Quik Staffer says un-PC things, ASP Responds

Sheesh, how about that Roxy Pro Biarritz teaser starring totally-hot Steph Gilmore on bed and in shower, and the shitstorm of red-faced keyboard pounding it’s induced! Chapter, like, five of the epic novella that is Roxy’s greatest-ever headache, has seen a senior Quik employee in the unenviable position of having made some social media remarks that weren’t particularly well-received.

“Some butchy lesbos were representing surfing (in the past),” wrote Quik surf manager Chad Wells via Facebook. “Not rigged out sexy women who are in touch with their sexuality and know exactly how they are represented and marketed. 1 well ridden wave at the end of this clip would’ve made the critics happy.”

The ripples of this hit the dock when Professional surfer Cori Schumacher told NineMSN: “Chad Wells’ comment is not surprising, though his brash openness certainly is. This just cements how invasive and endemic this type of thought is in the surf industry.”

“My mother had to deal with this sort of industry talk,” Cori continued. “I had to deal with it and it pains me that this new generation of women is still dealing with these limiting and constrictive stereotypes.

“That three generations of female surfers have had to navigate the limitations of lesbian-baiting ought to bring us pause when considering the unapologetically sexualized image of female surfing we are currently receiving from Roxy and elsewhere in the surf industry.

“Reclaiming the narrative of women’s surfing from that which is controlled by the surf industry, one that is constantly on the defence about sexuality, is the first step in truly advancing women’s surfing.”

Chad also lit up with some more direct talent-appraisal, stating that the girls have a large fan-base because not only are they hot, but they also rip: “The ‘average’ dude may be drawn in by the sex appeal but anyone that loves surfing watches the women’s heats now because they are RIPPING!”

On a more close-to-home level, ASP felt compelled to respond to Chad’s comments, too. “The recently-published comments of a Quiksilver staffer are completely unacceptable and do not represent the values or the opinions of the ASP,” said CEO Paul Speaker. “The ASP draws its inspiration from the ocean – an arena that does not distinguish where you’re from, the color of your skin, where you worship or your sexual orientation. As such, we are are an organization of tolerance, objectivity and inclusiveness.”

“The athletes of the ASP are committed individuals of talent, inspiration and character. ASP’s vision for the future of the sport is to celebrate their athleticism, personality and stories– which we look forward to bringing to the world in 2014 when we assume responsibility for events, marketing and broadcasting of the professional sport of surfing.”

The 1.5m-views ad, in case you lost your laptop charger and control of your senses, depicts Ms Gilmore rising from bed, showering, then paddling out at waveless Biarritz. Which ended up being very prophetic, since there were no waves ridden during the Roxy Pro this year – it was cancelled today after multiple lay days and a bumpless horizon. The event will reignite at Hossegor in September when the men land. – Elliot Struck 

Ninemsn article, here.