China Summit Great Article

http://www.shop-eat-surf.com/news-item/2118/china-action-sports-retail-summit-wrap

China Action Sports Retail Summit and CASE wrap

October 20, 2010 08:31 AM

Black Box CEO Frank Messman asks a question at the China Action Sports Retail Summit. At left, Quiksilver Asia GM Cathey Curtis.

Press Release:

(Hangzhou, China Oct. 14th 2010) In the crusade to build participation and recognition of the Surfing and Skating lifestyle in China, Wabsono International and Surfing China held the “Surfing China Festival”, “China Action Sports Expo” and the first annual “China Action Sports Retail Summit” in the city of Hangzhou, Zehjiang, China.

Wabsono’s Director of Business development, Glenn Brumage stated, “China is so large, diverse and unfamiliar with Surfing and Skating that without the passionate participation of Specialty Retailers promoting the sports and lifestyle at ground level, our Action Sports lifestyle may never get any traction”.

For this reason Wabsono gathered US Retailers, Surf and Skate Brands as well as Chinese Retailers to the three-day Surfing China Tidal Bore Festival in order to start a dialog and share each other’s stoke for what we live.

(Right: Mikala Jones and Mary Osborne surfing in the Qiantang River in Hangzhou.)

The summit included panel discussions and Q&A sessions on how Surfing and Skating grew in the early years, how retail is evolving in China, and how US Brands and Independent Retailers partnered to grow the lifestyle and their businesses in cooperation.

Quotes from the participants.

Tod Swank, Owner, Tum Yeto. "Wow! Amazing! I am ready to go back. Hangzhou and Beijing are beautiful and so are the people. We are talking Communist China here! Totally not what I thought it would be like. The Summit was great. Really cool to meet Chinese entrepreneurs and hear their stories. Can't wait for next year. I'm excited for skateboarding in China. Not only as a business but as an emerging skate scene."

Cathey Curtis, GM Quiksilver Asia. “The team from Surfing China and Wabsano are doing the essential work to open up the doors for a real conversation about the development of action sports in China. In doing so, they are working hard to show the size and scope of the business opportunity to entrepreneurial Chinese and government officials. And, at the same time, they are also breaking ground for surfing and skateboarding in China. By starting this effort at a grassroots level, with the amazing Tidal Bore surfing and skateboarding contest during the surfing festival – they are showing us all a way here in China that feels right in bringing action sports to China.”

Mathew Morgan, Sales and Marketing Manager, Vans China. "The Case-China Retail Summit was a significant step towards validating the action sports retail channel in China. We are looking forward to next year’s summit and the increased attention and awareness it will give to our industry."

Mike Duncan, President, Board Retailers Assoc. “I could not appreciate the huge differences in where Chinese retailing is today, compared to the US, without having participated in the Summit. The need for a combined effort by Specialty retailers and Manufacturers is as important in China as it was in the 60’s and 70’s in the US. The foresight and commitment by the Wabsono team in nurturing the fledgling Action Sports Lifestyle is a noble commitment. The Summit was an amazing opportunity for American surf and skate retailers to share our business knowledge and retail experience for the greater purpose of growing the action sport industry worldwide. In turn, it was equally inspiring to those that attended, to hear about the Chinese market and to experience the country’s culture firsthand. We look forward to working with the Chinese Core retailers and Wabsono in order to promote boardsports in this fantastic country.”

Frank Messmann, CEO / Partner, Black Box. “The market for Action Sports products in China is still in its infancy – but major growth is likely to happen very soon and having a forum such as the CASE / China Retail Summit to discuss issues, meet with potential retailers and generally exchange ideas was extremely valuable to Black Box and its brands”

RB Alexander, Co-Owner ret., Hobie Sports Ltd. “Surfing China 2010 was an iconic event! It was well prepared and executed. The key to its success, was the topic of the well moderated and attended panel “How to encourage the emerging Action Sports multi-brand retailer”. They must lead a “demand sided” business growth. The time has come and gone for the single branded “flagship store front.” China needs its own version of Surf and Skate specialty sports retailers. This summit was a strong platform for the uniting and marketing of this theme”.

Milo Myers, Owner Hangar 94 inc. “The underground youth culture in China is so amazing. The kids are so hungry to get their hands on authentic surf and skate products.

The skate scene is so ready to explode, and the government is behind the youth by allowing them skate in the streets. With such encouragement from both the government and the Chinese people this emerging market is ready to explode. I also found out that China has amazing Surf, but I’ll keep the Surf spots a secret. I can't wait to go back and explore the surf on my next journey.”

Todd Roberts, Co-Owner, ZJ Boarding House. “It's hard to put into words just how amazing my trip was to China with the Wabsono Group. My experience in Hangzhou bordered on the surreal! I was part tourist, part retail ambassador and part boat captain. It was a fantastic time meeting new friends, learning a new culture and witnessing the birth of Action Sports in China. The future is very exciting for the Chinese youth and their new opportunities to be participants Action Sports and the lifestyle. Equally exciting, is the opportunity for American Action Sports brands to grow their business in another healthy, growing international marketplace.

In short, CASE was a great education and an opportunity rich adventure... I'm looking forward to next year! Many thanks to Wabsono Int. for their hospitality, vision and guidance.”

For additional Information, contact Glenn Brumage gbrumage@cox.net

More on Wabsono International “China’s Action Sports Solution”

Established in 1996 , based in Hangzhou PRC, Wabsono operates four distinct and successful business units producing over 80 million rmb per year in business.

In two short years, Wabsono Internationals Action Sports unit has become a leader in the development of Action Sports participation and lifestyle in China. Wabsono currently specializes in Marketing, Promotion, Manufacturing and Distribution of the lifestyle and related products of Skateboarding and Surfing. Having a strong financial position, Wabsono is capable of spending the necessary time and effort to build brands while building the lifestyle in China.

Wabsono is committed to increasing the popularity of the Surf and Skate lifestyle in China

KCAL NEWS 9 And CBS preview

Someone filmed this and sent it to me. It is a news clip on my trip to China about surfing the tidal bore.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=646566928#!/video/video.php?v=1557144121309&ref=mf

China Day One..

This email started out as a briefing for my mother and father but then I decided post it on my blog. Enjoy and sorry for mistakes im pretty jet lagged....



Made it to China safely. Due to the flight being empty, I discovered I am officially three seat lengths long on Asiana Airlines long. I am finally satisfied with being 5feet -4 inches. I got to surf the tidal bore wave yesterday and, yes, I have become first femal to ever to surf this wave. Its an amazing thing and you can't miss me on my super bright pink longboard. I am very excited to be apart of a growing sport and giant new industry here in China. We have walks of all lives with us including political leaders, business owners, families, pro surfers, media, and camera men.

Qiantang River Tidal Bore Day One...

The wave comes in a very rapid pace with the incoming tide. We time the wave coming towards us, launch the pwc's , head upriver a few miles, then chase it and ride it until it dies. Different parts of the rivers make for the wave to increase and decrease in size and the way the river is shaped effects it. To put it in perspective, it takes almost 30 minutes from our launching point to get to the part of the wave we are allowed to surf due to restrictions and permits. When I first saw it coming at me my heart was shaking. It was a giant wall of whitewater in the distance heading right towards our skis. "Is that it?" We honestly couldn't tell until it got closer to our skis. Once it arrived we all were in shock. It was a stunning site. The river is not only huge abut now there is a giant wave spanning completely across it forcing it's way towards us. We ride as long as we can before our legs or the wave give out, then try to switch partners on the jet ski before the wave crumbles us. There are two police escorts, camera crew on boats aside us and two differnt jet skis for the surf teams. Big wave surfers Jaime Sterling and Mikala jones are one team. I am with partnered with Wingnut, so we are learning how to trade off quickly, maneuver our giant longboards around on a tiny ski, avoid getting attacked by the "Silver Dragon," while still trying to make it look effortless. Yesterday, was a bit challenging when I flew off the back of the ski during a transition because my leash got wrapped around the sled. Luckily, I landed right before the giant wall of water, whipped myself around, and rode the surge until my legs were burning. It was amazing and like nothing I have ever experienced in my life. Giant long turns, noserides and lots of knee-time when the open face turns to a wall of whitewater to allow my legs to rest then proceed again. Poor Wingy didn't get a proper turn, so tomorrow I will be the first driver. Meanwhile, there are large barges on the river to avoid, metal sticking out in various places due to construction, rocks, four major bridges to dodge and lots of weather elements in our face. Its pouring rain at the moment.

It is predicted that over a few million viewers will be heading down to watch this natural phenomenon that has been going on for over 300 years. This is the third time in history that surfing has been allowed by the government officials. On a normal full moon occurance it is illegal to surf in this river and most likely unsafe for a beginner or average person. Who knows if this will ever change, but the fact that we are here promoting action sports and a healthy lifestyle is a huge start.

I had a camera I bought in the airport that was both video and waterproof to show everyone what we saw up close and personal but when I got mobbed by media it got stolen in the mix. I am function on a only a few cylinders due to the lack of sleep, very jet lagged and slightly hungry. Our meals have been more than outstanding, well that is if you like traditional Chinese dishes, which I am picker eater so I stick to the greens. I like to pass on eyeballs, crazy looking fried things and bizarre looking dishes. The vegetables, noodles and my chocolate covered Goji berries I imported in have been quite tasty. I had the best peas I have ever had in my life yesterday. I didn't eve know I liked peas. Who would have thought?

Last night we enjoyed a dinner with our entire crew and translators. Then we were spoiled with a fantastic Chinese foot massage. So life really isnt too bad out here in China. I am relaxed, excited, and ready to take my cute bright pink longboard out for another spin on the challenging Silver Dragon River.

My alarm just went off which means it's time to go.

Wish us luck!

More updates to follow soon....

My first wave on the tidal bore

Wingnut and myself having a blast

Wingnut, this must have been after he surfed the wave

Police escorts as we head upriver to find the wave

Our Surfing China.org Crew

A view from above

Puts how big the river is in perspective and the size of the wave in certain locations.

It was much bigger then smaller in various spots on the river

Perfect Lefthanders

Wingut trusting my driving

"Is that it?"

Another fun ride

China here I come...

I just realized I will be the first women invited to surf this crazy tidal bore. Check back soon for a full coverage of this amazing natural event.



Surfing China today announced the names of the four invited surfers to this years Qintang Tidal Bore event scheduled for September 23rd - 25th in Hangzhou, China.

Returning for a second year is Hawaiian big wave charger, Jamie Sterling. New this year, Jamie’s regular tow partner and fellow Hawaiian Mikala Jones of the famous North Shore Joneses. Past years athletes included Rusty and Greg Long, Mark Healy and Serghino Laus.

On the second ski, co-star of Endless Summer “part deux,” Longboarder and SUP’er, Robert “Wingnut” Weaver of Santa Cruz will be joined by the co-star and winner of the longboard divison of MTV’s “Surfer Girls,” the multi-talented Mary Osborne of Ventura.
The event is held during the Fall lunar equinox, in the beautiful Chinese city of Hangzhou. The Qintang river bore breaks for over 30 miles and is regularly between 9 and 12 ft faces. There are big rolling faces, walls of white water and reflecting wedged barrels along the way. Four to six world class surfers will trade cut backs, slashes, airs and tail whips as they ride the daily bore to the cheers and amazement of literally hundreds of thousands of people lining the shores.

For additional Information, contact Glenn Brumage gbrumage@cox.net or visit: http://www.surfingchinaexpo.com/