Tropical Blends
New Resin8 Tokoro Boards
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2008 Sacred Craft Expo
We’ll be introducing our new 2009 SUP line. See you there! [Link]
New 2009 Firewire Models
We’re looking forward to the 2009 Product line, which includes new models in Firewire’s Future Shapes Technology (FST), Direct Drive, and the new RapidFIRE technology. Future Shapes Technology: FST continues to define high performance surfboards, incorporating Firewire’s proven balsa wood PARABOLIC rail design and sandwich construction. There are a number of key additions to the models offered: - Additional widths and thicknesses in key FLEXFIRE lengths as well as two 6′ 2″ squash tails and two new round tails (6′ 3″ and 6′ 4″) being introduced. - The new DOMINATOR Series incorporating a 5/4/3 fin option and thicker foil creating a paddling machine, offered in lengths 5’10” to 6’6” - The KINGFISH Series takes the success of the existing FISTAIL Series and offers a true retro outline and foil, adding almost 3/8” to the overall thickness - Additional widths thicknesses for the 7′ 2″ ALTERNATOR and introducing a 7’6” model Direct Drive Technology: After a year of Direct Drive construction, Firewire has improved production efficiencies and will be offering a greater selection of sizes. Direct Drive technology incorporates suspended carbon rods to control flex in place of the Balsa parabolic rails while maintaining the durability of Firewire’s proprietary sandwich construction. RapidFIRE Technology: RAPIDFIRE incorporates carbon rod suspension technology within a single density 2.25lb EPS core, without the sandwich construction technology of Direct Drive. The rods are double stacked in the center of the board and taper to a single rod towards the nose and tail to optimize the PARABOLIC flex patterns. With the durability closer to a regular PU surfboard but the increased performance of Firewire’s controlled flex, RapidFIRE fills an important niche. This technology will be available in sizes 5′ 10″ to 6′ 6″ in the Alternator Series. [Link]
Jungle Jack McCoy & Team Tropical Blends
Jack McCoy, a long time friend, helped out on Team Tropical Blends during Duke’s Legends Surf Classic. Still got it after all these years. Aloha and mahalo………… Hi Jim, Just wanted to say thank you for allowing me to be a part of your surf team. I had so much fun with your friends and just wanted to let you know how stoked I was to be a part of it. Aloha for now jack photo: Kaz Sano [Link]
Tropical Blends Team Rider Candice Appleby overcomes the men in Pro SUP division of Duke’s OceanFest 2008
She also won the Women’s final immediately after the pro final. In fact she didn’t even go in between the two heats. Congratulations Candice, was fun to watch! Photo: Kaz Sano Read more on Surfersvilliage
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Daniel Jones’ Japan Trip
Featured on Surfline 
More @ RVCA [Link]
Azul Surf Club - El Salvador
This is where we stayed in Salvador during our recent surf trip. We’ll be going back for sure! Thanks Lissette for everything. See azulsurfclub.com for details. [Link]
First New Board!
Fred sets his daughter up with her first new board. Remember the stoke? [Link]
Ko Molokai Keiki O Ke Kai
Molokai surf contest winners, the future of our sport! [Link]
A Rad Dude!
Never met a kid like this one that is so guaranteed to be a surfer. The boards were like magnets for him. We put one down on the floor and when he saw it he came running and just dove on it. There was another one that caught his eye and he stood there hugging it until his parents needed to go. Our kind of guy!! [Link]
New addition to the shop
After a long day’s work…. 
Come in and meet Finn our new shop dog (puppy). It’s socialization time for him so he’s glad to meet everyone! [Link]
Bustin’ Down the Door Premiere
We got a change to watch this flick last night and young or old it’s sure to be entertaining. Go watch this movie at Dole Cannery…it starts playing this Friday the 1st of August, but will only be there for a week or so. 
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Demo Day Featured in Honolulu Advertiser’s Blog
Melissa Chang of the Honolulu Advertiser came down to the demo last week Sunday and did a little piece in her blog Urban Mix Plate…. 
Candice, with some hands on advice. This was the day after her race she won from Turtle Bay to Waimea Bay, so needless to say she had a busy weekend. [Link]
Cruisin down the Kalihiwai River
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Just another day in paradise….
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Demo Day, Sunday the 20th of July!
Just a reminder that Candice will be heading up the get together at the Magic Island side of Ala Moana Beach Park. You can start showing up as early as 7:30 in the a.m. See you there…. 
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Epic Bowls for Macy’s E Series….
Seems like Bowls has turned on for almost every contest this summer. Surf into Summer, States, Surf Shop Challenge, and now stop #2 of the Macy’s E Series. 
Surfersvilliage has the lowdown, as well as photographer Kaz Sano. Daniel Jones made it to the semis, while his good friend Flynn Novak took the win. [Link]
J-Bay Contest Is On!
Good stuff…I think we need to go back on vacation. Checking the waves here in town is really disconcerting after watching the contest live. 
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Daniel Jones @ Bowls
Finding time in between travels to catch some summer swells in town. [Link]
Candice Appleby
Having fun at Waiks on a beautiful day. [Link]
Happy Customer on Kauai
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Stoked Kids In El Salvador
Old boards for us, new boards for them. [Link]
Congratulations Jackson!
Jackson Hollingsworth won the Menehune division of the Steinlager Shaka Longboard contest at Queen’s this past weekend. [Link]
El Salvador…Epic Surf
First things first…I don’t want to blow this place up, but it was too good not to share. Besides the people that live in that particular area could really benefit from some sustainable tourism. The waves were incredibly epic. These pictures were taken by a friend we met along the way that happened to be a professional photographer with a pretty cool website. As a surfer from California, Kyle summed it up well: 
“Las flores, pretty much identical to the inside point at rincon.. (minus dane reynolds)” 
“Punta mango, breaks exactly like el cap.. without all of santa barbara co.” We stayed at Azul Surf Club and were absolutely pampered. Airport transfers, incredible meals, boat trips, and a local guide are all included. Lissette is charge over there and made us feel right at home. Along with our guide Chepe it was more like hanging with friends rather than just being another person staying at some hotel totally oblivious to the surrounding culture. We were definitely immersed. According to Chepe the waves weren’t even that good while we were there, even though it was at least head high, glassy and reeling everyday. I don’t think the locals get very excited unless it double overhead or something. He literally only surfed twice for a half an hour or so and was over it. We’d be out there for 5, 6, 7 hours thinking it was all time and he’d just be sitting on the boat napping or fishing with my poles. Good stuff…here’s a shot of Chepe: 
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