Makers of iconic Shark watch suck bitter gall after being left off “best watches for surfing at the Olympics” list

"What does surfing even mean anymore?"

There was once a clear and easy way to identify a surfer when out on the streets or in a grocery store. By the fluorescent plastic square digital watch velcro’d to his, or her, wrist. Yes, bleached hair tips, Oakley Frogskins, Flojo sandals and Gotcha jams were all clues of a possible surf-based lifestyle but the Shark watch was the dead giveaway.

Every ripper who was any ripper rocked the Shark from Frieda Zamba to Mike Parsons to Kelly Slater to the rad kid who lived on 17th and rode a hot pink Haro.

Times change, of course, along with surfer style but the iconic timepiece held its place, recently appearing on the wrist of the aforementioned as he embraced Gabriel Medina.

Understandable, then, that the Freestyle team has a giant tummy ache this morning after sucking much bitter gall. World Tempus, you see, released its highly anticipated “best watches for surfing at the Olympic Games” guide and Shark was left completely off.

Included were the TAG Heuer Aquaracer 300 Professional Date, the IWC Schaffhausen Aquatimer Chronograph and the Ulysse Nardin Blast Moonstruck.

And, again, not included was Shark.

Do you have a Shark story that might be shared in order to soothe the belly?

How many did you wear at a time?

Zamba (pictured above) and the three stack is pretty peak.