Red Bull Night Riders Tow-at Surf Contest 2012

Jesse Heilman

Jake Mcguire

Blake Jones

Jesse Heilman

Evan Thompson

Evan Thompson

Jesse Heilman

Evan Thompson

Evan Thompson

Jake Mcguire

Jesse Heilman

Evan Thompson

Oliver Kurtz

Oliver Kurtz

Oliver Kurtz

Winner Evan Thompson

EVAN THOMPSON SURFS INTO FIRST AT RED BULL NIGHT RIDERS
Six of East Coast’s Best Catch Waves in the Night at Flagler Beach

Flagler Beach, FL – November 17, 2012 -The tide was high last night as six of the top southeast surfers fought the strong surf in one of the most unique tow-at competitions on the coast. Over 2,000 spectators roughed the rain and winds to cheer on the Red Bull Night Riders as they pushed their limits to pull off their best trick. This is the third time the nighttime tow-at event took place at Flagler Beach, a part of the 13^th Annual Tommy Tant Memorial Surf Classic presented by Nautica. 

For the first time in the three years of Red Bull Night Riders, a local surf hero made the elite roster of competitors.  The crowd was both thrilled and proud as Flagler Beach local surfer Brandon Hoffman took to the waves in the toughest conditions the event has seen to date. 

“I’m amazed that so many people fought the weather to cheer on their favorite rider,” expressed host Will Tant.  “The fans are really dedicated to this inaugural event.” 

The winds were high and the lights were bright as each rider went full force soaring into the night sky.  Each exhausted and elated surfer gave everything they had in the harsh environments of the night.  In the end, Red Bull Night Riders rookie Evan Thompson brought home the win to his family, a legacy from his older brother Cody Thompson who won the event last year.  Evan solidified respect as an aerialist, winning the event with his back and front side rotation. 

“Of all the surfers on the east coast, these guys were the best picks,” said veteran judge Gordon Lawson.  “Evan was the man to beat, and his clean consistency took the lead.”

RIP AND TIDE IN THE NIGHT 

The Sunshine States’ best aerialists had their work cut out for them in the unique and unusual conditions of the night.  More used to blazing sun and crystal blue waves, the surfers were challenged to adapt their technique to deal with the night sky, strong winds, and the rip and foam in the water that posed the biggest challenge. 

"I was patient,” stated winner Evan Thompson on dealing with the challenging conditions.  “I wanted to prove that I could go big.” With rough conditions, Evan Thompson posted a winning score of 6.5 out of a possible 10 points. 

Completing the roster for the evening were Jesse Heilman, Blake Jones, Oliver Kurtz, Jake McQuire, and local surfer Brandon Hoffman. 

Check out the a behind the scenes story from the shoot at National Geographic Adventure - Extreme photo of the week





Video by: http://www.drawinglinesmedia.com/

Lexi Thompson goes to Prom

Lexi Thompson closes her eyes as Lance Corporal Mark Scott asks her to prom.

Lexi picks out her next dress to try on the day before her prom.

Wardrobe stylist Sophia Banks Coloma fills the wardrobe racks with dresses for Lexi to choice from.

Mark Scott gives Lexi a lesson at the gun range.

        

Lexi aims at her target down range using an assault rifle while Mark Scott instructs.

Lexi Thompson watches Mark's ball in flight at the driving range.

Lexi demonstrates using an iron at the driving range.

Lexi's final dress choices on the day of the prom.

Stylist Sophia Banks Coloma talks with Lexi Thompson about the dress she will wear to prom.

Lexi Thompson friends and family snap photos of her.

Lexi Thompson makes her decision on which dress she will wear to prom.

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Lance Corporal Mark Scott and Lexi Thompson ride to prom in a limo. 

Prom photo booth

Prom photo booth

Lexi Thompson & Mark Scott pose for prom portrait.


Lexi Thompson, went to prom on May 18 with Mark Scott, a Lance Corporal from Naperville, IL.  Lexi selected him after more than 100 servicemen (ages 18-20) uploaded stories on why they should be chosen to be her prom date.

Lexi wanted to share her prom with a member of the armed forces, as she has a tremendous amount of respect and admiration for them.  Mark Scott flew out to Florida and Lexi greeted him at the airport and personally drove him to his hotel.  Lexi and Mark went go kart racing, shot firearms at the gun range and hit balls at the driving range.  Mark also surprised Lexi by turning the tables and asking her to prom by writing "PROM?" in the Fort Lauderdale beach sands. 
"Where I come from I think it's always right for the man to ask the woman," said Mark. 

The prom was at Coral Glades High School, where they danced to the mix of DJ Irie, the special guest DJ. 
"It was a great decision," said Lexi as they shared laughs after prom.  "I'm really honored that he came here to spend these few days with me." 
Lexi was styled for her prom by Sophia Banks Coloma, who styled the cast of the Hunger Games. Lexi tried on dresses from top designers, donated by Rent The Runway.  In the end, Lexi chose a red gown designed by Susan Rose, a perfect match for Mark's uniform decorated with honorable medals.   

Video-Chad Carter

Athlete shoot with Evan Longoria

Evan Longoria's Twitter

Red Bull's Instagram @redbull

Evan Longoria's official facebook fan page

"This plane doesn't get thrown around as much as I thought it would," said Evan Longoria on a flight with five-time U.S. National Aerobatic Champion and two-time Red Bull Air Race World Champ Kirby Chambliss. "Oh, we'll rock your world here in a minute," replied Chambliss with a grin.

During Spring Training, three-time All Star third baseman Evan Longoria officially earned his wings by joining Chambliss for an aerobatic ride over Tampa, Florida, in a custom two-seater. Longoria saw local landmarks, including his home field, from high above the skyline.

Longoria experienced snap rolls, upright blind spins, felt the airplane go tail over nose several times and went 90 miles an hour backwards. After cartwheeling end-over-end and living through it, Evan said, "I thought we were going down. It went black there for a second. I'm a bit light-headed, but I didn't throw up."

One of baseball’s superstars, the 26-year old Longoria has energized the city of Tampa, starting with a Rookie of the Year campaign in 2008 through last season when he hit a walk-off homerun in extra innings of the last game of the season to send his team into the post-season.

This marks Longoria’s first project as a Red Bull athlete, where he joins a roster of high performers including Tim Lincecum, Blake Griffin, Rajon Rondo, Deron Williams, Lindsey Vonn, Reggie Bush, DeMarcus Ware and close to 500 others worldwide.

Behind the scenes photos & video: Marv Watson