"This has come up with my daughter. I went to my daughter’s school with her and she lives like twenty minutes inland in South Florida where there’s no surfing. Somebody recognized me at her school, and she just goes, ‘That’s not good that people know you.’ And I thought to myself that she was tuned in to something. There’s a certain aspect of that that’s right. The anonymity you can have as a person, you can just meet people with no filter between the two of you, no expectation of who you are."
That anonymity and that lack of expectation simply doesn't exist for Kelly Slater, but he doesn't wear his fame as a Woe Is Me tale.
"Sometimes it can be unfortunate, but it offers you a lot of opportunity. I always say the best perk of my life is that I get to do a lot of fun things. I can go to concerts and stand on the side of the stage, and that kind of stuff is great. That’s the fun side of my life.
"The tedious side is, if you’re at a contest and somebody comes up to you with some idea of something they want to sell and they want you to be a part of it, and you know the guy and he’s kind of your friend, so you want to help, but maybe your heart's not into it, so you feel bad, but at the same time you don’t want to disrespect that position you have because if somebody thinks highly enough of you that they want to come to you to work with you, you kind of have to entertain the thought, because not so many people are lucky like that, but then you go, well, ultimately I don’t have time for that, or it’s not something I believe in or something I would do, but I want to help my friend out, so it’s an issue, and it’s all based on fame or connections." And that one run-on sentence, delivered raw and unfiltered, does indeed seem very tedious.
So, the question is, is fame hard to endure?
"I pride myself on the fact that I’ve never been arrested. But I’m also slightly intrigued by getting arrested. I was talking to somebody about that the other day. I don’t know if I want to get to the end of my life and go, ‘Alright, I never got arrested!’ Or if I want to go, ‘I did, and this is how you deal with it.’"
But he did almost get arrested, right?
"Well, yeah, but that was tied in to that whole fame thing. We were talking in a big group of people and this guy was trying to take pictures of us, and it just pissed me off, and I got to a point where I just snapped. I pushed the guy off his moped, and the mirror on his moped broke, and so he ended up calling the cops, which is…So then, the story was that I was caught going into a hotel with Bar Rafaeli—no, the story was that I was caught leaving a hotel with her, so it looked like, ‘Oh, you guys were in a hotel, are you kidding?’ And then that I got in a fight, that I punched somebody, which I didn’t do, and then I got arrested, which didn’t happen."
And that, more than a guy trying to get you to hock something you don't want to, is the bitch of celebrity. Try explaining that to the girl you just started dating a month ago.
"Basically, when it comes down to it, I got myself into a situation that didn’t look right, and that’s my responsibility.
"I’ll tell you what, that situation was a real turning point in my life. I have to change what fame is for me. I have to get a better understanding of it. A friend of mine tells me, he says, 'When I say your name—Kelly Slater—it’s not even the person I know, it’s like this thing.'
"For me, it’s pretty hard to understand. I’ve done a lot of work trying to understand it. Like, when I was a kid, I got a picture in a magazine, and this girl was like, oh, you look so hot in that magazine. I was like 13 or something, come on. But she’s like, oh, you look so hot in that magazine, and I swear it did something to me that was like a drug.”
So, the fact that he has a girlfriend and that rumors are swirling that he's living in an all-girl college flop pad? The fact that even though it's nobody's business but his own that tidbit of information will work its way into the lead of my story?
He's transcended it.
"There’s nothing you can do about it. There’s a certain energy or interest around that stuff and then once everybody knows some type of information, then there’s less to know at that point. You know, it’s like, 'Okay, what’s the next thing?' And there’s nothing to it. I’m just there at the house, and there’s seven other girls that live there."
Then he pauses.
"Actually, I just found myself an apartment."
CHAPTER FOUR: A guy from Florida who made it, or, What's Next is Now.
"It's a cliché to talk about being in the moment and stuff, but that's why it's a cliché, because if you feel that thing, it's true. It is a truth that people experience."
So what's next?
Pause.
Longer pause.
We have been staring at each other for hours now, talking. Not with me as an interlocutor and him as a subject, but in a conversation, like people, and I will walk out of here in another several hours sure only of two facts:
1) Kelly Slater is good for the sport of surfing.
2) Kelly Slater is a remarkable human being.
Now, the first is a fact, but the second comes off as fanboy hero worship where there should be a writerly perceptiveness.
But it's not. What I mean by saying that Kelly Slater is a remarkable human being is that, when you consider his career—for all his peccadilloes, for all the times that he whispered love and affection in a competitor's ear before the start of their biggest heat, for all of his nagging eccentricities that might be perceived as odd - Kelly Slater has never imploded.
Consider that.
READER COMMENTS
Thu Aug 7, 2008, 4:50 PM
zzzzzz. brought to you by the same guys who just wasted paper on the 3-D issue. BTW, I hear it takes more than a SUP and helmet to sell shuttles to the Saudis. Pull out that engineering degree mr bass and then we'll talk about finding you a new job.
Thu Aug 7, 2008, 5:12 PM
Most consumers who purchase Hollister clothing have no idea that it's even named after a legendary surf ranch. That said, the opinion piece by Scott Bass is just boring, messy prose.
Thu Aug 7, 2008, 5:40 PM
Hollister blows. Amber and Crombie fitch blow. I don't care if other people shop there and wear their clothes because then I know immediately that they are tools. Thus I won't waste my time with them. Maddox said it best a few years back. For some enlightenment check out his article on the subject and his other articles for that matter. http://www.thebestpageintheuniverse.net/c.cgi?u=fashion
Thu Aug 7, 2008, 5:44 PM
"Core Surf Companies"? What a joke. Please explain your resentment that Hollister doesn't advertise in Surfer magazine... At least Hollister doesn't sponsor surf camps to make surfing "fun for everyone". Do you consider yourself a "internet-tough-guy-blogger" type? ? Socialist Rhetoric-not. More crowded line-ups, tons of toxic garments, more mercury in everyone's fish, ocean, bodies and less than .01% of profits to Surf/environmental organizations- True. We are all guilty. Come on Scott raise the level of dialogue. Think of your kids, lets talk about the solutions.
Thu Aug 7, 2008, 6:23 PM
This is the kookiest opinion piece yet. Hollister is the raddest, baddest company out there. They know a serious physique and incredible surfing when they see it, and that is why they are the main sponsor of The Chips. They have just signed on to bring you, "Pumping Iron and Busting Lips with The Chips." Keep your eyes out as it will be released some time in '09. Stop hating and get with the program. Big biceps and mean hacks are the wave of the future. Hollister will be bringing it to the masses. 23 Chips
Thu Aug 7, 2008, 6:33 PM
Bass is right. If you don't surf split! If someone is going to make dough on surfing at least let it be surfers, not some hack garment company. Hollister sucks. They all suck. Raise the level of dialogue. I think bass has it squarely where it needs to be; even if he is a donkey on a SUP, he put it on the surf level. Take your dialogue raising bs over to the Economist.
Thu Aug 7, 2008, 6:35 PM
I totally agree with you that Hollister is BS, and that the major surf companies were founded on surfing at its core. However, how many of these companies manufacture their goods in the US or Australia, etc. I read boardshort labels and I would dare to say none. So besides putting on contests, donating to 501c3's and provide a handful of people with jobs, what good is being done? Bottomline the American Dream was never about outsourcing your labor force to countries were $2.00/day is an awesome wage. Got to keep those shareholders happy right? I understand its business...but in reality don't preach about how bad Hollister is and how good Quiksilver, Volcom, etc. is unless you are gonna present the whole facts. You and I both know as SURFERS we would never use foreign labor, although maybe you would? But how else can you buy that beachfront house at pipe! I am blown away at your attempt to undermine your readers intelligence levels. I dare you to reply with something well rounded, and intelligent
Thu Aug 7, 2008, 6:52 PM
come now, MedRat, Bassy's job is just to drive traffic on this here fancy website. he knows he's spouting nonsense, including the part about him being able to find a job in another industry.
Thu Aug 7, 2008, 7:20 PM
Sounds like Hollister just helped out the City of H.B. more than any surf company, to help clean up their beaches, etc. They make great clothing, priced better than all the other surf brands that also use slave labor. The entire surf "industry" has turned into one large joke. The surf companies are the ones who created a Hollister. When Roxy uses models and pays them a $400 day rate, owns the images and plasters them all over the US, middle America, etc (and mind you, it's just some model holding a surfboard) well if Roxy, Hurley useing a super model as their face, Oneill using models, etc, then why can't Hollister. Hollister is only learing how to do it from all the other bullshit surf companies that use surfing to sell all their shit. Hollister just does a better job at selling their stuff. Surf comapnies are the ones to blame, they sold out surfing, and now they will pay the price. Good going Hollister, you surf just as moch as the rest of them. p.s., Did u know Roxy has Hollist
Thu Aug 7, 2008, 7:23 PM
Did you know Roxy paid to get Hollister designers, which now work for Roxy. Scott Bass, you are an idiot. You really really are.
Thu Aug 7, 2008, 7:36 PM
Jim- C'mon now, are you really so upset that you had to go and call me a name. Did I really get you that riled up? YIPPEEE!
Thu Aug 7, 2008, 8:18 PM
If any of you are concerned to read a REAL article about the threat Hollister poses to the surf industry, pick up the latest Transworld Business Magazine. What Scott Bass is good at is pissing people off enough to write responses to his shortsighted babblings, which in turn equates to web traffic, which in turn gets him a pat on the back from Ricky Irons and maybe even a reach around. What he is not good at is writing articles that have any factual basis, journalistic integrity, or general worth. Given the new age of media and the power of global web publishing given to all of us by things like Wordpress, I expect Bass will go the way of the dinosaur soon. Until then, read something that matters, and take advantage of the ability to consume your media on your own terms. I checked twsbiz.com and the article isn't online yet, but hopefully they will post it at some point because it's a pretty in-depth look at this topic. I know at least one guy that should read it. And he sounds like a McCain fan. Scary
Thu Aug 7, 2008, 8:21 PM
Mr. Bass has obviously not been in one of these "core" brands retail shops recently. Hard pressed to find anyone in the shop that actually surfs. I tried on a shirt and couldn't lift my arms. It was cut for some 130-pound emo boy to go with his tight pants. The designer certainly didn't have a surfer in mind. I think the math is pretty clear here. Surf brand + Surfer mag ad dollars = good Hollister + no Surfer mag ad dollars = bad
Thu Aug 7, 2008, 8:22 PM
Bass' piece was an op/ed, so it's completely called for if people want to disagree with him, that's kind of the point. But what comes across as so weird to me is when did it become okay for people to get so pissed off about stuff like this? You may have an awesome and valid point, but when you start snapping and swearing, it takes away from all of that. I don't get it. It's not like reading a story can you make you so mad that you just can't help but swear and try and bring down the writer and other people commenting. Just make your point and do it civily.
Thu Aug 7, 2008, 8:31 PM
You use Quicksilver as an example of a soulful surfing company. Jeff Hakman spent how many Quicksilver dollars on heroin? (See "Mr. Sunset"). Yet you trash Hollister (because they don't advertise in SURFER)? SURFER magazine accepts advertising dollars from non-surfing companies all the time. How many op-ed pieces do you write about those companies for being unsoulful?
Thu Aug 7, 2008, 8:35 PM
Big props to Hollister for finally bringing The Chips to the big screen. Screw the Young Guns. We want to see the Big Guns.
Thu Aug 7, 2008, 8:42 PM
Hollisuck and Assercrombie and Fbitch are, and always will be viewed by the true surf community as poser gear for those who really don't have a clue... Gay isht for trendy gay fad followers...
Thu Aug 7, 2008, 9:07 PM
Alright guys im am extremely sad to admit this but i worked at Hollister at 1 point for about a year. Now give me this. I was in high school broken and i just totaled my car so i needed cash to buy a new one. Also i knew a girl that worked there. The rules when you worked there was you couldn't wear any branded clothes especially surf brands because they were "Competitors"( Yeah i asked them wtf? Hollister isn't even surf brand.) Anyways i never bough a particle of their clothing and i was put to work in the back as a stockier. I got my cash bought my car and left. The upside was there was some smoking hot chicks working there. Sorry i had to get this off my chest to fellow surfers. I feel like i should have tomatoes thrown at me now..
Thu Aug 7, 2008, 9:14 PM
Does anyone else think its kinda cool that there is gonna be more surf cams? Whether they are from Hollister or not. More sources for me to check the surf/line-up. BTW i thought Hollister was dying out? Is it doing a comeback? I totally hate everything about Hollister except for the attractive high school girls that work there. "I get older and they stay the same age" wootie woot! Anyways i think this is an argument that you cant win or that leads to new arguments. It's Corporate America! you've been getting raped to death since you were born.
Thu Aug 7, 2008, 10:54 PM
I'm passionate about surfing above all. I'm going to diversify my IRA to include companies that surf. I prefer the term "douchebag" for Hollister. They are full of empty air and they are going to deflate soon enough. They are a passing fad. Real surfing however is timeless. I'm investing in Billabong because they had the best webcast. I'll wait to see quiksilver's webcast. Definitely not investing in Globe or Rip curl.
Thu Aug 7, 2008, 11:15 PM
Hey guys, Lets just be cool and mellow about this thing. I am Hollister Ranch and I have hollister aloha sheets in my ranch house. I play the ranch parties with Crosby and all the old ranch donkeys fight over their real estate and waves. Cant we all just get along. My longboard is a hollister and it shreds me all the way. As far as Ricky Irons and the reach arounds tell him free tix to my next gig. Everyones welcome at the ranch for the next swell...
Thu Aug 7, 2008, 11:20 PM
Scott, This rant is crucial. Anyone who doesn't get it or appreciate it is an idiot. And...Scott, to your defense on people bashing SUP-ing, the fact is that you are at least taking one more step to make sure you get your time in the water even when the waves are shit. Good for you. I live in the south bay, which we all know lies completely dormant and shitty between June and September, and often feel as if I am not doing my part as a core surfer and surf media outlet owner. However, I paddle when I can, I bodysurf when I can and when the waves in the south bay turn back on, I surf every chance I get. Surfing is more than ripping, its utilizing the best gift in the world (the ocean) as often as possible that makes us core surfers. Good rant Scotty! Jeff
Thu Aug 7, 2008, 11:23 PM
yaawwwnnnn... So they don't surf... blah, blah... Does Viagra? They push the lifestyle in their ads. So if I get a fake stiffie, can I surf? The "Core Companies" aren't exactly in it for the sheer "soulful" enjoyment either, if they were, they wouldn't charge $50 for a pair or board shorts or $30 for a frikkin beannie.
Fri Aug 8, 2008, 12:18 AM
i've seen nothing but Uber-metro doochebags with wind-resistant hair and fake-ripped Abercrombie Jeans wearing Hollister. No man (or woman) who actually surf should humiliate themselves by wearing this Hollister garbage. If you wear Hollister you are an Asshat...or have inflammatory bowels, apparently...I guess.
Fri Aug 8, 2008, 12:24 AM
O.k., Question: If Hollister ran an ad in Surfer, would they be just as legit as (Hold on, let me open up the Sept 3D issue of Surfer) Nike pg 48?, Timex pg 85?, Aussie Dogs pg 121 ?, Simple pg 123?
Fri Aug 8, 2008, 12:42 AM
In times like these, we must turn towards a Ron Stoner image and remember some of the truest days of surfing...without putting so much emphasis on branding; let the ride be the desire. Hollister is Hollister, and its never going to change, but the people can change...don't shop there...simple as that. Just surf.
Fri Aug 8, 2008, 1:12 AM
what the f is wrong with nike and d simple? Simple was the first shoe co to make recycled shoes and has joe curren photography on them. good for them. Nike bought hurley, infusing money in the industry the right way, the opposite of hollister.
Fri Aug 8, 2008, 1:44 AM
We can spend a lot of time counter pointing Mr. Bass by talking about how horrible big surfwear is, how Quiksilver or Billabong sucks because they are so big and so on. I surf and I wear clothes. So I choose to wear surf related cloths. What makes Hollister so evil is that they set out to hijack surfing. They ripped off Robb Havassy by copying his surfboards without so much as a by your leave. They perpetrated an image that they had nothing to do with creating. Heck, even Ron Jons sponsors a contest or two as well a number of pro surfers. Of course, I am pretty certain that despite the Bass bashing, we aren't going to hear from any Pro Hollister advocates writing back how "core" Hollister is. So the best we can do is to not shop there as stated above. Keep it in the family.
Fri Aug 8, 2008, 4:58 AM
This is America right,not some socialist country.Its all fair in love and war and money.Its called capitalism and its what we do,so stop bitching about something as pathetic as hollister stealing money from the companies with passion.Huh what a joke I got your passion right here!
Fri Aug 8, 2008, 5:18 AM
Surf garments? what a load of pap! really there just clothes does it really matter. A much bigger issue concearning the surf industry is the mass produced surfboards from the far east that are putting shapers out of business. This would be a much better story because if you want to talk about the core of surfing surely it's the guys/gals who put the boards under our feet and not the shirts on our back!
Fri Aug 8, 2008, 12:43 PM
What a joke! HA! The surf industry should step up and pay for professional surfer's health insurance instead of giving most a weak 1099 income. The business model is clear. Exploit the kids and pay only the select few enough to live off of. Once they step up, you guys can then complain about main stream companies like hollister eating up profits.
Fri Aug 8, 2008, 12:53 PM
quiksilver, billabong, hurley, rvca, are all made in china anyways so is hollister. what's the difference. either way you are supporting exploitation of labor. the only core surfers at these companies are about five guys who live in coto de caza. these companies care nothing of surfing or the american economy.
Fri Aug 8, 2008, 12:55 PM
Let's see: Black Hollister Tank Top - $19.50 Black Billabong Tank Top - $39.50 They do the same thing right? Well I'd rather buy the Hollister one and put the extra money I saved towards a new board or a surf trip. Last time I checked not all surfers were loaded. If this is becoming an elitist sport then we have much bigger things to worry about.
Fri Aug 8, 2008, 12:58 PM
Wake up Scott. Your mag and industry is run by unsoulful profit seeking corporate @sses just like at Hollister. You rip and are the quiet soulful type in your own right. However, collectively you guys are a self absorbed bunch searching for something true all the while putting out an audulterated far from soulful product highlighting editorial pushed by your greedy surfing and non-surfing advertisers. Did your SUP board hit you in the head? Wake up man! Go back to Del Mar and find your roots again.
Fri Aug 8, 2008, 2:26 PM
Ok, I've ready through all of the comments, and there are a lot of great points (and some really dumb ones too). I've worked for the biggest brands in surf, skate, and snow over the last 15 years, and the one thing that that binds them all together is the fact that they're trying to exploit the sports to as many people as possible, to make as much money as possible. That's the point of business. I don't shop at Hollister, but I've been in their stores, and the clothes are pretty nice. Just as nice as all of the ones made by the authentic surf brands because they're all made in the same asian factories. So really, all Hollister is selling is a name, logo, and lifestyle. Just like the surf brands. Isn't Quiksilver buying into Golf by purchasing Cleveland Golf the same thing? Quik isn't a core Golf company, they're just trying to make money off it. RVCA is a core surf brand, but they're desperately trying to get into the high-fashion market. Why is that any different?
Fri Aug 8, 2008, 3:44 PM
Isnt Surfer owned by SOURCE INTERLINK MEDIA? Theyre not a core surf company, theyre just trying to cash in on surfing, and the industry we built, and our heritage, and the cool factor. Is that different?
Fri Aug 8, 2008, 4:28 PM
I love you all. Thanks for reading!
Fri Aug 8, 2008, 5:51 PM
written like a true (read: bitter) republican (read: jaded) fock (read: douche)
Fri Aug 8, 2008, 5:54 PM
I've wanted to say for years now, to tell you all one thing, because it sure keeps getting worse: "Please change the name of your mag to PRO SURFER, PRO SURFING... because 99.9977 % of the photos published in articles or ads are just SPAM loaded with smack/sponsors' logos and their team riders' wet dream adventures. It's total overkill. PRO SURFING IS JUST A PART OF THIS DREAM SPORT... and yes, a beautiful thing to see Kelly giving it to these kids, and we all admire it. The mags continue to lose relevance in most surfers's minds. Why ?? Never even ONE story, about some of us [who god forbid are anything less than PROS, ex-PROS, or soon-to-be PROS after more exposure. PLEEZZE Scott!! I laughed my ass off when I read your blog. I once thought I was in the minority but, after reading all these blogs, and hearing my clients say the same, its obvious we're all ready for a REAL surfing mag -- like SURFER used to be -- maybe, with a few more 'regular' guys featured, SOME DAY.
Fri Aug 8, 2008, 6:23 PM
Allan: Surfer runs a column on everyday surfers in EVERY issue called People Who Surf. I agree with you it glorifies the pros, but no other surf mag dedicates a section every month to non-pros. If you're gonna bitch and make a claim like that,,,do your research dumbass.
Fri Aug 8, 2008, 10:14 PM
Look, all is not completely rosey in the OC surf garment industry. But what I cannot fault is the original passion behind the companies and the men who founded them- Claw Warbrick, Bob McKnight, Jeff Hakman, Bruce Raymond, Gordan Merchant, Bob Hurley, Fernando and Santiago, Richard Woolcott, and all the other surfers who are smart, creative, driven businessmen--for them it has always been and always will be about surfing. The surf garment industry is passionate and it is core. And that's why I support them. C'mon, even Dora started working for Quik. In fact, I would argue that Dora subconsciously gave them all permission to do what they are doing (believe me, if 'selling out' meant surfing more, Dora did it); read the book.
Sat Aug 9, 2008, 12:03 PM
I read your article and wanted terribly to tear you a new a$$hole, (the dollar sign there are appropriate there arent they!) but you did it yourself by constantly contradicting yourself throughout your entire rant.. and i quote "believe me, if 'selling out' meant surfing more, Dora did it" So Scott, i have a very simple proposition for you... i see that your responding to other posts. so im sure you will read this.. answer the following questions for me and the other readers.. 1 from head to toe.. what brands are you wearing right now? and do you honestly think those brands are all legit 2 are you boycotting and not going to look at the new hollister cams? 3 how much did you give back this year 4 how much did your employer (SOURCE INTERLINK MEDIA) give back 5 do you think that you could surf more if you had a different job.. i bet the average waiter gets more waves in than you 6 can you honestly say that you wouldnt work for hollister if the money was right(
Sat Aug 9, 2008, 1:33 PM
hollister is for frosty softop surfers so now thanks to hollisters theres gonna be more of them in the water
Sat Aug 9, 2008, 1:39 PM
it's a pretty remarkable thing when we can tell...with absolute certainty, without ever meeting a person face-to-face...how much they suck. inside. what i'm saying is, if everyone who commented on here was partying together somewhere, and the guy who wrote this op/ed showed up, it would be hard to still have fun. bass don't enjoy his life. don't hate yourself, man. that's wrong. i think you should become a better person. be happier. today! i fully believe you can do it. rock on
Sat Aug 9, 2008, 3:39 PM
Please, the surf industry is no different than Hollister/A&F. All "surf" companies exploit the image of surfing for money. I don't give a fuck that the CEO of the "real" surf companies surf 5 times a week. They just use their cash and leverage their brands to expose the sport to the masses and develop areas of the world where they want to put surf camps and clothing outlets. The surf industry are a bunch of money grubbing whores. THANKS WHORES! THANKS FOR RUINING OUR LIFESTYLE AND MAKING IT HARDER AND HARDER TO FIND A PLACE IN THIS WORLD WHERE A DEDICATED INDIVIDUAL CAN FIND A FEW WAVES IN SOLITUDE. What a bunch of fuck-ups.
Sat Aug 9, 2008, 3:52 PM
same sh*t different pile
Sat Aug 9, 2008, 5:04 PM
What abut Bali? If it's truly about being a passionate surfer before making money, then why is all the production for these corporations done inland, in China? These folks don't surf, and you might argue, don't make enough money to surf even if they did live near the beach. If the surf brands are reliant on 3rd world labour for the margins required to sustain the stoke within stockholders and want workers surfing, then surely Bali is the ideal place to setup production. Highly skilled at manual labour, great craftsmen and there's no shortage of evidence they can make cheap t-shirts, jeans, watches, bags etc and turn a buck. But.... if the surf companies were really "core" to both surfing and their local regions surfers, they'd have setup manufacturing along the coasts of surf areas and staffed them with surfers working shifts that suited the best tides and conditions. Can't see that happening until the US dollar goes below the Yaun, minimum wage laws are gone and wor
Sat Aug 9, 2008, 8:44 PM
word
Sat Aug 9, 2008, 9:58 PM
Who cares what the hell Hollister does ? We all know anyone can buy a shirt that says you surf but that doesn't mean shit. We all know who the surfers with soul are... the ones in the water.
Sat Aug 9, 2008, 10:23 PM
What is very apparent to me is that none of you know how to read. "And should you and I, hardcore surfers, be skeptical of the Hollister brand? Um...I venture to guess that most of us don't really give a shit. We just want to go surfing." --Scott Bass
Sun Aug10, 2008, 9:57 AM
i would rather buy walmart board shorts than wear bullshit A&F i mean hollister!! i was born and raised in california. if they have been around since 1922 why haven't i seen it at the beach untill recently? when the stupid [non surfing] trendy valley kids brought it. i hate their over priced bullshit and the retards that buy it! fake exspensive crap makes you cool or something? just fucking surf dont be a poser!!! be yourself and dont let people tell you lies like when they say there from hollister but there from ohio!!HUGE WAVES THERE!!what a world we live in. tides up im gone
Sun Aug10, 2008, 10:21 AM
Not to weigh-in for or against - but because journalism, such as it is, needs to be factual I wanted to clarify two points. Hollister actually made a six figure donation to the Surfrider Foundation in 2005. Also, while many surf industry manufacturers contribute to our endemic non-profit organizations (most primarily through SIMA), quite a few do not. Carry on.
Sun Aug10, 2008, 11:25 AM
All surf brands are sellouts. Macho Beach Noseriders is the only brand out there that doesnt employ top surfers to post up in the market place. So if your wearing Billadouche or quickfag look in the mirror bass
Sun Aug10, 2008, 2:55 PM
The author of this piece is another close minded surfer who never made it past the beach in life. This junior high opinion article above demonstrates the typical view of "the bro industry" where everyone wears a black t-shirt, jeans, and snubs their noses when you walk into their surf shops or surf offices. Most of those involved in the industry have little education and by reading this piece show us the typical rant against a clothing brand. Surfing isn't for surfer only. That's what hurts you the most.....
Mon Aug11, 2008, 12:34 AM
Wow!! Love to see the Aloha spirit alive and well in the surfing community!! I like to call Hollister The Great Midwest Surf Company!! It seem like they sell more of that crap out here in the Mid-West than all the other surf companies combined!! That's how I know I've run into a real surfer, they have their Hollister shirt on as they run around the Mall of America!! In terms of Hollister being a "real" surf company.......what exactly do they make for surfing? Boards? Leashes? Wetsuits? Wax? Oh yeah, cotton t-shirts.....I never surf without one!! On the other hand, I'm glad they are supporting Irritable Bowel Disease......We don't need any more "crap" in the water!!
Mon Aug11, 2008, 1:21 AM
You know whats funny this is coming from a scrawny loser who still has a bunk-bed. Get your facts straight before making a boring ass rant.... just cause the clothes dont fit you because they dont make xx-small doesn't mean you can rant, Surfing is something fun to do its not a scene or a style, if someone wants to wear it let em. First off I would kick your ass wearing hollister clothes in a surf comp any day... second make sure mommy and daddy dont catch you staying up too late. p.s. nice shirt :P -matty p
Mon Aug11, 2008, 2:07 AM
Well, beyond all of this, isn't it most important that we find out why the kid in the YouTube video is apparently idolizing Andy Rooney?
Mon Aug11, 2008, 12:14 PM
OK guys, i admit it. im uneducated and not the smartest person there is. people from the OC arent usually all that intelligent. forgive me for my near sightedness. i think that just because ive got a stiff backside cutty i know everything
Mon Aug11, 2008, 3:58 PM
Booorrring... Does anyone really care?
Mon Aug11, 2008, 11:05 PM
its time for charles webster baer of bend , oregon , usa , who , by the way , has just been elected president of earth , to restore freedom of speech on line to the american surf media . . http://charleswebsterbaer.com .
Tue Aug12, 2008, 7:09 PM
Scott Bass, whoever you are, AMEN! I have waited ages for someone to agree with me on this, HOWEVER...certain people...ahem ^, like to side with hollister because they've got models with surfboards basicallly coming out the yin yang and have been brainwashed to think that you can copy anything genuine and still be viewed as cool. What do I have to say in opposition to these fags? BS. Lord if they took the time to know what 'hollister co.' is really about. Well a crusty old barnacle and his minions invented hollister and it's founding year, it's characters involved, (ie jake hollister, 'pro surfer that died in a surfing accident' [real creative marketing guys]) and threw a bunch of punch outs in their stores to create the ultimate lifestyle that would attract sun deprived, insecure teens in the Midwest. Talk about whoring out a genuine sport. Hollister houses and breeds the ultimate kooks, enough said. Now that you think you surf, let's see a solid cutback, sweetie. Once again,
Tue Aug12, 2008, 8:02 PM
Hollister = $$$ making machine :: Quicksilver = $$$ making machine :: Surfermag = $$$ making machine :: ALL OF THEM EXPLOIT THE IMAGE OF SURFING for money. THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THEM. If they thought they could turn a profit by selling ball bearings to girl scouts they would. If you think the "real surf companies" are any better than A&F and the lot you're a brainwashed consumer.
Tue Aug12, 2008, 9:40 PM
Hollister succeeded in branding themselves beyond a market of companies that were lazy: Quik, Billabong, and RipCurl never went beyond the industry. Well Mr. Author...the industry itself isn't that popular. So you can get can get as angry as you want.. the majority of Americans don't care about your opinion or the industry. And Hollister will keep churning in the money. Its a soul-less operation whether you are selling subscriptions to your magazine or over charging people for your magazine in a surf shop. The surf shops are the sellouts, $60 board shorts, who are you kidding?
Wed Oct22, 2008, 12:13 PM
To make a change and preserve "real surfing" and defining "real surf companies" get involved then take action. The only ligament surf co. is Katin. They've been around forever and have stayed true to surfing history, check it out (katinusa.com). They are true to their heritage and been apart of business since the late 50's. Katin represent surfers and surfing thats it... True and core. So here's my advice: support and BUY your brands products. Stop buying Hollister and tell 6 friends to do the same and so on. Send emails, blog... get the word out. Find a brand that represents the core of what you like and support it. Simple. The best way to make a difference and (Stop parasites like Hollister) is to tell your friends to do the same. It works.
Sat Dec13, 2008, 6:08 PM
What a bunch of BS!!!! Hurley (sold out to Nike) and the other hard core surfing companies like Quiksilver, Volcom are just the same as Hollister!! The whole surf industry USA sold out when they started shipping all their production processes to China. Lost jobs, lost income to Americans families!! Everyone one of them sold out! They don't support local surf shops which are closing everyday. They are selling out to the inland states; in malls, navy exchanges and retail chains; TJ Maxxs, Ross, and Marshalls all inland. Surfing is so main stream now, so what are you talking about a "your own surf club"?? Like the last responds above, All those top executives are greedy F#$%Ks!! Peace out!!
Sun Dec14, 2008, 1:06 PM
Wow. I'm really blown away. This seems to be a hot subject. Doesn't everyone now? Well, I had a friend who once worked for Quick. The only reason they hired him was for his Spanish speaking talents in the warehouse. I wonder if they still send all there money back to Mexico,"Who"? "the Mexicans that are hired to work in the warehouse in H.B."? Probably not, because they don't make enough. Katin does make a great pare of surf trunks,they last forever. Last time I visited the Katin surf shop I was very disappointed with there customer service. The guy running the place was an ass...Grandma katin was turning in her grave after I left the shop. I learned a long time ago that there are far and few real surfers in the the surf Industry. I haven't purchased a "surfing garment" for a long time. I just wear a white t shirt most of the time. Kind of sucks. I would like to represent what it is that I love. But, I just surf. Its hard to find a good board now a days.
Wed Dec24, 2008, 12:19 PM
Uhhh, I always thought the USA was all about free enterprize and all that great stuff. A & F is one of many companies trying to diversify itself in order to stay afloat in a very competitive garment industry. So they want to take a stab at the surfing industry, I don't see the big deal. I'm not too sure if your opinion is heart founded or not. Your article is an obvious attempt to promote a corporate boycott of Hollister clothing, kinda un-American if you ask me.... and for a single person to define what is "cool" when it comes to surf clothing line is impossible, as you have proven in your article. I just don't see your point. If they bought a house on the North Shore and sponsored a stable of sufers, would they be OK then? Personally I do not like A&F clothes, they make garments for old men and college students. But I say let time and sales dictate their success, Hollister might contribute something new and exciting to the industry, who knows? At least give them the chance to p
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