The innovative new V1 wetsuit from Billabong

Earlier this year a surfer in Hawaii set a world record paddling into a 57-foot wave off Maui, and his secret weapon was something straight out of a James Bond movie – a self-inflating wetsuit!

The surfer was Shane Dorian and the wetsuit was the new Billabong V1. It’s been described by experts as a total game changer, and it’s easy to see why! For a long time we’ve heard about the dangers of being pushed under by a huge wave, and what this wetsuit does is offer an element of safety to big-wave surfers like Dorian.

Billabong V1 Inflatable Wetsuit

So what’s the secret? When a surfer finds themselves deep underwater, they simply pull the shoulder-mounted ripcord, which inflates the back-mounted air bladder with a small carbon dioxide cartridge. You don’t even need to swim, just let the wetsuit take you back to the surface.

Dorian’s idea for the wetsuit came about last year after he experienced one of the worst wipeouts of his life, and only narrowly escaped drowning. He wanted a wetsuit which would improve safety for the big wave surfers, and took his suggestion to Billabong.

They went away and got a bit of know-how from a team of military equipment manufacturers, who were able to offer advice on designing the underwater air bladder. A prototype of the Billabong V1 wetsuit was created and then tested by Dorian , first in calm waters, then the real test – the Cortes Bank, an open ocean surf-break 100 miles off the coast of California.

The test went exactly as hoped. After being pulled underwater following a bad wipeout, Dorian would have been in big trouble without the V1 wetsuit. He yanked the cord, and it inflated and carried him swiftly up to the surface. Success!

V1 Wetsuit Release

Billabong is still waiting for the patent for the V1 technology, and hasn’t announced when the suit will be available on the market yet. It looks like a winner though, so hats off to Billabong for a genuinely groundbreaking piece of innovation!

Billabong V1 Wetsuit Video

Here is Shane Dorian himself, introducing the Billabong V1 big wave floatation wetsuit:

Visit the Wetsuit Centre for the latest Billabong wetsuits

Billabong Pico Alto

The Billabong Pico Alto Invitacional is ON for Thursday August 19th.

Thanks to official forecaster Surfline, we have been able to follow the swell since last wednesday , Sean Collins from Surfline confirmed a BIG a swell with good conditions for next Thursday the 19th.

The Billabong Pico Alto is the second stop on the Big Wave World Tour after the Quiksilver Punta de Lobos. 12 of the top international surfers will join 12 local stand outs to compete in this paddle-in big wave event. Tour Director Gary Linden will be flying down to Peru and will be the Head Judge of the event.

It’s a “great news” for Big Wave World Champion Carlos Burle from Brazil who will be eager to defend his 2009 /2010 title and rack up some point toward this year championship.

Last year winner, Greg Long from California, along with BWWT #2 Mark Healey (Hawaii), Grant “Twiggy” Baker (South Africa) and Ramon Navarro (Chile) will be arriving to Peru on wednesday night just a few hours before the event but after some big wave warm up session in Chile.

Local stand out and current BWWT #2, Gabriel Villaran along with Billabong local charger Alvaro Malpartida are in Tahiti for the Billabong Pro trials but they are expected to get back to their home break of Pico Alto for the event, trading warm barrels for cold monster bombs.

While locals and last year finalists, Javier Swayne and Rafael Velarde will at hand looking forward to better their results and reaching the BWWT top 12.

Storm on its way

Storms a coming!

Watch the event live on: www.billabong.com/sa/picoalto10/

The first of a series of complimentary event webisodes available in the lead up to stop number 5 on the 2010 ASP Men’s World Tour, the Billabong Pro Tahiti presented by Air Tahiti Nui is available now!

“Teahupo’o”  has been considered among the world’s most intimidating surf spots since its ‘outing’ a little over a decade ago. Male professional surfers have withdrawn from the competition in fear for their lives.

In 2006 a decision was made that the women’s ASP event would be scrapped from the schedule all together and just a handful of surfing’s chargers are considered true Teahupo’o specialists.

Webisode 1 reveals Teahupo’o via a captivating visual montage that is set against a backdrop of comments from the surfers who have experienced Teahupo’o at its awesome best. It’s as much a horror movie film trailer as it is advertisement for one of sport’s true sporting spectacles.

Just check out the size of those waves – incredible action from an amazing surfing destination.

Billabong Pro Tahiti – Webisode 1, The Wave from Billabong on Vimeo.

Don’t forget to check out the latest Billabong Wetsuits deals over at ww.wetsuitcentre.co.uk.

Billabong has launched a new social media microsite that strives to find out what makes surfers tick.

The Billabong microsite, www.isurfbecause.com, asks surfing fans to explain why they love to surf or want to try it. We have had a quick play and it is actually pretty cool.

I surf because ...

I surf because….

You can choose an image or video clip and make up your own “I Surf Because … ” poster which then gets added to a weekly and monthly competition. We particularly liked the opportunity to grab a still photo from a video clip – you become the photographer and decide on teh shot to use for your poster.

Once you have created your poster you can share your intimate thoughts on why you surf through Facebook and Twitter links.

One prize up for grabs includes a trip to surf Jeffreys Bay in South Africa with Marco Occhilupo.

“The challenge for any brand is creating intimacy with the consumer. It’s so easy to just be a ‘big brand’ and assume people all want to hear the same thing,” said Stirling Howard, digital marketing manager at Billabong International. “Creating an intimate message can be a challenge, but at the same time very rewarding — not just for the brand, but also for the consumer.”

Users can also personalize wallpapers with surfing snapshots, and then submit them to Billabong for review. Consumers can also share the wallpapers with friends on social media platforms.

“I believe in the power of word of mouth and if people feel something is worth talking about or sharing, then that’s a powerful catalyst in delivering any brand message,” added Howard.

Here’s a few of the latest posters…

Build your own “I surf because” poster at www.isurfbecause.com and who knows you might even get picked to go surfing with Occy in South Africa.

www.billabong.com

Taj Burrow

We didn’t think it would be long before Billabong released a signature clothing collection with the “main man” Taj Burrow!

We have had a sneaky peak and the Taj Burrow Billabong Collection looks pretty awesome.

With a range of T’s, jackets and jeans this little collection should keep you going for at least a whole week of partying and even a visit to see grandma at the weekend

Taj had pretty strict views when he signed off the collection:-

“When we were approving the pieces, I would think: Could I put this on at 6:30 am and still be happy wearing it at midnight? … If the answer was yes, they’re all in here.”

Here’s a few images of the Billabong Taj Collection that what will be hitting the shops soon.

Billabong Taj Burrows Collection

Rip Curls Creative Destruction

Billabong have just released the second part of their interactive surf series called Creative Destruction.

This chapter sees Wade Goodall and Sterling Spencer visit Misión México, a childrens’ refuge in Tapachula, Mexico to give the kids some surfing lessons.

Says Wade of the experience: “They’ve stopped me taking things so seriously and taking things for granted. I’m super thankful I got to meet them, they’ve had such a positive influence on my life.”

The 10 episode series, directed by Jake Donlen, will run until July 2011 and is giving the opportunity for viewers to vote via an online poll on what the team films next.

Creative Destruction. Chapter 2: the Kids of Mision Mexico from CREATIVE DESTRUCTION on Vimeo.

Billabong Pro J-Bay 2010 Event Website

The Billabong Pro – one of Africa’s most prestigious surfing contest is due to take place next month – 15th – 25th July – and to get us all in the mood – Billabong have launched the official event website at www.billabongpro.com.

This comprehensive website features a host of content such as background information, news, photos and videos including a brand new webisode on the highlights from 2009 Billabong Pro J-Bay won by Australian Joel Parkinson in epic surf at Supertubes.

As soon as the action is underway for the Billabong Pro the website will host LIVE coverage of the all the action, with multiple camera angles, slow motion replays, up to the second scoring, commentary in English and Portuguese, email messages to the commentators, interactive competitions and video-on-demand highlights of previous heats.

Billabong Pro J-Bay – 15th – 25th July 2010

The Billabong Pro J-Bay is scheduled for 15-25 July 2010 at the world famous Supertubes surf break in Jeffreys Bay. It is stop No. 4 of 10 on the 2010 ASP World Tour, the series of events that determines the annual ASP World Surfing Champion, and the field comprises the world’s top 45 ranked professional surfers along with three wildcards.

The 2010 Billabong Pro J-Bay is supported by Eastern Cape Tourism, Virgin Atlantic, Monster Energy, Vida e Caffe, Corona and Tavcor

Billabong Pro – J-Bay 2010 Video Teaser

www.billabong.com

Design a Billabong Bikini for Maya Gabeira

Are you a budding designer looking for that first step up in the fashion world – well here’s your chance. Xtra Life LYCRA® fiber have teamed up with Billabong to give you the opportunity of designing the first signature bathing suit for professional big wave surfer and XXL Winner, Maya Gabeira.

Design Billabong’s, Maya Gabeira Signature Swimsuit.

There are only a few more days to go before the contest closes – so get your applications in fast.

Once you have submitted your design, your idea will be open to a public vote as well as a professional panel who will decide which design becomes a reality. The winner will see their design created as part of the Billabong Summer Bikini 2011 range and also have the opportunity of flying out to Hawaii for surf vacation with Maya Gabeira herself.

Two prizes will be awarded in the Billabong Big Wave Bikini Design Contest

• a People’s Choice Award, decided by the highest average score (with a minimum of 20 votes)
• a Grand Prize Design Award, decided by a jury of industry design professionals from LYCRA® and Billabong.

The Grand Prize Design Award winner will see their bikini produced for Billabong’s spring collection as the Maya Gabeira’s 2011 signature suit, and take a 3-day surf vacation to Hawaii with Maya, herself.

The People’s Choice Award winner goes on a Billabong shopping spree valued at $350.

When will the winners be announced?

• On June 15 the Public Choice Winner will be announced. The Public Choice Prize honours the most popular design, independent of its viability for a commercial swimsuit production. It is the design with the highest average score and a minimum of 20 votes.
• On June 21 the jury will announce a pre-selection of 20 swimsuits based on popularity (votes) and viability for a commercial swimsuit production.
• On June 25 the jury will announce the Grand Prize. This design will go into production to become the Billabong Signature Swimwear of Maya Gabeira.

How to Enter the Billabong Big Wave Bikini Design Contest

Participating in our Billabong Big Wave Bikini Contest is easy.

Just follow the 5 simple steps below:

1. Register & create a user profile. Please note that the submission phase ends on May 31, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.

2. Click the link in the email to activate your account. If you haven’t received an email, check your spam folder.

3. Your user profile will now appear in the Contestants section of the website. Being on your user profile, enter the contest in one of the following 2 ways:

• Design by Hand: Download our design template and let your imagination go to work. Your finished piece can be scanned in and emailed, or sent in to the following PO BOX: INVISTA, PO Box 28194 Portland, OR 97228
• Design Online. Use our online “apparel configurator” to select styles and patterns from an extensive inventory. Once you’ve created your per8sonal masterpiece, simply upload your design and share it with friends.

4. Your swimwear designs will appear in your user profile as well as in the voting gallery under Vote.

5. Now vote & comment on any design you like.

Let your friends know about your entry by using the Share button.

To enter the Billabong Big Wave Bikini Design Contest simply register here – http://www.mylycra.com/register.html

Maya Gabeira Billabong XXL Wave Award

Maya Gabeira Billabong XXL Wave Award

Love surfing the web and Billabong ?

Sony Vaio W Billabong Netbook

Well with the release of the new Sony VAIO W Billabong special edition netbook you will be able to upload all of your favourit surfing photos whilst you are on the move.

Due to hit the Australian shores soon at a price of  AUD$749, the Billabong netbook comes with a funky lime green coloured lidand blue and black main body.

It is the first product collaboration between Sony and Billabong – which maybe might set a precedent for other surfing apparel companiesas well – we have certainly seen it in the car industry!

The notebook comes with Billabong content, including images and video from a new TV series featuring a selection of Billabong’s key surfing athletes. And if your wondering, the color scheme is taken from Billabong’s 2010 Summer board short range destined for retail stores in Australia this July.

Kent Tanigaki, VAIO Marketing Manager Sony Australia, said the product collaboration with Billabong highlighted the focus by both brands on the development of relevant product for the youth market.

“The average age of notebook users is getting younger as they are increasingly used in schools and universities.” Tanigaki said.

“Teaming up with Billabong, the world’s leading action sports and lifestyle company, on this new VAIO notebook is a fantasytic way for us to create a product that really appears to a younger tech savvy audience. Like Sony, the billabong name commands huge respect all around the world and the VAIO W series Imperial Lime will connect with fans of both brands. Together we chose the Imperial Lime design for our first join product because it utilizes bold colors and a story that will resonate with Billabong’s audience.”

The specs of this netbook are pretty appealing to. It has a Intel Atom N450, which has hyperthreading and runs Windows 7 Starter. It has a huge 250GB hard drive, which is really quite insane for such a small laptop. It has an Ethernet port, 2 USB ports, and good quality built-in webcam and microphone that’s useful for Skype or even recording lectures.

Hopefully, Sony won’t keep all these goodies just for the Aussie public and we will see this laptop in the UK soon.

If you love the new Sony Billabong Laptop – what other surfing brand collaboration would you like to see?