Xcel International, Inc. (Xcel) proudly announces the addition of ASP World Title contender and recent Vans Triple Crown winner Bede Durbidge (Australia) to the Xcel team.

“I’m so stoked to be riding for Xcel,” says Durbidge. “The wetsuits they produce are amazing – they really focus on all aspects of quality without restricting performance. I’ve got a very strong support team in 2008, and I can’t wait to just focus on my surfing.”

Currently ranked 5th on the ASP World Tour, Durbidge brings an impressive professional resume to Xcel’s team. Thanks to a victory in the December 2007 Billabong Pipeline Masters, Durbidge secured his first-ever Vans Triple Crown win and was voted ASP World Tour’s “Most Improved.”

“We’re thrilled to have Bede on board with Xcel,” says Rob Cribb, Xcel Australia’s national sales and marketing manager. “With his quality surfing, raw power and pure talent, Bede contending for the World Title will be exciting to watch in 2008. We’re glad to be able to support him on that journey, and are just stoked to have Bede representing Xcel in the years ahead.”

About Xcel

Founded in 1982, Xcel International, Inc. (Xcel) is a global wetsuit brand distributed throughout the Americas, Europe, Asia, and the Pacific Rim. Headquartered on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, Xcel’s core wetsuit business focuses on the cutting edge of material and design development. Xcel’s primary markets include surf, dive, wakeboard, paddle, and sun (UV protection).

In addition to its North Shore office, Xcel operates two retail stores on Oahu and a warehouse/repair facility in California. To learn more about Xcel, please visit www.xcelwetsuits.com.