ESPN sits down with Steve Walden to talk about his venture into Strato-Flex boards. The photo speaks for itself.

The Strato-Flex is a series of five stringers. The middle stringer runs the length of the board, just like 99% of surfboards made. But the other four only run two-thirds to half the length of the board. This board bends like a pole dancer. Yowza!

“With thinner, lighter EPS construction, the board flex has never been as apparent. With over two inches of flex on both the tail and nose, I see the need to control the flex, as it is now effecting the integrity of the board design.

The strato controls the flex by limiting it to the nose and tail, where you want to keep some, but maintains that stiffness in the middle of the board to keep the speed and keep the water entry clean.”

Walden put the board down right in the street and stepped on it. Thing just flexed and then popped right back into shape. Now, I’ve seen this demonstration with the Firewire before, but this is a longboard, and a very high-performance longboard. Thinner boards like this do have a tendancy to snap. I’m curious to see what his team riders do with flex control and a stronger overall board.

read the whole article at espn.

Mira Loma-headquartered Active Ride Shop, which sells skateboards, snowboards and related gear at six Inland stores, is being acquired by a group of Florida-based investors for $5.2 million.

A limited liability company called Active Sports Lifestyles USA emerged as the winner among five bidders in a Tuesday auction ordered by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Riverside. Attorney Marc Winthrop, who conducted the auction, said the buyers plan to keep all of Active’s operations intact, including its Mira Loma headquarters and warehouse, as well as its 21 Southern California stores.

Clothing retailer Zumiez had expressed interest last month in buying the chain for an estimated $7.2 million but was not among the final bidders. The sale is expected to be completed by the end of the month, Winthrop said.

read the more of the story at Press Enterprise

Arthur Bourbon, who was recently hit by a car in reefs free tour campaign, signs with electric shades. (press release) –

Electric Europe is proud to announce the signing of European Sufer Arthur Bourbon to our Surf Team. Based in Anglet (France) the 21 years old surfer from French west Indies Guadeloupe, has been traveling the world the last 3 years for surfing the best spots.

For the upcoming season, Arthur will be focusing on Shooting and Filming. “ WELCOME ON THE ELECTRIC’ FAMILY ARTHUR !! “ Arthur’s others sponsors are : Reef, Dakine, Channel Islands, Future Fins.