Technical Overview: NanoTune is revolutionizing the surf industry by adding scientifically engineered, cutting edge nanotechnology to the board manufacturing process. NanoTune creates a super-hydrophobic barrier by forming a chemical bond with the rails and bottom deck of a surfboard, lowering the surface energy of the material, which in turn increases the surface tension. The combined effect is to create a clear coating that lessens drag, which leads to increased speed and manoeuvrability.

After being treated with NanoTune, tiny water droplets simply bead on the surface instead of grouping together. Surfaces that are not treated with NanoTune will allow water to spread over the surface rather than beading up, creating greater friction.

FIREWIRE factory-NanoTuned boards will arrive at retail over the next few months, featuring the NanoTune retail sticker prominently displayed on the deck of the tuned board explaining the benefits and properties of the product (see below). And FIREWIRE is not charging more for this added technology.

The super-hydrophobic NanoTune properties remain effective for approximately 2-3 months depending on usage, and the product can be reapplied in minutes in a simple 2-step application process. Over the course of the next few months NanoTune will make Re-Tuning Kits available at retail so that surfers who would like to keep their boards NanoTuned will be able to do so themselves.

Billabong International Ltd. is being eyed by several private equity firms, with one company presenting an offer of $776 million, according to a report from the Australian Financial Review. Reports say the offer is believed to have been made by US private equity giant TPG, which also owns J. Crew, Ducati, and U.S. Airways, to name a few. The company also just issued a trading halt announcement earlier today, according to its Investor Relations page. The Sydney Morning Herald reported that  Billabong had “requested a trading halt pending an announcement on the strategic capital structure review it flagged the week before Christmas when the company slashed its earnings outlook. Billabong shares are trading at literally 20 per cent of last year’s levels thanks to the downgrade making it vulnerable to corporate predators.”

The news comes on the heels of swirling rumors that Billabong CEO Derek O’Neill would be removed from the company’s board of directors, which were denied by Chairman Ted Kunkel, who said ”I categorically deny the suggestion,” according to a Sydney Morning Herald  post.

“At this stage we have not offered any comment and are unlikely to say anything until the release of our results tomorrow,” stated Billabong Australia Communications Manager John Mossup via email.

Reef just announced it has re-signed Cardiff, California’s Rob Machado, on top of welcoming paddleboard icon Jamie Mitchell to the team. Here’s the details:

Cardiff, California’s Rob Machado, 38, surfing’s longtime icon of style, re-signed a footwear deal with Reef, extending their relationship for the next three years. Machado is a traveling ambassador of the Reef Modern Gypsy lifestyle and will represent Reef’s premium leather sandal collection. In addition to re-signing Machado, Reef has also inked a footwear deal with all-round elite waterman and recent ASL/Oakley Big Wave Award recipient for Biggest Paddle in Wave, Jamie Mitchell.

Machado has been on the Reef program since 1998 and has been one of the top competitors on the world stage since the early 1990s. Machado’s long reign on the ASP World Championship Tour included a second place finish in 1995 and eight elite Word Tour victories, including the Pipeline Masters in 2000. That year he was also inducted into the Surfers Hall of Fame.

When asked about his new deal with Reef, Machado stated, “Reef has been like family over the years. I’m blessed to have such support and killer product and get to do what I love to do. I’m Looking forward to this next chapter.”