Killer Dana Board Society

There are so many interesting and unique things that go into sustaining the action sports industry. From the people to the jobs they do, this huge yet alternative industry kind of fly’s under the radar. From things here at Killer Dana all the way to the brands themselves, we thought it would be interesting to dig a little deeper into how it all comes together.

We thought a good place to start would be something that takes up some serious office time here at Killer Dana, webcasts. We take them for granted sometimes, expecting the best coverage possible but not really realizing how the surfing world is still developing a criteria for covering surf events.

Lucky for us, we have a fellow employee who works on surf webcasts and is fresh of the jet from Hawaii where he worked the Vans Triple Crown and most recently, the Volcom Pipeline Pro.

KD: What is the difference between a live stream and a webcast?

Mainly, the difference is the level of production. A live stream can be as simple as turning on a video camera and plugging it into your computer. A webcast is a broadcast on the internet. In the surf world, webcasting is trying to get to the same level as any live sport you see on T.V. Webcasting a live surf event includes everything from multiple camera angles, to replays, commercials, interstitials, content segments and live interaction with the viewership. The smoother all of these things are put together, the better the webcast.

It’s not just cameras and tripods anymore. A full production truck backed up at the Volcom house.

Are there things going on during the contest that online viewers don’t ever see?

A good webcast tries to tell a story. This falls into the hands of the director, who is responsible for what cameras are live at what time and also what they are shooting. Most surf webcasts have a designated roving cam that is constantly shooting what is going down on the beach. Whether it is a cheering crowd, girls in bikinis or a frustrated/excited contestant, we try and cover it all. The online viewer may not see everything that happens on the beach, but they are seeing the best of it. Nothing really happens that we don’t try and communicate during the webcast.

Don’t fool yourself, the video engineer knows exactly what each of these wires is doing at any given moment.

What kind of time delay is there from what’s happening live and what is being shown on our computers?

It varies depending on your internet speed. If you have the fastest internet available, there is usually still a minute delay, maybe more. The Volcom Pipeline Pro was the first surf event to be broadcasted live in full HD. Oceanic Cable in Hawaii set aside an HD channel to show the entire event. The TV in the room next to us had about a ten second delay from what was actually happening.

Each of these monitors has a specific task.

How much preparation goes into webcasting a surf event?

A lot. Whoever is paying for the webcast (Volcom in this case) begins preparations as much as a year in advance. From them it goes to the producer. It takes at least a month to organize everything from the proper gear to the proper crew. Once everything is on location, it can take anywhere from two to five days to have everything up and running in proper order to webcast the event. These time frames can vary drastically based on anything from equipment malfunctions to an inexperienced crew. Everyone that worked the Volcom contest knew their stuff and it showed in the final product.

Camera test before the event starts. During the contest, this camera is on a scaffold.

Other than filming the event live, what else goes into a webcast?

There are so many people that come together to make these things work it would be impossible to lay them all out here. One of the most important jobs is the person that is in charge of making sure everyone gets fed. It’s not like you get a lunch break during the contest. It’s non stop from the first heat to the last, so the amount of individual tasks that make it work is pretty impressive.

These guys don’t move from their machines until the last heat is over.

What is the future of surf webcasting?

The good thing about surf webcasts is that each one is setting the bar higher and higher. The bad thing is that these things aren’t cheap. The higher the production level, the higher the costs. There are lot of things going on in professional surfing that could effect the eventual outcome of where a surf webcast can ultimately go. With the right amount of funding, there is no reason a surf webcast can’t look like any other professional sport broadcast.

Every Monday we like to hook you guys up with some sweet free stickers! This week you guys told us that you wanted some RVCA hook ups, so here you go!

All your have to do to win some RVCA stickers is tell us what you think about RVCA. What kind of company do you think they are or who do they represent etc?! That’s it.

>>Free Shipping to U.S. residents only. Giveaway ends Monday February 8th at 11:59pm PST. First 10+ or so pep win! Get some!

One of the most difficult decisions on the North Shore is where to get your next meal. It’s not hard because there aren’t enough places to choose from, it’s hard becuase each place is really really good in their own unique way.

If you spend a good amount in this special place, you will no doubt be returning to the same places over and over again for the same meals. One of these places is the Grass Skirt Grill, located in the middle of historic Haleiwa Town.

Grass Skirt Grill is well known for their fish burgers. They serve up fresh mahi, ahi and ono fillets on a daily basis. They are always accompanied with a fresh salad and rice for a complete, huge meal for under ten bucks.

The fish isn’t the only good thing on the menu. Other favorites include the coconut shrimp that could be on the menu at an expensive fine dining resteraunt. You can’t leave out the chicken plate lunch, the thing will leave you full and still wanting more.

It’s always a cool atmosphere too. Either sit outside and enjoy the sights and sounds of Haleiwa, or hang inside and marvel at all the unique photos displayed along the walls.

Pipe showed all kinds of faces during the Pipeline Pro. This was one of the good looks. Photo: Freesurf

Rather than slogging around the world competing in mediocre waves, Jamie O’Brien has chosen a different path. Granted, where he calls home gives him a significant advantage in the type of path he has chosen, but hey you can’t blame the guy.

It shouldn’t surprise anyone that a new goal for the kid that grew up with Pipe in his backyard is to win as many Pipeline events as he can. He is definitely on the righ track. J.O.B claimed his fifth Pipeline victory on Monday. This includes one Pipemasters, one Da Hui Backdoor Shootout and three Pipeline Pros.

Although all the Pipe regulars are on another level when it comes to confidence while surfing the deadliest wave in the world, it is in Jamie that this confidence shines the most. His approach to surfing Pipe has such an effortless look to it that judges can’t help but give him the score. I don’t mean effortless as in a stylish head dip either, I mean effortless as in putting himself as deep as possible, disappearing with the foam and shooting out after the spit.

Midway through Jamie’s ten in the first round. Hard to imagine he came out of this. Photo: Freesurf

Jamie scored the first of only 5 ten point rides given throughout the entire event and was throwing away scores that were winning the majority of heats. After a nail biter semi final, Jamie was pitted against fellow Hawaiian and RVCA team rider Danny Fuller, Aussie Anthony Walsh and O’Neill’s Mark Matthews in the final.

The first ten minutes of the final absolutely pumped. It seemed like an hour had passed by the time things settled down. Fuller pulled into a couple deep ones that if he had come out of would surely have won him the final. Anthony Walsh picked off a couple solid Pipe waves that gave him two medium scores, while Matthews struggled and took a couple beatings in the process. Jamie traveled through a couple long backdoor barrels that gave him the heat lead.

Matthews (rocking a fresh pair of Hyperfreaks) struck back later in the heat as he split a peak with Jamie. Matthews went for the backdoor right and netted the highest wave score of the heat, a 9.93. Jamie’s left wasn’t so bad either and ended up raising his heat total to a 17.00. With ten minutes left in the heat though, Matthews only needed a 7.08 to take over the lead.

Mark Matthews charged all the way to the final and took some beatings while he was at it. Photo: Freesurf

Lucky for Jamie, the ocean went flat and Matthews opportunity never came. By the time the clock hit zero, the groms were already in the line up slapping fives with Jamie. He rode the ski in and was chaired to the beach like it was the third time he won the event. It was almost uneventful, expected almost.

The win pretty much puts him in the Pipemasters where he will do battle with the worlds best later this year. He may not be the most liked guy in the world of surfing, but when it comes to watching people surf Pipe, he is at the top.

Take a peek at our inspiration this week and meet Youwhos (Elaine) from Salt Lake City, Utah! We found Youwhos on ChicTopia.com while browsing though hundreds of fashionable photos showcasing unique street style from all over the world.

Our favorite item from Elaine’s outfit was her slouchy loose-fiting sweater. What’s great about the slouchy sweater is that they’re ultra comfy, and cozy to run around town in. Take a look at how Elanie dressed up her slouchy sweater with a fashionable skirt, and great accessories (lace leggings, and a leopard print scarf). Perfect combination!

If you’re diggin Elaine’s killer style, check out this O’Neill Poindexter Top and corresponding Roxy Miami Beach Skirt that will earn you instant street cred.

Big thanks to Elaine and her rad style!

-Kacee

Check out other cool style ideas and pics from Elaine’s blog: clothedmuch.blogspot.com

Valentines Day is right around the corner, and we thought we’d give you a splash of inspiration for some easy holiday gift ideas for that lovely lady!

We have a large selection of all things pink (hoodies, tank tops, bikinis, dresses, watches, sandals, you name it!) and we feel that this is the easiest way to get on your sweethearts good side! All you have to do is click the picture above, and you’ll be in pink shopping heaven.

<3 Killer Dana

World’s Premier Goofy Footer to Sport O’Neill Clothing and Wetsuits. O’Neill Clothing, the original California surf, snow and youth lifestyle brand, has officially signed Bobby Martinez to an endorsement deal with both their apparel and wetsuit divisions in the U.S.  Martinez, who finished the 2009 World Championship Tour (WCT) ranked eighth in the world, is widely regarded as the most sought after “free agent” in professional surfing, and recently competed the entire season without the support of a major clothing sponsor, a feat that is virtually unheard of in this day and age.

The Dream Tour veteran and Santa Barbara, Calif. native has not only been heralded as a premier goofy footer, but routinely referred to as one of the world’s most well-rounded surfers and a perennial world title threat each year since 2006. That is when he claimed WCT Rookie of the Year honors and stunned the industry with a jaw-dropping victory at Teahupoo, Tahiti, arguably the most challenging wave on the professional circuit.  Additionally, Martinez finished the year-end rankings in the top 10 each season of his WCT career and has multiple wins at both Teahupoo and Mundaka, Spain under his belt, making him the most successful California surfer during that time span.

“O’Neill is thrilled to welcome Bobby to our surf team,” said Garth Tarlow, O’Neill’s Director of Sports Marketing.  ”He is one of the few surfers on tour that racks up WCT victories each season and, bottom line, he’s a surfer’s surfer with amazing technique, tremendous power and total commitment.  We look forward to watching his tenacious approach to the tour this year.”

O’Neill Clothing CEO, Toby Bost, added: “In an era of evolving change in the surf industry, O’Neill is committed to building the best team of surfers in the world.  We feel this year we have done just that with the addition of Bobby Martinez.”
Martinez joins a prominent group of O’Neill surfers, including Jordy Smith, Timmy Reyes, Cory Lopez and Roy Powers.

“I’m more than happy to be part of the O’Neill team,” Martinez said.  ”It’s a company of surfers for surfers, and even though it has been a long wait, it’s totally worth it.”
Stay updated on what’s going on with Martinez and Team O’Neill by joining O’Neill’s mobile VIP program.  Text 68398 to receive up-to-the-minute news, promotions and event info.

For more news like this, check out O’Neill’s: O’News

Last week I had an amazing opportunity to take a class on Sprouting Seeds at The Ecology Center of San Juan. My life has forever been changed!

The Ecology Center is a nonprofit organization that aims to serve as Orange County’s premier eco-educational learning center and is driven to inspire and educate people across Southern California communities in the areas of environmental sustainability and stewardship.

Every month The Ecology Center puts on a couple D.I.Y. workshops called: Back Yard Skills. These workshops highlight creative strategies and solutions that foster sustainability in our everyday lives. My Sprouting class was part of this great program!

Even though I am an avid sprouts eating enthusiast, for some odd reason I’d never thought about growing them myself (instead of buying em at the store). Little did I know how frickin easy it was to grow em in your own kitchen. And not only was it easy, it was much more fulfilling watching them grow then simply snatching them up and buying them at the store.

The sprout seeds that we were provided with for our class were a combination of radish, celery, alfalfa and a bunch of other sprouting seeds (which made a delicious combo!). I’m going to be enjoying my sprouts as a perfect snack, or maybe puttin em in my eggs in the morning, on sandwiches, in salads, or on my pizza. You can basically add them to anything to zest things up a bit, and add a slight and fun crunch.

Big thanks to Gary Wright (Killer Dana founder) who introduced me to The Ecology Center last summer. It reminds me of living in San Francisco, and it also reminds me that “Yes, there are still good people living in Orange County who are looking out for the Planet’s future!”

Do your part and support companies that are doing good and giving back to the planet.

Check out our selection of >> Organic Clothes

-Kacee

Back by popular demand is the Get Her Look for Alana Blanchard! This two-time Women’s Pipeline Pro Champion is not only an amazing surfer, but she’s also kills it with her amazing laid back style.

Since Summer is just around the corner, we thought we’d show off some hot new swimsuits of the season. And these aren’t just any old swimsuits, they’re smokin hot suits that Alana would love and wear!

First up is a two piece mix n’ match combo of the Radio Fiji Sheen Mila Bandeau Bikini Top which has a comfortable snug fit (perfect for surfing in). This top matches great with the colorful feather inspired Radio Fiji Pow Wow Chic Stringerkini Bottom.

Our next favorite suit of the season is the ever so fashionable Radio Fiji Monokini Solid Suit. The suit has a sexy (unique corset look in front) but sporty style to it that would make Alana proud. Overall fit has a halter shape with cut out sides for an extra sultry effect.

Stay Classy Out There