Freesurf Magazine January 2011 by Freesurf Magazine

Volume 10 Number 1

FREE in Hawaii

SeaBass 2012 Triple Crown Champion

Sebastian Zietz. Photo: Ryan Miller / A-Frame

WWW.FOXHEAD.COM/BRUCEIRONS

Congratulations Kelia Moniz ASP Longboard World Title r o x y. c o m

Free Parking

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let this empty gem fool you, Log Cabins is the most fiercesome reef on the 7 mile miracle. Photo: Tony Heff

2012

2/3

11 / 100

Aperture

She Rips

Grom Report

Community

8 14 16 18 74 80

Year in Review

Haleiwa & Sunset

11 Hawaiians in the ASP top 100

Best of the Best

Dax McGill

Finn McGill

Ocean Lotus Hawaii Free Parking Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Note Cover Story News & Events Industry Notes Last Look

Hailey Photo: Jessica Wertheim

Table of Contents

Miller / A-Frame

™

Editorial Publisher: Mike Latronic Managing Editor: Lauren Shanahan Senior Editor : Matt Luttrell Editor -at- Large : Chris Latronic Staff Photographers : Tony Heff, Tyler Rock, Mike Latronic Art Director : John Weaver Multimedia Director : Tyler Rock Free Thinkers : Casey Butler, Ross Williams, Jordon Cooper Contributing Photographers Eric Baeseman (Outbluffum.com), Paulo Barcellos, Brian Bielmann, Bryce Johnson, John Bilderback, Chris Burkard, Quincy Dein, Patrick Devault, Brooke Dombroski, Paul Fisher, Pete Frieden, Ha'a Keaulana, Ehitu Keeling, Kin Kimoto, Bruno Lemos, Ryan Miller, Zak Noyle, Sean Reilly, Epes Sargent, Jason Shibata, Batel Shimi, Spencer Suitt, Bill Taylor, Jessica Wertheim Sales Senior Sales Executive : Sean Wingate, Mike Takahashi Advertising Executive : Shaun Lopez, Maile Botelho Business Coordinator : Cora Sanchez Advertising Inquiries Manuele Inc.

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Rock

Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Note Winter on the North Shore is the most magical time of the year. The

the quarterfinals. Incredibly, Seabass won the Triple Crown before

whole surf world has congregated on this gorgeous 7-mile stretch of

the Pipe Masters even finished! For his hard work, Seabass won

coastline. Every November and December becomes the surf worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

$100,000, a $10,000 Nixon watch, and a $30,000 Harley Davidson

epicenter. Filled with sporting drama, the events of the Vans Triple Crown

motorcycle.

of Surfing gave us thrilling moments of glory for the 30th year in a row. Not only did the contests score great surf, our lovely little stretch of

As Freesurf goes to press Joel Parkinson has finally fulfilled his

paradise had some pretty epic weather to boot.

destiny by winning his first world title. Parko also managed to win his first Billabong Pipe Masters in the process. After four runner up

It should go without saying that we were lucky to witness an epic

finishes, Parkinson won his title by besting the greatest competitive

30th Anniversary of the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing. The Kauai surfer

surfer of all time, Mr. Kelly Slater. Only a handful of surfers can lay

they call Seabass opened up a can of hurt on World Tour and World

claim to earning their title by defeating the 11-time World Champion,

Qualifying Series surfers alike. Twenty-four year-old Sebastian Zietz won

but Parko has now joined the exclusive club alongside Andy Irons,

the Reef Hawaiian Pro at Haleiwa, made the finals of the Vans World

Mick Fanning and Derek Ho. This 2012 Triple Crown delivered up

Cup of Surfing at Sunset, and managed to take out John John Florence

some drama worthy of Shakespeare. Magical indeed.

in the 3rd round of the Billabong Pipe Masters before bowing out in

Heff

Cover Story

Sebastian Zietz enroute to victory at Haleiwa.

When surf historians look back at the year 2012, it could very well be regarded as one of the greatest years in competitive surfing. While the world title race has undoubtedly played a huge role, the story that historians will fixate on will be the emergence of Sebastian “Seabass” Zietz.

Up until this point in time, Seabass has sort of flown under the radar of the surf media. Without a doubt, Zietz’s surfing has always been fluid and sharp. But without a victory in the professional ranks, Seabass looked like he might just be a talented freesurfer that couldn’t harness his potential with a singlet on.

Those doubts no longer stand up. With Seabass’s victory at the Reef Hawaiian Pro, his 3rd place at the Vans World Cup of Surfing, and his blistering performance at the Billabong Pipe Masters, the 11-fingered Kauaian has proved that he is a force to be reckoned with. Congratulations on winning the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing Seabass and we look forward to watching you shake up the 2013 World Tour!

KELIA MONIZ Congratulations! 2012 ASP

WOMEN’S

WORLD LONGBOARD

CHAMPION

Wanning, Hainan Island, China

Supported by Kai Salas & Duane Desoto. Photos: T. Moniz

Nose Rider Model by Eric Arakawa: 9’ X 21.65” X 2.69”

Ala Moana Center

808-973-6780 www.hicsurf.com

News & Events Dunbar / ASP

Seabass Wins 2012 Vans Triple Crown 24-year-old Kauai surfer Sebastian “Seabass” Zietz just capped off the greatest 2 months of his life by winning the 2012 Vans Triple Crown of Surfing. Seabass cruised through the first jewel of the Triple Crown, the Reef Hawaiian Pro, by winning every single heat. Mixing progressive aerial surfing with committed carves, Zietz manhandled the entire draw, taking down John John Florence and Fred Patacchia in the final.

Not content with his win at Haleiwa and subsequent qualification to the elite World Tour, Seabass came out determined in the Vans World Cup of Surfing. Despite never having gotten a ASP

good result at Sunset, Seabass surfed the tricky break like a seasoned pro, throwing down AIinspired slashes and carves that had the Hawaii crowd frothing. Zietz almost won Sunset as he led the final nearly the entire heat, but his 3rd place finish was enough to give him a wildcard into the Billabong Pipe Masters.

Surfing in the Pipe Masters was a dream come true for Zietz. The young Kauaian took full advantage of the situation and claimed the Triple Crown title after his 2nd round victory. The boys from the Oakley house carried Seabass from the house to the podium on his surfboard, certainly the most stylish victory chairing in the history of the Triple Crown.

Congrats Seabass!

Kelia Moniz Wins World Title Oahu’s very own Kelia Moniz has become the newest Hawaii surfer to be crowned World Champ. The stylish 19 year-old won the SWATCH Girls Pro China 2012 in a hard fought final heat against Australia’s Chelsea Williams. Moniz bested the world’s best longboarders with a combination of elegant noseriding and critical

Done Surf prodigy John John Florence has been a busy

turns. Having grown up surfing Queens, Moniz looked right at home in the shoulder high waves of the South China Sea. Congratulations Kelia on fulfilling your dream to win a world title before you’ve even turned 20!

man in 2012. Besides competing on the World Tour, John bought a RED Scarlet camera so he and friend Blake Kueny could make a surf film. Featuring the man himself, along with brothers Nathan and Ivan, and Albee Layer and Matt Meola, Done is a 23-minute high octane surf film that will have you wishing you could surf just 1/10th as well as Two John. The coolest part of Done is that the movie premiered for free at the skate park on the North Shore. Free stoke is the best stoke, eh John?

News & Events

Rell Sunn Menehune Surfing Championships Photos: Ha`a Keaulana The 37th Annual Rell Sunn Menehune Surfing Championships were held at Makaha Beach this past November 23rd and 24th. As always, the event was a a hit for young and old alike. Over 250 keiki competed in bodyboarding, shortboarding and longboarding events, and everyone had a great time. While Rell Sunn passed away in 1998, the Queen of Makaha’s memory lives on in the hearts of Hawaii’s surfers to this day. If you didn’t

Luttrell

make it out this year, don’t miss out again next year!

Nike Leaps, Hurley Reaps Nike, the world’s largest sportswear company, announced a monumental shift in their surf athlete program this November. Nike’s surf team will be officially transferred over to Hurley beginning in 2013. Nike will remain involved in surfing as a footwear sponsor for athletes Dusty Payne, Coco Ho and Gabriel Medina. For head to toe team riders Julian Wilson, Kolohe Andino, Carissa Moore, Kai Barger and Koa Smith, the Nike Swoosh logo will now be replaced with a Hurley sticker.

Bob Hurley, founder and CEO of Hurley, had this to say

Look for Carissa Moore to now sport Hurley logos.

about Hurley’s newest team members, “It reinforces our strength in surfing. We’ve always always enjoyed a close partnership with the Nike brand in developing innovative product informed by top athletes. The opportunity for collaboration and leverage is limitless and will continue to allow greater focus. All surfers currently sponsored by Nike will move to Hurley. We will continue to support them with the high standards of Nike and Hurley. We’re enormously excited about the depth and quality of the stable of surf athletes working with Hurley.”

News & Events

Ivison

Meet the 2013 Verizon Hawaii Surf Team

Freesurf would like to say congratulations to all the participants in this year’s Hawaii Surf Team Selection Process. Thank you for all the support and for everyone making time in their schedule to be a part of such a wonderful program. We are proud to announce the 2013 Hawaii Surf Team:

Under 18 Boys

Under 18 Girls

Koa Smith

Tatiana Weston-Webb

Kaoli Kahokuloa

Bailey Nagy

Josh Moniz

Alternate: Maluhia Kinimaka

Kain Daly Alternate: Kaimana Kinimaka

Under 16 Boys

Under 16 Girls

Kalani David

Dax McGill

Seth Moniz

Mahina Maeda

Imaikalani Devault

Alternate: Mainei Kinimaka

Kaulana Apo Alternate: Elijah Gates

HST is looking forward to the upcoming year of competition and training. They are very excited to take these new “Ambassadors of Aloha” to Nicaragua for the International Surfing Association World Junior Championships this June 8th thru 16, 2013. Stay tuned for more information on the new team and upcoming events. See more at HawaiiSurfTeam.org

Heff

Triple Crown rookie of the year, Koa Smith, leads the charge in the boys under 18 division.

February

Robertson / ASP

January

Outbluffum.com

Reef McIntosh wins Backdoor Shootout. ASP tests athletes for drugs.

Taj Burrow wins Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast at Snapper Rocks

2012 Year in Review February

March

April

Suitt

January

Hawaii team wins ISA World Junior Surfing Championships in

March

Latronic

Conner Coffin wins Pipe Pro Jr .

Parkin / ISA

Reef McIntosh wins $25,000 for Wave of the Winter

April

Panama

May

Robertson / ASP

Guinness World Records deems Garrett McNamaraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 78-foot ride in Portugal is largest wave ever surfed.

June

Kirstin / ASP

John John wins Billabong Rio Pro

Paddling hits new levels at the Volcom Fiji Pro. Tatiana Weston-Webb Wins USA Championships.

June

July

August

May

Hawaiians win NSSA Nationals at Huntington Beach (Ezekiel Lau and Dax McGill).

Heff

Parkin / ISA

Hawaii wins ISA World Masters in Nicaragua.

July

The summer of Zeke Michael Ho inducted into Surfing Walk of Fame

Board Stories debuts on Fuel TV in Australia

Heff

September October

Kirstin / ASP

Slater wins Hurley Pro for his 50th victory

History is created when all-star crew paddles Peahi Freesurf inaugural Bombucha issue graces newsstands Tsunami debris from Japan hits Hawaii

November

October

John John receives his first ever invitation to the Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau 30th anniversary of the Vans Triple Crown Sunny Garcia wins HIC Pro at Sunset, twenty years after first winning it in 1992 Sebastian Zeitz wins Reef Hawaiian Pro, qualifies for WT

December

Sebastian Zietz wins The Vanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Triple Crown of Surfing

Kirstin / ASP

Parko wins Pipemasters , ASP Title

December

Kirstin / ASP

September

Kirstin / ASP

The Van’s Triple Crown 2 Out of 3 The Vans Triple Crown of Surfing delivered the goods yet again. The 30th Anniversary of the prestigious series was chock filled with heated drama, a plethora of epic rides and some truly horrific wipeouts. Best of all, 2012 saw a brand new Triple Crown champion from Kauai. Sebastian “Seabass” Zietz came out of nowhere to dominate the competition. Showing an all-around mastery out at Haleiwa, Sunset and Pipeline, Seabass alerted the world with his Triple Crown victory that he belongs on tour with the world’s best surfers. And in 2013, he will finally have his chance. In a nutshell, this winter had it all. And the masses that descended upon the North Shore this contest season definitely got their monies worth of action this winter. The world’s finest surfers treated the crowds with amazing displays of courage and bravado. The only way this Triple Crown season could have been better was if the Eddie and the Red Bull Jaws events both ran. Maybe next year.

John John Florence, runner up at Haleiwa.

Rock

Sunset Beach in all her glory.

Cestari/ ASP Rock

Adam Melling, Vanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s World Cup of Surfing Champion.

Sebastian Zietz, Reef Hawaiian Pro Champion.

Kirstin / ASP

Kelly Slater returns to Sunset

Reef Hawaiian Pro By Matt Luttrell

Are you excited about Haleiwa? “Well I would be if the forecast was looking good for a big west swell,” Sunny Garcia said right after winning the HIC Pro at Sunset Beach. Sunny wasn’t the only one worried about the bleak forecast of waves for the first jewel of the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing. Contest directors feared the 2012 Reef Hawaiian Pro might be a repeat performance of the wave starved 2011 event. Luckily, mother nature decided to come to the party, serving up 4 days of unforgettable surfing action.

The Reef Hawaiian Pro kicked off the 30th edition of the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing not with a loud bang, but with a small, yet growing swell. Competition got underway at noon on the 3rd day of the waiting period. Contest directors decided to employ 20 minute heat times. While the occasional set wave offering a right would randomly appear during heats, most of the day’s heat winners earned their best scores by picking apart Haleiwa’s rampy lefts. Despite a day of only average waves, the last heat of the day was an indicator of the day to come when it delivered up the day’s best wave. Wave magnet Mason Ho nabbed the nugget, a piping right that raced all the way into the toilet bowl. Ho weaved through two barrels and then threw a massive punt over the end bowl. Although he didn’t land it, Mason’s wave had everyone psyching on the waves for the following day of competition.

Day 2 dawned with double overhead sets detonating onto Haleiwa’s famed reef. The North swell delivered consistent 6-8 ft. surf punctuated with the occasional 10 foot set. Surfers had to show paddling endurance with the Haleiwa Treadmill running straight

which to finish the remaining Round of 128 heats and run all Round of 96 heats. No surprise that one of the day’s standout surfers was Freddy P. Battling to regain his rightful spot on the WT, Patacchia drew committed lines and showed local knowledge with outstanding wave selection in his heat victory. Yet it was Torrey Meister who snagged the wave of the day. Meister took off with the wave crashing into his back, rode prone for the whole drop, popped up at the bottom of the wave, carved around a section and then threaded two barrel sections. It was to be the day’s only perfect 10 point ride. Even though Torrey had the best wave, it was Dane Reynolds who laid down the turn of the event during his Round of 96 heat. Reynolds, frustrated with his wave selection and the way his board felt, performed the most radical two armed layback snap ever in a contest singlet. Shane Dorian, commenting on the webcast, had this to say about the maneuver, “I’m gonna go out and say that’s pretty

Freddie P clawed his way into the final, re-qualifying for the 2013 WT

Heff

through the lineup. The change in conditions provided great waves in

Rock

With precision surfing Seabass slayed the competition, heat after heat.

much one of the gnarliest turns I’ve ever seen in my whole life. I’m seriously baffled about what he just did. There’s probably one person on Earth that could do that turn, and it’s Dane Reynolds, pure and simple. That’s a fact.”

Milking that North swell for all she was worth, contest directors squeezed in the third day of competition in diminishing waves. Despite being half the size, the Saturday beach crowd had Haleiwa Beach Park buzzing with energy. And it didn’t hurt that a certain 11-time world champ was surfing the event for the first time since 2002 either. With all eyes on Kelly Slater’s round of 64 clash with Sunny Garcia in their midday heat, the champ didn’t disappoint. Slater surfed flawlessly, picking apart the 3 to 5 foot left and right peaks with his picture perfect technique, relegating the 6-time Triple Crown champion to second place. Not to be outdone, defending Triple Crown Champion John John Florence surfed in the following heat. The 20-yearold phenom completely blew up and stomped an incredible no grab air on a wedging right. The massive punt gave him a 9.4 score and a commanding heat victory. Another standout of the day was Kauai’s Sebastian Zietz. The man they call Seabass surfed with precision and flair, and in the day’s last heat, threw down a massive backside air to take the win over Kolohe Andino.

Event organizers had to wait a full week to run the final day of competition. The last day of the waiting period provided super clean 4 to 5 foot surf. While the surf was plentiful, it was also tricky, shifting from the bathhouse peak all the way to the toilet bowl section. With the sun shining, the

Rock

Alejo Muniz was the only non-Hawaii surfer to make the final. Saturday crowd was out in force to watch the world’s best surfers

talent (Seabass, Freddy P. and John John) go to battle against Brazil’s

battle it out in the business end of the contest. Dusty Payne surfed

Alejo Muniz, and each other. Going into the finals, John John looked

incredibly in his first heat of the day, showing no sign of the injury that

unstoppable. #4 on the World Tour and #1 in the ASP’s One World

plagued him for most of the year. Meanwhile, Brett Simpson knocked

Rankings, Florence surfed impeccably, drawing big power carves and

Kelly Slater out of the event in the Round of 32 in the day’s first paddle

throwing huge airs, throughout the entire event. While the final started

battle. Sunny Garcia was looking fit and determined, fresh from his

slowly, the swell pulsed over the last 15 minutes of the heat. The lead

Clash of the Legends victory. John John looked right at home in the

shifted back and forth between Florence and Zietz, with both regular

playful conditions, laying down committed carves and hucking an

footers finding the best waves. In the end, Seabass caught the last set

impressive array of aerials. On the other side of the draw, Sebastian

wave with two minutes remaining. Zietz lit the wave up, cracking a huge

Zietz was continuing his run of brilliant surfing, notching 8-point rides

first turn, climbing a section and then bashing the end toilet bowl section

all the way into the finals.

for an 8.33 score. As Seabass got to shore the Kauai contingent was there to greet him. “That was the moment of my life. I heard (Danny)

The day’s most intense matchup was the semifinal clash between

Fuller say, ‘That just happened! That just happened!’”, said Zietz. The

Sunny Garcia and Fred Patacchia. Freddy P was needing a big result in

dramatic win netted Seabass a a first place check of $40,000, but more

order to re-qualify for the World Tour. A paddle battle ensued at the end

importantly, it secured a place on the World Tour for the 24-year-old Kauai

of the heat with Patacchia holding Sunny off the wave and getting the

surfer. The Reef Hawaiian Pro’s contest directors couldn’t have asked for

score he needed to advance in the finals. Things quickly got heated.

a more perfect final day.

Usually these situations get left in the water, but this beef continued on the beach with heated words. “Neither of us were going to back down,” said Patacchia. “Before the finals, Sunny came over and

Results

apologized, which made me feel a lot better.”

1st - Sebastien Zietz (HAW) 17.76pts - $40,000 2nd - John John Florence (HAW) 14.70pts - $20,000

Despite the winds switching slightly onshore, the finals provided plenty of incredible rides. The stacked heat saw Hawaii’s top

3rd - Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) 13.50pts - $12,000 4th - Alejo Muniz (BRA) 8.70pts - $10,000

MAUITROPIXSURFCO.COM MAUIBUILTHAWAII.COM

Latronic

Van’s World Cup of Surfing A Sunset Affair By Chris Latronic

The 2012 Vans World Cup of Surfing delivered some serious drama this year. Sunset once again proved to the world’s best surfers that it is not a foe to be lightly reckoned with. Over the course of 4 days of surfing, Paumalu dished out a variety of different conditions and waves that left most of the world’s best surfers vexed. With its football sized lineup, the Vans World Cup of Surfing was the final opportunity for the WQS surfers to gain entry into big leagues with a spot on the World Tour.

Sunset Beach doesn’t just humiliate surfers, it punishes them. And with competitors going for broke, Sunset dished out some heavy beatings. The 2nd jewel of the Triple Crown kicked off with classic conditions Sunset. An 8 to 10 foot North swell offered up big, long walls with lots of scoring potential if you knew which wave to pick. Those surfers who have spent time out in Sunset’s shifty lineup were rewarded well with massive scores.

As the competition progressed into day 3, Sunset put on a different dress. The groomed peaks of days one and two morphed into big lumpy walls. With nearly “victory at sea” conditions, the elite line of gladiators were up to the task of riding onshore Sunset. The day’s biggest news was Kelly Slater’s return to Sunset. In his first Sunset contest since 2004, Slater chose to ride a 5’10 quad, the smallest board out of all the competitors. Kelly and his quad looked right at home in the messy conditions, finding fresh lines, carving sections and even nabbing an inside barrel to

The rain started falling right at the beginning of defending World Cup champion John John Florence’s heat against brother Nathan. A little rain storm wasn’t going to derail Two Johns campaign. Florence surfed like a seasoned vet, lacerating Sunset’s big walls with speed and precision. Another standout from day 2 was Sunny Garcia. Fresh from his dominant display of power surfing that resulted in victory at the HIC Pro, Sunny Garcia rode a 7’10 to advance into the round of 32. Sunny displayed the same power and style that has made him one of the most successful competitive surfers for the past three decades. With Sunny looking as fit as a twenty year old, one wonders if can he make a valid run to re-qualify for the world tour?

Kirstin / ASP

advance into the round of 32, and the final day of competition.

Adam Melling requalified for the 2013 World Tour with his come behind victory in the final of the Van’s World Cup of Surfing

Billy Kemper was a standout, earnng the only 10 point ride of the event.

With no other swells on the forecast, event organizers decided to run the final day of competition on the same swell. While the weather was gorgeous, sunny blue skies and no rain, the swell had dropped down slightly to the tricky 4 to 6 foot range. Breaking on the point and in the middle, Sunset showed no mercy to the world’s best surfers. Kelly Slater was sent home empty handed, never finding rhythm or the waves in his heat. Despite a hail mary attempt to ride a little Val’s Reef runner onto the sand, Slater remains winless at Sunset. Although Kelly surfed only 2 heats at Sunset, they were still extra exciting. Not many surf spots escape the taming of Kelly’s legend-hood and I feel this setback will make him want it more. Can’t wait to see you next year Kelly Slater! Sunset will be waiting.

It wasn’t just the 11-time world champ that faltered. 2011 World Cup champ John John Florence also faltered, getting bounced from the

Latronic

Seabass making back to back finals, was the man to beat.

competition by a pair of dream killing mavericks (Aussie dark horse Kirstin / ASP

Perth Standlick and Brazzo big wave slayer Ricardo dos Santo). Both Standlick and Santos found the best waves of the heat and surfed them with commitment. Still red hot from his win at the Reef Hawaiian Pro, Sebastian “Seabass” Zietz was looking lightning quick and razor sharp on his 6’4 Wade Tokoro. Seabass looked unstoppable throughout the event, winning each heat with 1st place on his road to the final. Nabbing a barrel ride to begin the final, Seabass looked like he might become the first surfer since Sunny Garcia to win the first two events of the Triple Crown.

Joining Zietz in the final was Ace Buchan, super rookie Gabriel Medina, and last year’s finalist Adam Melling. While Buchan is known for his precise backhand attack, everyone on the beach was surprised to see how well Gabriel Medina was surfing. Better known for his aerial maneuvers, the hyperkinetic goofy-footer drew classic, mature lines on his backhand. While most of the surf world probably didn’t think the young prodigy would perform well at Sunset, Medina proved he is no one-trick pony and was the in-form surfer of the event. Gabriel’s last minute barrel ride looked like it might push the young Brazilian to victory, but it was not to be. Still, a 2nd place finish at Sunset? Nice going kid.

Koa Smith, Triple Crown Rookie of the Year.

Latronic

Ace Buchan’s smooth backhand earned this Australian a birth in the finals.

his impressive pointbreak knowledge. With 2 minutes left, Melling

Just like Kierren Perrow at Pipeline in 2011, Adam Melling found a bit of redemption for his loss in the 2011 World Cup final. The Lennox Head local

found the longest wave of the final. Channeling everything he had, Melling cracked two huge gaffs in the pocket, and coupled with a

flew underneath the radar most of the event,

cutback and a bash on the closeout. It was an epic final wave that

methodically dismantling the field of elite locals and world tour vets. His polished surfing got him into another World Cup final, where he showed off

was judged to be near perfect. Melling’s surfing reminded me of the same style that fellow Aussie Jake Patterson employed during

Gabriel Medina’s committed surfing impressed everyone.

Rock

his string of World Cup wins.

With his Vans World Cup of Surfing victory, Adam Melling requalified for the 2013 World Tour. The victory propelled Melling into second place in the standings for the Vans Triple Crown.

Results 1st - Adam Melling (AUS) 16.16pts, $40,000 2nd - Gabriel Medina (BRA) 15.67pts, $20,000 3rd - Sebastien Zietz (HAW) 13.70pts, $12,000 4th - Adrian Buchan (AUS) 13.26pts, $10,000

11 Hawaii’s Top

Pro surfing is a tough business. Ask any of the hundreds of pros that travel the world and vie for a coveted spot amongst the Top 32, the odds are heavily stacked against them. As most of Hawaii’s top competitors can attest, the difference between making the World Tour and spending another year on the WQS can be just one result.

World Tour Forces

While Hawaii has always been rich in surfing talent, Hawaii’s representation on the World Tour has been lacking in numbers. 2012 sees 11 Hawaii surfers scattered throughout the ASP’s Top 100 rankings. And 2013 could very well

Photos: Manulele

be the year we see four Hawaii surfers compete for the World Title.

But John John and Seabass are just the tip of the talent iceberg. Hawaii is filled with phenomenal surfers. Just ask 42-year-young

2011 Triple Crown Champion John John Florence continued his winning

Sunny Garcia. The former world champ and 6-time Triple Crown

ways this year, racking up 3 victories and a ranking of #4 on the World Tour.

champion might just be the only grandfather who has ever cracked

Kauai’s Sebastian “Seabass” Zietz took the 2012 Triple Crown by storm,

the ASP’s Top 100. Could Sunny re-qualify for the tour in 2014?

winning the Reef Hawaiian Pro, making the finals at the Vans World Cup of

Whatever happens next year, it is safe to say Hawaii’s surfers are

Surfing, and getting a wild card into the Billabong Pipe Masters. Seabass

enjoying a resurgence back into the spotlight.

even clinched the Triple Crown title on Day 2 of the Pipe Masters.

footer is known for his prodigous surf talent and his honest demeanor. In 2009, Dusty became the first Maui surfer to qualify for the elite World Tour. Yet, Dusty’s jump to the big leagues hasn’t been the easiest transition. With a low seed, Dusty has spent the past three years battling the top seeds in each events earliest rounds. Despite a lack of huge contest results, Payne has managed to increase his standing due to his starring roles in Modern Collective and Lost Atlas. Being one of Kai Neville’s favorite surfers certainly has its advantages, and Dusty proves in each film that there are very few surfers in the world that possess his talent. With a nasty ankle injury that kept him out of the water for nearly half a year, Dusty should be receiving the ASP Injury Wildcard for 2013. Watch out for some very big results if Dusty can manage to stay healthy.

Age: 24 Stance: Regular Home: Lahaina, Maui Nickname: Crusty Ranking: 61

Heff

Dusty Payne

Dusty Payne is one of the most talented humans to ever ride a surfboard. The Maui bred regular

Keanu Asing is a born battler, literally. Asingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dad Tommy is a former karate champion. Having grown up sparring with Ezekiel Lau out in the water at Kewalos, Keanu is already well versed in the art of competitive surfing. For the past decade, Keanu and Zeke have pushed each others surfing to incredible heights. While Keanu has the new school flair of tricks in his arsenal, his true talent rests in putting his surfboard on rail for some good old fashioned power surfing. Using his compact frame, Keanu draws crisp lines, which he used to rack up an impressive list of wins throughout his amateur career. Extremely driven, Keanu is poised to make a charge onto the World Tour in the next few years. With his Tokoro surfboards beneath his feet, Asing will look to continue quietly chipping away at the rankings. How good does Asing surf? According to former World Champion Sunny Garcia, the legend sees a bit of himself in the way Keanu surfs. Anytime a former world champion thinks your surfing is comparable to his own, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s never a bad thing.

Age: 19 Stance: Regular Home: Ewa Beach. Oahu Nickname: Anu Ranking: 46

Kirstin / ASP

Keanu Asing

John John Florence might very well become the next Kelly Slater. If there is any surfer capable of taking the throne from the greatest surfer to ever ride a wave, John John is at the top of that list. And it’s not just because Florence has become the best surfer out at Pipeline. Rather, Florence has developed into the most versatile surfer Hawaii has ever seen. There is nothing that John John can’t do. Be it technical barrel riding, boosting ridiculously huge airs or laying down huge layback carves, John John possesses the most natural talent that Hawaii has seen since the great Andy Irons reigned the World Tour. After becoming the youngest ever Vans Triple Crown winner in 2011, John John charged through the 2012 tour. Not only did John win the Billabong Pro Rio, he was also ranked in the Top 5 for nearly his entire rookie year. During his free time this year, Florence (along with friend Blake Kueny) produced his first surf movie “Done“ that premiered free at the North Shore skate park. Despite an uncharacteristic third round loss in this year’s Billabong Pipe Masters, John John looks poised to be a serious contender for the world title again in 2013. Expect huge things.

Age: 20 Stance: Regular Home: North Shore, Oahu Nickname: Two John Ranking: 1

Kirstin / ASP

John John Florence

For the 3rd straight year, Maui’s Granger Larsen has come within a few spots of gaining entry onto the illustrious World Tour. Coming that close to your dream and not reaching it can be catastrophic for a young competitive surfer. Yet, Granger handles it all in stride. As a focused professional, Granger is committed to his dream. Larsen knows that if you’re willing to put in the hard yards, the results will follow. Having grown up surfing with some of the sport’s most progressive athletes, (including Dusty Payne, Clay Marzo and Cheyne Magnusson) Granger has all the necessary tools to excel on the the big leagues better waves. While the Honolua Bay local often flies a little underneath the surf media’s radar, Granger’s stylish surfing is guaranteed to have photographers and judges remembering why his first nickname was “Little Brucie.”

Age: 22 Stance: Regular Home: Kapalua, Maui Nickname: Grang Ranking: 42

Brooke Dombroski

Granger Larson

Hawaii’s elder statesman on the World Tour, Fred Patacchia, has led a charmed competitive career. After a storied amateur career filled with multiple NSSA championships, it took Patacchia 4 years to qualify for the world tour. On the big stage, Freddy P. showed consistent performances over the course of 8 years and also became a leading statesman for pro surfers. The 2005 ASP Rookie of the Year, Patacchia found his greatest competitive results in hollow lefts, making the finals in Tahiti and Bali. Patacchia is known for his silky smooth backhand that is tailor made for Bells Beach and J-Bay. In 2012, Patacchia was the injury replacement surfer and surfed every event except for Portugal and Santa Cruz. With a massive result out at the Reef Hawaiian Pro (3rd Place), Patacchia is sitting in 30th place as we go to press. “I want to stay on tour for the next couple of years,” says Fred. “These next couple of years there is going to be some really good changes, and I want to be a part of it. I know I can still compete with these guys.”

Age: 32 Stance: Goofy Home: Haleiwa, Oahu Nickname: Freddy P Ranking: 30

Dunbar / ASP

Fred Pattachia

Olamana Eleogram grew up in one of the most gorgeous spots on Earth, Hana. The raw power of Maui’s east side honed Ola’s ability to surf a variety of conditions. From heavy slabbing waves to playful beach breaks, Eleogram has the full arsenal. Yet like a lot of other talented Maui surfers, Ola hasn’t had the easiest professional surfing career. Despite his incredible talent, Ola has struggled in the past to find sponsors. Luckily he hooked up with Ocean Current, and combined with his 2nd place finish at the 2012 Margarets River Drug Aware Pro, Ola looks poised to make a real push in 2013. With travel around the globe being a costly endeavor, Ola manages to defray costs by traveling with his fiance, Monyca Byrne-Wickey. While this Hana native didn’t have the best 2012 Triple Crown campaign, one only needs to look back to his performance at the 2011 World Cup of Surfing to reaffirm his talent. Eleogram’s 10-point ride at the Sunset contest was one of THE rides of the winter.

Age: 26 Stance: Regular Home: Hana, Maui Nickname: Ola Ranking: 52

Heff

Olamana Eleogram

Ezekiel “Zeke” Lau grew up surfing out at Kewalos, not because of the quality of the wave, but because Lau’s father isn’t a fan of sand. “My dad hates when I get sand in his car. That’s why he loved taking me to Kewalos to surf, there’s no sand,” says Zeke. The crowded peaks of Kewalo Basin provided the perfect canvas for Zeke to hone his competitive surfing abilities. And as 2012 proved, Lau has already become a fierce competitor. Zeke won the Billabong Pro Tahara in Japan, made the semifinals of the Billabong J-Bay Pro, and then earned 2nd place at the Oakley Pro Junior in Bali, on top of graduating from Kamehameha High School this past May. And those are just a few of Zeke’s highlights. 2013 is poised to be a big year for Zeke as he commits to competing full-time on the WQS, in hopes of qualifying for the World Tour. With big results already under his belt, Lau knows a spot on the World Tour isn’t a matter of IF, but WHEN.

Age: 19 Stance: Regular Home: Honolulu, Oahu Nickname: Zeke Ranking: 69

Bryce Johnson

Ezekiel Lau

You don’t have to live in Hawaii to know the Ho family is a big deal in surfing. Straight up, the Ho family is surfing royalty. Which would make Mason Ho the crown prince of the North Shore. Mason was born to be a surfer. His Dad Michael won the Triple Crown two times and even won the 1982 Pipe Masters with a broken wrist. Mason’s Uncle Derek won the Triple Crown four times and became Hawaii’s first ever world champion in 1993. And did we mention that Mason’s sister Coco surfs pretty well? All of this talent has pushed Mason to craft his own unique surfing style, equal parts explosive and casual, that really come together in larger waves. Mason‘s style is reminiscent of the style masters back in the 70s, the only difference being that Mason can stick huge punts. While this wasn’t Mason’s best year on the WQS, Ho certainly has the talent to make it to the World Tour one day.

Age: 24 Stance: Regular Home: North Shore, Oahu Nickname: Mase Ranking: 82

Latronic

Mason Ho

Blessed with the coolest nickname in surfing, Sebastian “Seabass” Zietz hails from the Garden Isle of Kauai. Since his brother first pushed him into a wave at the Hanalei Pier, Seabass has been hooked on surfing. “Surfing is my drug,” says Zietz with a laugh. “Just like junkies need crack, I need to surf all the time.” When Sebastian was 10, his family moved to New Hampshire from Kauai. For nearly 4 years Sebastian didn’t surf. He managed to keep the stoke by watching a Mick Fanning surf video over and over again. After slogging it out on the WQS for the better part of 5 years, Zietz earned his first major victory at the Reef Hawaiian Pro this year. Seabass backed his victory up with a 3rd place at the Vans World Cup of Surfing, and solidified his place on the 2013 World Tour. Zietz even earned a wildcard spot into the Billabong Pipe Masters, fulfilling his life long goal to surf in the world’s most prestigious contest. After taking down Travis Logie in Round 2, and with Adam Melling losing to Miguel Pupo in Round 2, Seabass was crowned the winner of the Vans Triple Crown before the final day of the Pipe Masters.

Age: 24 Stance: Regular Home: Kilauea, Kauai Nickname: Seabass Ranking: 19

Rock

Sebastian Zietz

Big Island surfer Torrey Meister grew up surfing the extremely shallow reefs of Kona. As a grom, he found inspiration watching Shane Dorian pick apart the reeling rights at Banyans. Insanely talented on a surfboard, Torrey has suffered from a lack of spotlight throughout his career. But Meister’s talent is undeniable. If you need proof, look no further than Meister’s 3rd place finish during the 2009 Triple Crown. Its not all about competition for this humanitarian though. Through surfing, Torrey has become very involved in community projects. This year Meister flew to Peru with the Sanuk team to work with Operation Smile, an international children’s medical charity that provides free reconstructive surgery for children born with cleft lips and cleft palettes. Torrey also works with the Surfrider Foundation, appearing in a Public Service Annoucement for the Rise Above Plastics campaign. Meister’s dedication to promoting environmental awareness supported his win in the 2012 John Kelly Environmental Achievement Award in the professional surfer category.

Age: 24 Stance: Regular Home: Kona, Hawai`i Nickname: Eggy Ranking: 90

Brooke Dombroski

Torrey Meister

Cestari / ASP

Age: 42 Stance: Regular Home: Waianae, Oahu Nickname: Sunny Ranking: 81

Sunny Garcia Sunny Garcia loves only one thing more than surfing. Competition. And there is only one thing Sunny loves more than competing. Winning. Sunny first made waves as a brash 17-year-old when he beat World Champion Tom Carroll at the Gotcha Pro at Sandy Beach. 25 years later, Vincent Sennan Garcia is still competing against the world’s best surfers. Bolstered by his newfound running regime, his gold medal performance at the 2012 ISA World Masters Championships, and his victory at the 2012 HIC Pro, Sunny reminded everyone that he is still a force to be reckoned with in Hawaii’s powerful surf. The six-time Vans Triple Crown of Surfing champion even managed to make the semifinals of the Reef Hawaiian Pro at Haleiwa. Sunny’s performance was noteworthy for the power and passion he put into it. In his semifinal heat, Sunny and Freddy P got into a paddle battle with tensions running high. Although Sunny lost the heat, the fire that still burns inside the 2000 World Champ might have some surfers on the WQS worried for next year.

Aperture

Seth Moniz from where weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d all rather be. Photo: Mike Latronic

With high performance surfing like this, how is Hank Gaskell not sponsored? Photo: Mike Latronic

Nathaniel Fischer in the deep big blue. Photo: Bryce Johnson

John John Florence showing younger brother Nathan how itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s done. Photo: Tyler Rock

Love Hodell drawing a classic Sunset line.. Photo: Mike Latronic

Koa Smith flashing his new logo . Photo: Tony Heff

Bruno Santos throwing buckets. Photo: Tony Heff

Kekoa Bacalso earning his keep at Off The Wall. Photo: Paulo Barcellos

From an Individual to an Island By Lauren Shanahan

Ocean Lotus Hawaii

Wilbur Bergado

Ocean Lotus Hawaii

“Live Give Grow” is a unique formula that Nichole designed particularly for Oahu’s demographic. The amount of free things to do in Hawaii is limitless, and with it being separate islands, you can work pointedly and on a smaller scale. With over 4,000 homeless people on Oahu (the

“A lotus flower begins in the rough bottom of a pond. It slowly grows

highest concentrations being in Waianae and Honolulu), Ocean Lotus

toward the light and after it finally surfaces, begins to blossom.” Nichole

Hawaii has focused on two of the largest shelters on Oahu for the past

Paree DeWald, founder of Ocean Lotus Hawaii, says she always liked

five years, the Waianae Civic Center and Honolulu’s main shelter, Next

the symbolism of the lotus; how it represents the rise above rough

Step Shelter. Nichole will soon be expanding her nonprofit outreach to

beginnings. Originating through Nichole’s desire to help, this humble

three more shelters in these areas, with the intention of seeking out

nonprofit organization aims to work with the underprivileged youth of

more in the future as well. The small, one-on-one feel of Ocean Lotus

Oahu through their 3-part program “Live Give Grow.” On the weekends,

Hawaii (OLH) is what this humanitarian strives for, as she believes that

you can find Nichole surrounded by kids, all of them finding free

“you can make more impact in a smaller organization.”

happiness in Oahu’s warm waters. Nichole and other volunteers take the kids surfing in various places “Live” uses the ocean as a healing method and lets the kids interact

around Oahu. Kewalos is probably their favorite, but you can also find

with one another and with nature through surfing, SUPing, or with

them out at White Plaines near Barber’s Point and Canoes in Waikiki. The

outrigger canoes. “This is a really easy outlet for them and we were able

Beach Boys and Map Surfboards have made donations to Ocean Lotus

to get surfboards donated to the kids. It’s something that’s really easy to

Hawaii, and Surf N Sea on the north shore also donates SUP boards for

jump into and it’s something that’s always there for them. You really see

paddle sessions around Haleiwa. Many of the kids have been part of

a difference in their demeanor.” The “Give” part of the program allows

OLH since its inception, and Nichole says that “some of the kids, their

the kids to be on the giving side, instead of always just the receiving.

first time surfing was with us, and now they’re better than me!” A few

They gain a sense of empowerment when they partake in volunteer

have moved up to short boarding now, and one particularly talented

projects. “Grow” is the after-school tutoring, mentoring, and special

youth is looking to begin competing in surf contests.

seminars that are conducted by volunteers at the homeless shelters. “Live Give Grow” helps to aim these underprivileged kids toward their These three components of Ocean Lotus Hawaii’s program are the

future. Whether they want to go to college, surf, or simply get better

ingredients that have made the organization so successful. “It’s just

grades, Nichole feels the more OLH works with them as individuals, the

someone there that’s paying attention to them; it’s as simple as that. A

more enthusiasm they see in their personalities. “In the beginning we’ll

lot are dealing with neglected abuse, and they know we’re here for them

ask them what do you want to be when you grow up? (They respond

to work with them.” The kids look forward to OLH’s help and Nichole and

with) I just wanna sleep. It’s what they see their parents doing. But as

her volunteers profit in fulfillment.

rise above their rough beginnings, steer clear of the wrong path, and

to be a doctor, a volunteer, a cop. We see a difference in that.”

succeed in life. We are so lucky to have people like Nichole in this world.

Ocean Lotus Hawaii exists solely through its volunteers, Nichole being one

If you’d like to donate some time to working alongside this leading

of them. She started the organization with the dollars in her pocket and

light, you can reach out via Facebook or through Ocean Lotus Hawaii’s

depends on friends and other philanthropists to keep it alive. Facebook

website @ www.oceanlotushawaii.com.

has been instrumental in helping spread the word, as well as their website (oceanlotushawaii.com), the shelter workers, and churches. They participate in various fundraising events and even have an online store where they generate enough money to cover basic costs. Nichole has also recently started grant writing, which she believes will be successful for the future of the organization.

Nichole has an interior and exterior beauty that is simply astonishing. Her passion for the youth is almost palpable and you can easily tell that her favorite part about OLH is just being with the kids. “I’m so glad they’re enjoying this. Sometimes they really open up and tell you stuff that they’re going through and how going out surfing, that day really made them happier.” But Nichole says she feels like the lucky one. “You get that energy from the kids. They are so amazing… an inspiration in themselves. They inspire me.” What started as one compassionate individual’s vision to help the youth, has now become a fulfilled program whose worth cannot be measured. OLH gives Oahu’s underprivileged kids a chance to

Ocean Lotus Hawaii

we work with them more and more, they have all these other ideas. I want

By Lauren Shanahan

To start things off, Dax has an accomplishment list that’s probably longer than your entire work resume. Holding a world title, plus state, regional, and national titles, this eye-catching blonde has fiercely competed her way to the top. At age fourteen, Dax has attacked the competitive surf world and proven she can hold her own. The youngest member of the Hawaii team, Miss McGill has transformed from being underdog to elite junior athlete status overnight.

With a humble demeanor and big beautiful smile, Dax enlightened Freesurf on the important things; friends, her tenaciously competitive spirit (they call her “Tenacious D” at contests), her coaches, and training techniques. We talked about the juicier stuff too though, (like her all-time surfer crush and her boyfriend prospects), so read on for more, we got plenty from this Hawaii champion! On her age: “Being the youngest member of the Hawaii team is a big advantage because I have nothing to lose when I go to Worlds. Everybody treats me like a younger sister and it’s just a big family.”

Heff

She Rips Dax McGill

Rock

She Rips Dax McGill

March 11th marks Dax’s 15th birthday, so you can guess what she’s

“My surfing techniques and ability… I definitely, in heats, give 120%. I

been thinking about: “When I turn 15, of course!” (In response to a

don’t back down from anything and I try my best. I’m kind of known for

driving permit). “I have to practice for 6 months, and then I’m getting

not giving up.”

my permit right when I turn 15 ½. I can’t wait to start driving.” On training: “For cross training I usually do kick boxing a lot at SBJJ at On the ISA’s in Panama this year: “Everybody contributed to bringing

Ezra Sitt’s house, and also some training with Daniel Bachmann. He’s been

home gold and it was a lot of fun. I ended up doing better than I

a big supporter of me and has helped me so much. He makes sure I’m all

thought. I just went in there thinking to take it heat by heat and give it

fit and ready to compete, so when I get out there in the water, everything

120% every heat, and I would do the best I could… “Getting to wave

goes right.”

that Hawaiian flag on the first place stand.” “I’ve definitely been working on airs and more progressive maneuvers. On competitive surfing: “The best part about developing my surfing

And getting different grabs and trying rotations and stuff. But mostly just

career is traveling around the world. You get to meet so many

progressing with all my surfing and getting every bit of it really nice and

interesting people… “And I love to travel. I don’t care how long the

clean, so when I get into competition mode I can have my bag of tricks.”

plane flight is. I don’t care how many days it takes to get there. Being

Her inspiration: Definitely my parents inspire me a lot to do what I’ve

there and surfing amazing waves, and being in beautiful places and

done. They’ve helped me all these years to become where I am today. And

getting to compete hopefully while I’m there, is the best time.”

my brother too, for pushing me in the water, to try new tricks and stuff. Also my coaches, Dave Riddle, Jason Shibata, Kaiborg. They’ve been there

“I’ve been competing with friends ever since I was little. And we all

for me at contests and supporting me in every way.”

know to try our best in our heats. And I’m not the type of person that just goes and gives a wave away. I like to fight, and give it 100% in

On her crush: “I think everyone knows this question!” (Giggling). “I

every heat and I’ll do whatever I can to win. But when we come out of

definitely have a surf celebrity crush, and his name is Julian Wilson. When

the water, we’re always smiling and being good friends again.”

he’s out in the water I tend to blush a lot and start laughing and get a really

big smile on my face. But it’s definitely pretty funny; hopefully I can meet