Clay Marzo: Just Add Water /// Asperger’s Syndrome

“Clay Marzo: Just Add Water” is an epic film that dives beneath the surface of one of the most gifted and creative surfers in the world, 19 year-old Clay Marzo. The film gives a never-before-seen look at Clay’s mind-blowing skills in the water and the challenges he faces on land as a result of Asperger’s Syndrome.

Like other kids growing up on the island of Maui, Clay lived in the waves. Clay’s pure love of the ocean along with his natural talent allowed him to excel to new heights, pushing the limits again and again. A member of Quiksilver’s elite Young Guns crew, his spontaneous, unpredictable and creative style has earned him three NSSA National surfing titles, a nomination for Maneuver of the Year at the 2007 SURFER Magazine Poll and Video Awards and video spots in the biggest surf movies of this decade. Three-time ASP World Champion Andy Irons calls him, “hands down, the best 19 year-old surfer in the world,” while eight-time world champ Kelly Slater goes even farther saying, “He knows things I don’t know about surfing.”

Sometimes a puzzle to those around him, Clay was only recently diagnosed with Asperger’s. The realities of life as an elite pro surfer, the constant travel and media demands, are not easy for Clay, but he is bravely taking on his difficulties.

“When I first met Clay I noticed that his personality and demeanor completely transformed in the ocean – he literally came alive in the water,” said the film’s director, Jamie Tierney. “It was also clear that Clay was quite misunderstood in the surf world, and the mission of the film was to show the side that only those closest to him could see.”

“This movie will inspire people to live in the moment and to always take the time to look a little deeper. People are amazing and you never know what is behind their eyes,” said Strider Wasilewski, Quiksilver Surf Team Manager and the film’s producer.

Quiksilver and Clay Marzo will be touring the east coast next week to surf the local spots and give audiences a first look at this incredible film. The tour will start in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on August 9, 2008 and will also include stops in North Carolina and New Jersey throughout August. All events are free and open to the public.

Quiksilver, along with ROCKSTAR Energy Drink and Super Surfboards, will be rolling out the red carpet to host the West Coast Premiere Party at the Orange County Performing Arts Center on September 7, 2008.

The film will be available in stores in October, and a portion of the proceeds will be given to Surfer’s Healing, a foundation for Autism that seeks to enrich the lives of children with autism and the lives of their families by exposing them to the unique experience of surfing.

For more information on the tour and the film and to see more of Clay Marzo, visit www.quiksilver.com/justaddwater

CLAY MARZO: JUST ADD WATER EAST COAST TOUR
Fort Lauderdale, FL — August 9, 2008 — Cinema Paradiso
Wrightsville Beach, NC — August 11, 2008 — Wrightsville Beach Park
Ortley Beach, NJ — August 13, 2008 — Surf Club
Marmora, NJ — August 15, 2008 — Yesterdays

About Clay Marzo: Just Add Water
“It feels so much different in the water. I feel like I’m at home.” Clay Marzo

Have you ever loved something to the point that it becomes what you live for? Meet Clay Marzo whose passion for surfing is so pure it defies description. Take a visually stunning and emotionally powerful journey through his life. See Clay literally come alive in the ocean as he destroys the waves of Tahiti, Fiji, Hawaii, France, Spain and Australia with his wildly creative surfing. You’ll also experience inspiring testimonials about his incredible talent from the most legendary surfers in the world. The story also showcases an awareness-raising glimpse into his life and mind as he comes to understand both the gifts and challenges of living with Asperger’s.

About Quiksilver
Quiksilver, trailblazing guide to boardriding* culture, is committed to providing tools for uncovering, expressing and expanding your personal style. Our mission is to foster the sense of individual expression and excitement – the stoke that is the essence of boardriding. We’re also here to spread the word because the only thing better than finding stoke is sharing it.

* Boardriding is about timing and style. It’s youthful, active, casual, and free flowing. There is no wrong way to ride a board. The goal is simply to learn, progress, improve, and give it your own interpretation.