Finisterre, a tech gear company we featured previously, sent over this little  ’day in the life…’ photoshoot taken in Cornwall, England, a popular surf spot. We follow local boy Richard as he inspects and picks up his new board, taking to the waters on an overcast UK day. Beautifully shot, we get a peek at some more pieces from Finisterre as well as following a dedicated surfer with a measured outlook on life “My ideals are to live simply, wear clothing until its falling off & be outdoors as much as possible.”

Award winning surf photographer Patrick Trefz brings together a diverse collection of images from his travels around the globe in Surfers’ Blood. Portraits, action shots, rolling waves and board obsessives, there’s enough variety to attract those who have never particularly take an interest in the sport. In fact, ’sport’ is possibly the wrong word to describe what’s depicted in this volume. This is all about hardcore passion, an age old culture and a dedication to throwing yourself full pelt at some very angry looking water. Incredible images that will make you want to grab a board and give it a try. Released in June. Published by Powerhouse.

Click for images

88 years is a fair amount of time for a brand like UMBRO. Shit, I remember in high school the competition was always between Diadora and UMBRO. Like a land war. The scruffs in school went for the UMBRO of course, including myself. Did it mean I played better? Hell no. If anything is designated me as one of those picks that would do the man handling necessary to sway the ball in our team’s favor. I thank UMBRO everyday for making me the player I am.

In all serious, today UMBRO continues to build off their legacy in a very proper manner. The launch of the UMBRO Icons Re-issue collecton, a four garment array of some classic favorites – the ’66 Anthem Jacket, the Mexico ’70 Jersey, the Taped Track Jacket and Drill Top. Each garment is a stitch by stitch authentic construction of the originals.  If you know the game, you will know these four “Icons” from the UMBRO collection. For those new to the game, put on some cleats and tear up the turf.

More looks in our gallery…

Together at last! Italian tire-maker Pirelli and snowboard juggernaut Burton! Alright, that was some hyperbole. We haven’t really been waiting for this, but it isn’t that big of a stretch. After all, along with making clothes and bonerific calendars, Pirelli makes shoes—snowboard boots are a natural enough extension of that. Plus, Pirelli tires go on cars. Cars go fast and so do snowboards, when used properly.

Enough jabbering: The collaboration in question brings us the 2013 Ion Boots and an LE snowboard and binding. The boot, which will be available next fall at authorized Burton dealers worldwide, is the locus and sports the superior traction afforded by a Pirelli outsole. The Ion is a classic boot and should only stand to benefit from the exclusive rubber compound Pirelli formulated for it. The snowboard and bindings will only be available at the Pirelli Corso Venezia in Milan. Did we mention we like the blackness?

More looks in our gallery…

We take a look at some 80’s adidas Olympic-wear making its way back in a big sporting year for Team Great Britain. 6 pieces of kit and four styles of footwear, this collection is heavy on nostalgia. Perfect for any child of the 80’s. If you hear the name ‘Fatima Whitbread’ and don’t immediately think of ‘I’m a celebrity get me out of here’ then this might be one for you.

“Los Angeles 1984 and Daley Thompson, Sebastian Coe and Tessa Sanderson all took Olympic gold for their country. In a nostalgic nod to the past, adidas Originals present an Archive collection that takes direct inspiration from the original pieces worn by those heroes, with Daley Thompson’s decathlon-winning #398 jersey the centre-piece.” Available from February

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Lionel Messi graces the cover of TIME Magazine, next week (globally except in the United States – shocking).  Dubbed, “King Leo” on the cover, the F.C. Barcelona star is touted as the greatest ever – an argument that many will have a very, very difficult time disagreeing with. Bobby Ghosh gets inside Messi in his interview online now.

Messi is not a man of many words, but one point stands out to me. In regards to achievement and looking back at his own: “You don’t have time to stop and think about everything that happens, it all happens too quickly. When I retire, I’ll stop and think about that.” Respect. On sale

See the full cover after the click.

The latest issue of The Green Soccer Journal focuses on the much maligned goalkeeper. If you’ve ever wondered what makes a player choose to be the last line of defense then this issue might give you  a little insight. “We speak to some of the games top shot stoppers in Bob Wilson, Tim Howard and the most expensive goalkeeper of all time, Gianluigi Buffon. They discuss their feelings toward the position, the highs and lows they encountered, and the real reason they went for the gloves.” The only thing that’s missing is a mid 90’s David Seaman sticker set.

Click for images.

London 2012 have asked part time Baltimore badman and part time East End tortured detective Idris Stringer Luther Elba to talk a little about his home town of Hackney and the arrival of the Olympic games.

The film’s a bit slapdash which is kind of why we like it. Idris does his best to get you all excited about the Olympics, possibly because in typical London fashion, a lot of cynicism is flying about with this event and everyone’s scared of being trampled by white elephants or something to that effect. Click on and see if this sparks a bit of enthusiam.

Paul Smith turns his attention to commemorative stamps with this edition for the Isle of Man celebrating London Olympics 2012. Always one to stay involved in all areas of design, Sir Paul was driven by his love of all things bike related.  ”A lifelong follower of world cycling, Paul Smith was honoured to be asked to participate in this project by the Isle of Man Post Office. The Isle of Man has strong cycling connections as it is the home of heroic Olympic cyclist, and good friend of Paul Smith, Mark Cavendish.”  The Isle of Man Post Office shop carries a selection of collectable packs with an accompanying book also available from Paul Smith online.

Is it too early to get excited for the EURO’s? Maybe it is the American fan in me, or maybe it is the idea that those in the United States will be able to view all the EURO 2012 matches over on ESPN again (in the past, this tournament was a PPV affair). adidas and UEFA unveiled the new tournament ball, the adidas Tango 12. See for yourself.