Press release:
March 2014 — Clearwater Beach, Florida, USA
Inspecs USA, the International license holder for O’Neill Eyewear is delighted to announce the signing of long-standing O’Neill sponsored Athlete, American professional surfer Cory Lopez, as the new Global Brand Ambassador for O’Neill Eyewear. This new role extends Cory’s global affiliation with the brand from wetsuits and clothing, to now include eyewear.
Lopez expressed enthusiasm with this latest venture stating, “As a long time O’Neill team rider I was really stoked when I heard O’Neill was launching a sunglass line with Inspecs USA. I knew right away that I wanted to be part of it. Now that I am, all I am thinking about is working with them to make the sickest pair of sunglasses on the market and you better believe we are going to use the best lenses you can find because I don’t just look at waves all the time. I’m also an avid fisherman and Captain who needs a glass that will help me see the fish when I’m out on the water”.
Inspecs USA shares this sentiment, “We are incredibly excited to work with Cory. We have faith he will be a phenomenal brand ambassador and look forward to a great long-term relationship with Cory and O’Neill,” added Vance Wright, Inspecs USA President.
Keep an eye out for Cory’s new signature O’Neill eyewear line wherever you can find O’Neill wetsuits and clothing and at finer eyewear/optical stores nationwide in 2014.
For consumers and fans of the brand alike, the new line will be an excellent addition to the O’Neill family. As Vance explains, “The new O’Neill/Cory Lopez signature models will not hold back on functionality or style. They will showcase as the best looking frames, with the latest lens technology, solid protection – and all while staying at an affordable price point.”
O’Neill was founded on a passion for surfing and Cory’s passion for riding waves is exemplified by his numerous professional accolades and a resume to back it up!
A one-time # 1 ranked surfer on the elite ASP WCT (World Championship Tour) ‘Leader Board’, recipient of three consecutive X Games Gold Medals; one ISA Gold and two ISA Silvers, U.S. Open of Surfing Champion, Pipeline Masters finalist, two-time Surfer Mag ‘Guts for Glory’ winner, Billabong Pro Tahiti Champion, Surfer Mag Tube of the Year winner, and top 3 final season contender for the ASP World Title (to name a few).
Hailing from Florida’s Gulf Coast, Cory, along with “big brother” Shea (Lopez), 11X World Champ Kelly Slater, and the Hobgood Brothers, helped put Florida on the world surfing map. His daring exploits at places like Teahupoo Tahiti opened the door for competitive big wave tube riding in waves of consequence. In like manner, Cory is credited with helping to lead the aerial surfing charge and is still considered to be a leader and innovator of “above the wave” aerial maneuvers.
Look for an upcoming Flashpoint Feature on Cory in ‘The Surfer’s Journal’ and a ‘Surfer Mag’ story on his recent “Deep Strike Mission” to Mexico!
Cory’s sponsorship portfolio includes: O’Neill Wetsuits, Clothing & Eyewear, Rockstar Energy Drink, Freestyle USA, WaveJet Propuslion, Mayhem Surfboards (Lost/Placebo), On-A-Mission, and Nekton Surf Shop.
Surfline Video Feature by O’Neill – Cory chases a swell, surfing up the California Coastline to the frigid waters of Santa Cruz, home of O’Neill Wetsuits.
https://www.surfline.com/video/premium-partner-video/cory-x-california_106424
Cory Lopez, O’Neill X Games ESPN “Legendary Video”
https://xgames.espn.go.com/pt-BR/video/8346169/cory-lopez-living-legend
Cory Lopez World Travel Blog:
https://www.gulfster.com/corylopez/
Cory Lopez Official Fan Site:
https://www.lopezbrothers.com/
O’Neill Team Profile:
https://www.oneill.com/#/men/americacanada/teamriders/g.global_team%7Ccory_lopez/
About O’Neill (Santa Cruz CA & Netherlands)
A global innovator, Jack O’Neill invented the first neoprene wetsuit in 1952 to surf the cold waters off Santa Cruz California. O’Neill has been recognized as the #1 wetsuit brand in the world ever since. A global leader in wetsuits, apparel, accessories and eyewear, the brand (O’Neill International) is now based in The Netherlands and continues to lead in innovation. www.o’neill.com
About Inspecs USA (Bath, UK & Clearwater, Florida)
Inspecs USA is the American sector of British based Inspecs, a design and innovation-driven eyewear company. The company was established in 1988 with the mission to produce desirable eyewear with excellent value. Inspecs designs, manufactures, and markets a wide spectrum of products to appeal to a diverse customer base, from competitively priced and uniquely tailored private label programs to expertly crafted branded collections. www.inspecsusa.com
