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LANDON’S GEM By Tyler Rock On Saturday, December 13th, 2014, the morning arose to solid swell and strong NE winds. Pipeline was going, but far from perfect. Nonetheless, the Billabong Pipe Masters took advantage of the swell on offer and ran the entire second round of the main event through the trying morning hours. At about 12:30pm, the event was put on hold after a series of wash through sets cleaned out the lineup, with competitors scratching for the horizon and dodging mountains of whitewater. The swell was predicted to fill in through the day and by mid-afternoon, it was apparent. The buoys were thumping. By 1:30pm, ASP World Tour Commissioner Kieren Perrow made the decision that the event would officially be called off for the day. With continued maxing sets breaking way out on the second and third reefs, nobody seemed to question the call, especially not the grinning bevy of chargers who were eager to take on the challenging conditions. Within 30 minutes, the lineup filled in with dedicated locals and visiting surfers. Among the pack was North Shore surfer Landon McNamara, still buzzing off his semi-final finish in the Pipe Trials earlier in the week. Landon sat way outside looking for second reef roll-ins… the type where you get in early, but never quite know what the inside reef will do with the wave… After several attempts that ended in heavy closeouts, Landon stroked into a 12ft+ bomb as it capped on second reef. With one subtle fade, Landon put himself in the perfect spot, standing tall, as the gem of a wave drained all the way to the channel and spit him out where photographer Pat Stacy was capturing the very image you see on the cover of this issue. Congrats to Landon for his first well-deserved magazine cover! pau
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TABLE OF C ONT ENT S
F E AT U R E S
48
Triple Crown Wrap
64
Aperture
78
2014 Hawai’i Highlights
D E PA R T M E NT S
22
Free Parking
24
Cover Story
28
Editor’s Note
32
News & Events
84
Community
88
Grom Scene
94
Surf Poll
96
Sounds
98
Pau Hana
102 Industry Notes 108 Resolutions Models Luna Cortois and Indi Pyzel. Photo Marina Miller
110 Last Look
E D I T O R ’S N O TE On behalf of the Freesurf team, happy 2015! It feels good to start a new year. Hopefully you’re empowered by goals and resolutions, looking forward to a fresh start this January, or maybe just enjoying the relief of surviving the holiday frenzy of gifts, get togethers and food binging… I love the
Trevor Carlson | Photo: Heff
holidays, but there’s something comforting about getting back into a routine. A day-to-day schedule seems to help with feeling productive and fulfilled, so that the week’s end loafing is that much sweeter. This past year was a busy one, as always, but honestly I’m still wondering how we blew
through twelve months so quickly. Looking back through Freesurf’s covers from 2014, it seems like just the other day we were piecing together the Grom Issue or the Beach & Board Buyers’ Guides. The days go slow, but the years go by way too fast. I guess we’re not ready to completely let go of 2014 just yet.
There were so many moments that stood out to the team that we decided to compile a feature this month called ‘Hawai’i Highlights’. Flip to page 78 to check out Freesurf’s year in review and relive the greatest moments from Hawai’i’s surf scene. Now looking ahead, we have
a new Triple Crown winner to applaud and an even bigger world champ to tout! Congratulations to Gabriel Medina, winner of the 2014 ASP World Championship Tour and first Brazilian to ever take the title. And Gabriel did it all at the prime age of just 20 years old, making history as the second youngest WCT winner ever, next to Kelly Slater. Carrying
the weight of a country on his shoulders, no one can deny that Medina deserved every bit of the glory he received that day. What a well-deserved win! Another congratulations to the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing AND Billabong Pipe Masters champion, Australia’s Julian Wilson. Through the many
upsets and victories of the 2014 ASP WCT, the final day was definitely – and is always – one to remember. Check out our VTCS Wrap Up on page 48 for epic photos from the drama that ensued, and keep your eyes trained on Pipeline as the Volcom Pipe Pro waiting period kicks off January 29th.
The North Shore is only just warming up and we’re all looking forward to a prosperous 2015 of epic surf material. Enjoy all the viewing pleasures that Hawai’i (and Freesurf) delivers to you in this New Year!
- Lauren Rolland Associate Publisher
Pat Stacy
Editorial Publisher Mike Latronic Associate Publisher / Editor Lauren Rolland Photo Editor Tony Heff Art Director John Weaver Multimedia Director Tyler Rock Ambassador-at-Large Chris Latronic Editorial Assistant Sean Reilly Intern Cole Yamane Staff Photographers Brent Bielmann, Tony Heff, Chris Latronic, Mike Latronic, Sean Reilly, Tyler Rock Free Thinker Tiffany Hervey
Senior Contributing Photographers Erik Aeder, Eric Baeseman (outbluffum.com), Brian Bielmann, Ryan Craig, Jeff Divine, Pete Frieden, Dane Grady, Taylor Ivison, Bryce Johnson, Ha’a Keaulana, Ehitu Keeling, Bruno Lemos, ManaPhoto, Zak Noyle, Shawn Pila, Jim Russi, Spencer Suitt, Cole Yamane
Contributing Photographers Paulo Barcellos, John Bilderback, Kyle Burnett, Brooke Dombroski, DoomaPhoto, Damea Dorsey, Rick Doyle, Paul Fisher, Isaac Frazer, Pete Hodgson, Kin Kimoto, Laserwolf, Tim McKenna, Dave “Nelly” Nelson, Heath Thompson, Bill Taylor, Wyatt Tillotson, Patrick Vieira, Jessica Wertheim, Peter Corey Wilson, Jimmy Wilson, Peter “Joli” Wilson
Business Coordinator Cora Sanchez Office Manager Kiana Ho Account Executive Natasha Briley FREESURF MAGAZINE is distributed at all Jamba Juice locations, most fine surf shops and select specialty stores throughout Hawai‘i. You can also pick up FREESURF on the mainland at Barnes & Noble and Borders bookstores and select newsstands. Ask for it by name at your local surf shop!
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EDDIE OPENING CEREMONY On the evening of Thursday, December 4th, the entire stretch of Waimea Bay was brimming with surfers and spectators for the inaugural Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie AIkau opening ceremony. This season was particularly special because it marks the 30th year of the illustrious event, and the contest has only run a total of eight times since its inception. Invitees of The Eddie gathered in a circle on the grass, their boards as a backdrop, to commemorate the life and legend of Eddie Aikau, while photographers, fans, community members and just about everyone in the surf industry scene looked on. As the sun began its decent, the surfers made their way to the waters edge for the paddle out. Clyde Aikau, brother to Eddie, led the ceremony and sat in the middle of the floating circle. Hand-in-hand the athletes bowed their heads in remembrance while Clyde shared memories, and a few select others talked about brotherhood and camaraderie. The paddle out ceremony was followed by a lively reception with food, music and mingling that lasted well into the night. Now everyone eagerly awaits the call in hopes that this year, The Eddie will go.
Aaron Gold Bruce Irons Clyde Aikau Dave Wassel Garrett McNamara Grant Baker Greg Long Ian Walsh Jamie Mitchell Jamie O’Brien Jamie Sterling
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John John Florence Kala Alexander Kelly Slater Kohl Christensen Makua Rothman Mark Healey Nathan Fletcher Noah Johnson Peter Mel Reef McIntosh
Ramon Navarro Shane Dorian Sunny Garcia Ross Clarke-Jones Takayuki Wakita Tom Carroll Jeremy Flores
Rock
List of Invitees:
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CARISSA MOORE WINS TARGET MAUI PRO, STEPHANIE GILMORE TAKES THE TITLE The women’s tour wrapped up in Maui at Honolua Bay on Thanksgiving Day, crowning two champions to finish off the year. Oahu’s Carissa Moore won the Target Maui Pro presented by Schick Hydro Silk after defeating Tyler Wright (AUS) in a hard fought Final, while Stephanie Gilmore won the ASP Womens World Title. Carissa’s victory marks her third Samsung Galaxy ASP Women’s World Championship Tour (WCT) win of the season and sees her become the first surfer from Hawai’i to triumph at Honolua Bay. “This is definitely one of the best wins I’ve ever had,” said Moore. “To have it here at home in front of my whole family means so much to me. The crowd was amazing, so thanks to everyone for coming, and I’m just so appreciative to Target, Schick Hydro Silk and everyone who made this event happen. This has been an incredible year.” Carissa and Tyler went blow-for-blow in the finals, but it was the Oahu athlete who sealed the deal with her final ride - a 9.73 (out of a possible 10) - to take the Target Maui Pro win and hand Steph her 6th ASP Women’s World Title. Congrats girls!
SISTER WINS SECOND AT THE GOPRO WORLD LONGBOARD CHAMPIONSHIPS CHINA HOSTED BY WANNING (WLC)
WANDERLUST FESTIVAL RETURNS TO O’AHU’S NORTH SHORE FOR YOGA, ADVENTURE AND ALOHA Hawai’i’s most anticipated mindful retreat brings a dynamic combination of yoga, music and outdoor adventure to create the ultimate winter escape on Oahu’s North Shore. Wanderlust, producers of the largest yoga lifestyle events in the world, will kick off its North American 2015 yoga festival season at the North Shore’s gorgeous Turtle Bay Resort for the third annual Wanderlust O’ahu. The 4-day festival, taking place from February 26 – March 1, 2015, will gather together yoga enthusiasts, surfers, families, foodies and mindful adventurers for an unforgettable island getaway. “We are thrilled to come back to the fabled North Shore of O’ahu,” said Jeff Krasno, co-founder of Wanderlust. “The integration of surfing and stand-up paddleboarding with yoga and music makes this festival so unique for us. Beyond the epic surf breaks and warm sunsets, Turtle Bay is the perfect setting for Wanderlust. It’s grandiose and, at the same time, intimate—a perfect place to foster community.” Don’t miss out on all the local teachers including Noelani Love, Nina Beatty, Erica Jago, Sara Phelan, Nicki Doane, Juri Edwards, Katherine Fischer, Tara Lavery, Ian Akahi Masterson, and many more as they present their talents to share with students and attendees! And don’t forget to check out North Shore Soap Factory’s Hawaiian Bath & Body® at the Beauty Bar during the event too!
After winning this event the past two years, Kelia lost by a mere 0.02 yet was gracious in her defeat. “If it wasn’t me winning there’s no one I’d rather see win than Chelsea (Williams),” Moniz said. “She’s a great surfer, she scored a 9 in the final and deserved to win.” Moniz finished the event with the highest wave score and highest heat total from her Round 1 heat, and hinted that her and Williams’ rivalry wasn’t over yet: “I’m not too disappointed, it would have been nice to win again — Chelsea and I can just meet in the Final again next year.”
Jake Laub
Near perfect 3 to 4 foot surf provided the perfect canvas for the world’s best longboarders to fight for the sport’s ultimate prize in China. The GoPro World Longboard Championships China hosted by Wanning (WLC) saw two-time ASP World Longboard Champion, Kelia ‘Sister’ Moniz, take second place next to Chelsea Williams of Australia.
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T&C SURF OPENS NEW SHOP ON THE NORTH SHORE
MAKUA ROTHMAN TAKES SECOND AT PUNTA GALEA Waves in the 30-40 foot range opened the Northern Hemisphere leg of the 2014/2015 Big Wave World Tour (BWWT) season in Spain. The iconic Basque point break of Punta Galea showcased one of the most exciting finals of the Big Wave World Tour history. When Oahu’s Makua Rothman secured a 28.60 score on the board, nobody imagined California’s Nic Lamb would outperform the Hawaiian charger by surfing a Perfect 10 wave, with a layback recovery in the white water. This is Nic’s first ever victory in his Big Wave World Tour career. “I’m stoked, over the moon right now. I was in the lead in the beginning then Makua fought back with his two nines,” Nic describes. “I knew I needed a high-nine and tried to remain cold as ice and wait for the wave and it came through and paid off.” 2014 Punta Galea Challenge | Final 1. Nic Lamb (USA), 29.77 2. Makua Rothman (HAW), 28.60 3. Nathan Fletcher (USA), 25.67 4. Gabriel Villaran (PER), 23.69 5. Natxo Gonzalez (EUK), 16.00 6. Patrick Gudauskas (USA), 8.00
T&C Surf announces the opening of its seventh location in Hawai’i, in the newly completed Haleiwa Store Lots, Kamehameha Schools’ North Shore development. The shop opened on Thursday, December 11, 2014 next door to the famous Matsumoto Shave Ice. This premiere surf, skate and fashion store located in Haleiwa Store Lots features apparel and accessories from core surf/skate lifestyle brands. The new shop will feature brands like RVCA, Vissla, Billabong, Nixon, GoPro, Dakine and many others. T&C Surf will offer t-shirt designs featuring the iconic Haleiwa Bridge, the infamous Pipeline, along with all the North Shore contest apparel from Reef, Vans and Billabong. “We are absolutely stoked to open our store in Haleiwa!” says owner and founder Craig Sugihara. “Not only is this historical town an international mecca for surfing, it is also my stomping grounds during the winter swells. We look forward to serving the locals and visitors that frequent Haleiwa. It will be both our honor and pleasure to share our excellent products, customer service, and Aloha spirit with everyone who walks through our doors.” The new location is open from 11am-6pm daily.
WAIMEA VALLEY KICKS OFF FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN As a recipient of a Friends of Hawai’i Charitable grant, Waimea Valley is honored to participate in the 2nd annual “Aloha for Hawai’i Charities” fundraising opportunity offered in conjunction with the Sony Open PGA tournament. The donation period is from December 1, 2014 to January 18, 2015. Help Waimea Valley reach their goal and support their mission to preserve and perpetuate the human, cultural, and natural resources of the valley by offering placed based learning opportunities to students from low-income demographics on Oahu. Students participating in the Ho’okiko’o program will attend field trips here in the valley where they will learn about conservation, stewardship, and culturally significant history of the valley enriching their understanding and appreciation of Hawaiian culture and sustainability.
Cynthia Lai, Cynth & the Whats His Faces
Carena Leigh Phillips
Carena Leigh Phillips
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Ryan Tabata
Top left (from left to right) - Stuart Coleman (Hawaii Regional Director Surfrider), Eric Carlson (Revolusun), Lucky Cole (Team Real Estate - Lifetime Achievement winner), Rafael Bergstrom (Oahu Chapter Coordinator Surfrider), Gene Bennett (Vice Chair Oahu Chapter), Marvin Heskett (Chair, Oahu Chapter)
Jesse Shiroma, Streetlight Cadence
WINNER, WINNER, NORTH SHORE DINNER The 12th Annual John Kelly Environmental Achievement Awards By Tiffany Hervey
The evening began with a North Shore inspired farm-to-table dinner by Chef Thomas Naylor of Ke Nui Kitchen, libations courtesy of Barefoot Wine & Bubbly and Kona Brewing Company. The auction featured live custom designed surfboards where artists from POW WOW! Hawai’i created one-of-a-kind boards utilizing blanks provided by Surfboard Factory Outlet. Three awards were given to honor a lifetime achievement of service, a Hawai’i-based company, and a professional surfer. Schuyler “Lucky” Cole of Team Real Estate was given the Lifetime Achievement Award. Lucky grew up surfing in Malibu with his two older brothers Peter and Corny Cole. After moving to Hawai’i, he went on to form his own company, Team Real Estate. As one of the founders of Keep the North Shore Country, Lucky, his wife Marilyn and their 38
extended ‘ohana were instrumental in preserving Pupukea-Paumalu, Waimea Falls Park and the coastal lands around Turtle Bay Resort. He and Marilyn helped create the bikeways and trails along the North Shore, and they continue working on shoreline restoration at beach parks. He’s been an integral part of the KEEP THE NORTH SHORE COUNTRY campaign. “We started working on the bike path in 1977, and it wasn’t implemented until 1989, it wasn’t a fast process,” Lucky smiled. “The funny thing was the City opposed the bike path because they thought it would Dick Brewer & Mark Cunningham
Ryan Tabata
The Surfrider Foundation’s O‘ahu Chapter held their 12th Annual John Kelly Environmental Achievement Awards in Waimea Valley this winter. On the 30th anniversary of the Surfrider Foundation, the O‘ahu Chapter proudly honored those who protect Hawai’i’s precious coastal areas and share a commitment to Preserving Sacred Places. The event celebrates John Kelly, the legendary waterman and environmental leader who started Save Our Surf (SOS) and fought to protect Hawai‘i’s coastlines from overdevelopment. Kelly and SOS helped to save over 140 surf sites on O‘ahu and around the state of Hawai‘i, while also stopping many destructive developments.
BRYCE YOU NG LOC A L S ON LY
S H O W
Pow Wow Artists Matthew & Roxanne Ortiz
R O O M
Carena Leigh Phillips
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BIKINIS, CLOTHES & ACCESSORIES
divert funds from their city lanes, so we had to convince them it was a neighborhood path and it took over 10 years to get it approved.” He’s also been tireless at stopping Turtle Bay expansion, helping to enact lawsuits to halt development since 2002. After a win for the Country at Hawai’i Supreme Court and a change of hands in ownership of Turtle Bay, it looks like Lucky is in for another round soon as plans for development are again on the rise. “We will have plenty of opportunities with the ‘Envision Laie’ plans that we think are wrong to fight over-development in the coming years,” he said. Lucky’s next big dream is to see all the sugar cane roads and abandoned railways converted to community bike paths and perhaps horse trails. “If we could use those cane haul roads as easements, we could create a phenomenal recreational area from Kaena Point all the way to Kahuku and beyond,” he urged. RevoluSun was awarded the Hawai‘i-Based Company Award. As the leading solar company in Hawai’i, RevoluSun is committed to creating cleaner, smarter communities that embrace a sustainable future. Through Project EmPower, the company’s community outreach arm, RevoluSun provides resources, support and education to non-profits like Habitat for Humanity, environmental organizations like Surfrider and Sustainable Coastlines Hawai’i, as well as community groups like Aloha Medical Mission. To date, RevoluSun has donated more than $500,000 to support the community.
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“We got into solar because we believe that Hawai’i can be more sustainable. Homeowners have the opportunity to be much more selfsufficient if they invest in the long-term benefits of solar, but beyond that we want to walk the walk in supporting community initiatives that strive to make us more sustainable,” stated RevoluSun’s Chief Innovation Officer, Eric Carlson. “We care about empowering people with solar as
Ryan Tabata
Surfrider Plastics Mosaics & Heather Brown Art
much as we care about the big picture, which is stewardship. Using renewable energy is just part of it — cleaning up the beaches, helping people get access to fuel-efficient cars, providing solar to medical missions or Habitat for Humanity homes — those are the things we are committed to lending our time and resources to.” Jon Rose was given the Professional Surfer Award. Jon enjoyed a successful career as a pro surfer, but it is his philanthropic work as the founder of Waves for Water that earns him this honor. Waves for Water brings clean drinking water in the form of portable filtration systems to underserved and underdeveloped communities around the world. The filters remove 99.9 percent of bacteria from contaminated water and have provided humanitarian aid to people in need around the globe. Those who have benefitted from Waves for Water include victims of major earthquakes in Haiti, Chile and Japan. Rose works in these communities long-term and goes back to Haiti every month. “This was all born of spending most of my life on the road and bearing witness to a lot of needs in underserved countries around the world,” Rose said of his start. When he was caught in the massive earthquake in 2009 in Indonesia while on a surf trip, he had already brought 10 water filters as an idea for an organization. “I became one of the first responders just by chance because I was there when it happened,” he remembered. “The whole experience changed my life. I felt like this was my calling.”
Pow WoW Artists and board winner Michael Walter.
Carena Leigh Phillips
pau
Superior Optics For Superior People
N e w s & E vent s / Kirstin / ASP
Reef McIntosh experiences what many consider the best and biggest barrels at Tavarua. Ever.
Heff
THUNDERCLOUD OAHU PREMIERE A sold out evening at Surfer Bar made for standing room only during the Oahu premiere of ‘THUNDERCLOUD’ on December 1st. Pro surfers, big wave chargers, industry folks and North Shore party-goers crowded into the event space as director/producer Talon Clemow hosted a Q&A with renowned watermen to prelude the documentary. Based on Cloudbreak, the Tavarua wave that’s known for its dreamy left-hand barrels, ‘THUNDERCLOUD’ was chock full of massive waves and wipeouts that made the crowd froth with excitement. Featuring pros like Mark Healey, Makua Rothman, Kohl Christensen, Kala Alexander, Grant ‘Twiggy’ Baker, Dave Wassel, Kelly Slater, Shane Dorian, Greg Long and many more, the documentary took viewers through the events leading up to June 8th, 2012, when a storm of massive proportions sent a 50ft + swell straight toward the South Pacific archipelago of Fiji. ‘THUNDERCLOUD’ won 2014 Surfer Poll’s Documentary of the Year, so if you missed the premieres in Hawai’i, be sure to stay tuned on Facebook via OnePalmMEDIA for another screening. 44
Kala Alexander and Talon Clemow talking story.
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SURF EXPERIENCE DAY WITH J.O.B. PRESENTED BY MAULI OLA FOUNDATION Story Chris Latronic Photos Tony Heff
Pipeline charger Jamie O’Brien helped host Mauli Ola Foundation’s Surf Experience Day at Haleiwa Beach Park on Sunday, December 8th under warm Hawai’i skies. The day brought together surfers, Mauli Ola Foundation team members and volunteers to the beach to teach kids dealing with cystic fibrosis how to surf. A handful of pros including Sunny Garcia, Kala Alexander, Mick Fanning, Gavin Beschen, Jason Magallanes, Damien Hobgood and Nathan Fletcher were there to take the kids surfing and introduce them to the waves of Haleiwa. “The mission of Mauli Ola Foundation is to introduce surfing as a natural therapy for genetic disorders,” describes executive director Hans Hagen. “And one of our biggest focuses is cystic fibrosis, because it (salt water therapy) helps them breathe better ultimately.” “The salt water helps clear their system and adds multiple years to their lives,” adds Jamie O’Brien. “We’re all here to support and help the kids, get them waves, get them stoked and put a smile on their face.” 6x Triple Crown champion Sunny Garcia has been involved with Mauli Ola for the past 7 to 8 years and says that he and other athletes enjoy taking the kids surfing. “It’s good for them and good for us,” he mentions. Bringing Surf Experience Days to other places including California, Florida, Texas, New Jersey, New York and North and South Carolina, Sunny explains that they are trying to do as much as they can to bring awareness. “The main thing is just bringing smiles to kids, getting them out in the water and having fun, even if it’s just for an hour or two.” pau
T R I P L E CROWN W R A P By Tyler Rock Highlights of all the best moments and drama from 2014’s Vans Triple Crown of Surfing.
R E E F H AWAI I AN P R O H AL E I WA THE RETURN OF HALEIWA JUICE On the heels of a macking early season swell, the Reef Hawaiian Pro kicked off on day one of the waiting period with 8 to 10ft waves at the Haleiwa lineup; basically as big as Haleiwa can handle. With the event seeing lack of major swell in the past few years, this first day brought good signs of a solid winter season to come. Hawaiian powerhouse Zeke Lau dominated the day with an impressive 18.53 heat total in the unruly conditions.
Jewel #1 of the Triple Crown featured some of the best, most powerful, high performance surfing the WQS saw all year. The consistent swell paired with the sports finest made for stunning performances heat after heat. Here’s Brent Dorrington during the menacing conditions of Day 1 of the Reef Hawaiian Pro. Photo: Tony Heff
OLA’S 10 In the seventh heat of round 1, among the trying conditions, Maui’s Ola Eleogram started off on the wrong foot making a priority blunder that resulted in an interference call. The penalty was a complete loss of counting a second score in his total. With his back against the wall, Ola did all that he could, willing himself through a triple-overhead barrel for a perfect 10-point ride. But with no chance to obtain the needed score of 12.51 to advance on a single wave, the perfect 10 served as consolation for a quick exit to the event. JOHN JOHN IS OUT In an unfortunate twist for fans, John John Florence announced he would be pulling out of the Reef Hawaiian Pro, the first stop of the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, due to a hamstring pull. John downplayed the injury, claiming he could surf and was just opting not to compete, but the injury eventually kept him out of the second stop at Sunset Beach for the Vans World Cup of Surfing as well.
TRIPLE CROWN WRAP / REEF HAWAIIAN PRO
DUSTY COMES FROM BEHIND By the final heat of the Reef Hawaiian Pro, Australian Julian Wilson looked to be the surfer to beat. Completing solid combos and massive punts in the head high waves, Julian took a quick lead in the final, comboing the field. With the will to win and come-from-behind determination, Maui’s Dusty Payne scratched his way out of the combo situation posting back-to-back 9-point rides to turn the tables, putting Julian and the rest of the final into a tough combo situation with less than 10 minutes left. Taking the win, Dusty catapulted to the front of the Triple Crown standings and jump-started his potential World Tour qualification. Julian Wilson. Photo: Sean Reilly
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Sean Reilly
Chris Latronic
Dusty Payne. Photo: Chris Latronic
THE WOR LD TOO MUCH FUN WITH FISH. With his nonstop energy, twisted sense of humor, and manic cackle, six Paul Fisher’s is five too many. But a man can never have enough surfboards. And while he may be well known as “the guy who rides a dick board,” Fish is far from a one-dick pony,
he shreds everything SUPERbrand from the Fling to the Vapors on the regular! With high shredability in mind, slight modifications, all new graphics and tees to match – there’s a setup for everyone. The World Is Super.
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Sean Reilly
T R I P L E C R OWN WRA P /
BIG BOARDS AND BIG WAVES After a nice break between events and some downtime between swells, the Vans World Cup of Surfing kicked off the second stop of the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing in stormy and rough 6 to 8ft conditions. As one of the few big water stops on the QS tour, the big boards came out, and it was no surprise that many of the local Hawai’i surfers prevailed. Maui surfer Kai Barger posted the highest heat total for the first day with a 15.70 out of possible 20. PARKO’S REEF RUN IN Leading up to his first seeded round heat in the event, Australian Joel Parkinson had a run in with a large set while freesurfing down the road at Backdoor Pipeline. Kicking out of the first wave of a set, Parko was faced with the set of the day about to land on his head. Bailing his board and hoping for the best, Joel got drilled into the reef multiple times on both his back and chest. After making it to the beach and heading to the hospital, he pit-stopped at the event at Sunset to get checked out by the medical staff and put in his resignation for this year’s World Cup. Luckily the injuries were just skin cuts and he was able to heal in time for the Pipe Masters.
The second stop of the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing saw the worlds best challenged at one of the worlds most powerful breaks, Sunset Beach. With a nickname and the power of a Spartan, it’s no wonder Michel Bourez outshined everybody to nab first place.
BUBBLE BOY REJOICE On the bubble of qualifying for the World Tour and needing a good result to solidify his spot, Hawai’i’s Keanu Asing used heart over height to plug through the draw, just missing out on a finals berth. His 5th place result was enough to guarantee his place among the world’s best in 2015. We look forward to seeing Keanu represent for Hawai’i on next year’s World Tour! JORDY RETURNS TO SUNSET Missing the Triple Crown events last year due to an injury, fans were happy to see the return of South Africa’s Jordy Smith to the lineup at Sunset Beach. Having put in impressive displays of power surfing at Sunset in the past, Jordy looked right at home, dominating his round 4 heat and putting in the highest total of the early rounds with a 17.43 out of 20 points.
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Chris Latronic
TRIPLE CROWN WRAP / VANS WORLD CUP OF SURFING
Ian Walsh
Brent Bielmann Brent Bielmann
DUSTY’S CAMPAIGN With all the talk surrounding the Triple Crown points leader Dusty Payne, a renewed stoke on surfing and tons of momentum had the Maui boy crushing through the pressure and delivering when he needed to. Plowing through his heats, Dusty made it all the way to the final and put in a solid effort. Throwing down an early lead, Dusty fans rejoiced, but ultimately would have to settle for a second behind a red hot Michel Bourez. Nonetheless, the result made Dusty a solid front-runner in the Triple Crown race, earning him a first round spot in the Billabong Pipe Masters and a solidified spot on the 2015 World Tour. Dusty’s back! Dusty Payne
Sean Reilly
THE TAHITIAN BARREL MAESTRO With eyes on the bubble boys needing a result to qualify for next year, Tahitian Michel Bourez quietly gained momentum through the business end of the World Cup at Sunset with his powerful hack and keen tube savvy. In the event’s final, Michel came from behind, finding the barrel of the contest. Perfectly setting up a drainer all the way across the inside bowl for a near perfect 9.93 score, Michel then backed it up with an 8.20 for the highest heat total of the entire event. With this win, the Tahitian put himself right behind Dusty in the Triple Crown race.
Michel Bourez
BILL A BON G PIPE M A S T E R S PIPEL INE TRIALS TO GLORY The Pipe Trials highlighted the first day with 32 men battling it out for 100k prize purse and two slots into the main event of the Billabong Pipe Masters. Kicking off in solid 8 to 10ft conditions, the nearly all-Hawai’i field relished at their chance in the limelight at surfing’s most hallowed wave. North Shore local Joel Centeio found the wave of the day on a thick Backdoor bomb, packing a heaving section and getting blown out with the spit for a perfect 10-point score and what many are claiming the best Backdoor wave in a long time. Highlighting the trials final was a mixed heat including Jamie O’Brien, Reef McIntosh, Hank Gaskell and young Makai McNamara. With the final being postponed to the first day of the main event, it was Reef and Makai who would take first and second respectively, gaining entry to the Pipe Masters main event.
Chris Latronic
TRIPLE CROWN WRAP /
The good luck continued into Jewel #3, where clean yet dangerous barrels were on offer for most days of competition. The NW swell direction afforded scoring opportunities in both directions.
ASP
TRIPLE CROWN WRAP UP / BILLABONG PIPELINE MASTERS
TOP SEEDS ADVANCE (MELLING UPSETS THE CHAMP) The first day of the Billabong Pipe Masters saw perfect conditions for 6 to 8ft Pipe and Backdoor, with many of the top seeds advancing straight to round 3, including tour points leaders Gabriel Medina and Mick Fanning. But Kelly Slater falls just short thanks to a last minute Backdoor bomb by Adam Melling, relegating the champ to the dreaded round 2. GIRLS TACKLE PIPE Finishing off the first day of the Billabong Pipe Masters main event was two specialty heats featuring the Women’s Pipe Invitational and the Heritage Series. For the women, four selected females including Bethany Hamilton, Stephanie Gilmore, Tyler Wright and Carissa Moore took on 4 to 6ft Pipe and the girls were charging! While Bethany went hard on the biggest waves of the heat, she was unable to make successful exits. Meanwhile, Carissa played the competitive smart game, picking makeable waves and coming away with the win. CARROLL’S 9.60 The Heritage Series saw some blasts from the pasts with Tom Carroll, Sunny Garcia, Derek Ho and Gary Elkerton taking on the peak at Pipe once again. The Legends proved they still got it, easily finding barrels and navigating the waves. But the high score of the heat would come from Australian Tom Carroll, who picked off a set Pipe wave and got blown out of the barrel for a 9.60, which ultimately would give him the win by the final horn. KELLY MANHANDLES PIPE Day two saw an intense WNW swell pick up steam through the morning with chunky and tricky conditions in the growing waves. Starting off the day in the first heat of round 2, Kelly Slater struggled to find a wave at first, but settled in and fought through some lurching barrels for an impressive win over trials winner Reef McIntosh.
On the biggest, gnarliest and sketchiest day of the Billabong Pipe Masters, king Kelly showed experience, grace and determination to tackle some of the best tubes with a stunning performance at Pipeline, yet again.
Brent Bielmann Frieden / ASP
Makai McNamara
Brent Bielmann
Bethany Hamilton
Tom Carroll
(Below) Julian Wilson and Gabriel Medina both had their day in the sun. Medina proved unequivocally to be the best competitor of 2014 with a sturdy, stylish and precise performance to land runner-up at Pipe, plus top dog in the ASP’s year-end ratings. Julian, who dogged through most of his year with mediocre results, turned a lot of heads and won a lot of new fans by an absolutely stellar performance in this year’s Triple Crown, culminating with a brilliant victory at the Banzai Pipeline.
Joli
TRIPLE CROWN WRAP UP / BILLABONG PIPE MASTERS
MEDINA’S MOMENT Going into the final day of the Billabong Pipe Masters, all three World Title contenders had a shot at winning. But it was Gabriel Medina who never faltered, and with the help of fellow Brazilian surfer Alejo Muniz dispatching Kelly Slater and Mick Fanning, Medina’s dream became
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CONTEST OFF, FREESURF ON By the completion of round 2 on the second day of competition, the building swell was maxing out with wash-through sets detonating the Pipe lineup. After going on hold for an hour to assess conditions, ASP commissioner Kieren Perrow called the event off for the remainder of the day. But that didn’t stop many of the local and visiting pros from testing their mettle in maxing Pipe. Spinning out a handful of throaty gems and some spectacular rides for the massive crowd still in attendance, many claim it was the best Pipe of the winter season so far.
Joli
Frieden / ASP
TRIPLE CROWN WRAP UP / PIPE MASTERS
Gabriel Medina
reality. As the first Brazilian to ever win an ASP World Title, Gabriel has cemented his name into the halls of surfing history. Gabe is also the first goofy footer to take the title in over 10 years, and he also ties with Kelly Slater as the youngest surfer (at 20 years old) to win the WCT. It’s anyone’s guess how many more titles this kid’s got in him, but job well done on the first!
in jeopardy as Julian progressed to the final. Needing to win the event to take the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing title, many may have counted the young Australian out, following an underachieved and tough year on tour. When Gabriel dropped a perfect 10 in the final and quickly found a backup, some would have thought that was it for Julian. But the Australian knew he had it in him, knew that form was somewhere, and in epic season ending fashion (as it should be), Julian found the Backdoor barrel he needed in the dying minutes. As the score was announced on the beach, Jules fell to the sand in disbelief. Let’s just hope this curse is over and Julian can tackle 2015’s tour the way he’s meant to. pau
Sean Reilly
JULIAN FINDS REDEMPTION Through the final day title drama, Julian Wilson was quietly slipping into Backdoor nugs, dropping excellent rides round after round with the busy day of surfing. Once Dusty Payne and Michel Bourez faltered, and Julian keep winning heats, Dusty’s Triple Crown points lead was now
Julian Wilson
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Your 2014 Billabong Pipe Masters AND Vans Triple Crown of Surfing champion, Julian Wilson.
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With light winds and massive NNW swell, Jaws fired up and the boys were on it. Billy Kemper takes the drop. Photo: Tony Heff
The old adage that time stands still – in the barrel – applies here. Landon McNamara. Photo: Brent Bielmann
Nathan Fletcher, green room. Photo: Keoki
Gabriel Villaran, blue room. Photo: Sean Reilly
After two straight days of watching guys throw themselves into 20-foot bombs at Jaws, the Freesurf crew treated themselves to a different kind of visual feast at Honolua Bay. Cody Young. Photo: Tony Heff
Koa Smith, game face on. Photo: Frieden
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but perspective can play an important role. I think we’re double dipping on this one‌ a very beautiful and very good perspective of Danny Fuller. Photo: Tony Heff
Dane Reynolds perpetuates the phrase, ‘show up and blow up’. Even if this was the only wave Reynolds rode during the entire Triple Crown season, the man leaves an unforgettable impression. Sequence: Tony Heff
Sean Reilly
2014
H A W A I ’ I Highlights
JANUARY – The North Shore sees the biggest swell in a
APRIL –
Hawai’i is victorious at the VISSLA ISA World Junior Surfing Championships in Ecuador.
APRIL –
Carissa Moore wins back-to-back ASP Tour stops, the Drug Aware Margaret River Pro and the Rip Curl Women’s Pro Bell Beach to close out the Australian leg of the Women’s pro tour.
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decade. Freesurf hosts its first ever Chocolate Haupia Pie Surf Off at Chocolates in Haleiwa to take advantage of the massive muddy waves.
Kelly Slater wins Volcom Pipe Pro.
Tweddle
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FEBRUARY -
FEBRUARY –
The Freesurf Freeskate Day takes place at Turtle Bay, where local skaters took advantage of an ocean-front half pipe with the help of Portable Halfpipe Hawaii.
APRIL –
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Sean Reilly
Sean Reilly
Freesurf teaches the Harlem Globetrotters how to surf while they show the team a few moves on the court.
MARCH – Bethany Hamilton triumphs at the Surf N Sea Pipeline Women’s Pro 2014, breaking a ten-year lull and stepping into the winner’s circle at one of the most renowned surf breaks in the world. Kelly Slater throws the industry a curve ball as he announces he is parting ways with longtime sponsor Quiksilver to join the Kering Group.
MAY –
MAY –
The season’s first solid south swell comes just in time for the T&C Grom Contest and Oakley Surf Shop Challenge in Town.
Kauai’s Dustin Barca announces his ‘Barca 4 Mayor’ campaign, in an effort to bring awareness to his mission and gather the respect and support from the community as he runs for Kauai Mayor.
Bryce Johnson
MARCH –
Will Hayden-Smith/ASP
2014
H A WA I ’ I Highlights
JUNE –
Tammy Moniz
Josh Moniz wins the Open Mens title at the 2014 NSSA National Championships in Huntington Beach.
AUGUST –
The 2014 Billabong Pro Tahiti at Teahupo‘o saw Kelly Slater and John John Florence go head-to-head in the Semis, which is being touted as one of the best battles in professional surfing. The most anticipated heat of the event, Slater and Florence were tied at 19.77, but having notched the highest single-wave score, Slater took the lead, but then lost to Gabriel Medina in the Finals.
JULY –
Damien Poullenot
Carissa Moore’s newly recorded song, “Love Down on You” (with Kevin Okimoto from the Opihi Pickers) is released on iTunes, showcasing that the champ has talent beyond surfing.
JULY –
Vissla presents the first Vintage Surf Happening in Honolulu with Randy Rarick, which featured memorabilia, collectibles, live music, free appraisals and legendary guest appearances.
SEPTEMBER –
Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) announces that at the start of 2015, they will officially change their name to the World Surf League (WSL).
SEPTEMBER – OuterKnown.
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Slater announces his new brand,
OCTOBER –
John John reigns supreme at the Quiksilver Pro France at Hossegor’s Le Gardian, stop #9 on the Samsung Galaxy ASP World Championship Tour.
Sean Reilly
The first gem of the Triple Crown kicks off at Haleiwa, and Maui’s Dusty Payne rises to claim the title.
Nick Ricca
NOVEMBER –
DECEMBER – OCTOBER –
Kelly Slater pulls off what’s believed to be surfing’s first-ever 540. Or was it a 720?
The Women’s World Tour culminates at Honolua Bay on Maui for the first time in four years. Congratulations to Carissa Moore for taking the title and to Steph Gilmore for nabbing her 6th world championship title.
Chris Latronic
2014
John Weaver
H A WA I ’ I Highlights
DECEMBER -
Tahitian Michel Bourez wins the Vans World Cup of Surfing at Sunset Beach, the second jewel of the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, in triple overhead waves.
DECEMBER -
Frieden
Gabriel Medina is victorious at the culmination of the 2014 ASP World Championship Tour, winning the highly anticipated title and taking home the glory to Brazil for the first time in surfing history. Medina also posted the only perfect 10 of the event.
DECEMBER -
Australia’s Julian Wilson claims the Billabong Pipe Masters title in an up-and-up final against newly crowned world champion Gabriel Medina. With his success, Julian also won the illustrious Vans Triple Crown of Surfing championship as well, a two-fold triumph for the 26 year-old.
Chris Latronic
C O M M U N ITY /
PEDAL POWER CAMPAIGN: BICYCLIZATION OF THE NORTH SHORE By Chris Latronic
Freesurf Magazine, Vans Triple Crown of Surfing (VTCS) and BIKEFACTORY teamed up to create Pedal Power, the first ever campaign to encourage kids around the North Shore (and beyond!) to ride their bikes to school for the promotion of an active and healthy lifestyle. As well as put a few less cars on the road during the morning and afternoon commutes, when the waves are good and the traffic is bad along the Seven Mile Miracle. “This intersection is crazy and very dangerous,” says Tony Samuels, crossing guard at the busiest crosswalk on the North Shore, the one connecting Sunset Elementary to Ehukai Beach Park. “Cars, very often, go about twice the speed limit here on a typical day. During the Triple Crown events, there are about 4 or 5 times the amount of cars on this road,” he adds. Pedal Power commenced with honored participation of local public schools Waialua Elementary, Laie Elementary and Sunset Elementary just in time for the Triple Crown of Surfing events. During the four-week campaign, VTCS donated prize packs to be given away to select students who rode their bikes to school, along with an entry raffle to win the ultimate grand prize - a brand new bike from BIKEFACTORY given away at the completion of the campaign. “I’ve been doing this job for seven years and usually there is an average of about 60 bike riders a day,” describes Tony. “But ever since this campaign started, I definitely noticed a considerable increase.” Freesurf posted up on the bike path to interview a few students on their afternoon commute from school, and caught up with a handful of North Shore residents and keiki for their input on the importance of bike riding.
CO MMU N I TY: PE DAL POWE R /
“Its really, really fun to ride bike to school. It’s even better when I’m riding with my friends. Helping the environment is cool too.” - Kanekoa Sullivan, student
“I get exercise first thing in the morning, I get to check the waves at my favorite spots and I get to see all my friends. That’s why I try to ride my bike everyday.” – Paumalu Malone, student
“I ride bike to school everyday. You save gas going back and forth to school, and you’re not letting bad stuff come out of your car that can hurt the environment.” - Thatcher Johnson, student
“Whenever I’m riding bike, I feel like I’m riding horses. It just feels like I’m free! It’s really fun and I’m getting good exercise. I think everyone should ride bikes more often to get where they need to go.” – Kirra Sullivan, grand prize winner Riding your bicycle as alternative transportation is not only a fun leisure activity to enjoy on Oahu’s beautiful bike paths, but also a fundamentally valid means to relieve the infamous traffic congestion that occurs during our coveted winter surf season. It’s also a right step toward helping to
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decrease our carbon-footprint to become a more sustainable community. We bumped into a few distinguished North Shore neighbors who also shared this sentiment.
“I used to always ride my bike to school when I was young. Nowadays, I ride my bike to my recording studio. It’s just more fun. It’s a fun way to talk to kids about the differences you can make to be more sustainable – whether it’s using reusable water bottles or reusable bags at the store or riding your bike to school, we can make small changes in our lives that can have big impacts.” - Jack Johnson, bike enthusiast and world class musician “It’s good for our community, it definitely keeps the traffic down and teaches kids good, healthy lifestyle habits.” - Steve Machin, Hawaiian Water Patrol Tara Rohrbough, school counselor at Sunset Elementary adds, “It’s just great for these kids to be outside! To be active, energetic and enthusiastic about riding bikes; that’s what it’s all about and we hope to continue this opportunity in the future.” We hope this positive program will inspire more schools in other neighborhoods to do the same, and reduce each community’s carbon footprint. Let’s work together toward a greener future for the North Shore and beyond! For more info on how your school can participate next year, please send inquiries to info@freesurfmagazine.com. pau
GROM SCENE /
HAWAI‘I SURF TEAM EVERYTHING YOU WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT THE TRYOUTS By Sean Reilly Engaging Hawai’i’s youth and providing a platform for our state’s top athletes to compete on an international level, the Hawai’i Surf Team has been a dominant force in the World Surfing Championships since its inception in 1964. Comprised of 12 individuals competing in four different divisions; Under 18 Boys, Under 16 Boys, Under 18 Girls and Under 16 Girls, the islands’ best work together as a team in hopes of securing the gold medal for Hawai’i. True ambassadors of Aloha, the Hawai’i Surf Team perpetuates worldclass surfing, integrity, team unity and pride. But who is the Hawai’i Surf Team? The selection process is a vigorous one. So Freesurf sat down with Hawai’i Surf Team Head Coach Rainos Hayes to get da scoops. How long have you been coaching the Hawai’i Surf Team? I have had the good grace to be able to coach the Hawai’i Surf Team for the past 18 years. I have rarely done it alone, as it is a demanding and cohesive effort. My first opportunity was in 1996 at Huntington Beach as assistant to Ben Aipa. Then in 1998 the head coaching position was handed over to me, with one of my best friends, Bert Ishimaru. Bert and I have been going at it ever since in some form or other. He is my sounding board and someone I have always been able to depend on. Who else has helped support the team over the years? The Hawai’i Surf Team and myself have had the gift of many parents and friends supporting the cause along the way. The most influential and longest running would be Donald and Lavonne Pahia. Without their initial guidance, none of what I do would have been possible, period. They were the foundation. We were also fortunate to have Jason Shibata help us for a couple of years as well as Dave Riddle. Andy Melamed has always been very supportive, and also Tommy Asing, Jill Smith, Lindsay McGill and Tony Moniz. Over the last 8 years, Kahea Hart has been the largest change in helping to develop a training regiment and refining technique. He has become our drill sergeant and the one who has been able to bring the physical challenge aspects into our program. I also want to thank Wendell Aoki, Jack Shipley, Bernie Baker and Bobbi Lee for their continued support of the kids. How does the selection process work? We do weekend long camps on Maui, Kauai, and then Oahu. (The Big Island is invited to the Oahu Camp). This is in order to include anyone who is interested. Through these training camps, we can begin to see which kids have the ability to produce excellent scores, who has adaptability, and who can both execute and process the directions and information given. This coach-ability is key to getting results overseas. From what I have experienced, the days of just natural talent alone allowing someone to win events are almost non-existent. This is especially true at an elite level, with most events being multiple days in length, and also having a wide variety of venues.
Seth Moniz
The changing conditions alone can demand an extra set of eyes and alternate game plan. Never mind having someone to help you breakdown the logistics that come with travel and foreign countries. The selection process camps allow the kids to get a fresh perspective on what they are trying to accomplish. It gives them small steps in how to achieve goals, and new tools to push themselves in the right direction. All the work ethic taught gives the participants an honest and hard look at the competition side of the sport. By the end of a camp, the kids can clearly decide whether or not any of the things taught even interest them. What’s the energy like when the camp kicks off? It can be a little overwhelming on day one, but by day two, everyone is psyched and the grind of the games becomes fun. All of the kids walk away excited and very aware of the realities and challenges of competitive surfing on many levels. We are stoked because we get a chance to work with many of the best in all of Hawai’i. Hopefully they feel the same.
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G R O M S C E N E : H AWAI’I SU R F TE AM /
Who gets invited to the tryouts? Tryouts are open to everyone that is active in our local organizations, both HSA and NSSA. If the kids are not already competing at a semi advanced level, then most likely they will need some time to get involved and experience competitive surfing. What we do would be a bit demanding for a beginner. What do the tryouts consist of? We run mock heats and do different drills and scenarios to see who can consistently produce the high scores required for the conditions on offer. The focus is almost always on achieving a goal and/or point total, not competing against each other. We want the kids to be focusing on the product they are trying to produce, not trying to beat the kid next to them. If they produce the excellent scores in the 8 plus range, chances are they can win heats. We focus on teaching strategy when the time is right, but the difficult part is teaching how to produce excellent quality surfing. That takes great ability and extreme focus from both the coaches and competitors. Is there a specific criteria you use to select the team? Yes, there are the four elements that make up the HST Selection Criteria and are used in all our camps. They ultimately determine the final traveling team. 1. The ability to produce excellent scores. 2. The ability to process information, accept feedback, follow directions
and adapt to both changing situations and conditions. Coach-ability. 3. Attitude, maturity and the ability to work with others, all while perpetuating the “Aloha Spirit”. 4. Results from international ISA, ASP Star and Pro Junior events, along with results in the Surfing America Championships and NSSA National Championships. Also considered are results in the HSA State Championships, NSSA Regional Championships and ratings from HSA, NSSA and ASP Pro Junior events. Has the selection process changed since you began coaching? Yes, there were years where we had trials and surf-offs and all sorts of stuff. Sponsorship has always been difficult, so some years we had to invite all the kids chosen as there was no time or funds to run the events needed for selection. It is a very hard 2-week long trip that comes with a lot of liability that is all on us. Numerous things can happen in that time with changes in diet, kids getting sick or injured, or just the risks of being in a foreign country. The ISA World Junior Championships is huge, including over 30 countries, 300 competitors and a dual competition area with a format that lasts 8 grueling days. We have finally been able to create a system of selecting our kids, which reaches a larger field, includes those that are interested, and gives all those that participate a chance to shine and earn one of the coveted 12 spots available on the Hawai’i Surf Team. Any bizarre or funny stories about the tryouts?
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G R O M S C E N E : H AWAI’I SU R F TE AM /
Not many, but the kids always seem to bond and be supportive of each other. At the end of the selection process I think the kids really have a good feel about themselves and they know where they stand as far as qualification. We do a great job of bringing the right kids at the right moment to achieve the overall goal. Through the years, the team has had the good grace to stand on the podium more often than not. A lot of that I feel is from the cohesiveness of the team. We have to become a family, whether we like it or not! Most rewarding part of coaching our Hawai’i Surf Team? That’s easy. I get to be involved with a lot of kids and their lives. I know I try to be a positive influence and support system for everyone. I really want to be as open as I can with all the kids so if they have questions regarding their surfing, their careers, or their life in general, they are not afraid to ask for our help and guidance. I had a good family upbringing, but didn’t know who to ask for help when I was young. I was pretty confused. Hopefully together we can make a difference with what we do. When will the 2015 team be announced? We are hoping to have the team finalized by the end of February at the latest. There are so many events constantly happening, that it is difficult to get free weekends where all the kids are available, and then coordinate bringing the team together. The whole process from start to finish of producing the Hawai’i Surf Team and winning the ISA World Junior Championship can be a bit of a magic trick. pau
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Kahanu Delovio
Rock
HAWAI`I’S SURF TV All new episodes every month!
Hawai`i
Southern California
SURF POLL / With the world’s top surfers all congregating right in our front yard, Freesurf decided to ask a few questions that weren’t the average run-of-the-mill type. Ever wonder what the pros’ kryptonite is? Check out their responses below.
Q: What are you guilty pleasures? Mick Fanning
Dusty Payne
Chocolate.
Sleeping in. Love me some sleep.
Carissa Moore
Billy Kemper
Gelato.
Running away from surfing to go diving.
Kelly Slater
Bruce Irons
I watch Food Network all night.
I have to stop eating ice cream.
John John Florence
Koa Smith
I like to eat cookies and ice cream and I don’t do diets, I don’t stretch, I don’t do work outs. I just surf.
Going to Vegas.
Matt Wilkinson Danny Fuller Coffee. Way too much of it, it’s my new fix.
I like chocolate, I like coffee, I like beer, I like jack and cokes, I like everything fun.
Jordy Smith
Twiggy Baker
Beer of course.
The hot tub at the house I’m staying at. I’ll stay all day in that thing.
Jamie O’Brien
Freddy P
Board transfers, Ke Iki shorebreak and talking Poopies into doing anything I can think of.
I’m a binge eater, so when I lose my heat I go straight to Ted’s Bakery or a cake shop.
Stephanie Gilmore Mai tais. They get me every time I come to Hawai’i.
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Earth friendly • Fine Silver • Sunrise Shells • and other designs Request a private showing at our studio Tuesday - Saturday 9 am - 5 pm Facebook(kaleimaeole handcrafted jewelry) www.kaleimaeole.etsy.com klatronic96712@gmail.com
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S OU N D S /
VOLCOM VOLCANIC ROCKOUT By Sean Reilly This December, The Growlers exploded on to Oahu’s music scene with three hip swaying heart swooning performances. Volcom featured the underground “beach goth” group from Costa Mesa at this year’s Volcanic Rockout in time with the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing. The band of shaggy haired gypsies enveloped the island in a wave of hazily blissful tunes. Commencing their reign at the Kaka’ako Warehouse in Honolulu, a variety of raw disco-punk and 60’s retro-rock echoed throughout the tin walls with melodic resilience. The following evening, The Growlers headed north to Turtle Bay Resort’s Surfer. The Bar. Vocalist Brooks Nielson delivered catchy melodic lyrics with a nostalgic throwback sound. The unconventional vocals harmonized in unison with lead guitarist Matt Taylor’s dynamic mix of clean and distorted chord progressions. With over eight years and five albums between the two, the psychedelic duo synchronizes catchy melody with garage band grunge. Accompanied by Scott Montoya on drums, Anthony Braun Perry on bass and Kyle Straka juggling keyboard, guitar and a tall glass of beer, the groovy band of misfits spewed a low-fi goulash of tunes that had fans screaming hana hou! (One more time in Hawaiian). The Growlers concluded the Volcanic Rockout with a free concert at Volcom’s Pipeline beach house. Their performance was held the final day
of the coveted Pipeline masters, the culmination of the Triple Crown of Surfing and the 2014 ASP World Championship Tour. After history was made and a world champ crowned, a slew of salty surfers converged with an array of beachside bystanders to rock out with The Growlers one last time. By far the most intimate performance on tour, The Growlers ravished the sun burnt spectators from the bungalows back porch. Predominately drawing from their new album, Chinese Fountain, while indulging the audience with past hits like “One Million Lovers,” the beachfront property erupted with approval. Kegs of free Pacifico flowed like the rivers of Babylon, and the band was set against a sun kissed horizon. The youthful audience packed into every available space as the party rocked on in celebration of the newly crowned champions and emanated the surfing lifestyle of the North Shore. Newly acquired listeners condensed with die-hard fans as the Volcom house backyard began to resemble a tightly packed can of sardines. The pinnacle of Volcom’s Volcanic Rockout, the Growlers captured the ears and hearts of all who attended. pau
PAU HANA / prepares me to get in the water and makes my experience in the ocean more meaningful. How would you say your time in the water helps you connect with your clients once back on land and in the office? Just being more relaxed helps me to relate with my clients, to connect. In order to effectively advocate to the jury or judge, I need to walk in my client’s shoes. My relationship with my client has everything to do with being connected to nature and the ocean. Talk about about how surfing centers your life. I grew up in a home with some issues, and the time in between sets just sitting in the ocean healed me, it was my time to pray or just talk
JOHN CHOI
THE SURFER’S LAWYER By Lauren Rolland Avid waterman, family man, surfer and fisherman, John Choi is far beyond your typical town surfer. In fact, the ocean athlete wears a pressed shirt with slacks, works on the 23rd floor of a high rise in the business district of Honolulu and presents cases to a judge and jury on a regular basis. As a trial lawyer, John Choi spends countless hours in the office preparing for a court case, yet believe it or not, still manages to get in the ocean for a quick surf or dive. How many trial lawyers do you know that make time for a session at Bowls? Combine ‘surfer’ with ‘lawyer’ and you get a blend of professionalism and play. It is amazing how this man has developed his work/life balance and it’s evident in his presence. Happy and lighthearted yet intelligent and focused, John can talk about current insurance issues and the real meaning behind Shakespeare’s ‘kill the lawyers first’, and just as easily chat about the World Title race and Dane Reynolds being his favorite surfer. Born in Seoul, Korea and raised in Manhattan Beach, California, John first learned to body surf at his local beach break, Marine Street, and then progressed to body boarding and surfing. “My first board was a bright yellow Rick twin fin,” he mentions. John’s parents owned a restaurant called Wiki Wiki Teriyaki, so it seemed almost inevitable that the beach town vibe and lifestyle of California would 98
eventually lead him to Honolulu. “I didn’t know it at the time, but there was a lot of Hawaiian influences in Manhattan Beach when I was growing up,” John recalls, which inadvertently may have instilled his attraction to the islands. A resident of Oahu for 16 years now, the surfer graduated from UC Irvine and got his law degree at Vermont Law. He worked as a deputy attorney general and then eventually started his own private practice in Honolulu. Surfing has allowed John to be the relaxed, passionate and cool person he is today, despite the stressful career. Living in Kapahulu with his wife Michelle and two daughters Jasmine (9) and Jocelyn (7), the avid surfer/lawyer is grounded when it comes to his work/life balance.
What comes first – surfing or work? Definitely surfing. My job is so stressful that without getting in the ocean at least once a week, whether I’m diving, surfing or just going for a swim, it’s hard to get rid of that negative energy that builds. So I get wet as much I can. I remember doing double sessions, before and after work, that was BC days, before children. As a lawyer, it seems your job would keep you pretty busy though. There are bouts where I have to work 30 days straight preparing for trial. But even then I try to sneak a session in because I know that its counterproductive to work that much and not have a release. I go to the gym too, but there’s no greater release than the ocean, and the gym
story with other surfers and connect with the healing power of the ocean. Everything seems so much better after an ocean therapy session. Tell us about surfing and growing up in Manhattan Beach with your family. Going in the ocean was a total escape for me growing up. Sunny Garcia and Buffalo Keaulana’s lives and upbringing resonate with my own… I’m so grateful for all of my experiences and I believe that part of my background has really prepared me for the difficulties of being a trial lawyer. I remember when I first started surfing in Hawai’i; it was like going from Pop Warner to the NFL with nothing in between, no training camp. And I realized the importance of that was to build my resolve to continue my work as a trial lawyer. Because when I take waves on the head it’s like taking trials on the head… you have to just keep paddling out and you have to keep looking for that perfect wave.
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Where is your favorite place to surf? The wave itself… there’s no better wave than Bowls. It has a combination of everything. When I’m surfing it a lot in the summer I’ll go out there as much as I can. But because the crowd is so gnarly, I don’t even think I went there all this year. That’s my favorite wave, but then I like to surf Suicides a lot because it’s not that crowded. But if I had my choice I would be at Bowls every time. Before I had kids I was surfing the North Shore a lot too – Rocky Point, Ehukai Beach, Himalayas, Avalanches, Left Overs… I surfed big waves, but I wouldn’t consider myself a big wave surfer. Tell us about your other hobbies. Pole fishing, SUPing, ocean swimming and spearfishing. Spearfishing has actually consumed my life for the past 3 years because I got into a car accident and hurt my neck, and decided to take a break from surfing to let it heal. My buddy Chris Cramer got me started on diving and now I dive every chance I get. I’ve done the Waikiki Roughwater Swim and I do the North Shore Swim Series too every year. I’ve also competed in the Land Shark Surf Contest, which is held more or less every year at Kewalos. It’s for lawyers and their friends, and in 2011 I competed in all four categories - shortboard, longboard, SUP and boogie board. Of the four different categories, I took 1st in one and placed in two others. I think in recent history I’m the only one to have cross-placed in different categories. Every Saturday is soccer Saturday. I played soccer growing up, so it’s nostalgic to relive that through Jasmine and Jocelyn. And then Sundays we’re always at church, then golf. We spend our weekends together, from sunrise on Saturday morning to sunset on Sunday. As a family man, waterman and lawyer, what words of wisdom do you have for the Freesurf audience? Never ever give up.
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Keanu Represent!
Congratulations to Local Motion team rider Keanu Asing on his recent qualification on the 2015 WSL World Championship Tour! We couldn’t ask for a better representative of Hawai’i! History was made once again at the 45th annual Surfer Poll Awards with John John Florence ousting long-time fan favorite Kelly Slater from the top of the Poll and six-time World Champion Stephanie Gilmore reclaiming her place at the top of the women’s Poll. North Shore’s Turtle Bay set the stage for the illustrious event gathering the best surfers, filmmakers and surf legends all under one roof to honor the best films and performances of the year.
Top 5 Women 1. Stephanie Gilmore 2. Sally Fitzgibbons 3. Carissa Moore 4. Coco Ho 5. Alana Blanchard
Stephanie Gilmore Rolland
Top 10 Men 1. John Florence 2. Kelly Slater 3. Gabriel Medina 4. Mick Fanning 5. Jordy Smith 6. Dane Reynolds 7. Joel Parkinson 8. Julian Wilson 9. Kolohe Andino 10. Taj Burrow
Rolland
Dane Reynolds
2014 SURFER Poll Results:
AI Breakthrough Performer - Noa Deane Movie of the Year - Strange Rumblings in Shangri La, directed by Joe G. Best Performance - Albee Layer, Attractive Distractions Heavy Water - Grant “Twiggy” Baker Best Barrel - Koa Smith, Skeleton Bay, from Diamond Of The Desert Worst Wipeout - Myron Porter, The Right, from Big Wave Hellmen Best Documentary - Thundercloud, directed by Talon Clemow Best Short - Cheese II, Noa Deane & Shane Fletcher Best Maneuver - Kelly Slater, Portugal, from Tour Notes Agent of Change - Sustainable Surf Your Freesurf crew 102
Join the backyard revolution!
Emily Nishimoto. Photo: Christa Funk
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Hurley just launched two new products including the Sig Zane and Hurley Collaboration with a signature Hawaiian design, lightweight stretch and added protection, and the John John Florence Signature Boardshort, the JJF Elite with dynamic strength, lightweight stretch and 21” length to increase coverage and protection when conditions turn on. You can get all the info you need on Hurley.com.
Tatiana Weston-Webb
@amusesociety
Tatiana Weston-Webb wins in Brazil at the Mahalo Surf Eco Festival. Defeating Alessa Quizon by a score of 14.70 to 13.60 in an all-Hawai‘i final at Praia da Tiririca, Tati took home $7,000 and 1,000 points during this ASP 4-star event. Congratulations to Tatiana on the win and on recently qualifying for the 2015 World Tour, where she will compete against a star-studded roster of female athletes for the world title, to culminate again at Honolua Bay on Maui next winter.
Hurley’s JJF Elite
Vissla, D’Blanc and now Amuse Society have hit Hawai’i! The launch of the new contemporary beach lifestyle brand, Amuse Society, was celebrated with Bikini Bird at the music event space known as the Republik in downtown Honolulu. The charming and classy event showcased Amuse Society’s new line, while live music entertained the crowd and delicious food was served up. With an open bar for VIP until 9:30pm, spirits were high and everyone was in the swanky holiday spirit. The beach/street/bohemian/rock and roll inspired clothing brand can be found online at amusesociety.com or follow them on Instagram for updates and more info @amusesociety. Word has leaked from the Valley Isle that there’s a new Clay Marzo surfboard model coming out, tentatively called the ‘Mad Cat.’ Clay has been working with Shapers’ Collective member Jason Koons on the design aspects of the board and blowing up during test runs at his favorite little spots on the West Side. Look out for the Mad Cat and more SUPERbrand surfboards and apparel at Aloha Boardshop in Honolulu. In other news, the Dion Agius’ ‘Siamese Palm Viper’ has been nominated by SIMA as the 2014 Surfboard of the Year. Check out the SPV and the allnew 2015 board models at superbranded.com! Also nominated for the SIMA awards Accessory Product of the year is Electric, for the ED01-TIDE digital watch. Clay Marzo
North Shore Soap Factory
And speaking of the California-based sunglass brand, Electric returns as a major sponsor for the 2015 Volcom Pipe Pro happening January 29 – February 8 at the Banzai Pipeline. This WSL QS 3000 event has a $100,000 prize purse and will be webcast live at volcompipepro.com so if you miss it on the beach be sure to watch it from home. Starting in January, North Shore Soap Factory is partnering with Clean the World Foundation, a non-profit organization that aims to prevent the millions of deaths caused by hygiene-related illnesses every day. Proceeds of NS Soap Factory’s top selling Hawaiian Bath & Body® soaps will go toward Clean the World Foundation’s mission of helping stop treatable diarrheal and respiratory diseases by supplying recycled and re sanitized hotel amenities to kids around the globe. North Shore Soap Factory is also collaborating with Japan-based Angela Maki of Ocean’s Love on custom stamped Ocean’s Love Hawaiian Bath & Body® soaps.
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ELECTRIC ANNOUNCES THE
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Leave the streets behind in Electric’s new Mudslinger. This supercharged 8 base wrap has superior coverage with lightweight construction that gives you the protection you need. Made to keep up with anything your day throws at it, on the water, in the snow, or along the trails. Check them out online at electriccalifornia.com or contact the lovely Lorena Kops at lorena@ electriccalifornia.com for inquiries.
Leave the streets behind in the Mudslinger. This supercharged 8 base wrap has superior coverage with lightweight construction that gives you the protection you need. Made to keep up with anything your day throws at it, on the water, in the snow, or along the trails.
DEPACTUS.com Goes Live. DEPACTUS Digital and Social platforms celebrate the surfing lifestyle and timeless spirit of adventure. Depactus.com and their social media channels are now firing on all cylinders, and they invite you to follow a new era in oceanic adventure. The DEPACTUS mission: outfit the adventurer born with salt water in their blood. Their motivation: build the most technically sound boardshorts, outerwear, apparel, bags and accessories. Check out Depactus now online www.depactus.com and on Instagram @ depactus. For samples, images and inquiries, contact: Lorena Kops lorena@electriccalifornia.com
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Jamba Juice’s New Green Line. On January 12, Jamba Juice Hawai’i is now offering super-nutritious/delicious kale to start a healthy new year however you choose: Apple ‘n Kale Bowl, Amazing Greens Smoothie, Greens ‘n Ginger Smoothie or Kale Orange Power Juice. All are 100% fruit and veggie offerings with no added sugar. Start the New Year off right with Jamba Juice’s healthy and delicious tasting smoothies!
BYRD has partnered with Futures Fins on the world’s first pocket comb made from surfboard fin composite. The BYRD x Futures Fins pocket comb is engineered to be durable, flexible and comfortable for use on all hair types and comes in BYRD’s signature “just right yellow” color. Available at BYRDHair.com, MSRP $10. For the latest brand news on Instagram, follow @BYRDHair. Caribbean Kaleiscopic Collection. Inspired by the lush and colorful Caribbean of Costa Rica, Dkoko’s new 2015 collection offers amazing surf bikini basics as well as new trendy swimwear specially created to stay on in the surf and make women look great. Designed by surfers and tested in real waves, Dkoko uses the best quality fabrics in beautiful tropical prints and solids to create the perfect surf bikinis. Check out the new line at dkoko.com.
R E S O L U T IO N S /
CAPTION THIS Chris Latronic
The New Year always brings a fresh start. Whether that means eating healthier, surfing more or picking up a new hobby, there are tons of great ways to begin 2015 on the right foot (or left, depending on your stance). Check out what some of the world’s best surfers are intending for their New Year.
Q: What is your New Year’s resolution? Dusty Payne: Get barreled all year long.
Jordy Smith: Eat better and be a better person.
Kelly Slater: I’m going to try and get my body in gear this year, I’ve got a few injuries I’m carrying around.
Bruce Irons: Surf more.
Bob Hurley: Almost every day I make resolutions, so I don’t have a cut off date, but I always need to be nicer and I always need to listen more and I always need to eat healthier and less, and I always need to surf more.
“You’re really going to juice that lei?” @jaribporter “JJ: I knew he wasn’t human...” @akuaten “JJ: I wonder if he uses shampoo...” @ ashmurphy91 “Stare into my eyes...I’m motherf@#!n’ Kelly Slater!!” Greg Johnson “Then n NOW!!! “ - Bo Ramie-Loo “I must break you! “ - Brian Scott
John John Florence: Do better in the first half of the year and that way I’ll do better towards the end.
“I won this thing, how come he got lei’d and I didnt?!?!? “ @rager23
Dege O’Connell: Get healthy and surf Jaws.
“Braddah is high in sea weed “ @bambooclotbongs
Kalani David: Make it on the primes this year and hopefully be closer to qualifying on tour.
“Was that your finger!...? “ @ chiropyro
Mark Occhilupo: To get fit.
Twiggy Baker: To catch bigger waves.
Josh Kerr: Just hopefully it’s better than this past year.
Koa Smith: Be happy.
Ross Williams: I want to take my kids surfing more, and then for me, find time to work out and eat well.
Mick Fanning: Just try and keep smiling. 108
John Choi
Chris Latronic
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L A ST LO O K This heli pilot is either practicing a major stunt for the new James Bond movie or, if you can believe it, helping someone else get an even better shot of the Shark’s Cove explosion. Winters not over yet‌ get ready for big lateseason action coming up in our next issue. Photo: Mike Latronic