BOARDFEST ’08 REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO YOUTH OF BOTH SEXES,ADDS MOVIE FESTIVAL, ROXY SURF CLINICS, BOYS’ ACTIVITIES & EXPANDED MUSIC

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. – Heading into its fifth anniversary year, Boardfest reaffirms its position as the largest youth event of its kind in the U.S., by adding an action sports movie showcase, acoustic “battle of the bands”, Roxy surf clinics and more male-oriented activities. Boardfest is held at the Huntington Beach Pier over Labor Day weekend, August 30 to September 1, 2008. More than 100,000 spectators, primarily tweens and teens, attend over three days. Information is available at www.myspace.com/boardfest.

Action Sports Festival: Boardfest is the only oceanfront festival in the U.S. to incorporate surfing, snowboarding and skateboarding competitions and exhibitions featuring world-class athletes. Amateur divisions and “learn to” clinics targeting tweens and teens offer an inclusive, “non-threatening” environment. The Boardfest Triple Threat, which features elite cross-over women athletes, is the ultimate action sports triathlon. A new addition in 2008 is the wildly popular Roxy surf clinics.

‘Coustic County Clash: The Boardfest Concert Stage takes a quantum leap in 2008 with the all new ‘Coustic County Clash featuring bands and musical entertainment from Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego and Inland Empire counties. Finalists for this acoustic “Battle of the Bands” will be selected via Boardfest’s Myspace friends later this summer. Sponsored in part by Clear Channel’s 98.7 FM (KYSR), ‘Coustic County Clash finalists follow in the footsteps of former Boardfest acts like Paramore, Cute Is What We Aim For and MTV’s Alex M.

Action Sports Film Showcase: The inaugural Boardfest Action Sports Film Showcase features the latest videos and movies from independent producers along with popular brands including Volcom, Roxy, Etnies, Hurley, Oakley, Billabong and more. Movies will be screened on the beach in a custom-built, air conditioned venue replete with the smell of fresh popcorn and refreshments. Top action sport stars from all three disciplines are slated to sign autographs and answer questions.

Girl Power Day: Boardfest pays homage to its roots with the fifth annual Labor Day salute to Girl Power. Although “girl power” activities are interspersed throughout Boardfest, all competitions (surf, skate and snow), clinics (surf and skate) and award ceremonies on Monday, Sept. 1 are reserved for females. Secondary elements include fashion shows, music, movies and myriad empowerment activities.

Interactive Festival: Where action sports, music and life collide, Boardfest ’08 showcases something for every level of involvement, synergistically weaving surfing, skateboarding and snowboarding competitions, surfing and skateboarding clinics, makeovers, empowerment activities, interactive exhibits, live entertainment, music, movies, fashion shows, dancing, an arcade, mobile sampling and attractions.

Boardfest is produced by MKM, a Huntington Beach-based firm that specializes in non-traditional public relations, experiential marketing and special event production. Please visit www.teammkm.com, www.myspace.com/teammkm or call (714) 375-2188.

CHANELLE SLADICS REIGNS SUPREME AS BIG CROWDS, PERFECT WAVES, RECORD HEAT AND HEAVY SNOWFALL HIGHLIGHT BOARDFEST® ’07 IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. – Labor Day Weekend 2007 – Despite record heat topping 100 degrees at the famed Huntington Beach Pier, more than 100 athletes, 350 surf/skate clinic participants, 10,000 empowerment attendees and 100,000 mostly tween, teen and young adult spectators braved the elements to attend Boardfest® ’07. The nation’s largest and most unique event of its kind celebrates anniversary number five when Boardfest returns over Labor Day Weekend 2008.

“It’s very gratifying to watch Boardfest grow each year and exciting to know that our fifth anniversary is just around the corner,” said Event Director Cherie Whyte. “What started as just a concept for women has now blossomed into a major regional event with national impact. To have 100,000 spectators during a stifling heat wave is truly a testament to how far Boardfest has come in such a short period of time.”

Boardfest received heavy airplay in So Cal where media partners KTLA 5 and radio station KIIS FM broadcast more than 100 advertorial spots. Go211.com online coverage reached several million unique visitors while a forthcoming Boardfest television special airing on Planet X will target 90 million homes in 100 broadcast markets. Editorial coverage was again significant with segments airing on all LA-based network affiliates (multiple live spots on KTLA, FOX and ABC). The Orange County Register “embraced” Boardfest with A-1, blogs, sports and metro articles.

Against the backdrop of near perfect surfing conditions and heavy snowfall, 22 year-old professional snowboarder Chanelle Sladics (Oceanside) took “girl power” to new heights in winning the first-ever Go211.com Boardfest Triple Threat™, a cross-over sporting competition featuring surfing, snowboarding and skateboarding. Sladics defeated pro skateboarder Heidi Kreis and pro surfers Holly Beck and Allison Arvizu to capture the endurance-testing title.

"Wow, this is like a triathlon," Sladics said. "You've just got adrenaline to keep you going. You're going from one thing to the next. This event (Boardfest) is really a dream come true!"

The Huntington Surf & Sport (HSS) Pro-Am shortboarding final featured four World Qualifying Series (WQS) rated surfers competing in glassy four to six foot hurricane-driven waves—some of the best contest conditions in recent memory. Carlsbad's Kyla Langen defeated Courtney Conlogue, a semifinalist at the recent U.S. Open of Surfing with Erica Hosseini coming in third and Kim Mayer fourth. In the longboard division, Portugal's Cristina Pires took the victory over Kamalehua Keohokapo. Kaleigh Gilchrist won the 16-and-under amateur division, while Shelby Detmers took the 13-and-under competition.

While the surf was pumping and the snow falling, the SKECHERS concert Stage was entertainment central at Boardfest; featuring a number of acoustic performances, dance troupes, KIIS FM DJs, Polynesian dancers and myriad empowerment activities. Thirty five companies participated in Boardfest ’07, a 20 percent increase over 2006, including sponsors Jeep, KTLA, SKECHERS, Aquafina and exhibitor’s like Kajeet, Tedweena.com, Nirve Bikes, Jamba Juice, Spam, Direct TV and many more.

Battling three times the number of snowboarders from 2006 and raucous fans on the adjacent pier, Mountain High team rider Nirvana Ortanez was victorious in the Jeep Snow Zone rail jam competition. Her winning ride was a “switch backside 270 to 180 out on the fun box and a front-side stall to fakie on the quarter-pipe”. “The comp was really fun,” said Ortanez who also competed in the pro surfing division. “It (Boardfest) had a lively vibe and I was super stoked to be there. There were a large number of really solid female riders and the crowd on the Pier made the whole experience worth the unseasonably warm weather.”

On land, Hanna Zanzi won the pro-am skate competition for the second consecutive year. Located close to the water’s edge and adjacent to the Snow Zone, clinic girls and competitors alike spent quality time on the 100 by 60 foot custom-built Go211 street course, made in Germany of Finnish Birch. A “massive” mini-ramp added a new and exciting competition element this year challenging both the skaters and the Boardfest Triple Threat competitors.

Where action sports, music and life collided, Boardfest ’07 offered something for every level of involvement, synergistically weaving professional and amateur surfing, skateboarding and snowboarding competitions featuring high-caliber women athletes, surfing and skateboarding clinics, makeovers, education, games, entertainment, activities, motivational speakers and attractions.

SKECHERS, Jeep and KTLA-CW are Boardfest ’07 partners. Sponsors included Planet X, HSS, Mountain High, Go211.com and Aquafina. Special appearances included the San Diego Charger Girls on behalf of the Girl Scouts of Orange County.

Boardfest is produced by MKM, a Huntington Beach-based firm that specializes in non-traditional public relations, experiential marketing and special event production. For nearly 20 years, MKM has promoted world-class sporting events, music festivals, athletes, products and brands. Clients include IMG, U.S. Open of Surfing, TOMY, USA Water Polo, Surf City USA Marathon, Reactor Watches and The Buddy Group. For information please visit www.teammkm.com or call (714) 375-2188.

Press/Sponsorship Contacts:
Cherie Whyte
cherie@teammkm.com
(714) 375-2188

BOARDFEST® RAMPS UP FOR 2007, ADDS TELEVISION SPECIAL AND LIVE WEBCAST

All-New Boardfest Triple Threat, BMX Demos And Expanded Surf & Skate Clinics Complement Existing Surfing, Skateboarding And Snowboarding Competitions

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. – Already the largest and most unique action sport, music and empowerment experience of its kind, Boardfest® ramps up for 2007 with the addition of a nationally syndicated television special, live webcast, BMX demonstrations and the all-new Boardfest Triple Threat cross-over sporting competition. The surf-skate-snow inspired festival returns to the Huntington Beach Pier over Labor Day Weekend, September 1 to 3.

Where action sports, music and life collide, Boardfest ’07 (www.myspace.com/boardfest and www.boardfest.com) offers something for every level of involvement, synergistically weaving professional and amateur competitions featuring 100 high-caliber women athletes, surfing and skateboarding clinics, education, activities, attractions and exhibits. The SKECHERS Concert Stage & Entertainment Center at Boardfest will feature live entertainment, yoga clinics, dance performers and special guest appearances. The vast majority of Boardfest is open to the public free-of-charge.

Boardfest takes its message coast-to-coast and to America’s heartland this year as national media partner and action sports pioneer Planet X will produce/distribute a Boardfest television special to more than 90 million homes in 100 broadcast markets. And for the first time, Boardfest’s online partner, GO211, will webcast the event to its rapidly expanding audience. Go211.com is the premier community hub created by and for action sports athletes and enthusiasts.

The Boardfest Pro-Am surfing competition returns featuring top riders like Erica Hosseini, Courtney Conlogue, Mary Osborne and Holly Beck in shortboarding, longboarding, tag team and amateur divisions. The Jeep Snow Zone showcases world-class boarders negotiating a steep, two-story high custom-built platform in pursuit of “best trick” and “open jam” prizes. Located adjacent to the pier and within a snow industry village, more than 40 tons of fresh snow will fall daily. X Games medalist Channel Sladics won the inaugural rail jam in 2006.

The all-new GO211 Boardfest Triple ThreatSM adds yet another layer of sporting drama with top women professional surfers, skateboarders and snowboarders competing against each other in all three boardsport disciplines. The cumulative leader following three days of intense competition will be awarded a grand prize and first annual Triple Threat trophy. Adding to the “inclusive” native of Boardfest will be daily skateboarding and BMX exhibitions featuring top female athletes on the Boardfest half-pipe.

The very popular Boardfest surf and skate clinics grow this year as groms and amateurs will be able to mingle with and learn from top-caliber stars in divisions ranging from beginner to intermediate. Whether you are a first time boarder or want to sharpen your riding skills, the Boardfest clinics are a fun way to learn a new sport and make new friends. All clinic participants receive a goody bag and refreshments. HB Wahine and Wicked Wahine will co-produce the surf and skate clinics respectively.

SKECHERS, JEEP AND AQUAFINA JOIN BOARDFEST®

The “All Girl Action Sports, Music and Empowerment Festival,” Boardfest®, is proud to announce its newest partners – Skechers, Jeep and Aquafina – to its already action-packed Labor Day weekend festival. The fourth annual Boardfest will be held at the Huntington Beach Pier, Sept. 1 to 3 (www.myspace.com/boardfest).

Where action sports, music and life collide, Boardfest ’07 showcases something for every level of involvement, synergistically weaving surfing, skateboarding and snowboarding competitions, surfing and skateboarding clinics, makeovers, empowerment activities, interactive exhibits, music, motivational speakers and attractions.

The SKECHERS Concert Stage & Entertainment Center at Boardfest will feature live entertainment, fashion shows, yoga clinics, dance performers and special guest appearances. The iconic company also will host a sampling center near the stage.

The Jeep Snow Zone showcases world-class female riders negotiating a steep, two-story high custom-built platform in pursuit of “best trick” and “open jam” prizes. Located adjacent to the pier and within a snow industry village, more than 40 tons of fresh snow will fall daily.

AQUAFINA also joins Boardfest as the Official Water and will feature the latest addition to the AQUAFINA family—AQUAFINA ALIVE. In addition to an AQUAFINA kiosk and misting tent, Boardfest spectators and participants will receive product samples. A partnership with KTLA/the CW Network will include advertorial/editorial and a retail component (TBD).

In just three short years Boardfest has grown from a local festival with limited appeal to a regional event with national & international impact. Popular among tweens, teens and young adults of both sexes, more than 100,000 spectators attended Boardfest ’06, most staying in the venue an average of two hours or more.

Offering myriad sponsorship, sampling and mobile marketing opportunities, Boardfest’s oceanfront location boasts top-notch amenities with world-class retailers, restaurants and resorts within walking distance. Other Boardfest partners/sponsors include KTLA/the CW network and Mountain High.

KTLA-CW JOINS BOARDFEST® AS CO-SPONSOR & LA BROADCAST PARTNER

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. – Los Angeles broadcaster KTLA THE CW, part of Tribune Broadcasting, has joined Boardfest®’07 as a co-sponsor and regional broadcast partner. The fourth annual Boardfest will be held at the Huntington Beach Pier over Labor Day weekend, Sept. 1 to 3 (www.myspace.com/boardfest).

Boardfest is the nation’s premier all-girl action sports, music and empowerment festival. Popular among tweens, teens and young adults of both sexes, more than 100,000 captive spectators spent quality time within the Boardfest ’06 venue. Tens of thousands more lined the adjacent pier and boardwalk while millions of fans were exposed via an extensive media campaign.

The KTLA THE CW relationship will extend this reach with additional advertorial, editorial and promotional support. The station’s top-rated morning news show is expected to broadcast live from Boardfest on Labor Day.

“We are thrilled to be part of an event that showcases the positive nature of teens and young adults,” said Jymm Adams, KTLA Director of Marketing.

Where action sports, music and life collide, Boardfest ’07 showcases something for every level of involvement, synergistically weaving surfing, skateboarding and snowboarding competitions, surfing and skateboarding clinics, makeovers, empowerment activities, interactive exhibits, motivational speakers and attractions. The Boardfest stage features live entertainment, fashion shows, yoga clinics, dance performers and special guest appearances. The vast majority of Boardfest is open to the public free-of-charge.

In just three short years Boardfest has grown from a local festival with limited appeal to a regional event with national & international impact. Offering myriad sponsorship, sampling and mobile marketing opportunities, Boardfest’s oceanfront location boasts top-notch amenities with world-class retailers, restaurant and resorts within walking distance.

“KTLA has been a great supporter of women and youth,” said Mike Kingsbury, Boardfest Executive Director. “Their involvement will help spread the event’s healthy & active lifestyle message to a much broader audience.”

Boardfest is produced by MKM, a Huntington Beach-based firm that specializes in non-traditional public relations, experiential marketing and special event production. For nearly two decades, MKM has promoted world-class sporting events, music festivals, athletes, products and brands. Clients include IMG, Vans, Reactor Watches, The Buddy Group and TOMY Corporation.

BOARDFEST® ’06 TAKES ALL-GIRL ACTION SPORTS & EMPOWERMENT TO NEW LEVELS AND
RETURNS LABOR DAY WEEKEND, SEPT. 1 TO 3, 2007

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. – September 2 to 4, 2006 – From the topnotch debut of the first-ever all-girl snowboard rail jam to special appearances by the San Diego Charger Girls, Miss California, Paramore and MTV’s Alex M, Boardfest ’06 was without question, a smash success at every level. More than 100,000 spectators attended over three days, 300 women participated in the surf/skate clinics and 100 athletes displayed their skills in surf, snow and skate contests.

Planning is already underway for Boardfest ’07, which will be held from September 1 – 3 at the Huntington Beach Pier

Live entertainment on the upscale Boardfest stage included “heavily attended” acoustic performances by Paramore and Cute Is What We Aim For on Sunday and Alex M and the Appearance on Monday. Other standout acts were the Quaker Milk Chillers B-Dance Crew, Yoga Clinics with Kathy, Polynesian dancers and self defense demonstrations. Nearby in the ComoGIRL! Beach House, activity was nonstop as throngs of teens, tweens and young adults packed the area for fashion shows, special guests, makeovers and giveaways.

More than 25 exhibitors participated in Boardfest ’06, a 500 percent increase over 2005, including Tilly’s, Knott’s Berry Farm, Nirve Bikes and HB Choppers. Quaker, Arrowhead, Fuse and ZSweet sampled new products with great success while the “packed” Boardfest activities center featured games like basketball, air hockey, ping pong and foosball. Even the ever-popular Hello Kitty made several appearances throughout the weekend and was onstage as a presenter during the “awards” ceremony.

With the Pacific Ocean as a backdrop, X Games veteran Chanelle Sladics (Newport Beach) won the “best-trick” snowboarding competition with an incredible “one legged” maneuver down the 26-foot fun box. Ten world-class riders competed for the $1000 prize while thousands of screaming onlookers lined the pier and the sand below; at one point launching into their version of the venerable “wave.” More than 40 tons of snow fell on the massive structure, marking the first snowfall in the 102 year history of the pier.

“Boardfest is the only all-girl action sport event that I know of…and it’s great,” said Carri Tonnemacher (Newport Beach), a 22 year-old professional snowboarder who was also observed ripping across the skate park. “To have an event like this for girls only is a dream come true.” The 21 year-old Sladics added, “I’m so stoked. I never thought I’d be able to snowboard and see the waves.”

In the water, Australia’s Sarah Beardmore overcame rising star Courtney Conlogue (Santa Ana) and top professional surfer Holly Beck (Palos Verdes) to win the exciting $2500 shortboard pro-am final. Summer Romero (San Diego) made it a three-peat in the longboard division while Kaleigh Gilchrist and Taylor Pitz took the amateur 14-16 year old and under 13 amateur contests. Following the individual battles, surf clinic girls took to the water on Labor Day for their very own “tag team” competition in the very same venue as the pros.

“Boardfest is a great opportunity for girls of all levels to participate in boardsports,” said Beck, a former national amateur champion and president of International Women’s Surfing (IWS). “And for the pros, we get to hang out with the girls from other disciplines.”

On land, Olivia Rhode won the beginner’s skate division while Hanna Zanzi won the pro-am competition. Located close to the water’s edge and adjacent to the Snow Zone, clinic girls and competitors alike spent quality time on the 100 by 60 foot custom-built Boardfest skate zone, made in Germany of Finnish Birch. HB Wahine Surf & Skate School partnered with Boardfest to supervise the clinics and provide professional instructors.

Where action sports, music and life collided, Boardfest ’06 offered something for every level of involvement, synergistically weaving professional and amateur surfing, skateboarding and snowboarding competitions featuring high-caliber women athletes, surfing and skateboarding clinics, makeovers, education, games, activities, motivational speakers and attractions. The Boardfest stage featured live entertainment, yoga clinics, dance performers and special guest appearances. The vast majority of Boardfest was open to the public free-of-charge.

Boardfest ’06 was co-sponsored by Hello Kitty and KTLA/CW Network. Boardfest is a Boardom, Inc. property and will return over Labor Weekend, 2007. For consumer information please call (714) 375-1132. For sponsorship opportunities or press information contact MKM at (714) 375-2188