Spy Optic Blog

New Watch It! Store Opens.

dt — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:39:52 +0000

Watch IT! just opened their newest store in Ottawa, Ontario. Be sure to check out the ST. LAURENT CENTRE location.

Hello Canada

kevin — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:29:42 +0000

Hey Guys,

Just checking in from BC Canada. Its been dumping so we did a product testing trip to baker yesterday. The new vivo goods are looking tight!
Make sure to come vote for us and leave a comment so we can win a trip to ISPO!

http://www.ispo-brandnew.com/en/CompanyPortrait.aspx?ID=1715

www.vivoheadwear.com <http://www.vivoheadwear.com>

Alana Blanchard Wins the 1st leg of the Womens Triple Crown

oda — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:00:40 +0000

The 1st stop of the Triple Crown is the Reef Hawaiian Pro. Along with the Men’s 6 star prime WQS event there was a non-rated specialty women’s surf event. Because there were only 2 women’s events going into Hawaii this event was put in there to make the women’s Triple Crown complete.

The surf in Haleiwa was below the Hawaiian standards of good surf but to most the surf still very rippable. All of the top rated women surfers from the WCT there along with some of the top rated Hawaiian surfers.

Alana has had tough year with things not going her way in competitive surfing until now. She aggressively attacked every heat and surfed with the energy of someone who was very hungry for a win and did not want to lose.

Her break came in the quarter finals when she was sitting in 3rd place and not advancing with seconds left in the heat, when 2 Australian surfers crossed paths and a double interference was called allowing Alana to make the heat.

Alana took advantage of that break which would eventually give her the win for the 1st Triple Crown leg held at Haleiwa.

Keale views his girlfriend before her heat

Alana coming to her family and friends before going to battle

How do you get to the beach? You know you are doing well when you have your own model car to get to the beach.

That spec on the wave is Alana getting a heat winning score of 7.3

Holt, the dad, cheering for Alana. (far left looking right)

If you knw anything about womens surfing this was not an easy final. The current World Champ and past World Champ is in there.

Pre final wax up

This smile is filled with so much joy and its shared by everyone that was there even her competitors.

Jeremy McGrath 2nd at Sydney Supercross!

kyle — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:52:35 +0000

Jeremy McGrath headed to Australia to race a few rounds of the Australian Supercross series. At round five in Sydney Australia McGrath had an awesome race finishing second behind points leader Chad Reed.. The king of Supercross showed that he still has the speed to run up front and battle with the best. Jeremy will be heading to Genoa, Italy for his next Supercross race on 11/27-11/29.

Jeremy has been wearing the new Klutch goggle and absolutely loves it! Check the link below to see the racing action.

http://www.superx.com.au/news/article/Chad-Reed-takes-out-fifth-round-of-the-Monster-Energy-Super-X-with-the-Jeremy-McGrath-taking-second/200/

Day 5 Video of Spy’s time in Hawaii.

oda — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:51:54 +0000

This is a video recap of our time on Wed Nov 18 2009 on the North Shore of Hawaii. It features Dean Morrison, Clay Marzo and Dean Morrison. Enjoy!

To see more Spy surf team videos click on Vimeo or You Tube.

Just another day in paradise

oda — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:44:44 +0000

With the surf up the North Shore is full of energy. The contest is on and the surf spots are filled with surfers, even the road on Kam Hwy is congested with traffic as everyone is hurrying to get to their destination. We had a day filled with filming Torry Meister and Clay Marzo during their heats at the Reef Pro as well as shooting Dean Morrison in our small garage turned studio. You have to be here to experience it and to fully understand how chaotic this place can be when the surf is up. We had another successful day of getting the job done. Here are some quick pics of our day on Wed.

Torrey Meister with his game face on

Torrey Meister in yellow just before his heat

Torrey's father Mike is up there to see his son rip. He's under the letters "on"

Kanoa enjoying the day of class. Who wouldn't enjoy a field trip to Hawaii.

Me and my shadow, "live through our lens"

A lot of prep work goes into each shoot. These are some of the neccesities.

Cameras-lights-ready!

The crew

The style

The star. Dean Morrison in the wht tee

Being behind a camera and all eyes on you can be nerve racking. Sometimes you need to take the edge off. Only when your 21 of course!

Dean in "showtime" mode

Style

Tim capturing it in motion

Live through our lens

Part of Kaona's school was seeing the behind the scene stuff. Kanoa shot the images from Dean behind the scene shoot. Here is his signature to his work. Grade A+ Good job Kanoa!

Clay after his exciting heat win. Clay loves to win but what Clay really loves, is to surf.

In physics, for every positive force there is a negitive force. Clay won and dominated that heat. To Clay this the negative force that was caused by the positive force. Regardless, Mike from Surfline was there hear what Clay had to say about the heat

A long day of schooling can wipe you out. Kanoa lights out!

Update for Eero Niemela

kevin — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:35:22 +0000

Hey Guys,

Here are some photos of mine and Jussi’s first day on the hill this season. We are at Breckenridge and it’s pretty fun up here! Small triple jump line and few rails..

Gonna head up to NW next week and hit up mt. baker and whistler.

The infamous lift shot

Air Time

Jussi spraying down the wild life

Its not a day us you kick one of these out!

A Day of Shootz and Surf

oda — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:50:23 +0000

After setting up all day and into the night on Sunday and Monday, Tuesday was “Showtime”! Here are some images of our set up process as well as our 1st two athletes Mike Losness and Torrey Meister. Enjoy!

The North Shore landmark

Reef using Mike Losness's artisitic talent for the contest site

The drive down Hwy 99 into Haleiwa

Still flat

Local creatures

Work time

tools

Setting up the studio

though we would show you our 2010 marketing... right. :)

tight shoting quaters

The crew shot by Kanoa's view

Live Through Our Lens

the aloha spirit

a good night

To see more Spy surf team videos click on Vimeo or You Tube.

Stevie Bell on Fuel TV’s “Daily Habit”

kevin — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:01:30 +0000

Check out Stevie Bell on Fuel’s “Daily Habit” . “Today, we welcome back the charismatic pro snowboarder known for his consistent handrail tricks and backcountry stunts, Stevie Bell” Its airs tonight at 6pm

http://www.fuel.tv/TheDailyHabit

photo courtesy of Infamous Management

Mammoth Opening Weekend

kevin — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:38:14 +0000

This past weekend was Mammoth Mountains true opening weekend. We all know that they had a surprise opening back in October, but this was the opening weekend that was locked down in the schedule months ago. The night we got up there it had snowed a couple inches, so things were looking good. The top of the mountain was open, so you could take full top to bottom runs. Throughout the runs there was all types of step ups, hips, rock bonks, pole taps, then a mini park down forest trail with jibs and a mini double line of jumps. On saturday night there was one of the most inspiring art shows I have ever been to called “I am Snowboarding”. This was a tribute art show to our fallen friend Jeffy Anderson, who pasted away many years ago, but has never and will never be forgotten. The energy and passion that each piece put out was incredible. Billy Anderson and his mother Jane opened up the show by speaking about Jeffy, and soon after the tears were wiped away everyone enjoyed some wine, all the amazing art, and just the fact that everyone was celebrating Jeffy. All in all it was an amazing weekend filled with the cries of joy and laughter. A great kickoff to the season. I want to thank everyone who was a part of the “I am Snowboarding” show and Mammoth for a memorable weekend.

Winter has arrived

Surf's up Scum

The only lens to live through

Read the Caption above, thanks for your help JM, real nice

Everyone who was part of "I am Snowboarding" art show

Travis Rice, Keenan Rice, Spy TM

Hannah and Spy meet alas!!!!

Kristin — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:08:44 +0000

Yesterday Spy met up with Hawaiian Bombshell Winner Hannah to enjoy some delicious ahi in Honolulu & congratulate her in person…Spy presented Hannah with a congratulatory plaque for being chosen to participate in the up coming Spy photo shoot.

Hannah is set to start shooting this Saturday at Log Cabins along with Spy surfers, Alana Blanchard and Erika Steiner.

After dropping Hannah off , the sun decided to do some amazing things on the way out to the North Shore….

ALoha from the Spy crew

oda — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 18:57:14 +0000

Hi all

The Spy crew made it safe. Matt, Brent there 30 mins before me. We all met up at the Log Cabins house, where we will be shooting our 2010 Spring Summer surf marketing needs. Check out some quick pics and vids we’ve collected in our route to the Logs house.

boarding LAX

walk of death for those who fear flying

Island brah

Aloha

On the road to paradise

Beach View the of Spy Hawaii House aka "Logs House"

A closer look at the Spy house

Patio view from the Spy House looking at the surf spot Log Cabins

To see more Spy surf team videos click on Vimeo or You Tube.

THE RAVEONETTES PLAY ENCORE SHOW AT THE BELLY UP PRESENTED BY FM 94.9

val — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 22:43:23 +0000

You have three days left to enter the Spy & The Raveonettes: In & Out of Control Giveaway! We’re giving away 1 of 10 prize packs including their all new album “In & Out of Control” and all new Spy sunglasses! Click here to enter.

Last night at the Belly Up in Solana Beach, CA, the Raveonettes Danish rock duo put on a stellar performance into the wee hours of the morning with the Crocodiles and the Dum Dum Girls presented by local San Diego independent station FM 94.9.

Prior to the headliner Raveonettes, the FM 94.9 crew raffled off tickets to win a rad painting–all proceeds benefited the “About the Music” foundation to keep music programs in schools alive and kicking.

Sune and Sharin center stage.

Sharin not only has a beautiful voice, plays guitar, but also knew how to perfect her fills on the drums!

Packed crowd.

Sharin in her element.

Don’t worry. This won’t be the “Last Dance” you’ll see from the Raveonettes. The Raveonettes are continuing their tour throughout California then jetting to Europe. Catch them if you can! You won’t be disappointed.

Who is Hannah Kealia May?

Kristin — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 21:06:31 +0000

Aloha! The Spy Bombshell has been chosen.

Thanks for all your entries. We received bombshell applicants pouring in from all over for the chance to win a one year modeling contract with Spy, be in a published photo and receive global exposure on Spy’s website. We got a bombshell! Spy welcomes and congratulates Hannah Kealia May from Pahoa, HI!

Meet the lovely Hannah…

10 Days on the North Shore

Surboard, check.

Warm water wax, check.

Boardshorts, check.

Bikini, check.

Bringing lots of Spy aloha, check.

Spy is packing its bags and will be jetting off to the North Shore for 10 days!

Be sure to click on the pineapple on our front page for daily blog updates from the North Shore. We’ll be hanging with the beautiful Spy Hawaiian Bombshell winner Hannah inducting her into the Spy family, at the Reef Hawaiian Pro in Haleiwa, working on our winter tans while shooting for our summer imagery, cutting rug with our Spy athletes when they’re not in the water and spreading plenty of Spy aloha vibe.

Stay tuned for more updates!

MUST SEE MITCH COLEBORN IN NEW FILM ‘MODERN COLLECTIVE’

val — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:13:34 +0000

If you haven’t seen it already, then get off the couch. Poor Specimen’s new film ‘Modern Collective’ is a must. Its artistic and edgy cinemetography, talent picks of the new generation of surfers and their explosive aerials, rodeo flips, supermans and who knows what else you even call that maneuver will open your eyes to appreciate the new level of surfing that has emerged. Its only the beginning of the unexpected and we like it. Spy’s Mitch Coleborn has some jaw-dropping scenes in the film…yeow!

Last night, Modern Collective made its debut at La Paloma in downtown Encinitas, CA. The theatre was jam packed for both showings. The after party preceded at the famous Daily Double Saloon down the block. Bummer, the photobooth is still broken.

The film tour kicked off November 3rd at Les Deux in Hollywood and has six more stops rounding out its last stop in Corpus Christi, TX. Click here to see where you can see it next.

(From left to right) Modern Collective Aussie director Kai Neville along with the all star lineup–Dion Agius, Spy’s Mitch Coleborn shakes up the raffle tickets in a popcorn container to pick a lucky winner for a new SUPER board giveaway and the one and only Jordy Smith.

When you finally see this new surf film, have your Shazam ready. You’re going to dig the tunes.

Underworld Vancouver. X Mas Party!

dt — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:32:15 +0000

CONGRATULATIONS HANNAH KEALIA MAY!!!! Spy’s 1st Hawaiian Bombshell Model has been chosen!

Kristin — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:39:51 +0000

Spy is delighted to congratulate HANNAH KEALIA MAY of Pahoa, HI as the winner of the first Spy Hawaiian Bombshell Model Search!!!

Hannah entered into the search by submitting a handful of lovely photos plus the following self-effacing written submission:

Growing up on the Big Island of Hawaii and surfing, paddling, swimming, snorkeling and sailing in the ocean here as well as snowboarding and skiing on the top of Mauna Kea, I’ve been constantly surrounded by and actively participate in the activities Spy sunglasses support. I couldn’t represent this company better, which is what inspired me to become the next “Spy Hawaiian Bombshell Model”. I have been a successful model in Hawaii for the past year, doing work locally as well as internationally. I have a positive attitude and great communication skills allowing me to be a great ambassador for Hawaii, as well as a great representative for Spy sunglasses. Having been wearing Spy sunglasses for the past couple years I feel that I have a special appreciation for the product, which will help me to communicate Spy Sunglasses qualities and features better than anyone.

I hope to be given this opportunity to become the next “Spy Hawaiian Bombshell Model”; I am a powerful role model for a healthy, active, positive lifestyle.

When asked how Hannah found out about the contest she said, “My mom saw a poster in a surf shop on the Big Island (Big Island Surf Co.) and called me and told me about it.”

Spy would like to thank Big Island Surf Co. and Hannah’s Mom for spreading the ‘Aloha’!

Hannah will be shooting with Spy in mid-November on Oahu for Spy’s Spring/Summer 2010 sunglass campaign.

Stay tuned for updates, pictures and the making of a beautiful relationship…

Surfside’s Winter Snow Carnival

kevin — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 23:12:54 +0000

This past weekend, Surfside Snow/Surf shop up in Costa Mesa, CA had their 8th annual winter snow carnival. Companies from all over southern california come and set up tents in the store’s parking lot. The companies put on games for the kids and consumers, where they can win prizes and collect raffle tickets for the grand give away from Surfside at the end of the day. This year we decided to go with the theme of the great movie “Beer Fest”. For those who have seen it, you should understand when I say “Das Boot”, for those who haven’t, it’s a large drinking glass shaped as a boot. Since the carnival is for kids of all ages, we decided to put a little twist on this legendary game, and bring our own ingredients in to concoct the grossest thing you have ever seen any man or woman drink. We had many people stand up to the challenge, some came out victorious and well… some not so much. The booth was crowded all day, filled with the sounds of laughter, crying and some other noises that you cant make with letters or a keyboard. All in all it was a great day, and we want to thank all the people who came out and supported us and Surfside! We are wishing you all a great winter, and can’t wait to hit the slopes with you all.

Our boy Mikey

What dreams are made of

The Crew

The first one to dare, 9:30am

Another happy customer

The tent was crowded all day, this guy was taking the chocolate milk gallon challenge

Gallon of milk=new shads=worst stomach pain ever

This kid came back for seconds

Taking Care of Business

some of the crew

Spy Presents Darrell’s Booty: Win Darrell Mathes’ Winter Setup!

val — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:42:08 +0000

Will Lavigne in Snowboarder Magazine

kevin — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:14:39 +0000

Will Lavigne has a sick new shot in Snowboarder Magazine, just destroying this kink with a massive boardslide through it. Keep your eyes open for Will, he will be coming up fast filming with the ROME team.