Extreme Sports

All new Krooked gear for Summer ‘13 is hitting skate shops now with some Anderson Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy, Worrest Vorteks, Drehobl Idle and a Dandy Gonz. Plus The krooked klowns join the circus with some all new Hazard zingers.

Sole Classics & Vans Vault Always dig what comes from the Vans Vault, rarely do they disappoint. What they’ve just dropped with Ohio based Sole Classics is an example of taking something you think is pretty much color’d, collab’d, done’d to death’d and then reworking it for something rad… Taking the ‘Era’ model, Sole Classics took the colors that represent Ohio and spliced it across the shoes silhouette. Every part of the shoe has some sort of kick back to Ohio – which you may think has been done before, think Benny Gold and his SF Fog shoes for example – but this has been done well, tastefully and has turned out quite impressive. Would you wear them? If you do, don’t be wearing anything else other than black… Keep up with the story on Instagram @SoleClassics and check the website for the full inspiration story. Actually, do click the links – the story behind it all is pretty interesting… via HB

Our hearts and thoughts go out to all those affected by the deadly Tornado that Struck Moore, Oklahoma today. Please take some time and send some positive thoughts their way  and for info on how to help visit redcross.org.

Quiksilver Zipperless. Following on from the peek we got a while back, we have more info to share on the new zipperless wetsuit Quiksilver is releasing into the market… It’s official name is the ‘Ignite Zipperless’, comes in a 3/2 at the moment and is full length (derrrr, as the photo shows). Instead of going for some over the top technical name for their rubber, Quik are just calling their rubber ‘FN Lite Neoprene’ – yep it’s fucken lite. The neoprene is made with more air cells meaning its lighter, warmer, more flexible. Tagline is warmth just got lighter. The seals, which are always an important element – I hate leaks – are looking good here. Using a super thin bead of liquid tape used on GBS seams, it inhibits all leakage. Thinner, lighter, more flexible and UV resistant (will NOT crack after a year in the sun – which is great, noone like the itches) It’s available now, which is probably the exciting thing. Go take a look at it online at Quiksilver.

Raen :: Summer Collection Raen, about to drop their summer collection into stores. Email came in this morning about it all, click thru to website, see four new styles have been introduced, see images, save images, realise I don’t have time to write anything stupid, witty or maybe even insightful. Mad rush of copy’n'paste begins. Notices that Sylas in black is quite nice. Continues typing… Raen – Nevin No-nonsense and cool without trying, this frame fits almost every guy — and more than a few girls. Check the Aloha print and don’t look back. — Raen – Sylas Subtle swoop to the bridge. Rounder lens. Impeccable styling. Pair these with one of our printed graphic patterns and a simple pair of sunglasses suddenly becomes a style statement all its own. — Raen – Chaise Mixed media at its finest! This more feminine shape includes subtle bevel work throughout and a palette of print and color options. Finally, your Aloha interior can mean more than that worn out coconut air freshener in your car. — Raen – Astyn With the same subtle color reveal as our Garwood, this style fulfills all your fashion requirements. The slightly smaller frame shape features a knockout bridge detail, flat brow with smooth curves down below. Handmade, and available in finishes ranging from subdued to loud.

Mind Fool Insight You’re still in love with chambray, but your sick of everyone biting your style by wearing the same shirt right? That or you live in Canada and need to change shit up with your tuxedo attire. Either way, Insight has you covered with this lovely looking lightweight chambray shirt that comes with, wait for it, contrast paneling. Y’see, with this contrast paneling, you can still rock chambray all damn day. But you’ll look a little different. You’ll feel a little more special, a little more on top of the game (does chambray have a game?). It’s a splendid looking shirt, the lightweight material feels sensational and it avoids that general heaviness most chambray’s get. Add to that it’s light garment wash and you have something very soft, very light and very impressive. Insight’s Mind Fool Shirt, available now, just don’t wear with contrast paneling jeans.

SPY are Sofa King Happy Ahhhh, least they didn’t run with Mike Hunt being happy right? I post this because it’s funny – Happy To Sit on Your Face is SPY’s campaign for it’s shades. Their initial drop of creative had banners, ads and even billboards with just ‘Happy To Sit on Your Face’ as the creative. That’s it. One billboard in Carlsbad had to get pulled down due to the locals not being impressed with the connotation the creative was putting out..  Kinda lame they had to pull it down.. But. SPY are back with a new one!  This new creative is all about a guy being ‘sofa king happy’! Guy is sitting on a sofa with shades looking happy. Makes perfect sense. ha. Anyway, Carlsbad are kicking up a stink again – you can read all about it, along with recent financials on SPY over here. Thanks to Mr Wallace for the tip

In this rad little clip, DGK brainstorms with collaborator Eric Bailey in his Oakland studio. He talks through his early inspirations, fine art and graphics, different collaborations, old and new board series he has worked on for DGK. If, like me, you love everything about the streets of SF then you’ll find it impossible not to enjoy his artworks and the story and lifestyle that influences it. Do yourself a favour and check out Eric’s website and blog birdsandbullets.com BRAINSTORM – ERIC BAILEY – ART from KAYOTV on Vimeo.

Dakine gave a few bags to some Cub Scouts and some Incas and told them to bang out their latest range… Well, not quite. Actually not at all. In fact, this limited edition range of bags has nothing to do with Scouts or Incas, except some slight resemblances and a product name. This double header of limited edition product are being done in runs of 250 and are made up of include a Vault Pack, a Command Duffle, Capital 23L and the Mission 25L backpack. It’d be epic to see these make their way to Aus, but it seems highly unlikely that we’ll see them on our shores. If you want one, we strongly urge you to get trawling online. Photos: Boardistan

The Knoxville shade by Electric sure must be a popular seller if it’s undergoing another revamp. First came the original. Then a year or two later, they fed it some chicken and protein and released the XL and now they’re about to drop the Union which is like  original, but it’s just been under the knife for a bit of a nip and tuck. Basically, it’s the same size as the original, but the bottom of the frame now comes with a wire outline instead of the original “Grilamid” frame. Here’s the spiel Electric are using to sell it: “A wire rim lens topped by the sharp details of the Knoxville frame create a perfect union of form, function, and style resulting in a balanced design that is clearly ahead of its time. Italian craftsmanship and polarized lens options add substance to the unquestionable appeal of this new modern classic.” They’re online now.