- Continue Shopping
- Your Cart is Empty
Breaking Through: Maui Pro/Year-End Lakey Recap
It happens in an instant, doesn’t it?
One moment, the world’s best are dreaming of getting barreled and starting the Championship Tour in earnest. The next, it’s over, the waves subsiding and the sun setting on another season. And so it is now that the Lululemon Maui Pro—the tenth and final stop on the WSL women’s tour—has wrapped.
Of course, as the froth from the waves is whisked away by the December wind, there can be only one.
This year, that one is Carissa Moore.
Carissa Moore Secures Her Fourth World Title
It was the Australian, Stephanie Gilmore, that earned the event title at Lululemon Maui Pro after two days in Honolulu Bay (she defeated fellow Aussie, Tyler Wright, in the final with a score of 14.16 to 9.67), but make no mistake: the scene on those sands belonged to Carissa Moore.
Following the Maui Pro, the 27-year-old from Honolulu joined the elite ranks of only Lisa Andersen (USA), Wendy Botha (ZAF), Freida Zamba (USA), Layne Beachley (AUS), and Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) as a four-time WSL Women’s World Title recipient. Moore is also now Hawaii’s most successful professional surfer ever.
“I dreamed of this moment for a really long time,” continued Moore. “Each world title has been a little different and this one was definitely the hardest. Being in the Title race with Caroline and Lakey has been incredible and they’ve both really pushed me. I wouldn’t be here without my amazing support team. I felt so much love on this journey this year and it really pushed me through. This year I wanted to do things a little differently and my non-profit Moore Aloha has really given me that sense of purpose. It feels like things have come full circle and following in Duke’s footsteps in the Olympics gives me chills just to think about it. I hope to go to Tokyo and spread the aloha spirit and I’m really proud and honoured to represent the USA and in particular Hawaii.”
It’s been an incredible ride for Moore and we feel it’s a smart bet that this won’t be the last time she owns the title.
2019 WSL Championship Tour Results:
1 – Carissa Moore (HAW) 59,940 points
2 – Caroline Marks (USA) 55,454 points
3 – Lakey Peterson (USA) 55,125 points
4 – Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 49,810 points
5 – Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 48,950 points
6 – Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) 41,560 points
7 – Courtney Conlogue (USA) 41,080 points
8 – Johanne Defay (FRA) 38,085 points
9 – Malia Manuel (HAW) 35,155 points
10 – Nikki Van Dijk (AUS) 28,625 points
Lakey Peterson’s 2019 Campaign Comes to an End
It didn’t quite end how Lakey Peterson had envisioned it.
The 25-year-old Santa Barbara, CA-born pro and Blenders ambassador went into the 2019 WSL Championship Tour with her eyes on the top prize following a sensational second-place finish in 2018. And going into the Maui Pro, she was within close striking distance of first place.
A defeat in the Round of 16 to Tyler Wright (11.60 to 12.67), however, put an end to her 2019 World Title dream.
Still, Lakey landed on the CT podium for the year off the back of stellar mid-season performances. It began at Margaret River Pro in Western Australia in June, where she conquered her fear of the sharks and nabbed her first event title of the year—at a place she had never won previously.
"This event has been a hard one for me to overcome," said Peterson following her Margaret River win. "After beating Stephanie and Carissa and making it through the quarterfinals, I found some extra momentum and fire and had definitely figured it out at Main Break. Tatiana was surfing so well so a big congratulations to her.”
Her scintillating performance at Freshwater Pro at Lemoore (Cali’s Surf Ranch) in September rocketed her up the rankings—her clutch air-reverse in the Bonus Run earned her the event title over France’s Johanne Defay.
“I just can’t believe it, I feel like God was just with me on that one and I gave it everything I had,” Lakey said at Freshwater Pro. “It all just came together today and it’s super special. I want to dedicate this win to everyone who was a part of the climate strike after watching everything on TV yesterday and how much our Earth needs our help right now.”
While Lakey entered the Lululemon Maui Pro as the world’s #2, she finishes third on the podium for the year. Still, her two WSL event titles this season—including her personal breakthrough in Western Australia—gives Lakey plenty to build on in her 2020 campaign.
And damn, we can’t wait to see it all unfold. Here’s to 2020, Lakey!
Tom Schaar Honored With Forbes "30 Under 30" Sports Selection
Tom, you’ve gone and done it again.
Professional skateboarder and Blenders Brand Ambassador, Tom Schaar, is used to doing really, really amazing things at a really, really young age. So hey, we can’t sit here and tell you we’re shocked he just made the Forbes 30 Under 30 - Sports 2020 List. But are we excited and absolutely blown away?
Hell yes.
And let’s be direct: While it absolutely shouldn’t be surprising Tom made the prestigious-as-all-get-out list that “spotlights the next generation of talent,” given his gnarly list of radical early accomplishments, you gotta stop and remember—he’s only 20. A few months back, he would have been a teenager eligible to make someone’s friggin’ “20 Under 20” list, were they inclined to put it together.
So, yeah. The “30 Under 30” at age 20? Dude, Tom, you’re making garden variety overachievers look like underachievers.
Here’s a refresher on Tom’s accomplishments in case you’ve been disconnected from the world of skateboarding the last, um, nearly decade:
- The first skateboarder in history to land a 1080—the holy grail of skateboarding tricks—at the age of 12
- Repeated the 1080 feat under official competition rules in Tehachapi, California in March of 2012
- The youngest X Games gold medalist in history
- Nine-time X Games gold medalist
- The youngest Vans Pool Party champion in history
- The youngest Austin X Games “Big Air” gold medalist in history
That’s just a teaser, really. And as for the future? Well, aside from doing a bang-up job reppin’ us as part of the Blenders Athlete Entourage, in March of this year Tom was named to the inaugural USA Skateboarding Team. That means he’ll be competing in the sport’s Olympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Games.
So, so sick.
Hey, Tom, keep on doing your thing, man, and serious props for your selection to the Forbes 30 Under 30 List. We couldn’t be prouder and can scarcely wait to see what the new year holds for ya!
Pro Big Wave Surfer, Koa Rothman, Joins the Blenders Entourage
At Blenders Eyewear, we’ve always been positioned at the intersection of sport and style. Our ethos of “life in forward motion” demands that our gear must not only look good—it has to perform well, too. And with that sort of commitment, we tend to find ourselves keeping some pretty special company.
Lakey Peterson. Austin Keen. Cam Fitzpatrick. With a stable of talent like that, it’s safe to say we sincerely celebrate sport here—and that’s why we’re so stoked to welcome professional surfer Koa Rothman to our brand ambassador squad.
Born in Hawaii’s North Shore at Sunset Beach, the 26-year-old rising star seemed destined to take to the waves from the very beginning. The son of surf promoter, Eddie Rothman, and younger brother of 2015 Big Wave World Champion, Makua Rothman, Koa is bred of some of the finest surfing stock you could ask for.
Familial ties aside, it’s been Koa’s determination and sheer appreciation of the sport of big wave surfing that’s enabled him to make a name for himself.
First taking to monster surf at age 17, Koa won the Best Tube Award and the Billabong XXL Wipeout of the Year Award in 2014 at the age of 21 thanks to his performance in Teahupo’o. Since breaking through in French Polynesia, he’s been all around the world participating in the WSL Men’s Qualifying Series and filming his surfing vlog, “This Is Livin,” which documents all the adventures—and misadventures—taking place in his life between all the wicked wave wrangling in Pipe, Jaws, Mavericks, and beyond.
In his own words, Koa’s been surfing ever since he can remember, and we’d wager there’s almost no one out there today getting more barreled than this guy. He represents everything we celebrate here at Blenders and we can’t wait to see where this partnership takes us.
Welcome to the Blendz tribe, Koa!
(Be sure to follow Koa on the Gram.)
A Tribe Called Blendz: Meet Our Creative Director, Bryant
Today, we're introducing one of the primary forces behind our creative vision here at Blendz!
1. Bryant, you’re the Creative Director here at Blendz. Tell the good people what you do day-to-day that helps contribute to their experience of our brand.
Every day when I walk into Blenders, I ask myself, how can I make myself and the creative team better at their job. If it’s photography, videography, design and/or 3D, I really try to push and help the creative process along. Every day, I enjoy sitting down with each one of my teammates and try to understand what they are working on and how we can mutually push each other to a higher level.
2. You’re pretty new here. What’s surprised you most about the team and company culture at Blendz?
When I arrived at Blenders, everyone at the company was super supportive and invited me in with open arms. I’m really impressed on how the creative and marketing team came together and started bonding. Especially, when a new lead comes in and starts changing things up.
3. At one point did you first start to realize, “Yeah, you know, I’m kinda creative af.” There’s almost surely a memory from grade school or the like wherein you realized you had a penchant for this stuff.
In third grade, I started doing colouring competitions at a restaurant called Lyons. One time, we arrived for dinner and I saw my colouring example up on the “Wall of WINNERS”...That when my mom said, “Wow Bryant, you are so creative, good job!”
4. Is there a creative project you’ve worked on in your career that sticks out as being particularly challenging/rewarding?
When I worked for Bad Boy Brands, I was called to go to Cleveland, Ohio and photographed the UFC Heavyweight Champion, Stipe Miocic for his upcoming fight. Later that year, I got to photograph an MMA legend, the One FC Heavyweight Champion, Brandon Vera.
5. What would you say is your favourite aspect of living in San Diego?
The weather and the ability to be outside all year long.
6. Imagine you have your own “Freaky Friday” moment. Who are ya wanting to swap places with?
Ryan Reynolds or Dwayne “The ROCK” Johnson.
7. What’s that “bucket list” item you've got waiting?
To be in the final credits of a movie in the theatres.
8. Imagine you need a walk-up song in baseball (or a WWE ring entrance jam, take your pick). What bop are you going with?
“RETURN OF THE MAC” by Mark Morrison.
9. Scenario: You can be anything else in this world other than a Creative Director with a snap of your fingers. What’s your secret passion?
With a Thanos snap, I would love to be a DJ or a professional athlete.
Breaking Through: Championship Tour #8, Roxy/Quicksilver Pro
“A solitary surfer in the waves at Hossegor” by Valentino Funghi
It seems like just yesterday we were kicking off the World Surfing League season, but we’re already entering the twilight of the tour with only two stops remaining now that the Roxy and Quicksilver Pro France women’s and men’s events, respectively, have wrapped.
But boy, what an event it was.
The women’s side featured a clash of world #1 and #2 in the semis followed by an All-American final, while the men’s side boasted a historic first win. Let’s dive in, shall we? (Sigh… pun totally intended there.)
Women’s Side—An All-American Final
The competition in Hossegor, France delivered an All-USA final to spectators, with 27-year-old Carissa Moore of Honolulu, Hawaii taking on youth phenom, 17-year-old Caroline Marks of Melbourne Beach, Florida.
While Marks surfed fearlessly and expertly in the semis, the experience of Moore would be overwhelming in their finals bout amidst the beach break of La Graviere. The three-time world champion ruled the final over the tenacious teenager, pulling off a backhand barrel that scored a 9 from the judges and easily secured her 3rd French event title (and 23rd CT event title overall).
“It’s been a pretty special year so far,” said Moore. “This was definitely a special event, being able to share it with my husband and Mitch Ross, I have an incredible team of people behind me, my family and friends, my sponsors and the fans who were incredible.”
Prior to the all-American final, there was a titanic, much ballyhooed all-American semifinal boasting a battle of the World’s #1 and #2 women—the eventual event winner, Moore, and 25-year-old Blenders rep, Lakey Peterson of Santa Barbara, CA. Moore’s score of 9.83 in that match was too much for Lakey, however, although the latter remains in the running for the WSL crown as we enter the stretch run. She now trails Moore by 7,000 points as the world’s #2.
Men’s Side—A Historic Victory
One of the world’s best tube riders demonstrated his mastery of the waves this past week—and he chose the perfect venue for it.
Jeremy Flores of France experienced a magnificent homecoming, becoming the first French surfer to ever score a victory in Hossegor. The historic win was punctuated by a virtually perfect 9.67-scored barrel in the opening three minutes of his final, putting Brazilian Italo Ferreira in an unenviable position he was never able to recover from. The event title propels Flores to #9 overall on the Jeep Leaderboard.
“I really want to thank all the fans here on the beach,” said Flores. “You have always been there supporting me, all those years, through the highs and lows, and I honestly could never have done this without you. I’m dedicating this win to Pierre Agnes, without whom I would never be who I am today.”
Keep it with us as we follow Lakey and the rest of the world’s best as they take to Peniche, Portugal for the MEO Rip Curl Pro from Oct. 16 - 28.
A Tribe Called Blendz: Meet Our Founder/Chief Shaderator
Chase Fisher is the boss man behind Blendz. From surfing to Jerry Maguire, hear how the influences of his early years guided him to the path he's on now and helped inspire a life lived in forward motion.
Blenders: C Fish, you’re the big fish around here (wow, punz). People get that a company founder often plays a lot of different roles beyond hirings. What are some things you routinely do at Blendz that may surprise folks?
Chase: Every day presents a new challenge to barrel into here at Blendz, so I’m constantly adapting and wearing different hats. I’m working to grow the team, sure, but I’m also heavily involved in product design, marketing, partnerships, and brand direction. It’s both macro and micro.
Blenders: You got the idea for Blenders in a nightclub and, early on, sold shades out of your backpack on the beach while doubling as a surf coach. Tell us a bit about that time—the demands, the rewards, etc.
Chase: The last few years have been the most wild, demanding, beautiful ride, man. Entrepreneurship is truly the gnarliest self-discovery phase you can go through, but I wouldn't change it for anything. From slanging shades on the beach out of my backpack to now acting as a headline sponsor of huge events like SuperGirl Pro, it’s breathtaking to compare the “then” and “now.” Building a brand sometimes meant sleepless nights and barely breaking even, but Blendz is humming in the best way and we have a killer community that demands we never settle and always keep moving in forward motion.
Blenders: Starting a company is a wild thing. What aspect of this business would you say most staggered you?
Chase: Seeing how stacked the deck is against newcomers. One company owns roughly 80% of the entire market. When you’re a startup, that’s a stunning stat to think about—but it also acts as a driving force.
Blenders: Is there a role model or source of inspiration that kept you going? Like any business endeavor, for a while there, it was tough.
Chase: My best buds at Pura Vida served as an incredible source of inspiration; seeing them make things happen in the fashion space made me a believer. San Diego and its people, too, just generally—it feels like everyone is doing cool shit here, so why not join in? And then there’s my pops. Seeing his entrepreneurial spirit in action at a young age has left an indelible mark—he’s the savvy dude that saw Jerry Maguire, heard Cuba Gooding Jr. jubilantly scream, “SHOW ME THE MONEY!!,” and ran out and trademarked the phrase and made a business out of it. How dope is that?
Blenders: Of all the pro athletes and celebs that have rocked a pair of Blendz, who have you been most stoked or surprised to see do so?
Chase: Snoop Dogg’s been spotted in the early days of Blendz, hah, that was pretty crazy to see. Oh and Dwight Howard was seen last summer in some ‘Autumn Fires.’ But most recently, it’s been sick to have Lakey Peterson, Cam Fitzpatrick, Jessika Jensen, and Austin Keen officially join the team as Blendz ambassadors
Blenders: How’s that new office, chief? You recently made a big move to a fresh flagship retail location.
Chase: Yessir! The new HQ and store is SOLID! We’re building more space in the back now which should give us even more growth. We’re 3 blocks from the beach and easily accessible now. If you’re in the area, come on by!
Blenders: What’s your favorite pair (or pairs) of Blendz?
I’m on the ‘Empire Collection’ kick. These are pretty sick and different for Blendz. ‘Sundance Tawny,’ ‘Dark Brook' and ‘Primo Extremo.’
Sundance Tawny
Dark Brook
Primo Extremo
Blenders: What would you say is your favorite aspect of living in San Diego?
Chase: There are people in SD absolutely hustling but they still manage to stay chill, ya know? Ambition’s everywhere, but people are genuine. There’s just a level of authenticity that’s refreshing. And in-between the meetings and the daily grind, it’s easy to go for a surf.
Blenders: Surfing’s in your blood. What break have you always wanted to experience, and which would you say is your fav?
Fav Break - Cloudbreak at Tavarua Island Resort, Fiji. Had been a lifelong dream of mine to surf it. Can't Wait to Surf - Mentawais, Indo.
Chase: Put me in any ‘Sarah Michelle Gellar’ movie back in the late 90s or early 2000s. She was my kryptonite, especially in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. She slayed vampires and our hearts.
Blenders: Imagine you have an extra hour in your day, every day. What would you do with that time?
Chase: Hit the surf, without a doubt. Maybe also find something new to challenge myself with outside the water, too, like I did recently with boxing. Remember: Being bad at shit is the first step toward being good. Don’t be afraid to get humbled.
Blenders: So what’s next for the company, boss?
Chase: Let’s see: 1. More RADNESS. 2. New partners, new athletes. 3. More customer smiles. 4. More retail stores in more cities. 5. New steezy, off-the-charts products and categories. 2020 is going to change the damn game for Blendz. Lets Go!
A Tribe Called Blendz: Meet Our Design Dream Team
Our fam here is growing and shining brighter every month. In the last installment of our “Tribe Called Blendz” feature, you heard how our chief content coordinators, Jordan and Jayden, create such a sick sense of community around here. This time, though? It’s all about our design dream team.
Meet DK and Vanessa, the dynamic duo behind our dope designs!
DK
Blenders: DK, tell the good people out there what you do here at Blenders.
DK: I’m one of the designers here at Blenders Eyewear and it’s part of my job to help our company communicate what our brand stands for and why our products are like no other in visually, creative ways. Whether that’s through Instagram stories, new colorways for frames or even a simple bar flyer you’ll find at a local Pacific Beach bar, every design has to visually represent us so when you come in contact with it you know instantly it’s from Blendz. Designing for Blenders goes hand in hand with adapting our beliefs to my own lifestyle. We have many culture codes here, but our main one is living life in forward motion. Whether that’s doing extreme sports, traveling or just doing your best in your day-to-day activities to learn from experiences, it means bettering your craft and being the best version of yourself. We’re constantly pushing our designs, trying out new styles and pushing our visuals to keep pace with our growing company.
Blenders: Where do you find yourself pulling design inspiration from? Any particular sources?
DK: I pull a lot of inspiration from tons of different types of YouTube videos that range from music videos, travel vlogs, DIY remodels, etc. All visually, musically and intuitively inspiring.
Blenders: You get to cast yourself in any role in any film in history. Which one are ya choosing?
DK: I would want to be cast as Jordan Belfort from Wolf of Wall Street. Maybe not the most conventional way of gaining success nor the most honorable, but there’s something so captivating about someone willing to do whatever it takes to reach their goals—even if that means having to create an illegal path to reach it.
Blenders: What would you say is your favorite aspect of living in San Diego?
DK: San Diego is a large city with a small town feel. I was born and raised here so things have a familiarity to them, but because it’s constantly growing with more people moving here and new businesses popping up, things never stay stagnant. There’s just the right amount of change to keep you on your toes!
Blenders: It’s a big night out at the bar with friends. What’s your go-to karaoke bop?
DK: Boy With Luv by BTS (KPOP). I have no shame at my love for kpop. I pull a lot of design inspiration from this group, specifically! haha
Blenders: Imagine you have an extra hour in your day, every day. What would you do with that time?
DK: I would like to say I would be productive and try to pick up a new hobby, draw more, or even start working out, but realistically I probably would use it sleeping.
Blenders: What’s your favorite pair (or pairs) of Blendz?
DK: Dixieland Grand, and Nocturnal Q.
DIXIELAND GRAND
Nocturnal Q
Vanessa
Blenders: Vanessa, let everyone know what you do here at Blenders.
Vanessa: I can honestly say I dabble in a bit of everything, whether its designing some sunnies, coming up with content, or editing some imagery—call me the Blenders Bumble Bee. My main bread and butter (yum) is designing marketing assets. I would say I’m pretty instrumental when it comes to making sure Blenders is shown and represented the way it wants to be. I make sure Blenders is authentically itself in all things design, which is easy to do when you believe in the core values of the company yourself.
Blenders: Where do you find yourself pulling design inspiration from?
Vanessa: I pull inspiration from all the different shapes I find in Hot Cheetos and Chase Fisher’s outfits. JUST KIDDING! Most of my inspo comes from my Latin background, festival outfits, clothing brands, and most importantly my lava lamp.
Blenders: What would you say is your favorite aspect of living in San Diego?
Vanessa: I liked it when it was Sun Diego but recently its been Gray Diego. As cliche as it sounds my favorite place in the world is the beach and San Diego has one for all your moods and vibes.
Blenders: Imagine you have your own “Freaky Friday” moment. Who are ya wanting to swap places with?
Vanessa: There is this Weiner dog I know named Lola. She lives on a boat, travels the world.
Blenders: Craziest thing you’ve ever done?
Vanessa: Was pretty scared of heights until my best friend forced me to jump out of a plane… liked it so much I went back for my solo jump.
Blenders: You can travel back in time to any era. You a Roaring 20s kinda person? Trying to ride a dinosaur? Tell us when.
Vanessa: Hands down, without a doubt the 70s. I love their fashion and I dress like that now but with a modern spin. Also, they raged pretty hard in the 70s.
Blenders: Most cringeworthy memory from grade school?
Vanessa: WHY WOULD I TELL YOU THAT!!
Blenders: Imagine you have an extra hour in your day, every day. What would you do with that time?
Vanessa: I would treasure hunt.
Blenders: Favorite pair(s) of Blendz?
Vanessa: Whiskey Shiner, Diamond Mint, and Westside.
Whiskey Shiner
Diamond Mint
Westside
A Tribe Called Blendz: Meet Our Chief Content Coordinators
Get to know “J + J,” the crack team behind our content coordination, below:
Jordan
Blenders: Jordan, tell the good people out there what you do here at Blenders.
Jordan: I am the Content Coordinator here at Blenders! That entails finding photographers and working closely with them to produce amazing imagery for our brand to use to showcase all the great products we sell! I also do some other things when I am available, such as helping out in retail and discovering athletes! Not my job, but I love this place and I am willing to help where I can!
Blenders: Fav thing about San Diego?
Jordan: The laid-back vibe I get from everyone that lives here! Or walking down the goat trail to go surf Blacks is pretty amazing.
Blenders: What’s that “bucket list” travel destination you’ve never been to?
Jordan: I would definitely like to travel to Oz and Bali strictly for the surf. I lived in J Bay for a year and still find myself being pulled back there, too, but those are the places I haven't been that I would love to see!
Blenders: Most cringeworthy memory from grade school?
Jordan: Most cringeworthy moment in grade school would be my whole 7th and 8th grade year being the chubby kid and being called Michelin man :( but it's allllll good, I shed the baby fat!
Blenders: You’re big time (like, even bigger time than you are now) and you’ve got a red carpet affair. Who are ya showing up with in a perfect world?
Jordan: I would show up to a red carpet event with Katy Schlemmer since it was probably her production we were there to celebrate/support. **Ed. Note: Slick answer, Jordan.
Blenders: Imagine you need a walk-up song in baseball (or a WWE ring entrance jam, take your pick). What bop are you going with?
Jordan: Carry on Wayward Son solo by: Kansas. Specifically at 2min 45 seconds into the song.
Blenders: What are your Top 3 fav pairs of Blendz?
Jordan: Wild Delilah, Velvet Kay, Gold Mamba
Wild Delilah
Gold Mamba
Jayden
Blenders: Sup, Jayden. What’s your role with Blendz?
Jayden: Well, my official title is ‘Social Media Coordinator.’ Basically, I’m in charge of managing all of our social media channels which entails posting only the steeziest content, engaging with our amazing blend heads and blenderettes, and most of all creating a rad community that we’re all proud of!
Blenders: Fav thing about San Diego?
Jayden: The lifestyle. Everyone seems to enjoy life here more than anywhere else in the nation. Whether it be catching a sunset or paddling out for a surf, I just feel alive here in San Diego. I feel like I’m truly living here, not just existing. There’s a relaxed beach vibe with a perfect mix of hustle that you can’t find anywhere else.
Blenders: Your “bucket list” travel destination?
Jayden: The Philippines! I’ve spent almost half a year in Southeast Asia but never got to experience The Philippines. There are 10,000+ islands there to explore and I’ve always wanted to find a private island to chill on for a day.
Blenders: Imagine you have your own “Freaky Friday” moment. Who are ya wanting to swap places with?
Jayden: Laird Hamilton. The dude surfs 50+ foot waves with ease… Could you imagine that feeling?! I probably will never experience that in my life, so yeah, that’d be pretty epic.
Blenders: Most cringeworthy memory from grade school?
Jayden: I had a crush on this girl and tried to start a tag game with her in PE. She tagged me back and I fell and broke my wrist on the first day of 5th grade…
Blenders: Like Jordan, you’ve got a red carpet affair. Who ya taking?
Jayden: Oprah Winfrey, hands down. What a power move.
Blenders: Walk-up song in baseball/ring entrance music?
Jayden: Eye of The Tiger - Survivor
Blenders: Annnnd your Top 3 Blendz?
Jayden: Whiskey Shiner, Modern Architect, University Heights
Whiskey Shiner
University Heights
MARCH RADNESS // ASHLEY KIDD
4x World Wake Surfing Champion, Ashley Kidd, has been out there carving a legacy. From championship runs to operating her own surfboard store and bikini line, she’s absolutely been living life in forward motion.
Recently, we caught up with the Blenders Brand Ambassador for a little Q & A as part of women’s history month, wherein we talk championships, business, and style:
Blenders: What inspires you to live life in forward motion as much as possible every week?
Ashley: Life can be ended at any second so always live up to your full potential and accomplish as much as you can!
Blenders: Your first wake surfing contest was the World Wake Surfing Championship in 2010, where you nabbed second place. What did that immediate success do for your confidence?
Ashley: I actually entered that competition not knowing whether I was good at wake surfing or not so it was a huge surprise for me to be recognized and actually receive my first sponsor at that time. That first competition was the beginning of my wake surfing career from then on I went to competitions and competed in the pro level on the wake surfing circuit, so I guess you can say that competition definitely boosted my confidence and changed my life!
Blenders: You’re now a 4X World Wake Surfing Champion. What was your favorite/most memorable pro competition and why?
Ashley: My favorite competition was the World Wake Surfing Championship in Las Vegas in 2014 when I won my first World title and Female athlete of the year award. It was literally the best feeling in the world!
Blenders: How fulfilling was it to become an entrepreneur (Cheekah Bikinis)?
Ashley: Knowing that I can start a business from nothing to something great was mind blowing to me. If you set your mind to something you can accomplish everything! I actually decided to close down Cheekah Bikinis because I realized that it wasn't my passion. It was a great experience that showed me I can run a company but it also really made me appreciate wake surfing so much more!
Blenders: What’s your fav pair of Blendz?
Ashley: I absolutely LOVE the A series and the Guava Queen North Park
Blenders: Imagine you need a walk-up song in baseball (or a WWE ring entrance jam, take your pick). What bop are you going with?
Ashley: Probably “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift because I would just walk in dancing... I know it's been so over played but it literally always puts me in a good mood lol.
Blenders: What’s your spirit animal?
Ashley: An Eagle! Haha, I am a strong person but also like being laid back and want to just fly around lol.
VANS PARK SERIES AFRICAN CONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIPS: WHAT YOU MISSED
Organized by The Boardr and sponsored by Vans, the African Continental Championships park series went down this weekend in Cape Town and it gave South African hopefuls a chance to show out and earn a spot at the Park Series World Championships—and perhaps even the pro tour.
Ultimately, the Vans Park Series African Continental Championships that concluded Saturday, Sept. 15th was more than a regional showcase for local talent. It was a first-of-its-kind event in Africa that brought to life the area’s first public skate bowl. That’s the kind of sporting development we have a soft spot for, so we couldn’t help but shine a quick light on the results from this one.
VANS AFRICAN CONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIPS FAST FACTS
- All skaters must have met regional eligibility requirements
- There’s a Vans Park Series iOS app
- Skaters either went until they fell or until the 30-second timer ended
- Four runs only
- Five skater jams total, in order
- Scoring was made based on “overall impression”
- Only the top eight made it to the finals of a Jam
- The oldest participant was Brett Shaw from Durban, South Africa at the age of 45
- The youngest participant was Manoa Mayer from Cape Town, South Africa at the age of 12 (yup, 12!)
RESULTS
Competition was fierce but there could be only one. (How very Highlander of us.)
It was Yann Horowitz who came away with top honors… and if that name’s at least vaguely familiar to you, well, there’s probably a couple reasons for that.
But first, here’s how the primary results broke down:
1st Place
Yann Horowtiz, Age 27
Ranked 379th
2nd Place
Thalente Biyela, Age 25
Ranked 755th
3rd Place
Kalvyn Mac Millan, Age 29
Ranked 603rd
Repping South Africa, the 27-year-old Horowitz stole the show and looks poised to advance beyond his 379th-ranked global ranking (remember, this isn’t the pro tour). Sponsored by the likes of adidas, Stance, RVCA, and Baseline Skateshop, Horowitz isn’t your average “outside the top 300”-type competitor. An outspoken ambassador for the game, Horowitz is a riser in South Africa and a guy that’s getting his voice heard. (He also happens to be gay but prefers to be known as a great skateboarder first-and-foremost; activist second). But no matter how you do or don’t know of him, he’s someone to watch.
You can follow Yann Horowtiz on Insta, @horoblitz.
P.S. The Vans Park Series Men’s Pro tour (going up a rung!) heads to Shanghai for the 2018 World Championships on October 26th-27th. As you can imagine, we’ll have some solid coverage for all of ya!
