Author Topic: Mo Freitas leaving Focus...  (Read 19321 times)

TallDude

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Re: Mo Freitas leaving Focus...
« Reply #30 on: December 03, 2017, 04:37:48 PM »
Kayadogg is going to be wishing he was back in SoCal for X-mas.

https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/spo/d/hobie-sup-fast-strong-and/6389784172.html

https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/spo/d/riviera-racing-sup-paddleboard/6368943073.html

https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/spo/d/stand-up-paddleboard-sup/6391785650.html

https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/spo/d/14-ft-sup/6390226704.html

https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/spo/d/brawner-surf-supcustom-like/6382776613.html

Haha, I still peruse the OC and San Diego CL ads pretty regularly. It’s actually been nice to not have the used board market in New England, makes me much happier with the boards my wife and I have. Now I’ve developed a problem with buying/selling/acquiring high-end putters. I just placed an order for a custom DH89 with Byron Morgan (surfer & legendary putter maker out of Huntington Beach) last night. Eerie how similar the process is to ordering a custom board. Putter boxes are much easier to hide than the box that a 14’ Blackfish arrives in.
Funny thing, I've started playing golf again after not playing for almost 8 years. I've played since I was a kid, but quit playing when I got into SUP racing. My son made the high school golf team, so I've been playing with him a lot lately. My old custom Mizuno MP-14 blades are harder to hit for me these day, so I just had a set of the Mizuno JPX 900 Forged built for a very talldude. They are really nice and easy to hit, but still have that blade look. My 15 year old out drives me now. He hits his 8 iron 170 yds! Little shit.
It's not overhead to me!
8'8" L-41 ST and a whole pile of boards I rarely use.

surfafrica

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Re: Mo Freitas leaving Focus...
« Reply #31 on: December 03, 2017, 06:08:31 PM »
Comparatively can buy a new pair of top rated powder skis never mounted on CL and slap on a pair of new top quality bindings for less than $500 all in.  Hmm?  Seasons pass cost $450.  So $1000.  Gotta wonder bout that.  Skiing is way more fun.  SB way more fun in powder.  Have already paid off my pass last month.  Compared to $4400 plus taxes for a new SUP race board.  What a joke.  No wonder.

Comparing flat water SUP with skiing and snowboarding is like comparing canoeing to mountain biking.
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Eagle

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Re: Mo Freitas leaving Focus...
« Reply #32 on: December 03, 2017, 10:08:17 PM »
Haha.  Point was $4400+ is ridiculous for MSRP with an end of season price drop of 25%.  Then further a price drop used within the year to sub 50%.  That is massive depreciation and to a certain degree reflects the value of the product on the open market.  Not many are silly enough to buy the more expensive carbon race boards @ full price.

Most everyone we know buy used or demo or end of season discounted or gets a pro deal because of this.  No one we know is prepared to pay full price @ $4400+ for a piece of foam that can easily dent or crack or snap.

Comparatively skiing and snowboarding hard goods are so much more durable.  Even many years old -> they still perform like new and still look in really good condition for the amount of abuse they have taken.  Comparing cost and durability and fun factor is what we do when comparing sports we are very active in.  Even if they are very different activities.
Fast is FUN!   8)
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Eagle

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Re: Mo Freitas leaving Focus...
« Reply #33 on: December 03, 2017, 10:12:01 PM »
I've stayed out of the racing discussions here but I will say this, in my opinion the reason racing is in decline has almost nothing to do with board length or sponsored pros, or race classifications or other issues that are thrown around here. The primary reason racing is in decline, in my opinion, is that the decent, dedicated race boards are stupidly expensive. Most normal people are not going to spend $2000 to $3000 for a piece of foam with some fiber glass wrapped around it.

As noted already.  This is very true IMO as well.
Fast is FUN!   8)
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surfafrica

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Re: Mo Freitas leaving Focus...
« Reply #34 on: December 04, 2017, 10:37:11 AM »
This might be a bit of a tangent.....

For me, as a guy who came to SUP from surfing, minus my exposure to SUP racing from this site (which has been cool to learn about), SUP racing has always fallen into the same category to me as canoe racing.  I remember there was talk of which governing body should umbrella SUP.  Unless SUP remained independent, it seems obvious to me that SUP surfing would fall to the surfing bodies and SUP racing would land with the canoe/kayakers.  Even in the distance and/or shore break races where guys catch some lumps, it still looks pretty similar to the other paddle racing sports.  For me (just my perspective...I'm sure others feel differently), flat water SUP and racing is a very different pursuit than SUP surfing. I know guys like Kai and some of the others are really cross-disciplined when it comes to SUP, but I think if the sport really matured (like Olympic level stuff with lots of participants), to really hit the elite levels, guys would have to focus on one or the other (I'm sure some disagree).  You don't see guys on the WSL aiming to make an Olympic swim team.

Bringing it back to Mo, I see him as a surfer first and foremost (but maybe I'm wrong).  I look at his style and gear as I would someone on the WSL (I try to emulate it all in my mind, but fail miserably on the water).  I've definitely looked at board progression that those guys are pushing.  But have been equally influenced (actually more influenced) by shapers (Kirk from L41, Dave from Infinity, Kyle from Kronos) and guys on this forum.

With the sponsorship stuff, at the surfing level, I just can't see how it would work.  Signature boards don't seem like much of a thing in SUP surfing (though, not really in prone either...unlike snowboarding or skateboarding), and unlike the prone surfers, the market size for SUP culture (clothes, etc) is pretty much non-existent.  Though I guess the pros do expose the brands (I wouldn't have heard of Focus if it wasn't for Mo).  I've always wondered what the ROI on sponsorship there would be. 

When I watch this vid, I keep thinking to myself "for the love of god guys, stand up!"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqn0Y9qwzws

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bZ9efcLiCU
50 years old, 5'7", 150 lbs, intermediate
Infinity RNB: 7'6 x 28, 95 L https://goo.gl/SqlWR4
Kronos LB: 8'10 x 26.5, 84 L https://goo.gl/4iQdps
Kronos Nano: 7'4 x 26, 81 L https://goo.gl/kAM8W6

PonoBill

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Re: Mo Freitas leaving Focus...
« Reply #35 on: December 04, 2017, 10:49:08 AM »
Mo and Zane are my two favorite surfers to watch. Lots of great ones, but Mo and Zane add a lot of originality and style. Seeing someone knock the top off a wave, again and again, gets old quickly.
Foote 10'4X34", SIC 17.5 V1 hollow and an EPS one in Hood River. Foote 9'0" x 31", L41 8'8", 18' Speedboard, etc. etc.

surfafrica

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Re: Mo Freitas leaving Focus...
« Reply #36 on: December 04, 2017, 11:44:28 AM »
Mo and Zane are my two favorite surfers to watch. Lots of great ones, but Mo and Zane add a lot of originality and style. Seeing someone knock the top off a wave, again and again, gets old quickly.

I totally agree.  I haven't watched Zane as much, but really enjoy watching Mo. His style and lines are my favorite. The first time I saw a clip of him, I freaked out.  It was before I was pushing for smaller boards and he opened my eyes on what SUP surfing could be.

Another thought on the sponsorship thing....  The demographics of SUP tilts towards geezer (compared to snowboarding, skateboard, or surfing).  And as geezers, we just aren't as influenced by pros selling gear or lifestyle.  In the 80s and early 90s, you could bet sure as shit that I was riding the skateboard or snowboard of my favorite riders, and was sporting a shirt of one of their brands. Probably when I hit my 20s, that completely dropped off. 

Now for some Mo (go to 55m 40s):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9_Zg-zlgmA&t=55m40s
« Last Edit: December 04, 2017, 11:46:54 AM by surfafrica »
50 years old, 5'7", 150 lbs, intermediate
Infinity RNB: 7'6 x 28, 95 L https://goo.gl/SqlWR4
Kronos LB: 8'10 x 26.5, 84 L https://goo.gl/4iQdps
Kronos Nano: 7'4 x 26, 81 L https://goo.gl/kAM8W6

supdiscobay

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Re: Mo Freitas leaving Focus...
« Reply #37 on: December 04, 2017, 02:37:10 PM »
I've stayed out of the racing discussions here but I will say this, in my opinion the reason racing is in decline has almost nothing to do with board length or sponsored pros, or race classifications or other issues that are thrown around here. The primary reason racing is in decline, in my opinion, is that the decent, dedicated race boards are stupidly expensive. Most normal people are not going to spend $2000 to $3000 for a piece of foam with some fiber glass wrapped around it.

As noted already.  This is very true IMO as well.

I believe that the cost to enter an event has equally as much impact on the participation, as board costs.  For me, there were several races I would like to have attended, but when I saw the cost to enter, I wasn't so excited anymore.   And it also seems the "goodie bags" have gotten smaller and smaller.  I used to be able to get a new set of rainbow sandals every year, which when you factor in the cost of the sandal, I was able to compete for $40.  Incredible deal and a really fun event.  One event I wanted to race this year would have cost $190, and that was not for the pro entry.  One race, one day.  Not for me!

Back to Mo.  For those of you who have ever met him, you know he is one of the nicest and most humble persons you will ever meet.  He comes from a great family, and he is incredibly loyal to his sponsors.  I have also surfed with Zane and Conner and they both are no different.  Great "kids".

I don't know what brought about the change, especially when Mo is arguably the best paddler in the world (surf and race), but I am sure that if it was Mo's decision, that it was not taken lightly.  And if it was Focus, the same is true, as to them Mo was family.
8'5" Starboard Pocket Rocket, 8'0" Kazuma Fugu custom,  8'10" Kings Sidewinder, 10' Starboard Noserider, 14' BARK Carbon Dominator, SIC F16 V3, KeNalu and Quickblade paddles, 19' Eaton Prone, 67" Goode 9700

surf4food

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Re: Mo Freitas leaving Focus...
« Reply #38 on: December 04, 2017, 02:42:22 PM »
and unlike the prone surfers, the market size for SUP culture (clothes, etc) is pretty much non-existent.   

I would venture to guess that most die hard SUP surfers who come from a surfing background simply identify as surfers and with surf culture (and therefore buy the same clothes as other surfers).  Also if they came surf prone background they likely still prone, even if the majority of fellow prone surfers hate SUP surfing with a passion. 

805StandUp

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Re: Mo Freitas leaving Focus...
« Reply #39 on: December 04, 2017, 03:45:33 PM »
I've stayed out of the racing discussions here but I will say this, in my opinion the reason racing is in decline has almost nothing to do with board length or sponsored pros, or race classifications or other issues that are thrown around here. The primary reason racing is in decline, in my opinion, is that the decent, dedicated race boards are stupidly expensive. Most normal people are not going to spend $2000 to $3000 for a piece of foam with some fiber glass wrapped around it.

As noted already.  This is very true IMO as well.

I believe that the cost to enter an event has equally as much impact on the participation, as board costs.  For me, there were several races I would like to have attended, but when I saw the cost to enter, I wasn't so excited anymore.   And it also seems the "goodie bags" have gotten smaller and smaller.  I used to be able to get a new set of rainbow sandals every year, which when you factor in the cost of the sandal, I was able to compete for $40.  Incredible deal and a really fun event.  One event I wanted to race this year would have cost $190, and that was not for the pro entry.  One race, one day.  Not for me!

Back to Mo.  For those of you who have ever met him, you know he is one of the nicest and most humble persons you will ever meet.  He comes from a great family, and he is incredibly loyal to his sponsors.  I have also surfed with Zane and Conner and they both are no different.  Great "kids".

I don't know what brought about the change, especially when Mo is arguably the best paddler in the world (surf and race), but I am sure that if it was Mo's decision, that it was not taken lightly.  And if it was Focus, the same is true, as to them Mo was family.

Agree wholeheartedly on the observations of costs of raceboards and racing!  For the most part this hobby has been reasonably priced for me and I have been able to sell my surf SUPs for $100-$500 below what I paid for them after I enjoyed them.  Unfortunately, despite getting a small discount off my raceboard because there still seems to be excess inventory from a few years ago that I would be lucky if I sold it for $1500 less than I paid and it is a name-brand!  Makes it hard for me to replace it with the next one that I tend to eye!  A friend of mine is a big tri-athelete and he indicated that he is ok paying $5000+ on a new bike every so often because it makes him more competitive which is why he believes the manufacturers feel they can charge so much for their race SUPs.  My counter argument always comes back to the high level of engineering that goes into making component groups for bikes lighter versus paying $3K+ for a 14' piece of foam covered in epoxy, divinicell, carbon and glass.  I also hate to say it but for most races how much of winning is skill and width of board versus the actual nuance difference between the shape/design of the race SUP.  This could be seen by Mo and Annabel winning races on borrowed boards when their Focus or Szymanski custom wasn't available.  At least this has been an activity of passion that has given me a whole lot more enjoyment, fitness and joy than money I invest.

On the surf front, I would add Sean Poynter to that list of all around great guys.  I surfed with him a couple times and he is just a really nice person and great representative for Starboard.  It seems that Starboard (and perhaps Naish) may be the only large manufacturers that will be able to continuing their large sponsorship of pools of pros with more niche brands like Infinity attracting the other amazing waterman(women) that match their brand by really innovative designs.

yugi

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Re: Mo Freitas leaving Focus...
« Reply #40 on: December 05, 2017, 02:50:21 AM »
Is there any news if Mo is joining another team?

I credit Focus Bluefin as breaking the way for the whole new generation of allround race boards. I still prefer the Bluefin to the Naish Maliko for upwind and downwind. Upwind it spends less time with water on the deck and downwind it's more fun to turn.

It's a real shame if Focus is in difficulty. Is this confirmed or are we just guessing?

stoneaxe

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Re: Mo Freitas leaving Focus...
« Reply #41 on: December 05, 2017, 07:13:52 AM »
As much as I love Mo's style (Zane and Mo are my favorites too) I'd bet that Creeks involvement with Sunova has had more effect on Sunova sales than Mo had on Focus sales.
Bob

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PonoBill

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Re: Mo Freitas leaving Focus...
« Reply #42 on: December 05, 2017, 07:22:52 PM »
^^Easily. Creek is a bargain. If I were contemplating sponsoring people it would enthusiastic amateurs who are active in social media.
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Eagle

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Re: Mo Freitas leaving Focus...
« Reply #43 on: December 07, 2017, 01:54:10 PM »
Yep, you are seeing gently used boards being sold for a fraction of their new purchase price. The number that I keep seeing for ANY used board- race, surf, el cheapo generalist, etc. is about $700. To me that is what a board should cost....

Here is a good deal on a 2017 NSP.  Maybe about +60% less than MSRP.  Also looks to be a viable option.  But when you look at the reality -> why?  It seems just like skiing and snowboarding you reach a limit at some point.

Have been using my 3 ski quiver and 3 SB quiver alternating just to get some variety the past month.  Has been a ton of fun.  But like anything gets repetitive after a while.  Same with getting another SUP -> why?  The amount of fun difference is negligible.  As every SUP or ski or SB is better or worse depending on the conditions.  So seems kinda pointless swapping from this to that.  Might be more of a consideration if had only a single board quiver to ride.

But still do like to try different equipment to confirm firsthand how they ride.  Cuts a lot of the BS that floats around from time to time.  For Focus -> losing Mo will def be tough as he was the face of the brand like Connor is with Starboard.
Fast is FUN!   8)
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Newps

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Re: Mo Freitas leaving Focus...
« Reply #44 on: December 08, 2017, 11:44:02 AM »
^^Easily. Creek is a bargain. If I were contemplating sponsoring people it would enthusiastic amateurs who are active in social media.

I could not agree more with your perspective.  IMOP the best way to grow your brand is to identify the alpha influencers on-line and at the local level.  Get them your product and see what they think.  If they genuinely like it then figure out a way to work together. 
L41 SIMSUP S4 - 7'4" x 30 1/4" x 4 1/2" 112L
L41 SIMSUP S5 - 7'6" x 27 1/2" x 4 3/16" 106L
L41 SIMSUP S4 - 7'8" x 31"x 4 1/2" 122L - Modded w/ a King's TUT Tuttle box and using a King's foil.
L41 SIMSUP S4 - 7'10" x 30 1/4" x 4 1/2" 120L
Starboard Whopper - 10' x 34" x 4 1/3" 171L - w/ FCS GL-1 fins

 


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