The responsibilities of running your own business can be frustrating, especially when you keep getting calls from the boys back home about how good the surfs been.  Next you start receiving emails with pics, like the above, with the place you learned to surf looking world class.
But every once in a while you get an email like this:

Thank You Reina

Pic (c) Jag Media

We’ve been a big fan of Joyrich on Melrose for a while; its a great store and we’re stoked they’re the place to pick up Ampal in the Hollywood area. In addition to a great selection of brands, they have a rad in house line. Joyrich was the recipient of our first in store display and just got a restock of hats. Be on the lookout for some Ampal x Joyrich specials in the lineup.

If you’re in the area, stop by and say hi to Mina, Cottrell, and the crew.

Lil Wayne – “On Fire”
Rocking an Ash Quattro Fedora from our Premier Collection

Ampal Crew, James Brockman rockin’ a Darkside fedora.  From his part in the new Zero video Strangeworld. James has been throwin’ it down lately, scoring a Thrasher cover shot and feature, but recently suffered an unfortunate knee injury. We wish him a speedy recovery.

While down in the hometown, La Jolla, I caught up with our buddy, Derek Dunfee.  Derek has been charging since we were groms, but recently got some long needed recognition when he won the 2009 XXL award for the Biggest Paddle In Wave of the Year.

His XXL award comes after years of dedication; last minute all night drives to Mavericks (above from last weeks Eddie swell), Todos, and Nelscott’s Reef in Oregon amongst others to chase the biggest waves around.  This winters madness has included two trips to the Artic to surf an icy death slab right.  Derek has also taken advantage of his traveling to hone his photography as well as shoot some amazing water shots.  A few are shown below, and you can check out more at his blog.

Lil Wayne in our Ash Quattro Fedora from our Premier Collection. Behind the scenes shots from the “On Fire” Music Video shoot.



images DERICKG.com

We just launched AMPAL DIRECT – our new online store, featuring our entire new collection. We also just realized we have already passed our 100th post and to thank you for all your support, we’re offering free shipping on all orders. International customers get 40% off shipping – please contact us for more information.

(images link to full-size versions)

Big thanks to JH for the new site and these desktop images.

Weezy protege Gudda Gudda of Young Money rockin an Ampal 44th Snapback.
via MTV

freshen up your desktop.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM THE AMPAL CREW

There’s no Black Friday deals, but look out for BLUE TUESDAY…

AMPAL DIRECT dropping next week with all the new hats and some bitchin deals.