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electric Brodi Sale Photo: Brian Bielmann
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F R E E PA R K I N G
Pipeline is far and away the most photographed wave on the planet. These days, it’s no easy feat to capture an image that really sticks out. For veteran Pipe shooter Brent Bielmann, the old saying about the “early worm” did the trick, “ I needed a little coffee motivation to get that beautiful morning light peeking through the valley,” said Brent.Taichi Wakita, Pipeline. Photo - Brent Bielmann
TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S
Photo - Brian Bielmann
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Free Parking
22
Editor's Note
24
News & Events
30
Stuff We Like
32
2020 Year in Review
42 Aperture 56
Surf Art
60
Industry Notes
64
Last Look
C O V E R S TO R Y “This early winter I’ve been shooting mostly from land and there’s been lots of action. It has been a lot of Rockies, Pupukea and Off the Wall, and Big Island’s Brodi Sale has shown up over and over again. It's good to see the new talent stepping up and charging hard, lots of airs and tricks, but the power turns will never go out of style. Brodi’s power slash is case and point, it’s electric” - Brian Bielmann, Photo Editor, Freesurf
Brodi Sale, OTW Photo - Brian Bielmann
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FREESURF MAGAZINE is distributed at all Jamba Juice locations, most fine surf shops and select specialty stores throughout Hawai‘i, Southern California, and the East Coast. Subscribe at freesurfmagazine.com Other than “Free Postage” letters, we do not accept unsolicited editorial submissions without first establishing contact with the editor. FreeSurf, Manulele Inc. and its associates are not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged submissions or their return.
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. 2020
E D I T O R ' S
N O T E
Hindsight is 2020 By Andrew Oliver
For those of us of a certain age, there was a time when the idea of the new millennium was so far off it invoked absurd futuristic images of flying cars, holographic communication, and the ushering in of a high-tech utopia - or dystopia - depending on who you’d ask. And, while some of the more outlandish predictions of the future have yet to be realized, it goes without saying that our world has embarked on an era unlike any that preceded it. Two decades in, and we find ourselves having thoroughly embarked upon an Information Age. One defined by speed, connectivity, big data, and increasingly complex social media networks, which have reshaped nearly every facet of our lives, with surfing being no exception. In hindsight, the dawn of the new millennium brought with it the closing of a golden era in surfing. A time when forecasting technology had advanced just enough to where a “strike mission” became a viable option. Surfboards were widely available and of a quality previously unseen; airfare was relatively cheap, information from the far reaches of the planet was now at our fingertips, and surfers were all too eager to capitalize on this newly globalized world. Meanwhile, both social media networks and photo and video sharing platforms were in their infancy. Sessions weren't yet being streamed as they happened,
Photo - Brian Bielmann
and old-school social norms were still holding strong with the world’s remaining “secret spots” enjoying their final years of relative obscurity. However, word was increasingly getting out and soon became easier to share than ever. At first, it was to the lucky few, and from there it soon spread to the masses. The very tools that got you to your destination were just as available to the next eager adventurer. The world had opened up, but the catch was, it had opened up to all of us. Running in parallel to the shrinking surfing world map, was a consolidation of influence at the very top. Competitive surfing has long held a footing in the culture-at-large, but as the newly formed WSL strived to improve its delivery of the “Dream Tour” to surf fans around the globe, it quickly supplanted videos and magazines in both influence and reach. Historically, the WSL’s role (formerly the ASP) was relatively limited to being the governing body of the sport, organizing and officiating events around the globe. However, the WSL quickly filled the void left by the dwindling presence of legacy surf media outlets. As the oldlions struggled to adapt to the rapidly evolving social media landscape, the WSL eagerly expanded its influence as a content creation behemoth, with a few-exceptions, setting the tone for surfculture the world over.
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While the cynical traditionalists among us may bemoan these monumental cultural shifts as further examples of a new global homogenization of our beloved pastime, yet, as with most things, the reality isn’t quite so simple. Yes, the WSL does have a relative monopoly on mainstream surf culture, but on any given day their content streams give more presence to women and minority communities than most legacy surf outlets ever had. Yes, some exotic locales that were widely unknown just a generation ago have been exposed to the world, however many of the missteps of early surf-tourism have provided lessons for smarter development and sustainable future exploration. Yes, surfing is more popular than ever and crowds are increasingly a reality, but when you really think about it, how can you begrudge someone else finding the joy of surfing for themselves? There’s a give and take with all change. This last year has forced us all to make changes we never envisioned and to take stock of what’s really important. As surfers, we're fortunate to be accustomed to ever changing conditions, and maintaining an unyielding optimism that there's always something better out the back.
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2020 NSSA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
JENNETTE’S PIER, NAGS HEAD, NORTH CAROLINA OCTOBER 20-24 Story and Photos by Mark Ferri NSSA Nationals went down in late October. Due to permit issues at the usual venue of Huntington Beach, the competition was pushed for the first time ever to the East Coast. Hurricane Epsilon brought overhead surf to Nag’s Head North Carolina on the Outer Banks. Surfers from East, West, and Hawaii regions soared off in surprisingly good waves.
And Makana Franzmann won the Air Show with Rylen Beavers winning the Junior Air Show. Diego also came second in Explorer Mens and Third in Open Juniors.
The Hawaii contingent did very well, including the Open Women’s title, Put Desoto, and the Opens Men’s title went to Diego Ferri. Pua’s epic run also included first place finishes in three other divisions including two longboard titles. Kai Nelson came first in explorer super gloms, Rylen Beavers won expolorer boys.
And Angelina Yossa from the North Shore of Oahu came in second in open Women’s
Diego Ferri and Pua DeSoto
Maui’s Chase Burns and Oahu’s Kenny Nishimoto made a strong showing coming second and third in open boys.
Kai Nelson
Rylan Beavers
Makana Franzmann
Results OPEN MENS 1. Diego Ferri 4. Makana Franzmann OPEN WOMENS 1. Pua DeSoto 2. Angelina Yossa OPEN JRS 3. Diego Ferri OPEN BOYS 2. Chase Burnes 3. Kenny Nishimoto
OPEN LONGBOARD 2. Pua DeSoto
EXPLORER BOYS 1. Rylan Beavers
NSSA JR AIR SHOW 1. Rylan Beavers
EXPLORER SUPER GROMS 1. Kai Nelson
NSSA AIR SHOW 1. Makana Franzmann
EXPLORER WOMENS 2. Pua DeSoto 3. Angelina Yossa
EXPLORER MENS 2. Diego Ferri 3. Thatcher Johnson
EXPLORER GIRLS 1. Pua DeSoto
EXPLORER JRS 4. Makana Franzmann 24
EXPLORER WOMENS LONGBOARD 1. Pua DeSoto 3.Keanuenue DeSoto EXPLORER LONGBOARD 1. Pua DeSoto 3. Keanuenue DeSoto
N E W S
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It's ON! Hawaii to Kick-Off CT Season
The road to The WSL Finals will start at the Maui Pro presented by ROXY with the women competing at Honolua Bay in Maui, Hawaii from December 4 - 15, 2020 (changed from the previous date of Nov 25 - Dec 6). The men will compete at Pipeline in Oahu, Hawaii at the Billabong Pipe Masters presented by Hydro Flask from December 8 - 20, 2020 in Oahu, Hawaii.
“I am so excited about WSL’s announcement to start the 2021 Championship tour this December in Hawaii,” said 4x reigning WSL Champion, Carissa Moore. “Honolua Bay, Maui for the women and Pipeline, Oahu for the men. Hawaii is such a big part of surfing history and culture and there is no better place to start a season and end a challenging year on a positive note. I want to express my
This season’s Billabong Pipe Masters presented by Hydro Flask will be the 50th edition of this legendary contest, which has crowned World Champions such as Andy Irons, Kelly Slater, and reigning WSL Champion, Italo Ferreira. appreciation to everyone involved in making these events happen including the WSL, state of Hawaii and all the amazing fans for your support. As we all continue to navigate these unprecedented times and adapt to a new norm, we are so grateful for your support and good vibes from home this year in order to keep everyone safe. Hope there is some good swell on offer and we can put on a great show for you!“
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The WSL is working closely with the State of Hawaii and local government agencies, to implement the WSL’s COVID safety plans for each broadcast-only competition, which were developed in collaboration with the State of Hawaii and the counties of Honolulu and Maui.
Keanu Asing
Springer
2021 WSL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP TOUR SCHEDULE Shiseido Maui Pro, Honolua Bay, Maui, Hawaii: November 25 - December 5, 2020 (Women’s) Billabong Pipe Masters, Oahu, Hawaii: December 8 - 20, 2020 (Men’s) MEO Pro Peniche, Portugal: February 18 - 28, 2021 Corona Open Gold Coast presented by Billabong, Queensland, Australia, March 18 - 28, 2021 Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach: Victoria, Australia, April 1 - 11, 2021 Margaret River Pro: Western Australia, Australia, April 16 - 26, 2021 Oi Rio Pro presented by Corona: Saquarema, Brasil, May 20 - 29, 2021 Surf Ranch Pro: California, USA, June 10 - 13, 2021 Quiksilver Pro G-Land: Indonesia, June 20 - 29, 2021 Corona Open J-Bay: South Africa, July 7 - 19, 2021 Outerknown Tahiti Pro: Teahupo’o, Tahiti, August 26 - September 6, 2021 The WSL Finals: Location TBD, September 8 - 16, 2021
HALEIWA | 66-683 HALEIWA ROAD | $3,000,000 fs Rare investment opportunity on Oahu’s North Shore. Conveniently located within walking distance to some of the North Shore’s finest beaches and historic Haleiwa town, this unique property features 9 buildings with 15 individual rental units. A steady rental income generator for decades with ample tenant parking and storage, this property fronts a main road and is bordered on two sides by agricultural land. Contact Margo (808) 232-3759 or Michael (808) 551-6740 to explore this amazing real estate opportunity. MLS: 202024435. Video Tour: bit.ly/66-683HaleiwaBeachRd
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Mele Kalikimaka to all & to all a good ride
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OAHU: Ala Moana Center (3rd Level & Street Level) 808-973-6780, Kailua 808-266-6730, Haleiwa 808-637-0991, Pearlridge Center 808-483-6700, Mililani Town Center 808-627-7100, Kapolei Commons 808-200-0000. M A U I : Lahaina Cannery Mall 808-667-6111, Maui Mall 808-893-7873, The Outlets of Maui - Lahaina 808-661-1603 BIG ISLAND: Shops at Mauna Lani 808-881-1400, Kona Commons 808-326-7873, Hilo 808-959-0442, Waimea 808-881-8442.
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Stuff We Like
StormBlade’s Modern Retro Fish Looking for a Christmas present for the kiddo? The new Modern Retro fish pays homage to the golden era of 1970s surf galore. This board is ideal for drawn out turns and free surfing with style. The Modern Retro Fish features a parallel template with a full nose area with four Bolt Thru Slot Box fins, two Driver twins, and two Ollie back fins so you can customize your ride. shop.agit-global.com
Vans Ultra Range EXO Hi MTE Hightop True to the classic Vans aesthetic, this hightop is extra durable allowing for exploring on any terrain in any weather. Featuring warm lining to keep those toes heated and a weather-proof exterior, Vans has made social distancing super easy this winter. Available in unique earthy tones.
Play Salty Prep for winter with a new hoodie from Play Salty. Their 'Iwa Bird Hoodie blends style with aloha while their Rainbow Wave Eco Crop Hoodie is an adorable way to keep warm! Check out their stock of zip-ups, pullovers, crops, and hoodies for the best premium organic cotton sweaters. playsalty.com
O’Neill Glacier Plaid Superfleece
O’Neill brings those California vibes with their line of button-up flannels. The Glacier Plaid Superfleece brings warmth without the weight and is a lightweight and cozy addition to any winter wardrobe. Throw it on over any tee. The front snaps and pockets add convenience to this classic style.
2020 Year in Review By Andrew Oliver
This has been one of the most consequential years in our lifetime. 2020 will be the defining moment that life, pre- and post-pandemic is divided by. We’ll leave the geopolitical analysis to the scholars, but here are some of the moments and trends in the surf world that caught our attention in 2020.
Dreams On Hold
Postponement of Surfing’s Debut in the 2020 Olympics
After decades of petitioning, and countless hours of work behind the scenes, surfing was on the cusp of having its competitive debut in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. With safety concerns due to the global pandemic, the Tokyo Games are postponed to 2021. Fernando Aguerre, President of the International Surfing Association, and one of the instrumental figures in bringing surfing to the games reflected optimistically on the situation, in a statement he said, “As surfers, we are used to being flexible, even in the most difficult of circumstances. Practicing our sport in the ocean, in a natural environment, we are used to changing conditions in life. Now is the time for all of us to paddle harder for this wave, and to look ahead with purpose and conviction. Together we will beat this virus, and we will celebrate that victory with the best Olympic Games ever, in 2021.” Look for Hawai'i’s WSL World Champions Carissa Moore and John John Florence to be representing the stars and stripes in 2021.
Carissa & JJF - Photos - Brian Bielmann
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The New Normal Wave Pools
Artificial wave pools have been the topic du jour for a few years now. Kelly Slater broke the internet in 2015, when he released the first footage of his mind-bendingly perfect wave in Lemoore, California. That was shortly followed by the unveiling of a much shorter and more high-performance wave in Waco, Texas. From there, the latest entrant in the US wave pool mix is the Palm Springs Surf Club, in Palm Springs, California, managed by two former Hawai'i pros: Kalani Robb and Maui’s Cheyne Magnussen. Meanwhile, competing wave technologies have been vying for dominance around the world with several wave pools opening in Australia, Europe, and as far as South Korea. This past summer, with international surf travel largely put on hold, the three main domestic wave pools became a serious summer destination alternative, with many young pros doing the full-trifecta by visiting all three pools in one loop.
Kaniela Stewart - Photo - Tommy Pierucki
Photo - Brian Bielmann
Beat It!
Global Beach Closures and Surfing Bans
The early days of the pandemic saw beach closures and surfing bans along the east and west coasts of the US, along with locations throughout the world. Fortunately, here in Hawai'i even during our most extensive lockdown orders, which saw the beaches technically closed for all other activities - surfing, swimming, and fishing remained open. In most cases, surfing was an unfortunate innocent bystander as governments struggled to reign in beach crowds as people poured to the coasts. With the economy on hold, visiting the beach was one of the few activities that remained. As a result, you saw surreal images of iconic lineups like Lower Trestles without a soul in the lineup.
Deserted Waikiki, April 2020
Since the initial alarm, most governments have eased up on outright surfing bans and were fortunate to have this incredible escape. 34
A Return to the Essentials Surfboard Sales Boom
Photo - Keoki One of the few economic silver linings to come out of the last year has been a return to the essentials in the surf industry. Hardgoods, ie; surfboards, leashes, deckpads, fins, and the like have seen a boom in sales. With few recreational options available, and a glut of free time on our hands, surfers have been heading to the waves in droves. What better way to spend your stimulus check than on a brand new stick? It’s safe to say that this current surge is not likely to sustain forever, it’s good to see some of the hardest working, and least heralded, people in surfing have something go in their favor. Have you thanked your shaper today?
Girl Power
These Teenage Phenoms are the New face of Surfing
L-Bettylou Sakura Johnson, R-Luana Silva Photos - Mike Latronic The future of surfing is unfolding right in front of us, and that future belongs to the ladies. There are moments when surfing takes great leaps of progression. This is usually driven by a young crew of surfers feeding off of the competitive drive of their peers and pushing their talents to the limit. Think of the brash South Africans and Aussies who “busted down the door” with their breakthrough performances in Hawai'i in the early 70s. Or, the Momentum Generation, led by Kelly Slater, who came to completely redefine highperformance surfing in the 90s. As we speak, this current generation of young female surfers are setting the bar for progression in women’s surfing, and most of them are only in their early teens. And right at the head of the pack are Hawai'i’s wahines led by Bettylou Sakura Johnson, Luana Silva, Erin Brooks, and Vaihiti Inso. 36
Celebrating 25 Years On Oahu’s North Shore Cholo’s would like to send out a huge gracias and mahalo to all our loyal customers and friends. After all, it is YOU our custmers that have helped make Cholo’s what it is today!
Filling the Void Surf Vlogs Proliferate
It wasn’t too long ago when aspiring surf pros had to rely on an elite circle of cultural gatekeepers to make their presence known. Photographers, video producers, and magazine editors held the ultimate deciding power in who made it in the mags and videos essentially the only two outlets available (outside of contests) for their talents to be seen. Social media leveled the playing field so that now the only person standing in the way of sharing your story with the world is yourself. Surfers were all too ready to capitalize on this newfound power, with a few taking it into uncharted territory - in terms of reach and influence. Jamie O’Brien, one of the pioneers of surf media 2.0 has well over a million devoted followers on his Instagram, an audience size that a legacy surf outlet could only dream of. While J.O.B. and a few others have been at it for some time, 2020 saw an explosion in surf vlogs and dedicated social media feeds - especially here in Hawai'i.
Here are a few YouTube series worth checking out; J.O.B. Vlogs - Jamie O’Brien and friends’ crazy antics in and out of the water. This Is Livin - In-depth look at the charmed life of Pipe-Charger Koa Rothman. FlowState - Epic sessions with Big-Wave surfer and Jiu-jitsu master Eli Olson. Jackson Dorian - Mind-Blowing edits of grom phenom Jackson Dorian. Happy Waves - Healthy family-living with surfing super-couple Alana Blanchard and Jack Freestone. Strike Missions With Mark Healey - Waterman extraordinaire Mark Healey shares his adventure lifestyle. Makualoha - Behind the scenes series with North Shore royalty Makua Rothman. Zeke Lau Unleashed - High action ripping and good times with powerhouse shredder Zeke Lau.
Jamie O’brien and Filmer - Photo - Brian Bielmann
YOUR KAILUA SURF SHOP Looking for the next board to add to your quiver? Gnarwall Surf Shop has what you need to paddle out stoked, with no need to break the bank. We are the go-to Kailua surf shop!
Surfboards Skateboards Accessories Consignment Gnarwall Surf Shop 315 Uluniu St, Kailua, HI 96734 (808) 492-1000 kailuasurfshop.com
If a Wave Goes Unridden…
Empty Dream Sessions in Mentawais, Fiji, and Beyond. The global pandemic has presented unprecedented times, and governments across the globe scrambled to keep the spread of the virus in check. In some cases the unintended consequence of travel restrictions being put in place is a few lucky souls ended up in paradise all alone. Costa Rican ripper Anthony Fillingim found himself locked down at the Kandui resort in the Mentawais for months, “It’s an honor and privilege to surf some of the best waves in the Mentawais with no one out,” he told Stab Magazine. Hawai’i raised Brissa Hennesey, who coincidentally also flies the Costa Rican flag, found herself in Namotu, Fiji during quarantine, where her family runs the resort. She told Surfline, “I hate to say it, but it’s probably been some of the best waves I’ve surfed in my whole life.” Pura Vida indeed!
Empty Waves, Indonesia Photos - Brian Bielmann
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LIGHTWEIGHT PADDED RASH GUARD
The Ribby was great! Surfed 2-3 sessions per day and no rash or any irritation on my ribs! — M AT T H E W G E N N A
S U R F R I B BY. CO M
Ukuleles 100% handmade in Haleiwa, Hawaii
Ukuleles by
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Available at: Surf N Sea, Wy’s Gallery in Haleiwa and Ukulele Puapua in Waikiki JoeGreenUkulele.com / 808.637.7873
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Unidentified, Tahiti, Photo - Brian Bielmann
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Koa Rothman, Photo - Brent Bielmann
Joel Tudor, Photo - Brian Bielmann
In case you’ve been living under a rock these past few months, you’ve likely seen North Shore charger and surf-vlog extraordinaire Koa Rothman’s instagram declaration that regardless of who’s behind him he’ll be catching any wave he wishes at Pipeline this season (He did qualify it by saying there are a few un-named surfers he won’t drop-in on). A genuine statement, a joke, a publicity stunt, or some mixture of the three, who’s to say. The real question is, as deep and late as Koa takes off at Pipeline, who is he really contending with out there? Koa Rothman, in a zone of his own, Pipeline. Photo - Brent Bielmann
North Shore. Lifeguard, Photo - Brian Bielmann
Makana Pang, Kalani Riviero, Noah Beschen, Photo - Brian Bielmann
Young powerhouse Barron Mamiya is well-known for his aerial repertoire and is widely considered one of the best barrel riders on the planet. Rounding out that already impressive list of talents is a foundation of power and style. Barron Mamiya fundamentally strong at Rocky Point, Photo - Mike Latronic
Photos - Brian Bielmann
Photos - Brian Bielmann
Standing tall in a house of colored glass, Nathan Florence enjoys a serene moment at Pipeline. Photo - Brian Bielmann
Positive vibe ambassador Dane Gudauskas is a welcome face in any lineup. He never fails to provide the good vibes and some ferocious rail work. Dane Gudauskas, Rocky Point backside power-jam, Photos - Brian Bielmann
Photos - Brian Bielmann
There exists a cadre, an unspoken brotherhood, of tube-hunting aficionados. They come from all-corners of the world, sharing one thing - an uncanny ability in gnarly hollow surf. Florida’s Nate Behl is a recent inductee to this elite group, charging warehouse-size pits around the globe. Nate Behl, no-hesitations at Backdoor, Photo - Brent Bielmann
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Timeless style through a futuristic tube. Honolua Blomfield, Surf Ranch, Photo - Tommy Pierucki
SURF ART
Kayla Toth
By Kaea Latronic Photos courtesy Kayla Toth While curating an aesthetic Instagram story mood-board for my own inspiration, I stumbled upon an image was a stunning photograph of crystal-clear shore break. The image captured the bubbling and delicate lace of seafoam and evoked an encompassing sensation of being on the shoreline. I was delighted to discover that it was handmade resin art. Never before had I seen anything so life-like in the way of resin manipulation. For surfers, resin is akin to the waterproofing on a sea bird's feathers; it seals everything together and preserves the integrity of a board. Seeing this industrial material used as an art medium so intricately compelled me to reach out and inquire about this creation.
Raised along the Southern California coast in the small town of Fallbrook and Kayla grew up in a country town and has a deep passion for animals and art. She was taught to fish as soon as she could walk, so the ocean has always been an integral part of Kayla’s life. Fifteen minutes was all it took to get to the beach. She fondly recalls accompanying her father to work during the construction of rock seawalls from Oceanside to La Jolla. “Hardwork and kind-hearted ethics have always been a strong constant in my family,” she says. “When I am not found creating art, fishing, or spending time with family, I am a full-time Veterinary Nurse (RVT) in Encinitas, California.”
Introducing Artist Kayla Toth said, in her words, “Every true work of art must express a distinct feeling. Everyone feels something when they are near the ocean. To some, it's an escape or conservation of our oceans, where for others, it’s a living. To me, it is all of the above. Tranquil vibes and temperamental waves drive my passion for this particular medium of resin art. My goal with these pieces is to give others that same ambiance when they look at my artwork. Epoxy resin is inconstant, such as ocean waves.”
Speaking to her journey as an artist, Kayla’s early explorations were in acrylic and oil paint, ceramics and wood crafting, as well as pyrography - the art of wood burning. “Art has been a part of me since I picked up a pencil,” she reveals, “Nature and environmental pieces have tended to be a trend in my work since I was little.” An artist of many facets, she does her own woodworking to create cutting boards, charcuterie boards, wall canvases, tables, coasters, and more. When asked where she picked up resin working, she told me she was inspired by a local piece of resin art that had nothing to do with the ocean “but the vibrancy and realism of the work had me intrigued.” 56
Moku rider: Michael VanHoenstein
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SURF ART / KAYL A TOTH
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Pacifc Islands
Expanding on her personal style, she says, “I took what inspires and motivates me by the coast and taught myself from home to create the techniques and aspects of ocean resin art.” To achieve the depth of realism and photographic quality of her work is no easy task. Kayla clues us in to what materials were used, explains, “To create this type of art, [materials] include epoxy resin, color pigments, a heat torch, heat gun, and a lot of patience. Each piece is unrepeatable and visionary. I will continue to work a piece until I am happy, but rarely do I start over.” Kayla is open and excited for collaborations, and looking forward to a future in traveling to expand and extend her reach to new galleries, exhibits, breweries, boutiques, and wineries.
Indo
and more! Handpicked surf adventures since 1997 Reservation Specialist
Sean Walker
sean@worldsurfaris.com (877) 617-1328
www.worldsurfaris.com
“Don’t wait for the right opportunity: Create it.” Instagram: @Kayla_Toth_Art Email for commissions & inquiries: KTothDesign@gmail.com Current collaborations: @RopeandGrain
Photo Richard Perez
Hubboards available now at The Foam Company, 662 Ride Shop, Town & Country Surf, Hawaiian Island Creations, Deja Vu Surf, Nukumoi Surf Shop, Poipu Surf, Miller’s Surf & Sport and more!
www.Hubboards.com
INDUSTRY NOTES
Vans Votes! It goes without saying that 2020 was a helluva year. With the presidential election taking place amid the chaos of a global pandemic, it was all we could do to just ride out this storm. Vans team riders Leila Hurst, Dylan Graves, and Patrick Gudauskas took to social media encouraging others to have a say in their future by taking part in democracy. The team at Vans as well as the surfers themselves shared their creatively unique “I Voted” pics while Vans linked out to helpful resources for the fence dwellers to make an informed decision before casting their ballots.
Tokyo Rising Though the Tokyo Olympics are on hold for Olympic level surfers John John Florence, Carissa Moore, Kolohe Andino, and Kanoa Igarashi (JPN), Florence is moving forward with an experience edit. Under his production company Parallel Sea and in partnership with Clif Bar, Florence is releasing Tokyo Rising which promises mind-boggling barrels, breathtaking airs, and gasp-worthy moments reminding us all of exactly why Florence is the US rep for the world’s first Olympic surf experience.
Volcom’s Newest Addition Josh Kerr’s daughter Sierra Kerr, shortboarder extoridionaire, has joined the Volcom team of elite groms and lady ripper Coco Ho, who welcomed Kerr with open arms.
Thank a First Responder They save lives on the daily. They may have even saved yours. October 28th was National First Responders’ Day. In honor of our local lifeguards, we’d like to extend a huge mahalo to Kyle Foyle, Tau Hanneman, Johnny Angel, Mike McHale, and the rest of the crew watching over our shores. These guardians risk their lives to save yours, so regardless of the day, throw a shaka and give a smile to the eyes in the tower.
Nazare Fires Up It was only late October, but Nazare was en fuego this fall. Our feeds lit up with images of ancient castles, towering waves, and tow-in surfers. However, with travel so limited, the regular crew was homebound. Still, nature will do what she does best, and watching Nazare from our screens provided comfort that things will return to their normal cycle.
Eureka! Rip Curl Got It’s Gold Members Together Though we can’t travel far, Conner Coffin, Tom Curren, and Mason Ho had a meeting of the greats in San Francisco thanks to their sponsor Rip Curl. Who knows what they got up to, but we’re guessing there was a Full House moment in there somewhere.
North Shore Lifeguard Bryan Phillips walked away with top honors from the state for his 16 years of life-saving work and Junior Lifeguards program contributions.
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Sourcing only the best Hawaiian coffee beans
In the heart of Waikiki
Coffee Shop 831 Pearl Hotel Waikiki 411 Nahua (808) 922-0831 www.831hawaii.com
INDUSTRY NOTES
Happy Birthday to... Julian Wilson celebrates November 8th while North Shore local Koa Rothman’s special day is December 16th. Brazilian World Champ Gabrial Medina’s birthday falls in South American summer on December 22nd and Tahitian Redbull rider Michel Bourez rounds out the year on December 30th.
Michel Bourez
Julian Wilson
Get Your Read on Surf photographer Joni Sternbach uses the tintype medium and has compiled a new book chock-full of old-timey surf images from the modern era. SURFBOARD is a new release just in time for the holidays. The images captured by renowned lens master Sternbach are intriguing as she brings the new world to life in an old-world fashion. Koa Rothman
Also of note for your surf-centric book club read is author Diane Cardwell’s Rockaway memoir, about riding out the waves of life in all their challenge and all their glory.
Gabriel Medina
Jordy Smith is a Dad South African surfer Jordy Smith welcomed his first little one with wife Lyndall Jarvis. The couple married in Smith’s hometown of Cape Town, SA in 2018 and are now proud parents to little boy Ziggy Smith.
Nathan Florence Marries Longtime Love Engaged earlier this year, Vans team rider Nathan Florence wed Mahina Garcia in an intimate ceremony on the North Shore. Alex Florence, KaiBorg, and John and Ivan Florence were all in attendance supporting the longawaited union of these two.
RedBull Shares New Eye Candy
805 Beer Company Holds Classic Style Sweeps
Between Eli Hanneman’s newest Muse series and Kai Lenny’s cuts, the energy drink media moguls are dominating our screens right now. Though drastically different, both Red Bull series explores the daily lives, driving forces, and jawdropping talent of Hanneman and Lenny. Streamable now - let the psyching begin.
A custom ‘49 pickup to call your own? That’s what sweepstakes winners drove home thanks to the 805 Beer Company’s Properly Chill Sweepstakes. The custom-built 1949 Chevy Pickup lowrider was delivered to Jason Gavilanes, the stoked winner. We’ll cheers to that!
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(808) 799-7137
Photo Adam Walker
Live, play, surf. Pain free.
66-150 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI
"Thank you Dave at Shoreline PT for getting me healthy as fast as possible, so I can keep doing what I love" -Torrey Meister
C O L L E C T O R ' S E D I T I O N Available at local surf shops and retailers everywhere!
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808.792.8333 “True love is finding happiness in making the people you love happy.”
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John Choi, Esq. & Michelle Choi, CPA
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Exceptional people, extraordinary service
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SEAN YANO RA
808-386-4487 Top 1% of Realtors | Client Service Award sean@yanogroup.com | www.yanogroup.com License #: RS-61434
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L A S T LO O K “I love the drop and the bottom turn as much as the actual tube. It's all about the anticipation for me. The wave is the star in this photo, the surfer is the supporting actor.� - Brian Bielmann Unidentified, Pipeline, Photo - Brian Bielmann
TODAY OUR GOAL REMAINS THE SAME: PRODUCING HIGH QUALITY SANDALS THAT DON’T END UP IN LANDFILLS WHICH WE BELIEVE EVENTUALLY ENDS UP IN OUR RIVERS AND OCEANS. THAT COMMITMENT DOESN’T END WHEN OUR SANDALS LEAVE THE STORE. IF YOUR RAINBOW®’S ARE NEARING THE END OF THEIR RUN AND STILL HAVE SOME LIFE LEFT, PLEASE SEND THEM BACK TO US. WE WILL REPAIR THEM IF NEEDED AND GIVE THEM TO THOSE IN NEED THROUGHOUT THE WORLD.
SURF IS WHERE YOU FIND IT... (LEFT) GERRY LOPEZ, ULUWATU. (PHOTO) CHRIS PEEL
PAT EN T ED T RUN C AT ED D O ME RUBBER T O P S O LE P AT. N O . D79 4 , 9 2 2
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