Orange County wildcard blends progressive fashion and high-flying choreography to capture the $25,000 first-place prize
HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. — August 6, 2010 — The much-anticipated Walk the Walk National Championship concluded today in front of a packed crowd at the US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach. And when the dust settled, it was local wildcard and HB rival Corona Del Mar who took the big prize and a $25,000 winner’s check. “Just to be on this stage and to perform in front of this crowd felt like winning to us,” said Corona Del Mar’s captain, Chandler Nicolls. “But to be recognized in front of all these other great schools was such an honor.”
The other great schools, including Huntington Beach High School, 2009 champs Lincoln High, Pearl City from Hawaii, Toms River East from New Jersey and Kellam from Virginia Beach, all brought electrifying performances to the runway as the band Street Drum Corps provided the rhythm. “I’m amazed at what these schools put into it,” said celebrity judge Rob Machado. “These guys clearly have talent that will make an impact in the future. I’m feeling it.”
Walk the Walk, a high school fashion competition that’s best described as “Friday Night Football” meets “the Runway,” is an integral part the U.S. Open of Surfing, the world’s largest action sports event. After surviving a grueling three months of online video challenges, these six schools — considered some of the most fashion-forward in the nation — gave it their all in front of a screaming crowd estimated at 10,000.
Corona Del Mar gave a spirited performance full of backflips, war dances, Dalek-inspired mirrors and a guy in rollerblades jumping off a quarter-pipe. As the first performance of the evening, they proved a tough act to follow. Celebrity judges, including skate sensation Paul Rodriguez, Lauren Conrad (The Hills), Trevor Donavon (90210), Camilla Alves (Shear Genius) and James Harden of the Oklahoma City Thunder, took an entire set of Cobra Starship songs to deliberate, but in the end, leaned toward the well-rounded performance of CDM as the grand-prize winners.
But all was not lost for the other schools. Kellam High took home the Mens and Womens design challenge, which asked the students to create an entire look from scratch. They will receive scholarships to Otis College of Art and Design.
Kellam also won the Skull Candy Remix award after turning a headphone into a bright, nautical- themed masterpiece. Not to be outdone, Pearl City took the Converse “Punk Your Chucks” prize, earning $2,000 to their arts program.
With hosts AnnaLynne McCord (90210), Bobbe'J Thompson (Role Models) and Sal Masekela running the show, the 2010 Hurley Walk the Walk National Championship at the US Open of Surfing will be one to remember. Next up: the 2011 video challenges begin before you know it.
For complimentary images and downloads, go to www.usopenofsurfing.com/downloads.
About Hurley
Founded in 1999, Hurley is an authentic ÏMicrophone for YouthÓ brand rooted in surf, skate, art, music and beach cultures. Driven by creativity and freedom of expression, Hurley develops world-class products for guys, girls and kids, including sportswear, footwear, eyewear, accessories, loungewear, swimwear and wetsuits. A wholly owned, independently run subsidiary of Nike, Inc., Hurley’s corporate headquarters are located in Costa Mesa, CA, with international offices in Tokyo, Sydney, Barcelona and Bali.
www.hurley.com
About Nike 6.0
The Nike 6.0 brand defines innovation and embodies the creativity of youth, united by action. Nike 6.0 delivers footwear and apparel to support the new generation of action sports athletes who are changing the worlds of surf, snow, BMX, moto, wake and freeski. Their unlimited potential and contagious energy deliver the future through performance and lifestyle.
www.nike6.com
About Converse
Established in 1908, the Converse brand has built a reputation as ÏAmerica’s Original Sports CompanyÓÙ and has been associated with a rich heritage of legendary shoes such as the Chuck Taylor? All Star? shoe, the Jack Purcell? shoe and the One Star? shoe. Today, Converse offers a diverse portfolio including premium lifestyle men's and women's footwear and apparel. Converse product is sold globally by retailers in over 160 countries and through 25 company-owned retail locations in the U.S. For more information, visit Converse on the web at www.converse.com.
ABOUT THE U.S. OPEN OF SURFING
Staged at the famed Huntington Beach Pier July 31 to August 8, 2010, the U.S. Open is the world’s largest professional surfing competition, and hosts hundreds of world-class athletes along with skateboarding, BMX, music, fashion and youth culture. Boasting a rich history dating back to 1959, the massive event boasts North America’s only combined ASP Men’s Prime and women’s six-star World Qualifying Series (WQS)-rated events and is a pivotal point on the ASP World Tour. More information is available at www.usopenofsurfing.com.
About IMG Sports & Entertainment
Operating in 30 countries, IMG Sports & Entertainment’s diverse businesses include: consulting services; event ownership and management; fashion events and models representation; licensing; golf course design; and client representation in golf, tennis, broadcasting, speakers, European football, rugby, cricket, motor sports, coaching, Olympic and action sports. IMG Academies are the world's largest, multi-sport training and educational facilities, delivering world-class training experiences to more than 12,000 junior, collegiate, adult, and professional athletes each year. More information is available at: www.imgworld.com.
Press Contacts:
Mike Kingsbury, Jennifer Hernandez, Johanna Phillips, MKM
Mike@teammkm.com; Jennifer@teammkm.com; Johanna@teammkm.com
(714) 375-2188
