[PRESS] Classic Festival - Pacific Longboarder Mag

Articolo presentazione Festival 2012
su Pacific Lonboarder v15#5

Photo:
SingleFin
Action: Courtesy Michele Chiroli/ Quadrophoto.com
Testo:
M.Mazzini

PLB Pacific Longboarder MAGAZINE V.15#5 2012

It may be a little known fact that Italy has good waves for surfing, as Italy is a "baby" of a nation

when it comes to surfing. In fact we have only really been involved in surfing since the beginning

of the 80's. But the growth has been very fast and only really developed in the late 90's, when

people started travelling overseas to find better waves and the best conditions for surfing. There

were only thrusters at that time and very few people were involved in classic longboarding.

The newer approach to surfing probably started here a bit later than Thomas Campbell's movie

releases. The revival of longboarding is not just another nostalgic trend for us, because we totally

missed the first phase of the 60's as we basically did not know anything about surfing of the past.

Like many others, I discovered longboarding later in my surfing life, but when I did, I fell in

love with it. I am not saying that longboarding is more graceful, aesthetically pleasing and easier

than other styles of surfing, but in my opinion it is more practical and suited to the actual wave

conditions around the Mediterranean coastlines. Since these waves are basically generated by

mushy wind swells, you can catch more waves with a longboard and enjoy a relaxed surf than with

other kinds of boards.

However, all of us at SingleFin are fascinated by those classic figures of the 60's and the golden era

of beach/surf culture. It was this that led us to the idea starting a festival at the beginning of the new

millennium.

About eight years ago the Festival came alive. We were attempting to evoke an atmosphere of

beach boys, tough boards and thrilling days of fun in the sun. Turning back the clock to simulate the

days of yesteryear.

The festival started first as a classic longboards contest which easily grew to a fresh and

spontaneous gathering of surfing enthusiasts and retro revivalers, step by step enriched by various

influences, nice grooves and faithful passions.

Today our goal is to bring it forward as shaping/shapers focused informal context, where people

can meet once a year, exchange experiences, feelings and knowledge. Keeping the focus on what

we love. Finally we added to the mix classic cars, sliding surfboards, fine arts, music and kustom

culture, never forgetting the original love for old style competitions from 2006, the "Walk that

Plank!" formula, truly inspired by 1965 Tom Morey invitational.

Along the way many shapers, artists and well known surfers enjoy the festival and

SingleFin "lifestyle" such as Jack McCoy, Rich Pavel, Seitaro Nakamura, Mark Occhilupo, Robin

Kegel, Chris Christenson, Dave Rastovich, Rob Lion, Jeff Mack, Casey Curtis, Matt Calvani, Bing

Copeland, Chris del Moro and so on. They were called on to participate and not simply be guests,

together with Italian shapers like Michele from Ola Surfboards or Marco from Dr.Ank Surfboards

and surfers, and this is another stone on our small path.

Each festival, year after year, we want to improve on the past one, but keeping it understated.

To those who ask me what the festival is about, I reply, "It’s a gathering of wonderful, like-minded

people, getting together, spending time together, and enjoying a great day. The event is free for

everyone, so come along and bring your surfboards!”

[..]

Remember, Longboarding is a lifestyle, even if you rip on a short board...

action pics:  MICHELE CHIROLI (quadrophoto.com)

pics: M.Mazzini/SingleFin

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