SurfAid International Celebrates 10 Years of Humanitarian Work

Humanitarian organisation SurfAid International is proud to celebrate its 10th anniversary this year after starting with a small malaria program in one village in the Mentawai Islands, off Indonesia’s Sumatran coast, in 2000.

“By living in a pilot village in the remote Mentawai Islands we soon learnt that by using drama and song we could facilitate behaviour change among the community. Within nine months we had more than 90 per cent of the village sleeping under mosquito nets,” SurfAid founder Dr Dave Jenkins said.

Over the past 10 years, SurfAid has worked in more than 300 villages in the Mentawai and Nias island chain and also more recently in Padang, the regional capital of West Sumatra, after a 7.9 magnitude earthquake struck the city last September.

The scope of SurfAid’s work has increased from malaria prevention to now include water and sanitation, disaster preparedness, and community health programs.

In 2007, SurfAid was awarded the World Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (WANGO) Humanitarian Award, after being chosen from more than 49,000 not-for-profits worldwide.

“SurfAid has always been about creating lasting change, not patch-ups which don’t work for long,” Dr Dave said.

“Although we did not appreciate it at the time, one of the best things that happened at the beginning was our complete lack of money other than what we had ourselves and through endless volunteer days and small donations from our friends and families.

“This made us study what could be the best return to our donors and clearly the science was telling us to look at some of the basic behaviours that we take for granted – breastfeeding correctly, washing hands, feeding your child some fruit and vegetables, and sleeping under a mosquito net makes a huge difference.”

SurfAid’s research shows that nearly one in 10 Mentawai children do not make it to the age of five. In industrialized countries, on average, there are six deaths for every 1,000 live births.

It was seeing the tiny graves in the village of Katiet while on a surf trip back in October 1999 that set Dr Dave on his mission to establish SurfAid.

“We were anchored off a village and I went in to have a look around. When the chief found out I was a doctor he asked me to come back and see some people. I returned with a small medical kit and 200 people were waiting.

“We had quite an emotional afternoon coming to terms with the state of health there, seeing desperate children who were sick. They had worms, were anaemic, and had pot bellies from malnutrition. One woman with pneumonia was brought to me in a wheelbarrow. She died later that night. Whole families were wasting away with pneumonia.”

Today Dr Dave is proud that SurfAid:
Has distributed nearly 60,000 specially treated mosquito nets and malaria education to more than 300 villages in some of the remotest areas in the world stretching along hundreds of kilometres of rough seas from northern Simeulue to the southern Mentawai
Has expanded from the initial malaria program to encompass hygiene, sanitation, nutrition, clean water projects, pregnancy and birthing, and immunization
Is always looking to engage communities to help themselves and build local capacity
Has responded to four large emergencies, including the Asian Tsunami, despite never being established as an emergency response organisation
Has helped communities extensively prepare for emergencies
Has defined a uniquely positive example of responsible tourism and cross cultural partnership
Is encouraging global citizenship through our schools program which is now in Australia, New Zealand and the USA. http://schools.surfaidinternational.org
Dr Dave said: “We have had incredible support from a range of individuals, the surfing industry, government aid organizations and the United Nations and we thank everyone for their support and goodwill. They have all demanded a very high degree of professionalism, commitment and transparency and we are all the better for it.

“When it comes to helping more kids not only survive but thrive and reach their potential we are unashamedly ambitious and we are now ready to take our work to more villages and new areas where there is great need,” he said.

“With your help we can wipe out millions of days of extreme childhood suffering permanently. I think contributing to that mission has to be the coolest thing anyone can do.”

You can read more about SurfAid’s programs, participate in upcoming events, and donate at www.surfaidinternational.org

World’s Best Big Wave Surfers to Compete at Todos Santos Big Wave Event

Monster Energy Drinks presents the 2010 Todos Santos Big Wave Event. This unique event will unfold in one epic day of big wave surfing in waves exceeding 30-foot face. One of the only two events ever organized, the Reef @ Todos 98, marked surfing’s history with the biggest surf ever ridden in competition. This year Rogue Wave Events will defy the logistical obstacles of producing a grandiose event in heavy sea and on a remote island, to resurrect the event at this top world big wave spot. As current Big Wave World Tour Leader and surfers representative, Greg Long mentioned, this event is sure to “become one of the greatest big wave contests”. Gary Linden, Event Director, renown big wave surfer and legendary shaper is stoked to have the event back at his local big wave spot “I love Baja and Todos, this event is 15 years in the making, thanks to Monster Energy Drinks for fueling our dream, and push big wave surfing”. The top international big wave surfers are delighted to add another big wave venue to the calendar and be able to showcase their talents. Event’s invitee and 9 times world champion Kelly Slater put it in simple words, paddling into monster waves and competing against the best big waves riders in the world “could be fun”!!

WHAT:
PADDLE-IN SURFING INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION
A BIG WAVE WORLD TOUR EVENT
$10,000 MINIMUM PRIZE MONEY

WHO:
24 OF THE BEST BIG WAVE SURFERS IN THE WORLD INCLUDING GREG LONG, PETER MEL, CARLOS BURLE, KELLY SLATER, GRANT BAKER, SHANE DORIAN, COCO NOGALES, OSCAR MONCADA, DAVID RUTHERFORD & MORE

WHERE:
MEXICO, BAJA CALIFORNIA NORTE, ENSENADA,
ISLAND OF TODOS SANTOS AT “KILLERS”

WHEN:
WAITING PERIOD FEBRUARY 1ST TO FEBRUARY 28TH 2010.
THE EVENT WILL BE HELD ON THE BIGGEST/BEST DAY OF THE WAITING PERIOD.

SWELL FORECASTING BY SURFLINE WILL ALLOW TO CALL THE EVENT 72 TO 48 HOURS IN ADVANCE.

SUPPORTED BY:
MONSTER ENERGY DRINKS, BAJA CALIFORNIA, BAJA BOUND INSURANCE, LINDEN SURFBOARDS, FUTURES FINS, SURFLINE

ORGANIZED BY: www.todossantosevent.com

Pro Surfer Heather Clark Hit by Drunk Driver, Visit jettygirl.com to Help

JettyGirl Benefit for South African Surfing Legend, Heather Clark
*Heather sustained life threatening injuries when her car was struck by a drunk driver on October 22, 2009

http://www.jettygirl.com/features/heather.clark.html

Please donate $1 (or more if you can) to our Benefit for Heather Clark
*Update for 12/17/2009 – I apologize for being out of touch. We recently moved and had a family medical situation of our own but here’s the latest. On November 9th, your first batch of donations totalling $2,760 (R19,811.23 – South African Rand) were received excitedly in South Africa. We are so thrilled to see everyone come together for such a good cause. You all far exceeded our original $1,000 goal and funds are still coming in. We will be making another wire transfer around the end of December so if you’d still like to donate, there’s still time. Drop by again soon for an update on Heather’s recovery progress.
We would like to raise $1,000 to go toward Heather’s medical expenses so we need 1,000 of our readers to open up their hearts and wallets and give one dollar each. Our goal is to wire this money to South Africa on November 1st. If you can’t give at this time but would like to leave some thoughts for Heather, please email your message to jettygirl @ boardfolio.com (remove the spaces) and we’ll post it here.

Thank you from Heather and family…
Heather and her family are very touched by the awesome love and support shown by everyone all over the world. A huge thank you to all of you who have contributed towards the fund – thank you so much!

The hospital costs are already quite formidable and they require most of the costs upfront which is a daunting prospect for the family. Heather was also supposed to have started her swimming school next week and now will not be able to do so, which means a loss of income for her. Please help where you can and spread the word – every little bit, no matter how insignificant you might think it would be, WILL help. Your contributions despite the economic recession mean a great deal to Heather and her family.

Information about Heather’s accident
On October 22, 2009, former ASP World Tour surfer Heather Clark was struck by a drunk driver in her South African homeland. Heather sustained major injuries and has already incurred substantial medical expenses. More info at Zig Zag Surf Magazine.

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS GENEROUSLY DONATED TO OUR BENEFIT FOR HEATHER CLARK

Layne Beachley
Dee Why, Sydney, Australia Kim Mayer
Santa Cruz, California Courtney Conlogue
Santa Ana, California Anthony Barbatto
Torrance, California Linda Benson
Solana Beach, California
Kate Skarratt
Tweed Heads NSW, Australia Rebecca Woods
Copacabana NSW, Australia Ian Metcalf
Aspen, Colorado Keala Kennelly
Honolulu, Hawaii Cori Schumacher
Carlsbad, California
Tamar
Tel Aviv, Israel Cher Pendarvis
San Diego, California Bettina Schnider
Winterthur, Switzerland Lacy Thompson
Cape Canaveral, Florida Michele Talbot
Vista, California
Sandy Sandino Salsman
Orange, California Natalie Quinn
Marina Del Rey, California Sunshine Makarow
Carlsbad, California Jurgen Kusel
Bournemouth, United Kingdom Leigh Hamilton
Williamsburg, Virginia
Chris Mayer
Santa Cruz, California Jacque Fait
Mission Viejo, California Scott Walter
Playa Del Rey, California Christine Kiebert-Boss
Aptos, California David Markowski
Shillington, Pennsylvania
Wendy Lee
Oxnard, California Byland Family
San Clemente, California Stacy Nalepa
Cool, California Simone Reddingius
Paia, Hawaii Jamaimah Omictin
Lakewood, New Jersey
Carole Ebel
Tustin, California Megan Carlson
San Francisco, California Susan Martin
Escondido, California Holly Stroschine
San Pedro, California Tracy Kennedy Flynn
San Francisco, California
The Artful Surfer
Water Mill, New York Wilkie McClaren
Hilo, Hawaii Matt Lindauer
Tustin, California Ann Collins
Los Osos, California Allie Smith
Brixham, Devon, United Kingdom
Casie Shore, Swim to Shore
Murrieta, California Plush Station
San Clemente, California Jim Thomas
Statesville, North Carolina John DiNardo
Brigantine, New Jersey Rob Hope
Bournemouth, United Kingdom
James Beavis
London, United Kingdom
Anna Blanchard
Saint Charles, Missouri Brian Gagliana
Roslyn, Pennsylvania Emma Smith
Brighton, E Sussex, United Kingdom Angelo Camacho
Johannesburg, South Africa
Lisa Quinn
Mission Viejo, California
Kyla Langen & Langen Family
Carlsbad, California Barry Haun
San Clemente, California Sonja Baczynski
Sherman Oaks, California Colin van Dongen
London, United Kingdom
Kamala Botha
Gainesville, Florida Bridget Austin
US Army Heather Hudson
Santa Barbara, California Georgina King
San Francisco, California Maggie & Doran Yount
San Marcos, California
Iain Platt
Haleiwa, Hawaii Dez Blanchfield
Mosman, NSW, Australia Lauren Moca
Wandsworth, United Kingdom Brian Schehr
San Clemente, California Karen van Wyk
Lincolnshire, United Kingdom
Kyle Korb
Wimbledon, London, United Kingdom Chantelle Donald
London, United Kingdom Susan Vaughan
Phoenixville, Pennsylvania Manuel Castillo
Yallingup, Western Australia Kelly Morton Photography
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Juliet McDaniel
Vernon Hills, Illinois Anne Allegretti
Santa Cruz, California Jayne O’Leary
Danvers, Massachusetts Megan Villa
San Clemente, California Steven Attwell
London, United Kingdom
Jennifer Flanigan
Encinitas, California Holly Monkman
Coolangatta, Queensland, Australia Edwin Matibag
Beaufort, North Carolina Daniel Chavez
Napa, California Spencer Skipper
Honolulu, Hawaii
Brook Meerbergen
Nantucket, Massachusetts Jeff Gray
Mary Esther, Florida Michel Schnaas
Costa Mesa, California Richard Patey
Hanalei, Hawaii Dominick Barrett
Enniscrone, Sligo, Ireland
Kaley Swift
Cardiff, California Marie Platt
Haleiwa, Hawaii Stephen Whitesell
Kailua, Hawaii Stephen Sendejas
Huntington Beach, California Francisco Maldonado
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Robert Morrell
Inman, South Carolina Robb Crowder
Santa Barbara, California Lonnie Low
Clearwater, Florida Kenny Mollica
Columbus, Ohio Douglas McBain
Carlsbad, California
Steve Whitney
San Diego, California Mark Booze
El Cajon, California Steve Rink
Fallbrook, California Jason Neal
Huntington Beach, California Rolando Lanza
Boise, Idaho
Aaron Vernet
Marina Del Rey, California Alberto Pinto Basto
Lisbon, Portugal Jeremy Styer
Oakland, California Francisco Pinheiro
Porto, Portugal Indy & Tyler Callaway
La Jolla, California
Ashley DeVore
San Francisco, California Alison Jaeger
Carlsbad, California Timothy Fields
San Diego, California Chris & Rhona Grant
Vista, California Erina Taniguchi
Japan
Paulo Heyman
Manahawkin, New Jersey Monica Briceño
Miami, Florida Erica & Felipe Becerra
Lima, Peru and La Jolla, California Rafael & Jocelyn Arancivia
Winnipeg, Canada Dylan Thomas
Princeville, Hawaii
Renee Cavalier-Fox
Summerland, California Paul Katz
Van Nuys, California Grace Park
Huntington Beach, California Ken Walker
Coronado, California

*Special THANK YOU to Darlene Conolly at Surfline, Bryan Dickerson at Surfers Village, and Jodie Cooper who made public announcements about our Heather Clark Benefit during the live feed from the Rip Curl Pro Search women’s event in Portugal.

Surftech Names Bodie Shandro Canadian Brand Manager

Surftech, the world’s largest
manufacturer of surfboards, stand up paddleboards and accessories names
Bodie Shandro, Canadian Brand Manager. Shandro’s appointment supports
Surftech’s strategy to continue to lead the rapidly growing stand up paddle
and surf markets. With 20 years of experience with such brands as O’Neill,
Rip Curl, and Oxbow, Shandro recognizes the tremendous opportunity for
Surftech from coast to coast. “In addition to a rapidly expanding core surf
market, Canada is home to as many as two million inland lakes and rivers;
SUP suddenly legitimizes the soul of surfing in all of us, regardless of how
far we live from the ocean.” says Shandro. Partnering with Kamloops based
NRI Distribution will ensure fast and cost effective deliveries and on-hand
inventory. “By appointing Bodie Shandro as Surftech’s Canadian Brand
Manager, we now have the opportunity to not only supply the overwhelming
demand for our products in Canada but to also grow the brand in that
region.” explains John Griffith, Surftech General Manager.

Surftech is the world’s largest manufacturer of surfboards boasting
proprietary technologies such as Tuflite, TL2, ULTRAFLX, Softops, Wood
Veneer and Blacktips, partnering with the most recognized shapers in the
world including, Al Merrick, Gerry Lopez, Eric Arakawa, Donald Takayama, and
Robert August. Pro surfers and watermen such as Kelly Slater, Timmy Reyes,
Laird Hamilton, Jamie Mitchell, Josh Kerr, Joel Tudor, Shane Dorian, Sepp
Bruhwiler and a huge array of world class athletes all put boards built by
Surftech under their feet.

PSM’s Client Roster to Sign Autographs at the Surf Expo

PSM and the Surf Expo will have an autograph signing during the Surf Expo on Friday January 15th at 2pm. PSM works with some of the world’s best surfers such as: Taylor Knox, Gabe Kling, Ben Bourgeois, Eric and Evan Geiselman, Brian Toth, Asher Nolan, Alek Parker, Sterling Spencer, Jesse Heilman, Travis Beckman and several others great surfers.
“We feel that having an autograph signing during the Surf Expo is a great time for shop owners and fans to meet some of the best surfers in the world and to get autographed posters for their stores”, said President of PSM’s Greg Renfroe.

Where – Surf Expo – Orlando, Florida
When – January 15, 2010 @ 2pm

Lightning Bolt to Unveil Surfboard Collection and Fall/Winter 2010/2011 Apparel Collections at ISPO

Lightning Bolt, the iconic 1970s surf brand, is set to keep the momentum from its recent USA apparel re-launch alive at the ISPO tradeshow from February 7-10, 2010 in Munich, Germany, with the very first showing of its reinvigorated surfboard collection. Original Bolt shapers, Rory Russell and Graham Smith; and surf legend from recent documentary, “Surfwise,” and Lightning Bolt USA president, Jonathan Paskowitz; along with other key brand executives, will showcase the top technical developments in the company’s surfboard collection, which has been updated for the first time in more than 30 years.

In addition to showing off the highly-anticipated new board quiver, Lightning Bolt will host buyers, media and other industry bigwigs at its 64-squaremeter booth, which will also feature the most recent apparel collections for fall/winter 2010/2011 for both Lightning Bolt, Europe, and Lightning Bolt, USA.

“After nearly a 30-year hiatus Lightning Bolt is thrilled to reintroduce the surfboard that pioneered the shortboard revolution of the 1970′s,” says TMG-SA and Lightning Bolt, Europe president, Manuel Goncalves. “Just as Pipeline served as ground zero for the high-performance Lightning Bolt boards of the OE70s, Rory gave the surf-world a sneak peak as to what the updated models are capable of doing as he was handpicked to surf in the expression session during this winter’s Pipe Masters. As surfers who still charge one of the worlds most challenging waves, Rory and Graham have used the latest shaping technologies to create a collection of boards that combine the smooth style of the OE70s with the cutting-edge performance that today’s surfers demand.”

Lightning Bolt¹s booth will be located at Hall/Booth A2.138 stop by to see the latest and greatest from Lightning Bolt.

About Lightning Bolt:
Lightning Bolt, originally founded in Hawaii in 1972 by Gerry Lopez and Jack Shipley, is a collection of men’s and women’s apparel inspired by both original and modern concepts of the world of surf. Lightning Bolt’s fashionable and functional collection offers various styles created by a young and experienced team of designers who are inspired by the true spirit of soul surfing and its riders’ lifestyle.

Portuguese textile group, TMG-SA, and surf industry veteran, Jonathan Paskowitz, have partnered to re-establish Lightning Bolt in the United States. Lightning Bolt, ³A Pure Source.² For further information, please visit www.lightningbolt-usa.com and www.lightningbolt.eu.com

ESA and TGSA Announce 2010 East Coast Scholastic Surfing Championships

It’s back, it’s on and it’s bigger than ever. Eastern Surfing Association ®, the 10,000 member governing body of amateur surfing for the East Coast of the United States founded in 1967, and Texas Gulf Surfing Association , the official member-based governing body of Texas surfing founded in 1988, today announced a joint partnership in holding the 2010 East Coast Scholastic Surfing Championships . Being held in New Smyrna Beach, Fla., from March 26-28, 2010, the event will feature surfers from the entire East Coast and Texas competing for scholarship money for their college educations, and will feature a $5,000 prize purse for the Open Shortboard division and Open Longboard division. All interested surf teams may print the personal entry form at (http://www.surfesa.org/docs/2010scholastics_personalentryform.pdf) and tag team entry form at (http://www.surfesa.org/docs/2010scholastics_teamentryform.pdf).

“In addition to giving away an unprecedented amount of money for college scholarships to winning teams and individuals, we’ve upped the ante by providing pro-am events totaling $5,000 in prize money for the East Coast’s and Texas’ best surfers,” stated Debbie Hodges, executive director of the Eastern Surfing Association (ESA). “Holding an event of this caliber, and offering the amount of prize money we are, wouldn’t be possible without the participation of TGSA and I’m proud we could come together for the best interests of the surfers in our shared geographical regions.”

Open to members and non-members of both organizations from Texas to the Great Lakes, the contest hopes to build upon the foundation of past Scholastic events with champions including the Hobgoods, four-time world champ Lisa Anderson and nine-time world champ Kelly Slater.

“Member organizations, such as ESA and TGSA, understand the importance of giving back to their community and contributing to the future of the people who shape, and will shape, our organizations for years to come. It is the best possible thing we can do,” stated Julie Doyle, president of the Texas Gulf Surfing Association (TGSA). “This is going to be the biggest, best and most widely talked about event Texas has ever produced and participated in, and holding it at a location renown for high-performance surfing and 300-plus days of contestable surf a year will guarantee a great event for everyone. Plus, nothing raises the bar of competition like scholarships and prize money. When ESA called up, TGSA jumped at the chance to be part of this new, exciting format.”

Featuring four-man computerized-scoring heats, a concert on March 26th with a free banquet bash for contestants, and an awards presentation followed by an after-party, this contest will set the benchmark for all other scholastic contests nationwide. Entrants are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible and continuously check the ESA Web site and the TGSA Web site for preferred hotel accommodations.

ABOUT EASTERN SURFING ASSOCIATION
Eastern Surfing Association (ESA), the largest amateur surfing association in the world and established in 1967, is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization, dedicated to promoting and preserving the spirit of surfing through their regional programs and through the support of 26 districts on the East Coast, Gulf Coast, Great Lakes and Puerto Rico. For more information about the ESA, please visit www.surfesa.org

Santa Barbara Surfrider Foundation’s Holiday Party Raises Over $9,000 for Gaviota Coast Preservation

The Santa Barbara Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation’s recent “Save Gaviota” Holiday Party was an overwhelming success, raising more than $9,000.00 for Gaviota Coast preservation efforts. The fundraiser, which was held on Friday, December 11, 2009 at SOhO Restaurant and Music Club, featured 1977 World Champion surfer and Santa Barbara resident Shaun Tomson as Master of Ceremonies, as well as special musical guest Todd Hannigan and the popular band “Still Time” (www.stilltimemusic.com) from San Luis Obispo.

As part of the evening, a unique silent auction featured an exceptional group of fine artists whose original work appeared on ten surfboard fins (graciously donated by Chuck Ames of True Ames Fins). Participating artists included Ned Evans, Jesse Balmer, Rob Havassy, and Rick Rietveld, along with Santa Barbara locals Ryan Moore, Larry Iwerks, Sean Kirkpatrick, Rebecca Lovejoy-Stebbins, and Robert Heeley.

In addition, original works created specially for the fundraiser by artists Nathan Paul Gibbs, Jeremy Harper, John Klippenstein, and potter Scott Chatenever were part of the silent auction, along with an iconic print of legendary Hawaiian surfer and waterman Eddie Aikau by santa Barbara photographer Dan Merkel. All artists generously donated their time and talents.

Surfrider Foundation Santa Barbara Chapter would like to thank everyone – artists, musicians, and the public – who made this event a resounding success.

For more information on the chapter’s work to preserve the Gaviota Coast – the last remaining stretch of undeveloped coastline in southern California – go to www.surfrider.org/santabarbara or savegaviota.blogspot.com

Gidget Signs On as Official Sponsor of Surfing America and the PacSun USA Surf Team

Surfing America is pleased to announce the addition of Gidget Worldwide as an Official Sponsor of Surfing America. Gidget Worldwide has committed to a multi-year agreement, providing funds to support Surfing America’s programs including the Surfing America USA Championships presented by Verizon Wireless, Surfing America Prime Surf Series and the PacSun USA Surf Team.

“We are excited to be a part of Surfing America,” said Gidget Worldwide President, Victor Valles. “Their mission of encouraging, developing, and advancing the best young surfers in this country meshes perfectly with Gidget’s. We truly want to encourage girls to live more active, confident, joyful lives. Our sponsorship of Surfing America, and other events such as the Triple Crown of Surfing Gidget Pro Sunset Beach, Western Surfing Association and Professional Longboard Association, help an entirely new generation of young women and girls to experience the wholesome fun that Gidget stood for way back when, right now in the 21st century.”

The partnership with Gidget Worldwide includes a presence at the 9 Surfing America Prime events nationwide and at the Surfing America USA Championships presented by Verizon Wireless in June 2010. “We are stoked that Gidget has stepped in to support the girls,” said Surfing America Prime Series Director Greg Cruse, “They are active participants in our events, handing out swag and making pancakes. They bring a great vibe to our events.”

“We are very pleased to have Gidget’s support,” said Surfing America Executive Director Mike Gerard, “The brand projects wholesome values in line with Surfing America’s Mission; and their commitment to supporting the girls in action sports is impressive. Gidget’s addition to the Surfing America family is a perfect and welcome fit.”

Sitka Opens Doors To New Vancouver Flagship Store

SITKA is pleased to announce that the doors to their Vancouver Flagship Store opened on Tuesday December 1. The 1864 West 4th location greeted anxious supporters of the brand and curious passerby’s alike.

The 2000 square foot store is made partially from the Rainforest Alliance’s Certified Smart Wood and partially from salvaged or used wood, and is garnished with a living wall outside that was designed by Paradise Cityscapes Landscapes and Greenroof Construction. Owners, Rene Gauthier and Andrew Paine, were excited to see their latest endeavour begin operations, but not near as excited as supporters were for the grand opening party.

Thursday December 3rd was the store’s hard opening, and the grand opening party was a success as friends, industry folk and members of the media arrived to share in the celebrations.

In true SITKA fashion, members of the local community were invited to contribute. Music was provided by DJ Jon Marshall and up-and-coming musical act, Topless Gay Love Tekkno Party. SITKA contributing artist, Ben Frey, also opened his art exhibit, Unnecessary Mountain, in the location’s aptly named Spruce Art Gallery. The party was catered by the Noodle Box, which is located right across the street, while beverages were provided by Barefoot Wines of Vancouver, Brew Works of Victoria and Pilsner.

The SITKA Vancouver location will continue to support local Vancouverites as the store grows to be a part of the community. SITKA will continue to host art openings for local artists, donate product to school groups and charities and do what they can to support the Vancouver chapter of the Surfrider foundation, whose president accepted the Store Manager position at the new Vancouver Store. Starting this week, SITKA will begin their annual food drive for the Mustard Seed in Victoria and for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank.

About SITKA Surfboard Corp.
SITKA was born from the west coast of Canada where the mighty Sitka Spruce calls home. Like the Sitka Spruce gravitates to the ocean and flourishes, so too does the SITKA Brand. We are a brand of like-minded individuals that are inspired by the ocean and its surrounding environment. SITKA collaborates with artists, surfers, skaters and all those that share the same passions to produce an active lifestyle brand that is true to our “roots”. The majority of our garments use organic cottons and a selection are produced using bamboo as sustainability and fair-practice are two of the cornerstones of our business beliefs.

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