Northcore Blog

Billabong Monster tow in event Mullaghmore Head goes off

2011-02-14T10:31:00.000Z

Sunday 13th Feb saw the first annual Billabong Monster big wave tow in event kick off in huge surf with prime conditions at Mullaghmore Head, County Sligo, Ireland. Northcore team rider Richie Fitzgerald and long time tow in partner Gabe Davies placed a most respectable 3rd and 4th place in both events which were attended by all of the regular Ireland chargers and watched by big crowds from the headland.

Northcore Amabassador Richie Fitzgerald said of the day “ There were amazing waves today, me and Gabe teamed up for the first time in 3 yrs,we got a 3rd and 4th in both events. The whole day was great, everybody was charging, unbelievable surfing and waves, Gabe got wave of the day, super mental barrell and I got wipe put of the day, nearly blacked out the heaviest beating I have ever taken. I'm feeling very sore and bruised and my knee is screwed too, so looking forward to rest tomorrow!”

Because of the knee injury Fitzgerald will be kept out of the water for a while but with the surf still firing both Mullaghmore and Prowlers will be targets for the tow in teams this Valentines day.

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Billabong Monster tow in event kicks off

2011-02-13T17:54:00.001Z

We've very little information at this stage but the guys at TurfnSurf (one of Bundoran's prime surf lodges over looking the Peak) have posted the footage below from Mullaghmore. It looks like some heavy, fast and hollow waves have been charged today. Watch this space for more info:

Billabong/Monster Energy Mullaghmore Head Big Wave Event is on!

2011-02-11T17:12:00.000Z

Subject to the event organisors and a change in conditions the call has been made to run the Billabong/ Monster Energy Mullaghmore Head big wave tow in surf competition this Sunday and Monday 13^th and 14th Feb 2011. With a west swell forecast in the 17ft range with a 15 second period with light offshore winds the waves could be hitting 25ft+ faces. Northcore Ambassador and big wave rider Richie Fitzgerald is on the invite list along with a host of other surfers who have been charging Irish reefs whenever the swell is big enough. Richie will be towing with partner Gabe Davies.

Mullahmore Head is one of Ireland's premier big-wave spots, breaking over a shallow, left hand reefbreak surfable on high tide. The spot handles any size swell, producing huge, heavy tubes. Mullaghmore is an experts only wave but the locals have it wired so the event is set to be a classic

Richie Fitzgerald heads the Northcore™ team. Northcore is a British based, European surf & boardriding company with an international heritage, combining British innovation with European designers and pro-surfer know how. Everything Northcore does reflects its roots in hardcore cold water surfing producing tough, practical products of exceptional quality, integrity and design. Currently Northcore's primary products are surf based accessories, but they are continually working on new innovations in all the board riding disciplines to supply a growing demand for top end, technical accessories for todays surf and snow board riders. Northcore supply surf products on a trade and wholesale basis through out their Global distribution network.

As a company Northcore aim to continue to support growth in British surfing, boardsports and the creative talent that thrives in our collective lifestyles, by working with the best athletes and by embracing progressive film making, music, art and photography to establish a true sense of community. Northcore strive to maintain a socially responsible company ethos by embracing a Carbon Neutral policy. Northcore have sponsored 2000 trees in a Malaysian rainforest re-plantation scheme to offset carbon emissions and the long term support of environmental and recycling initiatives is central to their outlook.

For more information visit:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Northcore/102111289862161
web: www.northcore-europe.com

Billabong big wave Invitational Event Mullaghmore Ireland 2011

2011-01-13T08:47:00.001Z

Richie Fitzgerald has been invited to a brand new event hosted by Billabong and Monster. Its a big wave tow in competition to be held at Mullaghmore - the waiting period is up until 31st March 2011. We'll bring you more detail as we get it!

Do Politicians Surf?

2010-11-12T16:12:00.000Z

Last weeks surf session at "Prowlers" on Irelands West coast, first surfed by Richie Fitzgerald has caused quite a stir around the Globe and especially in Ireland. So much so that the Irish opposition leader Enda Kerry wanted to meet Richie in person this week and the get together made the Irish Independent newspaper:

Richie Fitzgerald's "Prowlers" Session makes the headlines

2010-11-10T19:45:00.001Z

The recent session at the new monster surf break in Ireland "Prowlers" has caused quite a stir with Northcores Ambassador Richie Fitzgerlad hitting the headlines...this time on RTE:

Is this Irelands biggest Wave?

2010-11-09T10:38:00.000Z

Having experienced as a spectator, winter tow surfing in Ireland first hand, on a "small" 15-18ft day, I have an idea of what it takes: large cojones, a lot of skill and a tolerance to the cold all help. But tackling a monster swell at an unridden reef 2kms offshore in a North Atlantic winter takes it to another level again and this is exactly what Richie Fitzgerald is doing. Heres our press release:

"Northcore Europe Ambassador Richie Fitzgerald and two other teams of jet-ski's ventured out into a recently discovered new wave yesterday. The spot named 'Prowlers' breaks on an undersea reef about 2km off the North West Coast of Ireland and has the potential for being one of the countries, if not Europes, biggest waves.

Richie and the boys have been waiting 5 years for the type of conditions required to surf it and yesterday 08^th November waves were in the 40-50ft range and the conditions were perfect due to the massive swell generated by Hurricane Tomas. One photo of the session made the cover of the Irish Times this morning and more will be used in various surf magazines to come. Watch this space for more information on Prowlers!"

Richie Fitzgerald was born and raised in Bundoran, County Donegal, which has become known as a world-class surfing destination largely due to Richie's exploits as the undisputed face of Irish surfing. Having represented Ireland at both World and European Championships, Richie now concentrates on big wave surfing and owning and managing Ireland's first intermediate/advanced surf coaching academy.

For more information visit:

www.northcore-europe.com

www.richiefitzgerald.com

www.surfcoachireland.ie

Lewis Clinton Retains Pro-Junior Title at North East Open

2010-10-25T11:19:00.002Z

UKPSA TOUR NEWS: Russell Winter wins this year’s North East Open at Longsands Beach, Tynemouth. Newquay based former World Championship Tour surfer dominated the final with big powerful turns as he excelled in the Tynemouth surf conditions.

Russell commented “Again it has been a fantastic event; I have enjoyed coming to Tynemouth and competing in good solid waves. However the challenging conditions required a lot of paddling this year. On behalf of all the competitors I would like to thank North Tyneside Council for supporting this event and look forward to coming back next year”.

Russ has now won two events in a row consolidating his lead on the UK Pro Surf Tour 2010. Russell was also the reigning champion at this event.

Finishing second was Bude surfer Joss Ash with his best result of the year. Third place went to an inform French surfer Gordon Fontaine, who won the British University Championships the previous weekend and fourth to South African Ruebin Pearce, 2008 UK Pro Surf Tour Champion.

In the Pro Junior division Newquay Surfer and reigning Pro Junior Champion Lewis Clinton took the honours in a very close fought heat. Second place went to Lyndon Wake from Croyde who is recovering from a foot injury sustained earlier in the year. Third to Aaron Evans and fourth to Sam Scoble.

The Relentless Money Move for the Most Radical Manoeuvre went to Stuart Campbell of Woolacombe for an amazing Barrel in the stormy conditions of Saturday. Winning the King of Watersports. com King of the Wave went to Russell Winter for the highest scoring wave of the contest. In the Pro Junior division the award was won by Newquay’s Aaron Evans

The event was part of Xperience 10, thousands of extreme sport enthusiasts and spectators from across Europe gathered at this year’s Festival, in North Tyneside.

The tour now moves on to the final event the Animal Newquay Open November 13^th 14^th

For further information on the UK Pro Surf Tour visit the website: www.ukprosurf.com

Grishka Roberts nominated for UK surf award

2010-10-20T08:50:00.000Z

Grishka Roberts has been nominated for a UK surf award in the "Most inspirational surfer" catagory. Grishka is part of the fabric of the UK surf scene and remains an amazing surfer, so click on Northcore stockist, A1 Surf link below and vote for Grishka!

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/a1surf

Richie Fitzgerald takes win at Billabong open- Easky

2010-10-20T08:44:00.000Z

Richie Fitzgerald takes the Billabong Open Masters comp win at Easky this weekend- congrats Richie!

Richie Fitzgerald getting barreled in Bundoran

2010-10-01T08:30:00.000Z

Heres a recent shot of Richie Fitzgerald, Northcore Ambassador catching some green room time recently in Bundoran:

Northcore launch UK and Ireland Mini-surf guide book

2010-07-16T14:12:00.000Z

Introducing a new surf book the: The Northcore “Ultimate Surf Adventure: Top 25 UK & Ireland Surf Spots”

Northcore Europe announced this week the release date for their latest enterprise, a collaboration with one of the worlds finest series of surfing guide titles, Wavefinder surf guides, to produce a brand new mini-surf guide “The Top 25 UK & Ireland Surf spots”

Based on feedback from the Northcore pro-rider team, the top 25 surfing destinations on our shores were selected and brought together using the Wavefinder surf spot database of locations, maps and optimum conditions to bring readers a list of must ride waves.

The mini-guide also features stunning team rider shots and profiles including advice from big wave rider Richie Fitzgerald on his favourite wave in Ireland and 2 x European champion Grishka Roberts on his choice of English waves.

Northcore said of the book release “We're really proud of this new title. Working with such a respected publisher as Wavefinder is fantastic and they've helped bring together a great little surf guide book.”

Spokesman for Wavefinder said of the collaboration “We had been looking for a quality UK surf company to work with on this project and Northcore fitted the bill perfectly. The company epitomises cold water surfing with their products and their philosophy and so this Top 25 guide around the chilly waters of the UK & Ireland works very well. Getting input from some of Northcore’s pro riders also adds an extra dimension.”

Book synopsis:

“If you're prepared to travel chances are that, somewhere amongst the stunning and often wild UK and Irish coastlines theres a perfect glassy wave peeling right now. But which are the all time, must surf waves to discover and ride before its too late? The Northcore Ultimate Surf Adventure is here to help. Compiled with the help and experience of Wavefinder guide books and advice from professional surfers from the Northcore team we have compiled our list of the best 25 waves. There's never going to be a definitive listing as there are some class waves out there aren't in any guide books but without doubt if you want to start your surfing adventure using this book you wont go wrong with chasing the waves detailed in its pages.”

Release date is 22nd July 2010. For more information visit

www.northcore-europe.com

www.wave-finder.com

For European trade enquiries contact Extremehorizon Surf Distribution

sales@extremehorizon.com

Surfers Against Sewage and Northcore promotion

2010-06-12T13:44:00.000Z

As part of a Surfers Against Sewage promotion, Northcore have donated some gifts to the good fight SAS are doing to keep our surfing waters clean. To be eligible for the promotion either become a new member of SAS or existing members enter the prize draw. For more info click on the SAS facebook link below

Another 750 trees adopted to offset CO2 emmissions

2010-05-21T10:49:00.003Z

The Northcore group of companies are proud to announce the 2010 investment in the annual tree adoption scheme to help offset the CO2 emmissions produced by our company.

We now adopt 750 mature rainforest trees annually as our CO2 offsetting scheme. These trees are growing as part of a sustainable, locally managed re-forestation project in Malaysian Borneo. For more info on our environmental initaitives click here

Join SAS and get a free Northcore MP3 case

2010-04-08T13:47:00.003Z

Northcore have donated some waterproof MP3 case and earphone sets to Surfers Against Sewage to be given away FREE to the next 10 people who sign up and become members of SAS.

Click here for more info and join up, help keep our beaches and oceans clean and perhaps win some cool Northcore kit!

http://www.facebook.com/SurfersAgainstSewage

Richie Fitzgerald expands Surf World in Bundoran

2010-04-01T14:04:00.003Z

Richie Fitzgerald, Northcore's ambassador, big wave rider and all round top bloke has recently launched a brand new website and expanded the Surf World premises in Bundoran NW Ireland.

Surfworld is the first and leading surf shop in the North West of Ireland. Owned and run by the Fitzgerald Family, for 20 years!! They stock a huge range of quality surf hardware, accessories and fashion and since the recent renovation the shop has doubled the size of the floor space.

Richie and the team also run a surf school and hire shop, so if youre looking to learn to surf in Ireland, theres no better place to start:

http://www.surfworld.ie/

Surf wagon

2010-03-15T18:10:00.003Z

Many of us will recognise this car....well not this actual car but one like it. Purchased for that first big surf travel trip down the west coast of Europe, the length of California, an extended trip to Australia cheap cars like this are snapped up and become temporary homes taking us to new and exiting places. These cars maybe slow, uncomfortable and unreliable but they'll always be in our surf memories.

This particular one was bought by Lewis Clinton presently in Eastern Oz, surfing, breaking bones and having pics taken by Carve surf magazine....

what was your first surf wagon?

Longboarding in Australia

2010-03-11T09:11:00.002Z

Its seems as though everyone we speak to has been to Australia this winter and after seeing some recent pictures of Northcore longboard team rider Ryan Hammond, surfing over there, I must admit to feeling a little envious. Ryan has travelled extensively around the Queensland and NSW hot spots, like Noosa, the Gold coast and Byron Bay, scoring surf almost every day. Heres a shot of him on a small, clean Australian right, hanging five :)

New product: surfboard roof bar pads

2010-02-04T19:05:00.001Z

Check out the latest product video for our new roof bar pads:

Northcore support SAS subscription offer

2010-01-29T10:34:00.003Z

The team at Surfers Agains Sewage (SAS) do a fantastic job at lobbying to keep our beaches and oceans clean. Their work is funded by donations and subscriptions, so here at Northcore we are happy to support their latest subscription offer with the donation of some of our market leading Single Overhead soft racks. Check out the image below for more info and subscribe today!

Northcore keypouch features in Wavelength

2010-01-28T16:13:00.004Z

The latest Northcore innovation the waterproof Keypouch is featured in Wavelength Magazine...

Northcore in the Telegraph

2010-01-08T11:03:00.002Z

The Telegraph newspaper will be including our new Waterproof keypouch product in the travel section of the Magazine on the 6th Feb- make sure to check it out !

Northcore Team rider Lewis Clinton wins 2009 UK Oakley Pro Junior

2009-11-23T10:00:00.005Z

After a close battle during the three Events, Northcore Team rider, Lewis Clinton secured the overall win of the Pro Junior series of surf comps 2009. The awards ceremony was held on the 15^thNovember at Fistral Blu Bar in Newquay, where Clinton picked up his trophy.

Northcore spokesman said “We're stoked for Lewis securing this prestigious win. He's a great surfing talent and the award is well deserved”

Lewis Clinton has been on the Northcore team since 2008. He is a talented British Junior Team member based in Newquay, Cornwall and although he is only in his teens he has a wealth of experience and skill. Lewis has already travelled extensively to the testing grounds of Hawaii and to locations like Ecuador, Barbados and California. Here he's surfed more challenging waves whilst watching and learning from some of the best surfers in the world.

The Pro-Junior Events took place this year at the Saltrock Pro Croyde, The XPY Fistral, and the Animal Pro at Fistral. These events work in association with UK Pro Surf Tour which was established a decade ago to raise the profile of British Surfing across the UK by highlighting the quality of surf conditions and locations across the country, providing a platform for surfers and sponsors to raise their profile in the surfing industry and to help raise the performance level of British Surfers

For more information visit:

www.northcore-europe.com

http://www.ukprosurf.com/

Northcore website was down for 24 hours

2009-11-17T20:12:00.002Z

Apologies to all of our customers, as our website was down for approx 24 hours this week after being attacked by spammers (b**tards), which subsequently left Google flagging the site until we fixed the code. Which is now all done and we're back and running as normal :)

Arrival of brand new 2010 leashes

2009-09-29T07:34:00.004Z

The ALL NEW Northcore "Pit" leash arrived at the warehouse last week and is now available on the shelves. The leass is a high spec piece of kit designed for use in waves up to the 6ft+ range. It has a 7mm urethane cord, with double swivel steel bearings. Its the top of the range,
available in 6, 7, 8, 9ft lengths

Double swivel

Superior strength 7mm cord

Easy release padded cuff. Super strong velcro fastening

Clear cord with coloured core. Colours vary (red, white, black or white)

Key pocket and detachable railsaver

Lewis Clinton takes second at XPY Pro-Junior

2009-09-28T13:09:00.004Z

Lewis takes a second in the finals of the Pro-Junior Final:

This weekend, The Oakley XPY Pro Junior exploded onto North Fistral beach with competitors and spectators alike greeted with sunshine and head high fun waves!

All surfers & spectators stunned by the debut of the new digital clock system, an automatic countdown timer for surfers in their heats. Also, on the horizon, a large Oakley Buoy, to mark out the contest area & to the give the event an ASP world tour feel!

The climax of the afternoon's was the Pro Junior Final. The surfing was at an exceptional level, with Jayce Robinson taking the win, with Lewis Clinton taking second place, third place Alex Baker from Croyde & forth place young Harry Timson from Newquay.

Waveriders wins 2009 Surfer Poll Best Documentary

2009-09-16T12:06:00.003Z

Waveriders featuring Northcores Ambassador Richie Fitzgerald won the 2009 Surfer Poll award for Best Documentary at last nights awards in California.

The judges verdict was "While each of the documentaries offered a window into gripping stories from within the world of surf, Waveriders' take on surf culture from an Irish perspective may have been the most gripping and artful story of the bunch."

Well done guys

Richie Fitzgerald nominated for "Surfer Poll" Award

2009-09-11T07:31:00.002Z

SURFER Magazine has announced the Video Award nominees fo the 37th annual SURFER Poll and Video Awards presented by American Suzuki and Ultimate Wave Tahiti. For the first time ever, five of the top Video Awards winners will be selected by a jury of surf film experts including major surf filmmakers, World Champion surfers, members of the SURFER Magazine editorial staff, and additional respected industry leaders.

The awards will take place in California on Tues 15th Sept and Northcore Ambassador Richie Fitzgerald has been nominated under the "Heavy Water" Category. We've not seen the other movies nominated but theres no way they can compared with the final sequence in Waveriders with Richie and tow partner Gabe Davies, tackling a massive Irish swell which defined heavy! (the footage above was from a smaller day!) Good luck guys

Heavy Water Nominees

Todd Morcom (Storm Surf)
Nathan Fletcher (Lavese Las Manos)
Richard Fitzgerald, Gabe Davies, Alstair Mennie, Duncan Scott (Waveriders)
Dylan Longbottom (Still Filthy)

Dirt Flirt Girly Camp

2009-08-27T16:07:00.002Z

This years Dirt Flirt Mountain boarding girly camp hosted by Boardology.co.uk was held in Cheshire and Northcore we're pleased to help out with a few prizes for the end ceremony.

The camp set up by Alli Carter of Boardology was established to introduce girls to mountainboarding, from novices through to advance riders improving their technique.

Sounds like it was a great event!

Whats Richie Fitzgerald been up to this month?

2009-08-26T08:18:00.003Z

As always Richie Fitzgerald, Northcore's brand Ambassador has been a busy man, heres just a few of the things hes been up to recently:

Stella Magazine have put Richie as the 6th Hottest "must have item" this summer!
The Irish Examiner features Richie on the front cover of their Weekend magazine with a full interview
He completed a photo shoot with Aaron Pierce recently to be featured in Carve Magazine

Lewis Clinton features on "Subway" poster

2009-07-27T15:16:00.002Z

Here at Northcore we remain impartial when it comes to endorsing other companies so this blog isnt a shout out to eat at "Subway"! however Northcore rider Lewis Clinton is currently featuring on a Subway promotional poster in the South West of England for a chance to win VIP tickets to boardmasters in Newquay in Aug... so its worth checking out for chance to watch Lewis in action competing in the event

Northcore East Coast Drift

2009-07-13T14:43:00.004Z

The Annual Northcore Boardriders sponsored East Coast Drift surf competition was held this weekend Saturday 11th July. The event was open to all Lincolnshire Surf club members and was held in almost perfect conditions at Sandilands beach, Sutton on Sea. Competitors from all over Lincolnshire took part surfing under sunny blue skys, on clean 2-3ft waves. Of the fourteen surfers who competed four made the final with the eventual top three winners being 1st, Ed Firth (Louth), 2nd Richard Ward (Grimsby) and 3rd Simon Needham (Alford).

East Coast Drift surf comp this weekend

2009-07-09T08:07:00.002Z

The Northcore sponsored East Coast Drift surf comp
is to go ahead this Sat 11th July. After a long spell of poor North Sea wave conditions the event scheduled for Easter is to run this weekend with a 3ft groundswell and light offshores expected.

Latest independant Northcore product review

2009-07-03T13:16:00.002Z

Check out the latest independant Northcore product review for our surfboard/ SUP carry sling. The test and review was conducted by SUP Global.com

For the full review click on the link below:

http://www.supglobal.com/stand-up-paddle/reviews/129-northcore-stand-up-paddle-board-sling.html

Lewis Clinton makes Quarters at Gul Open

2009-06-15T08:13:00.002Z

Big up to Lewis Clinton for making the Open quarter finals at last weekends Gul event at Fistral Beach

*image Copyright: Les Clinton

Trees for Jet skis: Big wave Tow-in Jet ski goes Carbon Neutral

2009-06-09T12:46:00.001Z

Northcore made the announcement today that they are extending their annual CO2 offsetting program to cover the Jet ski (Personal Watercraft- PWC) used by their brand Ambassador Richie Fitzgerald, by neutralising its annual Carbon emissions by investing in a tree adoption and re-forestation scheme.

Northcore spokesman said of the Jet ski- initiative “Richie Fitzgerald and his tow-in partner, Gabe Davies have a Jet-ski on permenant standby on Ireland's West coast which they use for charging some of the biggest waves on the planet at places like Aileens in Co Clare.

However the use of Jet Skis can pose a moral environmental dilema for tow-in teams worldwide. Its no secret that the use of Jet Skis isn't the most eco-friendly addition to the surfing way of life, so until a viable “green” alternative to internal combustion for PWC's is available these vehicles and the emissions they create will remain in the line ups as essential equipment for chasing down monster waves. So Northcore in conjunction with Richie have taken the decision to offset the annual CO2 emmissions of his and Gabe's PWC by extending our tree planting scheme administered by the Dutch based organisation, Climate Neutral Group.

The CO2 offsetting is based upon the annual fuel usage for Richie's Jet ski which creates approximately 1.28 tonnes of CO2 and it requires 64 mature rainforest trees to offset this emmission. These trees are growing in a re-forestation scheme in Malaysia and through the adoption programme both offset the PWC's CO2 and allow continued investment in the scheme with the planting of new trees extending the project”

Richie Fitzgerald says of his Jet ski going Carbon neutral “Jet Skis are a ‘necessary evil’ in the pursuits of big waves, so I am really delighted to be working with Northcore on their initiative to offset the annual emissions of our ski .”

The Climate Neutral group are in permanent partnership with the FACE foundation who manage the reforestation project in the forests of Sabah in the Malaysian part of Borneo. Here the forests are being seriously damaged by intensive and large-scale logging. The area has become overgrown with lianas, preventing the natural re-growth of most trees. The FACE foundation set up a project to recover the damaged tropical rainforest by planting trees and through sustainable management. Left to its own devices the rainforest would not be able to return to its original state. Besides extracting a volume of CO2 from the atmosphere each year, this project is preserving the outstanding biodiversity of the area. Moreover, the project provides jobs for local people in tourism, research and nature management.

For more information on Climate Neutral Group and it’s projects visit:
www.climateneutralgroup.com

Richie Fitzgerald joins Northcore

2009-06-02T08:33:00.003Z

You may have noticed from the Northcore website updates that Richie Fitzgerald, big wave surfer, has become the Northcore Brand Ambassador. We are stoked to have Richie on the team, his abilities both paddling and towing into some of the planets largest and heaviest waves in the cold waters of Irelands North West coast have secured him a place as one of the worlds elite group of big wave riders so we are proud to be working with him.

check out his Northcore page here fro more info:

www.northcore-europe.com/richie_fitzgerald_northcore_ambassador.htm

Photo shoot

2009-05-26T08:22:00.004Z

Surfers in Ireland are some of the most welcoming in the world but show some respect when surfing their breaks as consequences for anyone who drops in may be damaging!!

....This is one of the pictures from a recent Kathrin Baumbach photo shoot with Ritchie Fitzgerald. For more on her work visit www.kathrinbaumbach.com and for Richie www.richiefitzgerald.com

Lewis Clinton Wins Saltrock open

2009-05-26T08:08:00.001Z

A Big shout out to Lewis Clinton for winning the Saltrock Open in Croyde this weekend:

"The UK Pro surf tour got off to a flying start with great weather and good surf conditions. Starting the day with a small but clean 1-2ft the waves built to a solid 3-4ft by the afternoon. Spectacular surfing from Lewis Clinton from Newquay helped him clinch the pro junior final. 2^ndwas Luis Eyre followed closely by Jayce Robinson and Toby Donachie"

Saltrock Open 2009 Croyde

2009-05-15T15:07:00.003Z

Kathleen Spears will be in action at this years Saltrock Open- Northcore wish her all the best for a great event

Saltrock open
Stop No 1 of 9 on 2008 UK PST
Croyde Beach, North Devon
23 - 25 May 2009

Win a Northcore Surfboard: Wavelength comp

2009-04-23T15:03:00.002Z

This month Wavelength Surf mag are running a comp to win a Northcore mini-mal. Check out the latest issue online http://www.wavelengthmag.co.uk/

or grab a copy to enter the comp.

World Juniors- Winners announced

2009-04-06T10:59:00.002Z

Quiksilver ISA World Junior Surfing Championships in Ecudador.

Team Australia wins fifth Team Gold medal - Dean Bowen (Aus), Tyler Wright (Aus) and Keanu Asing (Haw) win individual gold medals.
Team Hawaii places second, Brazil third, USA fourth and France, fifth

Quiksilver World Junior surfing championships begin

2009-04-01T10:33:00.002Z

Salinas, Ecuador -- The Quiksilver ISA World Junior Surfing Championships returned to Playas de la FAE today for the second day of competition. Girls Under 18 made their grand debut, running all 24 heats of round one at the secondary contest site – a right and left beach break on the south end of the beach.

Contest organizers also held the remaining heats of round one and all of round two for Under 18 Boys at the main contest site at the point. The surf was two to three feet in the morning but steadily rose throughout the day to a solid four-to-five feet by the afternoon.

Gabi Rowe and Karma Worthington kept the Great Britain team in the main rounds, taking second place in their heats. Many of the team’s Boys Under 18 surfers made it through round one but were unable to advance through round two and must now battle it out in the grueling repercharge rounds.

Best of luck from Northcore to all of Team GB

*photo ISA/Lobo

Lewis Clinton makes finals of Barbados Open

2009-03-10T15:36:00.002Z

The Barbados Surfing Association recently held their first event of 2009, the open surf series at South Point. Lewis Clinton entered the under 21 boys division competing in 2-4ft waves. Lewis scored an excellent 3rd placing overall.

World Junior Surf championships 2009

2009-03-04T10:53:00.004Z

Both Lewis Clinton and Kathleen Spears will be joining the British Junior team in Ecuador at the end of this month for the World Junior Surfing Championships and we'd like to wish the guys the very best of luck. Heres some more info on the event:

Upcoming: The Quiksilver ISA World Junior Surfing Championship

From March 28 to April 5 the waves of the Playa de las FAE in Salinas, Ecuador, will host the greatest junior surfing event in the world: the Quiksilver ISA World Junior Surfing Championship.

More than 200 of the best athletes of about 30 different countries will be competing for one of the greatest honors to which a junior surfer can aspire: a podium in an International Surfing Association (ISA) event. The ISA is the World Governing Authority of Surfing and all its disciplines, recognized by the International Olympic Committee.

The event will crown the world champions in the categories Boys Under 18, Boys Under 16 and Girls Under 18, as well as the World Junior Champion nation, after the results of all its participants have been added. Each team will be represented by four members in each of the categories; therefore, a complete team will be composed of twelve athletes.

Salinas is a beach resort located 136 km from Guayaquil, the second largest city in Ecuador. Its main and most renown surfing spot is the Playa de las FAE (FAE meaning Ecuadorian Air Force, for its initials in Spanish) will be the event scenario.

The wave is a long, perfect and consistent left-leaning point break that maintains the good shape in swells of up to 8 feet. The beach acquired fame after the World Surfing Games were held there in 2004.

Northcore Pro-pockets features in French surf magazine

2009-02-16T08:43:00.003Z

The Northcore Pro-Pockets heated neoprene sports belt features in Trip Surf, one of Frances biggest surf mags this month. Check it out here:

http://www.trip-surf.com/jeu-concours.html

check out Kathleen Spears latest blog entries from the North Shore

2009-01-30T12:55:00.002Z

"...the last few days on the north shore have been probably some of my best yet, its been crazy! The waves have been absolutely pumping!"

http://www.kathleenspears.com/html/hawaiian_blog.html

Kathleen Spears in Oahu

2009-01-12T09:51:00.000Z

Follow Kath's adventures in Hawaii on her blog:

http://www.kathleenspears.com/html/hawaiian_blog.html

Kathleen Spears selected for World Surf Games

2009-01-06T09:27:00.003Z

Congrats to team Rider Kath Spears who has been selected for the team going to the World Surf Games in Equador late March early April 2009. Right now as part of her training she is on the Northshore of Oahu, wisely avoiding the sub-zero British weather!

Exploring the Orkney Islands

2008-12-02T19:28:00.007Z

Big waves, unsurfed/undiscovered locations, huge swell windows, vast ocean fetch, endless variety of set ups, constant waves....its like a mini-Hawaii, so who wouldn't want to go to the Orkney Islands?!

For those who dont know, the Orkneys are a group of islands situated north of Scotland and the fabled reefs at Thurso. They lay on the same latitudes as Northern Canada and Greenland but although the islands do get bitterly cold in winter, the gulf stream tempers the climate and the ocean enough to mean that icebergs and polar bears arent local hazards!

We were lucky enough to visit one of the outer islands recently, partly to visit friends and partly to check it out for a possible future Northcore team trip and after days of looking at maps and swell charts I was dreaming of the seemingly limitless surf possibilities.

The main drawback other than the aforementioned cold, is the length of the journey there, for us it meant a 450 mile road trip, a flight, a cross island drive, a ferry and a long walk, which meant that we could have flown to the other side of the world in a similar amount of time. The journey is worth it though as the huge skys, vast seas and remoteness of the Orkneys is stunning.

The drive around the whole island we were staying on is only about 45mins and a few potential surf spots can be seen from the road but most are well hidden and all involve long walks across steep fields, stone walls, dead sheep and streams. Winter swells regularly reach 20ft+ (it was only a 12-14ft swell when we were there) and all of the spots we saw were rock reef set ups, some only accessible by boat or PWC. This place is hardcore!

I'm not going to give away anymore for now but watch this space for a possible trip in 2009.....

Northcore Team riders in Euro Junior surf championships, Morocco

2008-11-25T19:01:00.002Z

We'd just like to wish team riders, Kathleen Spears and Lewis Clinton all the very best as they compete as part of the English Junior Surf Team in the European Surfing Championships, this weekend. The Championships are being held near Agadir in Morocco between November 28th and December 6th.

Watch this space for more updates....

New Distributor for Benelux

2008-10-27T09:50:00.004Z

Northcore Europe are pleased to announce a new distribution partnership with Peak Distribution based in Holland. Headed by Jordi De Koning, Peak Distribution are now working with the full range of Northcore products supplying retailers in the surf markets of Holland and Belgium.

In the last few years surfing has really taken off in the Northsea nations of Holland and Belgium and the values of the Northcore brand and the quality of products have been readily embraced by the ever growing band of local surfers.

Jordi DE Koning said of the partnership "Peak Distribution is stoked on this new cooperation and will help spreading Northcore’s top end products in the cold water area’s of Holland and Belgium."

For more information on stocking Northcore's products in Holland and Belgium contact:

peakdistribution@gmail.com

Northcore Rider Kathleen Spears wins 2008 BPSA Welsh Open

2008-10-13T13:18:00.003Z

Congratulations to Kath Spears for picking up first place in the womens division of the 2008 BPSA Welsh open. Weather and waves all came together for the event which also saw Kath collect a prize cheque for the highest scoring wave of the womens comp at huge 9.07!

*Image Vici Walker/UKPSA

British longboard club championships are a great succes

2008-10-06T16:43:00.003Z

The British longboard club championships held at Scarborough's South bay last weekend were a great success. The Scarborough Malibu club always host well organised, friendly and professional events and this one was no exception. The comp was held in conditions which ranged from classic 4-6ft offshore in the morning to 1ft crosshore waves in the afternoon. The event was well attended with the North Devon Based "Hotdoggers" club securing first place, followed by Scarborough in second and the Royal navy surf association taking third place.

Image Copyright Northcore: Ryan Hammond, North Yorks local and Northcore sponsored rider

Kathleen Spears secures third place in British Pro Juniors

2008-09-24T10:52:00.003Z

Congrtaulations to Kathleen Spears who successfully secured third place in last weekends British Pro-Juniors held at Fistral beach, Newquay. Its also the XPY surf comp this weekend 27th/28th Sept, at Fistral so good luck to Kathleen Spears and Lewis Clinton in that event.

British Juniors 2008- Fistral Beach Newquay

2008-09-17T17:08:00.002Z

This weekend 20th/21st Sept see's an important event for young UK surfers as the British Juniors kick off at Newquay's Fistral beach. Two of our team riders, Lewis Clinton and Kath Spears will both be competing and we wish them both the very best of luck.

Press release

Britain’s top junior surfers will gather to battle it out for the prestigious Billabong British Junior champion titles in the Under 12’s, Under 14’s, Under 16’s, Under 18’s, Girls Under 14’s, and Girls Under 18’s. Over £2000 worth of prize money is also up for grabs thanks to Billabong.

It’s a busy time for the top rated juniors as The British Surfing Association (BSA), has also started its intensive, bespoke winter training programme.

The BSA is also grateful to the RAF Waveriders Association and to the Station Commander at RAF St Mawgan for the use of their facilities where a full activity programme has been implemented for the squad training. The Junior team members have certainly been being put through their paces with early morning runs at 7am, low ropes team building exercises, circuit sessions, bleep tests as well as surfing drill sessions and heat drill sessions.

A follow-up weekend at Fistral has also been run with intensive heat drills run under contest format, enabling the squad members to sharpen their own contest tactics and for the squad coaches to assess squad members fitness commitment and consistency of their performances.

The training weeks and Billabong Junior Championships will form a strong basis for the selection process for the World Championships in Ecuador in March 2009 which will occur after this weekend’s contest so there is everything to play for.

Karen Walton, National Director, BSA said, “The Billabong British Juniors is always such a great event and the enthusiasm at last year’s event was just phenomenal. This is an important competition because the results will have a heavy bearing on the selection process for the World Junior Surfing Games next year so we look forward to the weekend and seeing everyone compete at their best, in the highly charged conditions.”

Lewis Clinton Returns from a summer in Europe

2008-09-11T09:36:00.004Z

Lewis Clinton knows what it takes to make it on the world stage of pro-surfing and the commitment to his goal is ever present. Lewis has recently returned to Cornwall after a summer in Europe, free-surfing and competing in the Pro-Juniors. In his own words:

"I have just returned from a epic summer of waves and sun in France, Spain and Portugal. In May i didn't think i would make it down to Europe this summer but with a little help from my parents i managed to get it together. Now when i think back to the time i had there i am so glad they did. I think for all the experience, great waves and sunshine i had this summer it was probably the best decision i've ever made. I entered all of the pro jr events whilst i was there, not doing too badly but still occasionally getting my ass kicked. My best result was in Portugal, Ericera to be precise where i got to the round of 32 ( one before the money haha) which i was stoked about. I had a great time and can't wait to get back down there to surf the powerful hollow sucky beach breaks, reefs and point breaks europe has to offer."

Northcore Custom Fish surfboard features in Corduroy Lines magazine

2008-09-10T11:45:00.003Z

The 6'0" Northcore retro quad fish is a beautiful custom surfboard. Finished in gloss primary colours it looks as good as it surfs, which is fast, loose and with style. Corduroy Lines the Devon based online surf mag have used an image of our fish to grace a full page of their current issue.

To check the mag out visit:
http://www.corduroylines.com

Oakley XPY Pro-Junior

2008-09-05T14:33:00.006Z

Theres a great surf comp running this Sept at Fistral beach, organised by Newquay's Jack Clinton; surfer, entrepreneur and brother of Northcore team rider Lewis Clinton.

Press release

On the 27^th & 28^th Sept, Fistral Beach will be hosting the 5^th successful Oakley XPY Pro Junior Presented by Globe and this year is looking to be bigger and better than ever before!

The event is stop two on the UKPST Pro junior circuit, and with this event being another 2 star rated event, there is top points up for grabs along with a £500 prize purse for finalists! The Pro junior category will stage all the top under 20 surfers from across the kingdom. Other categories included in this years event are under 16’s, under 16’s girls and under 12’s OPEN. All categories will be supplied with cash prizes for finalists along with tons of other goodies to go with it! With the event being blessed every year with waves, it has grown a reputation amongst the surfers as one of the best stops on the tour! Sponsors this year include Oakley headlining the event, along with presenting sponsor Globe shoes. Other sponsors this year include new sponsors on the scene, Northcore, Monster energy drinks, and carveboard skateboards. Also thanks to Eurobeach & Fistral Blu. For details on entering the event, contact the UKPST office on 01637854854 or www.bpsauktour.com . Check out the contest website at www.x-pressyourself.co.uk .

Our best wishes go out for another hugely successful event and we hope the finalists enjoy the few Northcore goodies in their winners bags.

British Longboard Union Surf Championships: Scarborough 2008

2008-09-04T10:25:00.003Z

NEWS FLASH:

EVENT POSTPONED TO ALTERNATE DATES 04TH/05TH OCT DUE TO POOR SURF FORECAST THIS WEEKEND (20TH/21ST OCT)

The UK's North Sea is the spiritual home and testing grounds for Northcore, so we are always stoked to be able to support local events.

This year Scarborough Malibu Club is hosting the British Longboard Union Championships and we're pleased to be able to donate some prizes for the raffle to help raise funds for the event and for Surfers Against Sewage.

Phil Thacker: Club Chairman "The club championships were last held here in 2002, when Scarborough’s own club was newly-formed. The event was a brilliant success; our surfers came eighth and since then have steadily climbed up the rankings – they’re now second.

There’ll be eight clubs, with up to three teams of six each, in this year’s competition for the annual perpetual trophy. Teams come from Devon, Cornwall and Sussex with members drawn from Jersey and The Isle of Wight. The Royal Marines will also send a team. Surfers take part in 20-minute heats against each other, with winners scoring for their teams on style and moves.

Holding the championships here is a great coup for Scarborough. The east coast is well known, but not so well used. As Phil says, ‘The surfers who come up north for practice are the hardcore international types who like to surf the various point and slab breaks around our area, which are well known among the experienced surfers.’ But this event will give the area more exposure in the surfing world, and a lot of that will be down to the Malibu club and its nurturing of surfing talent: ‘We as a surf club are doing well because of the youngsters that have grown up with us hitting the water every time there is a surfable wave.’

DATE: Sat 20th/Sun 21st Sept
VENUE: South Bay, Scarb, Nth Yorks

Pic: Joss Wescombe, Northcore team rider and Scarboro local

Kathleen Spears makes cover of West Country Life

2008-08-07T11:42:00.002Z

Kathleen Spears received recognition recently for her surfing achievements by scoring the cover of West Country Life Magazine. Nice one Kath

Newquay film trip

2008-07-17T17:29:00.002Z

Over the past few days we've left the North Sea coast HQ to visit Newquay to meet up with Grishka Roberts, Lewis Clinton and Kathleen Spears to film a short Northcore promo video. The weather wasn't exactly ideal, the waves were marginal but these surfers and their passion for our sport more than compensated for conditions. All of these guys are amazing surfers and stand out as role models for British surfing. To hear and see what Grishka, Lewis and Kath had to say, watch this space for our new video.

Lewis Clinton's latest training trip

2008-07-09T18:31:00.003Z

After recently winning the English U18's title and being the highest finisher in the British team at the World Junior Surfing Games in France, Northcore team rider, Lewis Clinton, decided to head back down to SW France on a training trip to score a few more Atlantic waves. The following is an taster of his trip in his own words:

"Yesterday I got back from another sick trip down to Hossegors incredible French beach breaks. The first couple of days things were abit slow on the swell front but there was still some fun waves to be had if you were prepared to search for them.

By the end of the week the surf had picked up along with the weather and we were getting some great waves and sunburn, we stayed just outside of Capbreton in a place called Lebenn'e. Even though i have been down to this part of France countless times i had never stayed here before so it was exciting.

After just over a week in Hossegor we decided to move down to Canterbria in northern Spain, when we arrived at the camp site near Santander (this is where we were catching the ferry back to Plymouth in a couple of days time) it was sat right on the beach but there was one problem, no waves.

After a couple of days there were still no waves until my friend decided to walk over the headland to look at a little cove round the corner, when he got there he was shocked to find a perfect 3 foot hollow wedge. I think GUTTED has to be the word i'm going to use when i thought of the hours i sat bored out of my skull thinking there were no waves. It was seriously localised and when we paddled out lets say we didn't get a warm welcoming but they soon got used to us being there."

2008 Surfboard range is now in stock

2008-06-25T09:01:00.002Z

The 2008 Northcore custom surfboard range has hit the shelves with some new shapes and designs. The boards included are a 6'0" retro quad fish, a must for any quiver, a 6'4" modern fish, a great allrounder, a 6'4" "Lowrider"(super versatile), mini-mals for small waves, beginners and loads of fun and finally the 9'2" longboards which will catch even the smallest summer wave and glide forever. For more info click here:

Introducing Aaron Pierce-Surf Photographer

2008-05-30T07:21:00.003Z

We were recently introduced to Aaron Pierce, a Kiwi in self imposed exile, living on Ireland's West Coast, whilst looking for some images of Aileens. Aaron has been producing some amazing pictures from the area, some of which we're stoked to feature on the Northcore Website.

“I get a huge kick out of photography, especially when the surf is big. I have a huge passion for Aileens in Ireland." says Aaron

As for his future plans, “I plan to take a few of the boys out to a couple of big wave spots I've found and try them out. I also want to photograph the biggest wave in the world ever to be surfed, hopefully this will happen next winter now that we know what to expect, things are going to get freaky next winter so watch this space....”

From more on Aaron's work click onto our photographers page or visit his website www.liquid-storm.com

ISA world junior surfing championships have started

2008-05-27T11:43:00.007Z

The 2008 Quiksilver ISA World Junior Surfing Championship in Hossegor and Seignosse began on Sat 24th May.

Despite some flight disruptions, the delegations from the 28 competing countries have arrived safely in France. For some nations, the journey was long and tiring - up to 40 hours for the Australians - and plenty of teams are still waiting for their boards, which went missing en route.

Altogether, some 290 surfers under the age of 18 – a record - have come together on the coast of south-west France, to see battle commence in this major event on the international surfing scene.

All the continents will be represented in France this year, with the great surfing nations, including Australia, Brazil, the United States, South Africa and Hawaii., Rubbing shoulders with them are a number of emerging surfing countries, such as Israel, Barbados, Canada and Germany, which is sending a full team for the first time, and even Senegal, making its debut in the Quiksilver ISA World Junior Surfing Championship.

This United Nations of junior surfing will be one of the highlights of surfing year. I love to attend the Quiksilver ISA World Junior Surfing Championships. It’s our surfing way of showing the world that peaceful coexistence is a very reachable goal” said exhausted but excited International Surfing Association President, Fernando Aguerre.

Two of the Northcore sponsored Junior riders, Lewis Clinton and Kathleen Spears, are competing in the comp. We'll be bringing you updates on the event here (which is postponed today) or to follow the UK teams progress log onto http://www.isaworldchamp.com/

British Junior Surf Team for ISA World Junior Champs announced

2008-05-14T10:09:00.005Z

This weekend saw a host of dedicated 14-18 year olds congregate at Fistral Beach, Newquay, Cornwall, to participate in an intensive training session in preparation for one of the most prestigious surf contests of their lives.

Twelve UK youngsters including Northcore team riders Lewis Clinton and Kathleen Spears have been honoured to be selected by the British Surfing Association for the British Junior Surfing Team for the 2008 Quiksilver ISA World Junior Surfing Championships which take place in the South West of France from the 24th May–1st June.

The event will see junior athletes under the age of 18 coming from every continent on the planet and the British team will join more than 30 other countries including the surf ‘power brokers’ such as Australia, USA, South Africa, and Hawaii along side emerging nations including Israel, Morocco, Costa Rica.

Unlike standard professional events, the surfers will compete in national team format. This format is unique in world surfing and the surfers will be competing solely for the honour of receiving a gold, silver, bronze or copper medal and representing their nation.

Head coach Barrie Hall said, “To be selected for the team for the 2008 Quiksilver ISA World Junior Surfing Championships is one of the highlights of these young surfers’ careers thus far and illustrates their talent and dedication to the sport.

This event is the equivalent of the surfing Olympics and our young British athletes will be pushed to their very max, to drive themselves to the absolute top of their game to represent their nation on this prestigious global platform.

Northcore want to wish Lewis and Kathleen all the very best for personal and team success at the event.

Pic: Lucia Griggi

Burma cyclone appeal

2008-05-09T12:11:00.002Z

The Disaster Emergency committee are the organisation who co-ordinates disaster relief funds through to recognised charities, who are allowed access to and are working in Burma to assist with the massive human tragedy there.

Their website is: http://www.dec.org.uk/

Its a triple for the Northcore team riders at the 2008 English Nationals

2008-05-06T10:20:00.008Z

It was a storming weekend at the English National surf competition for three of the Northcore team. With fantastic results for both Lewis Clinton and Kathleen Spears taking 1^st place in the U18 boys and girls categories. Not only that, Lewis was awarded the Dave Gent Memorial Trophy for the best-placed junior surfer from Newquay.

Grishka Roberts, who tests Northcore's surfboards, was also honoured by being awarded the Randall Davies Memorial Trophy for the best overall performance by a Newquay surfer.

With 23 divisions and close to 300 entrants, the Headworx English Nationals is one of the biggest surfing competitions in Europe. This year it was also one of the busiest, with Saturday alone seeing 40 hours of heats contested simultaneously on four peaks.

“We had a really busy day on Saturday but luckily the surf was brilliant for a competition; everybody was really happy with yesterday’s surf,” said Contest Director Ester Spears.

In winning their events both Lewis and Kathleen have earned the right to represent England in the European Junior Surfing Championships which will be held in Morocco in November.

Lewis Clinton said of the event, “I'm super happy that I have won, its quite a big event to win! The surf conditions were not great but I suppose I just managed to pick up a couple of waves and it worked out for me! I'm just stoked that I have won but also winning the Dave Gent memorial trophy, was a real privilege for me, it put the icing on the cake”

Kath Spears, said of the weekend " It was amazing to win the english, at the beginning of the year it was one of main aims and I'm stoked to have acheived it. The comp was really well run and the waves were pretty average so it was a bit of a test! Thanks to all my sponsors and every one who has helped me do this."

CONGRATULATIONS GUYS!

Pictures:Ester Spears/Les Clinton

English Nationals kick off at Watergate Bay

2008-05-04T09:42:00.003Z

Contest director Ester Spears has called an 8am start for this morning to maximise on the incoming swell for the English Nationals, which is forecast to be between 3 and 5 feet with light variable winds. With no fewer than 25 Headworx English Titles to be decided by Monday night. Both our Northcore Junior team riders, Kathleen Spears and Lewis Clinton are competing so we'll keep you posted on their results. Good luck guys

Big Wave exploration with Russell Ord Photographer

2008-04-30T18:32:00.003Z

Russell Ord is based in Margaret, Western Oz and he's out there on his jet ski on a regular basis hunting for unridden, outer reef bombies with some WA tow-in hellmen. We're fortunate enough to feature some of Russ's work on our website and in my humble opinion he's one of the best surf photogs out there, capturing waves and surfers from ever varying perspectives and always with amazing clarity. I always look forward to updates from Russ to hear about the new waves he's found and the latest shots didn't disappoint. The shot here was taken 60km offshore, when they found a mutant slab grinding across an previously unexplored reef. However Russ explained that they won't be visiting the spot again soon as it was just too dangerous!...which when coming from guys who chase waves at Cyclops (check out Russ's awesome double page pic in this issue of The Surfers Path Mag) and the Box, you know its a serious spot.
To see more visit: http://www.russellord.com/

Northcore nominated for Surfers Path Green Wave Award 2008

2008-04-24T10:14:00.006Z

This years sees further expansion and focus on our environmental initiatives, so we are super stoked to achieve recognition in the form of a nomination for the "Surfers Path Green Wave Awards"The awards, in Surfers Path's own words are "FOR EXCELLENCE AND ACHIEVEMENT IN PROMOTING SUSTAINABILITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSCIOUSNESS IN THE SURFING WORLD"

It's a real honour for us to nominated along with innovative surf industry brands, that have really been pushing the environmental cause.

Watch this space or go to Surfers Path for more info

North Yorkshire press coverage

2008-04-01T09:07:00.002Z

Northcore East coast drift 08: Snow and surf.

2008-03-25T20:24:00.004Z

This Easter morning of the Northcore East coast Drift surf competition saw some areas of the UK East coast covered in over 4” of fresh powder so a snowboard competition could have been an alternative if the swell hadn't shown as forecast. Fortunately the waves did arrive and there was a strong turnout with surfers competing from Tyneside, Scarborough and Lincolnshire at Scarborough's South bay which held a cleanish 2-4ft swell with strengthening cold NW winds making conditions more challenging as the day progressed. With 35 surfers competing there were Junior, shortboard, longboard and veterans division heats held throughout the day between 10am and 4pm, with the finals held in difficult high tide waves influenced by a heavy seawall backwash which competitors tackled head on.

All the final winners were from Scarborough with the winner of the Juniors, James (Riv) Kirk, the Veterans winner was Ian (stix) Kirk with Mark (grom) Dickinson winning both the shortboard and Longboard open, receiving a Northcore shortboard as first prize.

NORTHCORE EAST COAST DRIFT SURF COMPETITION IS ON THIS WEEKEND

2008-03-20T15:01:00.002Z

The forecast is for a 6ft+ Northerly swell with offshore winds so competition organisors have given the thumbs up for the go ahead of the Northcore East Coast Drift, which hopefully see some of the regions best surfers competing in conditions which look really promising

This year will be the first Northcore East Coast Drift surf event to host an Inter-clubs competition between, Tynemouth, Saltburn, Scarborough and Lincolnshire surf clubs. Northcore Europe Surf Co. spokesman says of the event “We're holding this years event on the 23^rd March at Scarborough's South Bay and we're really pleased to be getting involved by supporting the competition with a few prizes. Surfing in the NE area is no where near as main stream as it is in Devon and Cornwall, the scene here is much more at a grass roots level with less corporate involvement. The conditions in the North East are harsher with colder water and air temperatures being common and the infrastructure isn't as well developed, but the waves can be as good as anywhere in the South West and the year round surfers here are amongst the most dedicated and hardcore in the country”

Northcore Team riders in Local press

2008-03-17T17:09:00.002Z

Scarborough Evening newspaper recently wrote a short article about the Northcore East Coast Drift surf competition to be held this Easter Sunday 23rd March and they featured two of our team riders Joss Wescombe and Ryan Hammond. For more info on the comp click here

NORTHCORE WELCOMES BRITISH JUNIOR RIDER, KATHLEEN SPEARS TO THE TEAM

2008-03-10T12:57:00.002Z

Northcore Europe officially announced yesterday the signing of Kathleen Spears joining their surf team as the womens National Team Rider.

Kathleen is a talented young surfer, with a massive to desire to prove her self both in the water and out. She grew up in Croyde in North Devon, with the local beaches and reefs as her training ground, and from a young age she has been training under the watchful eyes of her parents and older brother. Kath has been a part of the British squad since she was 12. In the recent years she has made a name for her self by becoming the youngest Open womens English Champion that there has ever been. She competes full time on the UK Pro Surf Tour and also competes in some WQS and ASP pro juniors along the way. As well as competing Kath manages to fit in a full time College course where she studies surfing and business Cornwall.

In the last few years she has traveled the world with coaching and photo shoots taking her to locations like Hawaii, Dominican Republic, Morocco and more. On these trips she has shown her passion for not backing down from bigger waves and is always pushing her limits. Kathleen is a dedicated young athelete and definately a name to watch out for in the future!

Northcore™ are a British based, European surf & boardriding company with a global outlook. Northcore only work with the very best people in the industry from riders, right through to our ISO approved manufacturers. Everything Northcore™ does reflects its roots in hardcore cold water surfing producing tough, practical products and custom surfboards all of exceptional quality, integrity and design.

Northcore East coast drift surf comp 2008

2008-03-06T10:32:00.003Z

There are a number of local surf clubs taking advantage of North Sea swells and this Easter four of them will get together for the Northcore East Coast Drift. This year will be the first Northcore East Coast Drift surf event to host an Inter-clubs competition between, Tynemouth, Saltburn, Scarborough and Lincolnshire surf clubs. We're holding this years event on the 23^rd March at Scarborough's South Bay and we're really pleased to be getting involved by supporting the competition with a few prizes. Surfing in the NE area is no where near as main stream as it is in Devon and Cornwall, the scene here is much more at a grass roots level with less corporate involvement. The conditions in the North East are harsher with colder water and air temperatures being common and the infrastructure isn't as well developed, but the waves can be as good as anywhere in the South West and the year round surfers here are amongst the most dedicated and hardcore in the country.

Check out the attached flyer for more info.

Lewis Clinton's Hawaiian Diary

2008-03-05T10:23:00.004Z

Lewis, our national team rider is presently on the Northshore of Oahu...the global epicentre of surfing (lucky man) and he's written a diary piece for us below. The picture is of lewis surfing Haleiwa a few days ago:

"I got to hawaii in the evening on the 26th of febuary and woke up the next day to the north shore pumping, i'm staying about a 2 minute walk away from sunset so i could hear the waves all night. The surf has been so good, last week pipeline was as the locals were saying 'As good as it gets'.

The weather has been great too havn't had a drop of rain which from what i heard from people before i came is pretty strange. The day before last i paddled out at pipe on a smallish day, was soo cool just to be out there i managed to nab a little backhand keg aswell so i'm well stoked! yesterday the swell picked back up and there is meant to be a real big swell coming tomorrow so it should be wicked to watch pipe work again.

On monday there was a kinda medium sized swell and it was clean so i took the opportunity to paddle out at sunset to get a closer veiw of such a sick wave, i used a old brown 7'2 i found in the house where i'm staying. When i got out there it was bigger than expected haha i took off on one got to the bottom and stacked it, then decided that was enough for me and just sat in the channel and watched for abit. Overall so far i've had a bloody sick time and have some sick surf just stocked i've got 3 weeks left of it".

Lincolnshire beach clean

2008-03-04T10:28:00.005Z

I was pleased to help out with a beach clean this weekend, which saw national organisations and locals join together to clean an area of Lincolnshire beach close to the mouth of the Humber. The particular beach area is a black spot for rubbish and is located at an area called Donna Nook which the US military also use as a live bombing range (so anything looking like bombs weren't touched!!

The Marine conservation society were involved and helped out with surveying the crap that was collected (which included tyres, plastic bottles, shoes, tarpaulins etc) and supplying equipment. The local coastgaurds and RSPB were also involved, collecting and helping haul stuff away. The event was also filmed by a Corporate finance company who provided collection bags. It was also great to see local kids involved, enjoying themselves despite chilling Northerly winds!.

Check out the links above for more info about the organisations involved.

Lewis Clinton In So-Cal

2008-02-25T18:51:00.004Z

Welcome to the first installment of Lewis Clinton's mini-blog for Northcore. Our mens National team rider has been enjoying a Western Hemisphere surf trip in So-Cal (pic to right is Lower Trestles) and he'll be leaving for the Hawaiian testing grounds of Oahu's North shore tomorrow:

"Ive been in Southern cali for the last 11 days surfing all up and down the coast. The trip started when we arrived in L.A's international airport and a friend of my parents from years ago picked us up. We drove to orange country which is about a half hour drive from Huntington beach and about a 5 minute walk from the legendary Disneyland, as anyone would i took advantage of that to the full haha! After a few days in Orange County we moved south towards the famous Blacks beach and Trestles, it was great to surf so many famous breaks i had heard about. Today we are moving back up north except this time past L.A and to the well known Californian point break Malibu I cant wait should be so sick. Overall surf wise our trip has been sick so far, but as far as weather goes who ever wrote 'It never rains in southern California' seriously got his facts wrong haha we have had so much rain, the worst in years apparently. We fly to the north shore of Oahu tomorrow evening and i cant wait!!!!"

Picture: Copyright Les Clinton

Lewis Clinton joins the Team

2008-02-11T16:59:00.003Z

Northcore Europe are pleased to introduce Lewis Clinton to their riders team for 2008. Lewis is a talented British Junior Team member based in Newquay, Cornwall and although he is only 16 he's bringing a lot of experience and skill with him.This year Lewis will be travelling to the testing grounds of California and Hawaii for 6 weeks during February and March both to get away from the UK cold and to surf some more challenging waves whilst watching and learning from some of the best surfers in the world.

During the summer Lewis will be seen travelling along the Atlantic coastlines of France, Spain and Portugal following the pro junior circuit maintaining his goal to compete in as many events as possible to improve upon his previous years ranking, and also to keep his seeding in the events.

Lewis's successes have included top 3 placings during 2007 in The English Nationals, The Rip Curl Grom Search and a first in the Gul Newquay Open. Northcore spokesman said “We are really pleased that Lewis has joined our team, he has a drive to succeed in surfing, a professional attitude and a clear goal to join the WQS tour and eventually to even compete amongst the WCT elite. We're looking forward to working with Lewis and supporting him in his developing career”

Photo copyright Geoff Tydman

Northcore: proud to be associated with the British Junior surf team

2008-01-15T14:26:00.000Z

Happy New year

2008-01-03T18:47:00.001Z

Heres a great big HAPPY NEW YEAR 2008 to our customers from all the team at Northcore. Thanks for your support in 2007 and heres looking forward to more growth and loads of exiting new developments in the coming year, which include: awesome essential new hardware products, a new line of apparel, establishing a team of sponsored riders and further expansion of the brand. So watch this space for updates

Climate deal sealed by US U-turn

2007-12-15T11:34:00.000Z

Delegates at the UN summit in Bali have agreed a deal on curbing climate change after days of bitter wrangling.

Agreement was reached after a U-turn from the US (about bloody time-Ed), which had wanted firmer commitments from developing countries.

Earlier, the EU and US agreed that industrialised countries would not set firm emissions targets at this stage.

The "Bali roadmap" initiates a two-year process of negotiations designed to agree a new set of emissions targets to replace those in the Kyoto Protocol.

"I think we have come a long way here," said Paula Dobriansky, head of the US delegation.

"In this, the United States is very committed to this effort and just wants to really ensure we all act together."

Assist Al Gore to get the World's governments to address Global Warming

2007-12-10T18:28:00.001Z

In seven days 2007 Nobel Peace Prize winner Al Gore is going to address the UN Climate Change Conference in Bali, Indonesia. Surfersvillage, Earthwave and Northcore have signed his petition showing their support for the important call for a visionary treaty to address the climate crisis. We hope you will too.

The world's elected leaders must take the steps necessary to solve global warming. It's not too late. We have the opportunity now to improve the Earth's future for our children, and their children. If we don't act, we will only have ourselves to blame. Please spend one minute of your time to sign the petition today.

We encourage you to forward this page to everyone in your address book. The Climate Crisis is the greatest threat the planet has ever faced!

Record size waves forecast to hit west coast Ireland today

2007-12-01T11:22:00.001Z

TOWSURFERS READY TO RIDE THE BIGGEST SWELLS PREDICTED IN YEARS.

Massive waves are set to batter the western shores of the British and Irish Isles this weekend, and a small group of dedicated surfers are ready to take up the challenge of riding the biggest swells forecasted in recent years. I f conditions are right riders will be tackling Aileens in Co Clare, where one of the home page images was taken by Al McKinnon on Northcore-europe.com

Swell forecasters are predicting the arrival of powerful swells peaking Saturday afternoon of 38 feet (12.5m) high. There is an 18- second wave interval between the crest of successive waves, a daunting measure of the power behind these swells, generated by a 960 mb low-pressure system out in the Atlantic west of Ireland.

Once the swell comes out of deep water off Mullagmore Head, Donegal Bay, onto a shallow reef shelf, the waves can double in size as the wave crest is forced upwards by the changing seafloor contours, making waves heights greater then 55ft faces likely for the surfers.

The four surfers who are looking forward to the oceanic equivalent of summiting Mount Everest are Duncan Scott (Newquay, UK), Alistair Mennie (Portrush, IE), Gabe Davies (Newcastle, UK) and Ritchie Fitzgerald (Bundoran, IE.)

New member joins Northcore

2007-11-17T18:38:00.000Z

Introducing the newest member of the Northcore Boardriders team!

Mike Vincelli is the creator of the "Beachnuts Comic Strip" an insightful and sideways vision of the surfing world. His writing is clever and the quality of his artwork speaks for itself. We're pleased to say that Mike has kindly produced a Northcore character for us. The idea for this character was to represent a surfer who's stoked to be surfing head high waves in freezing water and we think he's captured it perfectly! You'll hopefully be seeing more of our character in the future.

To see more of Mike's work visit:

http://www.beachnutscomic.com/

Surfing on Biodiesel

2007-10-30T22:59:00.000Z

Here at Northcore we try and do our bit for the environment....we're not all out mung bean eating, tree hugging, teepee dwellers but we do attempt to have a social conscience and every little helps. Along with our Climate Neutral policy (we're part of one of the UKs first Climate Neutral surf organisations) of planting 500 trees annually to offset our carbon footprint, we're now experimenting with biodiesel for our surf vehicle.
As surfers we tend to want to be green and environmentally conscious but the irony is we travel more than most especially in our cars so we're pretty heavy pollutors...but we can make things better. After doing a bit of research it turns out that its pretty simple to run a Diesel vehicle on biodiesel. (Quick disclaimer here, this is only opinion based on what we've tried and read, so dont take our word for it and sue if something goes wrong, like chucking veg oil in a petrol car!)
Theres 2 basic options: one is to install a conversion in the car to pre-heat the oil so the car can run on 100% veggie oil. Theres loads of conversions out there but can be costly. Secondly just add normal vegetable oil into the car to mix with the diesel! Sounds simple and it is. We ran the car out of fuel and added 30 litres of diesel and then 3 litres of veggie oil...run the car, let the whole lot mix and you're off with a 10% biodiesel fuel.
Next step was to go up to a 25% mix...the car is starting to smell a bit like a chip shop (cool) but other than that theres no other effects.

The details:
1. In the UK its now legal to run a car on veg oil. The allowance is 2500 litres annually without paying any tax!
2. You can run on a diesel veg oil of up to 50/50 mix but not recommended during colder weather. 30% mix and it should be OK
3. Only try this on older diesel cars 90's and older. Injectors on newer cars wont like it and you'll probably invalidate the car warranty
4. You will create less sulphur emissions and be much "greener". Its a sustainable energy source
5. The engine should run smoother
6. Its cheaper to run the car
7. Vegetable oil is best (rape seed oil) as its thinner
8. Veg oil can be bought direct from supermarkets but recycled oil from chippies and kebab shops can also used...but it has to be filtered and processed to make it clean/useable again - so take advice on this

If in doubt ask experts on what to do and do lots of research. But we've tried it and its working....happy driving and surfing!

Try this link for more detailed info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biodiesel

Website fine tuning

2007-10-25T12:35:00.000Z

You may have noticed that our website has had some fine tuning in the design to produce even cleaner lines to enhance the user experience. Theres also going to be some new content and some new products arriving soon....so watch this space!

Trade Mark secured

2007-09-19T13:58:00.000Z

Northcore are pleased to announce that a Trade Mark for our Name and logo has been secured. The Northcore brand is moving from strength to strength building on a grass roots support of boardriders across the globe.

Competition Winners

2007-09-04T16:09:00.000Z

The Northcore summer competition to win a load of Northcore accessories is now over. Thanks to all of those who entered and correctly answered b: Lowrider, which is the name of one our coolest surfboards. Congratulations to the winners who are as follows:

1st Place, winning one of each of Northcores accessories is Sarita Jarrett (right) of Devizes, Wilts
2nd Place, winning a Northcore waterproof car seat cover is James Sargison of Penryn Cornwall
3rd Place, winning all a Northcore t-shirt is Christina Gard of Exeter.

Well done guys and for everyone else keep an eye for more top comps to come.

Grishka Roberts 2 x European Champion joins Northcore

2007-08-13T09:13:00.001Z

We are really pleased to say that Grishka Roberts, 2 x European surf champ and British Masters Team member has joined up with us a Northcore to test boards and accessories. Grishka brings a vast amount of invaluable experience and knowledge. For more info visit his page at: http://www.northcore-europe.com/surf_grishka_roberts.htm

North Devon board testing

2007-08-11T09:57:00.000Z

We spent some time in Croyde, North Devon recently testing our latest longboard shape, a 9'2", tri-fin with a single concave in the nose. The board rode beautifully, but especially scored highly in a 2ft glassy swell where it picked up waves easily, had loads of glide and speed which carried it through any flat spots in the wave. Look out for it in surf shops soon!

Northcore sponsored Film premiered

2007-08-03T12:06:00.000Z

Northcore sponsored, Devil County Films, "Surf Guide to Brighton" DVD, got its first public showing last night in a club in Louth, showing to the Lincs surf club. It was well received with members mentioning the varied content and cool soundtrack. Grab a copy while you can!

Great White Shark seen off St Ives?

2007-07-28T12:09:00.001Z

You might want to stick to the swimming pool: a tourist has filmed what experts said could well be a Great White shark 200 yards (182 metres) from a beach off England's south-west coast.

In a front page story Saturday headlined "Great White Shark Off UK", holidaymaker Nick Fletcher told The Sun tabloid how he saw "the 12 foot maneater" while he was videoing dolphins near the town of St Ives in Cornwall.

After seeing the footage of it following the dolphins and crashing out of the water, Richard Peirce, chairman of the Shark Trust, said: "It clearly has a white belly like a Great White.

"And something about the way it breaches -- twisting as it leaps out of the water -- also suggests it is. I'm very excited at the prospect."

Oliver Crimmen, fish curator at London's Natural History Museum, added: "It's definitely predatory and definitely big. I can't rule out a Great White."

Although harmless giant Basking Sharks have been spotted off Britain's coast, Great White sharks -- which can reach up to 20 feet long and weigh 5,000 pounds (2,250 kilogrammes) -- are not native to the country's cool waters.

But marine experts have said the world's largest predatory fish could be seen more often off Britain because of global warming and a rise in sea temperatures.

Northcore sponsor new UK surf film

2007-07-18T13:05:00.000Z

UK Surf Guide Series release first installment

Indie surf film makers Devil County films are well into a long term quest to document modern surfing and its associated lifestyle in the UK.

Entitled the UK Surf Guide Series, the DVDs will be a sequence of films based on the premise of bringing surfing information to the viewer from the primary surfing locations in the UK. The series will reach out beyond the standard format of current surf films, by including not only incredible surfing footage, music from local, national and international bands but also interviews with UK and global surf personalities, a complete guide to everything a UK surfer will ever need to know from board shaping, equipment, weather and wave forecasting, learning to surf, all wrapped up with detailed information on where to surf, sleep, eat and drink within each specific films location.

The first release from the UK Surf Guide Series is available from 20/07/07, is sponsored by Northcore, set in Brighton and includes 72mins of footage packed with everything needed to get under the skin of the local surf scene. Music includes the bands “The Soundtrack of Our Lives” and “The Brian Jones Town Massacre” and is a must own DVD for anyone surfing or thinking of surfing in and around Brighton.

The UK Surf Guide Series showreel can be viewed on YouTube at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQ3XiAoOdNU

To Purchase Surf Guide to Brighton online visit:

http://www.extremehorizon.com/acatalog/surf_dvd_s.html

Latest product photo shoot

2007-07-17T19:47:00.001Z

In between, the rain and cloud cover there was the occasional burst of sunshine to allow us to snap the latest product shots of the Double and Single overhead soft roof racks. We used a funky new Mitsubishi L200 for the job which was fun driving on the beach. Luckily there was no swell that day to distract us from getting the shots!

Our surfboards feature in TV broadcast

2007-07-06T10:46:00.001Z

Northcore surfboards were featured in a recent TV broadcast on Sky, produced by Channel 7 based in NE Lincs. The article was presented as part of a regular series highlighting life in Lincolnshire, which discussed the east coast surf scene, the local surf club and featured our boards.

Italian Longboard competition

2007-05-21T18:26:00.000Z

Northcore sponsor the Singlefin Italy classic longboard festival donating prizes to this prestigious med based comp. Prizes include the Northcore Bolt, which is an hand adjustable longboard fin bolt which negates the need for a screwdriver when fitting, adjusting or removing a longboard fin.
We wish the event organisers all the very best for a fantastic competition, with offshore winds and glassy walls!