Team News

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.

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Dane Reynolds, Trestles : photo ASP/Cestari

With a number of enhancements being activated on the ASP World Tour this season, the ASP Judging Criteria has been refined to reflect the progression of the sport.

“It’s paramount that the ASP Judging Criteria evolve to reflect the ever-progressing envelope of high-performance surfing,” Perry Hatchett, ASP Head Judge, said. “The revision of the criteria for 2010 is the result of discussions between our respected panel of judges as well as the world’s best surfers.”

The ASP Judging Criteria for 2010 and beyond is as follows: Surfers must perform to the ASP Judging Key Concepts to maximize their scoring potential.

Judges analyze the following major concepts when scoring waves:
-          Commitment and Degree of Difficulty
-          Innovative and Progressive Maneuvers
-          Combination of Major Maneuvers
-          Variety of Maneuvers
-          Speed, Power and Flow

It is important to note that the emphasis on certain concepts is contingent upon the location and the conditions on the day, as well as changes of conditions during the day.

Scale Utilized:
0.0 – 1.9 = Poor
2.0 – 2.9 = Fair
4.0 – 5.9 = Average
6.0 – 7.9 = Good
8.0 – 10.0 = Excellent

“The last part of the revised ASP Judging Criteria is crucial,” Hatchett said. “Surfers and fans need to understand that certain aspects of surfing score higher depending on the location and the conditions at that location. For example, the same approach to surfing in classic Trestles conditions will not score the same when applied to classic Pipeline conditions – classic Trestles conditions call for more Innovative and Progressive Maneuvers whereas classic Pipeline conditions call for more Commitment and Degree of Difficulty.”

The aforementioned criteria will be applied across the board at ASP World Tour, ASP Women’s World Tour, ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS) and ASP Pro Junior event. In addition to the refinements being made for the shortboard circuits, the ASP World Longboard Tour will also enjoy the following revised criteria: Surfers must perform to the ASP Judging Key Concepts to maximize their scoring potential.

Judges analyze the following major concepts when scoring waves: