The Xcel Supertubes Showdown is getting ready for its inaugural contest, with a full invite-only lineup and heat draw to be announced June 3 at the contest’s opening event.

With a waiting period of June 5 -21 at Jeffreys Bay, 16 invited local and Supers experts will compete for an enticing first-place prize of entry into the Von Zipper Wildcard Trials, yielding 3 slots into the main event of the Billabong Pro Jeffrey’s Bay WCT event.

Final selection of invitees and heat draws will be announced June 3 at the opening function (The Mexican Restaurant, J-Bay).

This 1-day contest will consist of four heats and a four-man final. The event is presented by Xcel and sponsored by DaKine, Von Zipper, Red Bull, Billabong, Nixon, and Sector 9.

For more information on the Supertubes Showdown opening event, please visit http://www.xcelwetsuits.com/

Paddle Outs

SIMA & friends of Dick Baker host memorial paddle out

The SIMA and surf industry families are deeply saddened by the recent passing of SIMA’s longtime president, leader and guiding light, Dick Baker, after his two-year battle with cancer. The family appreciates the outpouring of love and support that have been expressed.  A public Paddle Out has been planned in Dick’s honor.  Please find the details below:

PADDLE OUT SERVICE IN MEMORY OF DICK BAKER

WHEN:
Sunday, May 31 –  3:00 p.m.

WHERE:
Doheny State Park
Picnic Areas A and B (map attached)

The service will begin in Picnic Area A and will include a traditional Paddle Out service in the water. Following the service, attendees are invited to surf Doheny and picnic in areas A and B, which are covered. Please bring your own beverages and food. Hawaiian singers and musicians will entertain. Festivities will continue until approximately two hours after the Paddle Out concludes.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS:
From San Diego:
I-5 North to Beach Cities exit
Once on exit ramp, bear left to Pacific Coast Highway North to Dana Point
Turn left at Dana Point Harbour Drive and make first left into Doheny State Park.  Ranger will provide directions.

From Orange County:
I-5 South exit Pacific Coast Highway North to Dana Point
Turn left at Dana Point Harbour Drive and make first left into Doheny State Park.  Ranger will provide directions.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS:
Parking on-site, and we suggest arriving early. San Onofre and California State Park parking passes are accepted, otherwise there is a standard parking fee of $10.  Please bring your own surfboard, towel, wetsuit (water temp approx 65 degrees), cooler and drinks (alcohol permitted).  Flowers will be provided for Paddle Out participants.

SENDING CONDOLENCES TO THE BAKER FAMILY:
In lieu of flowers, the Baker family appreciates any donations to be made to one of the following foundations in Dick’s honor:

•   SIMA Environmental Fund  http://www.sima.com/charitable-funds/environmental-fund.aspx
Checks should be made payable to the SIMA Environmental Fund and mailed to:
SIMA Environmental Fund – Dick Baker Remembrance
8 Argonaut, Ste. 170, Aliso Viejo, CA  92656

•  SIMA Humanitarian Fund http://www.sima.com/charitable-funds/humanitarian-fund.aspx
Checks should be made payable to the SIMA Humanitarian Fund and mailed to:
SIMA Humanitarian Fund – Dick Baker Remembrance
8 Argonaut, Ste. 170, Aliso Viejo, CA  92656

•   The San Clemente Educational Foundation
Donate online using the link above, or checks should be made payable to San Clemente Educational Foundation and mailed to:
San Clemente High School
P.O. Box 4538, San Clemente, CA  92674

Cards should be mailed to:
The Baker Family
c/o SIMA
8 Argonaut, Suite 170
Aliso Viejo, CA  92656

Again, please direct any questions or inquiries to the SIMA office.

SIMA – Surf Industry Manufacturers Association
8 Argonaut, Ste. 170
Aliso Viejo, CA  92656
Ph: 949.366.1164
Fax: 949.454.1406

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WHO:
The top surfers from San Diego County-area high schools, including Carlsbad High, Point Loma High, San Dieguito High and Torrey Pines High

WHAT:
Red Bull Riders Cup, the nations’ premier high school surfing competition. Red Bull and the National Surf League partnered to create Red Bull Riders Cup to help bring the sport of surfing to a new and exciting level. The nationwide event brings together 34 high schools from eight regions to compete in a single elimination “March-Madness” style tournament. The Series utilizes the National Surf League’s “The Game” format, which was modeled after team sports such as basketball, football, and baseball. The Game format serves to bridge the gap between individual sports like surfing and more fan-friendly team sports. This revolutionary format includes two teams competing against each other, only one team in the water at a time, three periods, timeouts, coaches, referees and substitutes

Full Competition Schedule: (West Coast start time: 4:00pm)
Mar 16-19 Santa Cruz Pleasure Point, Santa Cruz – Winner: Aptos High
Mar 24-26 Golden State Seaside Park, Ventura – Winner: Malibu High
Mar 31-Apr 2 Central FL Pelican Beach Park -Winner: Satellite High
Apr 15-16 South Bay El Porto 45th St., Manhattan Beach
Apr 21-23 North FL New Smyrna/Ponce Inlet
May 4-9 New Jersey 3rd-9th street, Ocean City
May 19-21 Orange County Huntington Beach Pier
May 26-28 San Diego Seaside Reef
June 6-7 Championship Upper Trestles

WHERE:
Seaside Reef
Cardiff State Beach, CA

WHEN:
Tuesday – May 26th, 4pm Start
Carlsbad High Vs. Point Loma High

Wednesday – May 27th, 4pm start
San Dieguito High Vs Torrey Pines High

Thursday – May 28th, 4pm start
Final

CONTACT:
Scott Houston, (310) 740-7099 or scott.houston@us.redbull.com

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