEILL & PHILIPS LAUNCH INTERACTIVE SEB TOOTS VIDEO

Warmond, The Netherlands – October 4, 2011 - Philips and O’Neill are stepping up their successful headphones collaboration by announcing the imminent launch of Tested on Animals: The Seb Toots Edition - a new interactive YouTube video campaign, featuring O'Neill Global team rider Seb Toots, that puts you the viewer right at the heart of the action. 

Taking interactive video marketing to the next level for the snow industry, this new and graphically unique campaign showcases the mind-blowing riding skills of Toots, as well as the multiple features that make The Bend his favorite Philips | O'Neill headphones to wear while tearing up the TTR World Snowboard Tour.     

Tested on Animals: The Seb Toots Edition will see you calling the shots as Toots charges his way down the mountain. You get to decide what trick Seb pulls every time he approaches a kicker, rail or wall ride. From backside 7's to backside 10 double corks and backside lips, you'll enjoy a rare opportunity to realize your own vision of the ultimate park run courtesy of Toots’ phenomenal arsenal of tricks.

The video also provides an insight into the brutal testing that Toots subjected The Bend to. Built to resist the demands of a pro rider's uncompromising lifestyle, The Bend features a robust construction including safe-release cans and a super-flexible headband for unbeatable resistance to impact forces. So on the few occasions that Toots does bail hard, all he need to worry about is himself, and not his headphones. An innovative anti-slip goggle grip, meanwhile, means Toots’ headphones always stay in place no matter how hard he throws down.

After wrapping up filming of the YouTube video in Whistler, Toots said: "That was a lot of fun. It's been a hectic couple of days, but it worked out really good. This is the first time I've ever been involved in an interactive project like this, and its cool to do something that is new."

Jump into the driving seat and take control: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5ROb4GxKjM 

ASP Women's World Longboard Title Event Breaks Ground With Historic Event in China

ASP Women's World Longboard Title Event Breaks Ground With Historic Event in China!

For the first time in the sport's storied history, the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) will bring surfing to China this season with the SWATCH GIRLS PRO China hosted by Wanning.

Running from October 26 through 30, 2011, the ASP Women's Longboard Title event will grace the City of Wanning on the Island of Hainan, and have the distinct honour of crowning the 2011 ASP Women's World Longboard Champion.

"ASP International is thrilled to bring the sport of surfing to China for the first time in history," Brodie Carr, ASP International CEO, said. "China has already served as the gracious host for several successful sporting events including the NBA, the MLB, FIFA, the Olympics, and several others, and we're thankful for the opportunity to bring the sport of kings to the Far East. We're also extremely pleased to be entering into this endeavour with Swatch and furthering their commitment to women's surfing around the world."

The inaugural ASP event in China, the SWATCH GIRLS PRO China will take place in the idyllic city of Wanning on the Island of Hainan.

"The City of Wanning is delighted and proud to host the SWATCH GIRLS PRO," Ding shijiang Mayor of Wanning said. "It's the first ever international surfing event in China, and the city will do its best to make it a success."

This will mark the second partnership between women's surfing and Swatch as they already sponsor the Swatch Girls Pro France, an ASP 6-Star women's event.

"The Swatch Art Peace Hotel in Shanghai shows the importance of China and Art for the Swatch Group and for the Swatch brand," Arlette-Elsa Emch, President of Swatch said. "Art is one of the three pillars of Swatch, along with Fashion and Sport. Emotions are a big part of all three pillars. Swatch is delighted to return to the island of Hainan. After being present with the Swatch Beach Volleyball World Tour events, we're very excited to see the best Longboard female surfers competing in Wanning."

The SWATCH GIRLS PRO China hosted by Wanning will take place on the Island of Hainan from October 26 - 30, 2011. For more information,

Visit www.swatchgirlspro.com for more information

Posted by http://www.loveextremesports.com

ASP Goes to China - Swatch Video

Scott Urban Bike Collection (2012) - GREMS - Photos