Joel Tudor Duct Tape Invitational - VANS

I love the way Surfline wrote about the Vans Duc Tape Invitational, this is the coolest event that I have seen in a long time. It is something that I alluded to in the KZN Longboard trials, just a bunch of people doing what they love, Longboarding is the new counter culture of surfing, no brands, no gnarly moves, just happiness :)

Text from Surfline article: http://www.surfline.com/surf-news/joel-tudor-brings-vans-duct-tape-invitational-to-santa-cruz-alex-knost-takes-first_51713/

It sounds counter-intuitive, but Longboarding is the new punk. Think about it for a second. Making it as a pro surfer today means riding a sticker swather 5'11 thruster, sporting logos head-to-toe, endlessly battling for ASP ratings and submitting the most popular innersctions part.

Those that stray from the formula, rarely make a name for themselves in surfing. Not only do Longboarders deviate from the prototype simply by choosing to ride un-evolved craft, but they cringe at flashy logos, rarely compete and hardly make a buck.

Event winner Alex Knost.

The DIY image stems from necessity -- but they've embraced it, making a whole new culture within surfing.

Aside from timed heats and judges to score rides, the Duct Tape Invitational doesn't boast the rules of a conventional surf competition. Instead, boards must weigh at least 12 pounds, single fins only, no leashes permitted and burning other contestants is encouraged.

And Joel Tudor couldn't have asked for a better event. "Most contests, you don't have this kind of environment where everyone hangs out afterwards and skates," said the 34-year-old. "For me, that was the highlight of the entire thing -- everyone hanging out on the grassy knoll, watching each other skate."

"I think that if you can make a check from surfing, that's great," continued Joel. "But it's more fun to hang out with your friends than the guy who caught the best wave."

No one's judging whether it's better to exist inside or outside the pro surfer model. It's just refreshing to see something different. And showing some regard for surfing's forefathers and innovators is always nice.

Love the double wave prize!

Slyde