Xoxxi has just added two new experiencies in the last week. If you ever wanted to become a surf instructor, now is your chance.  We’ve come up with the perfect mini-gap or career break experience to improve your surfing and give you the qualification to become a BSA Level 1 surf instructor! What’s more is that it all happens in the sun spoilt coastline of south Morocco, in the perfectly located surf town of Taghazout just north of Agadir.The outline for the course is a 2 week intensive performance course to improve your surfing and ensure you’re up to the challenge. After the 2 weeks you’ll be assessed by one of the most reputable and experienced BSA coaches the UK has to offer. Space is limited, and this coarse is only available 15th Feb - 4th Mar, 2010.

Second is a new adventure located about 40 min south of the city of ESSAOUIRA. This is a genuine surfing experience - Moroccan style.Offering un-crowded beaches, exotic landscapes and world-renowned waves. Taking a holiday in this remarkable part of the world is rewarding. If you want to learn to surf or improve the skill set you already have this is the spot to hit. You'll find a spicy mix of Moroccan culture, European values, style and most importantly, the daily surf. The Surf Camp is located in a tiny fishing and farming village in a secret bay. Here is the chance to surf the persistent waves of the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Africa! A vast sandy beach undamaged by crowds of people stretches along this coastline in front of your accommodations. It is a unique and beautiful area in Morocco and truly a great experience. Come live according to the sun and waves. Here time has no meaning beyond sunrise and sunset.This experience is more than just surfing, it’s a welcoming spot where you can unwind, get cosy with nature and open your eyes to the wonders of Moroccan cuisine and culture.Surfers of all the levels are welcome.

SURFING has emerged as an X-factor in the Tweed Shire's economy, after the Gold Coast estimated the sport injected billions of dollars into the city each year.

A recent Surf Industry Development Report, which was a world first, found $2 billion in activity was attributable to the surfing industry on the Gold Coast, making it the city's third biggest industry.

The report estimated the sport generated up to a further $3 billion in output and created 21,760 employment positions paying $1 billion per annum in wages and salaries.

Being a direct neighbour to the northern economic powerhouse and with swell-magnets comparable to many of the northern breaks, the Tweed would also benefit heavily from wave-seekers.

Tweed Mayor Warren Polglase said it was obvious surfing brought large amounts of cash to the shire, but said he had no idea how much.

“I wouldn't have a clue what it brings here, it is something we have never investigated,” Cr Polglase said yesterday.

He said the Council wasn't in a position to do the appropriate studies to gauge the impact of surfing on Tweed's economy.

Cr Polglase said surfing was a good, healthy industry where people of any age could get out, be active and enjoy the outdoors.

He said surfing added dollars to the pockets of traders every weekend and he would like to see facilities improved.

“We would like to improve conditions for people by installing more showers and providing better parking, for example,” Mr Polglase said.

Tweed Tourism general manager Phil Villiers said Tourism New South Wales was in the process of building up the surf tourism industry.

“Obviously the surf industry on the Tweed plays a very important part in the economy of the region, with the public day market travelling to destinations like Duranbah, Kingscliff and Cabarita,” Mr Villiers said.

“The Tweed Coast is not as big as the southern Gold Coast, where you sometimes get a lot of people. All down the Tweed Coast you can find back beaches where you can escape those crowds.”

He said Quiksilver Pro and Roxy Pro surfing competitions use Duranbah as a venue and the Malfunction Surf Festival recently moved to Kingscliff.

Tweed Economic Development Corporation Chief Executive Officer Tom Senti said tourism accounted for 5.87 per cent of the Tweed's economy and he would include surfing in that number.

Jim Wilson, General Manger of Connecting Southern Gold Coast said the report showed the southern Gold Coast's economy relied heavily on its pristine beaches.

“That is why we all must respect and not tamper with what nature has created. We need our region to continue to offer up waves of excellence and consistency, as this is what the surfing industry and other businesses depend on to underpin the true surfing experience on the Gold Coast,” Mr Wilson said.

AIR Berlin is allowing passengers to transport their festive Christmas trees for free this year.

Spokesman Titus Johnson said, "Most demand comes from our German customers.

"It seems they can't bear to be parted from their trees.

"As our present to everyone, we will carry the trees without a charge," he said.

The airline will accept trees up to six and a half feet tall until Christmas Eve as long as customers notify the airline's call center at least 24 hours before travel.

Her friend Julia Fritschi, also 20, hasn't had a chance to hit the waves yet but said it is definitely on her “to do” list.

”We wanted to come here because of the nice weather and the beaches,” Bettina said.

”It's very hard to learn it but this weekend I am doing a surf weekend and I hope I can get better.”

Narrabeen surfer Zahn Foxton, 27, has mixed feelings about the new tourism initiative.

”I don't like the surf getting any more crowded but it's good for the town,” he said.

”I'm an instructor at Manly Surf School and it's fun to teach them (tourists) to surf.”

SURF tourism is booming in NSW, with the number of international tourists who hit the waves rising by 53 per cent over the past four years

The State Government's new “Catching the Wave” report found the number of young international visitors who engage in surfing activity hit 288,000 last year.

Tourism Minister Jodi McKay plans to build on that success, yesterday launching a new campaign at Manly Beach to target surfers around the globe with a surf tourism website and advertisements in surfing magazines.

It will also help local councils up and down the coast on ways to maximise their promotions to the surf community.

The report said five of the countries seven surf reserves were located in NSW, including reserves at Cronulla, Crescent Head and Lennox Head, as well as 40 per cent of Australia's surf schools and it has the most accessible surfing coastline.

Most international tourists who surf come from Europe, the UK and Asia.

While the bulk of international surfers who visit Australia already come to NSW, Ms McKay said there was plenty of opportunity for growth.

”International visitors are primarily young people in a backpacker market and about half of all backpackers who come here are surfers,” Ms McKay said.

”They fly into Sydney but they have the option of going to the South Coast or the North Coast.”

Seven times women's world surf champion Layne Beachley was also pleased to receive a $45,000 cheque from the NSW Government for the 2009 Commonwealth Bank Beachley Classic, which starts tomorrow.

The move is part of the $40 million three-year NSW Tourism Strategy.

Juliana Scopel, from Brazil, has been surfing since she was eight and came to live in Sydney because she heard about its great beaches from friends who had already made the move.

”The world championships happen here and there are lots of good surfers from Australia,” the 28-year-old said.

Twenty-year-old Bettina Tanner, from Switzerland, has been in Australia for four months and had one surf lesson at Manly Beach.

Survey reveals the opinions of nearly 5,000 surfing consumers on their surf travel intentions in the new year, indicating that as compared to 2009, 35% of surfer intend to take more leisure vacations while 51% plan on taking the same amount of surfing vacations in 2010. Conversely, only 6% of surfers plan on taking less leisure trips in the new year.

"The feedback we received from our 2010 Travel Surfing Survey further supports our belief that if surfers find a great deal, they will be inspired to travel," said Rod Green, Owner of Xoxxi. "Our Surfers seem excited for 2010 to be the year they take a surf vacation they've always dreamed about. This makes sense considering all the great deals we're seeing as we go into the new year."

"Surfers have made it through some rough economic times and it's good to see that most are looking forward to 2010 as the year to take a much deserved getaway" said BRod Green, Owner of Xoxxi. "The good news is that the surf travel deals continue to be very strong, and surfer can be inspired to take a great vacation at a price that they can afford."

The survey was conducted from November 16 until December 2 online among Xoxxi users.

A global leader in business travel management, released third quarter data and analysis from its Business Travel Monitor (BTM) North America. Modest airfare increases were seen and travelers appear to be moving back to the front of the plane, showing positive signs companies may likely be feeling more optimistic about the economy...

The BTM is published by eXpert insights, American Express Business Travel’s research practice of Global Advisory Services. The BTM is a monthly pricing index tracking actual airfares paid on the most popular business travel routes for domestic and international travel compared to published prices. It also tracks paid hotel and car rates in key business travel markets.

Highlights of the Q3 BTM include the following:
International and domestic airfares paid from North America increased quarter-over-quarter, where as year-over-year airfares continue to be down. From a hotel perspective, rates varied across hotel categories quarter-over-quarter, but overall average rates decreased both internationally and domestically.  In looking at individual hotel tiers, rate increases were evident in budget, economy and mid-tier categories.
- Average international airfares paid increased two percent quarter-over-quarter
- Average domestic airfares paid increased two percent quarter-over-quarter
- Average international booked hotel rates decreased 10 percent year-over-year
- Average domestic booked hotel rates decreased two percent year-over-year, but increased seven percent in budget-tier hotels quarter-over-quarter
- Car rental rates increased five percent in Q3 2009 and remained flat year-over-year

“While economists watch key market indicators such as inventory levels and unemployment, we may be seeing a glimmer of economic hope as the Business Travel Monitor data shows modest fare increases and travelers moving to the front of the plane again,” said Christa Degnan Manning, director, eXpert insights, Global Advisory Services, American Express Business Travel. “This is an encouraging sign for the business travel industry because it indicates increasing demand as well as willingness to pay for premium products, which help with supplier profitability and their ability to provide consumer discounts.”

Boeing has said the inaugural flight of its long-delayed 787 Dreamliner would take flight by the end of the year, and that it hoped to deliver the first plane for service in the last quarter of 2010, some two years behind its original schedule.

The Seattle-based aerospace giant also said that it would cost an additional $2.5bn to get the troubled aircraft airborne, after determining that some of its initial test-flight aircraft would not make it to market because of the extensive alterations needed.

Boeing chairman Jim McNerney said the extra time would enable the remaining work to be completed.

“This new schedule provides us the time needed to complete the remaining work necessary to put the 787’s game-changing capability in the hands of our customers,” he said.

“The design details and implementation plan are nearly complete, and the team is preparing airplanes for modification and testing,” he added.

The maiden flight had been set for June 30 but just days before Boeing said it had discovered a weakness in the body of the aircraft.

The 787 has so far cost $10 billion to develop and is seen as a bid by Boeing to regain its crown from Airbus as the world’s most innovative and successful builder of commercial airplanes.

The mid-sized plane is designed to fly long distances and use 20 percent less fuel than other similarly-sized aircraft. A large proportion of the fuselage and the wing are made from carbon composite materials, making it lighter and therefore more fuel-efficient. The jets will feature larger windows, higher humidity and higher air pressure to help offset jet lag.

Carriers have lined up to put in their orders. The 787 became Boeing’s fastest-selling model, with 865 orders placed (worth around $150 billion), over 60 of which have since been cancelled because of the delays and the deteriorating economic climate.

The initial delivery to All Nippon Airways is unlikely to take pace until 2011, rather than next March as Boeing had originally planned.

The Japanese airline has voiced its disappointment over the delays.

“We understand the need to make the best and safest aircraft possible and appreciate that delays due to engineering issues of the current nature must be solved in order to move forward and achieve this,” ANA said. “However, as launch customer and future operator of the 787, the length of this further delay is a source of great dismay, not to say frustration.”

Held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., the show saw its square footage shrink while attendance dropped 15 percent. Still, the show managed to attract 700 new retailers and a total of 5,200 buyers.

Roy Turner, Surf Expo’s director, pointed out that while the show’s skate division was considerably smaller this edition, the surf division managed to keep the same number of brands even while the footprint of the section shrank.

The drop in attendance is in part attributed to the shift in dates, which put the show a month before its usual September run, and the fact that retailers are opting to slim down the number of buyers they bring to the show. “The aisles weren’t packed—I’ll be the first to tell you that—but the booths were busy. The buyers that did come were ready to spend money. In the current economy, I’ll take it,” he said.

Vendors, who saw their ranks change as some key brands (including biggies such as Hurley and Nike) sat out the East Coast show, greeted the show with a stiff upper lip. “We’re all back in school. Nothing is like it used to be, and we’re all getting used to our new reality,” said Mike Martin, vice president of sales and marketing for Irvine, Calif.–based Ezekiel.

The show—which included wake, wind, swim, boutique and resort categories on top of the surf and skate offerings—had a no-nonsense feel that even Volcom’s frat-house version of a luau booth could not disturb.

Quiksilver, the surf-industry giant, opted out of its standard gargantuan custom booth for a campground-style setup that revolved around its RV driven in from California. Roxy, Quiksilver’s women’s division, opted for the same approach.

Dave Rosenberger, Quiksilver’s vice president and national sales manager for the brand’s young men’s and wintersports divisions, said the move saved the company a sizable chunk of the cost of participating in the show. Quik will take the same tack at the Action Sports Retailer Trade Expo in San Diego Sept. 10–12. “It’s a great option for us, and I think it captures what Quiksilver’s about. We’re here to work,” Rosenberger said.

The new setup went over well with retailers, and Rosenberger said he didn’t notice a drop-off of buyers in the booth, which enjoyed steady traffic. The addition of Quiksilver’s women’s collection, which showed its first full collection of swimwear as well as fashion-forward contemporary offerings, and its Waterman collection added a dose of newness to the booth.

Another change was the introduction of a new segmentation strategy for the Quiksilver brand. Key to the new strategy is the introduction of the “Core Collection,” which is made up of technical boardshorts, T-shirts and other items that will be sold exclusively to core retailers and will not be sold on the brand’s own consumer-direct e-tail site.

The world’s best surfers are preparing for an assault on one of the world’s most high-performance waves as the Hurley Pro Trestles, Event No. 6 of 10 on the 2009 ASP World Tour, bringing the ASP Top 45 to Lower Trestles from September 13 – 19, 2009.

The site of some of the most electrifying performances in the sport’s history, the cobblestone A-Frame not only provides the ideal canvas for the world’s best to unleash upon, but Lower Trestles will also play a pivotal role in the hunt for this year’s ASP World Title. Joel Parkinson (AUS), 28, current ASP World No. 1, has had a landmark season in 2009, collecting three wins, a 3rd and a 9th en route to his position at the top. Although currently sitting a comfortable 1,402 points ahead of the nearest challenger, the phenomenal natural-footer has been guarded this season when commenting on his ASP World Title campaign as well as details regarding his preparation.

“When you do something that excites you and you enjoy doing it, then it is not hard to stay focused on what needs to be done,” Parkinson said. “As far as preparation is concerned, I have just continued with what I have been doing all year, but at the same time you just think about the opportunity of surfing a wave at Trestles and there’s that excitement again.”

Having proven victorious at the venue before (2004) and given his near-unstoppable form in 2009, Parkinson remains an event favorite going into this season’s Hurley Pro Trestles, and the high-performance lefts and rights will allow the well-built Australian to utilize his impressive repertoire of tricks. “I think one of the necessary skills of any professional sportsperson is adaptability,” Parkinson said. “Being able to adapt to different environments, opposition and conditions. I think about the wave at Trestles and I believe my surfing can adapt to it pretty well. I know I am looking forward to it.”

C.J. Hobgood (USA), 30, former ASP World Champion (2001) and current ASP World No. 2, will be first in line of those looking to put a halt to Parkinson’s juggernaut run this season. The ultra-fit goofy-footer holds an ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS) event title at Lower Trestles (2007), but his results at the elite level of competition at the venue have been mixed with two 5ths in ’07 and ’05, a 33rd in ’06 before a 17th last season.

“Lowers suits my surfing and Lowers should suit everyone on tour’s surfing as it’s one of the most high-performance surfing venues we have on the tour,” Hobgood said. “However, with that said, from the results it does favor the regular-footers, so the goofy-footers do need to dig deeper to get further at this event. Kelly’s record winning percentage at Trestles is something no one has ever seen. Taj (Burrow), Mick (Fanning), Joel (Parkinson), Bede (Durbidge), Taylor (Knox) and Dane (Reynolds) have shown they can do some damage out there and they'll be favored at the event as well.”

In terms of hunting down current ASP frontrunner Parkinson, Hobgood keeps his strategy simple. “I’m just trying to surf better regardless of the results,” Hobgood said. “It says I'm 2nd, but I have the same amount of work to do as No. 15. I need to win a contest, then repeat that twice.”

Parkinson and Hobgood lead the pack in terms of ASP World Title challengers, but they’ll need to contend with an army of the world’s best including reigning nine-time ASP World Champion and defending event winner Kelly Slater (USA), 37, former ASP World Champion Mick Fanning (AUS), 28, up-and-coming South American threat Adriano de Souza (BRA), 22, and new-age icons of progressive surfing Jordy Smith (ZAF), 21, and Dane Reynolds (USA), 23.

Brett Simpson (USA), 24, winner of July’s ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS) 6-Star Hurley U.S. Open in Huntington Beach and wildcard at the upcoming Hurley Pro Trestles, will take on the world’s best for the second time in his young career this September. Last year saw Simpson finish equal 17th as a wildcard at Lowers, but after taking down a bevy of top names at Huntington Beach, the young natural-footer’s confidence in his abilities is at an all-time high.

“I have always felt I can mix it with the top dogs,” Simpson said. “It’s just about having a good game plan and executing it to your best ability. Mistakes against the top guys are daggers to your heart and you can’t afford to make them. I definitely feel like I’m a better surfer and am competing much better now too, so I believe that if I can put some waves together, it can be a great event for me. So that’s the goal, to stay sharp and give them a run for their money!”

Joining Simpson as wildcards will be former ASP World No. 2 Rob Machado (USA), 36, and reigning ASP World Junior Champion Kai Barger (HAW), 19, as they take on the world’s best surfers.

The Hurley Pro Trestles will host the ASP 45 from September 13 – 19, 2009.

Team USA wins the Billabong ISA World Surfing Games in Costa Rica for the first time in 13 Years

It was a fitting end to an event steeped in a mix of camaraderie and tough competition as Team USA took the overall gold medal today over Team France at the Billabong ISA World Surfing Games presented by Monster Energy in Costa Rica. It was the first time that the Americans have won an overall gold medal in since the 1996 World Surfing Games in Huntington Beach, California.

From the opening heats of the Games at Playa Hermosa that began eight days ago, Team USA appeared committed and focused, as they competed against 34 other teams for a spot on the podium. With the final day of competition looming overhead, Team USA stood firm and was able to place five or their eight team members into the three finals, hence becoming the team to beat.

The team was led by Ian Cairns who assumed the position as Coach less than one month ago. "We had good surfers and what we did was to stay very concentrated,” said a low-key Cairns. “This is a long event and it was very important to preserve your energy.”

"I am really very happy” said Cairns of the first American title in more than a decade. “My goal was to come here and win. But also I wanted to establish a different personality for American surfing. I didn't want to make a lot of noise until things were happening. We built the support, the calmness and we focused on being together and concentrating on doing things well. Later, at the final, we went to the beach to wave the flag.”

Participating high schools included Redondo Union High, Mira Costa High, Palos Verdes High and Palisades Charter High School. This regional competition was completely dominated by Mira Costa High, who raised the bar for the surfing series, setting themselves up as the team to beat at this year’s Red Bull Riders Cup National Championship, which will be held on June 6-7 at Upper Trestles in San Clemente. For its fifth regional stop, the series now moves back east to north Florida on April 21-23.

Mira Costa High was the first to book a spot in the regional finals with a win over Redondo Union High during an early morning matchup on Wednesday. But as the day progressed, so did bad weather, and the high winds caused the afternoon qualifier, the game between Palisades Charter High and Palos Verdes High, to be postponed. Mira Costa High was left eagerly awaiting word on who they would face in Thursday’s regional finals.

With the weather finally cooperating, Palos Verdes High put in a strong performance and beat Palisades Charter High in their delayed qualifier on Thursday. But fresh off their victory, the team has forced to head right back into the water for the regional final against the powerful Mira Costa High.

Mira Costa High declared their intentions from the outset of the first period, making the most of tough conditions and posting a very high total of 28 points, the strong team performance highlighted by a solid 8.0 ride from Brent Bowen.

In contrast, Palos Verdes High struggled to back up their solid qualifier form, and with no team members scoring higher than 2.5 points, could only manage a first period total of 8.5 points. This set the stage for one of the biggest defeats in Red Bull Riders Cup history.

With Mira Costa High going into the top of the second period with such a large lead, their confidence only grew, and the team let loose, continuing to post solid scores despite the deteriorating conditions. Palos Verdes High found themselves clearly outgunned, and could not catch a break in the second period, only managing to equal their first period total of 8.5 points.

With the game all but over at the start of the third and final period, Mira Costa High again upped their game, posting good scores and putting on a show with some crowd pleasing aerials. By the time they were done they had shut the door on Palos Verdes, leading by an astonishing 50 points and making it mathematically impossible for Palos Verdes to win.

Even in the face of certain defeat, the brave Palos Verdes team still paddled out for their third period and put together their best period of the finals, earning a score of 18 points.

After such a convincing win, Mira Costa coach Joe Lederer had this to say, “I’m really proud of these guys, they came out today and did well in these conditions, they made it look great out there and we’re really looking forward to going to Upper Trestles and being a serious competitor this year.”

With such a solid team performance and all surfers contributing greatly, it was tough to pick an MVP. Kelly Zaun just slightly beat out older brother Dane for the honor. “I’m really stoked, I didn’t expect to get such high scores today. Everyone surfed so well, we were much more of a team than last year,” said the MVP. He added that a team lead by the Zaun brothers was going to be tough to beat in the Red Bull Riders Cup National Championships on June 6-7.

Competition Schedule:

Mar 16-19 Santa Cruz Pleasure Point, Santa Cruz
Mar 24-26 Golden State Seaside Park (Surfers Point) Ventura
Mar 31-Apr 2 Central FL Pelican Beach Park
Apr 15-16 South Bay El Porto 45th St. Manhattan Beach
Apr 21-23 North FL New Smyrna/Ponce Inlet
May 4-9 New Jersey 3rd-9th street, Ocean City
May 19-21 Orange County Huntington Beach Pier
May 26-28 San Diego Seaside Reef
June 6-7 Championship Upper Trestles

The National Surf League and Red Bull have partnered to help bring the sport of surfing to a new and exciting level. “The NSL and Red Bull are both companies that are passionate about innovation and bringing out the best performance in surfing. I am very excited to see how we will grow and create a more entertaining and easier way to watch the sport,” says NSL founder Brad Gerlach.

The NSL is a revolutionary competitive surfing organization established in 2001 by legendary pro surfer, Brad Gerlach. The NSL is dedicated to the pursuit of surfing excellence, building awareness for the sport of surfing while creating a fun competitive landscape for all types of surfers.

The Game™ Explained
Modeled after team sports such as Basketball, Football, and Baseball – The Game™ turns an individual sport like surfing into fan-friendly team sport

• Two teams against each other
• One team in the water at a time
• 3 Periods, Timeouts, Coaches, Referees
• Substitutes
• Rivalries
• Entertainment
• Real Surfing
• Game time: under two hours
• A scoreboard, continuous commentary, and scoring updates so the crowd and television audience can easily follow the results

To follow Red Bull Riders Cup go to http://www.redbullsurfing/riderscup.com

Game Scores:

South Bay Game #3
Regional Finals P1 P2 P3 Final
Mira Costa High School 28 19.5 19.5 67
Palos Verdes High School 8.5 8.5 18 35

Most Valuable Player – Kelly Zaun (MC)
Most Radical Maneuver – Dane Zaun (MC) – Air Reverse

Event producer Randy Rarick has been tracking down leads from as far away as Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; the Gold Coast of Australia; the shores of Lima, Peru; the coasts of the Americas; and, of course, right here in his backyard of the Hawaiian Islands.

Beyond wood surfboards from the early 20th century, Rarick has uncovered hollow Blake paddleboards from the '30s, laminated wood boards of the '40s, classic balsas from the '50s, North Shore guns of the '60s, and pro boards from the '70s and '80s. New items continue to flow in.  "The response to the call for consignment items has been phenomenal", noted Rarick. One of the best collections has come from none other than James Arness of 'Marshall Dillon' fame from the "Gunsmoke" TV series of the '60s.  The father of 1970 World Surfing Champion Rolf Arness, James and his family spent winters on the west side at Makaha for close to a decade.

The list of items from the Arness collection includes a 1940's Pete Peterson paddleboard; a 1950 Bob Simmons balsa board; a 13-foot Surfboards Hawaii Dick Brewer Makaha Point gun from the early '60s; and a 12-foot version of son Rolf's Bing Maui Foil. There's also a studio artist rendition of Fred Hemmings' famous ride from the Don James photo at the Makaha Bowl. "To say the least, these five items alone could make up the auction itself, yet they represent only five per cent of the total items that will be up for bid," said Rarick. Surf decals, posters, art work, and a variety of printed material dating from the missionary era right up to the heyday golden '60s will be available.

A fun grouping of silent auction items will also be available offering low priced deals in addition to the high-end quality items.

Last Call for Consignment Items:

Auction staff are still on the hunt for consignment items. Ninety per cent of the sale price of items will go back to the owners. The remaining 10% will be allocated to the auction's beneficiaries that include: the Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation; the Surfrider Foundation; and the Surfing Heritage Foundation.  So, if you have any old surf treasures in the attic, under your house or stashed away in the garage, pull them out and see if they're worth consigning to the auction and a good cause. This is the last call for consignment items. The final list of items selected from those submitted will be announced mid-May. Feature items that have already made the cut are currently being shown on the popular "Peek of the Week" at hawaiiansurfauction.com  which features a new item each Monday right up until auction day.

Free Appraisals In Person, or on the Internet: 

Even if you don't want to sell it, if you are in Honolulu bring your surf collectible along for a free valuation at the Antiques Roadshow-style appraisal that will take place on day one - July 17th. A panel of six expert appraisers will be on hand to let you know what your item is worth.  If you can't make it to Hawaii, go online at: hawaiiansurfauction.com and event staff will give you a free appraisal over the internet.  The auction will also be streamed live on the internet.

Pre-Registration Opens to Bidders May 1st: Pre-registration will commence May 1st for those planning to attend in person and those who want to lodge Absentee Proxy Bids. 

Please go to: http://www.hawaiiansurfauction.com/ for complete registration and auction information.

Over the past four auctions more than $1,500,000 of the finest vintage surfboards and surf memorabilia have changed hands and over $75,000 has been donated to various charitable causes and foundations.

DETAILS:

Friday July 17: Viewing from noon to 6pm, including Antiques Roadshow-style appraisals.
Saturday July 18: Doors open for viewing at 10am. Silent auction 2:00-4:30pm. Main Auction 5-9pm.
Free viewing. Bidders must purchase a bidding number.
Pre-registration begins May 1st, 2009.

In California to help raise funds for ocean-awareness non-profits like the California Surf Museum, Surfing Heritage Foundation and the Rell Sunn Foundation, Shimabukuro played a three-day series of concerts in Santa Cruz, Laguna Beach and Oceanside. At 33, Shimabukuro is a true master of his instrument, collaborating with musical titans such as Yo Yo Ma, Jimmy Buffet, Bela Fleck and Ziggy Marley over the past few years. But he hasn’t forgotten his roots, which is why the Honolulu native never hesitates to give back to the surf world. “Surfing isn’t just about good waves or a good board, it’s about becoming a better person,” he said. “It promotes a better understanding of the world.”

Not surprisingly, two of surfing’s more worldly figures, Rob Machado and Donavon Frankenreiter, joined in for a couple of jams in Laguna and Oceanside. In Oceanside, after Shimabukuro plucked out everything from a rendition of “Thriller” to an ancient Japanese “koto” song at warp speed, Machado admitted he was “nervous.” He even forgot the words to his own song on his first go-‘round, but pulled it off with style in typical Machado fashion.

So you fancy that surf trip in our product offering but you can't go for as long as it's scheduled or you want a different destination that we maybe don't feature?

Well, all is not lost, as of today we have launched a "get a quote" function to help you. We will generate a quotation just for your surf trip.

It really is that simple - so enjoy now, put your feet up or go for a surf (lucky you!), whilst we work like sea otters trying to get you the best deal!

No problem with Xoxxi we will match every price for identical packages offered to you by any other surf travel company. Xoxxi guarantees that you will not pay a dollar/pound/euro more with us than anywhere else with another surf travel company and will still enjoy the convenience and brilliant service we offer.

That is a Xoxxi exclusive guarantee!

Click here for more details: http://www.xoxxisurf.com/price-guarantee.html 

In an amazing session, what has to be the world's greatest wave of all time has been surfed.

Xoxxi secret sponsored big wave rider "One hung low" from China, has shocked the surfing world, not only because he was Chinese and they are not known for being well lets face it great surfers. He was known in the coastal regions of China as a Big Wave Guru and was planning on surfing the biggest wave ever ridden, but when the swell arrived all were totally awestruck at his guts and more...

"Holy moly... that was a bomb"!

They were the exact words used by One hung's tow-in driver, Kwan Kong, after the revered China waterman dropped into a 104 foot (31.6 metres) left-handed monster of a wave at a secret China location on March 30. One hung's was right, almost. It was more than a bomb. It was big enough to get him into the Guinness Book of Records for the largest wave ever ridden in the world today.  One Hung Low has taken the $40,000 Biggest Wave Ridden prize and this will be supplied by Xoxxi in September 2009 at a special gala in Beijing.

One hung later stated Surfers, take note, some of the biggest waves in the world are in China and are not in Hawaii, or Australia, they're off the Chinese coast in secret locations.

One Hung believes whole heartily that he is now the most daredevil of surfers, and has quoted saying that he wants another beast, he saw bigger sets and needs to get ready for them... they recorded on film one wave estimated to be another 20 foot higher than he surfed, so why did he not surf that.... Simple as "One hung" explains "These wave were huge I just went for number one and thought I needed to get outta here and get home to my wife and family, it was insane, the board flipped and flapped, and I placed all my body weight on the board but the wind was like a typhoon up the face, but I thought at that time about China, about the mountains and I got inner strength, the monkey in me came alive (I was born in the year of the monkey) and I shouted loud and made it.... now I think I am the world main surfer - One hung low thats my name, remember it!".

As a group we surfers love to talk story about big waves...the biggest waves we've ever witnessed, the biggest wave we've ever ridden or the debate about which is the planets gnarliest surf spot. Big waves hold a fascination for all surfers, its no wonder because these waves and the people who ride them embody beauty, fear, bravery, exploration and myth. They represent the pinnacle of the surfing way of life. With the regular discovery of new big wave locations across the globe, the definition of what is a big wave has changed. In old school terms it was Waimea as the ultimate wave, with wave height and face being the measure and real waves were only those waves that could be paddled into. The new school has brought tow surfing using jet skis or personal water craft into the equation so that virtually any wave, no matter how mean or insane, can be towed into and surfed. So the definition of big waves has expanded to include the terms meanest, most insane, thickest, deadliest, horrifying and heavy.....!

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april fool!

Here at xoxxi we believe we are offering you all a surfing stimulas package, sooth your soul, glide the line, or just generally have fun. 

We have cut costs of surfing trips but increased coverage of locations, now that's a recession proof concept!

A unique new board design has been wowing surfers at the Noosa Festival of Surfing. The hour-glass shaped board, created by Thomas Meyerhoffer from San Francisco, has proved an asset in the early heats of the GSI One Design division. Meyerhoffer is on the Sunshine Coast to promote his new creation and has been on-hand to answer questions about the design. He said the board delivers a combination of the best features of modern longboards and the performance characteristics of modern shortboards.

Festival contest director Alan Atkins from Byron Bay won his GSI One Design division heat today posting an impressive 9 point ride on the hour glass board. Today's swell has been an improvement from yesterday with small clean waves all day. Classic Malibu Men’s Open Amateur heats also featured in today's competition.

Surfin' dudes and wahines soon may be able to choose from two bodacious license tags to hang from the back bumper of their woody when they head to the beach to hang ten.

Bills creating the two surfing plates and four other specialty tags for the St. Johns River, autism, catch-and-release fishing and a Marion County horse park cleared the House Roads, Bridges & Ports Policy Committee on Wednesday. One of the surfing tags would be dubbed "Let's Go Surfing" and raise money for the East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame and Museum at Cocoa Beach through a $25 annual fee.The other would be called "Endless Summer." Its $25 fee would go to the Surfing Evolution & Preservation Corp. to foster interest in the sport.

Rep. Curt Kelly, who is sponsoring the "Lets Go Surfing" bill (HB 49), which also includes the horse park tag, said it's an economic development measure because of the surfing competitions the Hall of Fame brings to Florida. "The other bill (HB 193) that is out there -- hey listen, if people want to buy that one, that would be fine, too," said Kelly, R-Ocala. "Whichever floats your boat." He said specialty plates give people a chance to express their support for universities, colleges and other organizations while giving nonprofits a way to raise money for their causes.

Florida already has about 150 specialty plates. Among them are tags for professional sports teams and animals such as sea turtles, manatees, whales and Florida panthers. One of the biggest sellers is the "Choose Life" tag that raises money for adoption services. Lawmakers are expecting a rush of specialty tags bills this year to beat a moratorium going into effect next year.

"This is not just slipping under the wire," Kelly said. "There's a vetting process that's relatively expensive." An organization seeking a specialty tag must do research to show there's a market for it. The bills approved Wednesday will be heard by other committees before they get floor votes.

Other bills filed this year would create tags for Korean War veterans, the Fraternal Order of Police, Florida Biodiversity Foundation and Bay of Pigs Museum and Library.

Also, a Go Green tag would raise money for renewable energy and technology projects while a Trinity tag would aid the Toomy Foundation for the Natural Sciences. A Children First plate would benefit Children First Florida, an organization that distributes private school vouchers for students from low-income families financed by state corporate income tax credits.

In association with Adventure Sports Holidays we are offering an amazing surf trip to Morocco for the autumn.For all you surf enthusiasts and those of you that would love to give surfing a go Adventure Sports Holidays has teamed up with Xoxxi to offer our visitors this great prize for them and a friend...

•  7 night stay for 2 at the Xoxxi Surf Camp Morocco including flights* 
•  Full board accommodation - breakfast, lunch and dinner 
•  Transportation from camp to surf spots and airport transfers in Morocco** 
•  All surfing equipment 
•  6 day surfing course (if required) with full supervision 4-5 hours per day

The surf camp accommodation is in a Moroccan style house only a few minutes from the beach in a small village called Tamraght just 15km north of Agadir. The coastline is quiet and beaches are not overcrowded. The swell can be viewed from the terrace of the house each morning. The surf camp also offers breakfast and an evening meal. You will stay with other surfers in a fun, friendly and sociable atmosphere. This Surf camp offers many possible surfing experiences for beginners, experienced, advanced, young or old. Discover surfing in the South of Morocco with our qualified Xoxxi surf guides.

To enter the competition please complete the short questionnaire on the website by the 18/05/09.

This is the only place to enter this so what are you waiting for?  

ENTER COMPETITION HERE

Xoxxi have launched this week Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, Ghana and France all new for surfing in 2009.

Xoxxi is now on Twitter and Facebook, this is just another step to ensure that we stay in full contact with you for all the amazing developments we have going on.

If you twitter, then our address is Xoxxi, if you dont twitter then you should join at www.twitter.com

Our Twitter profile is http://twitter.com/xoxxi

 Our Facebook can be accessed by clicking here: XOXXI

If you are a British surfer then you should consider joining the BSA. The BSA is a democratic organisation so; join and you get a vote to choose the people you want to make decisions on your behalf. If you want to you can get more involved, run for election or help out at a competition, that’s the idea of an Association. The BSA started competitive surfing in Britain. Since 1966 the BSA has helped the best British surfers go from beginners to champions. As a member you can enter the many BSA competitions with BIG cash prizes like the British Nationals. You’ll never know until you try and it could be you in the next British team. That goes for longboarders, bodyboarders and kneeboarders we’re here for all surfers. Oh and look out for the BSA Goldrush that’s being called at 48 hours notice, providing the competitors with sure-fire conditions.

Join the BSA and you will get £5 million third party insurance cover, that’s peace of mind for you. Other benefits include a free yearbook, newsletters, surf forecasts and 10% discount at all FREESPIRIT stores.

They run the training courses for surf coaches and work with surf schools to improve safety and quality of tuition, we encourage all surf schools to use BSA qualified instructors and gain BSA approval. It makes sense for everyone. We also run the National Surfing Centre at Fistral Beach, Newquay and as a member you can have top-level instruction at reduced rates. Whether you’re a novice, experienced surfer or serious competitor, the BSA represents British surfers at every level, you tell us and we’ll tell them, together we get heard; it’s an old concept but still the most effective.

The BSA is non-profit; this doesn’t mean it makes a loss. It means that any leftover cash goes back into British surfing and not into some big cheese’s back pocket! The BSA is just about what’s best for British surfing.

The British Surfing Association is the only organisation doing all this for British surfing and is sponsored by the major players in the surf industry.

Click here to visit the BSA website: 

We have slashed our deposits....

Due to the global economic climate, we have slashed our deposit to be $35 USD / £25 GBP or the equivalent currency per person. Full balance is paid only 10 weeks before, plus with our special booking system you can make micro payments if you wish to yoru booking when you want just by going into your secure booking through your membership area.

Our travel website software solution is provided by Scott Calvin Tech and they have now launched Travel 2.0 software. Scott Calvin Tech offers affordable travel website solution software for leisure travel companies wanting to grow and manage their businesses more efficiently to maximize profits and stay ahead of the competition but all at a budget and particularly in a recessive market place - we help you reduce costly staffing overheads, gain profits and we take away the headaches of technology leaving you to succeed in creating and delivering the best travel products for your customers.

In a statement the company management said "“Travel 2.0” web solution software provides you the power to seamlessly integrate your business products with a powerful online content management website using the latest Web 2.0 technology. Your customers can shop and book your travel products from your web site directly and you can update all your prices and product with smooth functionality in a multitude of currency options. Our web solution software and integrated online unique 3 step sales tool engine allows small to medium specialist travel business entrepreneurs to manage their website, product, pricing, reservations and offer online secure booking to their customers, quickly and simply".

If you have a travel business online and you are interested in this product then please visit www.scottcavintech.com now

Are you a Christian? Have you ever thought of joining Christian Surfers - if you are, then you should. Christian Surfers exists to see every surfer in the world impacted by Jesus. The mission will be achieved by AWAKENING surfing Christians to spiritual AWARENESS and mobilizing them to become ACTIVE in the mission. To read more about Christian Surfers visit our links page to visit one of the Christian surfing websites available. Click here to visit links.

The basking shark is huge—often bigger than a bus. As fish go, it’s second in size only to the whale shark. It has been roaming the world’s oceans for at least 30 million years. Mariners throughout history have mistaken it for a mythical sea serpent or the legendary cadborosaurus. Despite its massive size, it feeds mostly on tiny zooplankton.

These are some of the things we know about this gentle giant. But our understanding is limited; we don’t really know much more about them than we did in the early 1800s. One thing we do know is that they used to be plentiful in the waters off the coast of B.C., in Queen Charlotte Sound, Clayoquot Sound, Barkley Sound, and even the Strait of Georgia. Only half a century ago, people taking a ferry from Vancouver to Vancouver Island may have spotted half a dozen lazily swimming by. But now, reported sightings are down to less than one a year off the B.C. coast. All indications are that this magnificent animal is on the edge of extinction. It makes my blood boil!

Over the past two centuries, people have been killing them for sport, for food, for the oil from their half-tonne livers, and to get them out of the way of commercial fishing operations. Many were also killed accidentally by fishing gear.

In their 2006 book Basking Sharks: The Slaughter of B.C.’s Gentle Giants, marine biologist (and David Suzuki Foundation sustainable fisheries analyst) Scott Wallace and maritime historian Brian Gisborne note that the “pest control” methods used in the 1950s and ’60s were particularly gruesome. Basking sharks are so named because they appear to bask as they feed on plankton on the water’s surface. And even though they don’t eat salmon and other fish, they sometimes get tangled in gillnets, hindering commercial fishing operations. So fisheries patrol boats with large knives attached to their bows would slice the animals in half as they “basked” on the surface.

Basking sharks were not the only victims of fisheries-management practices during that time. Thousands of seals, sea lions, black bears, mergansers, and kingfishers were also killed in the name of keeping the salmon stocks for people.

The basking shark is now recognized as an endangered species by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada, but it is not legally listed or protected under the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA). The government is consulting with Canadians until December 30 on whether or not to list and protect them. It goes without saying that they should be protected, but our country’s record on endangered marine species doesn’t leave a lot of room for optimism.

Although public consultation is good, listing of the basking shark—and any other species at risk—should be based on science. And the science is clear: The basking shark is Canada’s most endangered marine fish. The Pacific population is almost extinct. We don’t need a public consultation process to tell us that.

Listing the basking shark would have little or no economic impact, as there are so few sharks left. And because the federal government is largely responsible for the basking shark’s demise, it has an even greater responsibility for its recovery.

If the basking shark does not get listed under the Species at Risk Act, other endangered marine species have little hope for protection. And it will be an indication that when it comes to these vulnerable animals, science does not matter. Already, we have another species recognized as endangered by COSEWIC—the porbeagle shark—but not only has Canada failed to offer it legal protection under the SARA, our country still has a directed fishery for it.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada justifies this lack of protection for the porbeagle shark by claiming that the socioeconomic impacts of listing it would be too great and that recovery and protection is or can be achieved used other means, such as the Fisheries Act.

But as we can see from the example of the basking shark, those other means are not enough. These animals need to be protected under strong species at risk legislation. When one species goes extinct, the repercussions cascade throughout the environment. We can’t afford any more losses.

For more information on how you can help save the basking shark, please visit David Suzuki’s Web site.

Kneeboard Surfing USA will return to Santa Cruz Jan. 15 to 17 for the U.S. Championships.  A field of nearly 70 entrants is expected to compete.  In addition, the contest will include a Junior’s Division for those under 21 years of age and a Women’s division. 

Australian Gavin Colman, current World Kneeboard Champion will lead a highly talented field of kneeboard surfers.  Colman won the world title at Steamer Lane in 2007.  Other top competitors include former KSUSA champions Barry Baker, Tom Backer and Jack Beresford.  Backer is the current U.S. Champion having won earlier this year at Oceanside.

Local standouts include the legendary John Mel and Jon Manss who combined have more than 80 years of kneeboard experience. The event is open to the public.  Heats will run from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weather and waves permitting.

“Steamer Lane is a great venue to showcase the sport,” said Don Harris, president of Kneeboard Surfing USA. “Not only is it a great wave, but kneeboarders have a long history here in Santa Cruz.” The event marks the fifth KSUSA Titles – four of which have been held in the right-hand point breaks of Santa Cruz.  Also, KSUSA hosted a highly successful world titles at Steamer Lane in 2007. 

Considered one of the purest forms of wave riding, Kneeboarding has its roots in groundbreaking performances by internationally known waveriders such as George Greenough, Steve Lis and Peter Crawford. Today, the sport has experienced a resurgence in the U.S. and overseas. More than 1,500 people have registered on the Kneeboard Surfing USA Web site at ksusa.org.

Sponsors of the Kneeboard Surfing U.S. Championships include:  Blast Hawaii, Flashpoint Surfing, Freeline Design, Gordon Biersch, Hurley, K-58, Luxury Surf.com, Maxim Capital Advisors Inc., Parkes Australia and Tide Has Turned.

Established in 2003, Kneeboard Surfing USA is dedicated to promoting the sport of Kneeboard Surfing through competitions, kneelo gatherings and other activities.

www.ksusa.org

In 2010, ispo winter will be held one week later than usual, from Feb. 7 to 10. The reason for this modification is a change in the U.S. trade show calendar. SnowSports Industries America (SIA) has decided to hold its SnowSports Tradeshow from Jan. 28 to 31, 2010, which would present a conflict with ispo winter.

SIA took advantage of the move from Las Vegas to Denver to establish a new date and to include the weekend in its event schedule. In order to accommodate and simplify event planning for the international sports industry, Messe München GmbH has agreed to postpone ispo winter to an event date one week later, the first weekend in February. According to feedback from exhibitors the new arrangement is a beneficial compromise for apparel as well as hardware suppliers.

www.ispo.com

Finally the wind component changed enough to give green light to the event. All international riders were called, althought only two of them were able to assist; Paul O'Keane from Ireland and Duncan Scott from UK were the lucky riders who could enjoy the wave of El Bravo, in Tenerife, along with the local riders Alex, Zeben, Fernando and Vilayta.

The waves were huge on Monday, and besides the wave of El Bravo, there were a couple else of breaks going off that day in the city of El Puerto de la Cruz. Surprisingly, the spanish goverment established red alert all along the north coast of the Canaries, so these professional riders were not allowed to use any port in the north to get to the breaks.

Once on Tuesday, even though the waves were half as big as on Monday, we could enjoy a great session of tow-in surfing.

The organization of La SantaTow-inBigSession wants to thank all the audience who spent both days there, paying attention to what was going on and giving support to the riders.

We'd like to thank the local council of El Puerto de La Cruz for their support and trust on this event, for their effort on this new kind of 'not easy to understand' format of event, to Sol Hotels, for their warm welcoming and collaboration, to the restaurant Costa Norte for the closing dinner, to Paul and Duncan, and above all, the local surfers for being there at 100% fulltime making this possible.

THANKS A LOT TO EVERYBODY...

www.lasantasurf.es