SplashCast and Quiksilver Catch the Social Networking Wave With Surfing Event Micro-Channel

Quiksilver Turns to SplashCast to Help Promote, Publicize “The Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational”

In tandem with the opening ceremonies of “The Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau,” the longest-standing big wave competition in the world, content syndication service SplashCast and the world’s boardriding industry leader Quiksilver announced the launch of The Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau SplashCast “micro-channel,” a shareable and embeddable video syndication service that offers viewers a glimpse of tournament history, highlights, surfer profiles and boardriding apparel. The event micro-channel can be added to and viewed from surf fans’ social networking pages on Facebook or MySpace, and is automatically updated with fresh, new content as it becomes available.

Held in honor of the legendary Hawaiian waterman and the first lifeguard on Oahu’s North Shore, Eddie Aikau, The Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau, also known as “The Eddie,” gathers 28 of the most skillful and dynamic big-wave surfers from around the world. Once the contest call is made, the invited surfers are given 24 hours’ notice before the competition begins. During the event’s 24-year history, the competition has only been held seven times, due to the stringent swell and weather requirements. The last contest was held in December of 2004, when Hawaii’s Bruce Irons was the winner.

Scheduled to take place at the hallowed grounds of Waimea Bay on the North Shore of Oahu between November 30, 2008 and February 28, 2009, The Eddie requires one day with a minimum of 20-foot surf (Hawaiian scale) with wave face heights exceeding 40 feet, in order to run.

“SplashCast is pleased to team with Quiksilver, which is synonymous with surfing, to offer a content-rich micro-channel dedicated to the world’s most famous and prestigious surf event,” said Michael Berkley, CEO, SplashCast. “These virtual, embeddable, shareable, continuously-refreshed ‘mini TV stations’ can be added to social networks or other Web pages, providing viewers with videos, live conditions at Waimea Bay, and profiles of competitors taking part in The Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau.”

To keep surf fans apprised of all the happenings around The Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau in Hawaii during the three-month window, the Quiksilver/SplashCast micro-channel will also feature weekly webisodes hosted by big-wave surfer and invitee Mark Healey.

“Quiksilver was searching for a new way to publicize ‘The Eddie’ and to keep participants and surf fans alike engaged and interested throughout the event’s three-month holding period,” said Matt Ramirez, Online Marketing Manager for Quiksilver. “The Quiksilver/SplashCast micro-channel gets the story out there, shares the event content more broadly and really creates a strong connection between our brand and audiences around the world.”

The Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau SplashCast micro-channel can be accessed here: http://web.splashcast.net/web_watch/?code=HXBN3705OC. For more information on The Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau, visit: http://www.quiksilver.com/eddie.

About SplashCast

SplashCast is a content syndication service designed specifically for emerging high-growth media, such as social networks. With SplashCast, brands can reach even the most elusive audiences in a smart, efficient way, by engaging them where they spend time with content they want and share, while content owners can reach new audiences and discover new sources of revenue. Companies using SplashCast include Sony BMG, Red Bull, Universal Music, Live Nation, NIKE, AEG, PBS and other top name brands. Founded in 2006, SplashCast is headquartered in Portland, Ore., and can be found online at www.splashcastmedia.com.

About Quiksilver

Quiksilver is committed to providing tools for uncovering, expressing and expanding your personal style. Our aim is to foster the sense of individual expression and excitement – the stoke that is the essence of boardriding*. We’re also here to spread the word because the only thing better than finding stoke is sharing it.

*Boardriding is about timing and style. It’s youthful, active, casual, and free flowing. There is no wrong way to ride a board. The goal is simply to learn, progress, improve, and give it your own interpretation.

Contacts

LEWIS PR for SplashCast
Emelyne Interior, 415-992-4400
splashcast {at} lewispr(.)com
or
for Quiksilver
Tobias Coffman, 949-303-9295
tobias.coffman {at} quiksilver(.)com