Freesurf April 2024

Sheldon Paishon Photo Brian Bielmann

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

OAHU

604 Alehouse

Beachhouse by 604

El Ranchero Kapolei & Wahiawa

Kuhio Avenue Food Hall

Lay Low

Mahi'ai Table (Foodland)

Manifest

Margarita's Mekiko Cantina

Princess Kaiulani Hotel

Scratch Kitchen

Suzie Wong's

TJ's Sports Bar

Waikiki Beach Marriott

Westin Moana Surfrider Hotel

BIG ISLAND

Bianelli's Pizza

Hilo Hawaiian Hotel

Lava Shack

Luquin's Mexican

Pineapple's

MAUI

Bobby V's Italian Restaurant

Fleetwood's

KAUAI

Jimmy's Grill

Living Foods Restaurant

Milagro's

Molly Picklum Photo Brian Bielmann

EDITORIAL

Editor / Publisher

Mike Latronic

Photo Director

Brian Bielmann

Art Director

John Weaver

Editorial Assistants

Rebecca Parsons, Lowell

Burton

Business Administration

Cora Sanchez (808) 260-9219

Marketing Associate

Andrea Crawley

West Coast Distribution & Sales

Chuck Hendsch (619) 227-9128

Distribution & Advertising Inquiries (808) 260-9219

Staff Shooters

Brent Bielmann, Mike Latronic, Aukai Ng, John Weaver

Contributing Writers

Aukai Ng, Rebecca Parsons, Alexandra Kahn, Daniel Ikaika Ito, Nicole Nason, Amanda Crater Olson

Contributing Photographers

Alex Heil, Dooma Photos, Dayanidhi Das, Eric Aeder, Jason Kenworthy, Stu Soley, Mark Rodrigues, Aaron Lynton, Kurt Steinmetz, Mike Ito, Nick Gruen, Ryan Miller, Tommy Pierucki, Eric Baeseman, Ryan “Chachi” Craig, Christa Funk, Sarah Lee, Sean Evans, Tai Vandyke, Mitch McEwen

FREESURF MAGAZINE is distributed at most fine surf shops and select specialty stores throughout Hawai‘i and Southern California. 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. 2024

DINE LIKE A LEGEND

Make timeless memories and enjoy Hawaiian-style dining at its finest at any of our iconic ocean-front locations.

With a stock of over 1,200 boards, you’re sure the find the right board for your needs. This is the place where surfers of all skill levels can find the perfect surfboard to maximize your surfing experience!

ED NOTE

By Mike Latronic

Whether you have piles of cash, fancy cars, big houses or not, to most surfers who chase waves and gravity on a daily basis, playtime is basically the true currency of life. Youthful exuberance and joy are a direct reflection of just being playful and silly. It's really a conscious decision to choose your personal priorities everyday. Am I wrong? When you choose to surf you are choosing fun!

While the culture of surfing itself is a stage for fun in the sun, there’s a certain group of ocean-loving individuals that take this playfulness to a whole new level. Every year for the past 47, the Buffalo Big Board Classic has created a surfing funfest. Riding a wave is special. Riding a wave at Makaha is special. The Keaualana clan, along with a host of other island families and locals have perfected the art of playtime in the ocean and the event organizers have devised a set of playful antics, poses, maneuvers and a certain silliness that takes this fun to a whole new solar system. This issue we have a visual buffet of those antics.

Far from silly, but certainly still in the fun zone, we feature powerful walls of water at the Hurley Pro at Sunset Beach. The waves were solid and the world's best utterly ripped it to shreds. Much in the same way the girls broke down some doors at Pipeline in the previous event, at Sunset there was one turn that Molly Picklum did en route to final victory that was THE best female carve, off the top, EVER. By any standards winners Molly Picklum and Jack Robinson were showcasing state-ofthe-art progressive power surfing.

This issue also highlights yet another young Maui Jedi: Jackson Bunch. After a stellar amateur record, Bunch has graduated and has been a standout in free surfs and he’s also made a strong mark on the WSL Challenger series landing in the 23rd spot after just his first year.

Enjoy!

Photo Brian Bielmann

Treat yourself

Legendary surfer and iconic Hawaiian family man of the Wai'anae coast, Buffalo Keaulana and his entire family embody the real meaning and spirit of the Hawai’ian waterman. Buffalo has spent the better part of his adult life perfecting the art of fun in wave riding at his favorite beach Makaha, and that endeavor has culminated in one of the longest running, most fun-filled surfing events ever to call itself a “surf contest.”

The Keaulana crew, along with other key west side families have mastered all ocean disciplines, from surfing to fishing, to sailing the double-hulled canoe Hokule’a. With a multitude of different divisions, utilizing different wave craft, it’s easy to surmise there is no bad way to ride a wave at Makaha. Whether it's a standard longboard or body board, bully board, canoe, paipo or no board at all, it's all about having fun and celebrating in the ocean.

Buff’s event, with just a “little bit” of backwash, is one of the most colorful and dynamic surfing exhibitions in the world. Gracing this month's cover in full Evel Knevel fashion is none other than west side standout Sheldon Paison. Riding a paipo, essentially a shaped wooden plank, Paison admits, “Backwash at Makaha is always big. When I saw that wave it made me just wanna hit it as big as I could! Growing up on the west side, always watching my heroes hit the backwash made me want to go even bigger. I'm stoked to have gotten this photo in Freesurf. Thank you guys so much.”

JACKSON BUNCH

The 20-year-old rising star from Maui talks about waves, his upbringing, and big dreams

By Rebecca Parsons Photos Brent Bielmann

Jackson Bunch IV grew up in Paia, Maui, in the Ho’okipa area. Like a lot of kids, he played some soccer during his formative years, but he was always drawn towards coastal activities. Most of his free time was spent surfing, fishing, spearfishing, and anything else he could find to do at the beach. He began competing in local contests when he was seven and over the years, has collected a number of big wins.

Bunch wrapped up a successful first year on the Challenger Series, including his first QS win at Rangiroa and another at Hale'iwa, with his sights ultimately set on qualifying for the Championship Tour. We caught up with Bunch between waves and asked him about growing up on Maui, career highlights, and his goals looking forward.

How did you first get into surfing?

I don’t come from a long line of surfers, but my dad got me into it. He loved to surf and he wanted me to love it too.

Do you remember your first time surfing?

Not exactly, but I kind of remember getting pounded in the whitewash a bit!

What about Maui made it such a great place to grow up as a surfer?

Maui gets really good but not very consistently. The average waves we get are really good practice for contests that are run in places that aren’t very good. I think that if you can surf a bad wave good, you could probably surf a good wave good.

Where is your homebreak?

My homebreak is Ho’okipa. It catches west swells, north swells, and east swells, so there is always a wave to surf. Maui being super windy all the time it brings in a lot of wind swell, and the wind is great for airs.

When did you first start competing?

I started competing when I was about seven or so. I tried to do all the contests I could do - not just on Maui, but on the other islands too like the Hale'iwa Menehune, T&C Grom contest, etc.

What have been some of your top competition results?

I have been lucky enough to win a few big contests for a kid growing up. Here are some of the bigger contests I have won: ISA Junior World Championships, WSL QS 1000, WSL Junior Pro 1000, 2x NSSA Nationals, US Championships, RipCurl Grom Search Nationals, and the Volcom VQS World Championships.

You’ve had a lot of attention as a surfer since you were a kid. What’s it like having that recognition? Does it add pressure?

I try not to think about that too much, just so I don’t put the pressure on myself, but it definitely pops into my head a bit.

What does a typical week look like when you’re home?

I try to surf as much as I can, but I put training in between my surfing as well. I do a lot of boxing, swimming, running, and yoga for my training. I really like to fish and spearfish as well, so I try to squeeze that in where I can.

Do you have a crew that you regularly surf with? Do you work with a coach?

Yes, I do have a coach. I have been working with Akira Aipa— he has been a big help to my physical and mental part of my game. At home I surf with guys like Imai DeVault, Cody and Levi Young, Ian Gentil, Matt Meola, Albee Layer, and a few more guys that surf Ho’okipa consistently.

Where are some of your favorite spots you’ve surfed around the world?

Desert Point and Greenbush are definitely on my list. The waves are so perfect and beautiful. I can’t wait to go back.

How would you describe your surfing?

Fast, explosive, and smooth.

You’re currently competing in the Challenger Series? How’s it going?

This is my first year on the Challengers. It has been fun but really challenging. I have two results that are pretty good but have three others that are not. I’m excited for the comps coming up.

What are your goals looking forward?

Get Top 20 on the CS. Make the Championship Tour one day. Win a world title. Just gotta take it step by step, day by day, and hope it all works out.

Do you have any plans for college or a career outside of surfing or is surfing your focus right now?

Surfing right now is my main focus and I am really excited to see where it will take me.

Anything else?

I would like to thank everyone who supports me. All of my sponsors: Quiksilver, Smith Optics, Glenn Minami, Jeannie Chesser, Urban Island Society, Fcs Fins, Vertra, Hi-Tech Surf and Sports. My mom, my dad, my sister, my girlfriend, all my family, and everyone that I missed. Thank you!

MUSIC VIBES

KOA SMITH

Rat Race by Bob Marley

This song hits me hard and is always a reminder to check in with myself, what I am doing, and why I am doing it. Am I caught in the rat race?

High Times by Xavier Rudd

I love this guy and everything he does. Pure, positive and connected. He inspires me to tap in deeper.

Matilda by Harry Styles

I like this song because it reminds me it's okay to be on your own path. Be different and express that fully.

Billie Eilish

Before surfing big waves, I like to tap into some mellow, feely music. She helps me connect to deeper, calm, stronger energy.

Marea by Fred Again

My music taste is all over the map. I love musice that makes me feeel! This track hit me hard when i was in Skeleton Bay, getting psyched to have the session of a lifetime

Photo Brian Bielmann

BUFFALO'S

BIG BOARD SURFING CLASSIC

Nalu Froseth crew Nai Eddieboy Jr and Ili Nalu is a multi-division winner and waterman award winner

Photos Brian Bielmann

If you have ever experienced the Buffalo Big Board Surf Contest at Makaha then you know a few key things about Hawaii. First and foremost, Aloha is alive and well. Beyond all the shakas and smiles and hugs that people in attendance and competitors might share, there is a genuine spirit of camaraderie, friendship, family and surf stoke. Nobody forgets that it IS a competition and everybody wants to win, but the reality is that these playful island locals all want to share and showcase their culture and have fun. This is an annual event celebrated for its rich history and vibrant surf culture. Held in the majestic waves of Makaha Beach, the contest attracts top surfers, specialists and enthusiasts from around the world. Named after the legendary Hawaiian surfer and waterman, Buffalo Keaulana, the event embodies the spirit of aloha and showcases traditional Hawaiian surfing, and then some, on a variety of equipment and wavecraft. The contest serves as a gathering for the surfing community to honor tradition, celebrate the sport of kings and foster creativity, community and camaraderie against the backdrop of Makaha's picturesque waves and scenery.

Ha’a Keaulana

Tati Tsui and her son

Deano Miranda

Brian Kealoha crew

Chad Kealana

Leon Mosher crew

Kea’ Nuenue DeSoto

Buffalo Keaulana

Bruce Desoto

Ikaika Kalama Toony Aka KekoaSumer-Lee and Mikey Redd

Nanakuli team wiping out and riding is Nalu Froiseth crew

DeSoto team Micah, Ilihia, Hokuwelo and Kala

Mikey Redd and Tiffany Mika

Kia’i Surf team

Hope Pokipala , Rise Dawson,, Colin Hu-lee,, Pono Auld

Keala Aiwohi

Kala and Micah DeSoto

Sheldon Paishon

Kala Vierra and Krystl Apeles Erickson

Molly Picklum and Jack Robinson

Win Hurley Pro Sunset Beach

Molly Picklum (AUS) and Jack Robinson (AUS) won the Hurley Pro Sunset Beach, Stop No. 2 on the 2024 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT), in six-to-eight-foot perfect rights at Sunset Beach. The proving grounds of Oahu’s North Shore once again offered a real challenge to the best surfers in the world with solid waves, in shifting lineups, but overall plenty of opportunities to showcase their talent and kick off the new season.

One of the most versatile surfers on the planet, Jack Robinson is comfortable pulling airs and all kinds of tail slides in smaller conditions but when it comes to heavy slabs and huge walls of water the aussie excels big time just as well, if not better! Photo Brian Bielmann / WSL

A monumental shift in women’s professional surfing happened over the course of the season’s first two events, with the Top 17 taking on serious conditions at Pipe and Sunset and some of the youngest competitors showing up with massive performances and commitment to raise the bar.

Picklum Goes Back-to-Back at Sunset, Takes Over Rankings Lead

Picklum was an integral part of the charge in making history this month as she collected huge scores for her relentless approach to hitting the biggest sections of the waves, holding nothing back. Today she earned back-to-back titles at Sunset. This win marks Picklum’s second victory on Tour, out of four Finals surfed, and the Australian will be wearing the

yellow Leader jersey heading to Portugal for the next stop of the 2024 CT as the new World No.1.

“What a moment! Defending a title is so hard in our sport because the ocean is in charge,” Picklum said, “The ocean played its part for me and I’m really, really happy it did that. Every event feels different, so I’m just taking it for what it is and trying to find the little fun moments in between it all. I definitely wasn’t as confident in this event but I always kept belief and I think that’s one of my strengths.”

The women’s Final was a rematch of the second Semifinal at Pipe last week between Picklum and Sakura Johnson, with a lot in the balance as the winning surfer would get to wear

Molly Picklum Photo Brent Bielmann / WSL

Hurley Pro Sunset Beach

the rankings leader yellow jersey leaving the Hawaiian leg. Both surfers found similar waves to kick off the Final, but the Hawaiian won the first exchange with better-timed turns in the critical sections for a 7.17 (out of a possible 10) over the Australian’s 6.50.

Picklum backed it up quickly to take the lead midway through the heat and apply pressure to Sakura Johnson, who was surfing in her first-ever Final on the CT. But the Haleiwa local stayed patient, sitting in the lineup with priority waiting for the right wave. Her calculated approach, unfortunately,

did not pay off as time ran down without offering any more opportunities for either surfer.

Picklum added yet another highlight to a spectacular fourweek stint on the North Shore today with one of the biggest turns ever seen on the women’s Tour at Sunset Beach. In her Semifinal bout against Brisa Hennessy (CRC), the powerful regular foot posted a near-perfect 9.67 for a high-risk, highreward single maneuver on a double-overhead wave.

Betty Lou Sakura Johnson Photo Brian Bielmann / WSL

Hurley Pro Sunset Beach

Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) reached her first CT Final in her third year on Tour and has upped her game big time in 2024. The 18-year-old posted some of the event’s biggest scores, including a 9.17 in her first heat at Sunset yesterday. One of the most confident surfers in the Pipe barrels and the big open faces of Sunset, the Hawaiian will be a force to be reckoned with this season.

“It’s been an unreal last couple of days, we’ve been so fortunate to get good waves,” said Sakura Johnson. “I’m really just blessed to be home and to represent home, and have my coach behind me and have the confidence I needed to do well in this event. It’s pretty unreal. Molly and I talked about it two years ago, and now we’re doing it, and I’m really happy to be a part of it and to hopefully keep pushing this level, and it will be a new level of surfing for women’s surfing in the next few years.”

Robinson Posts Near-Perfection for Sunset Glory

Jack Robinson (AUS) continues to build his legacy on the North Shore, as he picks up win No. 6 on the CT, his first at Sunset. After an upset loss in the Round of 32 at Pipe, the Australian bounced back in the best way with total domination all week, an incredible display of his signature carves, and the ability to find the deepest, cleanest barrels at Sunset.

“It was a crazy last few months at home, I had a baby and everything before coming here and it’s all new and just adapting,” said Robinson. “I’m just enjoying it so much today. I know I didn’t start good at Pipe but it didn’t matter, I was just trying to enjoy it so much and it’s so special. It was a cool wave, almost bending, and I’ve never been tubed twice on the inside here. And to have a Final with Kanoa, we’ve grown up together, we’ve been doing this for a long time. It’s a cool history and a lot more to come.”

John John Florence Photo Brent Bielmann/WSL

Two surfers with a lot of history, competing against each other since their early grom years, Robinson and Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) met in the Final after dominating all week at Sunset. The Australian pulled the trigger first and wasted no time as his first wave went straight to excellence, an 8.17, to make his intentions clear to his opponent.

After an unlikely mistake on his first attempt, Igarashi fought back with a 7.33 to stay in fighting distance. But Robinson kept building momentum and found an absolute gem, locking into two barreling sections after a massive carve and was rewarded with a near-perfect 9.87 to put the Japanese surfer into an 18.04 combination situation (out of a possible 20).

Despite his best efforts, the gap was too much for Igarashi to overcome and Robinson claimed the win. The West Australian will leave Hawaii ranked second in the world.

Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) was in need of a big result as well after a disappointing early exit at Pipe and found his groove on the big open walls of Sunset where he could lay down his lightning-fast turns to overcome some of the toughest competition this week.

“Growing up in California, Hawaii was just one flight away and a place we had to come and train, and back when I was younger I would dread coming over because it’d be scary to be here on the North Shore to surf bigger waves,” said Igarashi. “But, over the years I would try to put as much time as I could, and I have a really good team in my corner. Thanks to them they always pushed me, and I knew that if I wanted to be a top surfer on Tour I’d have to get good results here. I’m really happy with my start so far this year and just want to keep it going.”

North Shore local and two-time World Champion John John Florence (HAW) put up a great fight against Smith in the Quarters but ultimately fell short and had to settle for an equal 5th at Sunset after a runner-up at Pipe. His consistency at home has served him well, however, as he leaves Hawaii in pole position on the rankings and will be World No. 1 in Portugal.

The World No. 1 coming into this week at Sunset, Caitlin Simmers (USA), reached the Quarterfinals with fairly low scores and, by her own admission, average heat execution and unfortunately couldn’t turn on her magic against an

Betty Lou Sakura Johnson Photo Brent Bielmann/WSL

Kanoa Igarashi Photo Brent Bielmann / WSL

Molly Picklum Photo Brian Bielmann

Jack Robinson Photo Brian Bielmann

ALWAYS SEARCHING FOR THE PERFECT LEFT... RAINBOW

Hurley Pro Sunset Beach

in-form Hennessy this morning. Simmers spent most of the 30 minutes waiting in the lineup for set waves that never manifested and exited the heat with only 2 points on the board and an equal 5th-place result. She will head to Portugal, where she is the defending event winner, ranked second in the world.

For more news and highlights from Finals Day at the Hurley Pro Sunset Beach, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

Hurley Pro Sunset Beach Women’s Final Results

1 - Molly Picklum (AUS) 11.83

2 - Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) 8.67

Hurley Pro Sunset Beach Men’s Final Results:

1 - Jack Robinson (AUS) 18.04

2 - Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) 15.16

Hurley Pro Sunset Beach Women’s Semifinal Results:

HEAT 1: Molly Picklum (AUS) 17.44 DEF. Brisa Hennessy (CRC) 9.07

HEAT 2: Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) 12.66 DEF. Caroline Marks (USA) 10.40

Hurley Pro Sunset Beach Men’s Semifinal Results:

HEAT 1: Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) 14.83 DEF. Jordy Smith (RSA)

12.50

HEAT 2: Jack Robinson (AUS) 16.10 DEF. Ryan Callinan (AUS)

13.10

Australians Jack Robinson and Molly Picklum Photo WSL / Tony Heff

Gabe Medina is back and

Sally Fitz is as dangerous as ever

at the 2024 ISA World Surfing Games

Thousands of spectators lined the waterfront of Arecibo to watch Gabriel Medina (BRA) and Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) claim victory in the 2024 ISA World Surfing Games (WSG). The four-to-six foot swell hitting the reef break of Rastrial provided the canvas for an incredibly exciting Finals Day that held team world championships, national Olympic slots and personal gold medals on the line.

Throughout a long week of varying conditions, nothing could hold back the unstoppable train of Gabriel Medina (BRA), the three-time WSL Champion and 2010 ISA U/18 World Junior Champion, who didn’t put a single foot wrong during the entire event, convincingly winning every single heat he entered. His victory, along with a silver medal from defending champion Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA), helped to deliver a triple-coup for Brazil, as they took home the Team World Championship, along with both of the individual Olympic slots available for the highest ranked eligible teams, separated by gender. Brazil will now have the largest field of surfers in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, three men and three women.

Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) increased her own record as the winningest surfer in ISA history even further as she claimed an unprecedented fifth gold medal (4 ISA World Surfing Games and 1 ISA World Juniors). Maintaining herself in the Main Round through till Finals Day, the 33-year-old fell into

repechage in the last step before the Grand Final, surfing three heats today, before peaking when it mattered most to further highlight her name in the history books and deliver Australia a team bronze medal in the process.

Unstoppable Gabriel Medina (BRA) claims first World Surfing Games gold medal, wins Olympic slot for Brazil

With Yago Dora (BRA) losing out in the first heat of the day, Gabriel Medina (BRA) needed a very specific set of circumstances to go his way for Brazil to earn the Olympic slot. By the Final, it became even more definitive, he needed to win and he needed Ramzi Boukhiam (MAR) to place second. Any other scenario and France would win the slot.

Incredible performances all week from French teammates Joan Duru (FRA) and Kauli Vaast (FRA) saw both surfers in the Final, making it an all-goofyfoot battle. Medina wasted no time in making a statement, opening on his forehand with a huge air reverse, polished with an end section hit for a 9.00 ride. Vaast stayed busy, though he could only find midrange scores. Meanwhile, Boukhiam brought his powerful forehand into play, posting an 8.17, backed by a 7.17 to take the lead by the half-way mark. At the five-minute mark, Medina had earned a narrow lead, but Vaast was increasingly finding larger scores, encroaching on Boukhiam in second.

Sally Fitzgibbons Photo Sean Evans / ISA

2024 ISA World Surfing Games

By the time the buzzer had sounded however, Medina had increased his total to win the gold medal.

Boukhiam remained in second, claiming the silver medal, Vaast was narrowly in third to take bronze, Duru in fourth with copper, and the perfect storm for Brazil was complete. Medina adds the World Surfing Games gold to the ISA World Juniors Gold he won in 2010 at 16.

Fourth World Surfing Games gold medal for Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) sees her in a league of her own

All four of the women’s finalists had the opportunity to win an Olympic slot for their nation, though their scenarios were far more complicated than the men’s. Defending champion, Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA), two-time medalist, Johanne Defay (FRA), recently qualified Paris 2024 athlete Nadia Erostarbe (ESP) and the winningest surfer in ISA history, Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), went all out, knowing what was at stake for themselves and their nation.

The most consistent performer of the week, Defay opened with a 6.00, holding an early advantage, but was soon eclipsed by a 6.77 from Weston-Webb for a strong two-turn combo on her backhand, before the dynamic surfing of Fitzgibbons earned her a 6.83. A second 6.00 from Defay kept her in the lead, with Fitzgibbons and Weston-Webb initially unable to back up their scores, but as the heat progressed, Fitzgibbons found a 6.27 to solidify the lead and claim her unprecedented fourth WSG gold medal.

With Erostarbe unable to find a notable score, the results of Weston-Webb and Defay would determine the winner of the women’s team rankings. If Defay placed first, France would take it, if Weston-Webb placed second or third, Brazil would take it. Fitzgibbons did everything in her power to earn the slot for her nation, but in the end it was out of her hands, as Weston-Webb earned the silver medal, delivering the slot to Brazil. Defay took the bronze medal, Erostarbe, copper. Weston-Webb was over the moon to complete the picture and deliver Brazil a full six Olympic slots.

“It was our goal coming here to get both of those spots and we got them,” Weston-Webb said. “The team was really focused all week and we always lift each other up, and that’s what Brazil is.”

Fitzgibbons' effort to secure the additional slot for Australia, bringing them as close as conceivably possible, was both a bittersweet and proud moment.

“Within my story I’ve had many of these moments where there’s these near misses,” Fitzgibbons said. “I try to really just look at what is happening and for me to do everything I can. To win that gold medal for my country, that moment is now, and that’s all I could do in my control. I’ve learnt to roll with those and really see the beauty in them. There is disappointment there, but on the other side I just couldn’t be more stoked and that’s what I focus on.

Team Brazil Photo Sean Evans / ISA

BArissa Moore Photo Sean Evans / ISA

Moku rider

Julinelly Gonzalez

Aguadilla Puerto Rico

RENTALS • LESSONS • SALES

Now four convenient locations...

Waikiki, Hale’iwa, Long Beach NY, Playa Jobos, Isabela, PR www.mokuhawaii.surf

2024 ISA World Surfing Games

Champions Gabriel Medina and Sally Fitzgibbons. Photo Pablo Franco / ISA

Results

Team Rankings

Gold - Brazil

Silver - France

Bronze - Australia

Copper - Spain

Women

Gold - Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS)

Silver - Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA)

Bronze - Johanne Defay (FRA)

Copper - Nadia Erostarbe (ESP)

Men

Gold - Gabriel Medina (BRA)

Silver - Ramzi Boukhiam (MAR)

Bronze - Kauli Vaast (FRA)

Copper - Joan Duru (FRA)

PARIS 2024 QUALIFIED ATHLETES FROM 2024 WSG

Women

Anat Lelior (ISR)

Camilla Kemp (GER)

Janire Gonzalez-Extabarri (ESP)

Nadia Erostarbe (ESP)

Siqi Yang (CHN)

Sol Aguirre (PER)

Taina Hinckel (BRA)

Yolanda Sequeira (POR)

Men

Alonso Correa (PER)

Andy Criere (ESP)

Joan Duru (FRA)

Ramzi Boukhiam (MAR)

Rio Waida (INA)

Tim Elter (GER)

128 Daily Inter-Island Flights!

128 Daily Inter-Island Flights!

Mokulele Surf Team Rider

Vaihiti Inso

Photo Mike Latronic

The Hawaii Surf Team Juniors, known as the Ambassadors of Aloha, are preparing to travel internationally to El Salvador May 3 – 12 to compete in the prestigious ISA World Junior Championships—an Olympic style competition against over 45 countries and 400 competitors for the world title.

Together, the team is working to raise money to help with the costs to enable them to travel together as a team and participate, representing Hawaii in this international event. Your generosity ensures the success of the team and their prominence on the world stage at the ISA World event in May.

The total cost of the team to participate is over $75k, the athletes have set a goal to raise $10k to help them get there. Please consider donating today to help them reach their goal!

Costa Rican pro surfer Brisa Hennessy announced her withdrawal in Portugal due to an injury.

"Not how I wanted to start here in Portugal but that’s the way life goes sometimes. Really bummed to have ruptured my ear drum & sadly forcing me to pull out of the event. Time to give my body the rest it needs. Thank you to the medic crew and my team for all the help."

Following the success of AFROSURF, endorsed by Virgil Abloh, African surf brand Mami Wata is proud to present AFROSPORT - The Book, the first project to shine a fresh light on Africa's history and future global influence through the intersecting lenses of sport, photography, design, and culture.

Ahead of AFCON 2024, starting in January next year, Africa’s youth is reclaiming the international spotlight, and stories of sportspeople like Caster Semenya (included in AFROSPORT) are being told for the first time. A new era is unfolding, ready to be documented.

AFROSPORT features original interviews with Joakim Noah, Didier Drogba, Dr Gerard Akindes and Dricus du Plessis. The book also spotlights 26 sports disciplines, from football and cycling to niche ones like gusheshe, laamb wrestling and donga fighting.

The book contains the work of some incredible contributors25 writers and 30 photographers. It features 130 photos and more than 100 original new graphics.

Profits from the sales of AFROSPORT will go to African youth surf therapy organisations Waves for Change and Surfers Not Street Children. Order online https://mamiwatasurf.co.za/

Local Motion adds a wahine to their team, Tia Blanco! Tia Blanco's surfing career began at 13, marked by numerous victories including the Under 18 NSSA Southwest Women's and Surfing Prime America Women's competitions in 2014. As a standout on the USA Surfing Team, she clinched 3rd place in the 2014 World Juniors before seizing first at the 2015 WSL Ron Jon Vans Junior Pro at 18. Notably, Blanco secured gold at the ISA Open Women's World Surfing Championship in 2015 and 2016. Her philanthropic efforts were spotlighted in MTV's The Challenge: Champs vs. Pros in 2017, where she raised $1,000 for St. Jude's Children Hospital. Blanco's triumphs continued, winning ABC's The Ultimate Surfer in 2021, earning her a spot on the WSL Championship Tour.

In just eight years following surfing's inclusion in the 2016 Olympics, the Chinese have swiftly built a program from scratch, producing an Olympian in record time. This is merely a glimpse of what lies ahead.

At the ISA World Surfing Games, 14-year-old Siqi Yang secured her place in Paris 2024. Her 15th position secured one of the eight coveted slots for women. Not only will she be the first Chinese surfer to grace the Olympic stage, but also the youngest ever, as she rides the waves of Teahupo'o in July.

Yang's qualification marks a pivotal moment in China's Olympic surfing journey. It's a testament to a meticulously crafted endeavor geared towards Olympic glory. With the dream of Olympic surfing realized, the Chinese wasted no time in getting down to business.

The Choice of Hawaii

INDUSTRY NOTES

Keeping you & our ecosystems looking good, Naturally!

BOARD STORIES

6 DAYS A WEEK!

Two Central Coast, California originals. 805 Beer welcomes Lakey Peterson to the team. Peterson's remarkable achievements include multiple victories on the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour, solidifying her status as one of the top female surfers in the world. Beyond her success in competitions, Peterson is admired for her dedication to pushing the boundaries of women's surfing and inspiring the next generation of athletes.

Be sure to be a part of a fun night at the International Surf Museum at Huntington Beach as they show the works of many artist for the show "Duke’s Dream."

Artists in the exhibit in order of their original art depicting Duke’s life through time: Ron Croci, Courtney Conlogue, Wade Koniakowsky, Michael Tilden, Robb Havassy, Bradie Shemke, Colleen Gnos, Thomas Rogo, Ricky Blake, Rick Rietveld, Per Peterson, Victoria White, Nancy Tabeling, Phil Roberts, Sandow Birk, Joshua Paskowitz, Dave Reynolds and Damian Fulton.

LAST LOOK

As springtime rolls in we can expect the big wave season will slow down in Hawaii and these moments at Pipeline will have to wait until next season. Soft spoken, humble and talented, Kaulana Apo waits for nothing.

Photo Brent Bielmann