CJ Nelson Wins Maiden Title at Vans Joel Tudor Duct Tape Invitational Mexico

Loggers Rejoice at Saladita’s Beloved Mexi Log Festival

Photography by Billy Watts, Luki O’keefe, & Heidi Zumbrun

Cypress, CALIF. (May 11, 2017) – Saluting an inspiring Cinco de Mayo celebration in honor of art, music, good vibes and surfing, the Vans Joel Tudor Duct Tape Invitational closed out its 14^th event to congratulate Santa Cruz native CJ Nelson, who demonstrated a flawless show to win two marquee events this past weekend in Saladita, Mexico.

Hosted in partnership with the Mexi Log Fest, the Joel Tudor Duct Tape Invitational presented by Vans, brought 16 of the world’s best longboarders to Saladita’s cherished surf gathering, joining more than 120 longboarding enthusiasts eager to exhibit their true style and originality in the water. Nelson, a longtime resident of mainland Mexico, has been surfing this break for nearly 20 years, making his triumphant surfing performance a truly special moment in his career.

Standout exhibitions were showcased by multi-talented Ryan Burch, who earned 2^nd place in both the Vans Duct Tape and Mexi Log with his stylish hang heels and effortless strides on his board, alongside veteran Justin Quintal, a bonafide log expert, and Tommy Witt, who remarkably defies all physics with his magical noseriding technique.

The positive energy on La Saladita beach was palpable, as surf fans from all cultures and walks of life reveled in a weekend full of art, music, films, soundbaths, yoga and surfing—a true homage to Mexico’s spirit, creativity and immaculate surf conditions.

Vans Joel Tudor Duct Tape Invitational Results

1st – CJ Nelson

2nd- Ryan Burch

3rd – Justin Quintal

4th – Tommy Witt

MXLF Men’s Results

1st – CJ Nelson

2nd – Ryan Burch

3rd- Noah Shimabukuro

4th – Tommy Witt

MXLF Women’s Results

1st – Kaitlin Maguire

2nd – Mason Schremmer

3rd – Jen Smith

4th – Kristy Murphy

@vanssurf #ducttapeinvitational

The Vans Joel Tudor Duct Tape Invitational in Saladita, Mexico marks the 14th event in the international Duct Tape contest series, reinforcing a global platform for longboarding specialty and providing a unique festival atmosphere for today’s most progressive longboarding icons.

Since 2010, the Vans Joel Tudor Duct Tape Invitational has set a standard for the longboarding community, enriching competition with an affinity for style and originality. The Vans Duct Tape Invitational contest series is anchored by the vision of two-time ASP world longboarding champion Joel Tudor, to create an innovative surf series that upholds progression, creativity and craftsmanship in and out of the water.

About Vans

Vans^®, a VF Corporation (NYSE: VFC) brand, is the original action sports footwear, apparel and accessories brand. Vans authentic collections are sold globally in more than 75 countries through a network of subsidiaries, distributors and international offices. Vans also owns and operates nearly 600 retail locations around the world. The Vans brand promotes the action sports lifestyle, youth culture and creative self-expression through the support of athletes, musicians and artists and through progressive events and platforms such as the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing^®, the Vans U.S. Open of Surfing, Vans Pool Party, Vans Custom Culture, Vans Warped Tour^®, and Vans’ cultural hub and international music venue, the House of Vans.