Gossip Girl: Hurley locks down stars, and more

Vibrations from the world of surf, like, right now…

Filipe Toledo’s success on tour at the turn of the year could be put largely down to job security. When your near future is coming up Milhouse, everything else just clicks. Filipe penned a new contract with Hurley for half a decade in November, and with his family relocated to San Clemente, Filipe was free to concentrate on surfing (see: Snapper Rocks). Prior to November, Filipe would sign year-to-year. But Hurley played a big part in finding the family a home, furnishings for that home, and schools for Filipe’s brothers. Their gestures equalled long-term commitment, and Filipe saw a mutually beneficial opportunity.

Julian is worth every penny. Photo: Chris Gurney

And while we’re talking smart signings, Hurley are moving on other investments and also re-signed Julian Wilson for a further five years. Genetically blessed and with progressive shine, Julian still commands his large slice of the surfer market. Girls dream, guys aspire; it’s a powerful influence. And it’s amplified with his world tour presence which has improved dramatically since this time last year.

Heart breakers is on point. L-R: Mon Eleogram, Steph Gilmore, LeeAnn Curren, Kelia Moniz, Rosy Hodge and Bruna Schmitz.

And while everyone talks of Hurley having the best team in surfing, let’s be real: Roxy might have that victory. Check out the new Roxy campaign (above): Heart Breakers, Wave Chasers. We’re not sure whether it’s because it’s on the back of the Kelia wipeout to beer on the boat to liming by Mon Eleogram, but seriously, this is how a campaign shoot should look.

Cementing him a living cult legend and emblematic part of the brand, Volcom have signed Ozzie Wright for another four years. Volcom’s DNA is about being connected to the youth. And at 39, Ozzie is, incredibly, as much an influencer of this space as he’s ever been. You’d remember the anti-bad vibes capsule range which dropped last year in Australia. It was creative-directed by Ozzie and was Volcom’s biggest success of the summer. Because his commodity has never been points in a jersey, job security has been Oz’s biggest fear. But this signature offers a lot of comfort, especially with two young groms. Oz is the kinda guy who paints instore murals and over-delivers for his sponsors at every corner. Yup, so he’s signed til he’s 43 but you kinda get the feeling that when that contract’s up, he’ll be signing another til he’s five-oh. God bless this man.

“When Mark said he wanted to get a couple of waves at The Right on the soft top, I thought he was joking,” photog Calum Macaulay tells Stab. “But the joke was on me. He ended up surfing consecutive days on it and was loving it, getting barreled off his head.” Photo: Cmacimages.com.au

In a perfectly contradictory partnership Mark Mathews has signed a board deal with Catch Surf as his choice of equipment to best disregard his own safety on. We kid. But Catch Surf are cleverly cashing in on the marketing opportunities around swell events. Mark’s one of the hardest working, most media-conscious surfers. Every swell, his deliverables are seen on feeds or websites or glossy pages. Throw a few foamies under his feet for a lol and you’ve got a surfer enjoying the challenge, and a brand getting great exposure. Mark is one of the most savvy when it comes to generating personal business. He’s drummed up biz with Audi Australia, too. No cash, but a few cars each year sure keep the rolling smooth. And, he’s signed a deal with Tag Heuer, joining Kai Lenny on the team.