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Titled "Finally!", this is MAYHEM's impression after the Hurley Pro.
Titled "Finally!", this is MAYHEM's impression after the Hurley Pro. It's been a long, tense week...the days leading up to the Hurley Pro were filled with anxiety. I'd been building boards for many surfers, testing and adjusting boards with every surfer who came along. The waves leading up to the tournament were very small and weak, making it very difficult to test new boards. I'm sure everyone was hoping for good waves, but maybe they were just hoping the waves weren't too bad. My early focus players are: With local surfer Ian Crane Nate Yeomans. Both riders narrowly missed the cut and were able to compete in the tournament. They placed second and third in the trials, advancing to the next heat. Although neither rider won their heat, they still managed to show their skills to the local crowd. We are very proud of them. After winning the US Open this summer, Alejo Muniz returned to California and ordered some new boards based on his 2014 V2 Shortboard, the board he rode to victory in Huntington Beach. His new boards weren't finished until a few days before the event, giving him little time to test them out, and he ended up riding the same old, tried-and-true Huntington board. Alejo didn't have much success in this tournament, but he thrilled us with his second round against John John Florence. Powerful, solid rail work, and brimming with confidence, Alejo seemed to continue to improve. With a super smooth blend of New School and power surfing (6'0.5 F1 Stub/Driver), Brett Simpson beat Kelly Slater and Dane Reynolds in round one. This must have boosted Brett Simpson's confidence. He advanced to Round 3 in first place, facing a strong Jordy Smith. This was one of the worst heats of the tournament. Brett's 5'10.5 x 19.25 x 2.38 Sub-Driver was in good shape in Round 3, but there weren't enough waves to choose from, and he returned to Huntington in 13th place. As one of the few California surfers with the potential to compete on the world stage, I hope he can overcome this slump and return to the tour next year. But it looks like that's not going to happen this year. His surfing in the smaller waves in Round 3 showed he could beat the WQS competitors and come back for more. Our favorite, Kolohe Andino, won round 1 with a tiny left. By giving up on riding the decent waves (not so great waves), Mick was able to ride the mid-sized waves and get the points he needed without any unnecessary struggle. I finished second in Round 1 and advanced to Round 2. I beat Matt Wilkinson, only to face Taj Burrow in the next heat... It's not fun having the two guys I've invested the most in fight each other early in all four events over the past year. I'm patiently waiting for the day they meet in the finals. Actually, Kolohe's surfing is getting even better. Taj rode the right-hand waves flawlessly. His speed even beat Kolohe's powerful turns and airs. Kolohe is just 19 years old and has had two good results in back-to-back Prime Series tournaments (second at the U.S. Open and third in the Azores). He looked like he would do it again, but this time he was disappointed. We all watch his surfing and think he'll do well in the WCT, someday. He was driving a 5'10 19 2.25 SubDriver in all three heats. Adam Meling has one of my favorite techniques. His frontside wraparound turns rival Mick Fanning's. He just took second place in the Azores Prime event a few weeks ago. He was riding a 5'10" x 18.5 x 2.25 Driver that he built a few years ago. He ordered several copies of this board. He used that board to battle current World Champion Parko in round 3. Adam also won the first round, but lost to Kera (Josh Kerr) in round 5. His technique was perfect, and he showed off his talent not only with his aggressive turn-up, but also with his ability to toss the tail (lift it up) as shown in this photo. (The photo above is last year's board, and the photo below is his new board.) Julian was incredibly strong all week, even on Day 3 of the competition, in the worst waves I've ever seen at a World Tour event. He was hands-down the best surfer of the week. We built him 20 quivers, and he picked them up right before the competition. But he felt comfortable and at home on the JS. When both Taj and Julian were working on the Red Bull sponsored "21 Days" episode video, Who would have imagined that these two would meet in the final? And after watching Julian surf this week, you might have thought Taj had a hard time winning. In the end, Taj picked a good wave and rode it flawlessly. He surfed really aggressively and brilliantly, winning with a clear wide lip. His frontside snaps and tail fin turns were sharper, more critical, and faster than anyone else's on the final day. Taj surfed four heats and a half (a restart with Patrick Gudauskas and SET) and with each round, his surfing seemed to improve, while Julian seemed to be off his rhythm from the start compared to his previous heats. In fact, Julian was getting impatient as he waited out in the ocean before the horn sounded to signal the start of the heat. To me, it looked like a crack in the armor, and I'm sure it looked the same to Taj. Taj also said the waves were good, and winning here at the Lowers WCT was a validation of my board. Taj has lost in the Lowers WCT Finals twice before. Taj's victory was the pinnacle of my 25 year career as a Shaper! Ever since Christian Fletcher won a Budweiser Tour event on a board I repaired and painted when I was still an inexperienced shopper, I've wanted to win a World Tour event here in Lower East Side on my own board. I surf here in Lower Wat more than anywhere else on the planet. This win for Taj and my board is the best thing that's ever happened to me and my boarding career. I have won several US Championships and national titles here at Rower, I've missed out on WCT tournaments until now. Yes, finally, I won! == ... Congratulations Matt! He looks so happy holding the board up high! Posted by Luvsurf .
Learn moreWe explain the secret to the WCT surfers' quick takeoff, as seen in the ocean the day before the HURLEY PRO.
Nishii will be at LOWERS the day before the HURLEY PRO. The fog was so thick in the morning that you couldn't see the waves even on the beach. The conditions were not suitable for filming, so I decided to surf alongside the WCT competitors. When I went out, Kelly, Parko, Kolohe and others were surfing, I noticed that there was a trick to their quick takeoff. It involves paddling to the best takeoff position on the wave and then taking off. I was watching the waves that were coming in the range that I could paddle in front of me, The wave always takes off from the part of the wave that acts as a ``launch pad'' to push the board forward when it is lying flat on its stomach. If you are having trouble taking off, try observing which part of the water a good rider is taking off from. I think it's good to surf. If you're not good at taking off, try paddling in a place where you can't take off. You may find yourself paddling too far. Look up to a skilled surfer and try to imitate where they take off on the same wave you're currently surfing. By gaining experience surfing on a variety of waves, you can hone your "wave reading" skills, which will allow you to read the "launch pad" that will push your board forward. While waiting for a wave, the range you can move to the "launch pad" will vary depending on your individual paddling ability, but try it out to suit your own paddling level. The boards of these WCT athletes, who are looking for the ultimate in maneuverability with boards that have the utmost buoyancy, are not boards that prioritize takeoff, Seeing the WCT athletes take off right in front of me, I was reminded once again how important takeoff is in surfing. See you tomorrow when I report from the WCT venue, which is likely to be filled with MAYHEM boards. The event is scheduled to start at midnight on the 16th, Japan time.
Learn moreIn the new shaping room, Mayhem was finishing boards for WCT rider LOWERS.
Today, when I went to the LOST SURFBOARD factory, Mayhem was shaping boards for WCT surfers in his new shaping room. The board he was shaping was a Taji Burrow board. The 5'9.5" model is the V2-SB model scheduled for release in 2014. Simply put, this model is a high-performance short board with a flat rocker. Julian Wilson is a 6'0" DRIVER model. I also ordered the 6'1" F1-STUB model, with 12 ordered for the LOSERS WCT. Kolohe's father, Dino Andino, also came to order a board. Apparently he just dropped Kolohe off at LOWERS and then came to the factory. Please take a look at Kolohe's order form and board size. The WIDE is 19 inches. It is a wide sub-driver for smaller waves. There were also board orders from surfers such as Adam Melling. Mayhem was busy today finishing up board orders for LOWERS from WCT riders. The photo shows Mayhem's signature model sunglasses, which he designed and wears himself, and which were placed on his desk. You can purchase it here.
Learn moreWon the WCT with the SUB-DRIVER model! Tyler Wright is Owen Wright's younger sister.
Today, all the women's heats of the WCT event "RIO PRO" in Brazil have finished. The LOST MAYHEM board was a big hit. Four riders were riding it, so I'd like to introduce it to you. Silvana Lima (BRA), who loves MAYHEM boards, is also a team rider for FU WAX. She advanced until round two. And her Hawaiian girlfriend, Marilla Manuel, I naturally included air techniques in my maneuvers, We advanced to the quarter finals. However, in the quarter finals, she lost to Taylor Wright, who went on to win the tournament. Karissa Moore looked nervous before the heat. He seemed to be in high spirits and in good spirits, I had bad luck. I lost in the semi-finals so I came in third place. However, I think she has the most variety of techniques in the Women's WCT. Yes, this is the guy who won his second WCT title. This is Aussie Taylor Wright. He made a high point with a combination of turns where the nose was facing the opposite direction. The winner was Tyler Wright, Owen Wright's younger sister, who won her heat on a MAYHEM board. The board he was riding was the ever-popular LOST "SUB-DRIVER" model. http://www.luvsurf.co.jp/models/lost/sub-driver Even among women, many riders are riding LOST MAYHEM boards this year! [youtube]http://youtu.be/BbYiblpXiS4[/youtube]
Learn more"Mayhem's thoughts after the WCT AUST match" and "Dates and times when Nishii works at the shop"
Here are my thoughts after the WCT Australia match: Here are some great photos collected from the internet. Taj (Barrow) got off to a solid start in both the first and second World Tour races. In the first match, he was eliminated in the semi-finals and placed third. After the two tournaments, he was ranked second. This photo is of Bells on a big wave day. He was riding his favorite WHIPLASH-TB model, a 6'0 pintail that he's been using since Hawaii. Taj freesurfing at Winki-Pop Point. I also found this shot on a website. Julian started well, making it to the Quarterfinals on Snapper. Things didn't go so well at Bells though. I think he has the technique to surf a good combination of basic "power surfing" and new generation "air surfing." Julian mostly rode the "F1 Stub" model. This is Julian's high F side air in WA (Western Australia). This thick line and the board are submerged, which is what I called "power" surfing. Brett Simpson surfed well in a few heats on Snapper. We had disappointing results in West Australia and Bells. Brett Simpson switched from the WHIPLASH-TB model to the DRIVER model this winter. I increased the volume from 27 to 28 CL. I liked the feel of the DRIVER model. I thought his surfing was smooth and aggressive, and we'll see the results. You don't have to worry about whether Julian could have ridden this wave on this board. These were Mayhem's thoughts after the WCT Australia match. == ... "We would like to inform you of the days and times that Nishii is working at the shop." May 9th (Thu) 12:00-21:00 May 10th (Fri) 12:00-21:00 May 11th (Sat) 14:00-21:00 May 12th (Sun) 14:00-20:00 May 13th (Monday) 14:00-21:00 May 14th (Tue) 14:00-21:00 Absent on Wednesday, May 15th Test drive event on Thursday, May 16th May 17th (Fri) 14:00-21:00 May 18th (Sat) 14:00-21:00 Test ride event on Sunday, May 19th (hosted by Murasaki Sports Main Store, Nami, Northeast Chiba) May 20th (Monday) 14:00-21:00 May 21st (Tue) 14:00-21:00 Absent on Wednesday, May 22nd Luvsurf Opening Hours weekdays 12:00-21:00 Sundays and public holidays 14:00-20:00 == ... To avoid overlapping with other customers during your consultation time, we would appreciate it if you could let us know if you are planning to visit us. If you live far away and would like to order by mail order, and would like to discuss your next board, http://www.luvsurf.co.jp/contact.html Please feel free to contact us using this form. == ...
Learn more"Sequel" MAYHEM presents his report on the first round of the 2013 "WCT" to you all.
== ... "Sequel" MAYHEM presents his report on the first round of the 2013 "WCT" to you all. == ... As we all know by now, the contest is over. We searched the internet for photos of riders ripping on our boards. Taj and Julian made it into the quarters and I'm super happy with their surfing. I wish the waves hadn't been so bad in the quarter that Taj fought MB. During the heat, there was sudden rain and rough weather, and I really wanted Taj to compete in the final race at Kira Point. Taji...fins that don't spare any power Slide the board and grab the rail for an air Taj like a textbook. Julian's first big turn, then a lip and a reverse, was the biggest move of the event. Heat with Joel, quarter finals. Julian is riding an FCS2 prototype JW (Julian Wilson)'s incredible slide Every part of this event has been followed by something like this... reckless. But how to control it? Unrestrained. Travis and his amazing B-side float. His signature snaps were all over the event. Brett. Very smooth and aggressive. Julian was surfing really well against Joel - he had power, speed and natural surfing talent - but Joel landed two textbook waves in that heat and there was nothing Julian could do. Cheers to Travas for a fantastic run and to Brett for starting the year off right! I'm so proud of Kolohe, who is still young (18 years old) and how he's grown in his aggressive surfing...his time is coming. == ... The second round of the RIP CURL BELLS BEACH WCT started today, and Kolohe seems to be in good form, finishing in first place after round 1! == ...
Learn moreMAYHEM presents a report from the Gold Coast, AUST.
== ... MAYHEM presents a report from the Gold Coast, AUST. == ... I've been in Australia for the past week or so. After a few days of building boards at Chile's factory in Sydney, I went to the first WCT show at Snapper. Not Sniper, for now. The rocks looked more like holes in the ocean than point breaks, so most of the heats were at Rainbow Bay. Snapper was a bit mushy, but it looked like fun. Most of the images below are provided free of charge by surfline. It started with the girls' heats. Coco Ho lost two heats (2nd place) but still had a good day of surfing. Both heats totaled 17+ points. Her forehand snap and finishing was thrilling. This strong competitor, Ho, kept going, but unfortunately her opponents rode longer and landed more lips, which cost her the total points. Check out her heat critiques from rounds 3 and 4. Amazing! Coco Ho's surfing was amazing, but she lost both heats despite scoring 17.3 and 17.33 points. Photo by ASP Kristin. On the second day of competition, Carissa Moore took it all. She performed full rail turns that even many of the young male surfers at the WQS couldn't pull off. She was riding an experimental V2-Rocket (size 5'7" 18.56" 2.18" with a super low entry and super release tail design). As Surfline headlines have it... STUNNING. Carissa Moore in a V2 "The waves on the outside are so fun. Everyone on the tour has a chance to get some good waves. I'm excited to move on to the next round. Hopefully, the waves keep coming in," said Carissa after hitting the best point of the day. Photo by ASP Hayden Smith. Maria rode her monster Tiki and looked great, but was eliminated early on. Maria Manuel made some solid turns, but was eliminated in round 3. Photo by ASP Hayden Smith. The men's heat. The waves were a little stronger, with tails flying everywhere. Taj was up first. He seemed to have decided to wait for the really good waves about halfway through the heat. He had a new board with FCS2 fins. The waves he caught were really good, and he was riding them well. However, he couldn't land the backside he caught when the wind died down. The talented pro surfer landed two waves and earned himself a ticket to Round 3. Next up was Kolohe, a 6'0 Driver equipped with FCS2 fins. His high and powerful flies (airs) attracted attention. Competing against the kings Kelly Slater and Dean Sensei, Kolohe chose good waves, controlled the heat, and surfed calmly. Kelly gradually gained points, and finally passed Kolohe at the end of the heat to take first place, as he often has done before. "On a day when the title hopefuls had odd, flat waves that only broke in certain spots, but also a lot of luck, Kelly Slater's most storied guard was there and unyielding. Kolohe Andino and Dean Reynolds' heat was the most anticipated of the day." "It's very motivating to compete against good surfers," Kelly said. "Dean's one of the best surfers out there, Kolohe's starting to come into his own, and it's the same for everyone. They're all enjoying their off-season and coming back here and competing again." The heat between Kelly/Dean/Colo was the most anticipated heat of the day. The real surprise of the day was Travas Rogers' backside attack. Travas caught two waves and smashed into them. He effortlessly executed a fast backside pull, stretching, and cutting long ride. He earned the highest total points of the round. Travis Rogers was wearing the new FCS "ORIGIN" fins. The ORIGIN system is made of faux glass. We've been working on these fins for months, and Travis' heat was the first time we saw them in public. Julian came into Round 1 with a relaxed, confident attitude. He didn't try too hard and just surfed powerfully and decisively to win. I felt he had done well in that heat, but was saving it for the heats that followed. We had shipped him eight boards in early January, but they were lost in transit. After dealing with many people and a flurry of confusing emails and phone calls, his boards were eventually found. He felt confident enough to use them in Round 1. A pink Mickey Mouse drawing by his mother for the breast cancer campaign. In the end, I couldn't find any photos, but Brett Simpson rode a 6'0 18.75 2.38 Driver to land the lip in round 1 and jump up to round 3. == ... That's it. I'll be posting the sequel on my blog, so please look forward to it! == ...
Learn moreWho's riding the ASP WT "Mayhem Board" that starts today?
Starting today! Who is riding a MAYHEM board on the ASP World Tour? It started today, ASP World Tour "2012 O'Neill Coldwater Classic" at Stamer Lane, Santa Cruz, Northern California Here are the surfers who surfed round 1 on LOST Mayhem boards. Brad Simpson "WHIPLASH-TB" Kieren Perrow, "F1-STUB" Julian Wilson "F1-STUB" Kolohe Andino "DRIVER" Taj Burrow "WHIPLASH-TB" These five people jumped up to Round 3 in first place. Taji looked as good as usual, and Kolohe's surfing was also good, perhaps having recovered from his injury. His body movements were quick and nimble and he looked to be in great shape, so I'm looking forward to tomorrow's heat! Due to the time difference, the second day is scheduled to start around 12 noon tonight. Everyone, please support us! http://www.oneill.com/cwc/
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