Two world-renowned powerhouses join forces to develop a line of wetsuits, rash guards, skins and other products for the active lifestyle.

Redondo Beach, CA – October 19, 2011 – Two names that inspire. Two names that are synonymous with ocean adventure and protection of the environment. Jean-Michel Cousteau and Body Glove International announce a new line of wetsuits, rash guards, skins and other active lifestyle products that unite the distinctive designs and colors made famous by Jean-Michel Cousteau with the superior quality and global brand recognition of Body Glove. A percentage of the sale of each Jean-Michel Cousteau Body Glove wetsuit and other products will go to preserve and protect the oceans through the vital work of Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society.

“Body Glove is honored to be launching a new and vibrant line of wetsuits and other aquatics products with Jean-Michel Cousteau,” said Russ Lesser, President of Body Glove International. “Body Glove and Jean-Michel Cousteau share a unique intertwined history. For sixty years Jean-Michel Cousteau and his family and three generations of the Meistrell family, founders of Body Glove, have independently been dedicated to preserving and protecting the oceans. Together we will be able to provide the gear necessary to allow safe and comfortable access to the water. Body Glove is especially excited to develop products with Jean-Michel Cousteau to build upon this shared legacy and to benefit a cause as vital as the Ocean Futures Society.”

The village of Ericeira, mailand Portugal, is now officially a World Surfing Reserve (WSR), becoming the second WSR overall and the first in Europe.

The Ericeira World Surfing Reserve was officially endorsed on October 14 by Portuguese President Aníbal Cavaco Silva and was acknowledged in the Portuguese National Assembly.

The President acknowledged the significance of preserving the surfing coastline for not only the thousands of Portuguese surfers, but also for the vitality of Portugal’s economy, the health of the coastal and marine environment, and maintaining a high quality of life for residents.

“When we talk of surfing at our beaches, we are talking about much more than a sport: we are evoking a lifestyle and a relationship with the sea that is very Portuguese, a relationship that is natural and ancestral,” the President stated. “The designation of Ericeira as a World Surfing Reserve should serve as an example to stimulate everyone to aspire to a more environmentally healthy country with an excellent standard of living.” He said.

Sportswear brand Nike have pulled out of a major sponsorship deal with surfing champion Charly Martin after he was caught in possession of a knife.

Martin, who is currently ranked as the third best surfer in the world, was fined £500 in Wick after he was stopped carrying a 4.5 inch cutlery knife.

Following the affair a Nike spokeswoman said: “Nike has ended its sponsorship of Charles Martin as a result of his recent conviction. We have no further comment.”

The star had set himself a goal of attaining “more maturity for myself and my surfing” during the 2010 season.

Martin has also secured sponsorship deals with Oakley sunglasses and surf wear label O’Neill.