Technically, I was supposed to be working. But I couldn’t help but put my notebook and camera away and grab a handful of clothes for friends and loved ones while at the Hurley Warehouse Holiday Sale this afternoon.

Wetsuits for $100, boardshorts for $20, jeans down from $68 to $30, T-shirts for $10. Hundreds of boxes of stuff filling the Irvine warehouse. Let the holiday shopping begin!

I went through the warehouse to snap some shots to give readers an idea of what’s being offered at the big sale, in case you want to go Saturday and get some early shopping done for the holidays.

Want to go? The sale continues Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Address is 2323 Main St., Irvine.

Click here or on the image below for the slideshow:

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For more ways to save in OC, check out the Register’s OC Deals Blog

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The first is Hurley’s Holiday Warehouse Salethat starts on Thursday at noon and runs through the weekend. The sale - which is open to the public - will have jackets, fleece, boardshorts and more for 50 to 70 percent off.

The address is 2323 Main St. in Irvine, CA.  (corner of Main and Von Karman). They accept credit cards, but not checks. Here’s more info.

If you’re looking for more skate/snow gear, check out the Sole Tech sale happening down in Lake Forest in the warehouse behind the company store. Sole Tech is the umbrella company for brands like Etnies, Altamont and thirtytwo.

That sale goes from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.  Cash and credit excepted.

Address is 20161 Windrow Dr., Lake Forest, 92630. More info go to www.soltechnology.com or 949-900-2755.

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The nagging injury has forced the hungry up-and-comer to take some time off from his campaign toward qualification for next year’s ASP Dream Tour, so ASP caught up with Brett to see what happened and how the recovery process is going.

I heard that you had an ankle injury, what happened? “Yea, it had been injured since I hurt it over in South Africa at the 6-Star in Ballito. I thought I had a high sprain, so I was just taping it and surfing the whole time. It definitely wasn’t feeling great, but after the Hurley U.S. Open, I got an X-ray and there had been a bone chip in there the whole time.”

Are you feeling discouraged after taking out the Hurley U.S. Open to have the setback, or is it not something you’re concerned about? “Well it’s definitely been a bit tough watching, but I have been doing everything I can to stay healthy and fit to just get back to where I’m comfortable and ready to compete at a high level.”

What type of rehab are you doing to get back to action? “I’ve been doing tons of exercises just to get everything moving back to normal and feeling right. I’ve also been doing lots of ultra sound and massaging to get the tissue to relax.”

Are you planning on being fully recovered before the Hurley Pro? “Definitely, it’s a high-level event, and you wouldn’t want to be out there not feeling good, so I am doing everything to be feeling my best and ready to compete.”

Simpo will be on the attack as a wildcard at mainland America’s only stop on the ASP Dream Tour, the Hurley Pro.

Brett Simpson’s profile

Additional ASP information

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If you can’t get down to the event, there will be live streaming frm their website or on Facebook.

Here’s more from the announcement:

Following an epic Hurley U.S. Open of Surfing, the Hurley Pro moves from the stadium to the stage, where the world’s best will be competing at the ultimate high-performance event.

Stop number six (6) on the ASP’s elite grand prix circuit, the Hurley Pro at Lower Trestles pushes the top surfers to redefine the possibilities on a perfect, head-high wave.   The Hurley Pro comes at a critical point on the year-long tour where world title contenders either finish the job or lose steam…and virtually every minute of it will be available online for the world to see.

The state-of-the-art Hurley Pro webcast, produced by Echo Entertainment, will feature unprecedented content for consumers including multiple videos and photos, heats on demand and pre-produced “broadcast-quality” segments.  The extensive content also will be made available to print and broadcast media, free of charge.  Press outlets can access the daily coverage via myriad sources including the web, ftp and satellite feeds on all five days that the event is slated to run (details forthcoming).

“Echo Entertainment is thrilled to be involved with this amazing event yet again,” said Echo’s Director of Production, Phil Smith.  “The surfers, crowd, sponsors and city all go to great efforts to make this a premier stop on the ASP World Tour and we strive to bring innovative coverage of the event to the web and to television.  Eight high definition cameras will capture the excitement of the Hurley Pro like never before and we have a few new ideas for the webcast to enhance the viewing experience.”

Leaving no cobblestone unturned, Hurley has lined up a world-class team of hosts, reporters, color commentators and special guests.  Hosts include Dave Stanfield, Mark Fewell and Mitchell Ross.  Pat O’Connell, Evan Slater, Brock Little and Saxon Boucher headline the color commentators and beach reporters are led by Jodie Nelson, Rosie O’Laskey and Peter King.

In addition to “yet to be named” celebrities, Hurley Pro guest commentators include Bob Hurley, Sean Collins, Rob Machado, Peter Townend, Ian Cairns and San Clemente locals Tanner Gudauskas, Pat Gudauskas, Dino Andino, Mike Parsons and the Hurley Sliders.

Along with all the great content, Hurley will be giving the fans a voice with the Hurley Expression Session powered by Facebook.  “We wanted to give the online audience an opportunity to really be involved,” said Hurley Pro Contest Director, Pat O’Connell.  “Everyone thinks they’re a good judge — now they have their chance.  In the early rounds of the event, we will be holding an expression session with the world’s best surfers.  At the end of the heat, the online audience votes for the winner on our facebook page.

Part of the philosophy in creating this elevated webcast is to allow surf fans across the globe to enjoy the Hurley Pro from the comfort of their laptop (and not drive to Trestles).  With this in mind, Hurley is embracing Save the Waves’ World Surfing Reserve initiative and is implementing a comprehensive program to lessen the environmental impact on Trestles.  The World Surfing Reserve initiative is designed to bring awareness to the world’s most pristine and valued surf spots.

“We understand that Trestles is a fragile ecosystem and want to do everything we can to minimize our impact on this world-class wave,” said Hurley’s Evan Slater.  “Of course, we have all intentions of leaving the beach cleaner than we found it.”

The $340,000 Hurley Pro, September 13 to 19, 2009 at Lower Trestles, San Clemente, is Hurley’s first as the sole sponsor of an ASP World Tour event.  Lined with cobblestones, Trestles is California’s premier point/reef break and a world-class showcase for high performance surfing.  The five day competition, held during a weeklong window, features the ASP’s top 45 surfers (Kelly Slater, Joel Parkinson, C.J. Hobgood, etc.) and three wildcards (Brett Simpson, Rob Machado and World Junior Champion Kai Barger).

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Athletes from Billabong, Quiksilver, Rip Curl and O’Neill (and the zany editors from Surfer Mag, Surfing Mag, TransWorld Surf, Surfline and Fuel TV) will be going head-to-head during the 3rd annual PacSun Battle of the Brands.

When: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 29

Where: South side of the Huntington Beach Pier.

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He’s considered of the most underground surf cinematographers, but quite the legend, too.

Greg Weaver has been making surf movies and shooting still photos for nearly 50 years.

In just over a week from now some of his amazing work will be on display in Orange County.

One of  Weaver’s most notable surf flicks is “Chasing the Lotus”, which was released in 2006.  That film is made up of some very rare 8mm film, still photos, and interviews with several surf legends from around the globe.

Everyone is welcome to attend the Greg Weaver art show which will include a night of art, food, drinks, music and movies.  If you’d like the chance to meet a legend, then mark your calenders for next Friday night.

When: Friday, August 28, 2009 from 6 to 10 p.m.

Where: Hurley HQ, 1945 Placentia Avenue, Costa Mesa 92627

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Here’s more from Team MKM about the Hurley Pro event, the only World Tour event held on the Mainland U.S.:

The $340,000 Hurley Pro, September 13 to 19, 2009 at Lower Trestles, San Clemente, is Hurley’s first as the sole sponsor of an ASP World Tour event.  Lined with cobblestones, Trestles is California’s premier point/reef break and a world-class showcase for high performance surfing.  The four-day competition, held during a week-long window, features the ASP’s top 45 surfers (Kelly Slater, Joel Parkinson, C.J. Hobgood, etc.) and three wildcards (Brett Simpson, Rob Machado and World Junior Champion Kai Barger).

“Every event has its own trademark, and Trestles is the place for high performance surfing in California,” Hurley’s Pat O’Connell said.  “Each year, the world’s best surfers come with a free surf mentality and the desire to make their mark on one of the most rippable waves in the world.  Hurley believes in true performance, innovation and free expression, so to have a World Tour event bearing our name on the world’s best surfing canvas is a perfect connection.”

The Hurley Pro marks the only North America appearance of the ASP’s elite Grand Prix circuit and has been won by Slater three of the past four years (’08, ’07 and ’05).  Although Parkinson (Australia) has opened a sizeable lead over Floridian Hobgood and Brazilian Adriana de Souza in the 2009 World Title chase, nine-time world and defending event champ Slater (Florida) remains within striking distance, and Trestles may well be his launching pad to a once unfathomable 10th title.

After defeating former world champion Mick Fanning to win the six-star-rated Hurley U.S. Open, the 24 year-old Simpson moved to 5th place on the World Qualifying Series (WQS), well within striking distance of qualifying for the 2010 ASP World Tour.  His performance this September against the world’s elite surfers at North America’s premier “high performance” wave may offer a glimpse at America’s pro surfing future.

“Winning the Hurley Pro Trials at Huntington was huge for me,” says Simpson.  “I always look forward to competing at Lowers, and I’m excited to make an impact.  There’s nothing I enjoy better than competing against the best surfers in the world.”

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In less than a month the sixth stop of the ASP World Championship Tour will be making a stop at the famous point break.

The Hurley Pro formerly known as the Boost Mobile Pro contest will bring out the best 45 surfers from around the globe along with a couple of wildcards.

Currently sitting in the lead in the WCT ratings is Aussie Joel Parkinson followed by Florida’s CJ Hobgood who’s in second place.

It looks like 9-time World Champion Kelly Slater will be in attendance at Lowers this year.  Slater was off to a bad start at the beginning of 2009 with three 17ths, a win and a ninth place finish.  He’s now moved up into 8th place in the ratings and is looking for a tenth world title.

The Hurley Pro official waiting period begins on Sunday September 13 and runs through Wednesday September 19. Watch the live webcast here.

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Get great deals up to 40 percent on various merchandise.

When: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Hurley Headquarters, 1945 Placentia, Costa Mesa, CA

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Read more on surfing:

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Most surf retailers were operating as low-key, mom and pop shops. Brands like Gotcha hit the scene, and no one could have guessed just how successful the surf industry would be.

The manufacturers needed a unified voice, a group that could tailor their niche products to a broader marketplace. So a large group of industry executives – including O’Neill’s Kelly Woolsey and several editors of surf magazines – got together to figure out how to make their industry grow.

In 1990, SIMA (Surf Industry Manufacturing Association) became formally recognized, with Quiksilver’s Bob McKnight as president and Gotcha’s Michael Tomson as vice-president.

“Over the years the surf companies have not only grown in size, but they also got very smart, very savvy,” said SIMA’s Executive Director Sean Smith. “They really started to see more than just in their back yard. They really tried to think broader and bigger.”

And that they did. Twenty years later, the surf and skate industry hit $7.88 billion in revenue.

“I think this organization has brought unity to a group of businesses – wholesale, retail, marketing and media – and kept it special, kept it unique,” said Paul Naude, president of Billabong USA. “I think that’s what makes the industry what it is.”

SIMA does more than serve as a cohesive glue for the surf industry. It has many branches, giving workshops and boot camps for retailers and manufacturers, doing independent reports on the state of the industry, and raising money for environmental and humanitarian causes.

There are two major benefits held each year by SIMA. The Liquid Nation Ball, which started six years ago, raises funds for its Humanitarian Fund.

This weekend, the Waterman’s Weekend will be held, where industry leaders and well-known surfers gather for a few day of fun over a golf course at Monarch Beach in Dana Point, and at a formal Waterman’s Ball (yes, they actually trade in their board shorts for suits for this one) at the Ritz-Carlton in Laguna Niguel.

Through the years, the Waterman’s Weekend has raised more than $4.5 million for various environmental groups, with the past two years alone raising $500,000 each year for 18 different non-profits, including Surfrider Foundation, Heal the Bay, and Dana Point’s Ocean Institute.

For an industry based on a healthy ocean, this might be its most important task.

“At the end of the day, the industry is not going to exist if the waters become so polluted that the beaches are closed because the bacteria is too high,” Smith said.

At Waterman’s Ball – where 700 surf industry leaders gather – three people are selected for prestigious awards: Smith gave us a look at this year’s recipients, and what makes them stand out:

Lifetime Achievement Award: Before his unexpected passing earlier this year, SIMA CEO Dick Baker was selected by the board of directors for this award. Baker had worked in the apparel industry on the East Coast a long time. He decided to come back to his So Cal roots, and bought Ocean Pacific, bringing the brand back to life. He became a mentor to many people, and loved the entrepreneurial spirit of the surf industry. When he came on as president of SIMA, he turned the organization from amateur status to professional, almost overnight.

“While reviving (SIMA), he made a lot of friends by offering advice, telling people what he thought they should do in a very forward way, but in a caring way,” Smith said. “He was kind of that glue for our industries’ next generation.”

Waterman of the year: Each year, SIMA looks for someone who has had a positive impact on surfing, historically and currently. This year’s winner is Hurley’s Rob Machado.

“He’s a phenomenal surfer. At the same time, he’s also a guy who decided competitive surfing wasn’t really his deal. He’s really just about being a surfer, and a spokesman in general for the surfing industry. He’s done a lot of work over in Indonesia, and with his golf classic that raises money. He has a wonderful heart, and he is a great example of who surfers really are, and has done a great job breaking stereotypes.”

Environmentalist of the Year: This award goes to someone who makes a difference for cleaner oceans and has an impact on the environment. Professional surfer Dave Rastovich protested the Japanese killing fields for the whales and dolphins. The reason he’s being honored was his willingness to put himself in the line of fire.

“What a great example to the young generation of surfers – it’s sometimes about getting your hands dirty. It’s sacrifice, and Dave is just a phenomenal example of that.”

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