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I never watch Fox News because it usually sucks—and because I gave up TV three years ago—but I did tune in to Good Day L.A. this morning after hearing that L*Space Founder Monica Wise was being featured on the show. You may remember reading about L*Space here on twsbiz.com not too long ago. Seeing the growth potential of the brand, Wise recently decided to sell 70% of the business to C&C Partners. C&C has worked with brands like Sanuk, Rusty, Gotcha, and Redsand over the past few decades, and says it is planning to “make a substantial investment into the development of the brand.” We’re happy to see that L*Space—and it’s beautiful models—got some tube time.

West Lebanon, NH: Nitro Snowboards today announced it has promoted Seth Quackenbush to the role of National Sales Director for Nitro USA.

“When I first met Seth, I was genuinely impressed with his in-depth product and market knowledge,” Said Co Owner and Founder of Nitro Snowboards Thomas Delago. “After working with Seth over the past few months, he has greatly contributed to the improvement of our sales force and future product lines and marketing strategies.” Delago went on to say: “Seth is a great asset to our world-wide team of highly talented and motivated professionals and in his new role as the National Sales Director for Nitro USA will help lead Nitro to the next level.”

Quackenbush has served as Nitro USA’s Sales Manager since November of 2007. Previously he worked as the Sales Coordinator for Ride Snowboards in Seattle WA. In his new role Seth will continue to oversee the Nitro USA Sales Reps and will now be charged with developing all strategic sales plans for Nitro, Raiden and L1.

“I could not have found a better home than I have with Nitro” Stated Quackenbush. “Nitro is a truly authentic snowboard company with a rich heritage that comes with being committed solely to snowboarding for over 19 years. I look forward to my increased responsibilities and supporting our wide dealer base and talented rep force to help Nitro realize its full potential.”

“Seth’s is already surpassing our expectations with his passion and commitment to make positive changes for Nitro,” Said Sepp Ardelt, Co Owner and Founder of Nitro Snowboards with Delago. “He has demonstrated great leadership and insight earning him the respect of his colleagues, both with the US sales force and design teams, as well as on an international level. We are stoked to have Seth on board and look forward to his future efforts.”

About Nitro Snowboards

Nitro Snowboards was founded by Thomas Delago and Sepp Ardelt in 1989 in Seattle WA. Since its inception Nitro has been committed solely to snowboarding and has strived to represent true snowboarders through its renowned quality, innovative products and trend setting imagery. In 2004 Nitro expanded its product offerings by creating Raiden Bindings and later L1 Premium Outerwear for those who are committed to riding. For more information on Nitro Snowboards please visit Nitrousa.com

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE - ALISO VIEJO, Calif. (May 5, 2008) – SIMA is proud to announce two exciting changes to the 2008 SIMA Image Awards ceremony. The ceremony will mark the unveiling of new handcrafted trophies, as well as welcome FUEL TV’s Pat Parnell as the official ceremony host. The 6th annual awards ceremony is scheduled for Friday, May 16, during Surf Summit 11 in Los Cabos, Mexico.

In striving to develop a unique trophy that would become the known as the iconic statue associated with the Image Awards, SIMA put out a call to various surf industry designers looking for original trophy ideas. After reviewing the proposals drafted by several designers, SIMA selected a ‘cubistic wave’ trophy design by Steve Fawley. The final piece is being handcrafted out of bamboo. A photo of the new trophy is attached.

“My love for the ocean, surfing, art and cubism is what inspired me to create this image,” said Fawley. “I wanted to create something unique, with meaning behind it, that represented the surf industry. The concept revolves around the wave – the foundation for our industry. The wave is executed in a cubistic style; as cubism revolutionized the 20th century culture, surfing has revolutionized the 21st century culture. On top of that, these trophies are awarded to brands and products that have revolutionized our industry. I am stoked to see everyone’s reaction to the trophies as I’m so honored to have been the artist to create this iconic image for SIMA.”

In addition, Fawley was inspired to create a more eco-friendly trophy. Each trophy has been meticulously handcrafted out of bamboo by Ben Wilko. An Aussie native and friend of Fawley, Wilko has been a carpenter for 10 years. Like Fawley, Wilko also has a passion for the ocean and surfing that connected him to this project. A big-wave surfer, Wilko has spent the past three winters on the North Shore and is a Waimea regular who is currently training to get ready for the winter big-wave season. SIMA was stoked to bring another surfer into the project.

“I have a passion for woodworking and love a challenge,” said Wilko. “When Steve brought me the design, some building friends of mine questioned if the trophy could be done in wood. After I made a mock-up I found it was possible – difficult, but possible. The 15 sculptures have over two thousand individual cuts and angles that made for a very time and labor intensive project, not to mention the sanding and finishing. I am stoked on the finished product and stoked to have collaborated with such a talented artist as Steve Fawley.”

The awards ceremony itself will be taken up a notch with the addition of FUEL TV’s Pat Parnell as the official host for the evening. Parnell is the host of FUEL TV’s “Daily Habit” and is a well-known action sports industry and television personality with a long list of hosting credits to his name. He has served as the play-by-play commentator for snowboarding during NBC’s Olympic coverage of the 2002 and 2006 games, and has been seen hosting a variety of action sports contests and shows including the Dew Action Sports Tour, the U.S. Open of Snowboarding, the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing events, ASP World Championship Tour events, and the MTV Sports and Music Festival.

“Hosting is one thing,” says Parnell. “Hosting an awards show in front of industry executives with an open bar on the beach is something entirely different. Obviously, I’m stoked. Besides, surfing Zippers with half of Orange County will be an honor.”

The SIMA Image Awards is the only awards program that gives the surf industry the opportunity to recognize fellow surf industry companies for their outstanding contributions to the industry. The goal of the program is to identify the surf industry’s most influential companies and recognize them for their efforts to advance and grow the industry over the past year. Look for winners to be announced after the May 16 ceremony.

The Surf Industry Manufacturers Association (SIMA) is the official working trade association of more than 300 surf industry suppliers. Founded in 1989, SIMA is a non-profit organization that serves to promote awareness of the surf industry and participation in the sport of surfing through public relations efforts and a variety of services, educational programs and research. In addition, SIMA actively supports oceanic environmental efforts through its 501(c)(3) charitable environmental foundation, the SIMA Environmental Fund. In the past 18 years, SIMA’s Environmental Fund has raised more than $4 million for environmental groups seeking to protect the world’s oceans, beaches and waves.

On April 24th more than a hundred representatives from 63 companies converged on Livigno, Italy for the fourth annual Boardsport SOURCE European Snowboarding Industry Forum. The four day conference hosted by SOURCE, Europe’s snow, surf, and skate industry mag, consisted of numerous forums and workshops to educate and debate the largest issues facing the market today.

The scene outside the conference center. Euros definitely know their way around an ashtray.

The biggest news of the conference, which was consistent with everyone’s gut check, was that European snowboard hardgood sales were down five percent on the year after dropping 11 percent last year. These grim numbers set the stage for virtually all conversations, but instead of a mood of doom and gloom, most in attendance used this as a spring board for the need to focus on breathing new life into a sport that is being eclipsed by the hype of freeskiing on the winter sports scene, as well as a number of new competitors for kids’ attention from video games to Facebook. The general consensus is that the snowboarding industry needs to focus on generating new buzz through different contest mediums and exposure channels, as the sport’s image and growth are both currently stagnant.

On more of a silver lining theme, the numbers and the proverbial gut check show that the European market is booming in the ex-Soviet-bloc countries. Russia for example was up more than 45 percent in hardgood sales on the season. While these markets are currently small, there is a big push being made on improving infrastructure there to help capitalize on the buzz of snowsports, insane terrain, and an emerging middle class. “We have seen Eastern Europe quickly become the largest immediate growth opportunity for our snow program,” says Vans Snowboard Category Director Jared Bevens.

One of the best ways to increase coverage and awareness of the sport is through interesting contest formats that draw media attention. Reto Lamm, President of TTR was on hand to discuss his goals for driving momentum and business back into the sport and bringing a consistency for competition and ranking across the world scene. The World Snowboarding Federation and Eurosima Mountain Division were also there to share their visions of unifying the sport and driving FIS out.

Remi Forsans of EuroSIMA and SOURCE presented the grim numbers from his European retailer survey, which most took as a call to action to safeguard the future of the sport. Remi was joined by SIA’s Dave Wray who ran down the preliminary US sales figures through February. Stay tuned to Transworld Business for a full report once March data is in.

Snowboarding legend and agent for jibbers such as Danny Kass, Bob Klein co-led a seminar on athlete management. Bob directed his remarks to the marketers out there, urging them to partner with athletes in creating advertising to increase creativity and keep brands tied to mountain culture. Bob also presented an interesting case study on Grenade and the power of guerrilla marketing.

Kristoffer Hansson of INC Action Sports Managment, which represents riders like Hampus Mosesson and Johan Olofsson gave his perspective on the importance of agents in providing a bridge between companies and talent. On top of Livigno, its good to have a sense of perspective.

Freeriding is a huge segment of the European market, and with the terrain there it’s definitely a whole different animal than freestyle. While handrails and other pure “freestyle” is definitely respected, many freeriders see the vast amount of media coverage that urban riding is getting in Europe as one of the problems leading to the woes of the industry from a diversity standpoint. Serge Dupraz knows a bit about freeriding and was on hand to promote his D1 sticks. Shaped similar to a fish, the boards are designed for powder but let you lay down some serious alpine turns on the piste.

One of the most important aspects of the forum is the opportunity to network with riders from other companies in a setting that sets competition aside and allows participants to focus on common issues, share ideas, and plot a course for the future. This year’s forum featured a number of work groups that spawned discussion throughout the four day event and spurred a ton of talk about carrying the torch throughout the year and creating industry wide initiatives around issues such as making the sport a green leader, managing internet sales, improving awareness of the sport, and creating more exciting contests. Forums and meetings generally bring people together and get them amped, the challenge is keeping this type of camaraderie and shared mission throughout the year.

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE - ALISO VIEJO, Calif. (May 1, 2008) - The Surf Industry Manufacturers Association (SIMA) announces the newly elected and appointed Board Members for 2008. Elections are held each year, with half of the SIMA Board of Directors and Advisory Board positions open for election/appointment from year to year. The terms of the newly elected and appointed positions run from April 2008 through April 2010.

Chad DiNenna, Co-Founder and Director of Marketing for Nixon, has been elected as Vice President of SIMA. Former Vice President, Paul Naude, CEO of Billabong USA, moved to the Senior Advisory Board and will continue to be influential in SIMA as the Chairman of the SIMA Environmental Fund and by remaining active in other committees. Greg Macias, Vice President of Marketing for Quiksilver, continues to serve on the SIMA Board of Directors and has been elected as the Secretary of SIMA. Joel Cooper, CEO of Lost International, was elected to continue his position as SIMA Treasurer, and Dick Baker will now serve as Chairman Emeritus.

“It’s an honor to have been selected for this role,” said Chad DiNenna on being elected as SIMA Vice President. “Our industry is made up of so many talented individuals. I still have a lot to learn, and through this learning I am confident I can bring relevant material to the SIMA table that reflects the needs and wants of the industry.”

There are three new faces in the overall SIMA line up. Mark Price, President of Firewire Surfboards, will begin with SIMA as an elected member of the Board of Directors. Jesse Faen, CEO of Insight, and Mark Tinkess, Executive Vice President of Von Zipper, will join SIMA for the first time as members of the Advisory Board.

“I’ve watched SIMA go from strength to strength and it is a force within the industry, initiating and influencing a wide range of issues,” said Mark Price on being elected to the Board of Directors. “I’m excited about the opportunity to play a role in SIMA’s ongoing success.”

Other moves include Bruce Beach, Co-President and CEO of Electric, and Candy Harris, Billabong USA’s Women’s Brand Director, transitioning from the SIMA Advisory Board to elected positions on the SIMA Board of Directors.

“Nominating new officers, directors, and advisory board members with fresh blood and an unbiased dedication to the surf industry were top priorities for the Board of Directors and SIMA Nominating Committee,” said SIMA Executive Director, Sean Smith. “Regarding the new SIMA officers, Chad and Greg will bring great new perspectives and Dick and Joel will be able to use their seasoned experience to mentor them into their new roles – creating the perfect balance.”

SIMA’s Board of Directors and Nominating Committee elect and appoint candidates based on their individual commitment to devote time to serving on committees, attending the monthly meetings, and overall contribution – as opposed to the company they work for. Members of the Board of Directors and Advisory Boards must belong to a regular SIMA member company and be able to put aside the interests of their own company to do what is best for the surf industry and SIMA. With that in mind, members of SIMA’s Board of Directors and Advisory Boards represent a well-balanced array of companies and product categories, from footwear manufacturers to board builders.

Following the 2008 election, the efforts of SIMA are guided by a 13-member Board of Directors. The Board of Directors has appointed seven non-voting Senior Advisory Board members and 17 non-voting Advisory Board members.

For media inquiries and a complete list of the Board of Directors and Advisory Boards, please contact Mandy Johnson at mandy@sima.com or 949.366.1164 x7.

The Surf Industry Manufacturers Association (SIMA) is the official working trade association of more than 300 surf industry suppliers. Founded in 1989, SIMA is a non-profit organization that serves to promote awareness of the surf industry and participation in the sport of surfing through public relations efforts and a variety of services, educational programs and research. In addition, SIMA actively supports oceanic environmental efforts through its 501(c)(3) charitable environmental foundation, the SIMA Environmental Fund. In the past 18 years, SIMA’s Environmental Fund has raised more than $4 million for environmental groups seeking to protect the world’s oceans, beaches and waves.

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE - May 5, 2008 (Aspen/Snowmass, Colo.) – The Environment Foundation donated $90,000 to 13 projects protecting the environmental quality of the Roaring Fork Valley (and beyond) as part of its spring grant-making cycle. Since its inception, the foundation has donated more than $1.2 million to almost 250 projects. The foundation is funded by Aspen Skiing Company employee contributions with substantial support from the Aspen Community Foundation  and the Aspen Skiing Company Family Fund.

This spring, the foundation partnered with X Games Environmentality to fund a 5.4 kW solar array atop the roof of Solara Preschool  in nearby El Jebel, Colorado. The high profile location showcases the beauty and simplicity of renewable energy systems to thousands of drivers commuting along Highway 82 each day. In addition, the system will provide 60 percent of the school’s electricity and reduce carbon emissions that would have resulted from using non-renewable energy sources, primarily coal, by more than 500,000 pounds. To install this system, X Games Environmentality donated $15,000 and the Environment Foundation donated $13,000.

In the four months since the foundation last made grants, Aspen Skiing Company employees donated $37,000. The Aspen Community Foundation and the Aspen Skiing Company Family Fund subsequently matched these funds. The 15-member board of directors, made up of Aspen Skiing Company employees, determines which qualified applicants receive a grant. Funded projects represent a broad range of environmental issues facing the Roaring Fork Valley:

Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers  coordinates volunteer projects throughout the valley, as well as from Glenwood Springs to Rifle. They received $9,000 to support their slate of summer 2008 projects including work on the Maroon Lake, Arbaney-Kittle and Wulfsohn Mountain Park trails.

Western Resource Advocates received a $10,000 grant to conduct an analysis of the impacts of commercial scale oil shale leasing on all western slope water resources.

Roaring Fork School District  launched an energy committee to implement energy saving projects throughout its facilities to address rising energy costs and a desire to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. The Environment Foundation provided $1,100 to provide a stipend to a staff person to coordinate this effort.

Solara Preschool serves many valley youth and their families providing critical day care and after school care while seeking to expose every child to environmentally conscious living outside their home. To support this mission the Environment Foundation, in conjunction with X Games Environmentality, provided $28,000 to support installation of a 5.4 kW solar system.

The Aspen Center for Environmental Studies <http://www.aspennature.org/> provides environmental education programming for more than 86,000 Roaring Fork Valley residents and visitors annually. They received $8,000 to support staff salaries and other general operating costs.

Western Colorado Congress (WCC) <http://wccongress.org/> seeks to empower residents throughout the western slope to protect the environment and their homes in the face of outside development pressures. They received $10,000 to support development of their Quarter Century Fund, a reserve fund available when other funding has been committed but not received and to fund urgent non-budgeted policy actions.

Colorado Fourteeners Initiative <http://www.14ers.org/> works to reduce the impacts of climbing Colorado’s fourteeners through the development of improved trail networks and maintenance of existing trails. They received $4,000 to develop a Roaring Fork Valley based peak ranger program that will adopt the newly completed Pyramid Peak trail.

Rocky Mountain Climate Organization (RMCO)  developed the Colorado Climate Action Plan, the only privately funded statewide plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions developed in the nation. A $10,000 grant was awarded to RMCO to support development of a statewide coalition of nonprofit, for-profit and government entities to advocate on behalf of adoption of elements of the Colorado Climate Action Plan.

Waldorf School of the Roaring Fork seeks to graduate lifelong learners who give purpose and direction to their lives and communities. They are creating an organic vegetable garden on campus with the help of a $3,000 grant.

Wilderness Workshop and the Colorado Mountain Club are collaborating on the Hidden Gems Wilderness campaign to add more than 600,000 acres to the already designated wilderness of the White River National Forest. They received a $10,000 grant to support this campaign.

Roaring Fork Mountain Bike Association  is a newly formed organization that seeks to create a valley-wide mountain bike trails plan and serve as the voice for the mountain biking community as public land use decisions are debated. To support their formation the Environment Foundation provided a grant of $4,000.

The Town of New Castle  recently adopted a more stringent building code. In order to explore the impact of the revised code on the energy consumption of a home the town received a $3,000 grant to conduct energy audits of two houses built before the new code was enacted and an audit on the same model homes built under the new, more stringent code.

Habitat for Humanity of the Roaring Fork Valley is developing a store to sell lightly used items being removed during home renovations or demolitions. The revenue collected is used to support Habitat’s mission to build affordable housing for valley residents. To support continued development of this store a $5,000 grant was provided.

The employee-funded, -founded and -directed Environment Foundation has awarded more than $1.2 million to almost 250 diverse local environmental projects since its inception in December 1997. More than 1800 employees per year contribute to the foundation directly from their paychecks. The Aspen Skiing Company Family Fund and the Aspen Community Foundation matches all donations. For additional information about the Environment Foundation visit  www.aspensnowmass.com.

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE - Kfive boardshops, along with co-sponsors TW Surf, Lost Enterprises, Dakine, DVS, and Von Zipper, are proud to announce the K5 Pro/Am Surf Klassic.

“We are stoked to bring a grassroots surf event like this to Encinitas,” said contest organizer Jeremy Cannon. “This contest has great prize money, a format that favors progressive surfing, and the fact that 100 percent of the entry fees go to the local Boys and Girls Club, makes this event truly special.”

The K5 Surf Klassic is on the Memorial Day weekend, Sat. May 24th. Contest registration begins today! Go to to check out all the details.