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Some might say that Longboards are the king of all surfboards. With a life spanning over several decades, there's no denying that they paved the way for past generations of riders and set the progression of the beloved ocean sport in endless motion.

In the UK over 300 million gallons of sewage are discharged to sea each day affecting beaches, wildlife and the local population. Many of the UK's coastal resorts are affected by these effluents that are either untreated or have undergone minimal treatment. In addition both permitted and illegal discharges of toxic substances continue to stream, spill and seep into our water environment, presenting a risk to human health and to the future of our blue planet.

With this issue in mind Surfers Against Sewage and Oxbow UK have presented 'Longlife' a touring exhibition of Longboard designs, created by 10 of today's most creative minds and inspired by the threat of coastal pollution. The artists include
Damien Hirst, Jamie Hewlett, Banksy, Adrenalin Magazine, Laird Hamilton, Paul Kaye, "A", David Carson, Surfers Against Sewage and Aphex Twin. Each board produced is a unique and one-off work of art.

Click to see all the boards

The tour launched to a packed house at the Spitz Gallery in London and can still be seen at:

Brighton BAG Gallery, 108a Dyke Road, Seven Dials Junction, July 11 - 15

Exeter: Spacex Gallery, 45 Preston Street, Exeter, July 26 - Aug 02

Newquay: Closing Party at The Koola, Beach Road, Newquay, August 16

Additional venue in SW England TBA Aug 03 - 15

The Auction
These unique pieces of art are currently for sale to the highest bidder with all profits going to UK clean water advocates Surfers Against Sewage. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone out there to get their hands on original works of art by well established artists and personalities.

The reserve price on each board is £500 and all boards must be sold by 16th August 2003 so it really is worth putting in a bid - its not often you can pick up art or surfboards as fine as these at potentially bargain prices - you may even be able to invest in an original Hirst design for around £1000!

People can bid for their favourite board on-line at http://www.oxbow-longlife.com online bids will be accepted up until Noon on Friday 15 August. A live auction will be held in Newquay on Saturday 16 August.

For those of you that wish to track the value of the boards you can check the 'auction' section of the http://www.oxbow-longlife.com website every Friday for an update.

What the board designers have said about Longlife

Damien Hirst:

"Can you imagine if all of the SAS efforts of the past five years were reversed? What would our seas be like then? It's important that we have someone to fight our corner and lobby for cleaner water, as otherwise, between big business and pansy politicians, surfing would be a health hazard. And not only do we have our own pollutants to worry about now we have disasters like the Prestige looming. I'd like to rest assured that someone has their eye on the ball."

David Carson:

"Its a great project that involves things I'm passionate about-surfing, design and the environment. It was fun to do. As Mucluhan said, 'if you're half way into something, then its work- if your totally involved, its play or leisure' anyway, I'm stoked how the board came out and to be involved in this".

Mickey boy G Creative director of Adrenalin magazine:

"Coming from a small fishing town, where my father was coxwain of the lifeboat, the sea has always been a part of me. I have therefore witnessed first hand the abuse our coastal waters have suffered at the hands of industry, progress and short sighted government policy. If designers & artists can have an influence on public opinion and help to protect our environment then it seems a better use of our skills and positions than
trying to sell cars."

Click to see all the boards

For further information or images please contact

Nadia Kokni at Third Planet nadia@thirdplanet.co.uk +44 (0)20 8968 8468

Penny Keen at Oxbow UK penny@oxbow-uk.com +44 (0)20 7722 0200

Vicky Garner at Surfers Against Sewage vicky@sas.org.uk +44 (0)1872 553 001

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