V13n5

V 1 3

# 5

F R E E 2016 BEACH & BOARD BUYER’S GUIDE I n

H aw a i ’i

APERTURE

FOAM KINSHIPS Jonah Morgan. Photo: Clark Little

NATHAN FLORENCE ©2016, Vans Inc.

VA N S . C O M / S U R F

FREE PARKING

Although Kobe Bryant - who Billy Kemper paid homage to in this Off the Wall barrel - never added surfing to his list of talents, one aspect from his 20-year illustrious NBA career can parallel with the surfing realm. Kobe was obessed with the details of his sport, just as surfers, amateur and pro alike, are obsessed with every detail of surfboards. The surf community is frequently testing new models, tinkering with dimensions in shaping bays and test driving different shapes. It's that obsession that pushed Billy to draw this line, and it’s that obsession that will continue to push board design to even greater heights. Photo: Keoki

COVER STORY

by Clark Little During El Niño this year, the waves were unreal. We had the Eddie, and the shorebreak at Keiki was bombing for a few months. I would say this Winter was one of the

best shorebreak days of the decade. It was like a machine.

Morning, mid-day and at night with a flash, I was trying to capture everything.

“ ...to document it with a humble guy like Jonah, it was icing on the cake.

I sent Jonah my three favorite images of the barrel and he was mindblown, just stoked.

He’s not a tall guy either there was room for a VW bug in that barrel. For me, my heart starts beating when I see a perfect wedge like this, and I want to be parked in the middle of the beast to capture it. It’s an unbelievable feeling, a thrill, an adrenaline rush. I was stoked to be in the barrel, and to document it with a humble guy like Jonah was icing on the cake.

10

Clark Little

This shot I took of Jonah Morgan was yet another perfect day at Keiki. A swell had come through before, so the sandbar was far out and more level. It was clean, and I was shooting Flynn Novak and Jonah somehow got word too and paddled out. It was solid 4-6 foot with 8 foot sets, 15, 16 foot faces. Jonah took off, pulled in and I was parked right there, I didn’t have to move. Right as he passed by me, I knew I had the shot.

H YAT T R E G E N C Y WA I K I K I ALA MOANA CENTER

LocalMotion

H A W A Banana

Omni

Sci-fi

I

.com

N e w s & E vent s /

TA BLE O F C ONT ENT S

Features

S H O W

R O O M

B I K I N I S , C LOT H E S & A CC E S S O R I E S

36 Foam Kinships 48 Aperture 60 Beach & Board Buyers Guide Departments 8

Free Parking

10 Cover Story 16 Editor’s Note 18 News & Events 74 Quiver / Kai Lenny 78 Grom Report 82 Environment 86 Community 88 Sounds 92 Industry Notes 96 Last Look

BSR Haleiwa

BRINGING HAPPINESS TO HAWAII SINCE 2003!!!

66-250 Kamehameha Hwy, # E101 Haleiwa, HI 808.637.1777

Kailua

629 Kailua Road, # 120 Kailua, HI 96734 808.261.3026

~ AT THE NORTH SHORE MARKETPLACE ~

Model:Kat Photo: Heff

Clark Little

Editorial

Publisher Mike Latronic Associate Editor Cash Lambert Photo Editor Tony Heff Art Director John Weaver Multimedia Director Tyler Rock Ambassador-at-Large Chris Latronic Social Media Coordinator Keoki Saguibo Staff Photographers Brent Bielmann, Tony Heff, Chris Latronic, Mike Latronic, Tyler Rock, Keoki Saguibo Free Thinkers Blake Lefkoe, Jeff Hawe, Dan House, Chelsea Jarrell, Lauren Rolland, Arielle Taramasco

Senior Contributing Photographers

Erik Aeder, Eric Baeseman (outbluffum.com), Brian Bielmann, Ryan Craig, Jeff Divine, Pete Frieden, Dane Grady, Bryce Johnson, Ha’a Keaulana, Ehitu Keeling, Laserwolf, Bruno Lemos, Mana, Zak Noyle, Shawn Pila, Jim Russi, Jason Shibata, Spencer Suitt, Tai Vandyke

Contributing Photographers

John Bilderback, Marc Chambers, Brooke Dombroski, DoomaPhoto, Rick Doyle, Isaac Frazer, Jeromy Hansen, Pete Hodgson, Joli, Kin Kimoto, Tim McKenna, Dave “Nelly” Nelson, Nick Ricca, Gavin Shige, Heath Thompson, Bill Taylor, Wyatt Tillotson, Corey Wilson, Jimmy Wilson, Cole Yamane Senior Account Executive Brian Lewis Business Coordinator Cora Sanchez 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!

Subscribe at freesurfmagazine.com Other than “Free Postage” letters, we do not accept unsolicited editorial submissions without first establishing

Watch Board Stories on Channel 12, or 112 digital in Hawai`i or at OC16.tv

contact with the editor. FreeSurf, Manulele Inc. and its associates is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged submissions or their return.

Mon 2:00pm Tue 11:30am

One-way correspondence can be sent to P.O. Box 1161, Hale‘iwa, HI 96712 E-mail editorial inquiries to info@freesurfmagazine.com A product of Manulele, Inc. 2015

Wed 8:00pm Thu 2:00am Fri 6:00am Sat 5:00am Sun 7:00am

Please recycle this magazine, mahalo.

“Pidgin English”

Available at HIC stores island wide in keiki through adult sizes.

Ala Moana Center

808-973-6780 www.hicsurf.com

Heff

EDITOR’S NOTE

By Cash Lambert On a recent strike mission to Nicaragua, I decided not to pack a surfboard. Instead, I felt the process of finding one along the way would yield yet another story to add to the collective experience and although I did return with a story, it wasn’t what was anticipated. Being the newest member of the Freesurf team, other staff members urged me to tell it to both introduce myself and introduce this year’s Beach and Board Buyer's Issue.

After days of swapping boards with tourists and locals, a guide drove us down a dirt road to a house near the Pacific, where a handful of Nicaraguan surfers were eating lunch. Using my guide as a translator, I spoke to one boy, who was one of the few Nicaraguans to ever compete in an international surf contest. He explained that his surfing roots began when he was handed a surfboard by a fellow surfer who was in the process of returning home.

I’ve followed the boy’s career since, and today he has a much deeper voice, rips harder than ever and, most impressively, has inspired a countless quantity of Nicaraguan youth to join the sport -- all because of one board.

Isn’t it marvelous what stories materialize from pieces of foam?

This is why we decided to examine the stories behind those that are bonded by boards. We interviewed six of Hawaii’s surfershaper duos (page 35) to further understand how this dynamic works with feedback, loyalty, communication and trust.

It’s not just stories that come from our surfboards; boards also act as symbols, showcasing how far we as an industry have come and evolved decade by decade (thinking of the twin fin, thruster, quard, guns, etc).

What do today’s surfboards have to say about the current state and performance of our industry? While this note we can wax further, it’s best to show rather than tell.

So flip over to our 2016 Beach and Board Buyer’s Guide (page 59), a feature that also acts as a shopping list, where you can choose the next board that will equip you with stories of epic sessions to tell in the not-so-distant future.

B

O

A

R

D

S

H

O

R

T

O’NEILL INC. 2016 US.ONEILL.COM TORREY MEISTER

PHOTO: MARC PREFONTAINE

F E A T U R I N G

AVAILABLE AT T&C SHOPS

U N R EA SON ABLY DRY U NREAS ON AB LY LIGH T

S

NEWS & EVENTS

Solomon Ortiz

Malani and Kepo’inalu Alameda

Pomai Ho`opili

6TH ANNUAL BOOGIE’S POHOIKI BAY SURFING CLASSIC

Ikaika Kalama

Story by Shawn Pila Photos by Shawn Pila and Tyler Rock

On Friday, March 18th, the first day of the 6th Annual Boogie’s Pohoiki Bay Surfing Classic was held at sunny 2 to 3 foot Pohoiki Bowl. The black lava rock-ridden shoreline played host to the three-day event, where families and friends camped and celebrated the wonderful life of uncle George “Boogie” Kalama, who passed away in 2011.

Boogie was an entertainer, a musician and an outstanding waterman who spent the majority of his time fishing and surfing.

He was also a former crew member of the first double hulled canoe, the Hokulea, that voyaged from Hawai’i to Tahiti in 1976. Members of this canoe team said he brought peace to the original journey “through song and his joyful spirit.” He also created songs such as, “Hokulea Star of Gladness,” which was later recorded and popularized by famous Hawaiian musician Israel Kamakawiwo’ole. Mayor Billy Kenoi honored him for his continual efforts and cultural spirit within different communities, proclaiming March 19th, 2011 as, “Boogie Kalama Day,” on the island of Hawai’i.

18

catching the very first wave of the day.

Boogie’s Pohoiki Bay Surfing Classic has long been missed. Thus, his son, Ikaika Kalama, continues this legacy in honor of his dad.

“We’re just stoked to have everybody back and have dad’s contest going again,” said Ikaika Kalama, pro surfer and contest coordinator. “The turnout has been more than I expected and everyone is stoked.”

Each morning, a Hawaiian pule (prayer) blessed the event, followed by Ikaika and his son Tamaroa paddling out with a ho’okupu (Hawaiian offering), and

It was a weekend full of fun and games that highlighted the true meaning of aloha, and besides the surfing itself there were many other events for everyone to enjoy, such as Makahiki games, Moa Pahe’e (a game of strength and skill played with large torpedo-shaped wooden darts), Ulumaika (rolling stone discs) and even Huki Huki (Hawaiian tugof-war). Special trophies were made to honor the winners of the Makahiki games.

A drawing contest, beach clean-up and Bamboo Holoholo (fishing) tournament also took place with a total of 52 entrees.

All 28 kids who caught fish won trophies, with the biggest fish being a 14-inch eel caught by Ka’iekeha Martin. Little Ocean Butts had a total of seven fish, catching the most fish of the day.

As for the surfing, there were events

6TH ANNUAL BOOGIE’S POHOIKI BAY SURFING CLASSIC Solomon Ortiz

Fuzzy Jardine

open to all ages from keiki (child) to kupuna (grandparent), starting off with the Menehune Kane (Boys 14 & Under) and Menehune Wahine (Girls 14 & Under) divisions. Turning heads and dominating the boys’ division was Kane Turalde, riding long left-handers all the way to the jagged shoreline. Another standout surfer was Rumor Butts, winning the girls’ division.

Following the Menehune was the Open Longboard and Bully Board divisions.

Former professional surfer Solomon Ortiz was killing it, winning both the Longboard and Bully Board division (with his son Makani) and taking second in the Open Men’s Shortboard.

Day two consisted of the Open Men and Open Women Shortboard divisions, Stand-Up Paddle, and the much anticipated Open Alai’a division, where surfers rode waves on hand-shaped wooden planks just as their ancient Hawaiian ancestors did. Winning the Alai’a division was Kalae O’Shaughnessy, followed by Kainoa Hauanio of Kalapana.

All Alai’a were provided by Ikaika and Alai’a made by Ahuna.

George “Boogie” Kalama was known to his family and friends as a guy who loved, cared and gave to everyone in need. As he would say repeatedly times before, “Aloha kekahi i kekahi.” Love one another.

Gage London

RESULTS 14 & Under Girls 1st – Rumor Starr Butts 2nd – Malaika Bishaw 3rd – Mariko Nakano 4th – Starsea Kahikina 14 & Under Boys 1st – Kane Turalde 2nd – Tamaroa Kalama 3rd – Bradda Arraujo 4th – Kepo‘inalu Alameda Open Women 1st – Mariko Nakano 2nd – Rumor Starr Butts

3rd – Mahealani Gambil 4th – Manu Napeahi Open Men 1st – Soleil Farnworth 2nd – Solomon Ortiz 3rd – Kainoa Hauanio 4th – Kalae O’Shaughnessy

THE ROADBLOCK

@dragonalliance

6TH ANNUAL BOOGIE’S POHOIKI BAY SURFING CLASSIC

Arjuna Morgan

Pi`i Wakana

Tamaroa Kalama

Open Longboard Women 1st – Manu Nepali 2nd – Rumor Starr Butts 3rd – Pulama O’Shaughnessy 4th – Luana Jones

Stand-Up Paddle 1st – Kainoa Hauanio 2nd – Pomai Hoapili 3rd – Fuzzy Jardine 4th – Slugga Kahikina

Open Longboard Men 1st – Solomon Ortiz 2nd – Pomai Hoopla 3rd – Kalae O’Shaughnessy 4th – Arjuna Morgan

Wood Boards 1st – Kalae O’Shaughnessy 2nd – Kainoa Hauanio 3rd – Gage London 4th – Solomon Ortiz

50 Years & Over 1st – Phil Losconia 2nd – Jeff Hunt 3rd – Lawrence Pacarro 4th – Steve Hirakami

Bullyboard 1st – Solomon and Makani Ortiz 2nd – Pomai Hoapili 3rd – Sam Warren and Kainoa Andrade 4th – Malani and Kepo’inalu Alameda

IAN WALSH’S 13TH ANNUAL MENEHUNE MAYHEM

“I can’t take the credit, our entire community on Maui came down to help,” said pro surfer Ian Walsh, founder of Menehune Mayhem.

On Saturday, April 13, hundreds of menehune bubbling with excitement packed Ho’okipa Beach Park in anticipation not just for surfing in the fun conditions on hand, but also for a dunk tank, scavenger hunt, juicing station and box car derby, along with the opportunity to snag autographs from pros such as Matt Meola, Paige Alms, Albee Layer and Tanner Hendrickson.

The 13th Annual Menehune Mayhem lived up to its name with 175 menehune packing the lineup in contested heats throughout the day, and hundreds more present for the other beach activities. Overall, this year’s event saw 1,500 people.

“I was 19 when I started it,” said founder and waterman Ian Walsh. “There seemed to be a lack of youth surf events at the time, and the whole concept behind it was to create it exactly how I wanted it when I was their age. I didn't grow up with a lot of money, so its free for them to enter, and whether you come in first or your don’t make your first heat, you still get a goodie bag of gear. It morphed into something more than a surf event, and for those who may be too intimidated to start surfing, they have the opportunity to play at all these other activities, so they can see how fun surfing can be without being forced into trying it.

That has been a big reason I do this event, to subtly give the kids an opportunity to check out surfing.”

24

Other than beach activities and surfing, the 13th Annual also aimed to provide education on a myriad of topics, and in a unique way. For example, after the setup team placed water dispensaries throughout the area, participants were provided a water bottle. “Rather than preach to them the importance of recycling and conservation, it was simpler and much more impactful to give them a water bottle to let them start doing it and show them why,” said Walsh.

The most prestigious part of the day involved awards - in the form of laptops - given out to the children who had the highest GPAs in school.

“I can’t take credit, our entire community on Maui came down to help, there were so many volunteers who made it so much more than a surf event,” said Walsh. “It wouldn't be a hundredth of what it was without the Maui community being there and making it so big.”

MENEHUNE MAYHEM

Results Boys 5 and under 1 Kassius Wallace 2 Mylo McKinney 3 Makua Custudro 4 Kaikili Kapuniai 5 Giulian Huesing 6 Aiden Haas Girls 5 and under 1 Kayo Wallace 2 Ruby Stringfellow 3 Baylee Brown 4 Kayne wallace 5 Jayda Eide 6 Kailea Jarred Boys 6-7 1 Steve Roberson 2 Marley Franco 3 EJ Sargent 4 Jack Howard 5 Makoa Kapuniai 6 Desmond Connelly Girls 6-7 1 Shia Bouerman 2 Slone Tucker 3 Amy Simpson-Kane

4 Milen Welch 5 Hayden Baldwin 6 Ehakai Huesing

Boys 8-9 1 Justin Roberson 2 Cash Bereolla 3 Eric Roberson 4 Noah Budroe 5 Rylan Beavers 6 Chase Burns Girls 8-9 1 Chrislyn Simpson-Kane 2 Naiya Eide 3 Stella Valdez 4 Emma Davis 5 Hadley Talavs 6 Rachel Brandy Boys 10-11 1 Shion Crawford 2 Chase Anderson 3 Keanu Taylor 4 Kanoa Kaiwi 5 Taj Newton 6 Kamakani Luke

Cholo’s

Homestyle Mexican Restaurant & Margarita Bar Finn McGill

Photo: Heff/Freesurf

Open Everyday 9:30 am-9:30 pm Happy Hour: 4-6 pm M-F – Food & Drink Specials – North Shore Marketplace Haleiwa, Hawaii 96712

637-3059 www.CHOLOS.mx

Authentic Mexican Favorites Island Fresh Fish Tacos Refreshing Margaritas CELEBRATING 20 YEARS

Food & Festivities in Historic Haleiwa Town

Muchos Mahalos to all our loyal customers for your patronage!

MENEHUNE MAYHEM

Girls 10-11 1 Luana Silva 2 Tia Rista 3 Nora Liotta 4 Ellie May Brown 5 Cienna Beaver 6 Abigail Balmus Boys 12-14 1 Ocean Macedo 2 Tyty Kirby 3 Tony Nunez 4 Jackson Bunch 5 Kayam Amar 6 Kai Paula Girls 12-14 1 Savanna Stone 2 Jasime Crawford 3 Kayalani Mullen 4 Jules Anderson 5 Isabella Talavs 6 Kira Catering Boys 15-17 1 Logan Bediamol 2 Cody Young 3 Kelson Lau

4 Kala Willard 5 Spike Shannon 6 Marco rista Girls 15-17 1 Summer Macedo 2 Tatiana Ebro 3 Aloha Lopez 4 Sofi Loewy 5 Sophia Johnston Ian Walsh Menehune Mayhem 2016 GPA Awards Girls Sophia Johnson 4.28 Tatiana Ebro 4.0 Jasmine Crawford 4.0 Ellie Mae Brown 4.0 Boys Jake Maki 4.0 Logan Bediamol 3.8 Ethan Anderson 3.7 Seth Thompson 3.7 Eric Luke 3.6 Ty Kane 3.6 Jackson Bunch 3.5

ALWAYS GOOD VIBES…

ALBEE LAYER | MATT MEOLA | TORREY MEISTER | SANUK.COM

BEER COZY HOP TOP

VAGABOND PERF

GUIDE

15TH ANNUAL IRONS BROTHERS’ PINE TREES CLASSIC

By Kresta Painter Photos Tammy Moniz

A captivated group of family, friends, and awestruck tourists crowded the beach in Hanalei Bay on Kauai for the 15th Annual Irons Brothers’ Pine Trees Classic on April 9th where glassy 2-3ft waves rolled in. With over 250 participants, the celebration of surfing and the spirit of aloha was abundant for all, contestants as well as their biggest fans. Patty Irons described how she felt about the day by stating simply, “Andy was all about aloha”.

Since its inception, the annual Pine Trees Classic has been dedicated to creating a family-focused and fun day of surfing while giving kids a supportive venue to compete with their peers.

The day was festive and magical for many. It was the first ever surf competition for Kailani Dove Hart, age 8. “I love surfing the Pine Trees contest,” he said, “because we get to surf with all of our friends and cheer each other on!” Because the day is focused on non-ranked surfers, the competition is all about enjoying the waves with family and friends.

Mila Irons, age 7, Axel Irons, age 6, and Koby Irons, age 4, participated in the ever-popular Keiki push-in with over 100 other aspiring surfers. Mila surfed with a big smile and Koby may have had his first rail grab ever on a mini left-hander. This was also the day Axel signed a hat for his grandma, Danielle Irons for the first time. His gesture, one that his father Andy always did at surf competitions for his mom, was just one of a thousand sweet moments of aloha shared by many throughout the day.

There is no doubt the Pine Trees Classic is a reflection of a longstanding commitment by the Irons family to keep Andy’s spirit and dreams alive by inspiring and supporting a community of young surfers. The event is looked forward to by many every year, and this year again was filled with sunshine, smiles and an abundance of aloha spirit. Truly a success and a beautiful tribute to a community who loved and admired Andy Irons.

MIKALA JONES JUST PASSING THROUGH

SLAMMED ROVER

40TH ANNUAL RELL SUNN MENEHUNE CLASSIC

By Spencer Suitt

Inaugurated in 1976, this year's Rell Sunn Menehune Surfing Championship was more than special, celebrating its 40th year over Easter weekend. This event is perfect for any surfer, non-surfer or soon-to-be surfer aged 4-13 who might want to put on a colored contest jersey and have a great time. Hundreds of children statewide visit Makaha Beach each year to participate in the contest that includes bodyboard, longboard, shortboard and the most popular of them all, the Kokua Division.

The first day saw perfect 1-2 foot grom-sized waves that allowed the surfers to open up and build confidence going into the finals on Sunday. The "Sunn" Spirit rose on Easter Day as contestants were treated to increased 2-4 foot classic Makaha swell. The 6-years and under parentassist Kokua Division kicked off the day as contestants were getting some of the longest rides of their young lives.

Once that division wrapped up, contest organizers put on a fun Easter Egg hunt where hundreds of eggs were hidden

in the beach sand, under rocks and bushes. The kids scattered as fast as they could to find them all, especially the two golden eggs that are two new surfboards!

The action was heating back up in the water with multiple menehune making the finals in two separate categories.

Nine-year-old Nalu Deodato defended his title from 2015 and took out the 7-9 boys' shortboard. Not one wave went unridden in the 10-12 boys shortboard final and Kalani Delarole carved it up for the win. John Van Hohenstein put on a nose-riding clinic in the 10-12 boys' longboard division for the victory.

For the wahine, all the 7-9-year-olds wore their hearts on their sleeve but it was Marina Fonseca, coming out with the victory and new Patagonia surfboard in the shortboard division. Freshly turned 11, Betty Lou "Sakura" Johnson posted multiple 10-point rides to defend her title in the 10-12-year-old shortboard division. But one of the most awesome heats of the day was in the 13-year-old

girls division that happened to have only one entrant. Ka’ehu Topping who surfed her own 15-minute final in the perfect Makaha waves. The whole beach arena cheered her every ride and she even got royal treatment from Brian Keaulana on the water patrol jet ski giving her lifts back out to the lineup.

Countless volunteers and sponsors come together to help Rell's daughter, Jan, and Jan's husband, Tony, put on this event. Their support helps carry on Rell's legacy and brings stoke to all contestants. Forty years later, the one thing that remains the same is the strong spirit of aloha.

WAVE OF THE WINTER

"I remember just looking at the wave as if it was a closeout," said Mikey O’Shaughnessy, the winner of the 2015/2016 Wave of the Winter.

MIKEY O’SHAUGHNESSY WINS WAVE OF THE WINTER 2015/2016

by Tyler Rock The O’Neill Wave of the Winter event, powered by Surfline, is now in its sixth official winter. But the unofficial ‘Wave of the Winter’ has been going down much longer than that. With hoards of hungry surfers flocking to the North Shore’s winter swell every year, inevitably someone will get and be able to claim the best wave of the winter, whether there is a prize purse behind it or not.

This winter season was no different. The Wave of the Winter event officially runs from November 1st through the end of February, where video clips serve as entries along the 7-mile miracle of the North Shore. Due to the sheer quality of waves and amount of coverage, the winning wave always comes from the stretch of reef between Off The Wall and Pipeline, affectionately known as Kodak Reef. While El Niño swells came to the party, many of them were in fact too big for the Pipe stretch to really do its thing. None the less, a multitude of worthy entries made picking this year’s winner a tough job.

Judges Gerry Lopez, Shawn Briley, Pancho Sullivan, and Ross Williams ultimately agreed that the Big Island’s Mikey O’Shaughnessy’s Off The Wall ride was perfect, technical, and big enough to be deemed ‘Wave of the Winter’, taking home $25,000 and of course-bragging rights.

"I remember just looking at it as if it was a closeout," Mikey said. "As I got to the bottom, I noticed it throwing really hard, and I was like 'this is really beautiful.' And then, I noticed there was an exit out of it -- it was far away, but I was like, 'maybe I can make this wave...' I didn't really think I was gonna make it the whole time until I made it out.”

The stoked Mikey O’Shaughnessy now joins the likes of Jamie O’Brien, Kelly Slater, Reef McIntosh, Ricardo Dos Santos, and Kalani Chapman as official winners of the prestigious winter-long event. But that’s not going to stop all of those names, as well as every surfer who paddles out to esteemed North Shore breaks, from battling it out for next year’s Wave of the Winter.

34

Imai DeVault Deep 6

db l an c.co m

Heff

Although the success of a competitive surfer relies on several relationship factors, like a surfer and his or her comfort level with specific breaks and working with coaches and sponsors, none of these are as critical as the bond between a surfer and shaper.

Like the unique composition of chemicals and elements that goes into the building of the board, similar principles apply to the ambiguous relationship between the surfer and shaper. We sat down with six eclectic duos - including Glenn Pang and Finn McGill - to explore the team’s orgins, what the most important dynamic of the relationship is, and how the bond has evolved from a business alliance to a friendship.

Glenn Pang and Finn McGill

Keoki

WADE TOKORO AND KEANU ASING Years working together: 15

Keanu, what makes working with Wade different?

KA: What makes Wade different is that he surfs 10-foot Pipeline and he can surf well, which make his boards that much better.

He knows exactly what is going under my feet and takes my boards and really test them. It's like a chef making food, the chef knows what his food tastes like. Wade isn’t shy to really lean into my boards and put his feet in the wax and give them a good test. I love that about Wade.

WT: I surf almost everyday and feedback from the riders like with Keanu is crucial. So I take what feedback and information they give and sometimes I’ll ride their boards too. Then I can figure out, okay I know what you’re talking about now, and make some adjustments from there. It is really helpful information from the surfers and myself. With Keanu, we are about the same size so we’ll go paddle out and swap boards, talk about it and I’ll get feedback: stuff he likes, and I’ll figure out what’s best for him. So it's real and it’s crucial. I’m really fortunate that I can surf with these guys and get that feedback.

KA: My knowledge about surfboards has grown over the last just decade just working with Wade, getting into so much detail. It really helps what you're doing in the water, knowing what's under your feet and for me that’s a big step. He doesn't just give me boards to try, he really explains what he has done - the specifics - to help me learn.

Keanu, have you been in a performance rut in recent memory and if so, how has Wade helped pull you out of it?

KA: If anyone has ever told you they've never been in a performance rut, they would be lying because every athlete goes through times they’re struggling through challenges they’re facing. Wade really helped me through those tough times, just opening my mind to newer models or foam dynamics and opening my vocabulary about surfboards. When working with a shaper, it’s about always being patient. Magic boards don't pop out all the time. It's about digging deeper to find what works for you. Shapers have the ability to make you great, but if you're not honest there's nothing to grow from.

So, there’s a lot of trust within your relationship, yeah?

WT: I think trust is really important, being open and communicating, because not all the boards work. Some work unreal, some don’t. So you need to be open and just have a good communication, like with any other relationship.

Just being flexible, trying to make things work. Trust is really important because surfers are trusting you to give them the right equipment to do their job in little waves or even lifethreatening waves.

Years working together: 10

Josh, what do you recall about riding your first Arakawa boards?

JM: I remember first time I had to call Eric to order my board, I was 10 and the owner of HIC called my parents and told me I could get some boards...Eric said the only way I could get my boards is if I made the phone call. I was so nervous, my dad didn’t even help me. I had all these random numbers that didn’t make any sense. I was super scared calling him. Later when we’d meet, I’d write numbers down on the blank and I’m sure my dad would change them. Feedback from [Billabong team manager and coach] Rainos Hayes is a huge help, because he’s been working with me since I was 8, 10 years old and he knows what I’m thinking through. He takes things to Eric as well, and if I’m not on my dimensions Rainos hammers me. He’s a good bridge between myself and Eric. But yeah in the beginning, if I found a model I liked, I’d stay with it. If the board could go fast down the line and I could do an air reverse, or as long as I could pump down the line through a closeout and do an air, I liked it. With Eric, we moved to different models, changing the concave, the rocker, the thickness because sometimes I would go too wide, and now we’re just tweaking that one model I stick to because I’m comfortable with it.

EA: Communication is key in any relationship, from a marriage to a business relationship like the one between a shaper and a surfer. There’s so many other moving parts in play. One element is the coach. Like Josh said, Rainos has been coaching these guys for years now, and at times when I’m not able to connect physically with these guys, Rainos fills the gap. He has a really good eye for what's happening out in the water and for what's happening in their heads. He’s the gluing agent that bring everything back together and helps me get a clear perspective.

Josh, what is it about Eric's shaping expertise that you respect the most?

JM: He’s super good with his numbers and he’s always getting volumes right.

That’s the biggest problem with other boards I rode, I had issues with the volume numbers. But Eric’s always making sure his numbers are correct and I can jump on any of Eric’s boards and know how it’s going to ride. I’m comfortable riding anything because we’ve been working together so long.

Between you two, does your shapersurfer relationship follow a 50-50 formula, with both of you giving an equal half to make the relationship work seamlessly?

EA: I think it’s overlapping and more than 50-50. For any relationship to work, because there's no flawless relationship, everything works according to plan. This sounds too clinical, but you have to have contingency. As long as you’ve got that,

when you do fall short or there’s a slump in performance, you’re still committed and still working together. It's not only based on results, there’s a mutual understanding and commitment so it has to be more than 50-50. What you put in is what you get out.

Heff

ERIC ARAKAWA AND JOSH MONIZ

Alec Coopman Heff

MIKE MATTINSON AND CHRIS BLUTHARDT Years working together: 5

How did you two get linked up in the first place?

CB: I was introduced to Mike, and he started making me a couple of boards. He usually only shapes for bigger guys because he’s a bigger guy, so I was able to give him feedback on the templates he was using that he had to bring down to smaller sizes for me.

MM: Chris has been really good as far as what he wants, from the tail designs to the rockers and boards. In general, he’s good with dimensions and he’s a great kid to work with. He has a lot of talent and tricks, it’s only a matter of him focusing and putting it all together in the future. In the beginning, it’s important to see how your future team riders surf. What's their style, how they use the rail and power and I try and incorporate that into boards. Also, if they’re heavy footed, I’m not worrying about them catching rail since powerful surfers push through. But if a surfer is lighter footed, they may be having problems catching rail so you make changes to the boards to help. You look at what they ride first. As far as dimensions, fin placement, the rail, rocker, once they’ve tried their first board you work on it from there and make subtle changes. The endgame is to be the world champion, so as a shaper I want to get Chris and other riders the best board so they can go as far as they can.

Chris, how close have you and Mike become through this process?

CB: It’s become a friendship. We talk pretty much every day on boards, we even have hour phone conversations. I’ve even gone on trips with him to the Mentawais. For the last 5 years we’ve been super close, there’s a lot of trust. There’s a lot of communication and honesty. You have to be honest if the board isn’t good. You don’t want to lie because then it never gets better. He tells me to be honest and that way he can make changes on the next batch.

He’s good at taking feedback if it's good or bad, too. Last year, I broke my hand and I was out of the water for along time and when I got back in, I didn’t have any power, just blowing it and we would sit at Rockies all day and he would give me feedback, motivating me and he’d even come to my contests. There was a lot of mentoring and coaching involved on his part to get me out of rut I was in.

photo: Tony HeямА

MAHINA MAEDA

WWW.SEXWAX.COM / SALES@SEXWAX.COM

JON PYZEL AND MAHINA MAEDA Within your business relationship, what are the responsibilities and expectations?

JP: My part is listening to what she has to say. She has different people she works with, and her coaches give me feedback often because I don’t see her surfing if she’s traveling. So I have to listen to what she says or what the people watching her are saying and decipher what that means. It’s important to be open minded, listen to her input, and use that feedback to make better boards. Thinking about it, our relationship is pretty simple: I make her boards and she goes out and rips.

MM: We’ve worked for three consecutive years together. We evolved all the versions and models and ever since then we’ve been progressing. The feedback isn’t just from me, its from other team riders like John John Florence. Jon has seen me grow up, and the relationship between us isn’t just a working relationship.

It’s a family and friend relationship. That’s the key I think.

JP: I surf with a lot of the people I shape for, so it’s nice to run into her in the lineup and check with her and the boards. It’s nice to have that feedback.

Mahina, do you have any tips for surfers looking for a long term shaper?

MM: A tip I would give to upcoming surfers looking for shapers is to go meet the shaper yourself, don’t email. Meet them face to face and bring a board and show them what you like. That’s when the whole career starts. That’s when they get your idea and hopefully it improves.

Heff

Years working together: 3

JP: The challenge is to get Mahina on good boards when she’s not here in Hawaii. I want to get her dialed and comfortable when she’s traveling.

Heff

MM: Jon’s favorite spot is Rockies, so my favorite spot is Rockies and we see each other in the lineup and we talk about boards in the water. It’s great to have someone not just as a working partner but a family friend. He gives me the freedom to choose what kind of board I want to ride too, whether it’s regular polyester or epoxy foam.

44

WE HAVE WHAT YOU NEED THIS SUMMER

BIGGEST SELECTION & BEST PRICES

91- 270 HANUA ST- KAPOLEI- CAMPBELL INDUSTRIAL PARK (808) 543-2145

Heff Heff

us to get that type of feedback to improve his equipment. Before it was about Finn leaving boards in my hands, now he’s giving feedback to help improve equipment.

Years working together: 7

FM: Glenn always has something to say and if I don’t like something about a board, he’ll change it. He knows what to do with boards. Maybe if you’re not exactly too dialed in with boards or don’t know exactly what's going on, like digging rail, Glenn knows exactly what's going on even if he doesn’t see you surf. You always have to give feedback, you can’t just take take take. You have to give back. And sometimes when he wants you to try out a board, even if you don't like it, you still have to try it out and it will work. Trust is the most important quality, because in big giant waves with giant, late barrels, you have to trust the shaper so you can make that drop and you can make that barrel and not die. Trust equals confidence.

Glenn, how did you and Finn get connected in the first place?

How much of that confidence in your boards played into you earning a 2nd place at the 2016 Rangiroa Open Pro in Tahiti?

GP: Dave Riddle contacted us, saying they had couple hot kids like Finn and Dax and wanted to see if we would help out with boards, so we brought them onto our team and grew from there. With Finn, feedback is probably the most important thing, because it's what's going to give you a great board instead of a good board. Feedback makes a better board, and we use different materials and different glassing to give him lightest, quickest equipment. It’s becoming more and more important for

FM: I’d never been to that spot before, so I told Glenn what others told me about the wave from videos. He made a board for me and it worked perfectly, just going right over the foam ball, allowing me to come out of the barrel and do big turns. It was so nice to have him help me out with that, because all I had to focus on was getting waves. He knows how I surf, so when I have a contest he’ll make the board for that contest and it will work.

It’s so good having that kind of relationship, because he knows exactly how I surf.

GLENN PANG AND FINN MCGILL

Heff

Years working together: 4

Heff

RON MEEKS AND KAIMANA HENRY Ron, you’ve been shaping for Kai for some time now - how have you guys evolved?

RM: Working with Kai and new team riders, right off the bat there’s a learning curve. Kai and I met through Dave Wassel. Kai’s had an outstanding year this past year, and he’s helped me out a lot and I’d like to think that I’ve helped him out too. The bottom line, I think, is sticking with one shaper. You’re much more likely to reach your potential as a surfer. It really helps and Kai has been loyal. Sometimes, yeah there are times new boards aren’t working out but in the long run there’s benefits. Most of the time if a surfer hits a rut, it can be easily identified and fixed. I don’t throw Kai and other riders a curve ball, I might shape a board out of a different blank. And what doesn't feel right with the board comes down to communication. If you can communicate the problem, it can be fixed.

KM: Ron is easy to work with and he understands. He’s not too bullheaded, he’ll do what you ask. Some shapers are set in their own way, but Ron will switch it up for whatever is best for you. His board works really good for me. Communication is really important, because if you don't tell the shaper what you do or don’t like, they won’t know. The percentage of good boards I’ve had has been 100%. It’s pretty cool to pick up a board and know its going to work good, take it out and it surfs great, all on your first session. He hand shapes his boards, so that’s pretty hard, and he’s very consistent.

RM: We’ve had a good relationship. For Kai’s boards, we’ve had to make a few tweaks, like building resistance. Kai has lower tail rocker and the bottoms of his boards have healthy concave...it's one of those things where you make a few tweaks here and there.

We did that to his boards this winter, and he responded well. He surfs unbelievably well, and Kai is one of the true power surfers, something that seems kind of lacking today.

A

Surfer Makua Rothman

P

Photo Brent Bielmann

E

R

T

U

R

E

Surfer Connor Coffin

Photo Tai VanDyke

Surfer Kaimana Henry

Photo Tony Heff

Surfer Imai Devault

Photo Manu Akana

Keoki

2016 BEACH & BOARD BUYERS GUIDE

“There’s a story that a customer came to a shaper and said ‘I got this magic board, it’s perfect. I want to copy it,’” said shaper Eric Arakawa while standing in his shaping bay. Dust saturated the floor and a fresh board stood on display next to him. “And the shaper looked at him and said, ‘what do you mean? You don’t want it any better?’”

It’s evident today that hours of laboratory-like work in dilapidated warehouses have made “better” boards, with designs serving as a foundation that the performance of the sport currently sits atop. Recent board modifications have even taken surfers to new heights in the early WSL Championship Tour events (looking at you, Stu Kennedy and Matt Wilkinson).

In the 2016 Beach and Board Buyers Guide, we aimed to not only

exhibit these cutting edge designs and shapes of today, but also to place your feet in the dusty, resin-smelling warehouses where you can glean more insight from the shapers themselves.

In the following pages, we talk story with a host of Hawaii’s shapers: Mike Mattinson, Jon Pyzel, Eric Arakawa, Ron Meeks, Glenn Pang and Wade Tokoro on shaping innovations, how to pick out the best board, and other intuition gathered in shaping bays across the Islands where the sole focus is to make your next board pure magic.

Heff Blue Planet

Local Motion / Keanu Asing

Brent Bielmann

Marc Chambers

JON PYZEL With pros, you refine small aspects versus giant steps. Most pros in surfing aren’t going on a limb, they’re keeping it close, trying to fit everything in the judging criteria. It’s tricky, because a lot of times we don’t have too much time to work with them. I make more changes to the overall design with the average surfer.

Cole Alves / Minamai Surfboards

HIC / Josh Moniz

Heff

What’s the difference between shaping for a pro and shaping for the average surfer?

Blue Planet Surf Fun Stick Shaper / artist: Robert Stehlik 9’4 x 33 x 4 140L

The 9’4” x 33” Fun Stick sets a new standard in ease of use and optimized performance. makes it stable while the thin rounded pintail and rails make it responsive in the surf. $1,199.00 www.blueplanetsurf.com 540 Ward Ave, Honolulu, HI 96814 (808) 596-7755 shop@blueplanetsurf.com Facebook:/ bpsurf Instagram: blueplanetsurf/ Youtube: blueplanetsurf

Hawaiian Island Creations Z-Glide Shaper: Steve Morgan Length: 7’2” Width: 21” Thickness: 3” Ideal for summer, this hybrid is a great compromise between a fun board and a performance board.

With the volume a bit more forward this board really catches waves easily. Exceptional maneuverability makes the Z-Glide an excellent all-around board that can be ridden in a wide variety of surf conditions.

Available as a Thruster or Quad and with Round Pin, Squash or Swallow tail designs. Enjoy the ride on a Z-Glide!

Available at HIC’s Ala Moana, Kailua, Haleiwa, Maui Mall, Lahaina & Hilo stores. www.hicsurf.com

Downing Hawaii Minihune

Glenn Minami Avenger

We gave the Minihune a fuller nose for extra stability while paddling yet not too wide to get caught in the wind on late drops, and a pulled in tail for tighter turns in the pocket. The Minihune has a short board rocker for quick responsive turning. Great for beginner to intermediate surfer of all sizes.

Wave heights: 1-6 ft Setup: Thruster Type of Wave: If I had only one board to cover a wide variety of waves, from soft rolling, to steep vertical faces, this board would be the one.

The Avenger is a premier model in our line of performance shortboards. It excels in small to medium surf and has proven to be very versatile. Design characteristics are deep concaves, fuller shoulder width, and a modified tail rocker. The results are easy wave entry, excellent down the line speed along with drive and quickness. What is also very noticeable about the Avenger is its quick snaps off the top and the ease of making steep re-entries. The feedback for the Avenger has been excellent!

6'11" - 7'11"

Downing Hawaii 3021 waialae ave.

808 737-9696 www.downingsurf.com

www.minamisurfboards. com gnminami@gmail.com 808 387-9875

Local Motion

Mendonca

Longboards

Bluebird

Local Motion longboards shaped by Jay Richardson are designed with a flatter rocker and medium/ soft rails to catch waves with minimum effort and allow smooth rail to rail transitions. These boards range from 8¹ 0 ­ 9¹ 6 will have you cruising through the lineups and gliding across the waves from dawn to dusk all summer long.

9’2 x 22 x 3

keith@localmotioninc.com for custom orders and quote IG @localmotionhawaii www.localmotionhawaii.com

mendoncasurfboard.com mendoncasurfboards@live. com 808-450-7621 instagram.com/shaper_ mendonca

The modern longboard yet with old school traditional features .

50/50 rails . Rolled v . single fin box ( +2 optional ). This board ideal for points tested in california as well as Brazil team riders : Danilo Couto , Luke Shepardson , Alexandre Ferraz , Alex Martins

Pompermeyer Mendonca

Mendonca / Alexander Ferraz

Heff

Meeks Surfboards / Tai Vandyke

Performance versus durability: what’s the perfect middle point?

GLENN PANG Durability comes second for average guy, and you need to compromise to get something in middle ground.

WADE TOKORO You want a nice solid core, a nice and strong blank. And a medium standard glass, which you can keep, which is a middle ground. But performance-wise, you want to keep it as light as possible and that way the board’s a lot more responsive and quick. Durability, I think it applies for certain guys who want to keep a board for a while. For stronger guys you want durability. The type of waves you’re riding makes a difference too. When you’re riding really big surf, you want it a little bit stronger with more weight and durability.

RON MEEKS

Northern Alliance / Ola Eleogram Heff

Heff

Powerdrive / Kaimana Jaquias

Keoki

There’s so much gray area with durability. I have guys who want a board that's light and super durable, and you have to tell them pick one or the other. If you want one that is super light, it’s not going to be durable, and if it’s super durable it's not going to be light. It depends on how you surf, where you surf and how well you take care of boards.

Mendonca Doomsaday Survivor

Meeks Surfboards Upgrade

Meeks Surfboards Sumo

10 x 21 1/2 x 3 7/8

Hand shaped by : Ron Meeks 6’5’’ x 183/8’’ x 2 3/8’’ The Upgrade is a step up board when your normal short board is feeling a bit under gunned. Order them in the same dimensions as your shorty, just1’’ to 3’’ longer.

Hand shaped by : Ron Meeks 6’3’’ x 19 3/4’’ x 2 7/8’’

This board was designed for the Eddie contest . It has a v bottom from the mid point back flattening out at tail. It has a five fin setup . Board turned out magic. It’s been a product of years of refining and perfecting the gun shape through tons of feedback to reach the highest performance level. Board was ridden at Jaws with 100% sucess rate. mendoncasurfboard.com mendoncasurfboards@ live.com 808-450-7621 instagram.com/shaper_ mendonca

Board as pictured is 455.00. 425.00 base price plus 30.00 for color.

808 281 2221.

Instagram / @meeksboards Facebook / Meeks surfboards

Northern Alliance Blockhead

Northern Alliance Mike’s Twin

5’6” – 6’6”

5’4” – 6’1”

Fast, fun, responsive.

Our go-to shortboard, made here, tested everywhere.

Good travel buddy : )

Differences make the world an interesting place to live in.

Thruster or quad (or 5-fin set up).

Twin, je t’aime.

Get A Twin

Twin, te amo.

Twin, Ich liebe dich.

Not your retro art piece, this little twinnie flies and holds, & turns like a mothertwinner.

The Sumo model is a high performance big guy board. Single into double concave. A little panel vee off the tail. Fuller rails. For surfers in the 200 lb. and up category that need a true high performance board.

Base price is 425.00 for a clear sanded finish board.

808 281 2221.

Instagram / @meeksboards Facebook / Meeks surfboards

Powerdrive A-32 High Performance Model A-32HP Model features a deep single concave to a double concave throughout the fins that gives this board exceptional acceleration and speed. The shape of the bottom concave allows the board to maintain the drive from a deep bottom turn straight to the lip. The A-32 shape makes smooth rail to rail transitions in hollow sections while generating tremendous speed. Kaipo Jaquias, Kaimana Jaquias, and Elijah Gates’s go to high performance short board model.

(808) 741-7085 @northernalliancesurfboards Waialua Sugar Mill, Oahu

@northernalliancesurfboards Waialua Sugar Mill, Oahu

Keoki

Powerdrive Longboard EPS Epoxy Longboard 3/16" Double Stringer This longboard design features a double concave from the center throughout the board to a slight v at the tail. The narrow outline of the board allows for more critical maneuvers on the wave. Longboard so smooth like hot knife through butter.

(808) 741-7085

Surfboard Factory Outlet / Vercelli

RJ Surfboards / Kahi Pacarro

Surfboard Factory Outlet Evolution Shaper: Dennis Pang Dimensions: 9’0 x 30 x 4 3/8

How do you choose the right tail shape?

MIKE MATTINSON Where your surfing is a good indicator of the type of tail you want. If you surf Pipe, you’ll want a pintail, for Rockies a square tail, a swallow tail for Town, one that has more surface area. Where you surf the most dictates what shape it's going to be.

An SUP designed and built in Hawaii for Hawaiian waves is essential to having the most fun here.

Feedback from some of the best SUP surfers helped me evolve a fast, stable, and highly maneuverable sup. Having the proper outline, deck, foil, rocker, and bottom contour (single concave to double barrel vee off the tail), makes this an exceptional SUP. The “Evolution” can be found at SFO. Stock and custom boards available.

(808) 543-2145

WADE TOKORO You can use any tail shape in any type of wave, although certain type of designs are better for certain waves. I think a lot of it has to do with personal preference.

salessurfboardfactoryoutlet.com facebook: surfboardfactoryoutlet instagram: surfboardfactoryhawaii

RJ Surfboards Dirty Whirly Shaper:Robin Johnston This small wave weapon has medium-low rocker, medium depth single concave, and a compact, full outline. The fuller nose and tail creates a straighter rail-line allowing for more drive even in softer conditions. It has a medium volume rail which sets in the wave face allowing for sustaining and projecting turns. Ride a couple inches shorter than the typical short board.

Ride quad or thruster.

Dimensions and tail design can be customized. $420 for Poly $505 for Epoxy

Surf Design Hawaii Vog Machine Shaper-RP 5’5” x 19 1/8” x 2 1/4” The ultimate hangover cure! Have that 2:30 feeling after the roughest night of yer life? In just seconds, the vog machine will pick you up and have you blazin right through that hazy Sunday morning* *These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA surfdesignhawaii.com @surf_design_hawaii

www.rjsurf.com rjsurfboards@gmail.com 1-808-738-7873 Facebook: RJSurfboards Instagram: RJSurfboards

Surfboard Factory Outlet El Gordito Shaper: Kim Purington Dimensions: 5’8 x 19 ½ x 2 3/8 This is your “go to” board for small to medium surf. Lower nose rocker and fuller outline make for easy paddling . Moderate tail rocker with single oncave is great for top to bottom surfing or barreling waves.

“El Gordito” is the perfect board for waves you surf most of the time.

(808) 543-2145 salessurfboardfactoryoutlet.com facebook: surfboardfactoryoutlet instagram: surfboardfactoryhawaii

Surfboard Factory Outlet Springer

Surfboard Factory Outlet Stone Fish

T&C Surf Traveler

Shaper: Eric Arakawa Dimensions: 5’9 x 19 x 2.44

Shaper: Marcello Vercelli Dimensions: 5’10 x 19 ¼ x 2 5/16

5’10” x 19 1/4 x 2 3/8

Outline is fuller overall, with slightly lower rocker than its predecessor, the “Transformer”. Most significant change is the bottom. Double concaves are more forward and transitions to a single through the fin area. This increases traction and drive under the front foot, and high-speed water flow through the tail section.

The Springer is quick, with a “tail free” feeling through top turns. It’s fun and versatile for small waves.

Stone Fish has a wider outline and relaxed nose rocker for easier paddling.

Bottom contour consists of slight vee through the entrance, to a single concave in middle, to double concaves flowing thru and off the tail. With aggressive tail rocker added, this board turns on a dime! The groove rails are a plus. They keep volume off the rails, but keeps volume in the middle of board where needed for maximum power in your turns.

(808) 543-2145 (808) 543-2145 salessurfboardfactoryoutlet.com facebook: sfohawaii instagram: surfboardfactoryhawaii

salessurfboardfactoryoutlet.com facebook: surfboardfactoryoutlet instagram: surfboardfactoryhawaii

Glenn pang

As well as turning heads at your home break, take the Travler on any trip you go on and you’ll have an amazing time . This board has speed like a fish but turns like a short board.

Easy going board to ride in any type of wave, should be ordered 3” to 4” shorter and 5/8” to 3/4” wider than your standard dimensions. www.tcsurf.com 808-621-5000 IG: tcsurfboards

Alpine Stars Seeker Boardshorts

Bureo Newen Polarized

Comfortable and functional 20” two way stretch fit

The Newen frame is made entirely from Bureo’s Net+Positiva plastic, a fully traceable 100% recycled and recyclable nylon fishing net material. Designed in collaboration with Karün eyewear in Chile, the glasses are complete with premium Carl Zeiss Polarized lenses.

Made in Italy. $139

with side pocket body and no side seams. $59.00 www.alpinestars.com/seeker

Ayahuascaa Art Sunrise Shells Goddess Artist: Ytala Chacon. Merging the techniques of the Incas with unique and exclusive of the Hawaiian Islands ... sunrise shells! known as the Hawaiian gold for their beauty. We have created this unique and

www.bureo.co

elegant set in 14kt gold. $360 www.lovemytresasures.com 503-406-7500 ayahuascaart@yahoo.com facebook / instagram/ twitter @ayahuascaart

Cholos Trucker Hats Cholos New Selection of Hats for the Summer...

Brazilian Show Room Crochet Bikini Bottom and Top

Truckers from $14-$20 and Flexfits for $28. Cover your head and protect your beak with a new Cholos Hat!

Sold separated

COR Surf Waterproof Backpack (40L) Roll-top 100% waterproof backpack. Roll, click the top and you can go anywhere in any condition. Great for travel, and all watersports. Even floats comes with a padded laptop sleeve for your electronics corsurf.com

Bottom: $78.00 Top: $78.00

D’Blanc D’Blanc Made for Vissla Deep 6

HammerHead Spearguns MV3 Action Mask

Shoot them all! On video, that is, with the new MV3 Action mask from HammerHead Spearguns.

HammerHead Dive Masks are the best in the industry, made with ultra-soft matte silicone and utilizing optical-grade glass lens in Ultra Clear, AntiReflective Purple, or Mirror Yellow finishes. Whatís more, the MV3 Action is designed to work with GoProô Hero Cameras, so you can shoot everything in sight! Keep your hands free to do whatever you wanna while your camera is steady and secure on the mounts on our dive masks!

Inspired by Vissla’s 7 Seas Collection, the sunglass frames were built with a Matte Black Exterior, 7 gloss

MV3 Action Ultra Clear = $79.99

stripes on each temple, and leopard acetate down the

MV3 Action ARC Purple = $94.99

side and top profiles

MV3 Action Mirror Yellow = $94.99

www.dblanc.com

66

Hi-Tech Maui Vissla

2 mm neoprene super stretch FrontZip Vest, triple-stitched inside & blind stitched sealed seam outside. Easy paddler & keeps you warm on those trade-windy summer days. www.surfmaui.com

Honolulu Beerworks Growler Brewer : Geoff Seideman

Honolua Surf Co. Wildside Boardshorts

Flip top “growler” so it helps make it more distinct from the standard scew top. They have a better seal, which keeps the beer tastier longer. Dark brown glass to keep the light out, so your beer doesn't skunk and

The "WILDSIDE” is comfortable and stylish with a 21

stays fresh!

inch outseam, side contrast pocket and drawstring

64 ounces $12.00 for the glass and $16.00 for the fill

cinch. $49.50 www.honoluasurf.com

808-589-BEER

Kona Brewing Co.

honolulubeerworks.com facebook / honolulubeerworks twitter and instagram / @hnlbeerworks

www.jambahawaii.com | @jambahawaii |

Jamba Juice Hawaii Want your Jamba without the wait? Download the new Jamba Juice App to skip the line anytime.

Convenience enthusiasts rejoice! Use promo code J2OFF2 to get $2 off your first purchase.

Custom-made by Sector 9 in San Diego, this Kona Longboard Lager-branded skateboard is perfect for cruising through the

662 Ride Shop Hubb Edition Quad Core Plus Bodyboard

Sizes/Specs: 40.5”, 41.5” and 42.5” (Quad Core, Single Stringer; Crescent or Hubb Tail)

neighborhood. Of course, it's a great display piece as well. Skateboard measures 40" in length by 9 3/8" wide. $175.00 shop.konabrewingco.com

The Quad Core features the latest innovation in Hubboards core technology, combining multiple layers of Polypropylene and React Mesh for increased projection, speed and durability. The specialized Hubb Tail design enhances the board’s lift and control, meaning the Quad Core can handle it all, taking you deep into the barrel or far above the lip. $350.

Hubboards.com @Hubboards (Instagram & Facebook)

Keoki

Keoki

Science Bodyboards / Mike Stewart

What are some tips on finding the right board for the average surfer?

MIKE MATTINSON Know your dimensions and your volumes and understand what you like before you talk to a shaper. Sometimes a shaper will tell you what you like, so it's good to have an idea beforehand.

RON MEEKS

You have to be brutally honest with your skill level. The biggest pitfall for those relatively new to surfing is that they’re riding boards geared for high performance surfing and their skill level may not be adequate for that kind of board.

Basically, you've got a Ferrari on a Go Kart track. Average surfers benefit from riding boards that are a little wider and have more foam. Make sure you have board that fits your home break wherever you surf. If you surf a slope-like wave, you don’t want to be on super rockered out thruster, you want a flatter rocker and something that fits the type of wave. The other side of that coin is that if you’re surfing a super fast, hollow beach break you don’t want to be riding a flat board either.

Oneill / Eli Olson Heff

Penny Skateboards

Local Motion Blue Moon

Hawaiian Bath & Body® NEW SPF Lip Balms

Kaleimaeole Jewelry This gorgeous ring is made from a Hawaiian Sunrise Shell, found on the North Shore of Oahu. Makes a

The right fit and function for the modern era. Giving

Just in time for summer! Vegan SPF 15 lip balms

wonderful gift for any beach lover. 14k yellow, rose

you comfort with it’s 4 way stretch ability. At the same

loaded with organic sunflower, olive and hemp seed

gold or sterling silver.

time maximizing ease of movement in a scallop leg

oils! Fun new flavors to treat and protect your lips!

Available at North Shore Soap Factory.

opening. www.kaleimaeole.etsy.com @kaleimaeolejewelry

www.hawaiianbathbody.com

Maui Rippers Peahi Palm

REEF Slammed Rover

IG @localmotionhawaii www.localmotionhawaii.com

O’Neill Hyperfreak Boardshorts

The Reef Slammed Rover is specifically designed for style and comfort. The sandal features Swellular Known for our classic Camo’s, Tako’s, Fishing Shorts and Hawaii’s bulletproof Lifeguard Shorts, This summer Maui Rippers will begin releasing our new line of quality stretch surf designs.

Technology offering a super-soft contoured foam footbed with a compression molded triple density construction. Available in 4 colorways.

Prepare for the most technical Hyperfreak yet! The

$45 www.reef.com

O'Neill Hyperfreak Boardshorts offer a new level of

Keep In touch and Rip It Up! www.mauirippers.com

drying with Liquipel technology allowing the freedom to go from dry to wet to dry unreasonably fast. $59.50 www.us.oneill.com Facebook / Oneill Instagram / @oneill

Scarfini Fins FX 3 Ecofin Series

Available at your local surf shop!

Sex Wax Sexwax No-Touch Face Stick The Sexwax No-Touch Face Stick (SPF-50+) is Water Resistant.

It goes on dry and

Bamboo and Hemp are ecologically friendly, natural fibers which have been used for centuries.

The strength and flex memory of bamboo cores replicates solid fiberglass flex while also reducing weight. www.scarfinihawaii.com

Quiksilver Division Remix Vee Boardshorts Made with the Dry Flight 4 way stretch technology.

Laser cut and heat bonded inseam and hem. quiksilver.com

provides Broad Spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays. $11.95 www.sexwax.com sales@sexwax.com

Science Bodyboards Pocket

This is your board for hitting sections tight to the pocket. Easily launch out of the bowl for your favorite move or anything else you can imagine. This template is all about being in control of your board and maneuvering in and around the pocket. msdhawaii@gmail.com www.sciencebodyboards.net

MS Viper R-1 super flex fins.

Limited Edition. 100% natural rubber.

Summer 2016. Used by Hawaii's finest. Tools not Toys. www.msviper.com

Penny Skateboards 27” Toucan Tropicana MSRP $140

Pennyskateboards.com

SlipIns Mini-Metal Scales A short tight fitting, long sleeve, figure flattering, upper body spring suit providing excellent sun protection with 60+

Sole Options L. A. VATED / LADYBIRD

Description: Cruise around in comfort and style. Each sock sports technical athletic features including compression arch support and a cushion foot bottom. Choose from a variety of fun and eclectic styles for men & women.

Price: $7.00 - $10.00 www.soleoptions.com ∙ 520-770-7887 customerservice@soleoptions.com

SPF and preventing rash development while surfing or standup paddling. $118.00

Stephanie Boinay Art “Colors of Hawaii” Paradise Pouch Take ALOHA with you wherever you go! This pouch

714-743-7508

measures roughly 10” x 6”; features double sided

www.slipins.com

artwork. Made from Eco-canvas (100% polyester canvas,

Instagram / @slipinsurfskins

45% recycled content). Crafted in the USA by the artist!

Facebook / slipins

$40 www.stephanieboinayart.com info@stephanieboinayart.com FB: Stephanie Boinay Art IG: @stephanieboinayart

Twisted Board Racks Surfboard Wall Racks

Most affordable wall racks available.

Displays your board at any angle or height, on any wall. Twist to open, twist to store. Fast, easy installation. Eco-friendly Teak Wood. Variety of styles and colors available.

Price: $24.95 free shipping www.twistedboardracks.com

Wy’s Gallery Artist Alex Gupton “Out of the Blue” 18”x36” $1,190 Signed and Number of 250. Free Personal Dedication on back of artwork.

Special Price: $1,070 (Shipping or Sales Tax may apply) 808.200.4678

Surf N Sea Shop Series Bodyboard Surfer X-ing top logo w/ Retro logo Bottom PE Core with Stringer Cross link deck and HDPE bottom with channels Double rails with 60/40 angle cut Single stringer 38" : Great board for anyone 5' 2" or smaller who is looking to get on an entrylevel performance board at a great price ( 40", 42" and 44" options also available) $109 for board $23 leash

Vans Joel Tudor Trimline Boardshorts Inspired by the Vans surf category’s focus on style and comfort, Vans is proud to showcase the new Joel Tudor Trimline Boardshort featuring Sturdy Stretch. Sturdy Stretch by Vans is a premium 4-way stretch fabric that strikes a balance between in-water performance and out-of-the-water wearability. / $64.50

Vissla DaFin Tee / DaFin Boardshort

The Mermaid’s Mirror Handsculpted Surf Art Surf art and beach chic décor. Distinctive, collectable art that expresses your love of the waves. Handmade on Oahu out of local tropical hardwoods. Exclusively at Nordstrom Hawaii, Haleiwa Arts Festival, local boutiques and our website.

In an effort to blend modern & functional aesthetics with rich Hawaiian roots, Vissla is proud to collaborate with the original Hawaiian swim fin company, DaFin, featuring the DaFin Boardshort and the DaFin Double Fin Tee. www.vissla.com

Shop now: www.themermaidsmirror.com

Keoki Keoki

Volcom /Imai Devault

Carey

Volcom / Jaackson Bunch

Carey

Volcom / Tom Dosland

Keoki

Volcom / Jason Shibata

Eric Aeder

QUIVERS /

KAI LENNY

by Chris Latronic

When its comes to having a surfing craft for every condition, few come close to the well-equipped wisdom beholden to the quiver of all-around professional waterman extraordinaire Kai Lenny. Surfing the diverse Maui coastline since birth, Kai was exposed to nearly every part of the wave riding spectrum. From pristine swells at Honolua Bay to the windsurfing capital of Ho’okipa, and down the road to the pinnacle of big wave paddle surfing at Pe’ahi, Kai was able to revolutionize the definition of the modern-day surfer through his spectacular performances on multiple crafts. Accumulating as many boards as he can dream of into his glorified “Kai-Cave”, Lenny is not your average boardhoarder. Instead, he is meticulously organized, approaching his quiver as a fine set of tools that should be well taken care of and ready to go at any moment.

Let’s hear your core quiver.

I have so many. As far as shortboards go, I have a 5’7” for the tiny days, a 5’9” a step-up; a 6’0”, 6’2”, 6’4”, 6’6”, 6’8”, 7’0”, 7’2”, 7’6”, 8’0”, and then a jump up to my 8’8” Jaws gun, a 9’4”, a 10’0”, 10’4” and 10’6”. For SUPs, I have a 7’3”, 7’6”, 8’0”, 8’4”, 8’10”, 9’4” and a 10’4”. For tow-in boards, I have a 5’9” and 6’6”. There are three kite boards I use, a 5’6”, a 5’7” and a 5’10”.

I have my jet board, a 6’0”, and my inflatable SUPSquatch, which is 17 feet by 6 feet wide.

74

Where do you store all of these?

In three big garages, and I have two giant containers off site at a different piece of property where I put boards I’m not using: either for the off-season or that for the boards that don’t have significance to me. Thankfully, my parents gave me these garages or else I wouldn't know what to do with all of them.

With so many boards, how key is organization?

I pride myself in taking good care of my equipment. I’m pretty meticulous on how I organize them. I personally put them away exactly where they’re supposed to go, and I have a system that organizes from smallest to biggest boards. So if I see a giant swell on the way, I immediately know what boards I can take.

Why did you decide to ride so many different boards?

I’m a product of my environment, growing up on Maui. The conditions are world-class for multiple board sports. Surfing is fun in the morning, but it gets blown out by 9 a.m. You can go find hidden waves, but I’ve always been into alternative boards, my parents were windsurfers and kitesurfers. When you’re a kid growing up and your family does multiple things, you go with it. I have thousands of dollars worth of equipment with so

Heff

QUIVERS / KAI LENNY

many different boards, and that’s because of great sponsors that support me.

How did you learn how to organize your quiver?

When you’re a little kid, your dad and mom helps you organize them, but my parents always taught me to take care of the gear.

For me, again I’ve always been meticulous about my living area, and I like to have things well organized because if I’m in a rush and I fly in from Europe and the next day I have to be at Jaws, I don’t have to go through everything, I know where everything is and that’s the nature of being organized. I am very much a perfectionist not only in the sports, but also in the way I store my equipment. I can walk into the Kai Cave, grab a board and go.

How do you avoid over-collecting of boards?

All the boards I have serve a purpose, I usually don’t keep the same type of board. If I find a board I like, I’ll use it until it’s broken and I’ll have a few backups. I’ll exchange boards too, to keep from just sticking more and more on racks.

Any keys to success with packing and traveling with board bags?

I typically keep my board bag as light as can, if it gets too heavy that's when you can get dings. On trips, I’ll use one board bag with wheels and one without, so that I can place one on top of the other and roll them around like a single board bag. I keep one bag clean too, because you never know when you’ll use it as sleeping bag or tent. You don’t want to unzip a salty or sandy board bag. So I’ll clean and dry my boards before putting them inside, because you never know when you’ll need a good bed on the road. pau

Ricca

GROM REPORT

LEVI YOUNG

By Cash Lambert

There’s a feeling I get, when I look to the west. And my spirit is crying for leaving.

Perhaps crying is a bit of an overstatement, because those are Led Zeppelin’s words, not Levi Young’s. Regardless, the 12-yearold Zeppelin fan couldn’t have been more excited to venture west for a week to Bali in early April for “perfect waves all day” at Keramas.

Collectively, the Hawaiian surf tribe couldn’t be more excited for the Maui native, who has been charging global swells for years now and is also excelling in the classroom. Everyone continues to celebrate the regular footer’s win at the 2015 Super Grom at NSSA Nationals, too. In the final, young Levi surfed smoother than a Jimmy Page riff and as explosive as the beats of a John Bonham drum solo. After paddling in victorious, Levi was chaired up the beach, something that must have felt like a Robert Plant crowdsurf at Madison Square Garden circa 1975.

Levi seems to be following a dated yet unique formula to success, one that he learned from his brother - fellow charger Cody Young - who collected the recipe from their mother: listen to Zeppelin’s song Stairway to Heaven, and listen to it often.

78

Indeed, Levi’s stairway lies in the whispering wind of Honolua Bay and Ho’okipa, and that’s where we all can watch as he continues climbing - step by step - to a podium of his choice.

What’s your first surfing memory, Levi?

I was 2, I remember being on a surfboard my mom and dad just pushed me around. I didn’t start surfing until I was 6, when my dad pushed me on a wave and I rode it all the way to the beach and jumped off and face planted in the sand. Then my brother started surfing and I wanted to be like him.

What has Cody taught you?

Basically he taught me how to surf. He coaches me and everything, like with my bottom turns and how I stand on my board with my style.

So is he your biggest inspiration?

Yeah because he’s super good and I try and make my surfing just like his. I follow what he does. He has a good attitude and makes good grades and I want to be like him when I grow up.

For more info visit WWW.SIGNATUREGALLERIES.COM

David Wight

Walfrido

Hilton Alves

Please visit us at our Hawaii locations.

WYLAND GALLERIES BEACH WALK WAIKIKI 226 LEWERS STREET SUITE L-127 , HONOLULU, HI 96815 / 808.924.1322

Erik Abel

Dimitra Milan

DeRubeis

Heather Brown

Trey Surtees

Oryan

Leanna Wolff

Welzie

Wyland

ハワイの各店舗情報をご覧いただけます SIGNATURE GALLERIES BEACH WALK WAIKIKI 226 LEWERS STREET SUITE l-124 , HONOLULU, HI 96815 / 808.924.1322

WYLAND GALLERIES KO OLINA 92-1048 OLANI ST. SUITE 3-102 KAPOLEI, HI 96707/ 808.677.1440

WYLAND GALLERIES NORTHSHORE MARKETPLACE 66-250H KAMEHAMEHA HWY HALEIWA, HI 96712 / 808.637.8729

HUBBOARDS AVAILABLE AT 662 RIDE SHOP. PHOTO MATT CASTIGLIONE

662 RIDE SHOP HONOLULU’S SOURCE FOR BODYBOARDS, SWIM FINS, LEASHES, SURF CAMERA ACCESSORIES & MORE!

MCCULLY SHOPPING CENTER 1960 KAPIOLANI BLVD. SUITE 108 808 - 944 - 2662

EXCLUSIVE ONLINE STORE WWW.662HI.COM

FOLLOW US

@662RIDESHOP_HI

What are your surfing goals?

This year I would like to win Surfing America and and do good in Nationals.

What about your favorite song?

Stairway to Heaven because my mom always plays and my brother likes it and it pumps me up.

How about your favorite movie?

Surf’s Up, you know the one with the surfing penguin.

What do you want your first car to be?

I don’t think it will be this but a Ford Raptor.

Favorite TV show?

Channel 250...the Surf Channel!

What’s your biggest surfing accomplishment?

Winning the 2015 Super Grom at NSSA Nationals was probably best moment of my life. I scored a 5 and right after I got an 8. A bunch of people chaired me up the beach and it was super cool and we took a big picture together because there were a lot of people from Hawaii there. I had millions of butterflies.

Who are your sponsors?

Quiksilver, Kazuma surfboards, Sunskis, Boobieshack, Dooma Photos, Mokulue, Dakine, and Like Poke.

How do you balance school and surfing?

It’s school before surfing so I’ll come home and do work and then go surf.

Airs, turns or barrels?

Barrels!

What’s your training regimen?

My mom does crossfit and she got 6th in the world! She coaches me in crossfit, she’s super fit.

Talk to us about your quiver.

I’m riding Kazuma surfboards, right now I have been riding 5’0” and a 5’1” and I have like 8 other boards. I like working with Matt Kazuma because he’s really happy and a good surfer and knows what kind of boards to ride and stuff.

Push ups or sit ups?

Sit ups!

Who’s your favorite surfer?

John John! Because he does huge airs and he gets super barreled and he’s the best surfer in the world.

Worst wipeout?

I was at the Bay and all the Uncles were yelling at me to go on this 8 footer and I was super scared but I had to go and I went and airdropped over the falls. One of the Uncles said that I got steamrolled.

What are your plans for 2016?

Surfing. Eating too!

Any last words for Freesurf?

Thank you! pau

FREEDOM Laser Hair Removal

@freedomlaser (808 ) 230 - 9 8 51 OAHU

66-145 KAMEHAMEHA HWY. HALEIWA, HI 96712

f re e d om by l aser.com

(HALEIWA TOWN CENTER, NEXT TO RADIO SHACK)

808.637.8882

MAUI 815 FRONT ST. L A H A I N A , H I 96761

(BETWEEN KIMO’S & CHEESEBURGER IN PARADISE)

808.661.6888

120 HANA HWY. P A I A , H I 967 79 (NEAR CHARLEY’S)

808.661.6888

Sho p

o nline

at

www.pakaloha.com

OFFERING FREE DELIVERY FOR ALL OF HAWAII

Doug Falter

ENVIRONMENT

Robin Johnston of RJ Surfboards (above) teamed up with Kahi Pacarro, the Executive Director of Sustainable Coastlines, to create and test ecofriendly surfboards.

RESHAPING THE REPUTATION ECO BOARD BUILDING

By Cash Lambert In the 21st century, a time that has already seen a metamorphosis and revolution and upheaval within so many avenues of technology and culture and thought, the shadow of eco-friendly boards has remained larger than the foam itself.

There’s a myriad of reasons why, and it starts with the reputation. Boards made of eco-friendly materials have a reputation of underperforming, and performance is undoubtedly the bedrock of our sport. After all, what does the anthology of surfing look like without slashing carves from Andy Irons, power spray from Sunny Garcia or boosting airs from John John Florence?

Not only do such boards under-perform, per the reputation. They also lack durability and during winters like El Niño, the last thing anyone wants while paddling into maxing swell at Haleiwa or Sunset or Pipeline is a board that doesn't feel strong and dependable.

Above all, the cost of boards with a green footprint, if they were instituted in the near future, would be far greater.

A handful of teams and companies have set out to disprove this pertaining thought. One of those teams is Oahu’s own Robin Johnston of RJ Surfboards and Kahi Pacarro, Executive Director of Sustainable Coastlines. They took a calculated risk by not only shaping eco-boards, but also personally testing them to feel the outcome.

“We made the boards with recycled foam and a percentage of the resin was made of tree sap,” said Robin, who’s shaping bay is located on the North Shore. “The recycled foam didn’t look much different from a normal board after it was done, they still looked bright. My board was a round tail with a full nose and a lower rocker, and the first wave I caught, the board felt amazing. It’s light weight made it extremely responsive, and it felt pretty much like an epoxy board except with a little more flex.”

But did the lightness factor make the boards less durable?

82

Kai Ku Hale

Green Style Island Living

Unique Hawaiian Art, Home Decor & Gifts

Haleiwa Town Center

Open 10 am - 6pm Daily 66-145 Kamehameha Hwy., Haleiwa, HI 96712 Phone: (808) 636-2244 www.kaikuhale.com

“The price difference is negligible. It’s not that much more, about $30 or so,” said Robin. “You wouldn’t notice much of a difference in price if you ordered these boards.”

Battling the stigma on performance, durability and cost, all of which seemingly revealed more about the true temperature of the surf industry on its views towards greener solutions than the board itself, remains the biggest obstacle.

“I did notice that it felt light, but my first eco-board is over a year old now, and it survived the entire El Nino winter,” said Kahi Pacarro. “I surf with a heavy foot too, and the deck of board isn’t all collapsed in. Its strong.”

“The foam is responsible for so little of the board,” explained Robin. “With epoxy boards, the foam is coffee cup strength.

It’s easy to push to finger into it. The strength is coming from the glass and epoxy resin, and the case of the eco-boards and the recycled foam, it seemed very strong. We used standard fiberglass too. Overall, the board felt strong for its weight.”

“Unless you’ve surfed epoxy prior, it's going to feel different,” said Kahi, noting the only significant contrast. “Epoxy to epoxy, it felt the same. I couldn't feel any differentials in performance from a standard board.”

Moreover, the boards seemed to have a different element that standard boards lack.

“It’s a mix of supply and demand,” said Kahi. “There’s very little demand so there’s little supply, and little supply means there’s a perceived notion that it doesn’t work.

For example, Firewire is moving in the right direction, but for the average Joe, we really need to start leading by example, taking the risk and doing it. A lot of us have taken the risk, and performance wise it’s showed no difference. But switching is going to take some time.”

What else can help, according to Kahi, is for a distributor to fill the blank void in Hawaii. “We had to bring in our blanks from the mainland, and nobody is bringing in recycled blanks in a mass order, so that's really the reasons costs were a bit higher than a standard board,” he said. “I encourage for shapers to offer the recycled foam to clients, because many surfers may not even know this is even an option. If you get asked by a shaper would you rather have this eco-friendly blank and resin, and it may cost you an extra $30, why would you go the other way?”

“It gives you ability to surf with less guilt, to avoid the hypocrisy,” said Kahi. “It was a good way to do that and still continue to do what we love, and at the same time, push for change, push for sustainable future.”

For both Kahi and Robin, although getting the ball rolling is indeed a tough challenge, the cost of the boards actually works in the favor of all things green, not against it.

Heff

But as Kahi noted, the team’s eco boards aren’t chair up the beach worthy - yet. “The truth is that even this technology isn't the solution, because it's not a 100% green board,” he said. “It's more of an environmentally friendly board when compared to standard board. We still have a long way to go, but we have to get the ball rolling.”

SURF ART BEACH ISLANDSTYLE

WAIKIKI

Inside of Sheraton Waikiki Hotel

2255 Kalakaua Ave. Shop #18 Honolulu, HI 96815 808-931-8908 www.greenroomhawaii.com

COMMUNITY/

ACCESS SURF’S FIRST ANNUAL ONE OCEAN SURF THERAPY

By John Curtis Mana ascended from the heart of over 200 hundred participants, volunteers, and supporters, circling Meira Durate as she sang a mele oli chant to commemorate the 1st Annual “One Ocean, Surf Therapy Fest”. Then the Founder of AccesSurf, Mark Marble, stepped center circle: “Everyone down shift!” – his way of saying, let's have some fun!

The 1st Annual event brought together different organizations such as Wounded Warriors, along with various sponsors to celebrate the 10th year of AccesSurf's non-profit, grassroots contribution to the community. Kala Alexander, Vice President of Mauli Ola Foundation, said that the goal was “to help guide the younger generation.”

The line-up was crowded, dotted with pink, red, green – each color signified a specific duty for volunteers – and a handful of Uncles sat out the back, patiently waiting and blocking for the participants.

Events like this one on White Plains Beach were established to help educate, empower, and bring joy to those with all types of disabilities: Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Paralysis, amputees.

KP, a participant, held an endearing sense of appreciation. He felt it to be a “blessing” surrounded by so many great people – he wasn't necessarily talking about the Moniz brothers, Makua Rothman, Eli Olson, or Kala Alexander – though, he was amazed of their selflessness. No, he was grateful for everyone that gave without reserve.

The One Ocean, Surf Therapy Fest brought so many great hearts out to preserve the community. Like Makua said, “it's honoring for these people to let me take them surfing...this is what I'm suppose to do.”

IF YOU CAN'’T BE ON OUR SURF TEAM AT LEAST YOU CAN WEAR OUR UNIFORM

20off %

*

merchandise

use promo code FREESURF20

Call (808) 495-4188 or visit http://mokulele.com *Discount valid on Mokulele hat and t-shirt merchandise only. Offer valid 5/1/16-6/30/16 @ Mokulele.com Free Surf May 2016

“I’M MAKUA ROTHMAN AND I TAKE BIO ASTIN.”

Benefits of Astaxanthin • Supports joint and tendon health • Supports skin heath during UV and sun exposure • Supports eye health • Supports anti-aging through celluar health • Supports healthy immune function • Supports cardiovascular health • Supports the body in recovery from exercise

AVAILABLE AT: COSTCO, LONGS, MARUKAI, DON QUIJOTE, GNC, TARGET, DOWN TO EARTH, WHOLE FOODS, VITAMIN SHOPPE, COMMISSARY, BOCA HAWAII, BLUE HAWAII LIFESTYLE, VIM N VIGOR, WAL MART, SAM’S CLUB, LIFE STREAM

ITAKEBIOASTIN.COM

Rawhitiroa

SOUNDS /

IRIE LOVE

By Chelsea Jarrell

Toes and heels velcroed to the board, dropping into a frothy left. Finding out it’s yours. Finding out it’s not yours. It’s that embracing feeling that everything’s dandy no matter the situation. It’s alright. By definition, it’s irie.

Irie Love fell harder for reggae every year visiting Long Beach for the Bob Marley Day festivals with her dad. Growing up on Oahu and writing her own jams, Irie’s talent and free-spirited nature was recognized right away.

Barely ripe at the age of 20 , Irie shipped off to the thumping heart of reggae - Kingston, Jamaica - to live and breathe music for three years in exquisite “mansions among shantytowns.”

Fast-forwarding to March of this year, Irie represented Hawaii at SXSW in Austin, Texas. This came after her solo album Mahalo, launched Thanksgiving 2015. Word is there is more stuffing to come this summer, too. We can’t help but applaud the gal who packs a powerful message and a foxy afro as we watch her songs like “My Love” continually rise up iTunes charts.

What was it like playing at SXSW? “The event is in Austin, Texas and it’s really cool because it’s a cross promotion platform for demographics that I’ve never

kaleimaeole handcrafted jewelry Enhance your beauty with one of our designs Created on Oahu’s North Shore

Rentals, Lessons, & Sales Meeting All Your Surfing Needs With Aloha!

MOKU Rider Luis

Now four convenient locations...

Waikiki, Hale’iwa, Long Beach NY & Rockville Centre NY

www.moku-hi.com

Instagram: Kaleimaeole Jewelry Shop: wwww.kaleimaeole.etsy.com

Rawhitiroa

SOUNDS /

played to. All kinds of music is there. Reggae, Polynesian, Soul, African, Electronic, just a hodge podge of different people. I played four shows and I was the only one representing Hawaii.

Did you face any challenge getting to where you are now?

Yeah definitely, I’d say when I lived in Jamaica for three years, that was pretty eye-opening. I realized how oppressed the state really was by the level of poverty and living amongst that. The bums here in Kailua all have names, people take care of them.

Jamaica was nothing on that level. There would be kids begging.

There was a turning point in my life when I not only saw but realized the separation of wealth and poverty. Mansions among shantytowns. That’s one of the reasons I’m so gung-ho about starting the empowering the youth campaign.

Ok, enlighten us on Empowering the Youth.

On Oahu I’ve worked for Mana Mele with the Boys and Girls Club of Hawaii doing events, fundraisers, spoken to kids and played jams with them. Our tagline is “Empower The Youth.”

I realized what schools are lacking are programs to help kids cultivate their passions.

Plans to launch any new albums?

The new album I’m trying to launch in August is called We Rise.

It’s about the rise of female empowerment, which is getting more prevalent in music. Ultimately it is a message for the collective consciousness of humanity to rise. This new album is more electronic and hip hop beats which makes more of an eclectic sound.

With lyrics like, “All we need is love, irie love,” What is the main message of your music?

Follow your passions, believe in yourself, and love yourself because you set the standard for how others treat you in relationships and in life. If you’re putting out a vibration that you love yourself and believe in yourself, other people will too.

And finally, what does Irie mean to you?

Irie is a fortress of positive energy in that someone is joyful and happy regardless of any situation. It embodies not taking things personally and appreciate every different thing in every human.

It’s the ability to persevere true happiness.

David Kelly- Team Science. Photo : Martynas Justinevicious / Glidephotos

EMIS S RO

UP

O

T

AMERICA’S PREMIER INDOOR KARTING CENTER

S ION

ZE

76-6246 Ali`i Dr. Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 (808) 326-1771

45 MPH

ARRIVE & DRIVE ADULTS AND JUNIORS 48” AND UP GREAT FAMILY FUN!

CORPORATE EVENTS

SPACIOUS LOBBIES

PROFESSIONALLY DESIGNED TRACKS

91-1085 Lexington St, Kapolei, HI 96707 | (808) 682-7223 | K1SPEED.com

AZ - PHOENIX, CA - CARLSBAD . IRVINE . ANAHEIM . TORRANCE . ONTARIO . SANTA CLARA . SAN FRANCISCO . SACRAMENTO . SAN DIEGO, CO - DENVER FL - FT. LAUDERDALE . MIAMI . ORLANDO, GA - ATLANTA hi - kapolei, IL - BUFFALO GROVE . ADDISON, MA - BOSTON . KINGSTON, NY - ALBANY . POUGHKEEPSIE, in - indianapolis, TX - ARLINGTON . AUSTIN . DALLAS . HOUSTON . SAN ANTONIO, UT - SALT LAKE CITY, WA - SEATTLE

INDUSTRY

The Bethany and Alana Keiki Classic took place this past Sunday, April 17th at their home break of Pine Trees, Hanalei, Kauai. The surf contest brought out the local community for an exciting day of surfing, beach games and the opportunity to interact with Bethany and Alana.

“I love this event because even though Alana’s traveling and I’m traveling we’re able to come and get to know the new generation of surfers. We’re able to hang out, have fun and play beach games!” said Hamilton.

SURF LESSONS Certified Professional Instruction Small Groups / Private Lessons North Shore Surf Tours Fast, Professional, Affordable Ding Repair!

Doug Deal (808) 351-5392 www.surfhawaiidougdeal.com

LEARN JIU-JITSU! 66-437 Kamehameha Hwy

Behind the Haleiwa Post Office

(808) 372-8428 Men Women Kids

“Pine Tree’s is a very special place for me and Bethany. We want to make this a fun place for kids to come and experience a contest that’s not so competitive and really fun.” says Blanchard.

“I feel really special that kids want to compete in our event and continue to support us.”

A special thank you goes out to Hanalei Surf, Bethany and Alana for helping put on such a great community event! Also, a big thanks to all of the companies who contributed prizing to stoke all the kids out - Rip Curl, GoPro, FlexFit, Sticky Bumps, Cobian, SPY, Futures Fins, SMS Audio, Crush, Jamba Juice and Ormco.

The Aloha Shirt: Spirit of the Islands, a fully updated edition by Dale Hope with Yvon Chouinard, will be released in June. Originally published in 2000, the new edition features more photos and new material, including an introduction by surfing legend Gerry Lopez and contributions from Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard.

Serving as one of Hawaii’s most famous ambassadors for 75+ years, the Hawaiian shirt—aka Aloha shirt—is more popular than ever. Now a halfbillion-dollar-a-year industry, the Aloha shirt holds its legacy as a palpable symbol of Hawaii’s “Aloha Spirit.”

Second-generation Aloha shirt maker Dale Hope grew up during

NOTES the era when it came to be recognized as a spiritual badge.

Having spent his career devoted to the Hawaiian shirt, Hope is the perfect guy to share its colorful story.

Hope’s authoritative book recounts the colorful stories behind these marvelous shirts: as cultural icons, evocative of the mystery and the allure of the islands, capturing the vibe of the waterman culture and lifestyle—casual, relaxed, and fun.

Highlighting the innovative artists, risk-taking manufacturers and silky fabrics behind the success of the world’s most famous shirt, The Aloha Shirt is lavishly illustrated with hundreds of full color images, vintage black-and-white photos, and priceless examples of period “Hawaiiana.” Visit thealohashirt.com for more information.

During Easter Weekend at the 40th Annual Rell Sunn Menehune Surfing Championships, 18 surfboards were given away to stoked participants thanks to VISSLA, T&C Surf Shop, shaper Glenn Pang and Kamalei Alexander. “We had the idea of using extra blanks that normally we’d throw away and recycling them for good use,” said Glenn, who shaped 9 of the boards, with Kamalei shaping the other 9. The team entitled the cause the Mahoa Board Project.

Celebrating the Cuisines of the New Americas, with Aloha

Open 7 days a week!

Surf with a smile

767 Kailua Road Kailua, HI (808) 261-1000 www.cactusbistro.com

Dr. John

Jones Dentistry

808 955 0058 1441 Kapiolani boulevard suite 907, honolulu, hawaii 96814

John Choi

Auto Accident Law Center

808.792.8333HIautoAccident.com The People’s Choice Law Firm R Pacific Guardian Center, Makai Tower 733 Bishop Street, Suite 2390 Honolulu, Hawai`i 96813 attorneyjohnchoi@gmail.com

Call for free consultation

Hawaii’s Sebastian Zietz, former elite tour competitor and injury replacement surfer on the 2016 Samsung Galaxy WSL Championship Tour, claimed victory at the third stop of the season, the Drug Aware Margaret River Pro on April 15.

Zietz secured a 17.40 two-wave combined score to defeat Julian Wilson’s 16.67. “I am stoked,” he said. “The pressure was on and I pulled that last maneuver in the white-water and made it.

To win was definitely the goal I’d set for a long time. It is epic to win a CT event being against all the top guys and come out on top. I just want to dedicate this win to my family and everyone at home. Thank you everyone who has pushed me and helped me along the way.”

Former Deputy Attorney General

Heff

INDUSTRY NOTES

Taj Burrow, a perennial WSL Title contender, announced that 2016 will be his final season as a full-time competitor on the elite Samsung Galaxy WSL Championship Tour, stating the June’s Fiji Pro will be his last event.

“The sport has given me so much,” Burrow said. “Years of incredible waves, experiences and friendships that I’ll never forget. The WSL officials and competitors have not only pushed me to be a better surfer but have also become family to me.”

After 18 years amongst the world’s elite, Burrow has been a Top 10 finisher 15 years, posting WSL Runner-Up positions in 1999 and 2007.

Vans is commemorating 50 years of Vans Heritage. With a nod to the past and eyes on the future, Vans celebrates its rich history with a range of footwear and accessories featuring Vans’ iconic checkerboard motif. Originally inspired by the creative spirit of Southern California’s youth culture and Vans grassroots design contests, Checkerboard is synonymous with Vans’ irreverent and unique style.

“Vans are a natural canvas and in the late ‘70s we started seeing Vans fans sketch all over their shoes,” recalls Vans Vice President of Events and son of the founder, Steve Van Doren. “Before we knew it, checkerboard was everywhere so we wanted to introduce our own version and make sure it was ‘Off The Wall.’”

Vans Checkerboard gained international attention and appeal when actor Sean Penn donned a fresh pair of black and white Checkerboard Slip-Ons as the eccentric Jeff Spicoli in the 1982 film Fast Times at Ridgemont High. A true “Off The Wall” moment, it comes as no surprise that Checkerboard would remain a mainstay in Vans’ seasonal collections for years to come. The Vans Checkerboard collection is available now at Vans retail locations, Vans.com and select wholesale accounts.

LAST LOOK

Ezekiel Lau demonstrates the benefits of having the right board at the right time. Photo: Tony Heff

H Y A T T

R E G E N C Y

W A I K I K I

/

Local Motion H A W A I I . com for contest info

A L A

M O A N A

C E N T E R

/

K O K O

M A R I N A

/

W I N D W A R D

M A L L

/

W A I K E L E

Q U E E N S

M A R K E T P L A C E

Q U E E N

K A ‘ A H U M A N U

C E N T E R

/

K U K U I

M A L L

/

L A H A I N A

G A T E W A Y