Trio of Twenty-Year-Olds Poised to Lead the Next Generation of Surfing

Portland, ME USA / Sydney, Australia (August 30, 2010) – Global sports and entertainment marketing leader Octagon today announced the signing of professional surfers Owen Wright, Alana Blanchard, and Granger Larsen to their portfolio of action sports stars.

“Owen, Alana, and Granger have the real potential to leave a lasting impression on the sport of surfing and we are looking forward to helping them accomplish their respective goals in and out of the water,” said Matt Syms, Octagon’s Director of Surfing.

Wright, 20, is widely regarded as one of the best young surfers on the scene today. The Australian native dominated the Pro Junior Circuit in 2009 including an impressive streak of winning four Australian Pro-Junior Tour events in a row, while also finishing in the top-five of the WQS. On a quest to become a world champion, Wright has proven he belongs on the ASP World Tour following his impressive win over nine-time World Champion Kelly Slater at the Rip Curl Pro, Bells Beach. Wright is currently sponsored by Rip Curl, Monster Energy, Dragon Optics, Skullcandy, Ocean & Earth and Byrne Surfboards.

Blanchard, 20, is poised to redefine women’s surfing and push the sport into the mainstream. The Hawaiian native, currently ranked top-five in the WQS world rankings, dominated the competition in 2009 with titles at both Vans Hawaiian Pro Champion and Haleiwa Pro Champion. One of the most popular surfers on tour, Blanchard’s exposure has transcended industry publications and crossed-over to the mainstream including Vanity Fair, Rolling Stone and Outside magazines. The two-time Pipeline Pro champion is sponsored by Rip Curl, Reef, Spy Optic, Steve Boysen Surf Boards, and Sticky Bumps.

Larsen, 20, is a six-time NSSA National Champion who has quickly established himself as one of the most progressive and vibrant surfers in the sport. Fresh off a run to the quarterfinals at the 2010 U.S. Open, the Hawaiian native placed in the top-five at both the 2010 Billabong World Junior Championships and the 2009 Oakley Global Challenge. Beyond his competitive accomplishments, Larsen has enjoyed success in film with the 2009 hit surf movie, Still Filthy, as well as the soon to be released Billabong film, Pinch My Salt. Larsen is sponsored by Billabong, Vonzipper, DVS, and Dakine.

“We are very excited to be working with this trio of rising superstars in surfing. They are highly marketable young professionals who travel the world in an individualized sport that lends itself to unique marketing and content development opportunities,” said Amen Teter, Octagon’s Director of Action Sports.

In addition to Wright, Blanchard and Larsen, Octagon also represents surfers Mitch Coleborn, Ry Craike, Jay Davies, Bede Durbidge, Brent Dorrington, Garrett Parkes, Jack Robinson and Monyca Byrne-Wickey.

Octagon’s Olympic & Action Sports Division is a full service representation group whose clients include, Kelly Clark, Natalie Coughlin, Katie Hoff, Lolo Jones, Andy Macdonald, Apolo Anton Ohno, Shaun Palmer, Michael Phelps, Ross Powers, Donny Robinson, Hannah Teter, Keegan Valaika, and Seth Wescott among others.

Octagon, the inaugural winner of the “Sports Agency of the Year” Award by the Sports Business Journal, is the world’s largest sports and entertainment representation and marketing agency with global expertise in consulting, athletes & personalities, event management, property representation, marketing solutions, licensing and merchandising and talent procurement. As part of The Interpublic Group (NYSE:IPG), one of the world’s leading organizations of advertising agencies and marketing services, Octagon employs more than 1,000 people in 60 offices around the world. For further information please visit: www.octagon.com <http://www.octagon.com/> .
Octagon steps into surf by signing several of the world’s most exciting young surfers. Read the release below, and stay tuned for an exclusive interview with the company’s Director of Action Sports Amen Teter.