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GOING BIG
Gotcha book launch party goes off in Laguna
By:
Steve Zeldin
Photos: Pics by SLidawg and ZeLdini
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March 2, 2008
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One of the most original, authentic surf brands ever to grace our beloved industry raised their flag in America at the end of the '70s.
Gotcha's two young and stoked owners - South Africans Michael "M.T." Tomson (a former pro and Pipeline charger) and Joel Cooper (a suave and saavy businessman) - arrived with the goal of making a serious impact -- and they definitely did.
"Going Big" is the story of Gotcha's progress and influence over three decades, spawning brands like MCD that gave Andy Irons his start as a pro surfer and sponsoring dozens of other world class surfers among the two rowdy brands, including: |
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Pottz, Cheyne Horan, Michael and Derek Ho, Sunny Garcia, Brad Gerlach, Brock Little, Dino Andino, Rob Machado, Vinnie De La Pena, Matt Archbold, Gerry Lopez, Todd Chesser, Nathan Fletcher, Bobby Martinez, Peter Schroff, and Jack Denny. And even famous musicians like Perry Farrell, and models like Tyra Banks, whom used to appear in their ads. Michael Tomson was the magnate with his original "Made by Surfer For Surfers" authenticity.
Sexy, cool, crazy, and successful is the story of Gotcha, and they've always been hailed for their epic soiree's, so it's no wonder their book release/signing party attracted the brass of the sport and industry and went off with a bang. Gotcha housed a plethora of talented athletes, artists, and freethinkers over the years, and their impact and message has undeniably resonated through other great brands like Quiksilver and Billabong, as well as Volcom, and more. Held at Mozambique restaurant and bar in Laguna Beach, CA a few nights ago, the crowd enjoyed martinis, vintage Gotcha videos, and a live Frank Sinatra impersonator performance, as well as some top-shelf camaraderie. Great book. Great party. A few classic quotes from the book: "The numbers we were paying for events and pro surfers were so outrageous I couldn't relate; but we went with it, and it was worth it." -Joel Cooper, Gotcha Co-Founder "You know that Hendrix song where he says, "You'll never hear surf music again'? It's kind of the same thing: You'll never see surf fashion again. Not the way they did it. It's just not gonna happen." -Dave Gilovich, Surfline/Water Editorial Director "Outsiders come in and think they can do it better because we're a bunch of surfers, but very few have success. This industry has been built by people who love to surf and who pursue a dream." -Paul Naude, Pres. of Billabong USA and former Exec VP of Gotcha Written by Kevin O'Sullivan and published by Bob Mignogna, "Going Big is a must-read - packed with juicy photos, crazy quotes, top surf stars and hot chicks.. Click here to buy a copy. MORE SURF NEWS SURFLINE HOME PAGE |