SURF NEWS - ONEILL WELCOMES BOBBY MARTINEZ TO SURF TEAM
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 "Go Team ONeill" to 68398 to receive up-to-the-minute news, promotions and event info.
For more information, visit www.oneill.com. About O'Neill O'Neill,
the original California surf, snow and youth lifestyle brand, was
founded in 1952 when a young man named Jack O'Neill took his
unstoppable passion for surfing and used it to beat Mother Nature at
her own game. Pioneering the world's first neoprene wetsuit, Jack had
successfully found a way to extend his surf sessions in the
bone-chilling breaks of Northern California. He opened up the garage
doors to his first surf shop in Santa Cruz soon after. While
many things have changed since those humble beginnings, Jack's initial
vision of producing functional and innovative boardriding products
continues to lie at the core of everything the company does. O'Neill's
core values -- innovation in style and technology -- have seen the
brand devote itself wholeheartedly to the evolution of the action
sports lifestyle. From the first-ever neoprene wetsuit and surf leash,
to the world's first stitchless boardshorts and range of groundbreaking
wearable electronics, O'Neill's progressive spirit will always drive
the company forward. For more information, please visit www.oneill.com.
Comments
Fri, Jan 29 | 02:56pm
I am looking for a 1960's O'Neill sticker. Any ideas where to try?
Fri, Jan 29 | 07:02pm
WHAT!
Fri, Feb 05 | 07:32am
Oneill has a good lineup of guys these days, dang.
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