Happy Boy’s Day.

In celebration of Boy’s Day or Children’s Day – Kodomo no Hi families in  Japan raise the carp-shaped koinobori flags, one for each boy (or child).

The carp has become the symbol of tango no sekku or Boys’ Day because the Japanese consider it the most spirited of fish—so full of energy and power that it can fight its way up swift-running streams and cascades. Because of its strength and determination to overcome all obstacles, it stands for courage and the ability to attain high goals. Since these are traits desired in boys, families traditionally flew koinobori from their homes to honor their sons.

In celebration of Boy’s Day we would like to share  images of Oakley’s Ernesto Fonseca Signature Series Antix.  This signature edition series sunglass captures the image and spirit of the Japanese koi (carp) and Ernesto ” The Fonz” Fonseca.

Oakley - Ernesto Fonseca Signature Series Antix

Ernesto Fonseca Signature Series Antix with koi patterned temples.

Known by his fans and friends as “Ernie,” Ernesto Fonseca is originally from Heredia, Costa Rica. He started riding motorcycles when he was five years old. After he earned several national titles in his homeland, Ernie and his family decided to try some races internationally. Ernie went on to win several Latin American titles. Later in his career yet still a youngster, he raced in the U.S. amateur circuit and was very successful. Things were looking up for the young kid from Costa Rica. Every rider’s dream, no matter where they come from, is to become a “factory rider” in the most prestigious circuit in the world: the U.S. SX & MX series. In 1999, Ernie was officially a member of the Yamaha of Troy Team. Ernie had finally fulfilled his childhood dream.

Ernie raced professionally for eight years, winning two Lites titles and earning many podium finishes in the SX class. Highlights include winning his first title in the East Coast (1999) and his second in the West Coast (2001). This made him the first rider ever to win titles in both coasts, as well as the first Latin American ever to win an SX title in the U.S. circuit. His best results in the premier class were a 3rd-place finish in SX (2003) and another 3rd-place in MX (2005).

Ernie’s career was cut short on March 7, 2006 due to an accident that left him paralyzed from the chest down. Ernie currently resides in Southern California, where he undergoes therapy. He is still a fan of the sport that taught him life lessons and gave him so many opportunities.

With each purchase of the Ernesto Fonseca Signature Series ANTIX™, Oakley will donate 5% of the wholesale price to the Next Steps Foundation. It’s an organization that assists in providing funding for the prevention, treatment and cure of paralysis. On top of that, Oakley will provide an additional 5% from the wholesale price to help support Ernesto’s recovery. We are honored to assist the foundation while saluting the achievements andiron will of the famed SX/MX rider.

Ernie has always been a fan of Japanese design and style. White, red and black are his favorite colors, so he had an artist friend blend them into the koi fish design. It’s not just a look of pure originality it’s a symbol for strength, endurance and perseverance in the face of adversity. Ernesto’s signature is laser etched near the edge of the single continuous lens, and the optics take advantage of POLARIC ELLIPSOID™ geometry for clarity that extends all the way to your peripheral view. The canvas for the art is a Polished Black frame made of durable yet lightweight O MATTER®, highlighted by true metal icons. Its sculpturally integrated hinge mechanisms work with dual CAM action, and its Three-Point Fit optimizes comfort. Impact resistance and optical precision meet ANSI Z87.1 standards, but you would expect no less from Oakley’s HIGH DEFINITION OPTICS® (HDO®).