Irvine CA (May 9, 2007)- O'Neill announced young phenom Nick Taylor has recently signed on to their team and will represent the brands' commitment to the growing wake skate movement.  

At seventeen years old Nick has had big results including 1st place in The Tige Pro/Am in 2006 as well as being voted as Rookie Of The Year for Alliance Wake Magazine in 2006. He recently placed 2nd in the Bylerly Toe Jam and is already viewed by his peers as a leader in wakeskating. He was able to pull off a combination of 360 variations, kick flips, backside big spins and shuv-outs to advance to the finals in the recent event. He will take this radical and progressive approach to continue his growth as a top athlete

''It's crazy. I have been rocking O'Neill gear since I can remember and now to be a part of the brand is incredible. They make the sickest boardshorts and I'm just stoked,'' adds Nick.

In addition to his competition schedule, Nick will be working on video and editorial trips to further his cause of  being one of the best wake skaters in the world. Nick, who resides at Anna Maria Island off the Gulf Coast of Florida, already has his own pro model board, and has an extremely bright future ahead of him.

''Nick is such a great kid and is an incredible athlete. We couldn't be more pleased that he's now representing the O'Neill Brand. We expect big things from him and we know he won't dissapoint,'' said Matt Gleason, Wake Team Manager for  O'Neill Clotihing.  With a wake skate team that already includes legendary Scott Byerly, Aaron Reed, and George Daniels; Nick Taylor will fit in nicely with his teammates on Team O'Neill.

O'Neill is the world's original surf brand.  The family-owned and operated company distributes its products to 85 countries, including more than 2,000 specialty wetsuit and clothing retailers in the United States.  

For more information on O’Neill, visit www.oneill.com