Laird Hamilton, the big-wave surfer and the man considered the father of modern stand-up paddleboarding, has joined the Puma Ocean Racing Team as the honorary 12th crew member. While Oxbow will continue to sponsor Hamiton for clothing, he and Puma will together launch a line of innovative stand-up paddleboards and a concept surfboard with the designer Juan Kouyoumdjian. The paddleboard will make their debut at the Outdoor Retailer show in Salt Lake City this summer. Hamilton will take the opportunity of the Volvo Ocean Race to seek out and ride the biggest waves in the world, and will also serve as fitness and nutrition coach for the crew. Puma Ocean Racing has also announced that it is embarking on a campaign to preserve the oceans with the help the honorary 13th crew member, Marmo, a specially created “sea monster” mascot that will help teach children about ocean conservation.

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