Drew Brophy preparing for Lava Rapids

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Watermen Bridge gap Between Surf and River Rapids; Standup Paddleboard 225 miles of Colorado River through the Grand Canyon

Whitewater expert Seth Warren teams up with surf artist Drew Brophy; beats 2009 record; standup paddleboard 225 miles in big water rapids of the Colorado River.

(San Clemente, California) July 19, 2011 -

Whitewater expert Seth Warren and surf artist Drew Brophy rode standup paddleboards (SUPS) down 225 miles of the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon.  The previous record was set by Hawaiian Archie Kalepa, who logged 187 miles in 2009.

On May 14, 2011, Brophy and Warren began their 16 day excursion at Lee’s Ferry, Arizona, navigating more than 125 rapids, with 42 major rapids rated between 5 and 10g on the Grand Canyon scale of 1 to 10g.  They standup paddleboarded about fourteen miles each day.  Their expedition ended at Diamond Creek, Arizona.  Adding to the challenge of riding over rapids on stand-up paddleboards was the unusually high river water level.  According to experts, the Colorado River was running at its highest level in thirty years.

The most challenging rapids they encountered included the infamous Lava, Hermit, Granite and Crystal Rapids.  By day eight of the trip, their time on the river allowed enough experience to become skilled enough to stick it to the end of most of the 6 or 7 class rapids.  But any class higher than 7 often landed the paddleboarders into the 42 degree waters.  Brophy says, “There’s just no easy button.  It’s amazing, the power of that water.”

Lava Rapids was the most dangerous of all, with big water, big waves and ominous holes.  From Brophy’s point of view, “The most difficult challenge was to pick your line so you wouldn’t get killed.”

Warren’s advanced whitewater skills combined with Brophy’s big wave surfing experience helped them through the larger, big water rapids.  “We just pushed each other” Warren said.

The sport of standup paddleboarding has opened up an entirely new way to experience whitewater.  “This sport is user-friendly enough that anyone can put into a river.” Warren says.

But, warns Brophy, “Be prepared for this run.  Take the right equipment.”   Preparations include protection from the cold water temperatures, injuries and drowning.  The two adventurers were fully outfitted by necessities such as life jackets, helmets and wetsuits.

“The future of whitewater is surfing big waves on the river.  Standup paddleboarding is a natural progression in the sport.  There are a lot of waves out there.”  Warren said.

A life-long surfer, Brophy had never been through a river rapid in his life, until friend Seth Warren urged him to join him on this expedition.  Just a few years earlier, Brophy had introduced Warren to his first paddleboarding experience at San Onofre State Beach, California.  Warren was hooked, and took paddleboarding to where he feels at home, in the river.

Brophy’s entire life has been devoted to traveling and exploring ocean waves.  Now, he says of his of his river experience, “This has opened up a whole new world for me.”

The trip was documented with Go Pro cameras and still cameras and is featured in LIFE IS GRAND, the last episode of the season of The Paint Shop TV show and can be viewed online at  http://vimeo.com/26603139.

More about Seth Warren:  Seth Warren professionally kayaked for ten years before deciding to capture the world’s natural playground on film.  In 2007, he directed the award winning film Oil + Water, which followed the longest-ever petroleum free road trip and, most recently, the film Nature Propelled.  In addition to filmmaking, Warren travels North America in his veggie-fueled vehicle; Baby, teaching the public and youth about how live more sustainably.  But most of the time, you’ll likely find Warren out in the elements: skiing, surfing, kayaking, hand gliding, and practicing his most recent passion–paddle boarding.  Contact http://www.elementstour.com/

 (Hi-res images provided within 24-hours of request to info@drewbrophy.com)

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Crystal Cove Media is excited to announce the launch of a new uplifting, fast paced and fun t.v. show focused on revealing what really happens inside the studio of a Surf Lifestyle Artist.  This six episode series premiered on Cox February 12, 2011 and runs through the summer of 2011.

Produced by Crystal Cove Media of Newport Beach, and created by art marketing expert Maria Brophy, THE PAINT SHOP WITH DREW BROPHY gives viewers an unscripted, behind-the-scenes peek into the professional scene of surf lifestyle artist Drew Brophy.  Each episode captures the joy brought to clients through artwork as well as the complications and challenges that a working artist must deal with.

Dispelling the stereotype of what an artist really does, THE PAINT SHOP demonstrates that being an artist is a very viable career and it reveals the process of painting, creating and business knowledge that is required.  The show takes place in Brophy’s art studio in San Clemente, California, and incorporates real life interactions between Brophy, his business partner wife, Maria, and their clients.

Drew Brophy has been a professional artist for over twenty years and together with his wife, Maria, helps other artists to design the career of their dreams.  An avid surfer and world traveler, Brophy exploded on the surf art scene in the late 1990′s with his wild surfboard paintings.  Now he says that it’s his job just to “make things look cool.”  Brophy currently has hundreds of collectors of his original art as well as thirty active licensees that use his art on their products.

The first episode titled CRUISERS, SKULLS & CHAINS takes you through the steps of Drew designing and creating eight foot paintings to be used for his signature beach cruiser bikes.  The guest segment features world famous surfing legend Gerry Lopez as he stops by the studio and asks Drew to paint his surfboard.  A third segment breaks down an easy way to paint a used surfboard with spray paint, stencils and chains.

Brophy says of his intention with this show, “Being an artist is more than just painting pretty pictures. I want people to know what really goes on with the business of art and I want to inspire others with the idea that they can do it, too.”

Show creator Maria Brophy explained how she came up with the idea, “I wanted the challenge of creating a new show format, one which is real, but focuses on uplifting and positive aspects.  This platform enables us to share the joy as well as the disappointments that a lifestyle artist encounters, and the lessons learned.  The episodes will organically lure the viewer in, as each day in the studio brings new excitement and life changing lessons.”

Executive Producer and Co-Creator Brian ILL has spent the last three years documenting Brophy’s projects.  He says ”When I spend a day with Drew I always end up learning something. Whether it be about how he runs his business, or a cool personal story, I always take something away. I’ve actually used the things I’ve learned from him in my own life, and that’s what I want this show to do for the viewing audience. I want to present the experience accurately, so that the audience feels like they are also gaining something from spending a day in the life of Drew.”

Current  show times are:  In SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, CA Premiered on February 12, 2011 at 8:00 p.m. on Cox Channel 8 and thereafter airs every Saturday, Sunday and Monday at 8:00 p.m.

ORANGE COUNTY& PALOS VERDES CA:  Premiers on February 16, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. on Cox Channel 3 and thereafter airs every Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. and every Sunday at 6:00 p.m.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY:  Time Warner So Cal 101 Wednesdays at 10:00 p.m. and Sundays at 1:30 p.m.

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About Drew Brophy:  Drew Brophy is represented by Son of the Sea, Inc., who is the Master Licensor for Drew Brophy Properties.  Drew Brophy is a surf artist dedicated to teaming up his action sports inspired artwork with licensees who produce quality lifestyle products.  Contact Maria Brophy at 949-354-ART1, e-mail info@drewbrophy.com, or log onto www.drewbrophy.com.

About Crystal Cove Media, LLC:  Crystal Cove Media is a video production company specializing in film, television, and web broadcasting. Our company houses some of the most talented television and film industry professionals working together to create dynamic video productions for any media. Contact: info@crystalcovemedia.com

About Executive Producer and Co-Creator Brian A. ILL:  Brian is an Executive Producer, Writer, and Director for television and film.  Brian is Executive Producer and show creator of the hit television series BEACH TOWN and has also produced content for ABC, Disney, Touchstone Pictures, Discovery Channel, MTV, Turner Broadcasting, Travel Channel, Military Channel, Tru TV, Fuel TV, Surfline.com, Surfer Magazine and many more.  With 15 years experience in the music industry as a composer, producer, and multi-instrumental studio musician, Brian also composes music for television and film.

About Executive Producer and Show Creator Maria Brophy:  Maria is an art licensing and marketing expert.  She has managed art careers for lifestyle artists for over a decade. She is the CEO of Son of the Sea, Inc., Master Licensor of Drew Brophy Properties.  Visit http://www.sonofthesea.com

Liquid Force, the premier manufacturer of wakeboarding products and apparel, has signed a deal with Drew Brophy to license artwork once again for their Trip wakeboard series.

Brophy and Liquid Force have have a 15 year history of collaborating  on wakeboard graphics.  They first joined forces in 1997, when Liquid Force rolled out the inaugural, revolutionary multi-fin wakeboard.  They added Brophy’s bright, trippy graphics for a full effect and the first Trip wakeboard was born.

Liquid Force Founder, Jimmy Redmon, explained his decision to work with Brophy on the first Trip graphics, “Drew was creating art that no one else was.  His style was so unique.”

Brophy liked that “Liquid Force wasn’t scared to use my wild artwork.  They allowed me the freedom to create something bold!”

The original abstract painting created by Brophy for the 2011 Trip graphics was painted on a canvas 8′ long by 6′ tall.

What makes the 2011 Trip series so unique is that the artwork was designed to span over five boards and was utilized to embellish both the base and the top of the boards.

The 2011 Liquid Force Trip series is being released to retailers this fall.   For more information, please head on over to www.liquidforce.com

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About Liquid Force Founded in 1995, Liquid Force quickly became the leader in wakeboard products and apparel. Liquid Force is dedicated to relentless innovation, progressive design, maximum functionality and unparalleled quality. Supported by a superior team of athletes, Liquid Force events include the Free For All series and world famous BROstock.  For more information, visit http://www.liquidforce.com

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UGG AUSTRALIA 2010 TOUR:

Drew will be traveling the West Coast exclusively for Ugg Australia and Nordstroms.

He’ll make your Ugg Australia boots look cool!  (Must be bought on-site.)

Questions or want to bring it to your Nordstroms?  Contact Sundreams Productions.

10/22    ARDEN FAIR, Sacramento, CA   3-7:00    Drew Brophy

10/23    STONERIDGE, Pleasanton, CA    1-5:00    Drew Brophy
10/24    GALLERIA, Roseville, CA    1-5:00    Drew Brophy
10/29    SANTA ANITA, CA      3-7:00    Drew Brophy
10/30    GLENDALE, CA    1-5:00    Drew Brophy

11/11    BELLEVUE, WA    3-7:00    Drew Brophy
11/12    SOUTHCENTER, WA    3-7:00    Drew Brophy
11/13    ALDERWOOD, WA    1-5:00    Drew Brophy
11/14    DOWNTOWN SEATTLE, WA    2-6PM    Drew Brophy
11/18    BREA MALL, CA    3-7:00    Drew Brophy
11/20    VALLEY FAIR, CA    3-7:00    Drew Brophy
11/21    SAN FRANCISCO, CA  1-5:00    Drew Brophy
11/26    SOUTH COAST, CA    3-7:00    Drew Brophy
11/27    LOS CERRITOS, CA    1-5:00    Drew Brophy

12/2    FASHION VALLEY, CA   3-7:00    Drew Brophy
12/3    NEWPORT BEACH, CA    3-7:00    Drew Brophy
12/4    THE GROVE, CA    3-7:00    Drew Brophy
12/5    TOPANGA, CA    1-5:00    Drew Brophy
12/9    WESTSIDE, CA    3-7:00    Drew Brophy

12/11    FASHION SHOW, NV    3-7:00    Drew Brophy

Artists can earn money over and over again off of 1 single painting or image, forever. Through licensing, you can see your artwork printed on everything from t-shirts to skateboards to cell phone screensavers.

This class will cover:   What exactly is licensing? • How much money can you make? • Agent or no agent? • How do you get a licensing deal? • What do you need to do to get started? • Open Question and Answer session – no question will go unanswered.

WHEN: Friday July 16 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: San Clemente Art Supply, El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA

HOW MUCH: $10.00 per person

REGISTER: Go to www.scartsupply.com or call 949-369-6603

Converse and artist Drew Brophy have teamed up to present the Brophy Summer 2010 Chuck Taylor collection featuring Brophy’s lifestyle artwork.

The collaboration displays bright, colorful images of summer fun and lifestyle, incorporating Brophy’s distinctive paintings of waves, sunshine and slightly edgier themes.

Drew Brophy is well known for customizing skateboards, surfboards, wakeboards and many other lifestyle products with his unique paintings, as well as inspiring generations of people to customize their own gear.  A Chuck Taylor collaboration was a natural extension of Brophy’s message to kids to customize their gear with unique art.

“As a kid, I would doodle dragons and waves on my Chuck’s and friends would ask me to draw on theirs, too.  I’m glad that my designs will now be available to a great number of Converse wearers.  I hope this collection inspires people to customize blank Converse shoes, as well,” says Brophy.

The collection includes footwear for the entire family, available at Converse retailers nationwide, including Journey’s, select Nordstrom locations and Converse.com.

Brophy will personally appear at select Southern California Nordstrom locations this spring and will customize Converse shoes purchased in-store during the events.

The new Brophy Collection was made available in stores April 1, 2010.

Converse, Inc.  is based in N. Andover, Massachusetts, is a wholly owned subsidiary of NIKE, Inc. Established in 1908, the Converse brand has built a reputation as “America’s Original Sports Company,” and has been associated with a rich heritage of legendary shoes such as the Chuck Taylor All Star shoe, the Jack Purcell shoe and the One Star shoe. Today, Converse offers a diverse portfolio including premium lifestyle men’s and women’s footwear and apparel. Converse product is sold globally by retailers in over 160 countries and through 40 company-owned retail locations in the U.S. For more information, visit Converse on the web at http://www.converse.com.

Drew Brophy has been creating original art for lifestyle products for over 20 years.  You can find his distinct images on globally distributed apparel, hard goods, art prints, ceramics, wireless content, skateboards and beach products.  Visit http://www.drewbrophy.com.

Son of the Sea, Inc. is the Master Licensor for Drew Brophy Properties and is dedicated to teaming up authentic lifestyle art with licensees who produce lifestyle products.  For more information, call 949-366-5236, e-mail mariab@drewbrophy.com, or log onto http://www.sonofthesea.com.

(Hi-res images will be provided within 24-hours of request to mariab@drewbrophy.com)

Palisades Adds Drew Brophy Artist Series to Spring 2010 Line

Costa Mesa, CA – Palisades Skateboards continues to grow its line of art driven skateboards with the addition of five new boards designed by internationally renowned Surf Artist Drew Brophy. Best known for his surreal surfboard paintings and bright, colorful designs Brophy has expanded his art to design many different things including skatedecks.

“We are very excited to be working with Drew,” Said Kurt Hurley, National Sales Manager in charge of Palisades, “he has a proven track record in this industry, his art connects with people and it sells.”

“As a grom, I remember making my first skateboard out of scrap wood and I had a blast riding it,” Said Brophy, “Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d be designing graphics for such a wide variety of boards like I am for Palisades. It makes me smile to think of the things people will be doing on them.”

With the addition of Brophy to the Palisades line there are now 24 unique decks to choose from for 2010.

All Palisades decks are sold as completes and are built to ride, assembled using the best available components to insure the best cruising & downhill experience. Palisades is distributed through Select Distribution.

About Drew Brophy: Drew Brophy has been a professional artist for over 20 years.  As a young surfer, Drew’s career took off when he started applying his edgy artwork onto surfboards.  He became known worldwide for painting surfboards using the new techniques that he developed with water-based paint pens.

Drew’s inspiration comes from the adventures of traveling the globe with his wife and son.   The life they live is the life he paints, one filled with perfect waves, sun swept beaches and the freedom to do what brings you joy.

Check out Drew’s online gallery:  www.drewbrophy.com

About Palisades Skateboards: Palisades Longboards represents a new era in longboard style and design. From Venice to Huntington, Swami’s to San O, Palisades longboards represent the laid back lifestyle of SoCal.  Every Palisades longboard is made in America from the finest FSC certified U.S. Hardrock Maple and features the dynamic artwork of local artists.

About Select Distribution: Located in Costa Mesa, CA Select Distribution is a manufacturer and distributor of top quality skateboard products since 1976. All products offered by Select Distribution are typically available at once for immediate delivery. Our diverse line of products offers a variety of price point and high end brands of decks, safety gear, and hardgoods.

For information: http://www.palisadesskateboards.com or
U.S. Media Contact: chad@draven.com
Phone: 949-722-8556

This fun, step-by-step drawing class is based on Drew’s book titled HOW TO DRAW WITH DREW BROPHY.

The instructor will show kids how to draw some of Drew’s favorite fish characters, beach scenes and other elements like flames and custom lettering.  Then they will tie all the elements together to create one fantastic painting. All registrants receive one free copy of the book and Drew will host a book signing at the end of the program.

PRICE: $10.00! (Such a deal, since the book costs $8.95)

LOCATION: Ocean-Institute in Dana Point, CA

DATES: 1-3 p.m. on May 8th and another class on June 19, 2010

REGISTER: Call 949-496-2274

The book’s format is paperback sized 9” x 12” and features easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions for drawing Brophy’s signature style waves, suns, crazy sea creatures and flames that come to life.  The MSRP is $8.95 and ISBN #978-1-60058-176-2.

Drew Brophy’s vision is to inspire generations of people to customize their lives with art and imagination.  In keeping with that vision, the book was designed to inspire youth to pick up a pencil and draw fun lifestyle elements which will fuel a passion for creating their own artwork.

Drew Brophy is best known for customizing skateboards, surfboards, wakeboards and other lifestyle products with
his unique paintings.

HOW TO DRAW WITH DREW BROPHY includes bonus pages that teaches the reader how to easily customize their own skateboard and surfboard using opaque paint pens.

“Anyone can be an artist.  They just have to pick up a pencil and draw,” says Brophy.  It’s his mission to encourage people of all ages to enjoy creating artwork for themselves.

The book was released April, 2010 and is available in select art and bookstores.

Media inquiries and review copy requests or image requests should be directed to Susan Hershberg at Walter Foster Publishing, 978-282-3511 or susanh at rockpub.com.