Checking out Surf Expo 2011 this August to see what is new and interesting in the world of water sports. This year was different in that quite a few more kiting interests had booths at the show than in the last three years. Also, there was quite a bit of diving related products at this show for the first time. Perhaps they are trying to shift the sport's demographics to a younger crowd.
Here we are at the massive Orange County Convention Center off International Drive in Orlando, FL.
Let's take a panoramic view of the show floor. I did say it was a large show!
CLICK photo for full sized image
I have a lot of runway fashion shots that I don't quite know what to do with. Lacking a better idea, I will salt them in among the other show floor images.
Lets have a look at the Jimmy Lewis booth with Ken
A section of a JL board
Garry Menk of JL boards
Packet Casey, JL team rider shows off his talents on this powered monocycle.
Neil Pryde Group booth featuring JP Australia SUP and NPX wear. They choose to focus on these product lines for this show.
Cabrinha team rider Damien Leroy was named "Kiteboarder of the Year" by AWSI at Surf Expo
There is a far more extensive overview of the current line up of Cabrinha, Neil Pryde, NPX and more in the writeup of the dealer conference held a few months back in Islamorada, FL. More at:
http://fksa.org/showthread.php?t=10782
The Grinch Winch guy comes ripping along on a Solowheel
The show has everything even mermaids in a tank.
Models in metal flake?
Slingshot had a large booth at the show by the wakeboarding pool
Matt Sexton recently got a kiting magazine cover, looking good!
You never know when you may go in for a while or in this case, maybe you do know. I understand that Magda of bote SUP boards in front is wearing a hot swimsuit from
www.teekilove.com. This takes us into ...
Martin and Niki Stepanek and a crew of instructors from FII or Freediving Instructors International were at the Oceanic booth at the show.
Martin and the team were presenting something new of interest to watermen everywhere, a Waterman Survival Course. Being at ease and in control in the water involves more than aptitude at your particular sport and strong swimming skills, managing reasonable time submerged on breathhold is another strong asset to have. FII has introduced a practical, hands on course with this in mind.
"Any experienced waterman, from surfers, high-divers, and whitewater kayakers to ocean rescue teams will easily recall at least one moment in their lives when the power of mother natures ultimate force has pushed them to their limits. Gasping for breath, you reached the surface feeling there was nothing else to give…or, maybe there is? During this course, we will dispel some common misconceptions and get to the bottom of the true urge to breathe. We’ll dig even deeper and show you how you can retrain the urge to breathe, allowing your body to work with you in times of need. You will also learn key safety protocols on how to handle Black-out victims and other breathhold related incidents.
This course is for experienced waterman with a high level of health and fitness. This course is an academic and confined-water based training."
More at:
http://www.freedivinginstructors.com...cialty-courses
Niki Stepanek at rest on the bottom in the Red Sea
Let's have a look at the Fanatic booth, lots of boards, SUP, kite, windsurf
Here is Fanatic rep Laura Meyers showing off a windsurfing board
There was a SUP pool at Surf Expo put to good use. Jaime Brown sitting in front and Magda in the middle are wearing bikinis from
www.teekilove.com. Jaime is with the firm and represents her brand well. Folks who are into swim fashion should checkout the website. They have some unusual styles.
Lets look in on Dave Turner of Globerider Kites and Lightwave Designs,
http://www.usa.globekites.com/
Here's Dave!
Greg Kuklinski has also be a regular at Expos along with Dave for years.
John Bryja shows off the latest issue of SBC Kiteboard Magazine
Windsport Magazine an excellent long time publication from SBC
GoPro had a strong presence at the show in keeping with the past several Surf Expos meeting twice a year! This is one of their more expensive camera mounts.
There is a writeup from the Surf Expo earlier this year about new GoPro products for this year at:
http://www.fksa.org/showthread.php?t=10322
I met JR Register, the Florida representative for GoPro at the show.
They introduced this new camera flotation back at this show in addition to all the innovations earlier in the year.
Standup attack in the SUP pool
Enrique and Jan make the rounds.
The funky indoor wakeboarding tow tank setup. It seems to work pretty well.
Swinging by Paul Barnett at the Light and Motion's booth
A wide array of video and still imaging light sources
I understand there is no need to open the factory sealed housings even for charging. What a great approach.
Lou Waiman holds court at his booth introducing new gear to customers.
Lets visit Sun Bum for a banana and some sun block
Aaron Sales of Kiteboarding Magazine shows off the latest issue. They also launched a new magazine aimed at the SUP market, "Board & Paddle."
Shred Ready has come out with some creative new helmet designs.
So, that's a quick look at Part I but it's not the end. The second part will be up very soon, see you ...
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