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Cover shot : Russell Ord
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Editorial Like'n Follow Rip'n Snap Keepers of the Coast Photographer Russel Ord Moreno Twins / Interwiev CHP PRO / SK8te event Dark Blue Open World Cup / Klitmoeller 2012. Sign Up to Rip'n Snap
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Welcome back to Rip'n Snap
First of all - Thank you all so very much for all of your kind support through the last couple of editions. I am stocked, It's been quite a ride. I enjoy every moment of being on the beach shooting and meeting passionated surfers and fellow "ocean spirits" from all over the world. It really doesn't matter what surf related sport I'm shooting, To me it is just a matter of being close to the ocean, inhaling fresh ocean air, enjoying breathtaking sun sets, exploring the raw power of Mother Nature, when powerful Low's hit the coast. But most of all it's the waves that gives me a real kick. I simply can't get enough of watching waves.. They are never alike and I always try to spot them when they are building up, trying figure out when they peak and I also really enjoy the roaring sound when they break.
I guess you could call it LOVE....and it is!!.....I'm deeply LOVE with the motion of the ocean, no doubt about it. It's what keeps me sane and smiling. We live in a very stressed up world these days and as a contrast to all of the "material hype", the ocean is a cure. Spending just a couple of hours by the ocean, somehow seems to bring a mental balance into my system, it is a natural high -"It is pure dope" ( as some of the youngsters would say!! ) but it really is "Pure Dope" - no pills needed, only the great and clean power of Mother Nature. Isn't it amazing? Best part is,.....it's totally free!! - Worst part......it's very addictive!! Well enough talk, let's jump right into it...hope you will enjoy this edition as much as I did creating it
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Interview
RUSSELL ORD Surf
photographer
Ben Rufus
“Sceret Slap”
H
i Russell Thank you very much for taking some time of to do this interview for Rip’n Snap. Being very interested in the whole surf oriented photographic approach myself, I am of course very stocked about this interview with you, since I really like your work. To me you are one of the most significant surf photographers on the planet. First of all you have a brilliant eye for details. But secondly you “push it to the edge” regarding getting something “in the box”. It seems like you thrive out there in the “big wave danger zone” and I believe it’s a scary dream for most committed surf photographers, simply because that’s where the real photo challenge lies within surf photography. But it’s certainly not a normal “9 to 5 life” and it is associated with quite a few really gnarly and dangerous aspects. So I can’t wait to ask you a whole bunch of Q’s Russel, learning much more about how it is to be out there among sharks, razor sharp corals, shallow reefs, strong currents.....and of course huge waves...
Ben Rufus
“The right”
Q
Russell could you please tell me a little about your background, you know your age, where you come from, family relations and general interests?Â
Alejo Muniz
Ben The Chef
A
Russell Ord aged 38, I live in Margaret River Western Australia with my beautiful wife Catherine and three children Kalani (boy 12yrs), Tavian (boy 10yrs) and my daughter Alya 5. Apart from surf photography I love to surf myself and spend time enjoying my kids activities.
Gale grigson
“Sceret Slap”
Q
How old were you when you began shooting the surf scene, and how did it all began for you?Â
A
I started pretty late so to speak at 25yrs old, I received an injury while surfing and I had some interest in photography so I started photographing my friends who happened to be really good surfers and it all went from there, I got the bug for learning  and found myself taking photos more often than surfing.
Paul Paterson
“the right”
Q
Were you an active surfer before you started shooting this great sport?
A
Yes and I am still to this day, I live just up the road from Margaret River and have been surfing more than taking photos lately.
Remote wave in west australia
Q A
I know a few friends who are having problems with “surfers ears� and spending as much time in the ocean as you are, do you have any problems of that kind - and what are you doing to prevent these kind of ear problems?
I am on the verge of spending some time out of the water and getting my ears repaired, in the big surf I wear a custom made helmet to prevent blowing my ear drums and obviously getting hit in the head by board or camera.
Brett burcher
Jack
Robbo
Q A
Do you remember you first real surf related photographic assignment - who was it for and how did it go?
To be honest I really just do my own thing and freelance for a number of publications, over the years I have done a few trips now and then to shoot water and it all went well, I am pretty comfortable about nailing those type of photo assignments. I have never nailed down a full time job just doing surf photography so I supplement what is now becoming more of passion with shooting weddings throughout the summer months, over the last few years I have been loving the wedding photography trying to improve from job to job.
Q
When I see you work I am really impressed. Russell do you have a limit for when it’s to big for you? - and what has been the worst situation you’ve ever been in out there in the “power zone” ?
A
I don’t really have a limit but in saying that its very calculated on what I do, I always take my time to look at the conditions and work out the worst case scenarios so I am prepared as well as I can be, that starts away from the ocean with training physically and mentally, like anything its a gradual build up over a number of years including surfing myself, you just don’t go out and climb Mt Everest it starts with the little mole hills and the build up begins.
Gale grigson
“Sceret Slap”
Q
Who has been you biggest motivation through the process of becoming a professional sports photographer?
A
Its not a who for me but just the environment, surfing has become very popular and the crowds have increased over time, Â I can feel like the only one in the water amongst a crowded lineup swimming where I please trying to get the desired shot. I have never been big on what other people are doing and trying to emulate others.
Q
Are you self taught or have you graduated from some kind of photographic education?
A
I am self taught but I have a passion for getting better skills, so now and then I will do a photographic corse which is completely out of my comfort zone.
Q A
Traveling all over the globe with your gear I guess you have to be selective with what you bring. Could you describe what’s basically in your camera bag, when you are traveling.Â
Over the years I have reduced the gear I have carried just to get the job done, I normally get employed to get water shots so the 600mm can stay home and I have recently sold that one just for lack of use. Carry on bag: 2 bodies, 16mm fisheye / 50mm / 70-200mm batteries and charges, Underneath: 2 AquaTech water housings and ports to suit, I could travel with only the one body and housing but I prefer to have a back-up just in case, nothing worse if you cant produce the goods.
Brett burcher
Chris Shannov
“Sceret Slap”
Q A
Have you ever been uncomfortable bringing expensive camera gear to remote places, where the prize of one of your camera houses could feed a whole village for weeks?
Yes they could if you know how to use them, on many occasions if I have made any money at all from shooting random surfers I am happy to hand that over to the village, I have never been uncomfortable and always had great experiences, I would love to do more and have through Surf Aid who do an amazing job in remote villages in Indonesia.
Gale grigson
“Bungalows”
Dave DC
Q A
Nikon or Canon?
I use Nikon and in the process of changing to medium format (Phase One at this stage) just because i am looking more at quality than quantity, its still a business decision I am playing with, I have never got into the debate between Nikon and Canon, I don’t really care because in the end its how you use it, I would never blame my tools for not getting a certain shot.
Q
Still or video?Â
A
Stills but I do see that I will have to start shooting video also to have more skills to offer.
“The right”
Chris Ross
“The right”
Q A
Sharks - do they scare you - or what is the worst fear of spending so much time in the ocean as you do in your line of work?
We have had a lot of shark attacks the last few years with 6 fatals just this year, I have not stopped swimming on my own and just enjoying all the moments, its amazing how all your sensors are just highlighted, I have had a few close calls but I would rather die doing something I love than not living at all.Â
Q A
Mac or PC?
Mac
“
“
I have had a few close calls but I would rather die doing something I love than not living at all”
Q A
Which water house are you using? - and what is you favourite lens when you shooting water shoots?
I use AquaTech housings and my favourite is the 9 inch dome for splits with a 16mm fisheye, I have never had a problem with them and the service I receive is a big part of why I like the product.
Mark Mathews
“Reds” west oz
Q A
What do you consider as the biggest challenge when it comes to shooting surf photography?
Actually making a living, a lot of people have become instant surf photographers and shooting just for credit to get their name out there, this creates a standard that obviously you can not live on, it used to really bug me but I cannot see this changing, I have had to just let it go and concentrate on my strengths and weaknesses for that matter and since then I have brought back the enjoyment, its like anything really it takes time and applied practice to become great at any particular skill so thats all I am doing from now on, building my own skills.
Q A
Could you tell me a little about your commitment in SurfAid and what this great organization are doing?
This is one company I will give any photos they need to promote their cause and their work for the people of Indonesia, you can defiantly see the work they are doing is paying off in the remote villages.
Tom Innes
Twiggy Baker
“The right”
Cortney Brown
Q A
You once rescued a surfer - J. Trette - at Mavericks, did this in any way make you think about the risks associated with you line of work?
It made me prepare more for the worst, you cannot take the ocean for granted, conditions change quickly and your comfort zone can become very uncomfortable, I like to really watch whats going since that day.
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A
Q
Have you ever spoken with J. Trette after this traumatic accident?
I only spoke briefly but we are catching up early next year, I am going to spend a few months over that way waiting for a Mavericks swell, I have a shot in mind that I would love to get depending on conditions.
Kieran Perrow
“The box”
Q
Favourite surf manoeuvre - barrels or airs ?
A I have never done an air and made
Q
it in my life, love big Barrels.
Favourite music or band?
A I have a very cruisy lifestyle and
Q
the music matches, Mumford and Sons / Gotye.
AÂ I live in wine country but love both. Vine or beer?
Clay
Marzo
Elliot Marshall
A
A
Your absolutely favorite surf location on this planet?
Home in Margaret River, my kids are close and the waves are fantastic.
Staying in shape must be essential for you to be able to cope with your working conditions. What kind of exercise do you relay on to stay fit?
Really just cross training and keeping active, if the surf is flat just go for a ride or run, my kids are really active sometimes thats a training session in itself, its nice to concentrate on breathing exercises also.
Q
I saw a science program the other day about how plastic is causing huge environmental problems in our oceans today. Do you see a lot of plastic on you trips? - and what do you think the future will bring regarding these problems created by the human lifestyle?
A
We really have to have a good look at ourselves and how we go about our daily lives if we can start with that then we can move forward and help others, big business should be more accountable for their decisions but I am not sure if thats ever going happen on a major scale, I was down my local beach the other day and there was a heap of rubbish just left where crew had been sitting, I don’t mind letting them know that a bin is only above the stairs, is it really that hard to clean up after yourself? Â
Russ Bierke
Q
A
If you could pic a crew and go on a surf trip - which destination and who would you bring?
 I would love to check out the islands around Antarctica, I don’t know what you may find but the experience would be mind blowing, any surfer that loves to have new experiences and can go without any expectations, they would be a pleasure to be around.
Chris Ross
Russ Bierke
Q
A
If you should give some good advise for upcoming surf photographers, what would it be? Â
Learn your trade, just relax, take your time and don’t be afraid to ask questions, its funny people love to live in the now taking shots uploading on Facebook straight away hoping to get great comments (this is not photography) be your own worst critic, to be honest I have only a handful of shots I like of my own.
Rohan annesley
Michel bourez
Tahiti
Q
A
Last “Q” Russell - what’s your plans for the future of your surfing photography?
I am only shooting what interests me, I am not interest in capturing amazing sessions anymore just getting one or two shots over the next few years that I can look back on and say to myself “that took some skill” will be fine for me.
PS
Russel Ord WEBsite
After I finished my interview with Russell Ord, he got involved in a film project together with Darren McCagh about his life as a surf photographer. It’s a line of work which involves a lot of risks, and it’s defiantly very far from a normal 9 to 5 life style. An interesting project which I’m looking very much forward to watch.
It was actually possible to be a part of a movie project, by donating some money. If you want to know more about all this then check it our here : ONE SHOT - An Image And an Attitude.
Matt banting
Moreno T pure girl power, perfection & beauty
wins
Hi Iballa and Daida Thank you both so much for finding some time to do this exclusive interview for Rip’n Snap. I remember the first time I visited Pozo, I was only 16, just a young windsurfing freak. Time flies, and today it’s suddenly 37 years ago. Back then Pozo looked like a trash area with garbage all over the place, but one thing I clearly remember - it was really windy - a perfect place for windsurfing. I have been told that a lot has happen to Pozo since then, and I would really enjoy visiting this very unique “windsurfing mecca” again one day to check out all the changes myself. Back then I remembering seeing Bjørn Dunkerbeck, at that time he was a very young kid, making some extremely impressing moves, he was pure talent. So I can honestly say that Pozo made a very big impression on my young windsurfing soul back then. For both of you it’s been your “play ground” since you started windsurfing and because of very strong wind conditions you both developed into amazing female athletes. So let “jump right into it”. I have really looked forward to this interview with both of you.
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have to ask this question !!!. How old were you, when you both started windsurfing?
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DAIDA: I just turned 35, and we were 17 when we started windsurfing. IBALLA: Yes…time fly!!! We started when we were 17 years old which is pretty late but we were both very motivated!! In Pozo Izquierdo there was no schools back then, so time was not an issue. Today there has been established a kind of Business school related to the sport! indsurfing is not a typical female sport so how did it all began for you down there in GC? DAIDA: We used to catch waves on a “bodyboard” and play basketball while we studied. But because of Pozo is such a windy place, one day a neighbor turned up with an old board he wanted to get rid of, so he offered us to try it. Together with a few friends from Pozo we started sailing back in1995. IBALLA: Windsurfing is a sport for everyone!! It’s just the radical part of it (WAVES) which is not that easy to learn for most people…but with a lots of motivation and dedication you can always learn!! Especially if you have the chance to try it in a place where we live. After 2 years of sailing we learned how to do a forward!...before we even learned to jibe….its all about dedication and motivation.
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oday you are both the best female windsurfers on the planet - how would you describe the feeling of being the absolutely best in the world? DAIDA: It’s definitely an amazing feeling, so much has happened after all these intensive years. Windsurfing is definitely a magical sport. IBALLA: I don’t think I´m very conscious about the fact that I’m one of the best. It’s not always easy!!! You have to spend lot’s of time in the water, but we both defiantly have lot’s of fun. Thanks to our sponsors, without them we wouldn’t be where we are today!!!
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ave any of you had any difficulties being two beautiful woman in a very male dominate sport?
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DAIDA: Many difficulties have appeared on the Tour, with the sponsors.... but somehow people have realize slowly that we deserve everything and we worked hard for it. Things could always better but somehow I feel bad for the other girls, cause if it’s already super hard for us, I cannot imagine how hard it is for them… hopefully one day everything will change. IBALLA: Everyday we have to fight for our rights in women sports. I think it’s important for the future of female sport….we have to keep up the motivation “in and out” of the water! And keep fighting for what we love!..... one day it will change…. and we want to be part of it. hat would you both say is a perfect day of windsurfing, you know, waves size, location, wind speed and of course your favorite equipment? DAIDA: In Mosca Pinto or Salinas de Pozo, Severne Blade 4.2 , Starboard Kode 72Lit board and mast high waves IBALLA: Yes….at home on a good day with nice size waves!!!! And strong wind! But I also really like Fuerteventura…I have spend most of my winters over there for the last 6-7 years…and I love it…if there is no wind I just go surfing or SUP’ing. The most important part for me its to be out in the water as much as I can!
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s a pro windsurfer you must both be traveling all over the globe, so I have to ask you what is your absolute favorite windsurfing spot on earth?
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DAIDA: It’s true I have seen a lot of amazing places, but the Canary Islands simply have some of the best spots. I would choose Gran Canaria, and first of all my home spot in Pozo Izquierdo. IBALLA: Yes we have both been traveling to lot’s of different places….but in the end I would also choose the Canary Islands…it’s home and we have really great conditions as well!!! I also have lot’s of fun everywhere I go to, like Hawaii or Australia!! But basically the most important thing is to ENJOY THE MOMENT. eing twins you must feel very close, but how does it feel to compete against each other on such a high level? DAIDA: By now we are use to it, so I guess it’s kind of cool..He He. I personally don’t “enjoy” competing so much, I just love sailing, improving my skills. But competing has always been a bit stressful for me. Lots of waiting periods, some times I don’t feel 100%, some times the judges are not always fair and some times it’s freezing cold.. it’s really hard and it’s never as good as when I’m free sailing, training and just having fun. But to compete against Iballa is always an honor, specially when we meet at the final, once we are there everything is cool and we always try to have fun anyhow and just put on a bit of a show for the audience. IBALLA: It’s a big relief to end up in a final with Daida!!! Then we both know that the worse case scenario will be to be second behind my twin sister!! So it’s always a good feeling for me…. Just making it to the finals, is like we both win. All the rest is just a matter of always having fun!
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hen I was a young windsurfing freak, Robbie Naish was a huge motivator for me. Who has been your greatest inspiration and motivation within the windsurfing community, during your windsurfing career? DAIDA: I believe you and I have the same IDOL… Robby has always been an inspiration for me an a great help in my career. IBALLA: Yes, Robby was always an IDOL to us and have helped us to get where we are today. hat has been the most dangerous situation you have ever experienced while you were windsurfing? DAIDA: A flying fish once hit me right on my mouth while I was sailing slalom here at Pozo.. It really hurt a lot and I ended up bleeding. IBALLA: When I was a beginner I somehow twisted the harness line and got stuck in my harness underneath the sail....I! But luckily I was close to the Rocks, so I succeed in pulling myself out of this scary situation. I was freaking out for just a little moment….but I learned how to avoid dangerous situations like this one !!!! You learn by your mistakes and experiences
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re any of you planning an education to lean back on for the future? - or are you “putting it all on one board” so to speak? DAIDA: I have always been very clear in my mind “not put all the eggs in one basket”. So ever since we stopped university and started traveling in 1999, we started saving and investing the money in some apartments here in Pozo for Holiday rental. But due to the radical sponsor cut backs we have witnessed in this sport the last two years, I have been studying again at the University for a Physiotherapy degree. IBALLA: As Daida mentioned we have invested in apartments in Pozo Izquierdo. They are within walking distance from the beach! But besides that I have also been studying graphic design and community managing skills online, while I have been traveling.
I
just saw the Gorilla add with one of you naked (can’t tell which one of you it is - you look so much alike!) Who came up with that fantastic idea for this ad? - it’s very sincere and esthetic, but at the same time also really sexy. And did you have any problems shooting this ad? DAIDA: Well that was Iballa’s project…. IBALLA: Yes….I did it….It was not meant to be too sexy, it was more like being naked as a monkey or a Gorilla, like the name of the product indicates. I shoot it with some friends (Nazaret Umpierrez del Rio) so there was no problem at all!! Photoshop fixed all the details…
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can’t imagine a life without music, I love listening to everything from Rap to Classical - so what is your favorite band or what genre of music do you prefer to listen to? DAIDA: I also love a bit of everything, depending what mood I’m in. Lately my boyfriend got my into heavy metal...He He. IBALLA: I like rock, pop, house, rap…all kinds of music!..also depending my feelings and mood ;) Spotify is a really great tool for this! ack in time when I windsurfed the sport kind of peaked for a couple of years, but things have defiantly changed. Today it’s not as popular a sport as it used to be, maybe because it spread out to other water sports like Kite surfing and SUP. What do you see as the biggest challenge for the future of windsurfing - especially within the female part of this great sport? DAIDA: The Challenge both men and females have is common, even though for a female it’s even worse. Everyone will have to use their imagination and try to take this sport further. We started competing right when there was a significant decline in the sport, so we have lived with these changes. But now with the financial crises we are clearly going through a really tough time. If the market doesn’t move, brands won’t invest into sponsorships, and this is one of our major problems. IBALLA: Defiantly the sport hasn’t grown, even though windsurfing is a very unique sport!! But these days we have to share media platforms with a lot of other new sports like Kite and SUP but somehow they are all very different….. I believe that the key to it all is the kids, we have to motivate them to try a windsurfing school and then they will hopefully gain the passion for windsurfing. If there is no wind they can always combine windsurfing with SUP or surf…and every other water sport…thats what I do!! Take advantage of Mother Nature.
‘‘Making it to the finals, is like we both win. All the rest is just a matter of always having fun!
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have been told that you both did a superb job arranging the world cup event in Pozo this year and making it such a huge success. Will you both be involved in arranging next years event as well? DAIDA: Yes, and we are already working on it. The major Challenge though is to find a big sponsor who wants to invest in our event. Let’s cross our fingers and work hard. We want everyone to enjoy this event and feel part of it. Gran Canary Wind and Waves Festival and Club Moreno Twins are working hard for the 2013 event. IBALLA: I believe it was a big success!!! And a great challenge for all of us at the Club Moreno Twins, but we managed to pull it of! And have fun at the same time…We really did put a lot of love into this event and that was the most important part …I think it was one of the best events on our tour last season not only because of the conditions, but also because of the organization part …. We really tried to treat the athletes in a good way!! And have lot’s of things for the press and public to take part in… and now we are working hard to improve it all and make an even better event for 2013!!! We just need to find a main head sponsor.
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s the best in the world you are both excellent role models for young people worldwide, so tell me do you both choose carefully what kind of organizations or causes you support? - or do you have some kind of agreement with your main sponsors about what and how to support ? We have contracts with sponsors where we give them the rights to use our image and for that we get payed some money and of course our windsurfing equipment. The main challenge is to find a industrial sponsor to pay for our traveling costs and also pay your bills. Lately everything has become more and more difficult because of the global financial crises, as I explained earlier. The reality is that we have always had to work really hard to make it all work out on an economical level. We are struggling to live from our sport, even though we are world champions. IBALLA: Its not an easy job to be a professional athlete. Every year we have to find new sponsors and fight for new and good projects that our sponsors would like to support, but it’s a very limited help we get from industrial sponsors. I believe we are a great marketing tool, so we keep fighting and searching for sponsors outside the windsurfing industry. And we will continue to develop new projects and exciting competitions....and keep winning those World tittles :)
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ight now while I’m writhing these questions, the speed record is “blown away” down in Namibia, have you ever considered participating in this very special windsurfing discipline, you are both physically strong and would probably do very well in such an event?? DAIDA: I don’t think I could do it, I love sailing in waves and it occupies all of my time for training. IBALLA: I respect these people who does this, but it doesn’t attract me at all. The idea of trying it or the challenge it self…I just love surfing and riding waves….so I spend my time focusing on that ;)
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Never be alone, stay strong and positive, believe and be patient. Have faith
have the deepest respect for someone who aim to be the best in the world, but to beat a serious illness like you did Daida is unbelievable and for sure the greatest victory of them all. Do you have any good advise for other girls suffering from serious illness. I’m thinking about any kind of advise, which may provide them with some of the same will power and energy, you showed during your struggles? DAIDA: Good advises are always hard to give when serious illness come across someones lives. There are so many different ways to look at it, but you always have to stay optimistic and positive. All that I can say is what i felt. I felt psychically small and alone, but also blessed with the support from my family and my boyfriend closeto me. I felt weak, but yet strong with my boyfriend and family’s smiles and warmness. I felt empty, but full with them by my side.... all I can say is that while you pass through such a difficult process, the biggest support is your family, friends or partner. Never be alone, stay strong and positive, believe and be patient. Have faith.
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esides windsurfing, what other water-sports do you practice and how do you stay in shape for the World tour? DAIDA: I love surfing, paying basketball, SUP, mountain bike… Gran Canaria has many spots for different Sports all year round. IBALLA: I spend mostly of my winter season surfing and SUP’ing. I will start this year to compete in the Stand Up World Tour in waves and see how it goes….It will be a challenge for me to combine both sports but I will try to do my very best. heard that one of you was offered a nude photo shoot for Playboy Magazine and turned it down, would you please tell me a bit about the story behind this situation? DAIDA: Playboy asked us a long time ago, and we are in that magazine.. did you never see it? ;-) It was a simple interview with some sailing and fashion shots for Playboy Spain. IBALLA: We never turned it down.....but we did a nice interview....with our clothes on ;-)
Trash is sad
Trash is Bad Trash is sad Tras
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have had a great pleasure of interviewing Wim Geirneart from Clean Ocean Project, it’s just such a fantastic project. Have you heard of this project and all the great work they are doing cleaning up beaches from all the trash we humans produce? DAIDA: We have worked with Wim several times in several of his projects. We love working with him, going surfing, cleaning beaches and eating nice food with good wines in his house ;-). IBALLA: It’s a really great project Wim has established.
is Bad Trash is sad Trash is Bad Trash is sad Trash is Bad Trash is sad Trash is Bad Trash is sad Trash
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We do it at home with our Club Moreno Twins. Get a bunch of friends together and clean our beaches…. Our local government also help and support. Sometimes its really hard to clean Oil spills, from the big Boats…. I cannot image if something happens while drilling to find oil in Canary Islands…that would be a huge environmental disaster. ur planet is under a lot of stress and pressure because of the human life style. It shows in so many ways, especially in our oceanic environment. How do you see our beautiful Blue planet 10 years from now, regarding our environmental situation worldwide? DAIDA: If it continues this way, it will be really bad in few years time. We have to invest more money into investigations and be able to find cleaner solutions for our environment. IBALLA: Recycle is a very small part of this contribution and everyone should be doing it. Big companies should be leading ahead and setting new standards by using much more solar power and wind energy in their production. And become self supported with alternative energy and society should make it beneficial to build self sufficient low energy houses.
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n Denmark we have the highest alcohol abuse rate among young people in the world, a record which I’m not proud about at all. As top athletes are you very much aware about what you eat and drink on a daily basis? DAIDA: I always try to look into my diet, especially now since I suffered from cancer. A few glasses of red wine now and then is good for my heath ;-), but I have never been drinking much alcohol at all. IBALLA: I believe this comes from the lack of parental control….and the education they received. Through good communication and teaching of our kids, it will help them in the future..I believe people is more aware nowadays….To try to live at healthy life and stay in shape....its very important.
DAIDA: To make such a long interview shorter..He He. I wish for everyone that they gain enough power to change the things in their lives, which they don’t like, into something better. Just try it. IBALLA: I keep fighting to change little things that could turn into big things…My main challenge these days is find the support from a big industrial company, which will make it possible for us to keep surfing and being a professional windsurfer and SUP’er….My dream, my hope and my passion.
‘‘ My dream, my hope and my passion
‘‘
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ast question - If you both could change something or make something happen in this very complex world we live in these days, what would it be?
Photo credits
Dani Miquel John Carter (PWA & Starboard) Moreno Twins Jerome Houvet / Starboard Nazerat Umpierrez del Rio Rpeka / Rodrigo Perez Cano Victor Moncloa Fernando Sรกnchez / Photosports
www.morenotwins.com
CPH PR A Sk8te event beyond
photo credit Rip’n Snap
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I’ve always been very fascinated by skateboarding, it’s not for weak souls, let’s face it, when you fall it’s on concrete. No mother fucking mercy. Just pure punishment and fabulous action on a little board with four wheels. Respect!! CPH PRO is held in Copenhagen, not far from my home town, and it’s a really “super chill event” despite all the international profiles participating. Normally it brings a certain hype to events like this, but that’s not the case at the CPH PRO. Here all the pro’s are able to move around and enjoy the Copenhagen laid back atmosphere, without any hype and hysteria from the crowds. Really like that aspect of this great event. I know Keld Aabjørn from the Danish surf scene, he’s a cool dude, but he is also one of the guy’s behind this successful and very professional CPH PRO skate event. So I called up Keld and had a sincere talk with him about how much effort it takes to arrange such a big international skate contest. We had an interesting talk, and this is a summary of our conversation, about how it all began for the CPH PRO event. In 2006 the first event was held in Copenhagen.Three friends, radio host Camilla Jane, skatepark manager William Frederiksen and film and photographer Simon Weyhe, had been “toying” with an idea of creating a unique and core international skate event in Copenhagen. But the logistics behind such an event is huge, and the first really serious issue was the sponsor part. Luckily these three skate enthusiasts, got in contact with the US shoe brand DVS,and the skatepark of Tampa / spotlight crew, who supported the idea right away. But not only DVS saw the potential in such a great event, the local authority managed by Ritt Bjerregaard, who back then were the mayor of Copenhagen, greatly supported the whole idea of an international skate event in Copenhagen, from the beginning. Because of the DVS involvement in CPH PRO, they bought their “Dark Team” of professional skaters to Copenhagen, which opened up for a wide range of possibilities. Suddenly all doors were open, it was a huge “thumbs up” for the event.
Go like Tampa Face
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Now the next challenge was to create the perfect frame for such an international event held on “Copenhagen soil”. So they got in contact with two of the worlds most respected skatepark builders Bent Kronmueller and Travis Burke. When these guy’s were connected to the CPH PRO project it was a clear “seal of approval” to all the pro’s. Bent Kronmueller and Travis Burke are highly respected for their work, amazing influence and the perfection of the environment surrounding huge professional skate events worldwide.
Buy connecting these two guy’s to the CPH PRO the logistics and general respect, were lifted to the highest level. While I’m writing these words, these two goy’s are actually in Copenhagen, preparing the 2013 event, which will be held from the 16th. to the 21st. of July. The first three days are amateur days,where Keld is involved, the rest of the event are “pro days” where you will get a chance to see all the international profiles pull of insane maneuvers, few feet away from you.
Mam Mi here a.. we go a gain !!
Never the less skateboarding is performed in a concrete world, it’s an urban lifestyle on a very HARD surface. So I asked Keld if they have had a lot of serious accidents during the the last 7 years, but Keld told me that they only had one really serious accident a couple of years ago. Two skaters hit each other head-on, and it was a serious incident, luckily nothing serious has happen ever since. Somehow they have been blessed by the “Skate-Gods” watching over CPH PRO!!....but I really cross my fingers every year Keld adds...
The
The CPH PRO is a non profit event, every cent earned has gone back into the event to make everything better, more spectacular and of course to create more fun. Only 10 persons are on the pay role but it all wouldn’t be happening without the huge crew of volunteers helping out every year.
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Maybe that’s why it’s such a chill’ed event, Keld tells me that Copenhagen has a really good reputation among the pro skaters world wide community, they can move around with out any hype from huge crowds, bring their wife’s and kids, like Eric Koston have done. No one is bothering these famous profiles, you are allowed to drink beers in public (maybe smoke a little rasta!!) and just have some honest fun, which is rare these days. The 7th. annual event will be the last. They all need a pause, it’s necessary. New inspiration is needed, new creative expressions has to be explored and developed, but somehow it all makes perfect sense. To stop when you are at a peak of a success is a fantastic exit. I of course asked Keld if it’s for good......you never know Keld replied with a grin.....
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I then asked Keld what he had up his sleeve after CPH PRO, and Keld told me he was involved in building skateparks in Greenland, being involved in a fantastic project called Urbangreenland. Greenland is a place Keld speaks very highly about “ I have completely fallen in love with this place, it so unique. Fantastic people, extremely beautiful and in general so very different, in a very positive way�. By being involved in building skate projects Keld first of all is doing something he is very passionate about, but he has also become a part of a growing network, and somehow that is everything these days.....
wwwcPHprodk
DARK
BLUE
OPEN
story & photos Rip’n Snap
H
enrik from Dark Blue Surfshop and I go back many years, and I remember when he opened his cool little surf shop Dark Blue.
Back then I thought it would be a short experience, but he is still there, after all these years, which really warms my heart. Since then Henrik somehow has become the center of the Danish surf scene. Henrik is alway smiling, joking and in general just such a great “ocean spirit” So when I heard that Henrik and a group of Danish surfers were planing the first real surf event in Denmark ever, I just had to be there, shooting it.
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The weather forecast looked very promising and this event turned out to be a really great experience. I arrived the day before and it was already “surfable”. Small clean waves created a perfect “warm up sesh” for some of the guy’s, in the bay area close to Klitmøller.
event they e h t e r o f waves l The day be l a m s n a e cle scored som
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he group “Mr Dark Blue” had joined forces with was Chris and Oliver Harfkopp - the “Hartknocks Bro’s”. Keld Aabjørn, one of the guy’s behind the international and very respected skate event Copenhagen Pro and a few other surf enthusiasts. They brought the gear all the way from Copenhagen and managed to build a little “center of the stage” in no time, even though the wind meter showed an average of 15-17 meters pr. sec...
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efore we get any real waves in Denmark, a powerful low pressure has to be present in the North Sea, otherwise nothing serious will happen. And that’s exactly what we got - 25 meters pr. sec all night before the event - it was a dream come through. Next morning when we arrived to the chosen spot, we were greeted by a “beautiful chaos” of powerful North Sea waves hammering the beach. Of course it would have been even more perfect if the wind had dropped, but that’s the kind of raw conditions these Scandinavian surfers are challenged by, in this region.
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enrik had managed to attract a brilliant group of surfers from Germany, Netherlands, Sweden and Denmark, so you could say that Dark Blue Open had turned into a real Nordic surf battle, and all of it were happening during one of the best weather forecasts we could wish for...life is good sometimes!!
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t was just one of those moments you really look forward to, hoping everything will work out perfect.....it did !! Dark Blue Open scored. I scored too...shot lot’s of pic’s these two days, and this little visual journey is a witness from this fantastic, first ever Danish surfing event.
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ust to mention a few of these brilliant profiles participating in the Dark Blue Open Event :
Victor Rosario, who is originally from the Dominican Republic. Vic is a very keen and experienced surfer, lives for this sport. Tim Latte from Sweden won the whole thing, surfed really well and is one of the top surfers in Scandinavia, always a happy and smiling kid. Lars Kallberg also from Sweden, lot’s of ocean spirit, one to follow for sure. Christoffer Hartkopp from Denmark, also one of the top surfers in Scandinavia and the Danish Champion, Chris always show some really powerful moves and a very energetic style, like Latte he is also in for a laugh and some good fun. Odd Persson also a “young gun” worth following, good power and timing. Oliver Hartkopp - Chris’ brother, moved to Klitmøller a while ago and has really developed a lot the last year, sublime timing and lot’s of power in his moves. Like his brother, always smiling. Peter Steinfath - Also a keen young surfer with some solid and fast moves. Definitely also one to follow
Victor Rosario......trying to tell the wave to stay clean....!!
...then two sec’s later Vic got punished......who said life was easy
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When you live in a place where waves are not just something you have access to very often, then it’s quite unique when a weather forecast matches an event like this, and I really hope that Dark Blue Open will develop into a new Danish tradition, followed up each year by this group of enthusiastic Danish surfers....will se!!
WOrLD CuP
Klitmøller 2012
story & photos Rip’n Snap
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World Cup / Klitmøller / 2012.....I know it is moments from the past, I know it is long gone memories, forgotten atoms in our galaxy.... in other words I know this is very old news. But a World Cup event is a serious matter with lot’s of “shiny egos and famous profiles”, plus a whole lot of spectacular moves, performed during hardcore weather conditions...it’s windsurfing at it’s best, performed by the best in the Universe.
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The last couple of years “the Cirque” has had some spectacular conditions in Klitmøller. Two years in a row powerful hurricanes have hit this little fishing village right when the World Cup event was taking place. Pure luck or amazing coincidence?... nobody but the Nordic Weather Gods know about these things, but never the less it created a huge expectation for “the 2012 Cirque event”. Would it happen for the third year in a row?. Well it did....4 days before the event began a storm hit Klitmøller again...only problem was they had moved the event a week ahead, because of some practical arrangements. So in theory it would have been the third year in a row, with cyclone winds, which makes me wonder if there really is a bunch of “Weather Gods” up there behind the dark clouds, who like windsurfing.
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It makes me wonder....when do we reach the max of what is possible......and at what physical costs?
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To me windsurfing is a passion, a kind of nature drug, something which makes my soul shiver of excitement, it’s man vs. nature. It’s a physical battle of powerful winds, waves, and neoprene. The 2012 event got the “left-over-winds” from the Hurricane, which hit Klitmøller a few days before, so the event was still a success with lot’s of spectacular maneuvers. The double forward has for example been refined from 2011, and now nearly all of the top 10 surfers pulls it off with a certain ease to it...a really amazing maneuver. Watching such a huge improvement in the development of a single maneuver in only one season makes me wonder...what comes next....a triple forward??
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This kind of development clearly show the level of pressure professional athletes are under these days. Because of the internet “news get old” extremely fast, everything has reached completely new dimensions. You post something on the internet Monday, Tuesday everybody looks at it but Wednesday it’s more or less forgotten. It’s old news. We have more or less become media junkies in jungle of information.
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So this little visual journey through “a bunch of old news” is just a little silent tribute to “what once was”...showing a series of moves, which caught my photographic attention in a split second, simply because of the raw power behind the individual move or the skills it took to pull it of.
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I look very much forward to the 2013 World Cup event, but somehow the “Circus � in Cold Hawaii has some expectations to fulfill.. another hurricane moving in from the North Sea or a tribble forward...does it ever stop?...It makes me wonder when do we reach the max of what is possible...and at what costs?
World Champion Phillip Kรถster's hands
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