ESPN Magazine recently released a video depicting what went into making their Body Issue. Basically, a lot of skin. And to be specific, Slater's skin. Along with a number of other unclad high-profile athletes, Slater bore it all and, from the looks of it, ran through a field naked. Sound too weird to be true? Check the video below.

Testament to the rise of the blog, the recently launched VelvetSea.com has caught our eye. The newly minted site is scented with Aussie charm, fresh ripping, and scantily clad women. If that aint enough, they recently nailed an interview with the ever stylish Craig Anderson. Needless to say, they've just been bumped to our morning-read list. If you're not a convert yet, take a quick gander at the Ando interview below.

Nearly seven months ago, tremors shook the ASP as longtime head judge Perry Hatchett found himself staring down a pink slip. Hatchett, an Australian who had held the title of head judge for 12 years, was relinquished four months prior to the start of the 2010 World Tour season--a run that has seen a dramatic and historical change to professional surfing with a restructured World Tour ranking system. Was Hatchett the last of a dying breed exiled before a World Tour overhaul? The surf world stumbled over themselves attempting to find out. But it was to no avail and Hatchett remained silent on the matter. But nearly seven months later, Hatchett finally responded to our email. Here's his reply:

The ASP has said that they have decided not to renew your contract with them. Do you know what reasoning they would have for doing so?

Hawaiian teenage phenom Malia Manuel has been ushering in a new era for women's surfing with her trademark grace in the land and acrobatics in the water. Along with a few other counterparts, it's clear that women's surfing has changed dramatically. But what's going on in the minds of the women making that change? We thought it wise to check in with Malia to find out.

Do you feel that women's surfing is where it should be?

Yes. I also think it's great to be a pro female surfer these days. Our sponsors support us unbelievably well! Prize money is increasing and Nike 6.0 is even making an all-girls' surf movie called Leave A Message. Just on Kaua'i alone we have Bethany [Hamilton] and Alana [Blanchard] who I think already own homes before they turned 20! It's incredible.

How would you say that your generation of surfers is different than that of the ones above you?

I think what's different about my generation and the generation above me is that we have parents who surf and/or are involved more in the industry. We might have started surfing at an earlier age, too. Maybe that gives an advantage at progressing at younger age.

And following on that line, how would you say that the generation behind you are different than that of yours?

The next generation coming up seems to have taken things even more seriously. It's like instead of going out for a surf with their friends, they go out to train. So many of them have coaches and have been taught more effectively about contests. I'm sure they'll be a challenge in the near future.

What's the best song to have stuck in your head during a session?

"Lights & Music" by Cut Copy.

What's your favorite meal?

I like making myself veggie, avocado wraps.

Dane or Jordy?

What girl doesn't love Dane? However, I'd side with Jordy.

Boardshorts or a bikini?

Boardshorts when I was under the age of 15, and bikinis now that I'm over the age of 15.

Destined to be one of the most hair-raising-if-not-absurdly-dangerous events to ever take place in Waikiki, the Castles Cup was to pit the best and bravest Hawaiian watermen together in canoes and let them duke it out in the biggest surf of the season. Unfortunately, Mother Nature had something else in mind and despite high hopes and a mountain of anticipation, the 8-foot-plus Hawaiian-style conditions necessary to hold the inaugural Castles Cup canoe surfing event presented by Primo Beer and Soljah Productions failed to materialize this year.

Utilizing an Eddie format, conditions had to reach the red for event organizers to give the green light. But unfortunately, after a less-than-stellar season in Town, event officials were unable to run the contest in the mammoth conditions necessary by the time the holding period expired in early September.

"We were waiting for the surf to hit the 8-foot Hawaiian mark to run, and unfortunately this was sort of a slow summer and that never really happened," said the event's frontman Alika Winter. "But I'm still really stoked on the event. We had nearly 30 boats slated for this year and we're already planning for next year."

As Winter alluded, a veritable who's who of Hawaiian waterman had gathered teams in place for the event, including the likes of Russ Keaulana, Bonga Perkins, Senator Fred Hemmings, and a host of other legends.

With a steady buzz building surrounding the event, the anticipation in the islands is already bubbling for the 2011 Castles Cup. But as summer began to fade, you could almost feel the excitement drifting out of the air.

"We had a lot of really positive feedback from the community," said Winter. "We've got some new ideas that we're gonna try out for next year, but it's gonna be something really special when the event finally runs."

Here's to the carnage ensuing in 2011.