Freesurf Magazine September 2023

The accounts below are donating $1.00 for every “Mahalo Margarita” sold in 2023 to AccesSurf to support the disabled military veterans and teach them how to Surf. Cuervo Tradicional is matching those donations to AccesSurf.

OAHU

604 Alehouse

Beachhouse by 604

El Ranchero Kapolei & Wahiawa

Kuhio Avenue Food Hall

Lay Low

Mahi'ai Table (Foodland)

Manifest

Margarita's

Mekiko Cantina

Princess Kaiulani Hotel

Scratch Kitchen

Suzie Wong's

TJ's Sports Bar

Waikiki Beach Marriott

Westin Moana Surfrider Hotel

BIG ISLAND

Bianelli's Pizza

Hilo Hawaiian Hotel

Lava Shack

Luquin's Mexican

Pineapple's

MAUI

Bobby V's Italian Restaurant

Fleetwood's

KAUAI

Jimmy's Grill

Living Foods Restaurant

Milagro's

MALAMA LAHAINA

Lahaina, Maui. Before the fire.

MOBILITY & PERFORMANCE

KOLOHE ANDINO

HAND-CRAFTED ALOHA IN EVERY CUP®

4 HONOLULU LOCATIONS!

Kai Coffee Hawaii / Alohilani Resort

2490 Kalakaua Ave, Suite #131

Honolulu, Hawai'i 96815 (808) 926-1131

Hours: 6:00AM - 9:00PM HST (UTC-10), 7 days a week

Kai Coffee Hawaii / Alohilani Resort - Queen's Arbor

2490 Kalakaua Ave, Beachside Honolulu, HI 96815

Hours: 6:30 AM - 1:00PM HST, 7 days a week

Kai Coffee Hawaii / Hyatt Regency Waikiki

2424 Kalakaua Avenue, #129

Honolulu, Hawai'i 96815 (808) 923-1700

Hours: 6:00AM - 5:00PM HST (UTC-10), 7 days a week

Kai Coffee Roastery / Take Out Window

525 Kapahulu Avenue Honolulu, Hawai'i 96815

Hours: 7:0 AM - 1:00PM HST, 7 days a week

Photo J Weaver

For nearly 50 years, the ocean has been my place of challenge, danger, solace, camaraderie and learning. This is likely true for many who read this. Checking waves, following tides, using channels and gauging wind is our daily pursuit. The sea has been a playground and a second home for most of my adult life. It’s truly a place for brotherhood and sisterhood. Core surfing culture is a community and a tribe.

I’ve made lifelong friends in my journey on the sea and one friend, rhythm master for Steel Pulse, David Elecciri Jr. recently invited me to cruise for a couple of days with him in San Clemente, California. San Clemente is arguably the unofficial Surf City USA and for good reason. It’s got a high density of some of the best surf talent to ever come out of America and it’s the location of the iconic wave Lower Trestles. Trestles picks up almost every swell direction and the cobblestone reef makes for plentiful and playful sessionsjust ask the hundreds of surfers that dot the lineup on a daily basis. It’s popular, to say the least.

David and I made our way down the trail across the tracks and enjoyed the sight of mid-morning 3-4 foot Trestles doing its thing. California had been having a bit of a wave drought and this was the best day the coast had seen in nearly 6 weeks, so you could imagine the stoke level was high and the froth was bubbling.

By Mike Latronic

I had just gotten a new surfboard, so I was especially stoked and hit the lineup mid-morning for a session that lasted nearly four hours. It was pumping and we decided to hang out, rest, and get another session. So while I curled up in the shade of a makeshift palapa, David pulled up a chair and purposefully soaked up more sun. The scene was sublime. We watched the waves and enjoyed the serenity far up the point.

Dave got pinged on his phone around 3pm and with a big smile announced that “all the boys were about to show up.” Apparently it was Griffin Colapinto’s 25th birthday and he and his brother and the majority of the “2% Surf” crew were due to arrive to celebrate the best way they knew how. The “who’s who” of San Clemente showed up, including long-time lifeguard and Trestles patriarch Mitch Colapinto, his two sons Griffin and Crosby, along with Cole Houshmand, Jett Schilling, Kade Matson, Michael Dunphy, Kolohe Andino, Josh Moniz, Cannon Carr, his pop Andy Carr, Drew Brophy and Brodie Sale - to name a few. Our serene spot up the point was now 2% grand central.

While pictures are great, they can hardly describe all the smiles and laughs and hoots and hollers of stoke that went

down those next few hours. All those people were so cool and friendly and authentic, and I could really get a sense of how much they loved and respected each other and enjoyed the gift of the ocean. Despite the glitz and glamour of surfing, competitions, and pro athletics, these guys were just a bunch of friends at the beach - a small tribe celebrating their friend’s birthday.

The surfing was legit - perhaps the best ever session I’ve witnessed at Lowers with serious shralping, airs and carves. But truly, it wasn’t just the surfing that made the magic. What made the scene special were the laughs and stories and ease at which we all just enjoyed a good beach day. These guys moved with such familiarity, camaraderie, friendship it really did feel like a brotherhood. My feet in the sand I felt my roots in this surfing life.

We hung out and surfed all the way till sundown. I think I spent nearly 9 hours at the beach that day (5 of those hours in the water) and when all is said and done, I was truly honored. It was as if I was cruising all day at Makaha point with the Keaulanas and the De Sotos, yet here I was in Southern California with the San Clemente version of true aloha.

Another epic day near the sea. We are surfers.

FIT FOR SURF

Big airs, safe landings

US Open winner Eli Hanneman used his high level aerial assault to nail a victory in one of the most coveted beach break events in pro surfing today. Looking at a short list of high level performers like Felipe Toledo, Griffin Colapinto, Jack Robinson and Italo Ferreira, we easily see that aerial surfing is dynamic, highly rewarding, and here to stay.

Eli Hannemann Sequence Brian Bielmann

While surfing can cause serious injuries, including lacerations, strains, spine injuries, and occasionally concussions, , aerials take on an added risk. Depending upon form and landings, one can suffer compression fractures, traumatic brain injuries, rotational injuries, such as shearing of ligaments, disc ruptures, and dislocated joints. Larger waves crashing on an athlete can cause spinal cord injury and loss of consciousness. It is essential that surfers not only focus on proper technique, but also strengthening their core musculature and taking time to ensure that flexibility training and stretching is not overlooked.

- Dr. Ali H. Mesiwala, MD, FAANS

Flynn Novak Photo Brian Bielmann

The aerial is a high-energy maneuver that involves launching into the air either straight or performing tricks and twists before landing back on the water. These moves require a combination of strength, balance, coordination, and timing. The impact on the human body from performing aerials can vary depending on factors such as technique, skill level, frequency of practice, and safety precautions taken, but there’s one constant. Whether things go perfectly or go terribly wrong, the impact involves intense compression mixed with contortion that the human body must absorb. Ask any chiropractor, spine surgeon, or sports therapist and they would likely agree aerials equal risk taking, if not nearinsanity. Put simply, humans were not built to fly.

Aerials require explosive leg power to generate the speed needed for lift and rotation. The body's core muscles, including the abdominals and back muscles, play a crucial role in maintaining stability and control during the maneuver.

The landing after an aerial maneuver can exert significant forces on joints, especially the ankles, knees, and spine. Proper technique and body positioning are essential to reduce the risk of joint injuries.

Unsuccessful landings or mistimed maneuvers can lead to injuries like sprains, strains, fractures, and even more severe injuries like spinal cord injuries if the neck or back is impacted. Most experts agree, surfers must engage in strength training, flexibility exercises, and overall conditioning to enhance their physical preparedness for performing aerials successfully and safely.

John John Florence Sequence Brian Bielmann

Photo Katie Zacarian

BIG WAVE BIANCA

BIG WAVE BIANCA

By Dre Crawley

The Red Bull Magnitude was the event of the season for women in big wave surfing. With 18-20 footers pounding down on Waimea Bay, this big wave surfer gave the impression of no fear on the heaviest wave of the day, says Brian Bielmann, surf photographer. Can you imagine the next big swell where she tackles it in the hopes of making it to the bottom without being devoured? Bianca Valenti can take on Jaws and handle a heavy drop at Mavericks. In this new modern age of surfing, so few are willing and excited to take on the challenge of these monstrous waves.

Photo Katie Zacarian

This is the first time in surfing history where women have a chance to be equals in the water. It's like a portal in time is opening and the event finally is recognizing women for their strength and power. In general, woman are lighter than men and have a different style of attacking these waves - making them born for this ride. It just goes to show how determined this rider is. Bianca comes from a humble upbringing in Dana Point and has had a journey only few can imagine. “Standing up on a boogie board with Mom and family at 7 years old. Mom saw the love of the sport and it created a healthy outlet relationship for me. I felt wealthy! I still had a lot of fire as a kid with personality.” She has ventured into a category of her own moving to SF where she started surfing Mavericks. Bianca’s Mantra: “MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN” goes through her mind as she enters the water. “ Not gonna catch any waves from the beach. You're in the water, you're focused and you know what to do.” When we sat down and talked story with her, this is what she had to say:

How did you make a living as a surfer?

“In my 20s, I surfed waves and fell in love with the sport. My father is a big reason for my success. My parents split when I was 8, and working with Dad at his restaurants in a banquet environment was how I got by financially in my 20s. We had an olive oil production company. He was an immigrant from Italy, a true professional. You can't find a harder worker than someone like him. We opened our family restaurant Valenti and Co and I invested into it once I started making some money from surfing. Studied to be a sommelier / wine specialist and became part-owner curating the wine list. 6 days a week I would wait tables, do janitorial work, bartending - whatever I had to do. Eating good, clean food helped me stay focused and driven. Active recovery on my off days. Surfing in the morning, media calls on the way to work, surf camps, coaching. I love to coach because working with the kids was so rewarding. Getting to share that stoke! Had a lot of speaking gigs which paid well, all to get myself to Hawai'i. Even when I was folding napkins I would be visualizing big wave surfing. Winning a Mavericks surf competition means owning my own business and that includes health care and maternity leave. That is something we still don't have in surfing.” Bianca is sponsored by some great companies like Nana Joes Granola, who made a big wave bar this year; Playing Bigger, which is a tech consulting firm she’s been with for years; Pearson Arrow Surfboards in Santa Cruz along with Cassia Surf who she collaborated with on wetsuits; Veia, which is John John’s

hard goods supply company, and Sunskies, which has her styling in sunwear.

What drives you to ride these giants?

“It was a natural progression, exciting and scary. I think I can do this, full spectrum of emotions. Hitting the left and right and saying I did it. Having a wipe out! Gradual progression of wanting that feeling. I would be scared, challenged. First in a 6 foott wave and end up in a 20 footft bBig wave. I desire the dream. The moment when you surprise yourself!”

What is your frame of mind before you paddle out?

“Part of my practice is getting my gear ready, snacks prepared the day before. I usually have a game plan where I maximize my opportunities when I think the waves will be the best. I'm a first light person. Breathwork and light activation in my room. I go out open- minded and check the conditions. Check in with myself, what do I want to do? I never try to force anything, How do I feel?

There’s always this little voice saying, ‘“This is the time, this is your opportunity, here's your chance, you're here now.’”

Bianca’s Routine: “I start out with functional movement, making sure my tissue is happy and supple. Next I do the bare minimum to max power every Ttuesday and Ffriday. This includes: light training, lateral and rotational movements. My loads are heavier, interval training on the assault bike, cardio mountain bike rides 3 times a week and steep hikes with my dogs to get an elevated heart rate for 20-90 minutes. I sit out the back at Mavericks and watch. Breathwork training is key to my success and when I have time, underwater training in a pool.”

How do you feel about the womean you're competing with? Is there a sisterhood?

“Yes! The most exciting part, coming into this role of a modern elder. Zoe Chait, 16 year old who is a really talented young surfer and has taken all her safety courses. I took her out for her first wave at Maverick’s, it was the coolest moment. I felt like I was holding down the fort. She rode Waimea and Back door. It is exciting to watch the next great emerge. Izzi Gomez, 2020 Mavericks and Samanthata Sibley. I try to get them all out there. I enjoy seeing the youth, resourceful and as a mentor. Which is a privilege I didn't have. It's a sisterhood that is moving at its own pace. I have been enjoying the guys cheering us on at the Da Hui

“Bianca has always amazed me with her determination to continuously improve, Whether that is surfing or advocating for the betterment of the sport. She asks a lot of questions, studies what the best surfers are doing, and implements strategies into her surfing. She’s put in so much time and it really shows, she’s always getting better and pushing the level of the sport.

BackdDoor when I was on a team with Bethany and Moana, instead of questioning why we are there.”

Where do you find the strength to keep pushing in a male- dominated sport?

“There are moments when you can feel you're the only girl. How did I end up in the men's locker room, what am I doing here? But then you realize we're all family, they are my brothers and uncles. We share this love for the ocean. Treat others the way you wish to be treated to be respectful and stand my ground. Where I am now, the core wellness program. Notice when I have the feeling I'm in here. Remove myself where I can, get back to center and realize this is where I am supposed to be. I do everything for the love of the sport, deepest longest love in my heart. Try and enjoy it!”

You are at the upper echeloneschealon of Big Wave Women’s Surfing -, what is the legacy you want to leave?

“The legacy I want to leave is the Athlete Competition Model, it was's a pretty big deal to get equal pay in 2018 in the sState of California. It’s a big undertaking and I want to be at the center of it. I co-founded Better Wave, a small investment firm to invest in this model. We have an E-commerce project launching soon where we will see who the next model equity shareholders will be. What I've found is that, the owner's touch and view is so important to how much you care about the work you put in. The goal is to let them be athletes to inspire the audience.”

Paige Alms

Photo Brian Bielmann

“Bianca is one of the most inspiring people I know. Not only does she absolutely charge in big waves, she is also an amazing role model inside and outside of the water. Bianca so far has brought me out to Waimea Bay, big Ocean Beach, and Mavericks for my first sessions ever. She taught me all the important lineups and made sure I felt comfortable and never pressured me to surf waves outside of my comfort zone. Watching Bianca charge Mavs and Waimea this year makes me want to push myself and keep training hard. Then hopefully one day I will charge as hard as her! I am excited to continue surfing big waves with Bianca for many years to come.”

-Zoe Chait

How do you handle a life threatening wave?

“Usually there is a moment, Oh shit here we go. This is not good? It's about staying calm, conserving energy and oxygen, and trying to relax. Don't take myself to a party, chill out. Back to the mantra, remember your training. It works. It's truly magic.”

Your vision for Women’s Big Wave Surfing in the future?

“The possibilities are endless. W, what is interesting to me is hearing the stories of these women getting into the spot where the waves are huge. More visual storytelling is what I hope for in the future. To get to know, learn their inner worlds, that is what I want to see. Where it will go, the sky’s the limit. The opportunity and access, they are rising to the challenge and the playing field is level. Technique, skill, power and determination is key.”

What does it feel like to ride a 20 ft wave ?

“The initial feeling, when you see the wave coming. I’m in the spot, 123 go moment. When you drop in there is a lot of wind coming up the face, and 20 feet of water displacing. Everything goes silent, you're dropping for a really long time. There is this weightlessness, freefall

Photo Aaron Lynton

A BOARD FOR EVERYONE

SHAPED BY THE BEST

like you’rer launching off of a mountain. You drop the eyeball, then adjust the line and adjust for bumps along the way. It feels so amazing because it takes so much discipline. It’s so scary and you just go for it. So exciting and exhilarating! The best feeling in the world. If you wipe out, you learn more than from the ones you make. Best amusement park in the world.”

Your biggest wave to date?

“There was a huge wave in 2018 Puerto Escondido, it was surprisingly tall. Another big one at Mavericks in 2021 at least 6 lengths of my surfboard (, I was riding a 9 ft. board) - Cali face value 50 feet / Hawaiian 25 feet. “

Where are you off to for the Winter Season first?

“Hawai'i is my first stop.”

When can we expect your next bBig wWave, Bianca?

“Big Left Puerto Escondido this summer. You can have these dreams and goals to achieve them. Lefts are something I have yet to do. I have to be there when the waves are big. I try not to get too fixated. Barrel at Jaws, El Niñno winter. Paige [Alms] says “10 chances to paddle waves to surf Jaws.”

As you can see Bianca is a powerhouse from her work ethic, to her drive for equality in women surfing, to her love of her craft. She is surfing among the greats! To be in a league of women in this day and age, what do you think that does for little girls dreaming of surfing? “I hope to inspire the youth to follow their dreams and charge those BIG WAVES.” In a world of perfect waves, what can Big Wave Bianca not do? Stay stoked ladies, we've entered the lineup.

Photo Katie Zacarian

The Art of

MIKALA JONES

by Flynn Novak

Mikala Jones was a massive influence on our generation of kids growing up below him on the North Shore. He was the older brother of one of my best friends and the big brother to our entire group of surf-rats who would frequent the Jones household at Rocky Point. We quickly became aware that at any moment we could be given a dead-arm punch and an order to rake the leaves in the yard from Mikala, who’s presence would always keep us on our toes and on our best behavior. By the time we all started getting into the swing of things with amateur surf contests, Mikala had already won national titles against the likes of Bruce and Andy Irons. He had traveled around the world to surf and document exotic locations in perfect waves with guys like Tom Curren and other world-renowned legends of the sport twice his age, and had already been featured on numerous surf magazine covers. For us groms, he was larger than life, despite being only four or five years older than us.

Mikala was part of a radically talented generation of surfers growing up on the North Shore. Their courageous exploits and performances, which were consistently documented, raised the bar of what was to be expected of a young surfer wanting to get recognition and make a lasting impact in the sport of kings. His generation of surfers were also some of the last to have to abide by a strict pecking order in the surf. In order to become skilled and not step on any toes in the lineup, one had to put in years of dedication while quietly showing respect, acquiring wave knowledge, gaining perfect positioning, and staying out of the way. Mikala was the master of all that, and then some. From a very young age, Mikala was so tenacious with the amount of time he would spend in the water or on the hunt for good waves, he got nicknamed “MJ all day.” He was always moving, always on the hunt for a different location, a unique angle, with everything revolving around surfing.

Looking back now, I’ve realized he was always creating and expressing and innovating and perfecting in so many different ways. I remember, decades ago, Mikala drilling holes in the bases of his Future fins so that he could shave off a few ounces of weight in the tail of his boards. Today, that fin-materialretraction is a regular practice in the manufacturing process. I also remember, decades ago, when Mikala designed and shaped (with the help of his dad) a 5’6” round-nose swallow-tail fish that he and Tom Curren rode during the mid-90s fish revolution, not knowing at the time that his interest in surfboard shapes and designs would later influence so many other surfers and board builders in their design and building concepts to this day. I remember Mikala may have started, and certainly perfected, the technique of surfboard spray-paint art, with multiple spray paint colors, liquid-soap drips, palm frond stencils, taped-off rails, the use of posca pens, and then spraying clear coat primer on top of it all. I remember he put lifejacket foam pads under his wetsuits back before big wave impact and float suits were a thing. And I remember Mikala bringing us all along for the ride with the use of a bulky cannon 7D strapped to a carbon or metal pole attached to the back of his surfboard…and then I remember him perfecting those same POV captures later with the use of a GoPro.

He was a master of keeping secret destinations secret. When talking about new surf spots, he always asked the questions, and hardly gave any answers. He was a man of few words, but always had the right insight and solution to offer to anyone in need. I remember one stormy afternoon, when the waves were massive and the winds were onshore, Mikala and Jason Bogle rounded up Sean Moody, Mikala’s little brother Daniel, and me. Mikala made us all promise we wouldn’t tell anyone about the wave he and Bogle were about to bring us to. Then, to ensure we really didn’t know where we were going, he made us all sit on the floor of the Jones family Astro Van on the way to the spot so we couldn’t look out of the windows. I didn’t have a board because I had just broke my only one, so Mikala let me use a Ryan Sakal 5'11", with his signature yellow base coat and blue-spikes spray paint design. That day was a big one for Sean, Daniel, and me, as we passed some very important tests. We proved not only that we could keep a secret, but also that we wouldn’t chicken out while surfing the ledging mysto wave he and Bogle had brought us to. Mikala ended up letting me ride the board he lent me until I could get another one.

As kids, it was tough to get into Mikala’s good graces, and once we did, he held us to a much higher standard than we might have

done ourselves, further pushing our own personal boundaries with his direction and influence.

Mikala was known for putting in long sessions at Pipeline, Backdoor, and Off The Wall. If the swells and conditions weren’t good for those spots, most surfers would just take the day off, but Mikala would go suss out somewhere else to surf. He was the master at Rocky Rights, always finding the gems that would offer a thick barrel and a walled canvas where he could carve his signature turn with his patented smooth style and graceful approach. He would constantly roust me for never going right at Rockies, and would jokingly continue to roust me years later, after I had started making that effort to surf more on my backhand.

I never saw Mikala sit still. He was always traveling to remote locations around the world, and the amount of great friends he attracted through his travels was a direct reflection of and testament to who he was as a person. He treated his friends like family, and his presence was always appreciated in every setting. Mikala was a fun person to drink a beer or three with, and while it was rare, it was always a treat to see him let loose from time to time. He was leading a good life, and when he met Emma, it became a great life. Only after he and Emma were married and had their two daughters did I ever see Mikala take a little more time with things and slow his pace down from pingponging around the globe. He didn’t actually slow down though, he just got more tactical with timing his strike missions. It helped that Bali became his second home. For someone who seemed like such a rolling stone, I loved to see how much of a family man he was. He loved his family more than anything. I also appreciated how interconnected he stayed with his friend-family around the world.

I was stoked to be able to share some sessions with Mikala in this past year, and it seemed like he was at ease and happy with how everything was going in his life and the lives around him. We would exchange memes and posts via social media, and it was fun going down the rabbit hole with him, as he had an open mind and definitely was an advocate for freedom, practicing free will, and following happiness.

I am still perplexed at how abruptly his time with us came to an end. The only thing that makes sense to me is that God needed him for other things at this time.

We love and miss you Mikala, and we will always cherish the memories and lessons we experienced through you.

ree paths forged by a love of sur ng

Winners Crowned at Wallex US Open of Surfing Presented by Pacifico and Huntington Beach Longboard Classic

Sawyer Lindblad (USA) and Eli Hanneman (HAW) won the Wallex US Open of Surfing Presented by Pacifico, Stop No. 4 on the World Surf League (WSL) 2023 Challenger Series, and Kelis Kaleopa’a (HAW) and Kaniela Stewart (HAW) emerged victorious at the Huntington Beach Longboard Classic, Stop No. 1 on the 2023 WSL Longboard Tour.

Southern California’s Lindblad earned the biggest win of her career today in front of friends and family. Hanneman’s absolute showcase in the Final earned him the event’s highest heat total and a career-changing win. In a heartwarming finish to the Huntington Beach Longboard Classic, cousins Kaleopa’a and Stewart shared the podium as they celebrated their victories.

Lindblad Makes Her Dreams a Reality With Biggest Career Win

A dream run in home waters culminated in a remarkable victory for Southern California’s own Sawyer Lindblad. Lindblad started her season with a runner-up finish that kickstarted her Championship Tour (CT) qualification run. She now sits at No. 3 on the rankings and is within reach of qualifying for the CT.

Former CT star Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) put pressure on Lindblad in the opening minutes of the Final. Fitzgibbons then added to her score line with an impressive 7.17 (out of a possible 10). A key exchange at the 15-minute mark added a 6.00 to Fitzgibbons lead. But Lindblad answered back using her forehand power and earned a 7.60. Lindblad then delivered another stunner that drew eruptions from the crowd and earned an excellent 8.93 to solidify her most significant career result to date.

Hanneman Earns Career-Changing Win at Huntington Beach Pier

A jaw-dropping performance from Eli Hanneman (HAW) earned him the biggest win of his young career here in Huntington Beach. After a rough start to the 2023 Challenger Series season, today’s statement-making victory has sent Hanneman soaring up the rankings. He now sits at No. 4 on the rankings and has become a CT qualification threat.

Hanneman took on Southern California’s standout Crosby Colapinto in the Final. After a slow start, the ocean came to life and Hanneman wasted no time. He took to the air and completed a combination of major maneuvers that earned him a near-perfect 9.00, the highest score of the day. The Maui phenom then added another solid score of a 6.83 to put major pressure on Colapinto.

Eli Hanneman, Kelis Kaleopaa, Kaniela Stewart and Sawyer Lindblad after winning the Final at the US Open of Surfing. Photo by Pat Nolan/WSL

Heading into the final minutes, Hanneman soared in the air once again and posted an excellent 8.10 to his score line, shutting down any hopes of a comeback for Colapinto.

“This means everything,” said Hanneman. “You work so hard every single day, and for it to finally pay off is just crazy. It just took a little bit of trust in God. I don’t even know how I got that 9.00. I know Crosby (Colapinto) is so good on the face, he’s the best of our generation for on-the-face surfing, so I went out thinking I have to airs because that’s what I do. I felt a little bit of wind coming and knew it was my time. I just had to stay calm and stay ready.”

It was no easy road to the Final for Hanneman, as he had to overcome two-time US Open of Surfing victor and Huntington Beach’s own, Kanoa Igarashi (JPN), in the Semifinals. Hanneman now looks to add to his success at the upcoming Challenger Series events of the season.

Kelis Kaleopa’a (HAW) earned back-to-back wins at Huntington Beach today, after taking down three-time WSL Longboard Champion Honolua Blomfield (HAW) in the Final. Kaleopa’a started the season ranked No. 2 in the world. After today’s big win, she will now be the rankings leader going into the second stop on the 2023 WSL Longboard Tour at Bells Beach, Australia.

The women’s longboard Final was an all-Hawaiian showcase of style and flow between Blomfield and Kaleopa’a. The two met in the Final here last year and today Kaleopa’a got the better of Blomfield once again. Kaleopa’a’s poise earned her a 6.17 early in the heat. Blomfield answered back with a 7.00 to momentarily take the lead. But, Kaleopa’a wasn’t done yet and she styled her way to a near-excellent 7.87 with a brilliant hang-five before finishing the wave with multiple turns. The score proved to be too much for three-time WSL Longboard Champion, Blomfield, and Kaleopa’a emerged victorious.

“It definitely hasn’t sunk in yet,” said Kaleopa’a. “It’s crazy. That was a repeat of last year, even on the men’s side, and just surfing against Honoula (Blomfield), she really pushes you. She’s a threetime World Champ and that’s what I aspire to be. Just missing a World Title last year really motivated me more, so to get that start here in Huntington feels really nice.”

Kaleopa’a’s Finals Day started with a nail-biting Semifinal against Sophia Culhane (HAW). With only a few seconds remaining, Kaleopa’a needed a 6.90 to overtake the lead. She narrowly overcame the requirement, earning a 6.93 for a nose ride and multiple sweeping cutbacks.

Eli Hanneman

Photo Pat Nolan/WSL

Honolua Blomfield

Photo Tommy Pierucki/WSL

Kaniela Stewart

Photo Tommy Pierucki/WSL

Sawyer Lindblad

Photo Pat Nolan/WSL

LUKE SWANSON

Photo: Ryan Ell

Dragon by Marchon ©2023 Marchon Eyewear Inc.

Stewart Earns Redemption in Final Rematch with Jensen

Huntington Beach Longboard Classic winner Kaniela Stewart (HAW) earned redemption today after finishing runner-up to Taylor Jensen (USA) at this event in 2022. This is Stewart’s second major WSL Longboard Tour event win of his career. Stewart entered the 2023 season ranked No. 2 in the world. He now has established himself as the highest-ranked man on the 2023 WSL Longboard Tour and the one to beat.

At the 20-minute mark of the Final, Stewart showed his signature style to earn a 7.33. He wasn’t done yet, and added an excellent 8.00 to his heat total, putting Jensen in need of a 15.33 combination. As time expired, Jensen couldn’t find the waves necessary to answer back and Stewart was able to take home the win.

“This means a lot, and I wouldn’t be here without the crew,” said Stewart. “I’m just soaking it in. I was just looking for the smaller waves that looked better to get higher scores. I knew the tide was going to be high and a bit slower, so I just wanted to be busy. It’s amazing to share this with Kelis (Kaleopa’a). We’ve tried to link up every time, and it just never worked out. But finally here at the US Open, we’ll both be on the podium.”

For highlights and more information from today’s competition, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

Wallex US Open of Surfing Presented by Pacifico Women’s Final Results:

1 – Sawyer Lindblad (USA) 16.53

2 – Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 13.17

Wallex US Open of Surfing Presented by Pacifico Men’s Final Results:

1 – Eli Hanneman (HAW) 17.10

2 – Crosby Colapinto (USA) 9.60

Huntington Beach Longboard Classic Women’s Final Results:

1 – Kelis Kaleopaa (HAW) 14.14

2 – Honolua Blomfield (HAW) 13.73

Huntington Beach Longboard Classic Men’s Final Results:

1 – Kaniela Stewart (HAW) 15.73

2 – Taylor Jensen (USA) 12.43

Kelis Kaleopaa

Photo Kenny Morris/WSL

Photo Tommy Pierucki/WSL

Kaniela Stewart

Photo Kenny Morris/WSL

Eli Hanneman

Photo Kenny Morris/WSL

Catch aWave!

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Mahalo for Drinking Responsibly. ©2023 Kona Brewing Hawaii Photo: Mike Latronic

Molokai 2 Oahu

by Dre Crawley

The world’s most challenging paddleboard race returned on July 30th, 2023 for its 24th annual competition. The Molokai 2 Oahu Paddleboard World Championship was the event to see last weekend. The course was approximately 32 miles (53 km) across the Ka’iwi “channel of bones.” The race started at Kaluakoi Beach on the west end of Molokai and finished at Maunalua Beach Park, Hawai'i Kai, O’ahu at the keyhole on the north side of the bridge. There were four divisions: Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP), Prone Paddleboard, SUP Wing Foil and SUP Foil, which is the newest discipline. Conditions were feisty with trade winds blowing at 20 knots and wind swell at 6 feet.

Crossing that finish line was an exciting moment, not only for the racers but also for the audience of onlookers who waited in anticipation to see who would make it first to Maunalua Bay Beach Park. The conditions were incredibly challenging this year, and everyone who made it to the finish line that day was a winner!

Prone paddleboard

1. Charlie Verco (22) NSW (4:53:25)

2. Jackson Maynard (31) AUS (5:10:31)

Solo Stock Men

1.Hayden Copping (24) NSW (5:41:16)

2. Sam Shergold (29) NZ (5:52:17)

3. Callum Sutton (22) AUS(5:54:01)

Solo Stock Woman

1.Katrina Madill (32) NZ (6:20:36)

2. Yurika Horibe (31) JPN (7:02:23)

3.Liz Hunter, (36) CA (7:07:39).

Men’s unlimited SUP

1.Yusuke Hyogo (36) JPN (4:45:03)

2. Mo Freitas(26) HI (5:12:03)

3. Kosuke Matsuyama (43) JPN(5:51:41)

Women’s Unlimited SUP

1. Lizzie Welborn (24)

Men’s Solo SUP Foil

1. James Casey (31) NSW (2:19:02)

2. Oskar Johansson (31) AUS (2:21:05)

3. Edoardo Tanas (21) HI (2:23:04).

Women’s SUP Foil

1. Olivia Pana (32) FR (2:57:01)

2. Annie Reikert (22) (3:02:00), former M2O champ from Maui,

3. Andrea Moller (43) (3:21:26)

Men’s Wing Foil

1. Finn Spencer (19) Maui record-breaking time of (1:31:29.)

2. Aidan Nicholas (24) NZ (1:37:33)

3. Bobo Gallagher (14) Lahaina (1:43:08)

Women’s Wing Foil

1. Nani Dalene Nekoba (46) HI (2:10:02), placing her 9th

Kai Lenny Photo Brian Bielmann

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GERRY LOPEZ MR. PIPELINE

Concrete Blonde's album 'Bloodletting' is notable, featuring the song 'Tomorrow Wendy,' which I personally love.

John Cruz is not only a talented musician but also a good friend. Listening to music created by a friend makes it even more enjoyable, especially when it's as good as his work.

Byron Metcalf's 'Shamanic Trance Dance' is something I enjoy, particularly during stretching or breathing exercises. It takes you on a personal journey, although it may not be ideal for group listening.

Black Sabbath's first album is iconic as it essentially birthed heavy metal and hard rock, leaving a significant mark on the music world.

Prodigy has been a favorite of mine for a long time, despite my initial aversion to electronic music. The intricacy of their sound layers and machine usage creates a mind-bending and powerful experience.

Photo Paul Teruya

Double Trouble: The Costa Brothers

By Rebecca Parsons

Zal and Kona Costa have been surfing for as long as they can remember. Their mom is from Oahu and grew up surfing Queens and Diamond Head, and their dad moved to the North Shore from Brazil 30 years ago. When they met, the couple moved to the Big Island and started a family.

“I started surfing because my mom and dad have been surfing their whole lives,” says Kona (12), the younger of the Costa brothers. “We have been going to the beach every day for as long as I can remember. We would tandem or swim and then they started leaving boards out on the beach for us when we were ready. One day, I grabbed one and ran to paddle out on my own.”

The Costa brothers live in the mountains in Kailua- Kona on the west side of Hawai'i. Although the Big Island isn’t known for its surf, the brothers regularly paddle out and score at Banyans and Pine Trees.

“The waves are smaller and more challenging, but when it’s good you can get barreled pretty hard and there are some good air sections,” says Zal (14), the older of the Costa brothers. “I like that it can be grindy surf that makes you work harder and you can use that in contests when the waves aren’t the best.”

When Zal was six years old, he entered his first contest: Uncle Shane’s Keiki Classic.

After that, he became a regular at comps and has competed in the the Keiki Surf for the Earth, Keiki Classic, Waiuli Ocean Fest, HSA Big Island, HSA State Championships, Big Island Pro Am, Volcom’s Live Like Sion, NSSA, NSSA Regionals (in Hawai'i and California), NSSA Nationals, Rip Curl Grom Search, Rip Curl National Finals, USA Surfing National Championships, and a few other contests in Brazil.

Top results for Zal over the years include second in the NSSA Nationals Menehune Explorer Division (2022), third in the NSSA Nationals Open Boys (2023), third in the Rip Curl Grom Search National Finals (2021), and fourth in the USA Surfing Open Boys National Championships (2023).

Kona followed in his brother’s footsteps and also began competing when he was six, entering the Keiki Surf for the Earth contest for his competitive debut. Since then, he’s done a number of local contests on the Big Island like Uncle Shane’s Keiki Classic, Waiuli Ocean Fest, Big Island Pro Am, and Honoli’i Paka. He’s also competed in the HAS Big Island, NSSA contests, Southwest and Gold NSSA events, the Rip Curl Grom Search, Rip Curl National Finals, NSSA Regionals (West Coast and Hawai'i), NSSA Nationals, and the USA Surfing National Championships.

Some of Kona’s best results so far include first place at the NSSA West Coast Regionals Explorer Mini Groms (2021), first at the Rip Curl Grom Search Hawai'i Region 12

& Under (2022), third place at the NSSA West Coast Regionals Explorer Menehune2(021), fourth place at the NSSA National Championships (2023), and fourth place at the HSA State Championships (2023).

Both boys are homeschooled, giving them freedom to surf, train, travel, and compete. Most days, they wake up early and go surf together for a few hours before returning home to eat and tackle

original since 1962

their schoolwork. In the afternoons, they head back down to the beach to surf and train with their local coach and mentor Sam

“I surf with my brother all day, every day,” says Kona. “He’s always been so good and has a super cool style. Watching his clips and mine helped me develop my own style and pushes me to keep up

“Kona and I surf four to six hours a day, every day, together,” says Zal. “I see him always working on things I have down, and then as soon as he makes it, I have to pull something better to stay ahead. We sometimes are in the same age division in contests which is fun when we get a heat together. He is always pushing to be better and

Looking forward, Kal’s goals for the remainder of the year are to surf every day, train, and do some contests at home and in California to get some time in a jersey, so that come wintertime, he is ready for the North Shore. Kona’s goals for the rest of the year are to land lots and lots of airs and enjoy another winter on Oahu’s North Shore. In the long term, Kal hopes to qualify for the WSL Championship Tour and someday win a world title. Kona also hopes to qualify for the CT and travel the world alongside his

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HIC

HIC Maui Strong Tee & Decals

100% of proceeds will go to help those impacted by the Maui fires.

Now available online: hicshoponline.com/maui-strong

Mokulele Surf Team Rider Diego Ferri

Photo Aukai Ng

On August 3rd, the 805 Beer film Convergence premiered at The Bungalow in Huntington Beach, California. The documentary film follows American pro surfers Conner Coffin, Greyson Fletcher, and Nate Tyler as they explore their journey of surfing, passion, and life. The film, directed by Perry Gershkow, gives an intimate and personal view into their remarkable and deep-rooted familial connections as well as their successes and challenges across their sport.

Bronte Macaulary of Australia and Cole Houshmand of the United States won the Balliso Pro presented by O’Neill.

World number two Ethan Ewing withdrew from the WSL CT event at Teahupo’o due to an injury he acquired during a practice session. He fractured his L3 and L4 vertebrae.

At 29 years old, Conner Coffin announced his retirement from competitive surfing after his heat at the U.S. Open. Coffin’s decorated career included multiple CT event runner-up finishes, a Vans World Cup victory, and a fourth-place finish on the CT in 2021.

On July 30th, the world’s most challenging paddleboard race returned to Hawai'i: the Molokai 2 Oahu Paddleboard World Championships. In the solo SUP foil category, the top three finishers for the men included James Casey (1st), Oskar Johansoon (2nd), and Edoardo Tanas (3rd). For the women, it was Olivia Piana (1st), Annie Reickert (2nd), and Andrea Moller (3rd).

Erin Brooks celebrated her sixteenth birthday on July 17th. Happy Birthday, Erin!

Oahu’s Nathan Florence suffered a serious elbow injury while surfing in Indonesia. He fractured his elbow and had to cut his trip early to return home. Best wishes for a speedy recovery, Nathan!

Moku Rider

Fry, Waikiki

Photo - Mom / Kim Fry

BOARD STORIES

“Board Stories” can be seen in Hawai'i on Spectrum OC16 on Ch. 16/1016 and Spectrum Surf Channel Ch. 20/1020. Spectrum OC16’s live stream is available on oc16.tv and the Spectrum TV app (to Spectrum customers in Hawai'i only), and nationally to any Spectrum customer on the Spectrum News mobile app and CTV app on Roku and Apple TV.

In July, Amazon Prime premiered Surf Girls Hawaii, a four-part docuseries produced by Reeese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine. The docuseries features four native Hawaiian surfers including Moana Jones Wong, Pua DeSoto, Ewe Wong, Maluhia Kinimaka, as well as Kauai’s Brianna Cope. The series follows the young women as they navigate the challenges of life and pursuing careers as professional surfers.

Lakey Peterson and Filipe Toledo won the Corona Open J-Bay. The win marked Petersons first CT victory since 2019 and put her in a competitive position to fight for a spot in the WSL final five.

Italo Ferreira was injured during a fall at the Corona Open J-Bay. He had to leave his heat and head straight to the hospital to get his right knee examined.

Bethany Hamilton and her husband Adam Dirks welcomed their fourth baby into the world. On June 30th, Hamilton posted an announcement on Instagram: “Meet our beautiful daughter Alaya Dorothy Dirks! We are feeling really grateful to God for the blessing of family. We are honored for this opportunity to raise our children, to love, serve, protect, and guide them through life!”

Griffin Colapinto and Leonardo Fioravanti secured positions on the Olympic team for the United States and Italy, respectively, after their performances at the Corona Open J-Bay. The pair joined France’s Kauli Vaast, Japan’s Kanoa Igarashi, New Zealand’s Billy Stairmand and South Africa’s Jordy Smith who all qualified via the 2023 ISA World Surfing Games in El Salvador.

On June 30, Alexey Molchanov broke the world record for the deepest free dive with a mono fin when he dove to a depth of 436 feet in Villefranche-sur-Mer, France.

Banan Hawaii opened a brand-new location on Oahu’s south shore in Kaimuki. They launched a new flavor, “Chocolate Haupia,” available only at the Kaimuki location.

The World Surf League continues its search for a new CEO. Kelly Slater’s name has been thrown around, but no decision has been made.

A new lifeguard tower opened at Kahe Point Beach Park, aka Electric Beach, on Oahu in early August. The tower is the first new Ocean Safety lifeguard beach location in 11 years. The tower will be staffed daily.

On 8/8/23, the Island of Maui had a devastating wildfire that destroyed the town of Lahaina Front Street and surrounding neighborhoods. With drought conditions and hurricane winds it created wildfires on the island. Lahaina a historic location, looks like a war zone with flattened buildings, burned cars and all signs of loss of life. The death toll is rising as the streets are inspected for damage. People are without power, water and food. Supplies are being sent in by boats to help families in need. Over 12 shelters are open including Maui Memorial Center and Maui High School where over 8000 families are in need of baby goods, clothes and essential medical supplies for those injured. Freeways from the west are now opening which was stopping the distribution of supplies as it was unsafe to enter. Many local organizations including GEM are boots on the ground and have stepped up to set up funding for families in need of a place to stay as their homes were destroyed. We hope you can donate to these causes who are directly giving money to the people in need. Maui is the heart of our islands and we will do whatever it takes to help our community rebuild after this horrific natural disaster rises from the ashes.

GLOBAL EMPOWERMENT MISSION (GEM)

Founder on Maui, Michael Capponi

Our objective is to deliver the most amount of aid, to the most amount of people in need, in the shortest amount of time and with the least amount of costs to our donors.

With speed, efficiency, and local expertise, we have deployed over 355 disaster relief missions in 52 countries and all 50 states. GEM is 4 star rated by Charity Navigator earning 100% across all four categories (Accountability & Finance, Impact & Results, Leadership & Adaptability, Culture & Community).

Our dollar-to-impact multiplier ensures maximum effect in the communities served, with 97% of every dollar donated going to missionrelated activities. We utilize a smart partnership model of donors, volunteers, and local stakeholders to make our work possible. www.globalempowermentmission.org

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Maui Strong Fund

The Maui Strong Fund is providing financial resources that can be deployed quickly, with a focus on rapid response and recovery for the devastating wildfires on Maui.

HCF is working in close collaboration with state and county leaders, nonprofit organizations, and community members to get an understanding of the quickly evolving priorities.

@hawaiicommunityfoundation hawaiicommunityfoundation.org

Maui United Way mauiunitedway.org

Maui Hub @mauihub.com mauihub.org/donate

Slater Trout @slatertrout sending money directly to families on Maui

Be Strong @bestrong

Flying Embers @flyingembersfoundation

Flew the Coop @flewthecoop_

The Maui Food Bank mauifoodbank.org

Maui Humane Society facebook.com/MauiHumaneSociety

We stand with Maui communities in support of their recovery. Follow @MauiRapidResponse to stay connected as relief efforts continue. Mahalo for your Kokua!

LAST LOOK

Lahaina Front St, the day after. We stand with Maui communities in support of their recovery. Mahalo for your Kokua!

Photo @davin.phelpsfilms