Vans x Octopus Collection

Vans x Octopus Collection

Vans, the original action sports footwear and apparel brand, is excited to announce our first footwear and apparel collaboration with Octopus, a surf brand known for its core surf sensibility mixed with elevated, minimalist aesthetics.

A surfer-owned-and-run company with no big investors, no one to answer to, and no rules to follow, Octopus is the best in the game when it comes to surfboard traction, bags, grips, and leashes. With shared team riders Mikey February, Dylan Graves, and Harry Bryant, it was high time for a collaboration between two rule-breaking brands committed to seamlessly blending style and performance – and never compromising one for the other.

“I’m hyped two brands that I ride for decided to party together on a collection,” Dylan said. “It feels like wedding merch that I’m so thankful for once the hangover wears off.”

Leading the first ever Vans x Octopus collaboration is the UltraRange EXO in Octopus’ signature black and crème colorway. The corduroy-inspired textured textile upper, marshmallow Sidestripe, marshmallow and black sole, and subtle Octopus branding on the heel tab align with Octopus’ restrained and clean aesthetic. This lightweight and breathable go-anywhere, do-anything shoe features all-terrain grip, a co-molded UltraCush Lite midsole for comfort, and an EXO skeleton for added support and durability. An UltraCush tongue provides ports for superior airflow, while the full rubber reverse waffle lug outsole offers traction and flexibility.

The Sk8-Hi 138 Decon SF and Classic Slip-On SF also get the Octopus treatment in luxe materials and Octopus’ go-to colorway. The Sk8-Hi features tonal marshmallow quarters, combining suede and corduroy for subtle textural variation. A black leather Sidestripe, black tongue and laces, and an emboss printed Octopus logo on the heel add the finishing touch.

Connoisseurs of simplicity will appreciate the Vans x Octopus Classic Slip-On. The marshmallow-on-marshmallow colorway features a corduroy vamp and heel with suede quarters, and Octopus’ signature round graphic emboss printed in black on the heel.

It wouldn’t be an Octopus collaboration without some high-performing gear for the water, and the Surf Boot Hi ST 3mm embodies the combination of style and function that Vans and Octopus fans have come to rely on.

The brand new split toe Surf Boot Hi dual rubber-dipped construction maintains a second-skin fit while adding structure and warmth with optimal flexibility. A split toe offers increased control and dexterity. Vans’ micro-waffle outsole increases boardfeel and grip without adding thickness, and a gusseted top helps maintain a nice bootie-to-leg seal.

True to form for Octopus, the bootie boasts a sleek minimal aesthetic with subtle detailing. The black boot features just a touch of crème – in the Octopus logo around the collar and on the heel of the outsole – while a black waffle-texture Sidestripe and toe cap add textural variety.

Supporting the footwear is an apparel pack, featuring a Vans x Octopus short sleeve tee, pullover hoodie, and surf trunks. The 100% ringspun cotton tee comes in black with an understated round Vans x Octopus typographic logo on the chest and a large collaboration-specific graphic on the back – Octopus’ signature tentacle mandala logo ringed by Vans’ iconic Checkerboard.

The same limited-edition graphic can be found screenprinted on the left chest of the fleece pullover, which also features Vans Checkerboard and Octopus printed down the sleeve. A hood and kangaroo pocket keep it cozy.

The Vans x Octopus Surf Trunk 3 is a 4-way stretch performance trunk with a low-profile buckle, wetsuit top connector, and an elastic waistband. The timeless black short features typographic branding on the left thigh and a zipper pocket on the right thigh for storing essentials.

Founded in 2014 by a group of friends and professional surfers, Octopus was created as a core surf brand like the ones we grew up with but with a different perspective that speaks to a more refined aesthetic and an ethos of only creating highly-tested, durable and necessary technical surfing gear. Vans latest collaboration with Octopus embodies these principles, delivering a timeless offering of truly functional pieces that can live on as staples in and out of the water.

The Vans x Octopus collection is available August 13, 2021, at select Vans Surf retail locations and at Vans.eu/Surf.

XXL Giant Uluwatu 

XXL Giant Uluwatu 

The biggest Swell of 2021 hit the Bukit Peninsula recently, an 18 second period south west swell with a 12-16 feet face - a much bigger and powerful swell than the one two weeks ago. Around 12pm, the pushing tide started to produce monster sets. Unfortunately the higher tide and the wind made it a bit difficult for the afternoon session, still plenty of rippers stayed all day in the water and score!

Riders: Bruno Santos, Curtis Lowe, Brian, Tai Buddha, Andrei Ovchinnikov, Ricky, Valentin Neves, Nathan and many more rippers!

Kandui firing

Kandui firing

Probably the heaviest wave in Indonesia at 6,8ft. Fast, shallow and hollow. NVR digs in…

Landlocked surfing

Landlocked surfing

Jeremy Flores has a few words to say about Swiss surfing; original Geneva locals Nicolas Rampini and Gaël Vuillemin talk about the early surf sessions at the Pont de la Machine (Machine Bridge) in the Swiss capital; Valentin and Esteban continue their crazy Swiss surfari to a semi-secret spot in Neuchâtel; and the President of the Swiss-French Surfing Association, Greg Williams gives a first-hand account of what it was like to surf the biggest swell ever on Lake Geneva!

Jesus Surf Classics back for 2021

Jesus Surf Classics back for 2021

Both the Jesus Surf Series events will be back in person for 2021: both at Croyde over the weekend of 11 / 12 September and at Polzeath for the Jesus Longboard Classic during 9 / 10 October.

There will still be eight categories, including our very popular Over 35s and Under 12s, and there will be a prize pool of £2000 shared between the winners. Entries are limited to two categories per competitor.

The team will be working really hard to deliver an amazing and safe Jesus Surf Classic; with that in mind the number of places available might be slightly less than in previous years, so please make sure you get your entries in as soon as possible.

We hope to have the usual refreshment options and the marquee in place, although at this stage it is unlikely that we will be able to put the skate park up.

We want to say a big thank you to Parkdean for allowing us to host the event on their site, and also to the volunteers and local churches that will be helping us put on a great event with lots of the same community spirit that we have enjoyed over the previous 29 years.

If you would like to register for the Jesus Surf Classic (shortboard), please go to the online registration portal and get your entry in as soon as possible.

Registration for the Jesus Longboard Classic will open later on in the year

“If you have entered the Jesus Surf Classic in previous years (and you have given CSUK permission to contact you), you should also get an email so please check your junk folder in case you do not see it

We look forward to seeing you back at our normal venue, bright and early on Sat 11 September.
Christian Surfers celebrated its 30th anniversary last year, and whilst we did many things remotely, it is not quite the same as being at events in person. Between now and the Surf Classic, we will also be involved with Creation Fest, where we have a stall, and will also be looking after the surfers’ hospitality at Boardmasters which we are really looking forward to.”

If you would like to know more about the organisation, please log onto www.christiansurfers.co.uk