February 9, 2005 - If it wasn't for guys like Tony Alva and the California drought in the 1970's, skateboarding might not be where it is today. If you saw Dogtown Z Boys, then you know Tony's story. Alva pioneered backyard swimming pools and raised himself to legendary status pushing the boundaries of what was possible on a skateboard. Alva, who is arguably "one of the most important skateboarders in the world," will be christening the newly completed fun ramp at eXtreme Hotels grand opening launch party in Cabarete, Dominican Republic March 12-18.

eXtreme Hotels is the world's first hospitality venue that exclusively caters to "board heads." eXtreme Hotels' flagship property, eXtreme Cabarete, is geared toward kiteboarders, surfers and skateboarders. The 20-room boutique hotel has every modern amenity and is located on one of the top five hottest kiteboarding beaches in the world. eXtreme Cabarete recently completed the world's first below ground fun ramp, "Six Feet Under," which measures approximately 1911 square feet. The ramp is located directly in the middle of the hotel. Visitors will be able to watch Tony Alva, longtime friend Andy Kessler, and many of the Dominican Republic's top skaters session the fun ramp while chilling in eXtreme's new beach bar. Everything will be viewable on live web cams at www.extremehotels.com.

Alva, now 47, was the first world champ, first in the world record books, first winner of the 'SkateBoarder' Poll, first to pull off frontside airs in pools and the first to market himself successfully as a brand name. He still skates and surfs in Southern California on a daily basis while owning and operating the trend-setting Alva Skateboard Company in Oceanside, CA. Most recently, Alva completed a project with Sony Pictures, "Lords of Dogtown", a fictional movie based on the documentary "Dogtown Z Boys" which is scheduled for release this summer.

The eXtreme launch party will host a variety of weeklong activities. Many of the world's premier action sports athletes will also be attending the launch. eXtreme Cabarete is conveniently located in front of a reef break named, "Six Feet Over." If the waves are not firing in front of the hotel, guests can take a five-minute cab ride to El Encuentro, one of the Dominican Republic's top surfbreaks. If skating, surfing or kiting aren't enough, eXtreme Cabarete is minutes away from world class scuba diving, golf, canyoning, mountain biking, motorcross, wakeboarding, white water river rafting, and horseback riding, along with a variety of exotic scenic tours.

eXtreme Hotels is privately financed by West Coast Holdings, a US based investment firm founded by Bill Lee, a former technology CEO and executive. The eXtreme vision is to open the next location within 12-24 months. Management has scouted other sites in Brazil, Panama, Costa Rica, Hawaii, and Nevada but has not selected the next destination at this time. For more information on West Coast Holdings, please visit www.westcoastholdings.com.

>>>For More Information on the eXtreme Launch Party<<<

# # #
Stock photos and full backgrounders on Bill Lee, eXtreme Hotels and the Dominican Republic
are readily available. Contact The Ring Media.

photo courtesy kitexcite.com

Event Information

Get ready for one of the largest action sports events to ever hit the Caribbean. If you think we are joking, check out the live webcams at eXtreme Cabarete and you will quickly see what the eXtreme Hotel has to offer. Add the world's top pros from the surfing, kiteboarding, skateboarding and the wakeboarding industries and debauchery will ensue.

The main objective of the eXtreme Launch Party is to gather everyone together to cross train their different board sports while partying and hanging out at the eXtreme Cabarete location. Many of the Dominican Republic's premier action sports athletes will also join together to help promote Caribbean action sports. eXtreme Cabarete is inviting any and all public and media to come down and join in on the fiesta. eXtreme Hotel's event staff is planning an incredible week of demonstrations, giveaways and nightly social events.

The following is a tentative schedule. Please check back for regular updates.

March 11: Athletes/media arrive, warm up day, welcome dinner/briefing.

March 12: Launch party consisting of daytime demos, giveaways, autograph signings, etc., followed by an all night party at the extreme Lounge and eXtreme Beach Bar premiering new action sport videos. DJ and special guest band to be announced.

March 13-17: Cross train athletes/media in kiteboarding, skating and surfing.

March 18: Chill/travel day

Athlete Confirmations

We are working daily to confirm more of the world's top pros in the surf, skate, kite and wake industry. The following is a list of confirmed names. We have many other riders with verbal confirmations and will be updating almost daily. eXtreme Hotel's event staff is working on a special guest appearance by someone we know you are going to love. Keep checking back with us. If you are an athlete and want to attend, please contact marina@theringmedia.com.

Tony Alva Pro Skateboarder
Andy Kessler Pro Skateboarder
Kevin "Top Hat" Senn Spiritual Advisor
Chuck Patterson, Waterman
Bri Chmel, Pro Kiteboarder
Jason Slezak Pro Kiteboarder
Andy Hurdman Pro Kiteboarder
MIke Norman, Pro Kiteboarder
Xrated Kiteboarding
Neil Hutchinson Pro Kiteboarder
Pete Weisburg Pro Kiteboarder
Ryan Riccitelli, Editor/Photographer The Kiteboarder Magazine
Gabe Brown, KIllahz Productions

Athlete Confirmations are updated daily

Booking Information

The eXtreme Hotel is reserved for Athletes and media. We have made special arrangements with neighboring hotels and can help you book your reservation at a special rate. Please contact diana@extremehotels.com to make your reservation.

Plane flights should be booked into Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.

>>>>Photos eXtreme Cabarete<<<<