Freesurf July 2024

Crystal and Naia Homcy, Coral Ellison Photo Christa Funk

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

After surfing small waves in the morning, Liz Clark, Teavaiti Taeatu, and I sailed to a little island to explore. Little did we know our bikini and towel outfits were going to come in handy. While walking through the jungle a storm rolled in. The sky opened up, dumped rain, and soaked us within minutes. Shooting under the cover of a wet towel, I tested my camera’s weather-proofing while Tea and Liz found quasi-umbrellas of their own. Photo Christa Funk

DOUBLE PARKED

Part dare devil, part angel and likely some pirate DNA in there, Abe Lerner is one of the most trusted, time and circumstance tested jet ski drivers on the Hawaiian Water Patrol roster. When he’s not battling 12-15’ Shorebreak at Waimea or miles out to sea at some mysto outer reef, Lerner enjoys guarding the families and kids for homegrown event like this years Local Motion Surf Into Summer. Obviously his job is quite fulfilling. Photo Mike Latronic

EDITORIAL

Editor / Publisher

Mike Latronic

Photo Director

Brian Bielmann

Art Director

John Weaver

Editorial Assistant

Kaea Latronic

Business Administration

Cora Sanchez (808) 260-9219

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

Leah Dawson Photo Chrsta Funk

Vaihiti Inso

Christa Funk

Surf Into Summer

GUEST EDITOR'S NOTE

By Christa Funk

There is a shift happening in women’s surfing. Not to discount those who pushed the envelope in the past, but it seems now more than ever that women are consistently riding consequential waves. Beginning with Moana JonesWong paying dues at big Pipeline, culminating in Bettylou Sakura Johnson and Molly Picklum trading excellent scores during the Billabong Pipe Pro, this explosion of talent is unprecedented. Moana’s free surfing performances at Pipe were the catalyst that ignited the fire, and now young up and comers are trying to follow her lead. We watched Moana during the final of Van’s Pipe Masters this past December handle proper 10 foot kegs. Recently, on the other side of the equator Vahiné Fierro and Tatiana Weston-Webb had excellent back to back rides at pumping Teahupo’o during the Tahiti Pro. The metaverse is full of young women, some barely teenagers, in solid barreling waves, doing powerful turns, and completing aerial maneuvers.

As has always been the case, women’s longboarding is the locomotive engine driving the resurrection of traditional style. There’s an innate grace in women that should be and is celebrated. Carrying the torch lit by Rell Sunn, Hawaiians like Kelia Moniz and Rosie Jaffurs are continuing the long line of stylistas in the islands.

Since the early days of my career, I’ve wanted to be known for being an excellent photographer, judged by the quality of my work, not whether I’m a man or a woman. My mindset has always been If my photos aren’t up to par, then they shouldn’t be published. The last phrase I want to hear is “she’s good for a girl.” I’ve heard that countless times in reference to female surfers. We are at the point where the line “she’s good for a girl” needs to leave the collective conversation. Women are raising the standard in both short and longboarding to where what they have accomplished can be considered excellent regardless of gender.

kirra pinkerton

VAIHITI INSO

Vaihiti Inso is a name you will be hearing about more and more. Her brand of fast paced, stylish and aggressive surfing Inso has been a big force in the teen competition scene in Hawaii and her talent and determination has recently gained her the ISA World Junior Champion title earlier in the year. Catching her first waves at about five years old her dad was a surfer, so it was a natural progression. Inso recalls the first time she stood up on a board and she “was hooked!” Growing up in Hawaii, the ocean has always been a huge part of her life. Freesurf caught up to Vaihiti recently to find out more!

Photo Aukai Ng

Vaihiti Inso is a name you will be hearing about more and more.With her Her brand of fast- paced, stylish and aggressive surfing, Inso has been a big force in the teen competition scene in Hawai’i and her talent and determination has recently gained her the ISA World Junior Champion title earlier in the year. Catching her first waves at about five years old, and her dad was a surfer, it was a natural progression. Inso recalls the first time she stood up on a board and she “was hooked!” Growing up in Hawai’i, the ocean has always been a huge part of her life. Freesurf caught up to Vaihiti recently to find out more!

FSM: Congrats on the win. What an accomplishment! What do you think are the most important qualities for a successful surfer?

Vaihiti Inso: I think determination and passion are key. Surfing can be really challenging, both physically and mentally. You have to be willing to put in the hard work and also be able to stay calm and focused in the water. Flexibility and strength are important too, but the love for the sport is what keeps you going. Winning the gold medal was incredible. The competition was tough, and the waves were challenging, but I felt prepared. I spent months training intensively, working on my technique and stamina. When I was out there, I just tried to stay in the moment and enjoy the ride. Hearing my name called as the winner was surreal—I couldn’t believe it!

FSM: How did it feel to bring home not just the gold, but also contribute to the team for its silver medal?

Vaihiti Inso: It was really nice to see how hard everyone worked, and it was so nice that I was lucky enough to come with a gold medal. The team silver was like a cherry on top. It was just amazing to share that moment with my teammates. The atmosphere was electric, and we all supported each other. It’s a memory I’ll cherish forever.

FSM: Who has been your biggest inspiration in your surfing career?

Vaihiti Inso: Definitely my dad. He introduced me to surfing and has always been my biggest supporter. Also, Carissa Moore—she’s an incredible surfer and a role model for so many young athletes. Her dedication and positive attitude are truly inspiring.

Phot ISA / Jerson Barboza

FSM: How do you prepare mentally and physically for a big competition?

Vaihiti Inso: Physically, I focus on a mix of strength training, cardio, and flexibility exercises. I also spend a lot of time in the water, of course. Mentally, I practice mindfulness and visualization techniques. It’s important to stay calm and focused, especially when the stakes are high.

FSM: What role does diet play in your training regimen?

Vaihiti Inso: Diet is crucial. I make sure to eat a balanced diet with plenty of proteins, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. Staying hydrated is also key, especially when you’re out in the sun and water for long periods. I try to eat clean and avoid processed foods.

FSM: What are your goals for the future?

Vaihiti Inso: I want to continue improving and competing at the highest level. Winning more titles would be great, but I also want to inspire the next generation of surfers. I’m

passionate about promoting ocean conservation and hope to use my platform to make a difference.

FSM: Any advice for young aspiring surfers?

Vaihiti Inso: Keep practicing and stay dedicated. Surfing is a journey with ups and downs, but if you love it, it’s worth it. Don’t be afraid to push yourself and always respect the ocean. It’s important to have fun and enjoy the process.

FSM: Is there anyone you want to thank for supporting you along the way?

Vaihiti Inso: Oh, yeah. I really want to thank my mom, my dad, my two siblings—my brother and my sister—and just Hawai’i as a whole. I always tell everyone I don’t surf for myself, I surf for Hawai’i. That’s my home, and it’s on my back and shoulders. I wouldn’t have done it without everyone here at home, all the uncles I grew up surfing with, my coaches, and the whole team. The team atmosphere, with all the parents and everyone who helped, has been incredible.

Photo Aukai Ng

ALEX FLORENCE MUSIC VIBES

Right now im listening to a lot of Creedance Clearwater Revival. It is just kind of Happy go lucky music. Reminds me of home and just country living. I got a good idea just now! I'll send you six albums from my most recent playlist. Just plain good ole feel good music. I also am a sucker for sad music, classical mostly.

Creedence Clearwater Revival 20 Greatest Hits

Van Halen Van Halen

Van Halen Diver Down

Black Sabbath Greatest Hits

Eddie Boyd Five Long Years

Sonya Spence Sings love

Photo Christa Funk

Christa

Funk

By Mike Latronic

Christa Joy Funk was just a toddler, barely walking when she marched straight into the shallow side of a swimming pool until she was underwater. Fortunately her mom was there to pull her out quickly- but this marks the starting point for a long and watery journey for the world's preeminent female surf photographer. Funk has earned a spot as one of the best water photographers on the planet, male or female, and has become a regular at the Banzai Pipeline.

Moana Jones Wong, Vans Pipemasters

Raised on the mainland in Colorado and Delaware, Funk had always been drawn to the water and excelled both on the school swim team and photography class. Go figure. Christa embraced a strong work ethic and Funk's journey to becoming a renowned water photographer is a testament to her unwavering dedication and solid efforts. Whether it's the beauty of the ocean and waves or the human connection of the athletes and personalities, Funk's trigger finger and composition never fails to deliver.

Funk's background as a competitive swimmer and her rigorous fitness routine enable her to endure long hours in the water, capturing the perfect shot. Stories abound of her “standard” 6-8 hour shooting sessions, as she often ventures into the heavy and unpredictable waves of Pipeline, literally all day long.

Getting in the mix as one of the world’s best- in any industry- is no easy feat. This is especially true as photography gets increasingly more competitive in the digital age. Yet, Funk has proven herself technically and physically, in heavy conditions, earning her spot in the lineup along with great respect amongst her peers and the surf community. Here at Freesurf, we’re big fans if you can’t already tell.

FSM What is your inspiration for picking up a camera and taking pictures?

CF Gosh, I guess I'm trying to bring light to people in some way or just even just giving them an escape when they see a photograph because that's how I always felt like looking at them.

FSM Tell me about your evolution. Do you remember your first wave or your first experience in the ocean?

CF I actually do. So I'm originally from Colorado, but for a four year period, I lived in Delaware from 1997 to 2001 and from age 7 to 11 and that's where I started the swim team. I think my first time really encountering the ocean was taking sailing lessons and then I'd hang out with my family on the beach. Those were my first memories of being around the water and in the ocean. I'd take a boogie board and I loved kicking and having the wave throw over me. I thought it was just the coolest thing 'cause you were inside it and going straight as it's throwing over me and [I] just was in love with that. That's really a visual that I still have in my mind.

Liz Clark

Rosie Jaffurs

Chesney Guinotte

Melissa Mahoney-Saville

Clockwise from top left: Lauren Hill, Crystal Homcy, Moona Whyte, Liz Clark, Dominique Charrier, Bethany Hamilton, and Elise Trigger

FSM Swim team? No wonder. Did you enjoy swimming or were you forced into it?

CF Oh no, I loved swimming. I think my first interaction with that, I was four years old, maybe younger than that. I just learned to walk and my mom had my sisters at their swim lessons. I was with my mom. She took her eyes off me for one second and I walked straight down the stairs into the kiddie end of the pool and I just walked until the water covered my head. She saw me straight away and just grabbed me and scooped me up and pulled me out of the water. So I'm sure I gave my mom a lot of heart attacks as a kid.

FSM What came first, riding waves or photography?

CF Photography came first. I started shooting in eighth grade. It was actually through my computer teacher. She noticed I had gotten ahead of the class, and she asked “Do I want to learn about photography and Photoshop?” I said yes. She loaned me her Canon EOS and I had a roll of film and I started taking pictures with that as I was learning. My eighth grade teacher wrote a recommendation and I got to go in the photography class with juniors and seniors when I was a freshman. We learned, start to finish: getting your film, shooting it, and then the whole developing process. We had to deal with everything concerning film. I did that for two yearsfreshman and sophomore year. And then my junior and senior year I shifted into shooting digital for our high school newspaper. We had an awesome newspaper. It was a full-on news magazine. It was printed in color and it was a photojournalist forum. I was a photo editor my senior year. Those were great years.

FSM Where did ocean photography come into play?

CF So it was photography first and then I was doing competitive swimming on the side, but I hadn't quite put together how to get a camera in the water. And I wanted to do that eventually because I loved shooting sports and I was a swimmer and I wanted to shoot but I didn't have the money to get a water housing and it just wasn't there yet. Actually, Sean Davey was part of that. I got a book, I think it was my junior year for my birthday, it was called Extreme Sports Photography. And Sean Davey had a section in there and I remember seeing his surfing photos and they pulled me in. I wanted to like, be ”in” the water seeing that. I just had that in my head, but I just didn't know how to get there.

FSM Okay. So you intersected with the ocean, you saw some surf photos. What did you do next?

CF I either wanted to be a marine scientist or a photojournalist and my dad kept saying, you know, you should really go to a military academy. And I’m like, really I don't think that's gonna be my speed. I felt like I was more creative and artistic and I just didn't think it'd be the best fit. Long story short, I asked my mom, and she said, do the science first. Do marine biology, then keep shooting and do that later. And so it ended up working out where I figured out that I could do marine biology at one of the service academies. So I applied to the Naval Academy and the Coast Guard Academy and Coast Guard accepted me early. I ended up going there and studying marine environmental science and I kept shooting while I was there.

FSM Should we re-title your story Top Gun now?

CF I dunno about that! Okay, after four years of military academy, you come out with a bachelors degree. So I had a bachelor's in Marine environmental science and came out with a commission. I was commissioned as a Coast Guard officer. I ended up on Oahu at Sand Island. I was stationed on Coast Guard cutter Rush. It was a 378 foot cutter and it went out for

Leah Dawson

three months and it was in port for three months. During all of that, my free time was spent getting in the water after work and learning how to surf and body surf.

FSM So being assigned to Hawai’i was a lucky strike?

CF I came somewhere where I could get in the water every single day and I was so excited. I had a friend that he saw me shooting during a port call and he said, you know, you should get out an hour early before the sunset and shoot surfing and see if you like to shoot surfing. I took his advice. I think it was April one year and I saw little heads out in the water with water housings and I went up to a guy that was about to go out and I said, I’m thinking about getting a water housing, do you have any advice for me? That was Kenji Corman. I got a water housing and then all the things that I'd learned throughout my whole life started kind of clicking into gear with shooting in the water. I went out for the first time at Sandy Beach with him. And then I kept building my way up like, in town and then I shifted to small North Shore and built my way up with North Shore waves until I said, okay, let's go out at the Pipe for the first time.

He took me out on a 3-4’ day and swam me out for the first time, showed me the basic stuff. Once I saw a barrel there, it was the same thing as when I caught my first wave surfing. I went, “oh, oh, this is… I'm, I'm hooked! I'm in! This is gonna change things in my life.”

FSM So you got the surf photog bug?

CF One of the things that I loved so much about sports when I first started shooting was you could go down on the field and I could get really close. So I was down on the field and football players were falling on me sometimes and it was sweaty and the smells and I felt like I was in it. I just really liked that feeling, engaged with the environment that I was shooting and doing surf photography, you're fully in it when you're in the water. You are focused on what the waves are doing. You're trying to pay attention to so many different environmental factors. And then when they all come together to create a barreling wave it’s incredibly addictive.

When they all come together, it's just, it's amazing and fantastic and every single one is different in its own way. And I swear there's like times when I'm just like, you know, the only difference with that one between this one and that one

is that the spit pressure on this one was like just so much more. Different aspects of it are just so interesting, depending on the break and the reef and how shallow or how deep it is. There's so much variety and you're so in the environment. I think I really got addicted to that feeling.

FSM Can you pick a favorite shot?

CF One that always just really stays in my mind is actually my husband Jake. It's [from] before we were married, I don't think we were dating when I shot it even. It was an early season swell and it was flipping beautiful and it was coming in perfectly and it was maybe like 10’. I don't think anybody wanted this wave and so Jake just dug for it. He does this late free fall airdrop thing, barely gets under the lip, like it brushes over his head. He gets in and then it spits once while he is in the barrel and he just disappears. The spit just starts coming and you can't see him and then it spits again and he comes flying out with the wave. In the background and all of the spray in the air and it's afternoon and he is leaning back, soul arching. He just had this expression of so much joy and exuberance. It looks like how he describes it. He was like,” I've wanted that wave for 30 years. I've wanted that wave since I

Moona Whyte

Big Wave is a lighter-bodied golden ale with a tropical hop aroma and flavor—smooth, easy drinking, and refreshing. The use of caramel malt contributes to the golden hue of this beer, and our special blend of hops provides a bright, quenching finish that makes it a struggle to not grab another one.

Kona Pub & Brewery Kona Brewing HawaiiKai

Mahalo for Drinking Responsibly. ©2023 Kona Brewing Hawaii Photo: Mike Latronic

Christa Funk

was a little kid. That was like the dream wave that I wanted…” And just all of that is in his body language and like his facial expression and the light, all the compositional elements are just there in that shot. And it's, yeah, it's my favorite.

FSM It must be your favorite. You married him!

CF I know, right? Gosh, no even if I didn't know him that well, that would still be my favorite shot. Like he was so genuinely happy to get that wave.

FSM Sharing that happiness, I can understand! That's why we do Freesurf. Is that what keeps you motivated?

the picture and it just gives them a break from whatever's going on. That's awesome. I love being able to do that with a photograph and that's generally what I try to go for. And I think I try not to be too picky with surf conditions because I've gotten some of my best photos on days that are mediocre at best.

FSM What is in store for the future?

CF I want to keep shooting fulltime and staying with photography. It's really what I am so passionate about and I am just over the moon that I get to pursue what I love.

FSM Any last words?

CF Photos were always like a way to transport myself into different environments. Even if I wasn't even going there, I could pick up a National Geographic and I could go to the Amazon. That's what I try to give to people with my photos is that kind of feeling of like, they're with me there and they're seeing what I saw and how I saw it and that's, that's what I try to give. And even if they just take three seconds and look at

CF I just, I'm really grateful for all of the opportunities and just being able to shoot and do that for a living. There's so many people and events that happened in my life that I feel like really led me towards this path and I'm just thankful that I had people kind of helping me along the way and now, it's amazing to be able to do this as a full-time job.

Carissa Moore

Ellie Brown?

This year's edition of the Local Motion Surf Into Summer was stellar. Presented by Avva Brand, the event was held once again at Ala Moana Bowl, one of Hawaii’s most popular and prestigious surf spots. With a very cool island vibe, plenty of prizes and a wide array of divisions for both male and female, the Local Motion Surf Into Summer is one of the state's longest running and most populated surfing events in Hawaii.

Photos Mike Latronic and Aukai Ng

Solid 3-6’ swell pumped all weekend blessing several hundred competitors from all over the state. From the small kids to the masters and longboarders spectators, family and friends were treated to a truly epic weekend of surfing competition. Head judge Dave Shipley commented, “There were so many good waves and so many well-surfed waves it was very close in almost every division to pick a winner.”

Matt Vasquez

Kekoa Cazimero, longtime local surfer at Ala Moana and top man at Avva Brand summarized it perfectly: “To be a part of the Local Motion Surf Into Summer, it means the absolute world to me. I grew up surfing this event as Freesurf Magazine well knows, we were down here early in the morning with our parents and we looked forward to this event every single year. You know, we got gift bags full of prizes from all the legacy brands that we rode for so it's a full circle moment for me to be able to provide the prizes, the gift bags, and to be down here to support my team riders now and also supporting the upcoming generation. So, it's a full circle moment for sure.”

Derek Doerner

Skai Suitt

Philippe Chagas

Tauirai Henriou

Chesney Guinotte

Luke Tema

Greg Nakamura

Cazimero is no stranger to Ala Moana Bowl and was notably stoked to see all the kids and participants enjoying such a south swell treat. Kekoa adds, “So, you know, the Local Motion team's been making a joke and hitting me up and, you know, being that a local boy from the Bowl got involved in the event and all of a sudden, (after several very small and challenging years) the waves are firing . It's so rad. This is my home break and it’s absolutely firing right now. I've been surfing here since I was seven years old. I've become one with this wave where it's just a part of my DNA, you know what I mean? So it was only natural that we sponsored this event. We're running a business and a brand, and it’s a lot of work, but at the end of the day, it's the small moments like this that make it worth it. To be able to support the keiki and the upcoming generations, it's just who we are. You know, we live this. We surf. This is our lifestyle. So, you know, if I can do this for a living and I can also support the kids like this, I'm the happiest person in the world. I mean, these groms are stoked. It’s some of the best conditions possible. The Local Motion team's happy, Avva team’s happy. I think everyone's happy 'cause it's firing. I'm just psyched to be here. It’s perfect.

Haven Ingbino Francisco

Dante Silva Photo Sabrina Weaver

Rylan Beavers

Kaoli Kohakuloa

sky

above,

sand below, ocean as far as the eye can see

Built in 1963 on O'ahu's iconic Gold Coast, Kaimana Beach Hotel is Waikīkī's only boutique property located directly on the sand. Featuring Hau Tree, Honolulu’s best beachside dining with a culinary casual menu and refreshing island craft  cocktails. Local gift s and fresh coffee from our on-site boutique, Sunset Provisions.

Local Motion Surf Into Summer Final Results

Kiara Goold

MENEHUNE S.B. (11 & U)

Kingston Palakiko

Jaxon Peters

Reef Johnson

Tauirai Henriou

Aukai Tanaka

Rowan Nixon

BOYS S.B. (12-14)

Merrik Mochkatel

Kahanu Rangel

Kona Abubo

Max Peters

Wesley Beavers

Na'o Clifton

GIRLS S.B. (17 & U)

Kiara Goold

Kiki Oshiro-Kaneshiro

Haven Ingbino Francisco

Zoie Zietz

Skai Suitt

Elliana Schiffner

WOMEN S.B. (18 & UP)

Renee Martin

Lucy Jarrard

Ellie Brown

Chesney Guinotte

Tia Rista

Momo Sakuma

MENS L.B. (OPEN)

Matthew Vasquez

Kenny McOmber

Konan Riddleberger

Eizen Grace

Kaimana Domen

Sam Schatz

WOMEN L.B. (OPEN)

Sive Jarrard

Bella Eberz

Puaiohi Defries

Cash Hoover

Hanae Rose

Lotus Manatad-Watson

MASTER S.B. (25-34)

Kameron Dowis

Kylen Yamakawa

Kaoliopuuwai Kahokuloa

Philippe Chagas

Paliku Victorino

Keone James Machida

MENS S.B. (18-24)

Matteus Santos

Rylan Beavers

Taj Marzouki

Dante Silva

Kainehe Hunt

Bradyn Yoshida

SR MEN S.B. (35 & UP)

Diego Santos

Matthew Vincent

Marshall Alberga

Mike Cao

Greg Nakamura

Chris Len

JR MEN S.B. (15-17)

Luke Tema

Davi Stella

Ace Arizumi

Tiger Abubo

Kala Desoto

Reef Isono

2024 T&C SURF GROM COMP

The 26th annual T&C Grom Contest presented by Duke’s took place at Queens, Waikiki, on June 1st and 2nd with perfect weather and epic surf. Queens, the birthplace of modern surfing, provided two days of pumping surf ideal for the young competitors.

The T&C Grom Contest keeps the atmosphere fun by allowing only kids who have not progressed in the amateur surf rankings, such as the Hawaii Surfing Association (HSA) or the National Scholastic Surfing Association (NSSA). This gives children a chance to compete while learning skills like time management, wave selection, and competition rules. Top finishers in each heat advance to the next round.

Day 1 started with two-to-three-foot seas, offering welloverhead surf for the groms and plenty of waves for the keiki in the Kokua division at Baby Queens. The day included action-packed heats, fun and games on land, lunch from Duke’s Waikiki, and numerous lucky-number prizes, including GoPro cameras, Future Fins sets, and custom surfboards, setting the stage for an epic finals day on Day 2.

Photos Tony Heff

Day 2 saw a swell increase to four-foot seas with light offshore winds, enhancing high-performance action on the left and providing a mean bowl section and occasional barrels on the right. Preliminary rounds and semifinals in the morning set up the winners' bracket for the finals. In the co-ed bodyboard finals for 6-9-year-olds, Ikaika Miranda took the top spot, followed by Landon Sato, who won the 10-12-yearold bodyboard division.

In the girls' finals, Kawailani Ho topped the 6-8-year-old shortboard division, and Mikaela Johnson excelled in the 9-10-year-old shortboard heat, even pulling into a huge barrel on the end section. Mahina Hailstones impressed the judges in the 11-12-year-old shortboard division with her fast backhand attack.

For the boys, Kama Miranda won the 6-8-year-old division by staying busy and finding the right waves. In the 9-10-yearold division, local boy and multiple T&C Grom Contest winner Rowan Nixon came out on top. In the 11-12-yearold shortboard division, Jeremiah Fritz’s combination of maneuvers on the left set him apart from Cade Bernier’s snaps on the right.

In the longboard divisions, Kaira Dow won the girls’ 6-9-yearold division, while Sarasa Ishibashi’s fast footwork earned her first place in the 10-12-year-old division. In the boys’ 6-9-year-old longboard division, Kenta Uchimura took first, and Yoni Amir topped the 10-12-year-old division.

by Michel Haddi

Kim Ball

If ever there was a quintessential godfather of surf and boardsports culture on the island of Maui, Kim Ball, owner and creator of Hi Tech stores would fill that title. Shrewd yet humble, he’d never take credit for it, but Ball was determined and inspired to spark the fire of surf and boardsports success in surf industry and culture for multiple generations. Ask guys like Matt Kinoshita, Kaimana Henry, Ian Walsh, Ola Eleogram and Dusty Payne to name a few: Kim’s influence on the Maui professional surf scene is legion. From the Lopez/ Hi-Tech Surf Bash event to the Pohai Na Keiki Nalu, Kim has organized, supported, and put in his own personal blood sweat and tears to support competitive surfing on Maui, asking for nothing in return. He’s a fixture in the community and the pillar that has propped up Maui surfing for four decades.

Surfing is not the only sport he supports. Kim was a collegiate wrestler and has served as the head coach and organizer for the Lahaina Roughnecks for 30 years. In my own personal account, Kim is a stalwart fixture at the Napilihau Rec Center and 20 years ago, when I, too was on the team, Kim provided positive guidance for many of the kids he coached and many were without positive male role models in their lives. It was an army of young boys desperate for approval and self respect, vulnerable to peer pressure and unfortunate paths. Kim and his coaches provided an outlet, an avenue to channel

adolescent rage into titanic struggle on the mat. To this day Kim Ball remains a positive force in the lives of many kidsnow-adults from that generation in Lahaina.

Notably fluid in navigating community, family and business obligations, Ball embraces a multitude of demands with verve. He continues to stay involved in everything, from handing out contest jerseys to being on the mat with each of his wrestlers for each of their bouts. He also had three rambunctious boys of his own to look after, a full plate to say the least. Two are in college and the eldest is flying F-22s for the Air Force. Even his kids are out working to better the world they live in. Kim’s a legend, a great father, an entrepreneur, and that most dangerous of things, a good man.

FSM -What is your relationship with surfing, the sport and the industry?

KB - I am the owner of Hi-Tech Surf Sports. We have our flagship store in Kahului, and locations in Paia, Kihei, and Kā'anapali. We also have Shapers in Queen Ka'ahumanu Center. All of our Hi-Tech stores sell surfboards and surf accessories.

FSM - Some say you are a pioneer or even a godfather of the sport on Maui. Do tell.

KB - We have organized two local surf contests for the past 30 years; the Pohai Na Keiki Nalu, a free surf contest for keiki 5-12 years old (we raffle off new Kazuma surfboards, and donate the money to a family whose child is undergoing cancer treatment), and the Ole Longboard Classic, a family contest where we have keiki divisions, makule (70 & over), and all age groups in between. We also organize the five-event Maui Interscholastic League surf season. This year we had 12 high schools competing. We are still the only DOE-sanctioned surf league in the state. We have had plenty of longtime partners in these events; Dakine, Billabong, Reef, Vissla, Kazuma Surfboards, TS Restaurants, Da Kitchen, Olukai, Quiksilver, Honolua Surf Co., and we're adding a new partner this year, Katin.

In addition, it's not a surf event, but it's a cool contest with a lot of history -I've organized the Larry Libres Fishing & Diving Tournament since 1988. It's a tako (octopus) diving and oama fishing contest. The local Maui surf/wind industry helps support as does Salty Crew.

FSM - What's your personal experience for getting in the ocean and riding waves?

KB - Well there are pre-fire and post-fire wave riding habits. Prior to the Lahaina fire, I was a daily dawn patroller with my buddies, transitioning from shortboards to longboards to SUP to SUP foiling. I still love to foil, but it has not been a priority since we lost everything in the fire. I'm only 71, but the fire stripped some of my mojo. I know it will come back eventually.

FSM - What is unique about your job position or projects that you are working on?

KB We've been in business since 1982, and we have a great

crew, really more like family. Since the fire, to be truthful, business has not been a priority. I was drafted by Mayor Bissen to be on his six-person Lahaina Advisory Committee shortly after the fire. We're the boots on the ground, as we represent different segments of the Lahaina community. Archie Kalepa was also drafted to be a volunteer on the committee. I have to admit, it's been overwhelming at times and very time consuming, but progress is happening.

FSM - You are truly a community minded soul! Mahalo Kim for your service. What inspires you to do what you do?

KB - I learned from my parents about community service. I was a wrestling coach at Lahainaluna off & on for nearly 40 years. I was the head coach in the 1980's. I started a wrestling club up north in 1994 when there were no youth sports in the area, parents had to drive their keiki to Lahaina if they wanted to participate. Napili Surfriders Wrestling has a proud tradition, multiple state high school champions have come out of our club. My youngest son, Blake, took over the head coaching duties this year. For me it was a mental health break just to be there coaching in the background, and being inspired by Blake's enthusiasm and commitment. We had plenty of kids wrestling who were displaced by the fire. Blake, along with some of our other coaches, lost everything in the fire as well.

FSM - What are your goals for your job or expectations for the project?

KB- My short term goal is to get our home rebuilt. My long term goal is to see Lahaina rise out of the ashes, and become that awesome community again.

Moku Rider Yuki Shibata

Photo: Beach Boy Photo

WSL NEWS

Caroline Marks (USA) and John John Florence (HAW) won the Surf City El Salvador Pro Presented by Corona, Stop No. 7 on the World Surf League (WSL) 2024 Championship Tour (CT). Marks and Florence emerged as the best of a stacked field in the three-to-four-foot waves at El Salvador’s Punta Roca, also known as La Punta or Punta Chilama.

Today’s results also affected the World Rankings seeing a shuffle within the Top 5 as Florence secured his place into the WSL Finals, and Marks moved to World No. 2 as she takes another step closer to defending her World Title. Brisa Hennessy (CRC) moves to No. 3, with Molly Picklum (AUS) and Johanne Defay (FRA) moving down one place but still among the Top 5. Jack Robinson (AUS) moved to No. 2, with Griffin Colapinto (USA), Ethan Ewing (AUS), and Jordy Smith (RSA) holding the remaining Top 5 spots.

CAROLINE MARKS AND JOHN JOHN FLORENCE WIN SURF CITY EL SALVADOR PRO PRESENTED BY CORONA

Caroline Marks Claims Back-to-Back Victories in El Salvador

In 2023, Caroline Marks’ (USA) victory here catapulted her World Title dream back into reality before being crowned the 2023 WSL Champion. A successful run throughout the week in El Salvador returned Marks, 22, to the top of the podium for back-to-back wins at Punta Roca. Marks now sits just behind fellow American Caitlin Simmers on the rankings. Marks has two more events to hold her Top 5 position for the opportunity to defend her World Title.

Gabriela Bryan Pushes Progression To Earn SecondPlace Result

22-year-old Gabriela Bryan (HAW) put on a dominant showing throughout her run to the Final. The Kauai, Hawaii, competitor, Bryan, overpowered World Title contender Molly Picklum (AUS) in their Quarterfinal before Bryan returned to the water today and took down current World No. 1 Caitlin Simmers (USA). Though Bryan’s last attempt to take the podium fell under half a point short, she moves to Rio with renewed vigor. Bryan is knocking on the door of the WSL Final 5, now sitting at World No. 6.

Yago Dora , John John Florence, Caroline Marks and Gabriela Bryan on the podium Photo Aaron Hughes/WSL

ALWAYS SEARCHING FOR THE PERFECT LEFT...

John John Florence Scores Perfect 10 En Route to First CT Victory Since the Pipe in 2020

John John Florence (HAW) could not be stopped throughout this competition. Florence added another Perfect 10 to his list of running accolades in the Semifinals before winning his ninth CT event. Florence is now tied for the most Perfect 10-point rides, marking his 18th Perfect 10 on the CT.

Florence’s win today secures his place in the WSL Final 5. The two-time WSL Champion hasn’t competed in the WSL Finals since its inception and looks to retain the No. 1 spot heading to Lower Trestles. He currently holds a 10,740-point lead over No. 2 Jack Robinson (AUS).

The men’s Final witnessed more jaw-dropping progression from both Florence and Yago Dora (BRA), with Florence taking command early to post a 16.33 (out of a possible 20) heat total. Florence’s wave selection kept him in form, but Dora fired back with more of his explosive tendencies and soared to a near-perfect 9.77 (out of a possible 10) under priority. The action-packed start slowed as conditions went silent heading into the final horn, and Florence emerged victorious for the first time since winning the CT at Pipeline in 2020.

John John Florence Photo Aaron Hughes/WSL

Caroline Marks Photo Aaron Hughes/WSL

Yago Dora Provides Aerial Masterclass Toward Runnerup Finish

Yago Dora’s incredible performance in the Semifinals bested three-time WSL Champion Gabriel Medina (BRA) in dominant form. The now No. 8 Dora posted a near-perfect 9.33 and an excellent 8.33 to leave Medina chasing a combination situation for the majority of the heat.

Medina has gained major ground in the last two events. Medina’s 3rd place finish vaults him up to No. 6 on the rankings, pushing him a step closer to the WSL Final 5. Medina’s signature surge in the back half of the season could get a major boost in his home country of Brazil before concluding the season in Fiji.

For highlights from today’s competition at the Surf City El Salvador Pro Presented by Corona, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

Surf City El Salvador Pro Presented by Corona Women’s Final Results:

1 - Caroline Marks (USA) 14.80

2 - Gabriela Bryan (HAW) 14.46

Surf City El Salvador Pro Presented by Corona Men’s Final Results:

1 - John John Florence (HAW) 16.33

2 - Yago Dora (BRA) 14.44

Yago Dora Photo Aaron Hughes/WSL

Italo Ferreira & Vahine Fierro Win SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro Presented by Outerknown

Italo Ferreira (BRA) won the SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro Presented by Outerknown, Stop No. 6 on the World Surf League (WSL) 2024 Championship Tour (CT), in firing eight-to-twelve-foot surf at Teahupo’o. It was an incredible day of competition in Tahiti with some of the biggest performances of the year coming from the world’s best, posting 27 excellent rides in only 15 heats.

Wildcard Vahine Fierro Wins with Groundbreaking Performances at Teahupo’o

Teahupo’o displayed its true power and beauty during this memorable event with the world’s best surfers. These competitors have put the world on notice ahead of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 when competitive surfing will return to this location in late July.

Vahine Fierro (FRA) became the first Tahitian local to win the Tahiti Pro as a wildcard. Not only was Fierro’s win impressive from her performances throughout the day, but she also faced incredibly tough competition on a day that saw the bar raised by a number of women. Hailing from the outer island Huahine, Fierro and her family relocated to Teahupo’o as she and her sisters began to focus on their competitive surfing careers. Fierro’s time and experience at Teahupo’o shows, with the 24-year-old putting on some of the most incredible performances at the wave and showing what is possible for women in the world’s heaviest waves. In her third wildcard appearance at her home break, the former WSL World Junior Champion claimed the biggest win of her career on a proud day for Tahiti and France.

Italo Ferreira Claims Victory at ‘The End of The Road,’

Overcomes John John Florence in Final

Coming into the SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro, Italo Ferreira (BRA) had only made Finals Day once in 2024 and was sitting at 16th on the rankings. The 2019 World Champion was in desperate need of a big result if he was to be any chance of booking a spot in this year’s Lexus WSL Finals. He started the day with huge wins in his Round of 16 and Quarterfinal heats and built unstoppable momentum on his way to his first Final in Tahiti. The win today propelled Ferreira 11 spots up the rankings into the 5th spot with three events remaining on the schedule before the one-day, winner-take-all Championship event.

Vahine Fierro (FRA) won the SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro Presented by Outerknown, Stop No. 6 on the World Surf League (WSL) 2024 Championship Tour (CT), in huge six-to-ten-foot conditions at the world-renowned Teahupo’o, Tahiti. In a unique season where the location of this WSL Championship Tour competition will be the same as the Olympic Games Paris 2024, Teahupo’o hosted incredible conditions for the women’s Quarterfinals, Semifinals, and Final today. The women continued to push the boundaries of what we’ve seen in competitive surfing in the massive and heavy waves, further evidencing what the world’s best surfers are capable of in waves of consequence.

Brisa Hennessy Jumps to World No. 1 After Runner-up Finish

With her runner-up finish today, Hennessy jumps up to World No. 1 on the CT rankings. The 24-year-old did not have an easy path to the Final, as she took down Caroline Marks (USA), the defending event winner and reigning World Champion, in the Semifinals, and Carissa Moore (HAW), the five-time World Champion, in the Quarterfinals. In all of her heats today, Hennessy charged the Teahupo’o Bowl, taking off deep, setting her line, and pulling in with no hands before grabbing her rail and charging through some of the thickest tubes seen all day, a technique used by some of the most stylish barrel-riders on the planet.

SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro

John John Florence Finishes Runner-Up and Moves to No. 1 on World Rankings

Florence may have fallen short in the Final, but he was one of the standout performers of the event and Finals Day in particular, posting the third-highest heat total of the event in his Quarterfinal and fourth-highest in his Semifinal (18.33 and 18.00). Always a standout in heavy barrelling waves, it was Florences’ seventh Finals Day from ten events at Teahupo’o and his second runner-up finish. Although he fell short of claiming his maiden win in Tahiti, Florence will leave Tahiti in the yellow Leader’s jersey as the World No. 1 ahead of the Surf City El Salvador Pro Presented by Corona.

SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro Presented by Outerknown Men’s Results:

1 - Italo Ferreira (BRA) 17.70

2 - John John Florence (HAW) 17.16

SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro Presented by Outerknown Women’s Results:

1 - Vahine Fierro (FRA) 15.17

2 - Brisa Hennessy (CRC) 12.00

STUFF WE LIKE

The HIC Custom Ukulele

The sound of the Islands from Hawaiian Island Creation.

Fine quality sound through the lazer cut HIC logo soundhole

Lazer engraved logo on tuning head

Enjoy The Ride slogan on all styles

Chrome die-cast tuning pegs with 18:01 gear ratio

Fully strung with nylon strings

Bass-wood fingerboard

Custom nylon gig bag with every ukulele

Pelagic Triple Crown of Fishing

The ever-popular Pelagic Triple Crown of Fishing event kicks off tournament season south of the border as it embodies the same high-energy atmosphere as it’s Pelagic Rockstar Tournament sibling. This team event offers cash prizes to well over $400,000 by releasing the most billfish, and/or weighing the heaviest tuna, dorado, & wahoo. Now in its 10th year of operation, this tournament gathers large crowds of anglers and tourists alike for the weigh-ins, concerts, & parties each evening, and is an event the fishing town of Cabo San Lucas eagerly anticipates annually each June.

24" Tall

BOOK REPORT

Carissa Moore: Hawaii Gold: A Celebration of Surfing

Author Carissa Moore, Foreword by Tom Pohaku Stone, Edited by Don Vu

Hawaiian native Carissa Moore brought joy and pride to the islands when she won the first-ever, gold medal in surfing’s Olympic debut. Here she shares her story and her personal perspective, alongside contributions from many of her fellow Hawaiian surf legends, on what it means to be a surfer from Hawaii.

This long-awaited book celebrates Hawaii’s rich surf history and culture, featuring stunning photography capturing the magnificent beauty of the islands, Hawaii’s most famous surf breaks, and legendary surf icons. It showcases Hawaiian surfing traditions such as paddle outs, surfboard shaping, the shaka symbol, and all of the things that have made the origins of surfing in Hawaii uniquely beautiful.

Moore invites notable Hawaiian surfers and cultural figures to share their perspectives on growing up on the islands and the connection they have with surfing in Hawaii, the birthplace of this sport. This unique and special book pays tribute to the significance of Hawaiian surfing, shared by some of the individuals who love Hawaii the most: from iconic Hawaiian families such as the Aikaus, Moniz, and Hos; to the championship tour professional athletes such as John John Florence and Zeke Lau, dominating and representing Hawaii; to graceful longboarding champions like Kelia Moniz; to the bold pursuits of big-wave surfers such as Kai Lenny, Laird Hamilton, and Keala Kennelly.

$57.50

ISBN: 978-0-8478-9990-6

www.mhspublishing.com

Tahiti Surf: A Celebration of Waves and Memories

As the Paris Olympics 2024 approach, Tahiti Surf is set to launch. Published by MHS Publishing Ltd, this book will premiere on May 30, 2024, at Milan’s @29artsinprogress gallery, celebrating Tahiti's famous Teahupo’o wave.

Inspired by a memorable two-week stay during the 2003 World Championship featuring legends like Kelly Slater, Tahiti Surf captures the essence of surf culture and Tahiti’s spirit. This trip, facilitated by Linda Hardy, Miss France 1992, and guided by Mareva Georges, Miss France 1991, is commemorated in time for the Olympic surf competition in Tahiti, highlighting the island's global surfing significance.

Designed by @robertodapozzo and his team, with retouched images by @agencepoint11 and Frith @frithfrith, and printed by @printatdesignpress in Germany, the book is a visual delight and a collectible piece of art.

Tahiti Surf also reflects the warmth and generosity of the Tahitian people and the charm of the 2003 Miss Tahiti contestants. It’s a narrative of adventure and connection, celebrating the union of sport, nature, and human spirit.

Join us at @29artsinprogress on May 30, 2024, for the exclusive launch of Tahiti Surf. Experience Teahupo’o’s magic and preview the excitement of the Paris Olympics 2024. This is more than a book launch; it’s a celebration of passion, adventure, and Tahiti's timeless beauty.

“Board Stories” can be seen in Hawai'i on Spectrum OC16 on Ch. 16/1016 and Spectrum Surf Channel Ch. 20/1020. Spectrum OC16’s live stream is available on oc16.tv and the Spectrum TV app (to Spectrum customers in Hawai'i only), and nationally to any Spectrum customer on the Spectrum News mobile app and CTV app on Roku and Apple TV.

Eli Hanneman

Tahiti champion, Vahine Fierro

Photo Brent Bielmann