Stab Magazine is thrilled to announce the release of Vans Stab High Central America presented by Monster Energy on Thursday, July 22nd.
Born from the mind of Stab founder Sam Mcintosh, Stab High is a competitive platform that provides a unique lens into surfing’s subcultures. A surf contest held (mostly) in the air, Stab High seeks to push aerial surfing to new heights while providing an open forum for surfing’s diverse and unique cast of characters.
What began as a one-day surf aerial surfing contest has turned into a weeks-long cultural moment, with surfers from Japan, Jamaica, U.S.A, Brazil, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Australia and Costa Rica joining together to raise surfing’s progressive ceiling.
Vans Stab High Central America presented by Monster Energy was held over the course of 12 days in Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica. Eighteen male surfers and six Vans Ladybirds used that time to land aerial maneuvers on both ‘Rights’ and ‘Lefts’, with their top wave from each direction being scored out of 50 for a maximum total score of 100. These scores were provided by our esteemed panel of judges, including Vans’ Nate Fletcher, Mikey February, Ainara Aymat as well as Stab’s Michael Ciaramella and Brendan Buckley. Regarding the event’s format, Nate Fletcher had this to say:
“Stab High is a step in the right direction for surf contests. It pushes surfers to land their most radical stuff. These guys and girls come here with a good attitude hoping to not only impress the judges, but their peers, all in the hopes of pushing surfing forward which to me is really cool.”
When asked to provide color as to this year’s Stab High experience, multiple-time invitee Parker Coffin stated:
“I’ve done a lot of surf contests in my life and this year’s Stab High was by far the best one I’ve ever been a part of. It brought together a wide variety of surfers, encouraged a good time in the water and out, and was judged by people who know what’s going on. It’s a new format that will continue to push the boundaries of progressive surfing while maintaining the core of why we all started to surf… it’s fun!”
Vans Stab High presented by Monster Energy will be viewed episodically, with Episode 1 of 5 premiering free on Thursday, July 22nd on Stabmag.com.
The fifth and final episode will include a live broadcast from Vans’ Channel 66 studio in New York City, where viewers from around the world will tune in and be the event judges, ultimately deciding the winner of Vans Stab High, Central America, presented by Monster Energy.
Schedule of Release:
Episode 1 – Thursday, July 22 at 7 pm PST
Episode 2 – Thursday, July 29 at 7 pm PST
Episode 3 – Thursday, August 5 at 7 pm PST
Episode 4 – Tuesday, August 10 at 7 pm PST
Episode 5 – Thursday, August 12 at 6 pm PST
Surfer List:
Matt Meola (Hawaii)
Albee Layer (Hawaii)
Imai DeVault (Hawaii)
Josh Moniz (Hawaii)
Malakai Martinez (Costa Rica)
Parker Coffin (US)
Eithan Osborne (US)
Ian Crane (US)
Micky Clarke (US)
Jett Schilling (US)
Eric Geiselman (US)
Robbie Mccormick (US)
Mateus Herdy (Brazil)
Wesley Dantas (Brazil)
Kaito Ohashi (Japan)
Shama Beckford (Jamaica)
Dylan Graves (Puerto Rico)
Mauro Diaz (Puerto Rico)
Kevin Meza (Mexico)
Letty Mortensen (Australia)
Vans Ladybirds List:
Sophia Medina (Brazil)
Bela Nalu (Brazil)
Caity Simmers (US)
Bela Kenworthy (US)
Erin Brooks (Haw)
Zoey Kaina (Haw)
Socials:
About Stab
Surfing doesn’t exist in a vacuum, and since 2004 Stab has been its premiere subcultural stimulant. A ravenous and irreverent international player, feet firmly in warm sand, Stab draws influence from popular culture as much as it influences. Stab is at its best when uncomfortable, reporting stories that need to be told and creating imagery and motion that bring big ideas with big names to life. www.StabMag.com
About Vans
Vans®, a VF Corporation (NYSE: VFC) brand, is the original action sports footwear, apparel and accessories brand. Vans® authentic collections are sold in 97 countries through a network of subsidiaries, distributors and international offices. Vans® has over 2,000 retail locations globally including owned, concession and partnership doors. The Vans® brand promotes creative self-expression in youth culture across action sports, art, music and street culture and delivers progressive platforms such as Vans Checkerboard Day, Vans Park Series, Vans Triple Crown of Surfing®, Vans Custom Culture, and Vans’ cultural hub and international music venue, House of Vans.
Vans, “Off The Wall” Since ’66
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About Monster Energy
Based in Corona, California, Monster Energy is the leading marketer and distributor of energy drinks and alternative beverages. Refusing to acknowledge the traditional, Monster Energy supports the scene and sport. Whether motocross, off-road, NASCAR, MMA, BMX, surf, snowboard, ski, skateboard, or the rock and roll lifestyle, Monster Energy is a brand that believes in authenticity and the core of what its sports, athletes and musicians represent. More than a drink, it’s the way of life lived by athletes, sports, bands, believers and fans. See more about Monster Energy including all of its drinks at http://www.monsterenergy.com.
