We’ve been anxiously awaiting seeing Lib Tech’s new surf line in the flesh since we started hearing about them from Lib Tech Founders Mike Olson and Pete Saari last year. The wait was finally over at this year’s SIA Snow Show, where Lib Tech gave the industry its first look at the boards and their revolutionary new design.

“Every material in these has never been used in a surf or snowboard before, except for the [fin] screws,” says Olson of the boards. Olson began shaping surf boards in the early 80s and actually funded the launch of Lib Tech snowboards with his efforts. “It has been a dream forever to bring surf back in the mix,” he says.

The line includes three different series with 14 distinct shapes, all of which include grab rails, honeycomb construction, rubberized elastomer sidewalls, and concave tops. They also feature a non-absorptive foam, so even if you get a ding you don’t have to get out of the water. That said, following two years of protos being ridden around the world, dropped on rock beaches, and other pummeling conditions, riders have only been able to get two dings. Lib’s calling the boards “2D to D” or Dang Difficult to Ding.

As with all its other products, Olson and his crew have focused on the environmental impacts of the boards, as well as their toxicity for the shapers, and the lay-up process uses no brushes or sand paper. The honeycomb weave you can see on the boards is the result of a process called Isotropic Fusion, a one-step reaction that bonds all of the board’s materials incredibly fast. ”You can make a board at six in the morning and surf it by noon,” adds Olson. The honey comb construction also adds strength to the boards, whose flex Olson describes simply as “awesome.”

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The largest event since 2005, Surf Expo in Orlando, Florida, attracts thousands of retailers, exhibitors and media from all over the world to view the upcoming collections and new releases of board sport and action sport innovations.

Retailers are returning to business and brands are filling orders following Surf Expo’s largest event since 2005. More than 14,000 retailers, exhibitors and media from around the globe traveled to Orlando, FL for Surf Expo, the global boardsports and beach lifestyle trade show. The event took place January 12-14 and offered buyers a chance to preview summer and fall 2012 lines and write orders with more than 2,500 brands. All 240,000 square feet of Surf Expo’s floor space was accounted for during the sold-out show, as brands continued to search for more room right up to the last minute.

“Our show was bursting at the seams with exhibitors and buyers – all in a positive mood and doing business on the floor,” says Roy Turner, Show Director for Surf Expo. “From the minute we opened the doors until the show closing, there was an energy that I haven’t seen in years. The positive vibe at Surf Expo shows an industry headed in the right direction as it continues to rebound after the recession.”

Orlando continues to prove itself convenient to buyers from across the U.S., the Caribbean, Canada, Latin America and Europe. A small sampling of the 7,000 storefronts in attendance includes Amazon.com, Target, Archies (Canada), Red Sail (Caribbean), Moosejaw, Glick’s, Palace Entertainment (water and amusement parks), Bells, Hanger 94, Emerald City, 17th Street, Jack’s and the Frog House.

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Rip Curl and Skullcandy have teamed up to rally around mutual teamrider and 2x ASP World Champion, Mick Fanning, to launch the first Signature Audio-Enabled Hoodie, boasting two removable speakers in the hood. The hoodie, designed and developed from start to finish with Mick’s input, is a lightweight fleece with an MP3 player pocket plug-in, and is a true reflection of Mick’s taste.

“Being able to work with my different sponsors to collaborate around a unique product to the market has been really exciting,” Fanning said regarding the collaboration. “I hope people dig the hoodie and dial in a good soundtrack for while they wear it!”

The campaign was shot on location in New York City by Steve Sherman this past September amidst the packed streets near Times Square. The video and full photo gallery can be viewed on the product website : www.ripcurl.com/fanningcollab

The official product launch party ensued the night of November 3 at John Colins Lounge in conjunction with the 2011 Rip Curl Pro Search Somewhere in San Francisco. Retailers, media, VIPs, and ASP World Tour surfers alike congregated to have some drinks, hit the dance floor, and support Mick with the launch of this collaboration.

The signature hoodie is available at limited specialty retailers nationwide, and more information is available at both www.ripcurl.com/fanningcollab and www.skullcandy.com/fanningcollab

original story from ripcurl