Sector 9 History:
The story of the nineball starts in our La Jolla backyard in 1993. At the time our house consisted of a bunch of good friends, a halfpipe, pool table, ping pong table and shaping room all just across the street from some nice smooth hills down to the reefs. Being that the house had all these fine features, it became quite the hangout spot. One of our friends from Hawaii who used to call people “nineballs” all the time in a friendly razzing sort of way, called up on the phone one day to see what was going on at the house. Of course we were all “studying” so he got the answering machine and said “Whats going on over there at Sector 9?” which to him and us meant a house full of nineballs. At the same time one of the house favorite hill cruisers, a snowboard-turned-skateboard, was stolen from Northbird in La Jolla and a couple replacement boards were almost finished and just needed the finishing touches of a logo. The message on the machine was heard and the name not only had a nice ring to it but seemed fitting as well so it stuck.

The interest had been apparent from everyone who saw us skate by so we started making skateboards in our backyard. Lots of learning and a couple evictions later we were forced to move into our first warehouse in what would become the Sector 9 skateboard factory.

Follow Sector 9 South Africa on Facebook and Twitter.

The post Sector 9 Speed Run & Slide Jam | Skateboarding appeared first on LW Mag.

Full Name: Marcus Phelps

Age: 13

Hometown: Johannesburg

Bike: KTM 105 SX

Sponsors: Intertherm, Raceworx KTM Clearwater and Thor

How did you get into Motocross and how long have you been racing for now?
My father bought me a Yamaha PW50 to play around in the garden with, then I competed in a few fun days and the rest is history.

What class do you race and where are you standing in the South African championship?
I am currently competing in the Pro-Mini class and I am currently lying 4th but my focus is on the international rounds we will be doing and unfortunately will miss some SA rounds.

Tell us about your international races. Where and what series did you race and how did you do?
Last year I competed in the British Red Bull youth series and finished second overall for the year.

What has been the highlight of you racing career so far?
Representing South Africa in the AMU three years ago and taking an overall podium position in the Red Bull series.

Where do you want to be in Motocross in the future?
I’m aiming for GP’s and then I’d like to go to the States to compete.

How often do you train?
I ride twice a week and when I’m not riding my Dirtbike I run and ride bicycles to stay fit.

Which is your favourite track in SA and why?
My favourite track in SA is Teza [Richards Bay], It’s got some crazy big jumps and you get some serious hang-time.

What goes through your mind when you are on the start gate?
I put everyone else out of my mind and just concentrate on the first corner.

What’s your key to getting the holeshot?
You must believe that the first corner belongs to you. If you believe in yourself the rest will fall into place.

Which local riders do you look up to?
Kerim and Darryl FitzGerald

What international race/ series would you do anything to race?
Loretta Lynn in the US, a friend of mine Jesse Wright is riding there this year. Good luck Jesseman.

Who do you think has the best style in Motocross?
James Stewart, he looks so smooth and effortless.

What is the best feeling when you’re riding your MX bike?
Freedom, it’s just me and my bike.

Explain to us how you scrub a jump or whip over a jump?
I never scrub or whip over a jump to look good it’s always to catch or pull away from someone, I can’t explain how to do it but when you’ve been riding since 4 yrs of age it comes naturally.

Who do you think will be the next SA rider to make it on the international circuit?
Matthew Malan, Nicholas Adams, Calvin Vlaaderen, Bradley Cox the list goes on and on. SA has some unbelievable talent. And don’t forget me.

What would you say to any kids that want start racing Motocross?
Start slow because you have many years to enjoy your riding, also be safe.

Keep up with Marcus Phelps by checking out his Website or by following him on Twitter.

Photos by Squire Industries

The post Up and Coming Motocross Rider Marcus Phelps appeared first on LW Mag.

Taking place before the rise of Gotham City’s most dangerous criminals, the game showcases a young and unrefined Batman as he faces a defining moment in his early career as a crime fighter that sets his path to becoming the Dark Knight. As the story unfolds, players will meet many important characters for the first time and forge key relationships.

Deathstroke will be a fully playable character in the challenge mode for Batman: Arkham Origins™, and will come complete with his own unique weapons and special moves. Fans who pre-order the game for Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 system or Windows PC will receive exclusive early access to the Deathstroke pack containing two additional challenge maps and two alternate Deathstroke character skins.

Batman: Arkham Origins is based on DC Comics’ core Batman license.  Fans can visit www.batmanarkhamorigins.com for more information about the game.

The post Batman Arkham Origins Official Trailer appeared first on LW Mag.

The latest export from within the scene consists of cousins Peter Crafford and Elan Schnider, who are both members of Stellenbosch-based alternative rock band 3rd World Spectator. The idea for the project originated from a fictional string ensemble that 3rd World Spectator credited for their work on their debut album, The Theory of Everything called The RoboTokyo String Ensemble. In early 2013 Elan approached Peter with songs he was working on and they decided to experiment with it.

By combining Peter’s four-octave vocal range and affinity for pop culture and science fiction with Elan’s love for French electronica and huge productions, they have produced their debut single, Empire. The song serves as a anthem and battle cry to immerse yourself in noise and sound, and creating a legacy from music.

RoboTokyo will also be debuting live in DJ sets within the next few months, combining sophisticated production techniques with live instrumentation and vocals. The band is currently working on their second single as well as their debut album, set for release in late 2013.

Listen to Empire here (also download the single for FREE on Soundcloud):

RoboTokyo Contact: Facebook – Twitter – Soundcloud

The post RoboTokyo Release Their First Single Empire | South African Music appeared first on LW Mag.

In its five years in KwaDukuza on the KwaZulu Natal North Coast, the Mr Price Pro Ballito (July 1 – 7, 2013) has witnessed some of the best surf ever seen on this pristine coastline. It’s no wonder then, that it attracts an elite calibre of surfer one expects to see competing at this year’s event.

Current ASP World No. 2 Jordy Smith is the firm local favourite at this year’s Mr Price Pro Ballito – Photo by Mr Price/ Cestari

South African surfing superstar and former Mr Price Pro Champion Jordy Smith (2010) heads the star studded line-up and is expected to draw record crowds as the firm local favourite in Ballito.

The current World No. 2 has enjoyed a stellar start to the 2013 season. Fresh off a victory at the Billabong Rio Pro in Brazil this week, Smith notably earned Gold at the X Games in Brazil in April and placed equal third at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, Australia over Easter.

Smith’s prowess in everything thing from thundering Ballito barrels to punchy, wind affected ramps makes him among the best in the world and he will relish the opportunity to turn it on for his home crowd.

“It is in my home city and I would love to win in front of a home crowd, to be doing a contest at home for once is great and gets me really excited!” Smith said.

Defending Mr Price Pro Champion and fellow ASP World Championship Tour campaigner World No. 23 Glenn Hall (IR) has confirmed he will be back to defend his Mr Price Pro Ballito title this year.

A former eight-year veteran of the ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS), Hall’s victory at the Mr Price Pro Ballito 2012 was the catalyst that saw him leap to elite status as a fully-fledged campaigner on the ASP World Championship Tour in 2013.

“It’s a long way to travel but South Africa is truly one of the places that I look forward to going back to each year. My victory last year was the highlight of my career but I would be going back whether I was defending champ or not.”

World No. 19 and the only other South African surfer currently competing on the elite WCT, Travis Logie, will add might to the South African camp. A former runner up at the Mr Price Pro Ballito, Logie has gained an international reputation for taking down some of the toughest heats in pro surfing history.

With a number of stellar results over the past few seasons, the powerful goofy footer has shown signs it is time for a win.

“When Ballito is turning it on or even when it’s average, it’s still a world class wave and I’ve definitely had some of the best waves of my life out there,” Logie said. “The Mr Price Pro is an important event for both tours (WQS and WCT) because it counts towards your overall rating and it’s one event I’ve always wanted to win.”

South American surfers have enjoyed a history of success at the Mr Price Pro Ballito over the years with a total of four of the last 12 winners hailing from Brazil.

It is no surprise then that the event has attracted the likes of ASP World Tour rookie and aerial master World No. 7 Felipe Toledo (BRA), World No. 26 Alejo Muniz (BRA), World No. 29 Miguel Pupo (BRA) and former ASP World Junior Champion Caio Ibelli (2011).

2013 World Tour rookie Sebastian Zietz (HAW), currently rated World No. 12, will bring his extensive experience in the powerful waves of Hawaii to the South African surf. The 2012 Vans Triple Crown of Surfing Champion proved his expertise in waves of consequence this Hawaiian winter and is expected to be a standout should Ballito turn it on with a big swell this year.

Current World No. 12 Kai Otton of Sydney, Australia, and World No. 26 Kolohe Andino of California are the remaining WCT surfers on the current entry list. While Otton brings with him a wealth of elite level experience, Andino represents the innovation and flair of the new school generation.

Former event champion Patrick Gudauskas will bring the confidence of a former champion to this year’s line-up and, as the first alternate on the WCT, this year will be placing significant emphasis on the Mr Price Pro Ballito in the hope of rejoining his fellow WCT campaigners in 2013.

The entry list is peppered with talent including the likes of ASP World Junior Champions Jack Freestone (AUS), 2012 and 2010, and Maxime Huscenot (FRA), 2009, while South African World Qualifying Series campaigners including Beyrick De Vries, Steven Sawyer, Dylan Lightfoot and David Van Zyl will be equally tough competitors.

The Mr Price Pro Ballito Beach Festival will once again boast an array of impressive entertainment including the popular Free Music Concerts taking place at Salt Rock, featuring twenty bands over three days from July 4-6, 2013.

With numerous beach sports, soccer leagues, fun days and extreme sports demonstrations including Wakeskate, Breakdance, Parkour and BMX all on offer, this year’s festival offers something for the whole family.

And if that weren’t enough, this year’s extravaganza will see the addition of a three day Food and Wine festival running from July 2 to 4, enabling crowds to experience new tastes and ensure that absolutely all of their senses are satisfied.

For more information log on to www.mrpricepro.com.

The post Mr Price Pro Ballito Entries Roll In | Surfing appeared first on LW Mag.

The extensive line-up includes:
-Shadowclub
-Zebra & Giraffe
-Reason
-Vigilante
-Blk Jks
-Vetkuk vs Mahoota
and many more!

On June the 8th, fans will witness an unrivalled live music experience at one of South Africa’s most noteworthy locations, Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown, Johannesburg, all for a mere R50.

For more information on the Get Dirty artist schedule, locations and ticket access please visit www.converse-sa.co.za or follow Converse Africa on Twitter.

The post Converse Africa Announces Get Dirty | South African Music appeared first on LW Mag.

Join in the celebrations on Saturday 25 May 2013 at Trinity in Cape Town! This marks Labyrinth’s third year at Cape Town’s only super club, and with every winter season seeing this mammoth venue being packed to capacity, it is true reassurance that Labyrinth is Cape Town’s most loved indoor psy brand.

Since its inception 8 years ago Labyrinth has set the standard for indoor psy events, with production that’s international and a concept that’s truly local. The brainchild of Hype Media, acompany that delivers ‘commercial sensibility with underground passion’, you can be assured that Labyrinth will once again be a visual and aural feast. Expect ‘Murky Minimal, Tweakin’ Techno, Groovy Progressive & Slick Psychedelic Electronic & Psytrance Music.’

To deliver this promise the line-up, with top South Africa’s artists and DJs, is of the highest outdoor quality and celebrates the best-of-the-best of our local acts:

LIVE

• Broken Toy
• The Commercial Hippies

DJs

• Feedback
• Afterlife (AV Set)
• Gokon Rave
• Danalog
• Bruce

Get your tickets from: http://www.webtickets.co.za/event.aspx?itemid=405186446

For more info follow Labyrinth on Facebook and Twitter

The post Labyrinth to Celebrate its 8th Birthday | South African Music appeared first on LW Mag.

Zakarian entered the final as a clear underdog coming up against strong competition from Dylan Lightfoot (Jeffreys Bay), David van Zyl (Durban) and Slade Prestwich (Durban).  Zakarian opened the 20-minute final with the heat’s highest scoring wave, a 7.0 point ride out of a possible 10 points. Prestwich fought back furiously in the tough onshore surf conditions with two decent scoring rides. The results came down to the wire with Zakarian and Prestwich drawing even on points but Prestwich fell short when the final decision was made based on the best single wave score.

Quiksilver Pro Jr & King of the Groms Final Day Highlights from steven michelsen on Vimeo.

Capetonian Zakarian emerged victorious earning himself a first place cheque of R18 000. “I had no idea that I was even leading the final, the wind was pumping and it was really difficult out there. I have no words at this time I am just over the moon,” said a very happy Zakarian. Prestwich pocketed a healthy R8 000 for his efforts.

Diran Zakarian in the final of the Quiksilver Pro Junior 2013 – Photo By Luke Patterson

In the younger King of the Groms divisions it was young Adin Masencamp from Strand, Cape Town who stole the show cleaning up in both the boys U16 division and boys U14 division. Masencamp impressed the judges to no end and was rewarded with some big scores, ending the day with a 9.5 point ride in his U16 final. Other surfers to shine in these two finals in the wild conditions were Koby Oberholzer (Warner Beach), Jordy Maree (Cape Town) and Ethan Fletcher (Cape Town), however, none of the them could catch an on-form Masencamp.

Out of town surfer Max Elkington (Cape Town) was unstoppable in the U12 boys final and won the title ahead off Angelo Faulkner (Jeffreys Bay), Karl Steen (Durban) and York van Jaarsveld (Cape Town). “I love coming to Durban, the waves were fun this weekend even though the onshore wind was blowing, I just want to thank my sponsors and my coach for everything,” said Elkington on stage while wearing his king’s crown.

An elated Zakarian after winning the final of the Quiksilver Pro Junior 2013 – Photo by Luke Patterson

The Quiksilver Pro Junior 2013 was presented by the City of Durban and boasted a massive R75 000 in prize money. The event was sanctioned by ASP (Association of Surfing Professionals) and SSA (South African Surfing). Sponsors included the City of Durban, Skullcandy, Independent on Saturday and Red Bull.

For more information, photos and videos go to: www.quikprojunior.co.za

Full Results:

U20 Pro Junior Division:
1 Diran Zakarian
2 Slade Prestwich
3 Dylan Lightfoot
4 David Van Zyl

U16 Division:
1 Adin Masencamp
2 Jordan Maree
3 Ethan Fletcher
4 Ntando Msibi

U14 Division:
1 Adin Masencamp
2 Koby Oberholzer
3 Ethan Fletcher
4 Jose Faulkner

U12 Division:
1 Max Elkington
2 Angelo Faulkner
3 Karl Steen
4 York Van Jaarsveld

The post Quiksilver Pro Junior 2013 Review & Results | Surfing appeared first on LW Mag.

Smith used his superior variety of technical airs and powerful turns to defeat de Souza, posting the highest scoring ride of the final for a massive front-side aerial that earned 9.30 points out of a possible 10. His second scoring wave included an impressive stale fish air-reverse that was awarded 8.50 points.

De Souza had the huge local crowd on his side, taking an early lead and fighting hard throughout the 35 minute final but ultimately finished runner-up with a 16.34 total to Smith’s 17.80 points.

Smith’s third WCT career victory, and his first outside South Africa, earned the lanky Durbanite US$100,000 (approx. R900 000) and 10,000 invaluable world title ratings points that saw him jump five places to number two on the ASP World Championship Tour (WCT) rankings.

“This win feels unbelievable,” Smith said. “It’s another dream come true. I knew I could win a World Tour event, but I had to prove to myself that I could do it away from South Africa. Thanks to the crowd and Adriano (de Souza). He’s been ripping the whole event. Thanks to all of my friends and family for all of the amazing support.”

Smith’s surfing on the final day was nothing short of amazing as he defeated dangerous rookie Filipe Toledo (BRA), 18, in their quarter-final encounter and then two-time ASP World Champion Mick Fanning (AUS), 31, in the semis. Smith attributed today’s success to his ability to adapt his strategy to both his competitors and the ever-changing conditions of Barra Da Tijuca.

“I knew it was going to be tough,” Smith said. “I was really nervous in the first heat against Filipe (Toledo). Luckily I got through that one and when I came up against Mick I waited for better waves. When the swell dropped against Adriano and he took to the sky, I knew I was going to have to do the same, and luckily I got a couple of scores.”

Billabong Rio Pro – Mens Finals Highlights:

De Souza, the 2011 Billabong Rio Pro winner, went on a rampage to advance to his second career final in Rio, eliminating 11-time ASP World Champion Kelly Slater (USA), 41, in the quarters and goofy-footer Gabriel Medina (BRA), 19, in the semis, but was unable to top Smith’s devastating form in the Final.

“I did my best out there and thanks to the crowd for being behind me 100 percent,” De Souza said. “Congrats to Jordy (Smith). He beat me in the final from start to finish. I’m so happy to be here representing Brazil. Jordy was the best out there today and congrats to him.”

De Souza’s win in the last event at Bells Beach combined with his runner-up effort today vaults the hard-working Brazilian to the No.1 position in the rankings, boosting his chances to be the first-ever Brazilian ASP World Champion.

Gabriel Medina (BRA), 19, was incredible on the final day of competition, earning a perfect 10-point score for a lengthy barrel-to-air combination in his quarter-final victory over Adrian Buchan (AUS). The high-flying Brazilian was equally dangerous against de Souza with an excellent 17.50 out of 20 heat total, but fell just short of the final despite a valiant last-second effort, finishing equal 3rd.

“It’s so hard to get that close to the final and lose, but it was a good event for me,” Medina said. “My ankle injury has finally healed so that’s good progress for my season and congratulations to Adriano on the heat win. Hopefully I can do better in Fiji.”

Mick Fanning (AUS), 31, matched his Billabong Rio Pro result from 2012 with a semi-final finish. Fanning looked deadly in his quarter-final victory over rookie Sebastian Zietz (HAW), 24, but was unable to find a rhythm against Jordy Smith in the semis and had to settle for 3^rd place overall, dropping one place to No. 3 on the ASP WCT rankings

“It would have been good to go one better, but the semis is good,” Fanning said. “This whole week was so tricky and it was one where you had your heart in your mouth whole time. I think I went out there and over-thought it. I got way too excited watching Jordy, Filipe, Adriano and Medina and tried airs and embarrassed myself. The waves I had at the start didn’t really allow turns so I thought I’d go for airs and find waves that allowed turns at the end and it didn’t work out. Congrats to Jordy. He’s been surfing great this whole event.”

Kelly Slater (USA), 41, 11-time ASP World Champion and the 2013 rankings leader coming into the event, was near-flawless in yesterday’s action but was out of rhythm in the opening quarter-final of the morning against De Souza, finishing 5^th in the Billabong Pro Rio and slipping to No. 4 in the rankings.

“I thought there were a lot more waves than there ended up being and didn’t make the adjustment during the heat,” Slater said. “Adriano (de Souza) did and that made all the difference. Quarter- finals is not the worst result – it’s better than I went last year. It was a long wait this window and if I had waited that whole time and lost yesterday, I would have been bummed. I’ll take a 5th and look ahead to Fiji.”

The next stop on the 2013 ASP World Championship Tour (WCT) will be the Volcom Fiji Pro from June 2 – 14, 2013.

For additional ASP information log on to www.aspworldtour.com

BILLABONG RIO PRO FINAL RESULTS:
1 – Jordy Smith (ZAF) 17.80
2 – Adriano de Souza (BRA) 16.34

BILLABONG RIO PRO SEMIFINALS RESULTS:
SF 1: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 17.64 def. Gabriel Medina (BRA) 17.50
SF 2: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 14.83 def. Mick Fanning (AUS) 8.26

BILLABONG RIO PRO QUARTERFINALS RESULTS:
QF 1: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 15.33 def. Kelly Slater (USA) 12.30
QF 2: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 16.43 def. Adrian Buchan (AUS) 14.93
QF 3: Mick Fanning (AUS) 12.50 def. Sebastian Zietz (HAW) 12.37
QF 4: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 17.76 def. Filipe Toledo (BRA) 14.07

ASP WCT TOP 5 SURFERS (Following Billabong Rio Pro);
1. Adriano de Souza (BRA) 18,500 pts
2. Jordy Smith (Durban, ZAF) 18,250 pts
3. Mick Fanning (AUS) 18,200 pts
4. Kelly Slater (USA) 16,950 pts
5. Taj Burrow (AUS) 15,700 pts

19. Travis Logie (Durban, ZAF) 6,250 pts

The post Jordy Smith Wins the Billabong Rio Pro | Surfing appeared first on LW Mag.

In June, Van Coke Kartel will be travelling to The Netherlands for the Afrikaans Verower Harte Tour with Bittereinder and Jack Parow. The band will play five shows there and one show in Germany. In July, the band will be warming stages across South Africa for the Winter Acoustic Tour.

Afrikaans Verower Harte Tour:

13 June – Melkweg, Amsterdam
15 June – Spot, Middelburg
19 June – Chesters, Kreuzberg (Germany)
20 June – Paard Van Troje, Den Haag
21 June – Victorie, Alkmaar
22 June – Poppodium Underground, Lelystad

Jägermeister, Music Connection, Monster Energy presents:
Winter Acoustic Tour:

5^th July 2013 – Dizzy’s, Camps Bay
12^th July 2013 – Dorpstraat Teater, Stellenbosch
13^th July 2013 – Die Boer, Durbanville
17^th July 2013 – Rumours Lounge, Roodepoort
18^th July 2013 – Aandklas Pretoria, Hatfield Square
19^th July 2013 – Tin Cups, Witbank
20^th July 2013 – Liedjieboer, Midrand
24^th July 2013 – Arcade Empire, Pretoria
26^th July 2013 – Wolmer Bush Lounge, Pretoria
27^th July 2013 – Mystic Boer, Potchefstroom

Follow Van Coke Kartel on Facebook and Twitter

The post Van Coke Kartel Netherlands & Winter Acoustic Tour | South African Music appeared first on LW Mag.