It was a heavy rainy day in Leucadia that Tim Crozier, of Blackbird surfboards and Icons of Foam Shape Off Director, and I sat down to recap the Boardroom show held in Del Mar this past weekend. We meandered into the conversation with a recollection of Chris Christenson’s 14′ yellow glider-fish featuring a custom board rack attached to the nose, to hold a red 5’6 flared fish on top, whilst knee-paddling the remote breaks of Point Loma. Upon arrival to desired break, the motherfish could be anchored to a kelp paddy, whilst the short fish could be paddled into the lineup. Talk about surfer-shaper ingenuity.
Dan Mann is the winner of the 2025 Icons of Foam in honor of Eric Arakawa.
Dan Mann deservedly won the Icons of Foam shaping competition, in honor of Eric Arakawa, after facing stiff competition from a talented array of invited shapers. He beat alan white, of Coco Beach, Florida, in the final by best recreating a 6’6 shaped for none other than Andy Irons at Pipeline. The other boards featured were a 6’0 Pipe board for Michael Ho, and a 9’6 Waimea Gun ridden by Michael and Derek Ho, as well as ronnie Burns, in the Eddie.
In the Best of Show division, Steve Farwell, of Farwell Surfboardstook home the people’s choice for best fish amidst a tough school of beautiful designs-including the honorable mention, Lunatic Surfboards who came all the way from France with an epic BASSFISH.
The Enduring Appeal of Vinyl Records in a Digital Age
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For many,the hiss and crackle of a vinyl record are the sounds of home. Despite the convenience of digital music, vinyl records have experienced a remarkable resurgence in recent years, captivating a new generation of listeners while retaining the loyalty of seasoned audiophiles. But what fuels this enduring appeal?
Part of the answer lies in the experience. Unlike the instant gratification of streaming, playing a record is a intentional act. It requires removing the record from its sleeve, carefully placing it on the turntable, and gently lowering the needle. This ritualistic process fosters a deeper connection with the music, encouraging mindful listening.
Beyond the tactile experience, vinyl offers a unique sonic quality. Many argue that the warmth and depth of analog sound, captured in the grooves of a record, are superior to the often compressed and sterile sound of digital formats. While subjective, this perception contributes significantly to vinyl’s allure.
The physicality of vinyl is also a key factor.Album artwork, liner notes, and the record itself become cherished objects, representing a tangible connection to the artist and their work. Collecting vinyl becomes a hobby, a way to curate a personal history of musical taste.
Moreover,vinyl encourages album-focused listening. Streaming frequently enough promotes single-track consumption,whereas vinyl naturally lends itself to experiencing an album as a complete artistic statement,as the artist intended.
The comeback of vinyl isn’t simply nostalgia; it’s a conscious choice. In a world dominated by ephemeral digital content, vinyl offers a lasting, immersive, and deeply satisfying musical experience.It’s a testament to the power of analog in a digital world, proving that some things are worth taking the time to savor.
Channel Islands Highlights a Vibrant Boardroom Show with Mikey February and Dane Reynolds
The recent Boardroom Show, a celebrated event in the surf industry, saw strong energy and engagement, particularly at the Channel Islands booth. The brand leveraged the presence of influential surfers Mikey February and Dane Reynolds to connect with attendees and celebrate the craft of surfboard building. The show underscored the enduring importance of experiencing surfboards firsthand, even in an increasingly digital world.
A Gathering of Surf Icons
Channel Islands reported a successful show, boosted by the presence of two surfers who have significantly impacted modern surf culture: Mikey February and Dane reynolds. Attendees were enthusiastic about the opportunity to meet the pair.
“[Mikey] February’s surfing connects across generations and styles, while [Dane] Reynolds will forever represent that pure core-lord approach,” a Channel Islands representative noted. Both surfers are known for their discerning eye when it comes to board design,making their presence a valuable opportunity for discussion and insight. The booth became a hub for conversations about surfboard design,with people eager to ask questions and connect with the athletes.
The Enduring Appeal of Physical Connection
Devon Howard, a prominent figure in the surf industry, succinctly captured the essence of the Boardroom Show: “No matter how much we live online, there’s still nothing like putting a board under your arm and feeling it for yourself.” This sentiment highlights the show’s core mission – to keep the craft of surfboard building alive and celebrate the history and future of surf culture. The Boardroom Show provides a unique space for tangible interaction with boards,a crucial element frequently enough lost in the digital realm.
Boardroom Show Honors Announced
The Boardroom Show also recognized excellence in surfboard design. Michael Arenal and Nick Heinrich took home the honors at this year’s event, showcasing the continued innovation within the industry.
Key Takeaways:
* Strong Industry Engagement: The Boardroom Show continues to be a vital event for the surf industry,fostering connections and showcasing innovation.
* Athlete Influence: The presence of influential surfers like Mikey February and Dane Reynolds draws crowds and elevates the event.
* The Value of Tactile Experience: Despite the rise of online retail, the ability to physically interact with surfboards remains crucial for consumers and shapers alike.
* Celebrating Craftsmanship: The Boardroom show champions the art and skill of surfboard building.
The boardroom Show’s success demonstrates the continued passion for surfing and the importance of preserving the traditions of surfboard craftsmanship while embracing future innovations. As the surf industry evolves, events like this will remain essential for fostering community and driving the sport forward.