Curl 28 by CURL magazine

CURL ISSUE #28//womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hottest surfing magazine

curl#28 $7.20 incl GST

Living the beautiful Life

FITZROY BEACH

APRIL 26TH - MAY 1ST, 2011

NEW PLYMOUTH - TARANAKI - NZ

Contact - email info@stem.net.nz

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10. Stephanie Gilmore 12. Living the Beautiful Life 40. Competitive Surfing 48. Taranaki 54. Blue Crush 60. SUP 63. Curl.co.nz 80. Coby Grant

out the back 66. Swell goods 72. Beauty 76. Giveaways 77. Subscribe

Cover: Felicity Palmateer | Photo by: STEVE DICKINSON

“Real makes sense to me. It’s light – less fat, but it’s also got wholegrains – now I know that’s good for my body.” – Paige Hareb Proudly sponsored by Hubbards

managing Editor & senior photographer Steve Dickinson Ph: (09) 428 3046 | Mob: 027 577 5014 Email: p.media@xtra.co.nz editor Lynne Dickinson Ph: (09) 428 1193 Email: lynne@curl.co.nz Advertising sales Courtney Johns Ph: (09) 428 1193 Email: info@curl.co.nz art director Reva Litwack Email: rclitwack@gmail.com Web Guru Erik Baars, erik@erikbaars.com Contributing Writers and Photographers Stephanie Gilmore, Aimie Cronin, Paige Hareb, Rebecca Woods, Annabel Anderson, Serena Brooke, Megan Abubo, Keala Kennelly, Rochelle Ballard Distribution Gordon & Gotch, Ph (09) 979 3000 other publications Adventure | Ski & Snow | Prime Times Publishers Curl magazine is published four times a year by Pacific Media Ltd P.O.Box 562, Whangaparaoa, New Zealand 0932 Ph (09) 428 1193 | Fax: (09) 428 3046 Contributions of articles and photos are welcome and must be accompanied by a stamped self-addressed envelope. Photographic material should be on slide, although good quality prints may be considered. All care is taken but no responsibility accepted for submitted material. All work published may be used on our website. Material in this publication may not be reproduced without permission. While the publishers have taken all reasonable precautions and made all reasonable effort to ensure the accuracy of material in this publication, it is a condition of purchase of this magazine that the publisher does not assume any responsibility or liability for loss or damage which may result from any inaccuracy or omission in this publication, or from the use of information contained herein and the publishers make no warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to any of the material contained herein.

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editor’s note SUP Finally I was always a little slow to get on board the latest trends. When low rider jeans first came in fashion (back in the 90’s) I held on tightly to my high waisters, sure that this was going to be nothing more than a passing trend. For some reason I only seem to get on board just as the trend is on its way out. So it was hardly surprising that it took me so long to try out stand up paddleboarding. Friends had been raving about it for quite some time yet I have to admit I felt it was just a little lame. However, just before Christmas 2009 (at least a year after paddleboarding hit our shores) I tried it out for the first time. It was a beautiful day, the sun was shining and it didn’t take long to find my balance and thanks to years in my 20’s spent rafting I also found the paddling super easy. We spent the morning paddling around the bay where I live, watching fish swimming by under our boards and even catching the tiniest ripples as they broke over the reef. I was hooked. Actually I was so impressed that we purchased two boards there and then and I had finally joined the SUP craze. So my summer holidays were spent exploring the bays and rocks near home, paddling my son Teva to the rope swing in the next bay and even taking my parents puppy for a ride. It’s amazing what you can actually do on a paddle board. I own a 10’5” long, 30” wide Starboard and it’s super stable but also pretty manoeuvrable. Half way through January we were invited down to Matarangi for a few days with some friends. Having spent everyday on our boards in the relative calm, flat waters of Whangaparaoa, I was really looking forward to testing them out on some waves. Despite the conditions not being ideal (the waves were breaking quite close to the shore) we took our boards out for our first attempt at surfing. We had an amazing time and spent hours chasing after the little waves that broke onto the beach. It was definitely a challenge to coordinate paddling, keeping the board straight and trying to catch a wave, and the whole experience, I am sure, provided the beach goers that day with plenty of entertainment. At the end of the day I could feel every muscle in my body. It was incredible how much of a work out you got from stand up paddleboarding. I hadn’t noticed for a second that it was hard work at all yet the following day my abs, arms, back, legs and feet ached. It was a great feeling. Now I am the converted I seem to be preaching the joys of SUP wherever I go. I must admit for anyone who lives on the east coast of Auckland and doesn’t get a whole heaps of time to go chasing waves it’s an ideal way to get your ocean fix. Paddling round the bays exploring the wild life underneath is a pretty surreal experience and I have even started paddling Teva to school in the mornings, life could not get much better than that…. Lynne

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Stephanie Gilmore Interview by Lynne Dickinson IMAGE COMPLIMENTS OF QUIKSILVER WOMEN

Twenty four year old four time World Champion, Stephanie Gilmore has just made one of the biggest sponsorship jumps in the history of surfing. We caught up with Steph to talk about her plans with new sponsor, Quiksilver Women.... It has been suggested that your move from Rip Curl to Quiksilver is the biggest sponsorship change in the history of surfing. Can you elaborate on the reasons for the move? Rip Curl have been fantastic to me through my career so far. I guess it’s seen as a big deal as change is quite an anomaly for an athlete in my position, though it was not a swift decision. It’s a move I saw as being the most beneficial to my future. I had an amazing 10 years with Rip Curl. I was treated like I was family, which helped me grow into the athlete I am today, so I have nothing but thanks and appreciation towards the people and the brand. In saying that, I see my future with Quiksilver. I’ve been presented with the opportunity to be part of something colourful, brand new and exciting. It’s very rare to be involved in a brand from its birth and when it’s an offshoot of a company as historically rich and global as Quiksilver, it is fulfilling a big dream of mine. You are the first major surf sponsor for Quiksilver Women. How will this pan out for you in terms of support and can you foresee any difficulties in relation to the lack of team mates? Well that’s actually the beauty of the situation. Whilst I am the first athlete to be an ambassador for Quiksilver, I am one of a few great artists, musicians, even a French chef representing the brand. It was actually one of the biggest draw cards, I enjoy the freedom and the spirit of adventure which surfing was born on. Quiksilver is the largest surf brand globally so by no means am I alone, I have huge support in every corner of the globe. The brand is about celebrating unique, individual women and I’m excited just thinking about the possible collaborations in the future. Quiksilver Women’s is still a brand in its infancy. Will you have any input into the development of both the brand and its range? If so what will your input be? That’s the most unique part about this opportunity. It’s a collaboration more than a sponsorship and I hope this way of working influences other areas of the women’s surfing. I’m 23 years old now, I am a different person with far broader knowledge than even just 12 months ago. It’s only a month in and Quiksilver have already allowed my personal style to be an influence

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in the first campaign. I keep repeating this word, but ‘exciting’ is the perfect definition. What is it you feel you can offer Quiksilver women? I believe the most attractive part of professional female surfers is the lifestyle we live. Globe trotting like gypsies, competing and hanging out with your friends in exotic locations, photoshoots, surfing, stopping over in cities you’ve always dreamed about visiting far away from the ocean. There’s a lot to take from this lifestyle and it’s about working with professional creative minds to present it in an inspirational way. There’s a brilliant, unique crew behind Quiksilver for Women, and they have already really impressed me. What other plans do you have for 2011, any more surprises? Surf, compete, adventure and smile. Earlier this year you were attacked outside your home in Snapper. Can you tell us a bit about that? Was it someone you knew or a random stranger. Have you taken up karate? There was an incident at which I was attacked, it was a complete stranger and I was in the wrong place at the wrong time. It’s now a matter for the courts and I am just going to enjoy taking some time out of the water and concentrate on healing. It’s crazy that things like this happen, but it’s a crazy world we live in so just be careful my friends! How has it affected your preparation for the year - not only physically but also mentally? It’s been nice actually, because I’ve been forced to stop and take the time out to really think about the last couple of years and all of the wonderful things that have happened, as well as assess my whole body and work out all of the kinks... a blessing in disguise I think. Who do you see as your biggest challenge on tour this year? Carissa, Tyler, Sally, Coco What event are you most looking forward to and why? The Quiksilver / Roxy Pro on the Gold Coast is always a highlight of the year. It’s at my home break Snapper Rocks, it’s the first time you see everyone again after a Christmas break, and it reminds you of what it’s all about! I can’t wait!

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Living the Beautiful L Every November and December Hawaii is where the whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s who of surfing meet to challenge themselves in what is undoubtedly the ultimate surfing testing ground. The end of the year is a time when many of the surf teams get together in Hawaii; for some it is a form of an initiation, a right of passage so to speak for the up and coming surfer, for others it is the place to test themselves in the Triple Crown of Surfing, and for

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some it is simply home. Being part of a surf team does not just require the girls to surf. They are also involved in photo shoots, promotional visits and signings and the expectations are that they will perform in the surf. On this particular day we took some of the Billabong team to experience traditional Hawaiian sailing with Hawaiian Ocean Adventures LLC. It was the perfect setting to take

Rebecca Woods, Paige Hareb, Courtney Conlogue, Silvana Lima, Sarah Beardmore and Felicity Palmateer sailing Hawaiian style with Hawaiian Ocean Adventures LLC.

Life

WORDS BY LYNNE DICKINSON IMAGES BY STEVE DICKINSON DESIGN BY REVA LITWACK

photos and also a great way for the girls to enjoy the time out from the surf. For each of the girls their time in Hawaii offers a unique experience and unique set of challenges. We caught up with WCT surfers, Paige Hareb, Rebecca Woods and Silvana Lima; WQS contenders, Felicity Palmateer and Courtney Conlogue; Pro junior surfer, Dimity Stoyle and big wave surfer, Keala Kennelly all living the beautiful life.

CURL would like to thank the following for making this such a great trip to Hawaii: Nakoa Prejean and his team at Hawaiian Ocean Adventures LLC www.hawaiianoceanadventures.com Hawaii Tourism www.hawaiitourismauthority.org Billabong www.billabong.com and of course all the girls!

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Paige

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For 20 year old Paige Hareb, Hawaii meant pressure. Sitting on the bubble of requalification meant that her results in Hawaii were going to determine whether or not she had maintained her place on the World Tour. Leading into Hawaii, Paige was sitting at 9th and Rebecca at 11th, both needing to remain in the top 10 after the Sunset event. Team mates and close friends, this left both girls with the added pressure of knowing that their own outcome in this event would effect the career of one another. Surfing Sunset poses itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own set of challenges. It is the most testing wave on tour and one that takes years to master. The waves are unpredictable and the huge volumes of water that unleash with each breaking wave can challenge the most experienced surfer. For Paige the lead up to the Sunset event saw her spending as much time as possible surfing the legendary break in a range of conditions hoping to master the wave on the day. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think you need to be fit and confident about swimming with all the currents. The swells are so big here, you can get caught by a set and held under for sometime. Before I came here I practiced my breathing. I usually do this in a pool, holding onto weights running along the bottom of the pool, but this year I have spent so much time on the road that it was hard.â&#x20AC;?

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Fortunately for Paige she ended up finishing the year in 9th place allowing her to requalify for the tour for 2011. Since Paige joined the World Tour two years ago the level of surfing has continued to rise, with each girl more than capable of winning on the day. Looking back on her 2010 campaign Paige is able to pin point some areas she could have improved. “I think everyone is surfing better but I don’t think I have been left behind. I think I just made a few silly mistakes. At Snapper at the start of the year, where I have got my best ever result placing third, I got knocked in the quarters because I dropped in on Bec on my first wave and got an interference, which meant I blew my chance to get a good result there.” This year Paige also competed on the qualifying circuit, which meant she spent most of the year traveling. Maintaining a focused routine with training, nutrition and focus can be difficult when most of your time is spent on the road. It also allows little time at each destination to master the wave. “It’s OK with places like Snapper because you can get there early and surf there every day on all the different tides and conditions and get used to it and comfortable. But when you are on the WQS you only get one day at some places before you have to surf your first heat and it’s hard because it’s often your first surf out there and you waste the first ten minutes

trying to sort it out then you only have ten minutes left to get your two waves.” Growing up on the West Coast of New Zealand in Taranaki has prepared Paige well for the big waves experienced in Hawaii. “I like to feel when I paddle out that because I grew up in Taranaki that I am confident and pretty comfortable in big waves. Even when I am being smashed under water I am pretty relaxed.” Looking ahead to 2011 Paige is extremely focused and has her goals clearly set in her mind. “My goal is to finish in the top five and hopefully after the first five events I wont have to do the WQS as well. Then I’d like to travel a bit with the extra time, have some fun, maybe even go on a ski trip or something like that.” She is also realistic about what it will take to achieve those goals. While most twenty year olds are out socializing without having to worry too much about their future careers, Paige is still trying to find the right balance. Looking at four time World Champion, Stephanie Gilmore, Paige has a good role model. “Steph is super balanced, she is super focused when she knows she needs to be but she still goes out and has a few drinks with the girls. She just knows when to stop and when to go.”

So 2011 will be an interesting year on tour for Paige. This year she will be celebrating her 21st birthday and with her goals firmly in place she knows what she needs to do to win. “I am going to focus more; do my stretching and core work every day , surf at least once a day and try not to get distracted. Just try to be more onto it and more professional and I think it will work. I have to be hard on myself and think about what I really want next year. Would I rather a World Title or one night out with the girls?”

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Silvana

Growing up in Brazil and learning to surf on a piece of wood cut out of the door frame has not hindered Silvanaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to surf. Her diminutive frame helps to emphasise her dynamic style of surfing. She is able to generate incredible speed enabling her to perform impressive aerial manouvers. Silvana has been on the World Tour since 2006 and still has her sights set firmly on the World Title. She is without a doubt one of the most entertaining surfers to watch.

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Rebecca

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For 26 year old Rebecca Woods, the weeks leading up to Sunset were amongst the most stressful times in her career. This was the first time since she joined the tour in 2005 that her fate was to be decided in Hawaii. Rebecca spent as much time as possible out at Sunset and remained mentally focused throughout the competition waiting period. With Paige out of the event Rebecca needed either to beat Claire Bevilacqua or secure a semi final spot to gain enough points to maintain her place on tour for 2011. “Bevo and I qualified together in our first year in and have had an intense rivalry since we were very young. I feel for Claire too and we had a bit of a Skype session and she said I’m feeling for you in this situation, and I said, me too and wished each other the best. I am not trying not to focus too much on the outcome and just living every moment, because it’s not often in your life to you get to feel these emotions and go through the journey that is the World Tour.” Rebecca achieved just that, beating Claire in the quarter finals securing herself a spot on the tour for 2011. In the past, with her place secured, Rebecca has revelled in her time in Hawaii, surfing the infamous breaks of the North Shore, along with relaxing and simply enjoying time with friends at the end of a long year of traveLling. However,

this year saw a very different and highly focused Rebecca. “The last couple of years I’ve been able to attend parties and functions and do a couple of different things and this is the first time I haven’t done the WQS, so I haven’t had that as a back up. Every other year I have requalified via the WQS before coming to Hawaii so this has been the first year that I have been in the situation. This year has been a stressful year.” Sunset is without a doubt the most challenging wave remaining on the World Tour circuit.“ From a professional surfer’s perspective, you like to know the wave. I like to know where to sit, which way to go, and have all of that worked out before I head out to the line up. But Sunset is just the craziest wave, it has a massive lineup and so many different swell directions to read. On top of that you have four and five man heats, which you don’t have all year.” So how do you prepare for such a wave? “Sunset has been the focus for me so I have just been on big boards. Basically been trying to make sure my mind and body and mental state are all in check, because if I’m not feeling good I don’t go and hang out with a big bunch of people, just stay away from the parties and stay fit and healthy. I have had help from Megan Abubo with the physical side and the surfboard side, which

is pretty hard because you are riding a 5’8” normally and you come to Sunset and you’re riding a 6’8” which is such a different board and such a completely different way to surf. Mentally, yoga is always great and I’ve tried to get into the meditation but it’s a difficult thing to learn, so I need a lot more practice at that. As you travel with your Swiss ball you do a lot of training for your core to maintain strength and stability throughout your whole body. It’s hard to keep that going while you are travelling but I try to do that maybe three to four times a week which helps.” Having been injured last year in Maui meant a lot of rehabilitation time for Rebecca as well as missing the first WQS event of the year at Margaret River. “That’s my favourite contest out of all of them so that was pretty disappointing. I went into the first four CT events pretty much injured and unprepared but they were in Aus and NZ so it was nice to have them close to home.” Since Rebecca joined the tour in 2005 she has seen many changes, amongst them the loss of the more challenging venues. “The waves on the tour have really changed and we have lost three of the best waves; Teahupoo, Cloudbreak and now Maui. When I first came on tour my first heat was against Rochelle Ballard at Cloudbreak. It was my first year and I had free surfed the break once with about fifty people in the lineup and I couldn’t get a wave. The next morning they were like, “the contests on”. It was about 8 foot, the wrong swell and breaking right. I was on a 6”1” and I look back now and think I was such a baby, with no idea. It was massive. Me, Claire and Rochelle were in the heat and I just paddled out knowing I had to go. I took off on the scariest wave of my life, nearly crying that I made it to the shoulder and through to the next round. I had Rochelle again in round three and the waves had dropped, I had no idea where to sit and Rochelle got two barrels, got a 9.5 and a 9.0 and I just walked to the boat with my tail between my legs thinking, yep, I need more experience. That kind of feeling is what your first couple of years on tour should feel like. You should go through all those emotions and learn off the girls who have all this experience. I went to Teahupoo and Layne (Beachley) schooled me there and by my fourth year there I was pulling into barrels and learning the wave. I started to get semi’s and strong results in those waves because I had grown up surfing big waves at Copacabana Point, a left hand reef break that breaks in deep water and barrels left. I love the challenge and thrill of big waves and I don’t really get any level of excitement from surfing small waves so I guess I miss those waves and I wish we had a few more challenging waves on tour. I look at

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some of the waves at Pipe and think the girls can step up to that now, I think there wouldn’t be any weak links on tour now and everyone would give it a go.” Outside of competitive surfing, Rebecca has a real desire to give back to the sport and can see areas where the sport itself can be developed. “I’m going to go home at the end of this month and get my first accreditation for coaching and spend a couple of months doing that sort of thing. I have got my contest that I am running at home with Amee Donohoe. What I’d really like to do is health sciences and get into body movement with athletes. A lot of extreme sports are undeveloped in areas of progression and if you think of how much goes into sports like tennis. I got to a certain level of surfing and I was unsure of where to go next and there was no direction in where to go and what to: your body movements, how to approach a certain section. Some people it comes really natural to. With the guys you see them doing rodeos and backward flips and I think some people need a bit of guidance in that area. I’d love to get in and help athletes with the management side of things too and be an all round guide in that area. Young athletes, especially in Australia, that area is very undeveloped and if it wasn’t for a few key people in my

career I don’t think I would have gotten where I have got. I was coached by Martin Dunn when I was younger but when you are on the tour and travelling there wasn’t a lot of help out there and you lose a lot of contact with a lot of people and you end up living a very nomadic lifestyle and relying on yourself mostly and that can be really difficult when it comes to progression. Realistically if you are not travelling with someone who is filming you every surf or shooting you and analyzing what you are doing wrong then you can lose your direction. You just don’t know where to go with your surfing. For some teams they invest time into their clients and want them to get the results they deserve. That extra effort can mean the difference between a good result and an excellent one. You see Nike and Red bull doing camps for their teams with trainers, nutritionalists, videographers, photographers, coaches around pushing the athletes, reporting on them and that’s a massive advantage to have. Helping them with keeping focused on their goals and providing them with feedback is vital to development. As a surfer you can never stunt development until your body can’t move anymore. I am still learning stuff and I’m 26. That side of the sport is so interesting and I’d love to get into that area.”

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For 18 year old Felicity Palmateer, Hawaii offered a glimmer of hope, the hope that she would gain enough points to qualify for the 2011 World Elite Tour. After spending 2010 competing on the WQS, Felicity needed an excellent result at Haleiwa to secure a spot on the coveted Dream Tour for 2011. Felicity did in fact make it to the semi finals but when the scores were calculated she had missed out by one spot. "Coming to Hawaii I knew I would have to perform pretty well as I had missed out two events in Brazil earlier this year. I knew if I wanted to qualify I would have to make the semi's or the finals. I made the semis but I fell just short. I didn't put any expectations on myself as far as qualifying for the CT because, I don't like putting pressure on myself as I perform better when I don't. My goal for coming to Hawaii was to have fun and get to be in the scene more, get known and spend a solid two months to get really tuned into the waves. I don't feel ready for the CT but after talking to Coco she said she felt exactly the same when she qualified, she didn't feel ready, she wasn't mentally or physically ready but once she made the CT she just stepped up to that next level and it all happened for her.â&#x20AC;? This was Felicityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s second trip to Hawaii, having visited the previous year for a couple of weeks. "I came just before Pipe and got to see that event and hang out for two weeks, but it wasn't quite enough. By the last day I just felt like I was getting into Hawaii time but this year has been good because I will be here for two months and I feel I can really get into it and the rhythm of the waves. It's nice to be in one spot more than four weeks." Felicity also grew up in an area known for it's particularly

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inconsistent waves. "I grew up in Perth, in the metro area. My home break is Trigg Beach, and there have been a couple of pro juniors there over the last few years and every kid who has been interviewed about the worst break in the world, Trigg Beach usually comes up 90% of the time. It's a small crappy beach break that gets all the metropolitan crowd because as soon as it's forecast for 1/2 metre of swell an offshore wind everyone's there." However, Felicity has had plenty of experience in big waves. "I learnt to surf big waves by surfing at Margaret River. Dad used to take me there all of the time. I would never have made it as far as I have in surfing if I had stayed at Trigg Beach so I have lots of family down there who have helped me out. I think I am a little bit crazy with big waves. I just don't think about consequences and just go. Some people freak themselves out and analyse it too much but I just don't get scared really. I have surfed big waves since I was little so maybe that's helped me, I don't know." As for the surfer's Felicity most admires, it's hardly surprising that Stephanie Gilmore is amongst those she respects. "She's an awesome person who is really easy to get along with. She's really cruisy and just goes with the flow and her style and everything about her is just awesome. Her style and the way she carries herself I really admire. For the guys I really like Ace Buchan. His style in and out of the water, he's a really good goofy footer. I also like Rye Craig and Taj Burrows who are both from home and they surf awesome, so fluid and taking surfing to the next level." Living the life of a professional surfer is a fairly envious lifestyle and one Felicity is really making the most of.

"Everything that comes with surfing is just an amazing lifestyle. Travelling to so many countries and meeting so many different people and knowing that when you come back to that country there is someone there who you know, to go surfing with, go out to lunch. Seeing different cultures and experiencing the world is amazing, just the way people live and the places I have surfed. I never thought I'd be doing this when I was 8 years old!" For many young women, travelling the world on your own would be a rather daunting experience, but Felicity seems to take it all in her stride. "I like being by myself and travelling doing my own thing. Being away for two months you really get to know yourself. Being a surfer on the North Shore of Hawaii means you are part of a big extended family; everyone knows each other so there is always someone who you bump into every day to chat to or invite you around for a barby and stuff so I never feel lonely." As for what Felicity would like to do when the dream is over, she is pretty clear on the direction her life will take in the future. "The dream will never be over because I love surfing and will always be doing it but I have always been really interested in Art and dad has taught me lots about it and I may have an exhibition later this year. I have been putting together a body of work on water colours and stuff that I have been doing when I have been home. After surfing I may go full bore into art. I really love art and have been doing it for a while. My main goal in life is to live life creatively and as long as I am doing that I'll be happy.â&#x20AC;?

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Dimity

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19 year old Australian, Dimity Stoyle grew up on the Sunshine Coast, in Queensland, Australia. Despite growing up surfing the smaller waves she has had little trouble adapting to the power of Hawaii. It was not always like this though, Dimity explains her initial fears. “My family has always loved the beach, and surfing. We get consistent waves, but only small. Kelly Slater’s from Florida and they don’t get great waves either. I think surfing is just in me, it comes natural. I’ve always had a little fear of big waves but I am pretty much over it now. When I was around 12 I first competed at the Rusty Gromfest, and every kid who has entered that event knows how ruthless Lennox can be at that time of year!! I used to make all my rounds in the small surf and then every year the biggest waves would come through on the finals day. When it was really big I didn’t always make it out the back, I just wasn’t used to it. I won one Gromfest title and it was the year that the waves weren’t HUGE!” Adapting to larger wave surfing took some time. Surfing beach breaks when it’s big was hard, you can’t really get out unless you are ready to tackle the big waves, so it’s like throwing you in the deep end all at once. Luckily for me, Queensland has a number of perfect right hand point breaks. Growing up surfing Noosa was amazing! The best way to get over it is to surf

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somewhere like that where there is a deep channel out wide. When there was a big cyclone swell I would go out and sit wide, watch the other surfers and then slowly make my way in, and that’s what I did at Sunset! This is Dimity’s second trip to Hawaii and this time was fortunate enough to surf Waimea Bay, a clear indication that she is now more than capable of the big wave challenge. “I like tackling big waves now. I surfed Waimea Bay this trip for the first time. It was 12ft and I took out an 8 foot short board that I borrowed from Barton Lynch. At first we were going to just sit and watch the other guys from the channel, as it was really big, but by the end of the session I had built up enough courage to paddle into a couple of waves. It was the craziest drop I had ever taken, I loved it.” Another thing Hawaii is known for is it’s staunch localism and the power and intimidation of the local enforcers, The Da Hui, and the Pipe Line Posse. Dimity experienced that localism first hand at VLand this year. “I was surfing out at V-Land one pumping afternoon, and it was CROWDED! 40 or so people all scrambling around trying to get a wave or two. In amongst the crowd was one cranky local Da Hui who was making it pretty clear how he felt about us ‘haolies’! He was a HUGE man, 6ft plus,

way over 100kg and was riding an enormous 9ft Malibu (that for him was like riding a short board!) So picture this...HUGE man riding a HUGE 9ft board trying to steer in amongst 40+ frothing surfers in the lineup...Chaos was bound to happen! Unfortunately for me, I just happened to be paddling out when he caught a bomb set. I knew he was trouble, and I didn’t want to be anywhere near him. Problem was, I was directly in his path and I knew I was in big trouble at that point! I scratched my hardest to get out of his way but he had to turn slightly to get around me, but it was all good…so I thought! I cruised my way back out the back and I hear a big voice behind me yelling “Yo, see this channel? It’s for paddlin’ in!” My ears were burnin’ and I knew he was talking to me! I was too scared to look around so I casually made my way back out pretending nothing had happened. I caught another wave, no problem…but I fell off on my first turn, which left me conveniently lying in the middle of the lineup. I turn my board around and to my horror I see Da Hui man dropping into the absolute barreling bomb of the day! I shat myself right at that point and didn’t know which way to paddle, I PANICKED! I tried my hardest to scramble out of the way but he still had to change his line a little to get around me.

Ok so now I am in trouble! I paddled back out into the crowd and tried to hide in amongst a few guys. I kept my head down, hoping he wouldn’t see me. He paddled back out and was sitting about 20 metres further out than than I was. I thought I was in the clear, until all of a sudden, he turns around and yells to me “Hoo brah go in orready! Dis is Hawaii time now…in you go!” I couldn’t understand the rest of what he was yelling, so I pretended I couldn’t hear him and that he wasn’t talking to me! For a second (in amongst the guys I was hiding behind) I caught his eye and he yelled again “Yeah I’m talking to you” and points his big arm at me! At that point I knew I was gone! I casually laid down on my board, at this point pretty much the whole crowd is looking at me. I’m looking back at the crowd like, what are you looking at me for, it wasn’t me!! He kept yelling about something so the next wave that broke I took it and rode it all the way in haha! I’ve never been happier to hit the sand! I GOT SENT IN!” After spending the first three weeks in Hawaii soaking up the atmosphere and surfing on some of the biggest days, it was a freak accident on an average day at Rockies that saw Dimity rushed to the hospital. “There were only ten guys out and it was really good. The first wave I paddled into was a right hander, but

it was a close out and I had heaps of speed and hit the close out section and after that I felt the board hit the bottom of my foot. When I looked down I could see a really deep cut under my heel. One of the local guys obviously saw it too and he paddled over to me and took me into the beach and carried me up over the sand and onto the grass.” For those of us watching on, all we could see was blood pumping out of Dimity’s foot. Another tourist, sitting on the beach with his girlfriend, ran up and covered her foot with his towel as we rushed to get the car. Somewhat squeamish Felicity had the task of applying pressure to the bottom of Dimity’s foot as we drove full speed to the hospital in Le’Ai on the East coast of the North Shore. Fortunately for Dimity, Felicity was able to stop the flow of blood, and the kind actions of the local guy ‘AJ’ meant that the wound was clean and free of sand. Eight stitches later and a lesson on how to use crutches, Dimity was free to go. Unfortunately it meant no more surfing for the remainder of her trip. “The first thing I thought of when I felt the board hit my foot was that I wouldn’t be able to surf for the rest of the trip and I’d miss out on the waves over here. But luckily the day of my accident was the last day of good surf and it’s been relatively flat for the last week of my trip, so that was a blessing.” Dimity filled the remainder of her time in Hawaii shopping, hanging at the beach and watching the competition. She was also able to enjoy thanksgiving with the Billabong boys team. Keanu Asing’s parents came over to cook a Hawaiian feast. “It was the best meal I have ever had. I think his family wanted to make it extra special to show us how great thanksgiving can be. It really was an amazing night, and we are truly thankful!”

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Keala

Images compliments of Infamous Management

Keala Kennelly made her mark on the competitive surfing world when she earned the title of “Rookie of the Year” after joining the ASP World Tour in 1995. KK continued to enjoy an illustrious career spending 12 years on the tour. During those years she was a staple in the top 5 and earned her highest ranking on the WCT (runner-up to the world title) in 2003. KK is a fearless surfer who excels under the pressure of big wave surfing, growing up in Hawaii has no doubt helped. She is best known for charging and winning events in heavy conditions. “It wasn’t until the women’s tour became the “Dream Tour” adding venues in places like Tahiti, Fiji, and Honolua Bay in Maui that I was really able to shine. I won the event at Teahupoo, Tahiti 4 times, the 2000 OP Challenge ASP Specialty event in Indonesia, the Roxy Pro in Fiji and the Hawaii Triple Crown.” In the beginning of 2006 the ASP announced that it was taking the Teahupoo and Tavarua events off the schedule

permanently. This was crushing news to Keala and eventually led to her retirement from competitive surfing. “ This was my eventual reason for not returning to the tour in 2007 after requalifying. I spent a year in Hollywood playing a role on a TV show and in 2008 returned to surfing and reinvened myself as a “professional freesurfer”. Keala is one of the few fortunate women to continue with a career in surfing outside of competition. “I think I am really fortunate to be sponsored by Billabong because they stuck with me and supported me through the transition. When I stepped away from the tour a lot of people thought I was committing career suicide. I lost a bunch of my other sponsors and people kept asking me “so, what are you going to do now?” in a sympathetic tone that made me feel like they thought my life was over.” However, KK truly believed in the choices she had made and knew she would be successful. Her role in surfing now consists of going on trips and seeking out the best waves,

working with all the top surf photographers and getting shots run in all the magazines and on the web. “I have a surf trip coming up with SYRV to go do some humanitarian aid that I am really excited about and I want to do more trips that involve giving back. Along with that, I like to surf big waves and so some of my trips during the year will be chasing down XXL swells and trying to constantly push myself in bigger, heavier surf.” Before Keala made a career as a freesurfer she moved to Hollywood to star in the TV series, John in Cincinnati. Despite our preconceived ideas about the HOllywood life this was a year of hard work for Keala. “This is going to be so disappointing for you guys - I wish I could give you some E-true Hollywood type stories of me partying like a rockstar and walking the red carpet at every night club and hanging out with all your favourite stars. The truth is I was so consumed with work that I didn’t get out much. When I wasn’t on set, I was usually at home catching up on sleep or

learning lines for the next day. A typical day on set was 12-13 hours and call times could be as early as 4-5am. The actual acting was really satisfying and gave me such a great feeling of accomplishment when a scene went well. I was working with so many amazing actors like Ed O’Neill, Brian Van Holt, Austin Nichols, Louis Guzman, and Rebecca De Mornay, I really wanted to do a good job on the show and so that was the priority.” Longevity in female surfing is a hard thing to attain, yet Keala has managed to achieve just that. She has also witnessed many changes to the sport over the past 15 years. “One thing that has changed a lot is the amount of money that sponsors throw at the youth. When I was coming up you had to prove yourself, win events, and qualify for the WCT before you were offered a decent salary. These days kids are getting signed to 6 figure deals before they hit High School only based on their potential and from way early on surfers are hiring coaches, trainers, PR people and managers. Another thing that has changed a lot on the women’s side is there are a lot more women surfing and surfing very well. The women’s qualifying tour is bursting at the seams, so much so that if women don’t keep their rating up and get their entry in early they wont get into events. The WCT is loaded with talent and it is hard to qualify. Back when I was competing, when you qualified for the WCT you were promised the “Dream Tour” with more money and the waves on that tour were so much better than the waves on the WQS. Now the “Dream Tour” for the women doesn’t exist anymore. The only noticeable difference between the WQS and the WCT now is there is better prize money and more prestige surrounding the WCT. It is such a shame because the women on the WCT are absolutely ripping and deserve better quality surf to decide their World Title.”

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Courtney

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Californian surfing sensation, Courtney Conlogue, learned to surf with her family. " My dad has been surfing since he was 12 years old and taught me and my brother and sister when we were all very young. We live approximately 20 miles inland from the nearest beach but every weekend, spare time, and holiday was spent at the beach. We would drive to Mexico for surf and fishing trips with a huge group of our friends. We camped on the beach for several weeks and would surf, fish, and enjoy each other’s company. I loved those times together! I pretty much claim Huntington Beach as my local break but I spend a lot of time all over the coast of California. Because I live inland I can get to several surf spots pretty quickly by freeway. Every day I check the conditions and decide at that point where I’m going to surf." When Courtney was 14 years old she was granted the Wild Card spot in the Honolua Bay event. "That was my first and only wild card at this point in my surfing career! Billabong gave me the wild card because Silvana Lima was out on an injury. Since the contest was in December my dad took some time off work during Thanksgiving and took me to Maui to surf the spot. I had never been to Maui and loved it. It is such a beautiful island.

Let’s just say that the whole experience was very cool! I was surrounded by all the WCT athletes that I’ve looked up to and was going to surf in a heat or two with them. I ended up surfing in 3 heats. My third heat was surfing my first man on man heat which was against Layne Beachley. She was going for her 7th World Title at this event. I didn’t know what I was doing and really didn’t understand the whole idea behind a man on man heat. I loved the big waves and I know I was probably under gunned with a 6’5” for my heats but it was so cool to surf in that event." Hawaii is well known for it's big waves but that year at Honolua Bay were some of the biggest the girls had seen, however, Courtney seems to take it all in her stride. " I love big surf. I think it’s because I started surfing at a very early age and my dad took me everywhere that he surfed. If it was big or small I was out there surfing. I didn’t really think about whether it was big or small. Now I train a lot so that I’m strong enough to handle the bigger surf and a good pounding."

Since then Courtney has continued to excel and has qualified for the 2011 World Tour. "Qualifying for the WCT has been a goal of mine since I started surfing. I don't think the reality of qualifying has hit me yet. I've been training a lot and I've had great support from my family, friends, and all of my sponsors. I'm really looking forward to surfing and seeing the world on tour and I know it's going to take a lot of work to achieve my next goal. I guess just figuring it all out! It’s going to be pretty cool. I’m the only American on the WCT so that will be different. The WQS had a few of us in 2009. I’m looking forward to surfing all the new locations, the travel, and the people. I’m hoping to get on a few trips to remote locations with some incredible surf beyond the contests too." The 18-yr-old streaked blonde wonder-kid holds the 2009 US OPEN Women's Title, garnered the 2009 Gold medal at ISA World Championships in Costa Rica, and was voted the Orange County Surfer of the year in 2009 and 2010, before embarking on a year-long professional competition circuit in 2010. She also was selected as one of 5 top women athletes for Outside Magazine’s cover story “The New Goddesses of Adventure.” Although it is pretty much the dream life, there are some challenges of being a professional competitive surfer. "The fact that you don’t travel with a team makes it challenging with transportation, lodging, and equipment. The first year I’ll be getting used to all the logistics. Airports and travelling with surfboards is crazy! The fact that we travel to a lot of different time zones can be a challenge too. I just have to get into the routine quickly, stay healthy, and eat right!" When not surfing, Courtney is your typical 18 year old kid. "When I’m not surfing I enjoy painting and drawing. I took up ceramics too. I like to cross-train with MMA, fitness training, and skating at the park. While I was in Hawaii I did some SUP and prone paddling which is a lot of fun when the surf is flat." With a strong support from her sponsors including Billabong, and her family, this former Summer X Games Gold Medalist and NSSA National’s Open Women’s Champion has a very bright future in the ranks of professional surf competition.

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WORDS BY LYNNE DICKINSON IMAGES BY STEVE DICKINSON DESIGN BY REVA LITWACK

In a time when women are surfing better than ever before, we seem to once again be at a cross roads in the sport. Stephanie Gilmore has just broken yet another record to become the only surfer to have maintained her World Title for four consecutive years since the day she joined the World Tour. On top of that Tyler Wright became the youngest competitor to qualify for the World Tour at 16 years old and for the first time the girls (well some of them) got to compete at Pipeline.

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www.curl.co.nz// 41 Coco Ho, one of the fortunate few who got to surf Pipeline. Image ASP/Sestari

Yet despite the elevation of womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s surfing there still seem to be so many anomalies between the sport and its financial backing and support. Take the Triple Crown of Surfing, for example. Second only to the World Title, the Triple Crown is awarded to the surfer who attains the best results across the three Hawaiian events; Haleiwa, Sunset and Honolua (for the women) and Pipe (for the men). Earlier this year the sponsors announced that the Honolua event would not go ahead, no official reason was given, however, one could assume that due to the fact that it was a womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only event you can bet it was a financially driven decision. Without the third event for the women there would be no Triple Crown, however, the girls were offered a compromise, allowing the top four girls from the other two events to compete in a one off final at Pipe. Although not ideal the girls were happy to take the scraps offered, allowing the Triple Crown to still be contended. Roll on to mid November, and less than a week before the Sunset event, Gidget (the main sponsor) pulled out. After the suggestion that the girls compete for considerably reduced prize money was not so eagerly received Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neill stepped up to the plate and with a reduced prize purse for the Triple Crown winner the event was finally able to be held. This is not the first time that the girls have lost a high profile event. In 2007 sponsors pulled out of Cloudbreak in Fiji and

Wildcard, Tyler Wright proved she is going to be a force to be reckoned with this year.

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Malia Manuel, stoked to be surfing at Sunset

Paige Hareb

the following year, like a contagious disease, Teahupoo was pulled. Having lost two of the best breaks on tour, Honolua was considered one of the remaining challenging waves on offer. With this event now also gone, the girls rely on Sunset for their only big wave challenge. With this now in jeopardy the girls are left competing at unpredictable, sloppy shore breaks. As you can imagine, a week before the event was less than an ideal time for the girls to be told they were about to lose another event. Not only was money at stake but for many this was the final chance for them to secure their place on tour. Sitting in this precarious position is known as being on the bubble, and for the girls in particular that bubble was simply getting smaller. I know many people look on and think these girls have the ultimate life, traveling the world and surfing, however, what we all need to remember is that this is their job. It costs a lot of money to spend half the year away from home and Hawaii in particular, is very expensive. For some of the girls on tour, without sponsorship, prize money is their only income, and for some of the others their sponsorship only covers the cost of the travel and therefore the only money they make is their prize money. Sitting on the beach photographing these women, it is easy to wonder how they can get paid to just catch waves and do some turns. But put this into perspective, when you think of some of the

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Melanie Bartells paddles out at Sunset

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Bruna Schmitz tackling the power of Sunset

highest paid athletes in the world are simply being paid to hit a ball. For some of these athletes, earning millions of dollars a year, the most they have to lose is their game. For surfers they put their lives on the line every time they paddle out into the big waves of Hawaii and for a fraction of the prize money. It has been reported that world class boxers can earn over $50 million from one fight, while athletes such as Tiger Woods, along with some of the top tennis players make over $10 million a year in prize money alone. In 2006 the FIFA world cup winners shared $21 million between their team with $260 million shared between the remaining teams. Europe’s Championship League of Soccer awarded the winners a cheque for $170 million while the losing team received $60 million. Even the winner of the World Poker tournament walked away with a cool $8 million! But this is just surfing, I hear you say, and that is true. Despite the fact that we love the sport and are intensely passionate about it, it’s still considered a minority sport with limited media coverage.

However, we can compare this year’s two World Champions, Stephanie Gilmore and Kelly Slater. Taking only their prize money into account, these two surfers both won four of the events this year and both took out the World Titles, yet Stephanie’s prize purse for the year came to $79,500, while Kelly earned almost five times that bringing home $389,000 in prize money alone. However, as much as that gets my blood pumping, one of the most frustrating inequalities in the sport is the lack of opportunities for women outside of competitive surfing. At this time of the year, when some surfers are either considering retirement, renegotiating contracts or simply not requalifying, it brings into sharp focus the lack of ongoing prospects outside of the competitive surfing environment. When you take into account that the ASP administration, judges and organizers, reads like a who’s who of “once famous” male surfers, then the inequality can be seen with even more clarity. With all the year’s experience these girls have gained from

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competing on tour and representing their sponsors brand you would think that surely there would be a place for them within the organization, a way of capitalizing on the investment so to speak. However, I struggle to think of one women who has retained a position within the company they have represented when their professional competitive career has finished. Unfortunately I can think of many men who have been much more fortunate. You may think that I am being rather cynical here, but no matter how much we think we are living in an equal opportunity society, it simply isn’t true in the world of surfing. I was recently invited to an industry promotional launch and of the 45 people who attended I was the only women working in the industry represented; there were three other women, but they were all serving beer! The Sunset event did take place on the opening day of

the holding period. I can happily report that the girls got their share of the better waves on offer, with the best day’s surf divided equally between both the men and women’s event. The event was won by on fire Aussie teen Tyler Wright. Two weeks later, for the first time in history, the Vans Women’s Triple Crown of surfing culminated at Pipeline. Reigning World Champ, Stephanie Gilmore, Coco Ho, Alana Blanchard and Tyler Wright battled it out in classic Pipe conditions, with Steph taking out the title. With a sensational lineup of surfers on the 2011 World Tour you would like to think that the world would start to recognise and reward the sport with at least some form of equality. But remember, this is called the “Dream Tour” and it sure leaves me thinking that financial and employment opportunities for the girls will once again simply be part of the dream rather than the reality.

2010 Triple Crown winner, Stephanie Gilmore - Image ASP/Cestari

ad generously sponsored by

curl magazine

TSB BANK WOMEN’S SURF FESTIVAL For those of you who have not been to Taranaki it is a little off the beaten track, so to speak, however it is well worth the trip here. Not only does the area offer some fantastic surf spots, it is also scenically spectacular and has plenty to keep you amused if the surf is flat. Taranaki will once again host the TSB Bank Women’s Surf Festival, a six day festival that will feature the NZ Women’s Open, the World Championship Event, the Subaru Pro, surf clinics and more. It is a great way to see the world’s best female surfers on our home soil and enjoy the festival atmosphere. Surfing Taranaki hosted the Women’s ASP event for the first time in 2010 as the main event in the

week-long TSB Bank Women’s Surf Festival. Once again the winner of the New Zealand Women’s Open competition will gain the wild card entry into the Subaru Pro alongside the world’s top 17 women surfers. This is an incredible opportunity for Kiwi women surfers to prove themselves against the world’s best as 15-year old Sarah Mason did last year when she won the Open, and then won her ASP heat beating world-champion Stephanie Gilmore. Fitzroy Beach will once again be the home base for the 2011 TSB Bank Women’s Festival with the ability to utilise some of the many breaks around the region. Last year Fitzroy Beach proved to be an exceptional platform for an impressive final and really showcased the depth of women’s surfing. This is an event not to be missed. It falls in the second week of the NZ school holidays, from 26th April though to the 1st March so the timing could not be more perfect.

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SCHEDULE OF EVENTS (subject to changes)

See you all there! Tuesday 26th April

7:00 AM

Official Opening TSB Bank Women’s Surf Festival & New Zealand Women’s Open

Fitzroy Beach/Back Beach

8.00am

New Zealand Women’s Open

Fitzroy Beach/Back Beach

3:30pm to 5:00pm

Waitara Bar Board Riders greeting and Waka ride for international competitors

Waitara

5.30pm to 8.00pm

Powhiri Official welcome to ASP Women’s World Tour girls (VIPs and invited guests only)

Owae Marae, Waitara

wednesday 27th april

7:00 AM

New Zealand Women’s Open or Subaru Pro (ASP Women’s World Tour)

Fitzroy Beach/Back Beach

1.00pm

Signings

TBA

3:30pm

Learn to Surf with Opunake Bordriders

Opunake Beach

7:00pm

Festival Gala evening

New Plymouth

thursday 28th april

7:00 AM

New Zealand Women’s Open or Subaru Pro (ASP Women’s World Tour)

Fitzroy Beach/Back Beach

3.30pm to 5.30pm

Disabled Surfing Clinic with Sport T, Halberg Trust & NPL Surfriders Club

Fitzroy Beach

7:30pm

Special Dream Tour Screening of ‘The Last Paradise’

Arthouse Cinema

friday 29th april

7:00 AM

New Zealand Women’s Open or Subaru Pro (ASP Women’s World Tour)

Fitzroy Beach/Back Beach

3.30pm to 5.30pm

Dune Restoration at Ahu Ahu Beach with Taranaki Tree Trust, Oakura Boardriders, TRC & NPDC

Ahu Ahu Beach

7.00pm

Live Entertainment

TBA saturday 30th april

7:00 AM

New Zealand Women’s Open or Subaru Pro (ASP Women’s World Tour)

Fitzroy Beach/Back Beach

1.00pm to 5.00pm

Beach Bash with NPDC - Sandcastle Competition, Market, IRB Rides, Live Entertainment, BBQ, Dream Tour girls appearances and more...

Fitzroy Beach

7:00pm

Live Entertainment

TBA sunday 1st may

Postponement day for the Beach Bash 7:00 AM

New Zealand Women’s Open or Subaru Pro (ASP Women’s World Tour) (NB: Day may not be required)

Fitzroy Beach/Back Beach

*Surfing Taranaki and its Event Organisers reserve the right to alter the programme as necessary without notification and will endeavour to operate the Festival according to the days, dates and times as outlined, however, please note these are subject to surf conditions on any given day.

Taranaki is the home of great surf and even greater surfers. Catch them both at the TSB Bank Women’s Surf Festival and ASP Dream Tour from 25 April to 1 May. While you’re here check out some of Taranaki’s other great events and adventures. The best place in the world to live...

...or a major event.

New Plymouth was judged ‘best small city in the world’ in the 2009 Liveable Communities Award and ‘best place in New Zealand to live, work and love’ by North & South magazine.

Taranaki is New Zealand’s events capital, hosting everyone from Fleetwood Mac to the annual WOMAD festival, 18-20 March.

... catch a wave ... Taranaki’s Surf Highway 45 offers countless great surf breaks that have caught the attention of the world’s best surfers including the ASP Dream Tour.

It’s easy to live here Taranaki is just far enough away. The coolest thing about living here is that it’s really hard to avoid a great work/life balance. Spend time in the water and not in a traffic jam – if you live more than 10 minutes drive from work you’re probably living in the country.

Log on to www.taranaki.info to check out the region like no other

C7/VT164/CURL Photo: Rob Tucker

Proud Sponsors of The TSB Bank Women’s Surf Festival

We caught up with local and international surfer, Paige Hareb to find out what it is she loves so much about Taranaki. Here’s here top ten reasons to come visit! Paige’s top ten reasons to come to Taranaki this April 1. It’s a fantastic place to surf - there are at least 20 different breaks along the coast from beach breaks to point breaks. 2. You just have to come and watch the top 17 girls in the world surfing. It’s not often NZ gets to see the girls in action and we have them all here in Taranaki during the last week of April! 3. The Coastal walkway is the perfect place to go skating, biking and running. They have also just built a new bowl at the skate park off the walkway so make sure you bring your skate board. 4. Puke Ariki Museum is right on the water front in New Plymouth and a great way to see the history of Taranaki. 5. Check out the Arthouse Cinema for the week of the surf festival when they’ll be running some great surf related movies and documentaries.

Cu rl h as th re pa s se e dou ble s to g iv e a w ay c

6. If the surfs flat you can go to the Todd Energy Aquatic Centre, they have some great water slides which are loads of fun and it’s right off the Coastal walkway.

hec k out w w w.c u for mo rl.c o.n z re deta il

7. If the weather and surf are bad in New Plymouth I like to drive my new Subaru to Opunake and surf the breaks down there and hang out a Sugar Juice, a great cafe. 8. To go dam dropping in Patea, a homegrown adventure where you slide down a seven-metre spillway on specially designed boards, awesome! 9. In the winter one of the best things to do is ski and surf in the same day. Taranaki is one of the few places in the world where you can do that! 10. And for the best car deals in town make sure you check out Hareb-Deken Motors owned by two cruisy guys (yes one is my dad) they’ll fix you up with the best 4WD cars for surfing!

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Other things to check out while you are in Taranaki... If you are looking for places to stay then Taranaki has something for every budget. For those wishing to camp you can’t go past the TOP 10 Holiday Park - they even have spa pools and a sauna for soaking in after a day at the beach. For those wishing to stay closer to the event site check out Fitzroy Beach Motel on Beach Street. When hunger strikes visit the Piccolo Morso cafe and bakery in Fitzroy. They make the best chocolate cake around along with great coffee, pizza and pastries. In Taranaki you’ll find the most surf shops per capita in the country, just another way to show that surfing is in the blood of those from the Naki. Check out Beach Street at Fitzroy Beach and Cheapskates in New Plymouth for some great shopping. After a day shopping you’ll be in need of a drink so make sure you call into Crowded House Bar - the owner is passionate about surfing and it’s a great place to grab your friends and go for a drink or a meal at the end of the day. Curl would like to personally thank all the sponsors who have helped to bring the Taranaki Women’s Surf Festival to life. Also sincere thanks to; the Tananaki community and the Taranaki surfers who will graciously share their waves and Surfing Taranaki plus its five affiliated Boardriders Clubs for their vision, determination, and support for the festival (Waitara Bar Boardriders Club, New Plymouth Surfriders Club, Oakura Boardriders Club, Opunake Boardriders Club, and Christian Surfers Taranaki.).

WORDS LYNNE DICKINSON IMAGES STEVE DICKINSON DESIGN REVA LITWACK

There would not be a surfer girl on the planet who did not watch the Hollywood movie, Blue Crush. This 2002 movie, which featured Kate Bosworth, Michelle Rodriguez and Sanoe Lake saw women’s surfing thrust into the spotlight and as a result the sport experienced a surge in popularity. Set on the North Shore of Hawaii, the Hollywood blockbuster mixed up the stars of the big screen with some of the biggest surfing stars of the time. Big wave surfer, Keala Kennely featured as herself, along with Kate Skarratt, Layne Beachley, amonst others. Behind the scenes, Rochelle Ballard and Megan Abubo played the stunt doubles for Kate Bosworth and Michelle Rodriguez. As much as the Hollywood movie gained huge publicity, what many people were unaware of was that there was also a surfing documentary called Blue Crush. Featuring some of the same surfers as appeared in the Hollywood blockbuster, this movie was an all girls surfer’s movie about real surfers. This globetrotting movie follows the girls around the world to some of the sports most prominent locations. The original Blue Crush movie included surfers, Rochelle Ballard, Megan Abubo, Sanoe Lake, Keala Kennelly, Serena Brooke and Lisa Anderson, to name a few and it was from here that the Hollywood movie took it’s name. Fast forward to 2010 and on the beaches of South Africa the long awaited sequel to Blue Crush was finally made. The movie is based on a young surfer girl’s journey to fulfil her late mother’s dream of surfing Jeffery’s Bay. Filmed along the beautiful coastline of South Africa the film features many world class surfers from the Roxy team, including Sally Fitzgibbons, Laura Enever and Rosy Hodge. Also featuring in the movie are some of the top men in the world, including Taj Burrows and Jordy Smith. The movie is due to be released sometime this year. We caught up with some of the stars of the original Blue Crush movies... Stay tuned for our catch up with the stars of the latest Blue Crush 2, later this year...

Keala Kennelly is a member of the Billabong team and is still living the beautiful life. Keala is one of the few girls who have managed to find a sustainable career in the sport of surfing and her long history in the sport speaks volumes. We caught up with iconic KK on the shores of her home town of Hawaii... You have been one of the few fortunate women to continue with a career in surfing outside of competition. Can you tell us a little about your role and lifestyle now? I think I am really fortunate to be sponsored by Billabong because they stuck with me and supported me through the transition. When I stepped away from the tour a lot of people thought I was committing career suicide. I lost a bunch of my other sponsors and people kept asking me “so, what are you going to do now?” in a sympathetic tone that made me feel like they thought my life was over. Fortunately, I believed in what I was doing and knew I could be successful with it. So, my role in surfing now consists of going on trips and seeking out the best waves, working with all the top surf photographers and getting shots run in all the magazines and on the web. I have a surf trip coming up with SYRV to go do some humanitarian aid that I am really excited about and I want to do more trips that involve giving back. Along with that, I like to surf big waves and so some of my trips during the year will be chasing down XXL swells and trying to constantly push myself in bigger, heavier surf. You were part of the original Blue Crush documentary - can you tell us a bit about your role in that movie? Wow.... That feels like such a long time ago. That was a time when women’s surfing was really starting to grow. Bill Ballard (who was married to Rochelle at the time) had made a lot of successful men’s surf videos and had decided to make the first all-women’s surf video. We went on a surf trip to Samoa. I believe it was Megan Abubo, Serena Brooke, Rochelle Ballard, Layne Beachley and myself. We followed that up with filming in Hawaii and a few other spots around the world (including a nice section with Lisa Anderson in Cabo). Bill cut it together and the rest is “herstory.” As far as my role in the film, well at the time I was the youngest one and was already trying to distinguish myself as a hard-charger, so I guess that is where I was trying to fit in.

You also had a role in the Hollywood movie, can you tell us a bit about that experience? Who you played, what it was like etc? The Hollywood “Blue Crush” was awesome! Talk about a dream job. I played myself and got paid to surf Pipeline every day and guys like Kala Alexander got paid to make sure I got waves out there. Then I would come in and somebody would be waiting on the beach with a warm, dry, fluffy towel and there would be a huge spread of food. I was like, “pinch me, I must be dreaming!” What was the effect of the Hollywood movie on the mainstream public and how did that effect the core surfer girl? It was crazy. That movie was responsible for what I think was the biggest boom in women’s surfing. All of a sudden you saw so many more women in the water and in the advertising. Women’s clothing lines and women’s surf magazines seemed to pop up overnight. Core surfers saw salary increases and photo incentive bonuses. It was great for women’s surfing. People talk about surfing growing in leaps and bounds over the past few years. What do you see as the biggest advances in surfing recently? Recently, I would say the learning curve. Groms are ripping at such a young age and I think technological advances have a lot to do with this. Surfers in the generation before the explosion of the internet used to have to wait for the surf magazines to hit news stands to see and be inspired by images of surfing. Or they would have to wait for the release of new surf videos. Now surfers have access to websites 24/7 where they can look at images, watch and rewatch video clips. It is producing surfers who are advancing the level at a very fast rate. Also, there is a lot more money in the sport now so professional surfing has become a legitimate career path for young people and parents are being supportive and pushing their kids towards pro surfing instead of away from it.

You’ll still find Hawaiian surfer, Rochelle Ballard surfing on the North Shore of Hawaii. Star of both the original movies she now runs a Yoga and Surf Retreat at the her home in Sunset Beach.

Can you give us a little background on your surfing career? I had one of the longest careers in surfing, experienced the biggest changes to the sport and industry, experienced travelling to country’s when it was not as easy for travellers, with laughter, tears, victory, and loss. I went from making money giving massages to the surfers to pay my for my travels, to making great money and helping build the women’s Jnr line at O’Neill. We used to surf shity beach breaks with small prize money, to surfing Teahopuu and Tavarua. I went from never seeing many girls out in the line up or video’s to watch, to women out every time I surf. You retired from professional surfing at the end of 2008, what have you have been doing since you retired? I have made a yoga DVD with yoga sequences and surfing with John Roderick, pro Snowboarder, Chanelle Sladics, and my brother Hoku Gordines. It has transformed my life and vision into the healing arts and wellness, doing body work, yoga classes and creating a surfing wellness retreat estate at Sunset Beach on the North Shore. Now I surf for fun, shoot photos and interviews when requested, enjoy walks on the beach with my awesome dog Coal and spend more time with friends, family and in my community learning about sustainability, wellness, and the culture and history of the spirit of living and loving. I have been working with Keep A Breast and did a trip to Oz with a campaign that Cindy Santini, Leah Dawson, and I came up with. We also have ten retreats set up for the year, you can find more information about them and The North Shore Wellness Retreat at www. surfintoyoga.com You were part of the original Blue Crush documentary - can you tell us a bit about your role in that movie? Bill Ballard, my ex-husband and I were very passionate about the growth and exposure of women surfing. He had just started filming a couple of years prior making a couple successful DVD. People seemed

to be stoked to see me surfing in them and we wanted to share that with more women surfers that we were inspired by and really appreciated their surfing and character’s. We all had a big part in creating the locations, idea’s and imagery. Bill is very creative and a follow through kind of guy, so he really put his heart into it. We express our passion and love for the ocean in interviews and travelled to some remote locations at the time and documented some contests. The vibe of it was the crush on surfing, the power and beauty of the ocean and the grace and new performance level of women’s surfing. We had a star cast with Lisa, Layne, Keala, Serena, Megan, Sofia, Prue, Kate, Paulene, and others. We made sure we gave honour to Rell, Margo, Pam, and the legends before us. For us it was like the Taylor Steele crew of high performance star cast for the men, but with a female touch of grace and beauty and our crush on surfing Where did the name of the movie “Blue Crush” come from? We came up with it in Samoa I believe, we were trying to find a way to express our love for the ocean and Prue came out with Blue Crush. A year or so later, Hollywood bought the rights to the name and used it for a big screen Hollywood movie. You also had a role in the Hollywood movie, can you tell us a bit about that experience? Who you played, what it was like etc? It was a wild experience. A big film on surfing hadn’t been done in a while, but John and Brian used the best water patrol crew for us with Brian K, Kai Borg, Brock n the boys. Megs, Keala, Kate, and I learned alot from them. Megs and I learned to drive the jetski from the best and in big waves. Keala, Kate, and I learned to surf Pipeline. That was wild, I hadn’t made a big drop into a barrel until shooting the movie. I caught the biggest wave of my life that Megan towed me into, and had the biggest wipe out of my life. Had to get medivaced after a collision scene that actually happened. We played ourselves in the Pipe comp scene as well. Lots of good money, great experience, and we went to Hollywood and did the red carpet for a minute, only it was blue... What affect did the Hollywood version have on the mainstream public and how did that effect the core surfer girl? It was huge for surfing period. I believe it drove the entire industry to another level as well as the tourists and scene on the North Shore. Seems like the core surfer girl’s were inspired to surf bigger waves and barrels. I saw more girls attempting Pipe.

People talk about surfing growing in leaps and bounds over the past few years. What do you see as the biggest advances in surfing recently? Technique and competitive surfing skills. It’s inevitable for the growth in sport and technique. The equipment is better, the coaching focus has helped the girls competitive game. It’s awesome to watch and surf with them. How has the whole surf scene changed since you were competitively surfing? It’s a lot more about the industry, marketing, and sport. More about shooting, filming, and getting add work and media done under the sun than just going for a surf with your mates. When I started it was more hard core, roots, the good old boys, we didn’t have women’s surf clothes

or good bikinis to surf in, boards were too wide ‘n big, especially for my size. I was riding a 6’0” the first couple of years on tour and no one told me to get on a smaller board including my shaper. As I started to work with JC and then Al Merrick, my boards improved heaps and so did my surfing. Equipment has a lot to do with it. Anything else you’d like to add? Surfing is an amazing way of living. The ocean will always be my first office. It brings an energy into me that nothing else can compare. It’s the well of youth. Now I feel the most important thing is keeping it that way with what we put in our bodies, down the drains, in the fields, and in our homes. We do make a difference. If you are passionate about the ocean and how beautiful and free it is, make sure you do your part to keep it that way.

Hawaiian surfer, Megan Abubo, spent the past fifteen years as a professional competitive surfer and stared in both the Blue Crush documentary as well as the Blue Crush Hollywood movie... Can you give us a little background on your surfing career? Oh wow long one, Pro surfer from 1995-2009, ASP Rookie of the Year, Most Improved, Best newcomer to tour, World Runner Up 2000. Seven World Tour Victories and the Triple Crown of Surfing 2007. Surfer Poll top five finisher for 5 years straight, Watermans ball surfer of the year 2000. What have you have been doing since you retired from professional competitive surfing? I have recently started school to enter the Emergency Medical Services program and part time coaching. Funds are tight so I am trying to get another side job. I have since rented out my house and tried to get a job within the surfing industry but not too lucky. So I am starting my own surf coaching business at www.meganabubo.com You were part of the Blue Crush movie - can you tell us a bit about your role in that movie? I worked for 3 months straight as “Eden’s “ or Michelle Rodriguez’s stunt double. I towed into 20 foot waves, surfed big waves myself, swam in big waves, and did under water rock running. Basically I did everything Michelle couldn’t do because she was acting or inexperienced for the water stuff.

What was the effect of the Hollywood movie on the mainstream public and how did that effect the core surfer girl? I don’t think it affected the core surfer girl at all, it did affect the population of female surfers in the lineup but the core core girl will always be core and surf for herself not others. People talk about surfing growing in leaps and bounds over the past few years. What do you see as the biggest advances in surfing recently? I see surfing going above the lip much more. The fundamentals of surfing are much different now and I also see the competitive aspect of it much more serious in women’s surfing. How has the whole surf scene changed since you were competitively surfing? Well I only finished last year, so I would say it’s younger? Haha. But it’s still a group of determined, inspirational women trying to win. I think there are more dollar bills at the individual women now yet less money at more events.

Serena Brooke has also been fortunate to continue surfing for a career outside of competing. Staring in the initial Blue Crush Serena shares her take on surfing today... Can you give us a little background on your surfing career? I started the ASP tour in 1995, got Rookie of the Year and continued doing it until 2009, I finished 2nd in the world twice in ‘98 and ‘99 and had a great time doing contests for 15 years on the WCT, but was ready to transition out of competing when I did. You have been quite fortunate to be able to still surf for a living without having to compete, can you tell us a bit about your lifestyle these days? Yes I am fortunate to still surf for a living, my sponsors get to use me more and I get more exposure now than when I was doing the contests, I think you save a lot of money not being on the tour as the travel is all over the place and really expenVip to Indonesia, then a trip to California for Promos at Huntington Beach, then a free surf trip to Nicaragua, followed by a trip to Virginia beach with Bud Light then headed home for a month and got ready for Hawaii. It’s been really busy, I shot photos and did promos in Hawaii then flew to the Bahamas to go on a cruise with Bud Light, flew back to Hawaii for 2 days to do a charity golf tournament with Bud Light Lime then got back on the plane to LA and went and shot a super bowl commercial in Malibu for Bud Light Lime, so yes it’s been a lot of fun. I really enjoy not being bound to a contest schedule any longer and I feel like I get to surf way better waves now that I am off the WCT. You were part of the original Blue Crush documentary - can you tell us a bit about your role in that movie, what it was like, the people and places you travelled to etc? Yes, I remember actually sitting in the room with KK, Bill Ballard, Rochelle, Megan etc brainstorming that name and we were all like yeah Blue Crush! Little did we know where that movie would eventually end up in Hollywood. I was quite young when we filmed the original documentary, a lot of it was filmed in Hawaii, Africa, Europe and on the Gold Coast. It was a lot of fun to be a part of for sure, girls surfing was totally booming at that point! What was the effect of the Hollywood movie on the mainstream public and how did that effect the core surfer girl? I think it was a positive thing having the Hollywood movie, it just brought more mainstream awareness to

surfing in general. It was all of a sudden very hip and trendy to be a surfer at that point. What were your thoughts about the Hollywood movie? Did you have a role in this? Some of the scenes were laughable as in any Hollywood movie but for the most party I enjoyed the movie, I was meant to double for the lead girl and had discussions with the producers about it, but we had to stay in Hawaii for an extra 3 months and film and I had been gone all year, so I opted out of it and went home for some down time. People talk about surfing growing in leaps and bounds over the past few years. What do you see as the biggest advances in surfing recently? I think the women’s level has grown in leaps and bounds and is the biggest advances recently.... but the tour has gone backwards, the waves we used to surf for a world title were, Jeffery’s bay, Teahupoo Tahiti, Cloudbreak in Fiji, Japan, Honolua Bay, and 3 WCT events in Europe. Now all of these quality events have been taken away and replaced with average waves mostly beach breaks. I feel lucky to have done the tour when I did but I feel bad for the girls just starting out now that don’t get the opportunity to surf these amazing quality waves especially with how high the level is now. The girls should be showcasing their stuff in quality waves. How has the whole surf scene changed since you were competitively surfing? It has changed so much, when I first started the tour in 1995 there was no women’s board shorts yet, we had to wear men’s if we wanted to wear them, everything was different. It hit a boom in the 1990’s now it has had the recession and a lot of changes happen. I don’t even understand how the tour works any more with the one world ranking system. It’s been fun to be a part of but I am very happy to have transitioned out of that part of competing it’s so much more stress free and fun to free surf. Final thoughts? Have fun and be happy, life is to short to live it for anybody but yourself, :]

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The Low Down on SUP by Annabel Anderson

Annabel Anderson is an elite female stand up paddle boarder who has a distinguished background of sporting achievements in the international arena across multiple sporting disciplines. The Sensation of SUP has well and truly landed in Aotearoa this summer and we’ve asked one of the best in the business, international Kiwi SUP star Annabel Anderson to give us some pointers on how to get out there and start ‘doing it standing up’. As well as being one of the most fun ways to get out on the water, once you have mastered the basics (you’ll do this in a couple of sessions) you’ll start to experience the incredible workout that paddling gives you. You’ll be using your legs to balance, your core to stabilise and your arms and back to power your stroke. It’s the ultimate out of gym training activity and true all body conditioning.

SUP EXPLAINED • Paddle surfing: Want to ride waves but haven’t quite mastered the short board, or want to have some fun on the smaller days? Paddle surfing is the one for you. Because you are already standing up, you will be catching waves in no time. Having a paddle helps you to maintain your balance when you are on the wave. You’ll have as much fun playing on the small ones as you will on bigger days. Just remember the etiquette of the line up, wait your turn and don’t poach too many waves if you are sharing the break.

• Flat water: This is the easiest and best way to get out and start experiencing the wonders of stand up paddling. Find a calm, sheltered area of flat water, jump on your board and start paddling. • Downwinders: Riding big swells of channels such as the Molokai channel in Hawaii is something that has been going on for centuries. Riding these swells on a stand up paddle board is truly exhilarating. There’s plenty of great places to do this in New Zealand and Auckland to Waiheke or Tiri Tiri Matangi

to Takapuna are a couple of my favourites. Always be conscious of the wind & tide, never go alone and take a support craft if you can. • Racing: SUP racing is taking off around the world and is attracting athletes and weekend warriors from many different sporting backgrounds to take up this new challenge. Racing formats include sprint racing, distance racing, mutli-lap races through the surf, ocean crossings and this year the Europeans have even introduced indoor racing in giant swimming pools.

Annabel’s Top 5 for success & fun on the water 1. Safety first - always check the weather and conditions before heading out. If you are paddling on the sea make sure you know what the tide is doing, which way the wind is blowing and if there is a current – which way it is flowing. It will help you avoid ending up somewhere you didn’t plan to be! 2. 3.

Strap on a leash – if you do happen to end up in the water, you will never be far from your board

Here’s a few of Annabel’s top tips for getting into SUP this summer You’ve taken the plunge and want to give SUP a go this summer –

Slap on some suncream. Slip, slop, slap – we all know how harsh the Kiwi sun can be even

on a cloudy day and it will help prevent any windburn.

Hit the water with a group of friends – it’s always more fun when you experience things together, and SUP is a great way to do this.

5. Like any sport, warm up, cool down and stretch, you’ll be surprised how many muscles you will feel after your first few sessions.

EVENTS • Starboard Summer Series Jan – April 2011 Hyundai Auckland City Series Race 2, Sat 26 February Hyundai Auckland City Series Race 3, Sat 19 March Hyundai NZ SUP Championships, 16-17 April For more info visit: www.starboard.co.nz • Hyundai Pro Longboard Tour 2011 Starboard SUP Surf Race, 4-5 March Port Waikato (Finals) For more info visit: www.surf.co.nz/hyundai • State Beach Series Every Tuesday until 29 March 3.5km SUP Race and SUP Demos from 4.30pm For more info visit: www.beachseries.co.nz • Whangamata Beach Hop 2011 SUP Clinic and Contest – 26-27 March

Find out more information about paddle boarding in NZ this summer • Boards: www.supsnz.com www.star-board-sup.com • Board Hire: www.fergskayaks.co.nz www.kitesurfsauckland.co.nz • Racing: www.supsnz.com www.beachseries.co.nz www.surfnz.co.nz • International SUP Retreats, Camps & Racing Clinics: www.annabelanderson.com

Here’s how:

SUPNZ run demo days around most of the beaches in the upper North Island over the summer. Check out their website & Facebook page for where they will be www. supsnz.com The State Beach Series has racing every Tuesday night at Takapuna Beach in Auckland during the summer and you can try out demo boards beforehand www.beachseries. co.nz

Look up your local surf shop or water sports hire centre – odds are on they will have a board and a paddle for you to take out

3 4

If you know anyone with a board, beg, steal or borrow it and convince them to take you out! www.curl.co.nz// 61

curl.co.nz music|movies|art|and more

We would like to thank all of you who have sent in submissions to CURL. Unfortunately we cannot fit everything into the magazine, so check out www.curl.co.nz to see more stories, interviews, giveaways and more...

Cape to Cape

In the Spring issue of Curl last year we ran a story on the Cape to Cape Escape, following four girls as they checked out the surf of Western Australia. We would like to acknowledge the work of photographer, Matt Cooper, who took the great images from the trip. Matt Cooper|Photographer|loaded BARREL PO Box 739, Scarborough WA 6922 Mob 0431 753 875 | Web www.loadedbarrel.com.au

Ghetto Blasters

Make sure you check out this on our website. A couple of girls from Victoria, Australia got together and made a skate movie. These guys all longboard and surf. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XS-Q9PruTbI

Keala Kennelly making good happen! Image compliments of Infamous Management. This March pro surfer Keala Kennelly will travel to Nicaragua to volunteer with the nonprofit organization, SYRV [makegoodhappen]. While in Central America Kennelly will dedicate her time to providing Clean Water for a Village in Nicaragua, interacting with the community through surf lessons and much more. “I look forward to trips like this because you get to change people’s lives for the better and that is really satisfying” To find out what you can do to help check out the website www.makegoodhappen.org and www.syrv.org for more information

Paige carves up with Subaru

Paige Hareb, New Zealand’s Pro-Surfer joins forces with Subaru of New Zealand. Subaru of New Zealand has recognised the talent in this spirited 20 year-old and has stepped in as a supporter. “Paige’s many successes and her competitive drive fits in well with the Subaru brand essence of ‘Confidence in Motion’, ” says Wallis Dumper, Managing Director Subaru of New Zealand. Hareb now drives an All Wheel Drive Subaru Impreza XV, a crossover vehicle that combines the capabilities of an SUV with the feel and handling of a sports hatch. Providing higher ground clearance, enhanced suspension, and the unique low-centre-of-gravity Boxer engine.

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Documentary film “First Love” pres. by Rip Curl takes gold at X-Dance Film Festival

“First Love”, the debut film by three young Australian women has won the Best International Documentary award at the 2011 X-Dance Action Sports Film Festival in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. Congratulations to the three enthusiastic Victorian filmmakers – Claire Gorman, Clare Plueckhahn and Fran Derham. Gorman received another accolade at X-Dance, taking out the Emerging Filmmaker award. Check it out at a cinema near you.

SOUL SURFER

The inspiring true story of teen surfer Bethany Hamilton, who lost her arm in a shark attack and courageously overcame all odds to become a champion again, through her sheer determination and unwavering faith has now been made into a feature film. Due for release on April 8th the film features an all-star cast, including AnnaSophia Robb and Helen Hunt, with Carrie Underwood in her film debut, and Dennis Quaid

Brian Hilton RA Surf Show By Sarah Beardmore

Happy to just help out behind the scenes, Jess Grimwood came through to steal the spotlight with a win in the final of the Brian Hilton RA Girls Surf Show. The event was held at Copacabana Beach on the Central Coast of Australia over the weekend of the 15th and 16th of January 2011. Organiser’s Rebecca Woods and Amee Donohoe had to convince the 22 year old Grimwood to compete in the event in which she managed to take out the highly competitive field of international surfers in the Open Pro division. “I wasn’t thinking about competing - I was just happy to help out with odd jobs” she said. “So I was pretty shocked. It was very cool!” In a close and hotly contested final, Grimwood defeated Dimity Stoyle of the Sunshine Coast, followed by Laurina McGrath and Kim Wooldridge who finished third and fourth respectively. Grimwood was generous enough to donate her $1500 winner’s cheque to the Queensland flood appeal. “It was a very touching moment and amazing thing for her to do” Donohoe said... Go to curl.co.nz to finish reading this story

Board Bog - Must have for all surfers...

Board bog is a revolutionary new board repair product that is completely unique in that is the only temporary repair product that will fix any type of board for any water sports use. It is a flexible patch that is designed to temporarily seal any ding and can be left on for as long as required. It will never leak or come off until intentionally removed. It differentiates from any of the other repair products by having no curing/ drying time and no need to sand the product. After application, just smooth it with your finger and get back in the water. • A quick fix for both polyester and epoxy board (Surfboards, SUP’s, kite boards, wake boards, sail boards) • An easy to use temporary or permanent fix • Pulls off with minimal residue if you want the professional fix • Super sticky so it will stay on in any conditions • Travel Safe so you can take it on any surf trip • Totally frictionless when wet • No sanding or drying time, as soon as you finish applying it you can surf it • Specially formulated to never completely harden for easy removal Fax or email orders to.. Komaiindustries@yahoo.com or 64 9 424 8370 www.boardbog.com

Great Barrier Island Trip Winner

Curl would like to congratulate Anthia Abnaki of Taranaki - winner of the Great Barrier Island Giveaway from Issue 27. We look forward to reading all about her trip in an upcoming issue!

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SURFING NEW ZEALAND

New from Spot X this surf guide offers a detailed look at over 300 surf spots around the country. It provides topographic maps, best wind, tide and season, surf quality and experience guides. A handy book to have with you when planning your next surf trip.

THE LONG ROAD AHEAD More than 15,000 people were displaced by the Mentawai tsunami last October. Some lost everything - homes, family members and friends. Many are still living in temporary shelter up on the hills, in fear of another tsunami. SurfAid is working hand-in-hand with the communities to help rebuild their lives and give them confidence to face the future. Together, we are in for the long haul. Please join with us to help the Mentawai people. To take action visit our website. Photography by Michael Lawrence/SurfAid

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www.curl.co.nz// 69

NAT.ural woman REBECCA WOODS Australian professional surfer, Rebecca Woods has been on the World Tour of Surfing since 2006. As a professional surfer she spends most of her life under the harsh natural elements. Continual exposure to the sun, surf and wind can be damaging to the skin and is a known cause of premature aging. Rebecca began using NAT. restore range of skin care, designed particularly for sensitive skin and began to notice the effects almost instantly. We caught up with Rebecca in Hawaii to see what it is about her lifestyle that requires her to take extra care of her skin.

You are a professional surfer and spend lots of time in the water and sun. What effect does this have on your skin and how important is it to care for your skin? I find the salt water is amazing for my skin, I feel cleansed and refreshed after being in the ocean but generally the salt in the ocean dries my skin out a lot once I am on land. This combined with the harsh rays of the sun especially in Australia and wind can provide for dry and sunburnt skin, uneven complexion and premature aging. The amount of time I spend in the sun is a concern because who wants to look 60 years old when they are 30! This is why caring for the skin is so important. Since I was twenty I started a daily regime to cleanse tone and moisturise, with the moisturise being the most important part to give my skin as much chance as possible to recover from the elements I expose it to. I have used every type of moisturiser under the sun but to have a great moisturiser without all the harsh chemicals is a double bonus and this is what NAT is supplying. How many hours a day would you spend in the water? For me this depends on how warm the water is. At least everyday no matter how cold it is one hour and a half and then in warmer climates up to eight hours because I love it and wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get out! You are a role model yourself to many young girls, who is your role model and what is it that you admire in them? People who change the world for the better Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Ghandi. I also look up to

genuine people who are not scared to be themselves. Sandra Bullock, Michelle Rodrigues, Steph Gilmore, Mick Fanning, Lilly Allen. As well as my family my parents brought up 4 girls one with a disability and came out the other side and taught me good values along the way. Tiger Woods as he may not be the best person but he has a good last name. When taking care of your skin what is the most important thing for you? For me I use all types of sunscreens and zincs so cleansing my skin is very important. I take time to cleanse and tone properly and find when I do this I have to take a lot of time to moisturise. Now my skin is a little more â&#x20AC;&#x153;matureâ&#x20AC;? I can use restoring moisturisers and it makes my skin feel amazing after a day of dehydration from the sun. How does the idea of a natural plant based skin care product appeal to you over regular skin care products? For me I have used everything I could get my hands on from a young age, the older I get the more aware of how damaging chemicals can be for the body and person as a whole. It seems every news report I see is how certain chemicals cause cancer, and to not eat this food or that because it is carcinogenic. My sister who (is a mad scientist) got the brains of the family has been telling me this for years, but only now I have grown out of my stubborn youth and realise you really are what you eat and this goes for anything you put in or on your body. The more natural, organic and unprocessed anything in this world the better it is for your body and the environment.

ook on Faceb Like NAT. /NAT. ebook.com ef=ts r www.fac ls? essentia skinbody o win 6 months t and be in his beautiful t of y l pp su an email send us so l A . e g and let ran MAIL.COM s so G @ CURL to ail your det ucky us know he l ontact t we can c winner!

“ I can honestly say that every NAT. product I have tried has actually achieved what it states and sets out to achieve. The consistency and texture of the moisturisers is perfect but what I like most is the scents of each product. Smell is a big thing for me with skin care products and NAT smells amazing.” NAT.ural Woman - Rebecca Woods

NAT.

Face Restore Serum This is one Rebecca’s favourite NAT. products. The face restore serum contains rose pure essential oil for healthy cell renewal and nourishment of sensitive and fragile skin. Promotes healthy cell renewal and provides balancing, relaxing, and comforting benefits for a more refined skin. The NAT.FACE restore range contains a light weight formula of plant essences and herbal extracts of calendula, sweet woodruff and chamomile, olive and oat extracts that repairs damaged tissues and promotes the regeneration of skin cells. NAT.FACE restore provides specific care and nourishment for skin which is sensitive and fragile. The gentle and soothing action of restore is noticeable after only a few days of usage on skin that is easily irritated. Regular use of restore will result to complexion that looks and feels calm, soft and smooth. The new NAT. natural skin and body essentials is a range exclusive to salons, spas and beauty therapists and specially formulated to revitalise and balance a person’s beauty and well being. Their stringent manufacturing process ensures the integrity, consistency and quality of their products. To find your nearest stockist visit... www.natskinbody.com/stockists

What is it that you have enjoyed most about using NAT? I can honestly say that every NAT product I have tried has actually achieved what it states and sets out to achieve. The consistency and texture of the moisturisers is perfect but what I like most is the scents of each product. Smell is a big thing for me with skin care products and NAT smells amazing. How does your skin/body feel after using the product? Sometimes if I am in a mad rush I only have time to cleanse and moisturise and even if I only do this my skin feels replenished and refreshed and nourished and I believe this is saying something. What is your favourite NAT product and why? Nothing is better than NAT FACE restore serum for anyone who goes in the sun or enjoys the beach, it is amazing! I put this on and follow it with moisturise cream at night and my skin feels great in the morning. NAT. restore range is the perfect natural solution for your skin type. Can you tell us any visible results you have noticed since using NAT. restore? I was surprised myself to notice differences in my skin beginning with elasticity. My skin feels more supple and there are no dry patches which usually occur when I get out of the water and use other products. The skin on my face looks more vibrant, especially around my eyes. I think the natural combination of the sweet almond oil, vitamin E and rose absolute oil is the perfect combination to restore skin exposed to environments thrown at everyday active women such as myself, now I understand why it is called “Restore serum”!

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Skin Radiessence Invisible Finish Foundation with SPF 30 - NZ $49.90 www.radiessence.com

Skin Great 30+ Sportsbloc 130ml - NZ$52 AUD$39 A rich, water resistant SPF 30+ sunscreen ideal for water sports Sunguard 30+ Foundation - NZ$61 AUD$46 A flawless foundation with a broad spectrum sunscreen, that is also perfect for concealing skin imperfections Call 0800 106 096 for product info and stockist in your area

Lips Australis lip balm $11.90 A buttery lip balm that melts on the lips and treats, moisturises and nourishes even the driest of lips. The Vitamin E and Aloe Vera are deeply moisturising, leaving the lips smooth, supple and soft. The lightly tinted butter gives lips a hint of colour and soft shine. 5 Shades. Available at Farmers, K Mart, Radius and other selected pharmacies. www.australiscosmetics.com.au

y t u a e B Lips

Blistex Intensive Repair - $8.95 Blistex Intensive Repair is a relief product that treats and heals lips that have suffered from chafing, chapping and moisture loss. The cooling effect of the product provides instant relief with a tingling sensation you can really feel working to moisturise and repair lips that have been subject to the elements.Available at all leading retailers. www.blistex.com.au

Sun Cooling Gel $16.90 Sunscreen SPF 30 Tube $13.90 After Sun Soothing Body Lotion $15.90 www.lesfloralies.co.nz

Fragrance Skin

Natural Glow Body Shimmer Puff- NZ $38.00 www.naturalglow.co.nz

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NEW GORILLA PERFUMES AT LUSH! Win a selection of gorgeous solid perfumes from Lushâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new fragrance line â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Gorilla Perfumes. The pack includes one of each new solid perfume: Lust, Karma, Orange Blossom, Imogene Rose, Tuca Tuca, Vanillary and the 5-star rated Breath of God. www.lushnz.com

Skin NAT.FACE restore serum, 15 ml - AUD$ 33/ NZ$ 33 NAT. stockists: http://www.natskinbody.com/ retailstockists

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Skin Designer Brands Multi-tone Bronzer, RRP $13.99 www.dbcosmetics.co.nz

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BEAUTY AND THE BEACH PRO SURFER INTERVIEW : PAIGE HAREB with Alison Brewer, Ella BACHÉ NZ

Check out pro surfer, Paige Hareb’s tips on how to keep your skin and hair healthy when she met Alison Brewer of Emphasis Beauty, distributors of Ella Baché in New Zealand. What do you love most about surfing? I love that every wave is different, every surf is different and so you’re never ever going to get the same wave. You’re never going to get bored with surfing! :) Who is your favourite female surfer and why? Chelsea Hedges because she was world champion and is one of the only goofy footers on tour like me. I love her style in and out of the water. The surfing lifestyle means being exposed to three of the earth’s extreme elements: wind, sun and surf. What elements would you say have the biggest effect on your skin? All three can be pretty harsh on your skin, but I would say the sun and salt water are the worst, as I can be exposed to them for a few hours during each surf and it really can take the life out of your skin. Describe your regular beauty regime. Do you have a top beauty secret? I like to use face wipes in the morning and at night, with a bit of moisturiser in the morning, depending on how oily my skin is feeling/looking. I also like to use a pore cleaning facial cleanser in the shower. I try and keep it pretty simple. I guess my beauty secret is to drink loads of water everyday. Girls pay a lot of money to get their hair to be “Paige Hareb beach blonde”. Is there anything you do to keep your lovely locks looking so healthy? Yeah I’m pretty lucky, I was born with a bunch of black hair and it gradually turned blonde with living by the sea most of my life! I’m proud to say that I have never ever dyed it or put anything in it... Sometimes I put some kind of ‘split ends’ product in the ends to keep them healthy, but I have just discovered this Moroccan Oil which makes your hair super shiny and nice - it’s amazing and smells so good. Is it hard being a female in what is considered to be a male dominated sport with the added pressure of maintaining your “girliness”? How do you approach it? I guess people could look at it as being hard and it is quite an image thing when it comes to getting sponsors etc. Everyone wants the “Beach Bombshell”. I just focus on being myself which is most important. What do you do to pamper yourself in between chasing waves around the world? I love massages! I really need them and it helps with my surfing too. With so many products on the market, how do you select the skincare products you use? A lot of it has been word and mouth, for instance all the Australian surfers told me about Ella Baché Sunguard 30+ Foundation and said it was amazing because it is a 30+ block and foundation with full coverage, is easy to apply and feels great on. Do you wear sunscreen everyday? What brand of sunscreen do you prefer and why? I try and wear sunscreen everyday! Trust me - I have been through a lot of brands and tubes of sunscreen and, to be honest, I really think Ella Baché has the best sunblock and foundation in one. I don’t get a white shiny face, it stays on and looks really natural. What are your feelings regarding young girls (and people in general) going out to bake in the sun without sun protection given today’s melanoma skin cancer statistics? Everyone can make their own mind up on how they want to look after their body and live their life. I admit I have been out in the sun many times without protection which I don’t recommend as I’m only 20 and already getting wrinkles!! I’d like to think that I’m pretty sensible about protecting my skin now and I choose to use Ella Baché Sunguard 30+ Foundation because it truly does look after my skin when I am out in the water, especially because its really water proof too. If you were stranded on a deserted island and you were allowed two things apart from your surfboard, what would be your one beauty item that you would have with you? That’s easy! :) I would have my Ella Baché Sunguard 30+ Foundation and my iPhone ha-ha.

Summer skin savers from Ella Baché Ella Baché sun care facts: Leaders in Australian sun care and after investing years in local research, Ella Baché’s extensive sun care range offers a blend of skincare and sun care to genuinely care and look after skin, especially protecting it against the harsh rays of the Australasian sun. Ella Baché sun care range includes: 4 sunscreens: Great 30+ Sportsbloc, Great 30+ Facesaver, Great 30+ Handsaver, ‘NEW’ Everyday Zinc 30+, Great 30+ Bodysaver 3 sun foundations, ranging from sheer to full coverage: Suncover 30+ Foundation, Sunbase 30+ Foundation, Sunguard 30+ Foundation What makes them so “Great”? Highly effective, each product has been specifically formulated to offer maximum skin benefits to skins under the Australasian sun. The Ella Baché sunscreens offer true broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen as well as moisturisers to ensure skin stays perfectly hydrated and conditioned. From nourishing moisturisers to anti-oxidants, Ella Baché puts the “care” back into sun care. Optimum benefits in Ella Baché sunscreens mean great protection, all the time! Ella Baché’s broad-spectrum SPF sunscreen protection shields against UVA and UVB rays. Both harmful to the skin, UVA (ageing rays) and UVB (burning rays), combine to create a lethal combination of UV exposure that attacks the skin’s underlying dermal layers, causing premature ageing and possibly even skin cancer. Ella Baché sunscreens contain a combination of organic absorbers and physical barriers such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to give skin the maximum sun protection it needs to help prevent sun damage. In fact, SPF 30+ is the maximum allowable SPF claim according to the Australian Sunscreen Standards. Combined with moisturisers like lanolin and Shea Butter, Ella Baché sunscreens offer extra nourishing moisture care benefits to keep even the driest skins feeling soft and supple. Emphasis Beauty - Distributors of Ella Baché in New Zealand www.emphasis.co.nz 0800 106 096

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Subscribe to CURL magazine and receive Ella Baché SPF30+ body & hand sunscreens worth $60

Only available for the first 11 subscribers so get in quick! Ella Baché has you covered this summer with two “must haves” for your handbag! Be protected while you play with Ella Baché’s Great 30+ Sportsbloc. It’s a rich, water resistant SPF 30+ sunscreen and is ideal for water sports and comes in a 130ml tube or 375ml pump. Prevent sun spots, uneven skin tone and keep your hands soft and moisturised with Great 30+ Handsaver, a moisture rich, fast absorbing and non-greasy SPF30+ hand cream available in a 50ml tube. For your nearest stockist email: ellabache@emphasis.co.nz

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Singer/Songwriter

Coby Grant By Aimie Cronin

Australian singer/songwriter Coby Grant is a passionate surfer who loves what she does. Whether it be the EP she released last year titled Fanfare For Love, travelling the globe playing her music, a photo shoot for Roxy, or being an ambassador for her favourite organic skincare company – there’s been a lot for Coby to love about the past twelve months. “I have given up a lot in my personal life. But in the same breath I am doing something I love - how many people can say that?” In her down time, when she’s not hanging out with her much loved family and many friends, you will find Coby in the water, singing to herself as she waits for the next wave. “Hopefully not loud enough for everyone around me to think I’m weird- but I’m always singing.” The water is where Coby finds a sense of calm in her busy life, and it’s also a place of creativity where she comes up with ideas for new songs. “Surfing (particularly long boarding) teaches one the art of patience. Sometimes you have to wait for ages - and wait your turn as well to get the perfect ride. So in all of that time floating along I get heaps of inspiration.” According to Coby’s parents she has always been a water baby. She attended swimming lessons as an infant and got into surf life saving as a little nipper. She says she took up surfing as a youngster when it was offered as an extra curricula activity at school. “Since I loved the water and had been a couple of times I thought I would give it a go and loved it. Plus, my Dad goes long boarding all the time so from then on we would go every other weekend.” The 24 year-old says the adrenaline pumping through her veins is the same as when she is paddling to catch a wave, or waiting for the curtains to open as she is about to play a live show. “Then there’s that amazing feeling I get when I actually catch the wave that compares to the feeling I get when I’m halfway through a song and it’s going perfectly. Everything is unfolding as it should, my playing, my voice, my expression, the emotion.” Coby writes her music from personal experience, saying her passion for life is expressed in each and every song. “Whether that be my friends, family, love, life experiences, surfing, yoga, organic lifestyle or anything else that I love to do.” Her music is infectious and fun but it is also inspiring – just like her journey. It’s not everyday you hear about a woman who has risked everything to follow her dreams. Coby is one of those women. With single-minded determination she has pursued her passions to make a career out of her music – and has no regrets. “My happiness, spreading a message of love and joy through music, doing what I love most in the whole world and being able to share that is most definitely more fulfilling than buying the latest material thing.” Read more about Coby and check out her music on: http://www.cobygrant.com/

//curl #28