World Surf League Announces New Consumer Membership
LOS ANGELES, CA/USA (Monday, October 8, 2018): The World Surf League (WSL) today announced that Erik Logan will join as President of Content, Media and WSL Studios.
Logan’s role at the WSL will include the delivery of all live and non-live content and media, in addition to global distribution across all the WSL’s owned and operated channels, as well as its partners.
Logan will also oversee the creation of WSL Studios, which will deliver a broad range of high quality scripted and unscripted surf and lifestyle content. He will also lead a new direct-to-consumer membership offering, which will in the future become a key aspect of the WSL’s world class content portfolio.
Logan has a stellar track record as a media executive and is currently President of Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN). Before OWN, Logan was Executive Vice President, programming and broadcast operations for XM Satellite Radio, where he helped build the subscriber base to over nine million subscribers, negotiated partnerships, and managed day-to-day relationships with major content providers including Major League Baseball, PGA Tour, CNN, Clear Channel Communications and Fox News.
WSL CEO Sophie Goldschmidt said: “Erik joining our leadership team is a very big moment for the WSL, as we look to take surfing and its special lifestyle to an even broader audience. He is a world-class, highly talented executive with huge passion for surfing and the ocean. He is deeply respected in the media and entertainment industry and is the ideal person to take our content offering for fans to the next level. We know him well and I am thrilled that he is joining our team.”
Logan will start with the WSL in January 2019, said: “I’m incredibly excited to join the WSL at this amazing time in its history. The League has come so far and is brimming with untapped potential. I am fired up to help lead the acceleration of the company’s evolution in content, expanding the WSL’s offerings, and engaging surf and ocean enthusiasts everywhere. There are countless stories and characters in surfing that are compelling, both within and beyond the reaches of competition, that we will shine a light on.”
An avid waterman and current adviser to WSL, Logan served on the Board of Directors of USA Surfing, the NGB for the United States Olympic Committee, is co-founder of Shred & Speed, LLC Infinity SUP, and is co-owner in Nikau Kai Surf Shop.
Comments
is membership offering a code for some kind of pay per view?
I'd say yep, that's just what it is.
Also, that's an awfully long intro for Erik and yet it leaves out his job as Chuck the Duck.
I hope you can pay to watch individual comps, I won't be paying to watch Brazil beach breaks if its 2-3ft and onshore. Bring back Cloudbreak, hold a mobile comp in the Mentawais and replace the Portugal comp with one at Morocco's famous point breaks? I'd pay to see that. Also make the wave pool a side comp for people who wish to see it rather than a mandatory stop
I'm getting Peter Mel vibes, anyone else?
Please explain?
He was a bit testy yesterday in the air broardcast.
Just the similar voice and mannerisms and even slight look.
Who the fuck is Peter Mel?
Oprah comentating and interviewing the Pros would add a bit of razzle dazzle.
He looks like Mr KFC Hillsong.
Do folks who actually work and surf relate to any of this execu-speak gibberish?
Folks pay money to watch sponno- ponies doing the twist to WSL cheeseburger commentary? Don't they know the Bold and the Beautiful is still on free to air?
They really intend to sell this stuff?
I was going to say a Ken doll. Yanks must have good dentists, they all seem to have perfect teeth. Contrast this with Kieren's mug; a dinky di vs a supper. Love the way the Yanks need to retain the veneer of respectability to sell it to the so called mainstream. Nothing like an blue eyed, blond haired, white Nordic looking fella to make the Yanks feel safe and clean. And yes inertia means "a tendency to do nothing or to remain unchanged". Thanks FR.
He needs to go back to school and understand what inertia means.
He uses it as a synonym for momentum when in fact, it means the opposite.
ie Inertia is sitting on the couch smoking bongs, momentum is donning the Chuck the Duck suit and taking on the world.
Oprah to Pro surfing; you can't make this shit up.
Rides a SUP. Enough said
Not as good as Blowin but. He rides two SUPs!
I knew that’d bite me on the arse.
We borrowed my mates SUP’s to ride on the river when the surf was mondo excreta.
I’m still doing daily colonics to purge my system of the pure evil that took hold inside me . The insidious SUP bug took hold of me. Will I ever be clean again ?
A sup with go-pro attachments!
sup and go-pro! Is there a worse combo in surfing? Getting footage of you being a complete fuckwit.
Hydrofoil SUP and go pro.
The economic rational of private investment in the WSL has always been about creating a media company. I have thought for some time that WSL equals a media company not a surfing company. When an organisation needs to make money this is the sort of dude you get: corporate jargon. Competitive surfing needs to make money to exist. So watch for and out for what happens next. GS
It's time for the term Yuppy to be revived. McSurf.
Don't get me wrong, I love surfing and it's been a big part of my life, but the WSL are making professional surfing unwatchable. Everything they do, from commentary to scheduling to delivery platforms is purely about making $$$. With the WSL fuckers ramming the advertising down our throats every fucking minute of every fucking heat, it's time to switch off.
Cant believe I'm going to say it, but i 100% completely agree with you.
I agree that the WSL is getting ridiculous, particularly holding pool comps for actual points.
On the flipside, and to make a point that many surfers and consumers of other internet content seem to miss, if people aren't watching ads or paying for content then they have NO VALUE to the people producing that content. When people say, "I'll stop watching", the producers think "Great!" because the freeloaders are costing them money without providing any return. Similarly, if we want to discourage the WSL from their current course (hiring non-surfers, pushing for non-surfer audiences, Facebook deals etc.) we should vote with our eyeballs. Don't tune in to watch comps, unfollow on insta, unlike on FB. Complaining about it while still driving the 'success metrics' for the WSL and being engaged with their social media properties is not a disincentive for them, it's just annoying for the rest of us.
That's my 2c anyway ;-)
Why would Mr KFC Hillsong with such a "huge passion for surfing and the ocean" want to take this "special lifestyle" to "an even broader audience"?
This is the type of cynical goop-speak that politicians use when they try to explain why the selling of your utilities, natural resources and sacred places for a few bucks is in your best interests.
Fox News?
I predict a revamp of the commentators. The new team will be fair and balanced. Joe and Pottz will be replaced by Sean Hannity and Gerlaldo Rivera. Ronnie and Pete are out and Tucker Carlson and Shepard Smith are in. Laura Ingraham will take over post-heat interview duties from Rosie.
Change at the top too. Dirk Ziff to be deposed by Rupert Murdoch.
Gotta agree with you on that V.L. Pro surfing and other chunks of this thing we love are fast becoming a pile of saccharine coated, corporate speak shit to be rammed down the gobs of as many 'consumers' as possible.
Glad I grew up in the era of TRACKS as a monthly A3 paper production for all your essential surfing tit bits which was as far removed from what surfing has become now as you can get.
"The competitive part of it all is a whole different ballgame, a whole different camp from what I am involved in. I don't want to think about it. It destroys the whole purpose of riding waves. I don't like noises, I don't like crowds, I don't like bullhorns going off, and people giving me orders how to ride, how to do certain maneuvers."
"The vintage years are over. I have my memories, and that's it. I want to keep them to myself. I don't want to share them with a bunch of idiots."
"Malibu is summer... summer is ruined. Now you have to share your summer vacations with everybody - I have to share my time with working slobs. Summer has had it."
"My whole life is this escape; my whole life is this wave I drop into, set the whole thing up, pull off a bottom turn, pull up into it, and shoot for my life, going for broke man. And behind me all this shit goes over my back: the screaming parents, teachers, the police, priests, politicians, kneeboarders, windsurfers. They're all going over the falls into the reef; headfirst into the motherfucking reef, and 'bwah'! And I'm shooting for my life. And when it starts to close out I pull out and go down the back, and catch another wave, and do the same goddamned thing again."
"Waves are the ultimate illusion. They come out of nowhere, instantaneously materialize, and just as quickly they break and vanish. Chasing after such fleeting mirages is a complete waste of time. That is what I chose to do with my life."
-Some gratuitous copypasting of the great Miki Dora.
Thanks for the Dora quotes, Dora had flaws (as we all do) but he seemed to have some genuine insights into what was going on in the surf world at that time, but you left one out that I think seems to fit this article pretty well, "These few Wall Street flesh Merchants, seek to unify surfing only to extract the wealth". And maybe the greatest Surf quote of all time, "Thank God for a few 'free' waves."
".
My interest has waned to the point I barely watch these days as it is.
The product they are selling is unfortunately a neatly gift wrapped turd.
Wouldn't even consider it if I have to pay for it.
Lostdog, I am with you unless it is pumping. Over seeing 'highly technical loopy de loop with a twist and roll over with a bare bum' in 3 -4 foot surf, just is really ho hum after a while. Got to have cranking waves, on heavy reefs that are scary to take off on and have real consequences if you don't make it, and they all ride their step, step ups. The ocean has to be a part of the equation otherwise we will just see a bunch of great beach break surfers (hello Brazil). How are The Big O and Jordy going to fit into the Beach Break schedule?
I lost interest in the WSL during this year. When the Fakebook thing started at JBay, I just tuned out. Unless it's cranking, I can't have the commentary running. I simply forgot about my WSL fantasy teams for each event until after the events have run.
Seems like they're trying to sell a double shot frapaccino with soy milk latte with stevia when all I want is a flat white coffee with 1 sugar. BS to me. A TV test pattern would be more interesting. I might see what the ISA is up to.
sama sama legrope....
“. There are countless stories and characters in surfing that are compelling, both within and beyond the reaches of competition, that we will shine a light on.”
Do you think that means he’s going to interview the Norwest Surfers Alliance and ask their opinion on the WSL invading their local breaks ?
Lets hope so Blowin cause it will make prime viewing.
"New Consumer Membership" - that can only mean pay to watch. UFC have nailed this but then again you don't have to fight or have ever fought to enjoy watching a bit of fisty cuffs but will non surfers ever be interested in surfing. I doubt it.
How's that fucken appalling mugshot BTW!
Bet his real name is Chuck Shick.
I will be signing up for the high quality scripted material and the lifestyle content. It should be excellent viewing maybe a bit of cheeseburger comentry too. It is looking super good for pro surfing. Bless the super soul!!
I can't wait for chance to buy a Martin Potter wobbly head doll with my pay per view membership that will come with a plastic Pipe Masters commemorative Ukulele. Hey wait a minute may be I should have applied for the job. But I missed the add. GS
I reckon the WSL Mattin Potter wobbly head doll would talk about himself for the entire trip from Bells to Byron.
Fuck me
here's the antidote:
So many things wrong with that photo and caption, but how's the hashtag? #ownsurf
Yeah, it's the Oprah Winfrey Network acronym but I don't think Erik's new boss interprets it that way.
The Messiah!
I despise hashtags at the best of times, but the notion that random punters might want search for anything related to both 'Oprah' and 'surf' is about as weird as it gets.
It is probably the funniest thing I've ever seen. Finding it impossible to contain myself.
"There are countless stories and characters in surfing that are compelling, both within and beyond the reaches of competition, that we will shine a light on.”
I must be missing something here - I mean the guy does look like a tool but the funny thing is that this stuff I would be interested in watching and maybe even paying for, considering I already pay to watch some of the shit they are serving me up on my TV at present. Its gotta be better than watching that big girl on the Bachelor!
You're the guy he's looking for Daz. WSL gets enough cats like you & he's in for a Dazzling career.
I liked this guys mug so much I procured it for my pic!
Hahahaha, that is funny.
His oar got a barrel at the surf ranch :)
How's the bloke paddling on the shoulder at the end!
You know , that’s basically how I imagined wavepool s eventuating . Catering almost exclusively to Dorky yuppies and corporates , holidays for families that didn’t have the ocean dialled and kids with a wave tub “ scholarship “ training grim faced for competition.
Didn’t think it’d happen so fast.
Ha Ha, it's Torquay Point. SUP up first, Mal next, and everyone else can go fuck themselves. Bet you a $1000 the SUP paddled out the back and got the next set as well.
that's exactly what I thought! how did the people just floating around on the inside get there?
Haha ha classic Robo.
Could this be the coming messiah to help usher in a new WSL SUP Championship tour?
Oh boy.....
So what happens when they go pay per view and only 1500 people sign up ?
And another thing .....do you think that the WSL will start hoovering up all the historical pro surfing footage so they own the entire past of the sport as well ?
The future of Wozzle looks bright with the supersoul on board. They will have their studio at the wave pool is my guess.
Can someone please explain the point of Instagram to me. Is it for the sole use of rocket polishers like Erik here to get his 90 minutes of fame, or does it have a wider more practical use in the general community.
It's a type of narcotic where validation is the activator of the mu-opioid receptors. Side effects are your quiet local getting ridiculously crowded.
Rocket polishers !
Gary is proud of you, Gary
Haha.
We are a dying breed Gary G
i honestly cannot work out if this is serious, i mean the real deal?
the guy, the job, the paddle board... ??
I don't mind that he rides a sup - I have to alternate my surfing with SUP for my crook back - but if it has;t already happened, I think it is safe to say the Wozzle has truly jumped the shark. It is such a shame what they are turning "surfing" in to, and FFS there is no way they can claim to represent any kind of surfing other than the most vacuous, fast-bucks, rocket-polishing (10 points, that one) kooks. I've had enough. Surely they can;t have a future.
It gets better ;)
If it looks like a Duck, SUPs like a Duck,Couch Surfs like a Duck...it's WSL Discovery Channel
If I was trying to make an announcement to say fuck you to surfers by embracing everything offensive that is weakly associated with the sport, then I couldn’t have done it better. All salute the new executive. WTF
So is this guy responsible for the new Jeep ad on France comp. Fuck me. If i needed one more reason too turn off the WSL all together. There it is. Little cute bow and all...
WSL go on about pro surf fans wishing execs to share an interest for Surfing.
Oprah/Ziph/Goldschmidt/(Erik)Toppenberg share interests as Santa Monica Jewish Moguls
(Why Santa Monica?) Wikipedia /WSL clearly list > (HQ @ Burleigh Heads Qld Australia)
Mystery B'Heads locale? Surf QLD/Billabong/Rip Curl/Cult/Mad Hueys/1 Casua hideout....?
Perhaps Global contests feed live thru WSL Burleigh Swellnet HQ Surf Cam!
Is Toppenberg the real last name? Interesting...
Surfing being embraced by the Vampire Squid? (parallel to finance world)
& memla every time I look at the new avatar it cracks me up
Background History: (Back in a minute)
With respect I must address fellow Swellnetonain's request first.
Oklahoma Gaylord College: The Erik Logan Toppenberg Scholarship
WSL(Main Story)Starts...
Name Change to W.S.L. references Rulers of the Seas as in White Star Line (1900 Shipping)
WSL served Kosher food to all Jewish passengers catered top end Jewish King-like quarters.
WSL also brought Irish/Jewish immigrants across the Atlantic to U.S.
re: (Conspiracy nutters) The Titanic was also WSL...Fact not lost on today's WSL crew
Now you can see todays WSL ambition to command the 7 seas is in Moses king of the Jews.
If you're looking for a more spiritual interpretation...
See the shining light up ahead. re: (Shaun's barrel riding)
Shaun was/is also a respected Surfing Jew in Santa Monica and world surfing whole.
(Pause)...Swellnetonians may know that Shaun was/is my favourite Surfer.
If you're trying to read something else into this then your on your own.
Swellnetonians know more of Shaun's San Diego Jewish surfing crew of Blacks/Canyon.
True Story: Local SD Jewish surfer Richard Kenvin with left leaning Castro cap calls the shots
All hell broke loose at last years Teahupoo when Breitbart/Solov ADS appeared on WSL site.
Ok! I shall ask on your behalf!... Is Santa Monica WSL a Jewish Democrats Campaign vessel?
https://beachgrit.com/2017/08/iron-fist-wsl-bans-jewish-website/
Ben Guggenheim put on his dinner jacket, saying he wished to die like a man. Isidor and Ida Strauss declared they had lived together and so would stay together to the end. John Jacob Astor made sure his pregnant bride Madeline made the lifeboats. And we remember them over 100 years later. April 15, 1912 really was the end of a former era.
Fuckin Talkin Heads, anyone?
New Consumer Membership, get fucked.
I can pronounce it, not to sure what it means.
How's the term "membership"? The WSL is acting like those big multinational gambling companies who offer you "membership" of "exclusive clubs."
And just like the big gambling companies, the whole WSL "membership" thing is solely about emptying wallets.
Democrats sing - We like Footballs/Starbucks/Nature Shows(Ducks) & Jeep cars Republicans sing- We like Nascar/Dunkin' Donuts/History Channel & BMW's
Back up crew! I apologize for not explaining the Democratic Jewish WSL.(This won't help)
Post war White Star Line Jews were called to California beach side (Original Seachange)
"I'm spending Hanukkah in Santa Monica"...by the Sea influenced later Beach Boys
That whole ...been to St Louis/Arizona/Mississippi but ....Santa Monica place for me.
This long establishes a Jewish Surfing HQ in Santa Monica nothing surprising.
Thankfully this Entertaining Jewish community are (90% democratic) peace loving folk.
They welcome immigrants & say NO to Trump's wall... together they stand tall
These Jewish Reformists go under the name of "Jews United for Democracy & Justice".
Trump Adviser 'Miller' is way outta sync with his own Santa Monica Jewish community.
The politics of Democratic Santa Monica Jewish WSL HQ....(Consumer Membership)
(Let's not exaggerate) OWN is 1billion % Democrat vs FOX is gazillion % Republican
Basket Ball/Tennis/Soccer/Surfing is DEM< (vs) REP > Car races/Jock League/Golf
Far left highest% < (vs) > far right highest%
Pro Surfing(Left) had already adopted(Far left) Tennis man on man knockouts (B'hds 1977).
Golf being out of WSL range = Bring some golfers on board with a Leaders Board (Done)
19th tee (Corona Clubhouse) Ok! Throw in some Caddies from clubhouse to Surf Tee.
Middle Earth...Hot Apple pie is WSL holy Grail (Football/Baseball/Olympics)
Football shirt numbers & names + Democrats/Footballers prefer Jeep cars> (Leader Board)
Baseball Stats lots of Stats from (Shirt names/numbers/leader board)
Olympic Bid >No real example of Skate/Surf expectations (Skate will present professionally)
If no surf- Surfing has no 360% view stadium set up only Surf Lakes (End of This Month?)
Japanese past wavepools offer 180% view arena/heavier wave combo than WSL set-up
Massive media affords WSL more access to WH locations.( See Opera House WH ads)
Back to the here & now ...[Job ad]
WSL HQ Santa Monica: Democratic Football mad Jewish surfing Duck BYO Name & number!
Bahahahaha.....wsl consumer membership......bahaha......this should be good
Wsl needs to understand that surfer satisfaction is negatvely correlated to surfing's exposure and mass popularity.
Greater participation - unlike many sports = Crowds that ruin the fun.
The harsh light of too much media destroys the mystique.
Growth in "consumer membership" is an alien concept that would make many surfers feel slightly sick.
I have learned to ration my exposure and the wsl is accelerating this tendency.