Ocean Minded » Greg Long http://www.oceanminded.com Footwear. Apparel. Accessories. Fri, 06 Jan 2012 05:16:07 +0000 en hourly 1 Ocean Minded Brand Ambassador, Greg Long, Wins The Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau Surf Contest http://www.oceanminded.com/2009/12/ocean-minded-brand-ambassador-greg-long-wins-the-quiksilver-in-memory-of-eddie-aikau-surf-contest/ http://www.oceanminded.com/2009/12/ocean-minded-brand-ambassador-greg-long-wins-the-quiksilver-in-memory-of-eddie-aikau-surf-contest/#comments Wed, 09 Dec 2009 20:20:00 +0000 admin http://72.47.203.217/2009/12/ocean-minded-brand-ambassador-greg-long-wins-the-quiksilver-in-memory-of-eddie-aikau-surf-contest/ Ocean Minded Brand Ambassador, Greg Long, 26, became the first Californian to win The Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau surf contest (aka The Eddie) yesterday at Waimea Bay in Hawaii. With surfing conditions that featured occasional 40 to 50 foot waves, Long won the event with scores from a single heat, which included a perfect 100-point ride.

“It’s such an honor to be apart of The Eddie, due to its unique heritage”, stated Long, who took home $55,000 for his efforts. “It’s a one-of-a-kind event, and I have dreamt of being part of it for quite a long time. Now that it’s over, I can’t find words to describe the feeling of winning the most prestigious big-wave paddle-in contest in the world.”

Long’s performance in the final heat of the day propelled him to first place, beating out past Eddie winner and nine-time ASP World Champion, Kelly Slater, 2000 World Champion Sunny Garcia, and the defending Eddie Aikau Champion, Bruce Irons.

“All of us at Ocean Minded are thrilled for Greg, and extremely proud of this latest accomplishment, which further solidifies his reputation as one of the world’s premier big wave riders”, stated Bob Tanner, the company’s Director of Marketing. “He stopped by the office the day before he left for Hawaii, and you could just see the excitement in his eyes, when he was talking about his invite to The Eddie. We’re very fortunate to have such a gifted, yet extremely humble, person as a Brand Ambassador.”

Greg and his brother Rusty (also known for his prowess in large surf) have been ambassadors for the Ocean Minded brand since 2000 and have a signature sandal, The Long Brothers II, available in stores January 2010.

]]> http://www.oceanminded.com/2009/12/ocean-minded-brand-ambassador-greg-long-wins-the-quiksilver-in-memory-of-eddie-aikau-surf-contest/feed/ 0 Ocean Minded™ Brand Ambassador, Greg Long, Wins XXL ‘Ride of the Year’ http://www.oceanminded.com/2009/04/ocean-minded%e2%84%a2-brand-ambassador-greg-long-wins-xxl-%e2%80%98ride-of-the-year%e2%80%99/ http://www.oceanminded.com/2009/04/ocean-minded%e2%84%a2-brand-ambassador-greg-long-wins-xxl-%e2%80%98ride-of-the-year%e2%80%99/#comments Mon, 20 Apr 2009 23:03:00 +0000 admin http://72.47.203.217/2009/04/ocean-minded%e2%84%a2-brand-ambassador-greg-long-wins-xxl-%e2%80%98ride-of-the-year%e2%80%99/

Ocean Minded™ Brand Ambassador Greg Long claimed “Ride of the Year” at the 2009 Billabong XXL Awards on Friday April 17th. Long defeated Ryan Hipwood, James Holmer-Cross, Garret McNamara, and Brian Conley for the award, and walked off the stage with the 1st place prize of $50,000.
“It feels so good to have ‘Ride of Year’ as an accomplishment. All of this year’s nominees rode amazing waves, and I feel extremely honored to win”, stated Long. “It was great to have all my friends and family in the audience, and I look forward to many more adventures in the years to come”.

Long’s winning wave, which broke on July 26, 2008 at Dungeons in South Africa, was the only one nominated in the “Ride of the Year” category that was paddled into – not using the aid of a personal water craft (PWC). This is Long’s fifth XXL award in six years, and the others include “Biggest Wave”, “The Monster Paddle Award”, and two “Best Overall Performance” awards.

“We feel very privileged to have Greg as a Brand Ambassador”, stated Ocean Minded’s Team Manager, Frankie D’Andrea. “He is always pushing the limits of surfing, and the ‘Ride of the Year’ at Dungeon’s was one of the most amazing waves ever ridden. Greg’s been part of Ocean Minded for many years, and at one point, we were his only sponsor. Seeing all of his hard work pay off makes us especially proud.”

]]> http://www.oceanminded.com/2009/04/ocean-minded%e2%84%a2-brand-ambassador-greg-long-wins-xxl-%e2%80%98ride-of-the-year%e2%80%99/feed/ 0 Ocean Minded Inc.’s Greg Long Earns Double Win at XXL Awards http://www.oceanminded.com/2008/04/ocean-minded-inc-%e2%80%99s-greg-long-earns-double-win-at-xxl-awards/ http://www.oceanminded.com/2008/04/ocean-minded-inc-%e2%80%99s-greg-long-earns-double-win-at-xxl-awards/#comments Wed, 16 Apr 2008 19:49:00 +0000 admin http://72.47.203.217/2008/04/ocean-minded-inc-%e2%80%99s-greg-long-earns-double-win-at-xxl-awards/ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SAN CLEMENTE, CA— April 16, 2008 — Ocean Minded™ team rider Greg Long, the defending XXL Big Wave Award winner, claimed the $15,000 Monster Paddle Award and the $5000 Surfline Men’s Overall Performance Award, Friday April 11th at the 2008 Billabong XXL Global Big Wave Awards in Anaheim, California.
“I am so proud of Greg for his self discipline and drive to push himself to new levels of adventure. Greg has been part of the Ocean Minded family for over 11 years and we feel he is just getting started,” said Gary Ward, the company’s founder. “Greg is as real as they come and has so much to offer the surfing community and the world as a whole.”

The astonishing video of Long’s monstrous 53 foot wave was filmed on December 5th, 2007 in Todos Santos, Mexico. Long’s video overwhelmed the crowd as he beat Ben Andrews, Jamie Mitchell, Mark Healey, and Rodrigo Resende for the Monster Paddle Award.

“I am very excited and honored to have won both the Monster Paddle and Performance of the Year awards at this year’s XXL Big Wave Awards,” said Long. “Ocean Minded has been behind me from the very beginning of my big wave quest, and has continued as my only sponsor throughout the entire year. I can’t thank them enough for all of their support and look forward to many big years ahead.”
A true waterman, Long’s fearless spirit was recognized when he won the Surfline Best Overall Performance Award, which is given to the surfer who has the most outstanding performances in various locations throughout the year while displaying excellence in the water and leadership in safety.

“At the start of this past year’s season, I set a goal for myself to be on every possible big swell. It was a non-stop whirlwind of giant waves and travel and to be acknowledged for my accomplishments and efforts at the end of the year has been very gratifying,” stated Long.

About Ocean Minded, Inc.
The Ocean Minded™ brand was established in 1996 by Gary Ward, built on the principles of protecting beaches, respecting the environment and an overall love for life. Ocean Minded is a leading designer and manufacturer of high-quality leather and EVA-based sandals primarily targeted at the beach, adventure and action sports markets.

The Ocean Minded™ brand was acquired by Crocs, Inc. in 2007. Today, Ocean Minded operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of Crocs, Inc. and its founders continue to live the Ocean Minded lifestyle by actively leading beach clean-ups, and supporting and educating customers on the importance of leaving the ocean and all waterways in better condition than when they were found.
Media Contact
Kendall Leopold
Ocean Minded, Inc.
949-369-5057
Kendall.leopold@oceanminded.com

]]> http://www.oceanminded.com/2008/04/ocean-minded-inc-%e2%80%99s-greg-long-earns-double-win-at-xxl-awards/feed/ 0 Ocean Minded’s Greg Long Goes The Distance At Mavericks http://www.oceanminded.com/2008/01/ocean-minded%e2%80%99s-greg-long-goes-the-distance-at-mavericks/ http://www.oceanminded.com/2008/01/ocean-minded%e2%80%99s-greg-long-goes-the-distance-at-mavericks/#comments Tue, 15 Jan 2008 00:41:00 +0000 admin http://72.47.203.217/2008/01/ocean-minded%e2%80%99s-greg-long-goes-the-distance-at-mavericks/ San Clemente, CA – January 14, 2008 – Ocean Minded team rider Greg Long was crowned champion of the 2008 Mavericks Surf Contest after overcoming a field of 23 other world-class surfers, in 25-30 foot waves. Greg showed maturity beyond his 24 years as he successfully navigated his way through two heats before reaching the Final, where he posted a perfect 10 point ride in the tricky conditions at the legendary surf spot.

“Winning this contest is a dream come true, but it’s even more fulfilling to be able to surf Mavs with all the guys who ride it the best”, said a very humble Long, who rode a 9’6 gun shaped by Chris Christenson.  He used the board and his big wave experience to defeat Grant ‘Twiggy’ Baker, Jamie Sterling, Grant Washburn, Evan Slater, and Tyler Smith in the Final. The Finalists all agreed to split the prize purse, making the day even more special for the competitors, contest organizers and fans, alike.

Greg, a native of San Clemente, California, is no stranger to the victor’s podium or large surf.  His past accomplishments include winning the Red Bull contest at the notorious ‘Dungeons’ in South Africa as well as taking top honors in Billabong’s XXL contest for riding a 65 foot wave in 2006.  He has also been a US National Champion and recently surfed Waimea, Mavericks, Ghost Tree, and Todos Santos, all during the same swell. Previous to the Mavericks contest, Greg was part of a small crew that successfully ventured 100 miles offshore to surf the mysterious (and extremely dangerous) Cortes Bank.

“Greg has been part of the Ocean Minded family for the past 10 years, and it’s wonderful to see him have such success”, said Gary Ward, the brand’s Founder and President.  “He is an all-around waterman who truly embraces what it means to be ocean-minded”.  Greg and his sibling Rusty (also a renowned big wave rider) have an Ocean Minded signature sandal called ‘The Long Brothers’, which is in stores now.

About Ocean Minded

Founded in 1996 by Gary Ward, Ocean Minded was built on the principles of protecting beaches, respecting the environment and an overall love for life. Ocean Minded makes top quality sandals with unbeatable comfort, while utilizing natural and sustainable materials whenever possible.

At the core of Ocean Minded’s business philosophy is its involvement in causes to protect the environment. The brand actively conceives, executes and participates in beach clean-ups and also partners with the Surfrider Foundation, a non-profit grassroots organization that is dedicated to the protection of the world’s oceans, beaches and waves through conservatism, activism, research and education.

Media Contact:
Kendall Leopold
Ocean Minded, Inc.
949-369-5057
Kendall.leopold@oceanminded.com

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