Lightning Bolt Teamed up with FeelFlows Surfboards

Lightning Bolt Teamed up with FeelFlows Surfboards to build an atemporal surfboard.

Floral Fabric inlay rescued from last summer Bolt's Collection... Mayhem Guys!!

"The Herring” 5’8”

"The Herring" is a classic fish model designed to perform in a variety of conditions.

 While keeping loads of volume, the thin 70/30 down rails combined with a flat to vee bottom makes it very agile in rail to rail transitions.

 Super fast and loose but still very easy and fun to surf!

Find out more about this surfboards here: http://feelflows-surfboards.tumblr.com/post/73237337889/58-the-herring-the-herring-is-a-classic

Buy this Shirt here: https://shop.lightningbolt.eu.com/en/catalog/the-collection/shirts/ls-aloha-shirt/

Winter Wonder-Lands

Our boy Christian Yeager leaning back on a vintage single fin at V-land during the North Shore's recent winter swell. (Photos by Kyle Maclennan)

Winter Wonder-Lands from Lightning Bolt on Vimeo.

First Descents :: Barry Kanaiaupuni

Early on, Barry Kanaiaupuni took a unique approach to surfing that not only changed the way people rode waves but also shaped the future of board making.

There are very few people who can lay claim to new beginnings or witnessed first-hand the shift from old to new. Surfer, Barry Kanaiaupuni was an instrumental figure progressing the sport from bulkier boards and straight sliding to a whole new style signified by the ever-evolving shapes made in garages and in the back rooms of surf shops. He lived through a time where new frontiers were conquered redefining the way people rode waves and the industry that was built around it.

The "Red" - BK shaped his most memorable Bolt board for Lightning Bolt 2012 Collectors' Quiver

Looking to heroes like George Downing and Paul Strauch for inspiration, Barry paddled out for the first time at age eight. It was an easy time to be passionate about the sport living in Hawaii and benchmarking surf films as a standard from which to progress.

It wasn’t until he moved to California that things really began to explode. Barry surfed his way down the coast eventually ending up in the South Bay where he cut his teeth skinning blanks at Hobie’s in Dana Point ultimately linking up with guys like Butch Van Arsdale and Phil Edwards who helped him refine his craft. Both in and out of the water, Barry pushed boundaries earning the attention of Laurence Vincent, head of the Windansea surf club, who immediately recognized the talent of the young Hawaiian and signed him to the team.

Barry was known for doing things differently and his unorthodox way of shaping and surfing. In fact, it was he, Sam Hawk, Gary Chapman and a few others who were the first to go right at spots now known Gas Chambers and Off The Wall. “There were a lot of ground-breaking things that were going on at that time,” he adds. “No one was even surfing Backyards except us. I lived right there.” Skinnier, shorter boards made for better bottom turns and helped draw finer lines. If you ask him, he’ll tell his crew was doing it way before anybody where certain sessions at Makaha and Sunset completely redefined the sport.

BK caught by Jeff Divine back in the day

It was progression that Kanaiaupuni was best known for and the purest intentions are what drove him to turn his passion into his profession. Those who know him will likely say that back then he was in it for the right reasons and for the younger generation, hopefully they’ll read a story like this one and be inspired by one of the greatest surfers to ever evolve the sport.

Text: Dustin A. Beatty
Interview: Matt Wessen

Fall Winter '13 Collection

Click here to see the Lightning Bolt Fall Winter '13 LookBook - Available Soon Online

Lightning Bolt is the mark of authenticity. It has been wholly invested in a true life of growth and passion since its birth in 1970s Hawaii. We here at Lightning Bolt believe in a certain man, one who is unafraid of the untouched frontier awaiting him, whose lifestyle is that which brings him alive. It is he who knows that the most important piece any man can bear is his very own streak of adventure  all we are here to do is simply help him to finish the look.

That is why we are proud to present our Fall Winter collection for the year 2013. Once again any man can count on our buttery tri-blend fleeces, our timeless board shorts, incredibly engineered knits, and the finest and most functional wool and cashmere blends, as well a new frontier in the Aloha shirt. Our long-sleeve Winter Aloha shirt  100% cotton, with raw coconut buttons and a classic cut  offers men a piece they can be proud to wear in any occasion while feeling relaxed and looking timeless.

Our colors and prints this year are born of 50s and 60s Hawaiian interiors. We have found the most inspiring palate of sun-beaten earth tones as well as fresh bright pops fused with materials that have the tangibility of a time unforgotten. Together with our impressive spread of layering cable knits, breathable wools, and our French goose down jackets, one can find comfort, function, and style for any adventure in any location.

In 2013 Lightning Bolt has pulled together the kind of on-going story of which men have already learned the early legends, yet they cannot wait to see which new direction it will take them. Watch closely as we continue to preserve the old World and shape the new.

A Pure Source,

Lightning Bolt

Collector Boards Limited Series at 14 oz. (Berlin)

Find out more about this project here

Single Fins Shooters with the support of Lightning Bolt

Again, Lightning Bolt supported the second annual Single Fin Shoot Out in Newquay, as we believe in a big swing to go back to the roots of why people surf and not everyone who surfs wants to grow up to be a pro surfer. Surfing because you love it!

This event mixed vintage board enthusiasts, collectors, followers of Revolver Surf Shop and Hot locals who are interested in surfing something different in a contest format. It went off on Bank Holiday Monday 27/5/13 in style at Little Fistral in Newquay. Even though the rain poured and the wind did its best to chill everyone’s bones, there was a full turn out, good times and good waves.

The event is the brainchild of Gee Piper and John Issac of Revolver Surf Shop, who wanted to put on a contest to celebrate the style and fun of single fin surfing. The competitor field for the day was almost as eclectic as the single fin boards that were amassed for the event. Longboarders, shortboarders and any boarders rubbed shoulders under the shelter of the windblown easy up tent, whilst hooting and hollering the best rides.

The day started with small waves trickling onto the rocks of Little Fistral Beach. As the tide receded, the swell increased and Fistral chucked up few fun waves. Being driven by a cross-shore wind the swell built as the day went on and the final was held in good overhead waves. Allowing the competitors to let loose on boards that were built before some of them were born. 

The standard of surfing was high throughout and many of the heats were close calls, but it was Toby Donachie, Alan Stokes, Stuart Leithead and Jimbo Bennett who made the final. Alan Stokes won the closely fought final despite Toby Donachie pulling out all the stops by landing a big air on a board over thirty years old.

1.Alan Stokes
2.Toby Donachie
3.Stuart Leithead
4.Jimbo Bennett
Highest place women – Alexa Poppe

The Poster of the event

 Single Fins

 Stuart Leithead

 Nick Holden trying to keep everything nailed down and running tight

 Heading to the lineup

 Action

 Action

 The Crew

 Stuart Leithead

The Gran Champion: Alan Stokes

Words: Mark Sankey
Credits: Alexa Poppe
Font: http://approachinglines.com/single-fins-shooters/

Vogue attends the Lightning Bolt cocktail party at colette

Lightning Bolt hosted a cocktail party at Paris boutique colette to celebrate the Collector Boards Series Program:: Limited Edition of Surfboards (Pipeliner's) Shaped by Barry Kanaiaupuni, Gerry Lopez, Rory Russell, Reno Abellira, Tom Parrish.

Check more about this project here: Collector boards series 

Lightning Bolt & colette Launch Limited Edition Collector Series

Lightning Bolt & colette

More info about this project click here

Lightning Bolt Surfboard - Stinger

Lightning Bolt Surfboard - Stinger Model

Single Fin - Easy Paddle and maneuverability
Gloss Finish - Available from 5´8

Check more Lightning Bolt Surfboards at: http://issuu.com/Lightning_Bolt/docs/catalogo_surfboards_2012

Ask for more info at: infoboards@lightningbolt.eu.com

Lightning Bolt Surfboards

Lightning Bolt Surfboards - Egg

Single Fin with Stabilizer - Easy Entry and maneuverability

Gloss Finish - Available from 6´6

Check more Lightning Bolt Surfboards at: http://issuu.com/Lightning_Bolt/docs/catalogo_surfboards_2012

Ask for more info at: infoboards@lightningbolt.eu.com

Bolt Magazine #008

We are very proud to present the 8th issue of our Bolt Magazine

Highlights Include:

The Pure Source: First Descents - Barry Kanaiaupuni

The Trip: Cali Gold Trip

Lightning Bolt Spring Summer 2012

Indonesia SurfTrip: Indonesia Nias

Sounds Like Bolt: Group Love - Andrew Wessen

Inspiration & Influence: Randy Rodstoker

WorldWide Bolt: Bolt Riders Around The World

Photo Lab: Travels 2010-2011 by Joao Sousa, Le Joy

Enjoy Aloha!

California Dream 2011 - Lightning Bolt Surftrip

"You always stick with the plan, when the plan changes... you stick with the plan." - Jonathan Paskowitz.

In the March of 2011 the Lightning Bolt Team made their first voyage through the United States. Traveling the coast of California, it was an opportunity to surf and experience all the fine breaks that she had to offer. Unbelievable sandbars had formed offering waves that are seldom seen due to some major storms came down the coastline.

Especially in Santa Cruz where the devastating energy of the Tsunami in Japan had reached their shoreline with damaging effects.

We found ourselves loaded full with all different types of boards from bonzers, twin fins, thrusters, single fins, quads, logs, longboards, alaias and even knee boards from the 80's. The vast variety of waves offered something that most of the surf trips had not, an opportunity to try a diverse quiver of equipment old and new.

Gege Brasset, Jord Fortmann, Alexandre Ferreira and Nuande Pekel joined Jonathan Paskowitz and B.G. Porter to set out in two recently purchased used RV's. These two RV's was where the team would eat, sleep and live for the next twelve days on the coast.

SOUTHBOUND
With strong storms still pounding the Northern Cali, we took the opportunity to head south and begin in San Clemente. The two RV's had proven that they were roadworthy thus far.
Unfortunately when we made our first stop in San Clemente State Park to set up camp, the '79 Sportscoach didn't want to start. This would be a problem that we learned to deal with day in and out.
We loaded the team up and dropped them at the trailhead for Lower Trestles. Conditions were uncrowded, the waves were clean & small. We ended getting an afternoon and next morning session in at Lowers before we headed to meet with Doc Paskowitz.

The team gathered outside the RV's as we pulled in to meet with Jonathan's father.
"One thing I want to make very clear. Surfing is something very special. I know now that each of you has your own idea of surfing and each of you is correct. But as you grow older you will find that there truly magical, something mysterious and magical in surfing. Because the sun is where comes the energy to make the wind and the wind makes the waves and all you do is to ride those waves. You're riding the sun, you’re a child of the stars..." - Doc Paskowitz

Doc was great and kind as always. He took the time to give each of the team a copy of his book Surfing & Health, signing each as he talked with the team.
It was good to begin the trip back, passing through Los Angeles were we had begun. We found ourselves meeting the storms that were moving from the north down the coastline. We managed to get a quick session at First Point Malibu before the rain set in. For the remainder of the evening it just came down and down.
"You don't leave good surf to look for surf" - Matt Wessen


NORTHBOUND
Although we had discussed the idea of moving north quickly, as we passed First Point, the sun was shining and the waves were pealing. We pulled back around and unloaded for a session of fun clean waves.
Our routine was starting to sync with loading, packing, changing and rolling out. Soon we were headed to Ventura looking for swell. In the morning we woke before the sun would rise and begin trying to find what Xanhino was desperately waiting for, "Big, left barrels."

At Oxnard Shores amongst the muddy waters we found just this.

Jonathan had stayed back for this one... Still facing the problems of the starter, a few new ones had surfaced. The tire was leaking air and soon after fixing the problem the storage box on the bigger RV had flown open and snapped off heading down the 101 Freeway.

Jonathan had got her all back and ready to roll so we packed up once again to hit the open road and the weather up ahead. We drove through constant rain all the way to Morro Bay. Once again we unloaded and got out into the cold, rainy water to surf the stormy waves Morro had to offer. As we readied ourselves to head to our campgrounds, the '79 Sportscoach had her last run until we could fashion a mechanic. The next day we waited as a new starter was put into the RV. Northbound once again, on to Santa Cruz.
Pulling into Santa Cruz we found nice hot weather and small waves at Pleasure Point. The team took to the water with a diversity of boards, switching off from time to time to try something new. It was a fun experience surfing together and feeling nothing but stoked, laughing, surfing just enjoying the day.

The next day we met up with C.J. Nelson, Josh "Rasta" Rothman and Darshan Gooch who were kind enough to give us the full lowdown. They took the team to their favorite local spots, giving the team Santa Cruz's finest breaks. C.J. let the team try his new quiver from The Meadow. The guys were more than happy to partake in the kind gesture.

After a few more repairs to the '79 Sportscoach we headed for San Francisco, the most northern point of the Cali trip. Although we didn't find waves, driving across the Golden Gate Bridge highlighted another special moment throughout the tour.

Back down to Santa Cruz we caught another epic day. Pushing south our time was coming to an end with our last session ending at the Queen of the Coast, Rincon. At this moment we realized the adventure was coming to a close.

  

It was a trip like no other. Full of great waves, great memories, Jonathan's sweet serenades and plenty of laughter. The only question left on our minds.... Where to next time?

By B. G. Porter

Click here for more photos: Lightning Bolt Facebook

Click here to see the full Issue: Bolt Mag #007

Aloha

Special hand painted surfboards by Alexandra Cassaniti

27 year old California and Hawaii raised fashion designer Alexandra Cassaniti partnered with Craig Hollingsworth and Lightning Bolt to release a special hand painted edition of Lightning Bolt surfboards. Three models shaped by the master Craig Hollingsworth with the very stylish brush strokes that Alexandra puts on all her collections.
One quad-fin fish, one tri-fin Malibu and a single fin pin tail are the models available. You can choose the dimensions and other specifications.
Please visit Alexandra Cassaniti’s official website here.
About her
ALEXANDRA CASSANITI debuted her eponymous line of bags, shoes, swimsuits, surfboards and other accessories in Spring 2008.
Pointing out that it's always summer somewhere, each season she releases a new "Summer" collection — she launched her line with the "Summer One" collection, and is now working on designing "Summer Four". Each season Cassaniti designs a new hand-screened print — from brushstrokes and pinkeye to stripes and newsprint — which she uses for each season's new line of limited edition bags. All of the Alexandra Cassaniti pieces are hand-crafted and made in the USA

Lightning Bolt at ISPO – Surf in the snow

	To witness that one could actually breathe surf, within the snowy environment of ISPO 10 in Munich, was absolutely amazing! It happened at the Lightning Bolt booth, as the gathering of remarkable and true legends of the history of world surf, coming from different parts of the world, took over the mood and involved all surf fans and visitors. Below: The official dj Left:The 3 Pipeliners
It was an authentic Lightning Bolt show starring Rory Russell, the legendary Hawaiian Pipeline master, Jonathan Paskowitz, the surf industry veteran and second oldest son of the unavoidable Californian surf clan – the Paskowitz Family, and Graham Smith, the renowned and prominent South African shaper, together with the brand new surfboards and apparel collection. Right: Rory Russell and his strange friends
	Next to the stunning Lightning Bolt «Pipeliner» models, these down-to-earth celebrities were giving interviews and autographing pins and posters, chatting and posing for the numerous cameras with fans and friends, creating a cool, relaxed and effortless welcoming vibe. Left: Jonathan Paskowitz and Graham Smith
Above: Our security was well signed Right: Paulo Couto and Raquel Dias, our portuguese apparel designers	The feedback on the surfboards and apparel collection couldn’t be better. Everyone was really excited to see how the Lightning Bolt crew went back to the roots, taking aboard the original surf brand character and distinction and interpreting it smoothly into something different and fresh. We are happy to say that Lightning Bolt is offering an alternative for a new feeling of nostalgic satisfaction that the surf community is warmly welcoming.

Rory Russell and victorious António Dias, our graphic designer

Lightning Bolt is at ISPO

For the first time we will be presenting our new Autumn-Winter 10 collection and also our new surfboards collection.
Come and visit us in Munich (Germany) – 07-10 February 2010.
We will be in Hall 2, booth 138.

NEW SURFBOARDS COLLECTION

                                                       Click here to view the new catalogue

In the early seventies, when legendary Gerry Lopez was busy turning the Lightning Bolt logo into the most powerful symbol of the surfing world, he had started, at the same time, the “short board revolution” in Hawaii. The huge 12-foot boards, inspired by the ancestral Polynesian wooden flat planks, were then replaced by boards with shapes suited to the various wave sizes and types.

They were no longer flat and started having a curved bottom (rocker) enabling sharper turns and they also became narrower to drop into big waves, at high speed, escaping the lip, but with sufficient length to absorb the impact of the water surface turbulence.

His 9’ Guns and 7‘or 8’ Mini-Guns, which had won so many times at Pipeline for Gerry, and later for his fellow surfer and shaper Rory Russell, displayed the Bolt symbol with pride, inspiring the brand’s slogan:“The Bolt - more often seen coming out of the waves’ tubes, across the world”.

With all this prestige and heritage, Lightning Bolt is presenting a range of models of its Classic Boards conceived by three traditional LB shapers: Rory Russell from Hawaii, Craig Hollingsworth, from California and Graham Smith, from South Africa. From these different areas, they have shaped LB surfboards, maintaining the traditional and innovative characteristics for all types of waves, which made this board brand a legend.

Right now, if you want to order one or to know the prices, you must send your request by e-mail to info@lightningbolt.eu.com.

See the full catalogue here.

Rory Russell

He is himself a legend as a shaper, after the several world class

championships he won and as a Pipeline Contest twice winner, riding boards with the Bolt logo, he conceived and shaped fast, reliable and manoeuvrable for such big and hollow waves.

And also as many surf films movie star, like Five Summer Stories and many others.

After more than 30 years, Rory is back again with Lightning Bolt, a brand that never really left his heart. In meantime, he has been teaching people to surf, for the last twenty years, being an example of the “real spirit of surfing”.

Graham Smith

From South Africa, Graham Smith has shaped, sprayed and glassed over 50.000 boards with “passion and finesse”, as he says, during his 40 years of activity, for many great surfers in the world.

In the beginning of his surfing career, Graham was a member, in S. Africa, of Mike Larmont’s surfing team, using LB boards shaped by him who had, in 1973, obtained the rights to the Lightning Bolt International brand. He made boards with Larmont, until opening in 1978 a board factory with the legendary Shawn Tomson who had already won a Pipeline Contest in 1977, becoming later World Champion.

At that time, many famous surfers like Ian Cairns, Shawn Tomson, Jeff Hakman and Mark Richards, inventor of the “Twin Fins”, rode on Lightning Bolt boards, seen on all surfing films of that period.

When in 1986 John Shimooka and Sunny Garcia, then 15 years old, arrived from Hawaii to S. Africa to compete, were put under Graham Smith’s guidance, using the boards he shaped specially for them, with all his knowledge and experience, to complement their surfing talent and different styles.

All this knowledge, experience and charm will be present in our “Lightning Bolt” range and now it is up to you to choose the board which best suits your surfing style and aspirations and find out why they became so famous…

Craig Hollingsworth

Craig has been shaping surfboards since 1973. Craig was born and raised in Southern California, and a world class surfer himself. Craig has travelled the world over perfecting his designs.

With his long time experience and hands-on-approach to testing surfboard performance, Hollingsworth is one of the most versatile shapers in the world today.

Retro Board Challenge returns

The A1Surf.com Retro Challenge in association with Wittering Surf Shop is back for another year on Saturday 10th October at East Wittering.

This legendary charity surf competition will see 50 invited surfers take on each other in a battle to be crowned ‘The Retro Board Challenge Champion’. The two main differences from a usual surf comp is that the surfers have to use retro surfboards (from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s) which are given to them at random before each heat, and they have to wear fancy dress!
As well as bringing together the south coast surfing community for a chilled-out surf competition, the event will also raise money for the local Selsey RNLI Lifeboat Station and Surfers Against Sewage.
And this year’s event will see the fun continue into the evening with a charity ‘Retro Party’ at the nearby Shore Inn. The party will see live bands, dancing and more inside a large marquee. Tickets cost just £5 in advance from Wittering Surf Shop. There will be no tickets on the door.
David Somerville, from A1Surf.com said: “The reaction to last year’s event was amazing so we just had to do it again.
“We’re keen to bring together local surfers in a comp that’s all about fun and also helps raise money for two really worthy charities. We hope people come down to watch the comp then join us to party in the evening. Last year we raised over £500 for charity and we are hoping to do even more this time.”
“Nick Cheshire, from Wittering Surf Shop said: “I’ve been collecting retro surfboards for years now and for too long they have been kept in storage.
“This contest is an excellent excuse to get them out, dust them off and wax them up. It’s great to see people enjoying surfing them…. and in fancy dress too!”.
Lightning Bolt will be there represented by our agent in UK, Brian Hart, and he will offer some gifts for sure.
Don’t miss it
More info, visit the event’s schedule on Facebook.
An image from last year's edition

Vintage Surfboards Exhibition – Lège Cap Ferret

For those old surfboards lovers, or those who want to find out more about the history and culture of surf culture, or even just for those that want to meet old friends, we suggest you a vintage surfboards exhibition in Lège-Cap-Ferret next Saturday (3rd October) in the Surf Experience atelier.

Longboards from the sixties, singles, mini-guns, twins from the seventies, and some thrusters from the eighties are just some of the relics.

Pour les passionnés de vieilles planches, ou ceux qui voudraient découvrir un peu plus l'histoire et la culture surf et faire des rencontres conviviales, nous vous invitons à cette première journée "planches vintages" le 3 octobre, à partir de 14h à l'atelier Surf Experience sur Lège Cap Ferret.
Longboards des années 60, singles, mini-guns et twins des années 70, et quelque thrusters obscurs du début des années 80, il y aura de quoi vous intéresser!

One Lightning Bolt single fin swallow tail

BOLT4FREE Giveaway - Win surfboards and mp4 Sony kits

How would you help us breaking a Guiness World Record?

YOUR MISSION IS: MAKING LIGHTNING BOLT A GUINESS WORLD RECORD HOLDER.

You may suggest, for instance, jamming up the London tube with surfboards at rush hour or getting the highest number of surfers riding a wave on the same surfboard!
To participate, just tell us about your record idea by uploading a text, image or video on the Lightning Bolt Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/lightningbolteurope
or
http://www.facebook.com/lightningboltportugal

Don’t forget to put the following title on your post: “BOLT4FREE – GUINESS RECORD”

You may send us your record-breaking attempt until the 31st March, 2010.
The winners will be those with more “I Like this” and positive comments, so it’s a Fan Decision.

The prizes are:
1st – One Lightning Bolt longboard
2nd - One Lightning Bolt shortboard
3rd - One Sony/Lightning Bolt High Voltage Kit – Sony Mp4 + Exclusive silicon cover + backpack with exclusive pocket

And remember, if the winning record-breaking idea is fun and feasible, we will invite its author to fulfil it together with us

Lightning Bolt Vintage Image Gallery

Thanks to our hero, Rory Russell, we managed to achieve a great set of rare images from Lightning Bolt in its beginning, when the legend was in the peak.
The old magazine ads, the magazine covers, the surftrip pics, lots of amazing action shots in Pipeline, Uluwatu, Haleiwa, Padang Padang, Morocco, and some other treasures are now compiled in our Flickr page.
If you really want to understand the history of surfing, namely in Hawaii, this is a must to.