ASP International has initiated a new Anti-Doping Policy for the world’s best surfers which will be activated for 2012 ASP World Title season.

“This policy represents a consensus between our surfers, events and administrators in evolving the sport of surfing to a more professional level,” Richard Grellman, ASP Executive Chairman, said. “The desire to initiate this kind of policy has existed within ASP for several years now and with the approval of resource and budget allocation at the November 2011 Board Meeting, we are pleased to announce its activation. We believe this to be an important further step in enhancing professional surfing.”

The new ASP Anti-Doping Policy will apply to ASP Top 34 and ASP Top 17 members competing on the ASP World Title Series and ASP Women’s World Title Series respectively. ASP surfers played a crucial role in the initiation of this policy and are in full support of its activation.

“The men strongly support the implementation of the ASP Anti-Doping policy,” Kieren Perrow, ASP Top 34 competitor and surfers’ representative, said. “It is a positive step which enhances the professionalism of competitive surfing and sends a great message to the kids out there who look up to us as role models.”

read more at asp

Follow the link to view photos of paddleout on Surfline
http://www.surfline.com/surf-news/sean-collins-paddleout_64687/

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