UPDATE: Josh Hansen on opening a Rip Curl store in Encinitas

Rip Curl is excited to announce the partnership with 2012 SIMAImage Awards Retailer of the Year, Hansen Surfboards, on a new store directly south of their existing premium location in Encinitas, CA.

Officially called Rip Curl by Hansen’s, the 1,450 square-foot space is an epic showcase of the Rip Curl brand and products, conveniently located across the street from renowned surf break Swami’s.

“Partnering with Rip Curl adds a new dimension to Hansen surfboards,” said Josh Hansen, owner of Hansen Surfboards. “The store front looks great and the brand helps us create an even better shopping experience and improve our overall product offering with more wetsuits, board shorts and bikinis, which is the hallmark of Rip Curl.”

Rip Curl USA President and CEO, Kelly Gibson, shares the same enthusiasm. “This partnership couldn’t be a more natural fit. Hansen’s has represented excellence in the retail community for over 50 years, and our brands align on many of the same values. We are excited to showcase the Rip Curl brand with one of the world’s best retailers in such an iconic location.”

read more @ surfline

Earlier this year, Surfing America and ESA announced they had rejoined forces, after functioning as separate entities for the past several years. The decision hinged on several key factors within the organization and came over a period of time as new executive leadership took the helm at both Surfing America and ESA, explains Surfing America President Greg Cruse.

“I think ESA thought that Surfing America was overreaching on our attempts to get all the member organizations to standardize on divisions, judging criteria and online registration,” says Cruse. “There was also some hesitation in having all ESA members pay Surfing America membership. Also, some viewed the Surfing America Prime series going East as an incursion.”

Despite issues that had stacked up between the two associations over the years, Surfing America and ESA have started on new terms to work together in building upon the USA Surf Team and fostering the talented amateur athletes as they move up the ranks and continue to push the limits of surfing,

TransWorld Business talked with Cruse to find out the details behind the reunion, what it means for the future of amateur surfing, his stance on surfing in the Olympics, and how the groups hope to work together to strengthen the future of the sport.

read more @ transwordbusiness

Two decades have passed since FCS introduced the original dual plug system. We’re now excited to announce the upcoming release of a revolutionary new system by FCS known as FCS II. The new system was designed from a detailed brief to ensure significant improvements to the functionality and the performance of the product both in and out of the water.

The final stage of development prior to the release of FCS II included an extensive testing phase that would span over 12 months. During this time our global surf team including Mick Fanning, Julian Wilson, Gabriel Medina and Nick Rozsa put the new system through its paces in both practice and competition. The video above was shot during the 2012 Hawaii season.

You’ll notice our team riders with a new white plug installed in their boards and fins branded with the II prototype symbol; these are in fact prototypes of the new FCS II system and fins. The final version of FCS II has since been refined and is scheduled for release towards the middle 2013. We should also mention we’ve developed an entirely new fin range to compliment the new FCS II system, also scheduled for release in 2013. Keep checking our website for updates on the new FCS Essential Series fin range.

read more @ surfingmag