Surphang Magazine
Issue 20
Proudly presents
The Pro Show
Heaving Hossegor
To The Maxime!
GROMS WHO WOULD BE KING
Burke's Back in Town!
Mighty Micky's Mind
Champ Chats
Surphalosophy
Surphang Magazine
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'Surfing- v. 1. to ride on or along on a surfboard; 2. to browse (the Internet, for example)' Well the past few weeks have seen an absolute frenzy of surfing haven't they! But of course I don't mean the proper kind; I am indeed referring to the hype of online surfing activity we have all experienced as major surf brands have exploited the world of social media we now live in and focused their selection for major surfing contests through online voting! Yes, rather than get out there and surf real waves, the new way to see who's the better surfer to be in an international contest is to ask them to upload a video of themselves and then get people to vote for it. Apparently this is the future of surfing! Anyway, hype aside, we've gone back to what surfing is all about and now bring you an issue full of the top groms from around the globe actually out riding on their surfboards. So take a look at who we think will be the 'real' future of surfing!
Only a surfer knows.... the real view of surfing! Photo: Darren Longbottom
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Surphang Magazine Issue 20 Magazine Editor: Stuart Gaston Contributing Photographers: Stephane Becret, Alan Burke, Tom Hall, Zac Heath, Nick Hollman, John F Jackson, Darren Longbottom, Robert Dougall, Joe Foster, Cat Gregory, Alex McGeown, Alvin Mtatshi, Victor Pique, Benoit Raoul, Brian Scott, Jared Sislin, Simeon Sturges, Jack Taylor & John Wilkinson Staff Photographer: Stuart Gaston
Send any photographic submissions for future issues of the magazine to: surphangmagazine@ymail.com
Cover Shot: Josh Burke punting at Newport. Photo: Joe Foster
Evening glass off! Photo: Stephane Becret
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This Issue's Features
The Pro Show
Champ Chats
To The Maxime!
Burke's Back in Town!
Heaving Hossegor
He's been King of the Groms, he's been ASP World Junior Champion, he's been pushing it to the Max, he's Max Huscenot!
Multi-Champion title holding Josh Burke has just headed back home to Bridgetown so we caught up for a chat!
With the autumn approaching, the Quiksilver Pro France should hopefully see Hossegor heaving – here's what could be on offer!
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This Issue
Surphalosophy
Mighty Micky's Mind
Groms Who Would Be King
The Arrogance of Youth OR A Grom's Guide to Going Good!
Micky Clarke is Ventura's latest There's a lot of talented groms As the light's go down, we've young surfng dream, following who've all been vying to be voted some advice to make sure Dane Reynold's very footsteps. into the2013 King of the Groms – everything about you has lit We delved into his surfng mind. so here's our pick of the bunch! up your whole performance!
September swells.... some lovely lines beginning to roll in! Photo: Stephane Becret
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Welcome to
The Pro Show To The Maxime! Words & Photos: Stu Gaston
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SM Maxime Huscenot heading in the right direction.
Maxime Huscenot may only be twenty-one years old but he has already had a very successful surfng career. Five years ago he won the King of the Groms International Final and also became ASP European Pro Junior Champion, closely followed the next year by becoming ASP World Pro Junior Champion. Since then a number of good competition fnishes have seen him soar into the Top 50 of the ASP Mens World Rankings. It's clear that he pushed his surfng to the max so we caught up with him to fnd out more!
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Name:
Maxime Huscenot
Age: 21 Nickname: Macabi Years surfng: 12 Where you live: Réunion Island Sponsors: Quiksilver, Sosh, Moskova, Quiksilver Surfboards Local break/s: Peroké in Réunion Favourite surfer? Andy Irons Favourite place to surf? Pipeline and Trestles Favourite surf movie? Campaign Favourite surf trick? Barrel Favourite board? 5'11 x 18 5/16 x 2 1/4
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Max making the most of a righthander.
The Pro Show
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The Pro Show
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Maxime Huscenot high flying on his backhand.
What got you into surfng? My parents were diving and dropped me in a club closed to the beach. We were doing all the sports: soccer, basket ball, volley ball and surfng on the weekend. I was 9. I was standing on a bodyboard doing 360째until the teacher told me to try to surf. Since then I've just never stopped. When and how did you become sponsored? Watching Campaign, Momentum and all the surf DVDs, I was dreaming about surfng at Snapper Rocks. My parents planned a trip there with me and my sister. When I get there it was big and perfect. I was 11 and I was frothing so much. I paddled out but never made it to the line up as it was too big for me. The current took me to Kirra where I gave up and worked back to Snapper. My parents were freaked out because they lost me and were so scared. Next day we asked the local surf school to teach me the currents and give me some local tricks. I was actually training every morning at 6am with Dave Davidson (Davo). He was also training some of the Quiksilver kids from Europe who were here for a trip. Stephen Bell the Quiksilver team manager saw and liked my surfng and put me in the team and so I've been with Quiksilver since that day. Who in surfng inspires you most? For me Andy was the most stylish and powerfull surfer. Not one person does carves like he was. And his backside was crazy. He's one of the best tube riders ever and was charging so much. I'm still watching him everyday. What do you prefer, free surfng or competitions and why? I like both. I don't think there is a choice to make between them. They both have a good side. I love to push myself and I love the pressure in contests. Trying your best when you need it is a feeling that I love. But I love so much going to surf with my friends and going on trips to get perfect waves!!!!!
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Now the past few years have seen you performing consistently well at all levels, having won the international King of the Groms and been ASP European Junior Champion in 2008 and then becoming ASP World Junior Champion in 2009. So talk us through those contests and the highs and lows that lead to you earning your titles. My junior career was a dream. I couldn't have dreamed to do better. I was frothing to beat older guys and try to perform. I won the World Title at 17. It was a big achievement and amazing for my age. It gave me a lot of confdence to believe in my career that maybe I could be a pro surfer too and make my dream come true. Since then you've made a successful move onto the ASP Men's Rankings. Tell us about some of the contest highlights for you in recent years. After my World Title I didn't know what to do. I ended up winning wildcards for all the WQS. So I started the tour. I made 5th place on the 6-star in Tasmania in my second WQS event and so I believed I could do well then. But there are so many good surfers on the WQS that deserve to win or qualify. You don't realize it until your on tour. The level is very high. I was young and not powerful enough nor experienced but I was ready to fght and perform all year on the WQS. I've had a couple of great results to stay on the top 100 for 2 years in a row. Last year was tough for me trying a lot of thing to get what was missing in my surfng. I changed all my equipment surfng thin and light boards to thick and heavy boards. It took me 6 months to get used to it and surf the way I wanted. I started to train and take on a really physical training program. I'm not a 6 foot strong guy but I have to be ft and powerful to beat those guys. That's all the work I've been doing last year to be ready.
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SM Max smacks the lip.
The Pro Show And looking back, how hard is it to move up from grom level, through Juniors to fnally surfng in Star and Prime events? When you're young and arrive on the junior tour, there is all the older juniors that are here to win the championship and you just want to learn. You try your best to beat them and learn from that. You loose and win but you grow up and those guys are getting too old and moving to the next step. You take the spot when you reach the right age and the level of the top junior. Then when you move to the Star and Prime you restart from zero but this time the level is higher and the guys will always stay whatever their age. That's where you have to learn a lot quicker if you want to move up!
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The Pro Show I imagine you have to overcome some solid surfng from your contenders. How do you rate your surfng peers across the world at the moment then? I don't know. I don't like to talk about myself. But I believe in myself and I want to compete at the top level. I've been competing with Gabriel, Kolohe, John John, Owen, Alejo, Miguel... All the young guys on tour in the juniors. I want to compete against them and my heroes in perfect surf. You've been surfng against these guys most of your competitive life. There must be different levels of camaraderie or rivalry in the ranks. How does this affect the way you surf in a heat? It's been hard for me the frst few years as I was young and really cool. I didn't want to hassle anyone and tried to fnd a lonely wave every time I paddled in a heat. But most of the time I wasn't surfng the good wave then so I fgured out you need to get the good waves where they break and if there is 3 others guys who want it you need to fght. So which of them do you least want to be drawn up against in a heat and why? I don't like to surf with any French surfers. We are all good friends and it's harder to deal with. Now you've had various wins and been a World Junior Champion, so what goes down as your best victory to date? The world title I think. Just because it was really emotional for me, my family, my friends to win. No French or European surfer has done it before so it was pretty special. I really enjoyed my win at home in Reunion. I've never competed at home before and it's so nice. Party was awesome after that haha.
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SM Max makes another stylish manoeuvre in small but fun surf.
And what about training? How do you keep on top of ftness and keep on pushing your surfng? I'm training with Yannick Beven who knows what to do for surfng. I tried to surf everyday if it looks fun. If not I go to the gym or to play tennis with my friends. Now you're from Reunion Island with some of the best waves in your area right on your doorstep and you've no doubt travelled to and surfed some amazing spots around the world! So where's left? Where do you still want to travel to and surf? I've been lucky to travel a lot and discover so many beautiful places and culture. I really want to go back again to most of them. But I also dream to go to Tahiti, Mentawaii, Mexico, a couple of famous places but I've never been there yet.
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Maxime Huscenot
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SM Max looking relaxed in layback.
The Pro Show So with the main European contest season ahead, what are your goals for the rest of this year? You have to win if you want to qualify. On the WQS if you are 36 or 100 it does really matter. What matters is to be in the top 32 on the WCT. My frst goal was to be on the top 100 to do the Primes. Now I want to win and qualify! Finally, where do you see yourself in fve years time? I don't know. I hope i will still be surfng for living and why not on tour. I'm really motivated to be on tour as i just want to surf perfect waves with only one other surfer. It sounds fun to me and I like to compete. I don't want to get stuck on the WQS but there are surfers like Bruce, Bobby or Tiago Pires who takes 7 or 8 years to qualify so I don't know. I just want to do the best that I can.
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Champ Chats Burke's Back In Town!
Words: Stu Gaston Photos: Joe Foster
Josh Burke from Barbados is a name you are likely to hear a lot of in the future. He's already a multiple champion title holder and looks to be starting to dominate his age division at international level as well. Most recently he soared to the top of the online voting for the King of the Groms contest later this month and so rightfully earnt his place in the international fnal. Josh also jets around the world quite a bit but we were fortunate enough to grab a moment with him when he was recently back home to chat with this champ.
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SM Josh Burke making light work of an air reverse.
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CHAMP CHATS Name:
Josh Burke
Age: 16 Nickname: Burke Years surfng: 13 Where you live: Barbados Sponsors: Billabong, Epi-Dry, Lime, Reef, Dakine, Nixon, Futures, Von Zipper, Burkie Boards by Rich Price Designs Local break/s: South Point, Soup Bowl, Silver Sands Favourite surfer? Kelly Slater Favourite place to surf? Soup Bowl (Barbados) Favourite surf movie? Dear Suburbia, Youthless Favourite surf trick? Air Reverse Favourite board? I've had quite a few favourite boards but my current favourite board is a Rich Price shaped 5'3" X 17" X 2" thruster with a quad/fve fn set up option.
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SM Josh takes it tail high.
What got you into surfng? Before my frst birthday my dad had me on the nose of his board just paddling around, shortly after he was surfng with me in his arms and standing on the nose of his board. By 6 yrs old I surfed my frst contest at Soup Bowl When and how did you become sponsored? In 2010 when I was 13, 4x women's world champ Frieda Zamba saw me surfng at the Easter Surf Festival in Cocoa Beach Florida and immediately signed me on the X-trak and Magma Wax Surf team and later that year I was at the ECSC in Virginia beach and knocked out the Billabong Rep in the Open Mens division and that's when I signed with Billabong. Who in surfng inspires you most? Kelly Slater
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CHAMP CHATS What do you prefer, free surfng or competitions and why? I like both! In free surfng I get to practice any manoeuvre with little consequence whereas in competition I like being put under the pressure to pull off the manoeuvres I've been practicing while free surfng. Now the past few years have seen you performing consistently well at all levels, having been National Junior Champion in Barbados for most if not all of the various age categories over the past few years. So talk us through those contests and the highs and lows that lead to you earning your titles. The low side is preforming below the level that I know I am capable of and bad judging on a regular basis. The high is obviously the winning part, when everything comes together after training long hours, being in top form and getting the waves you need to perform during the heats throughout the event. I can almost sense when I will win an event. But you've also taken a number of win in other contests as well. Tell us about some of those memorable moments. Getting 3rd in the Mens Pro at 14 years old in the Ron Jon Easter Surf Festival was an early highlight for me especially when later I found out that I was the youngest surfer to ever make the Mens Pro fnal in the contest's history other than Kelly Slater who actually won it when he was 14 years old. Other highlights are winning the Open Mens and the Open Juniors at the 50th Annual ECSC in Virginia Beach and also placing 2nd in the Mens Pro Division which served as the trials for the ASP 6 star Prime.
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SM Josh Burke putting in plenty of work on his aerial technique.
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CHAMP CHATS
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SM Josh jettisons a whole load of spray off this righthander.
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CHAMP CHATS I imagine you had to overcome some solid surfng from your contenders. How do you rate your surfng peers over in America at the moment then? Extremely high and competitive!! You've been surfng against these guys most of your competitive life. There must be different levels of camaraderie or rivalry in the ranks. How does this affect the way you surf in a heat? The camaraderie between us is a quite fun and friendly atmosphere but when I am in a heat I don't think of who I am surfng against I surf to the best of my ability. So which of them did you least want to be drawn up against in a heat and why? Against Seth(Moniz) at 10 ft Backdoor because he is just at home out there! Now you've had various wins and been a National Champion, so what goes down as your best victory to date? Becoming the 2010 and 2011 ,U16, U18 & U21 Barbados National Junior Champion And what about training? How do you keep on top of ftness and keep on pushing your surfng? I work out in my Make shift gym in my bedroom and surf everyday. I also pay attention to my diet and don't party.
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SM Josh Burke likes working above the lip.
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Burke's
Back
In
Town!
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SM Taking a step back and it all looks pretty good for Josh Burke!
CHAMP CHATS
Now you're from Barbados with some of the best waves in your area like Soup Bowl right on your doorstep! But what about plans for travelling? For the past 3 years I've been traveling around the world, leaving my island 8 times a year So now what are your goals for the rest of this year? To win an ASP Pro Junior and to win the Mens Pro Division at the annual Barbados Pro Event at Soup Bowl. My Dad won it in 1994 and I just want to have that trophy. Finally, where do you see yourself in fve to ten years time? To be on the WCT with a world title under my belt.
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Heaving Hossegor Words: Stu Gaston & Photos: Benoit Raoul, Stephane Becret, Tom Hall & Victor Pique
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SM Hossegor heaving into some autumnal action. Photo: Benoit Raoul
Hot Spots In a few weeks time, the eyes of the surfing world will fall upon the home of French surfing – Hossegor. And hopefully as the WCT returns for the Quiksilver Pro France, the Atlantic will serve up something looking a bit like this! So here's our teaser of how Hossegor will look if it's heaving!
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Heaving Hossegor
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SM A perfect righthander. Photo: Tom Hall
Hot Spots
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Heaving Hossegor
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SM Hossegor will be heaving with surfers too. Photo: Tom Hall
Hot Spots
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Heaving Hossegor
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SM Arthur Lassee getting in on the action. Photo: Victor Pique
Hot Spots
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Heaving Hossegor
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SM Hossegor's righthanders keep reeling in. Photo: Tom Hall
Hot Spots
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Heaving Hossegor
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SM Elliot Ivarra loving the righthanders. Photo: Victor Pique
Hot Spots
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Heaving Hossegor
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SM Hossegor keeps delivering. Photo: Tom Hall
Hot Spots
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Heaving Hossegor
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SM Let's hope Hossegor comes up with the goods this Autumn too. Photo: Stephane Becret
Hot Spots
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Surphalosophy
Mighty Micky's Mind Words: Stu Gaston; Photos: Brian Scott
Micky Clarke is a fourteen year old grom whose following in some big footsteps. Being from Ventura, California, there's only one famous surfer you'd expect him to look up to... yes, that's Dane Reynolds! And yes, Micky can indeed claim to have surfed alongside the elusive freesurfer at his local. But while we all know what Dane thinks of competition surfng, what are young Micky's views on these big surf talking points? We managed to delve into Mighty Micky's mind on a recent trip to Nicaragua.
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SM Micky's Mind's on one thing... getting some tube time!
surphalosophy
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Name:
Micky Clarke
Age: 14 Nickname: Mitchard Years surfng: 5 Where you live: Ventura, California Sponsors: Quiksilver, Jsevensurfboards, Prolite, Scosche Audio, Electric Visual, Prolite International, Olas Mexican Grill, and Mom and Dad Local break/s: Out front of my house Favourite surfer? Dane Reynolds Favourite place to surf? Home and my second home, Nicaragua Favourite surf movie? Kerrazy Chronicles Favourite board? "The Situation� by Jsevensurfboards. I hope to have my own model called "The Mitchuation" or "The Mitchard" real soon.
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SM Micky eyeing up a nice face at his second home of Nicaragua!
surphalosophy
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Mighty Micky's Mind
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Micky makes the most of the fun waves to bust some aerial manoeuvres!
surphalosophy
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Mighty Micky's Mind
What frst got you into surfng? We live at the beach. My dad surfs and he would always push me and my brothers into waves. I soon realized the ocean was my home. And how big a part does surfng now play in your life? Surfng plays a very big part of my life. I try to balance my life with school, surf, music and friends – it's a balancing act for sure! So when and how did you become sponsored? Once I started competing I picked up sponsors little by little. My frst sponsor was my board sponsor, Jsevensurfboards, my shaper is Jason Feist. At the age of 12 Quiksilver hit me up for a resume and photos and videos. I was selected to be on the team about 2 months later. ALL my sponsors all take really good care of me. What do you prefer then, free surfng or competitions and why? I love to compete and free surf. It's hard to say which I like better. When I free surf I am always practicing to make myself better so I can compete at a higher level.
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SM Mighty Micky's backhand attack!
surphalosophy Now you recently won the Most Inspirational Surfer Award at the NSSA West Coast Regional Championships. Tell us more about how that came about? I was completely shocked when I won the NSSA Most Inspirational Performance Award. I had no idea such an award existed. I was the underdog in regionals, not really sure if or when I would blow up and well things really started going my way starting from the frst heat. I surfed a total of 12 heats in the Western Regionals and fnaled in 2 divisions. I was super stoked!!! I think it's a great award because it shows all those other kids that they can do it too !
So is that the moment you are most proud of in your surfng career so far? Each year I have a proudest moment. Two years ago I was awarded most improved. Last year I fnished 2nd in the US and Hawaii. This year I was selected to be a contender for a National Champion AND I was awarded the Most Inspirational Performance Award. Yes I would say that is my proudest moment so far. Who in surfng inspires you most? There are many people that inspire me for different reasons. Dane Reynolds and Josh Kerr are just two to name a few!
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Mighty Micky's Mind
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SM Micky Clarke clinches some more time in the green room!
surphalosophy
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Mighty Micky's Mind
When and where was your best surf session? My best surf session was at Pipeline in December when Jamie O'Brien let me take off on a barrel. It was Epic! What's the worst wipeout of your life? My worst wipe out was at Colorados in Nicaragua on 10' barrel a few weeks ago. Thought I was a goner! What do you do when you don't surf? When I'm not surfng I'm doing school work, playing drums and hanging with friends. Do you train as well as surf? Yes I train and workout. I train at a gym called P3 Peak Performance in Santa Barabara. I also use Neurotopia. That training has been described as performance brain training. It helps to sharpen your focus skills, decision making progress and execution.
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SM Micky makes for some more air time!
surphalosophy
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Mighty Micky's Mind So why surfng? Why not any other sport? I surf because I'm most comfortable in the ocean.
And if you didn't surf at all, what sport would you play? If I didn't surf I would play football. Really. If you had unlimited money, what would you buy? If I had unlimited money I would give to the poor, buy a home in the middle of nowhere with waves and pay for my friends and family to come surf. What's the healthiest thing you ate today? The healthiest thing I ate today was French Toast haha What's your most overused word? My most over used word is "sic"
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SM Micky's Mind sure is on one thing... simply having fun in whatever the waves have to offer!
surphalosophy What's your goal for the rest of the year? My goals this year are to make the fnals at most of my contests, to win a few, to be a NSSA Contender and to bring home a National Title. And what about the future? My goals for the future are to pursue surfng as a career and to bring the sport of surfng to the fore front.
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GROMS WHO WOULD BE KING Words: Stu Gaston & Photos: Various
Over 150 groms from 31 countries recently took part in Quiksilver's online battle to be selected for this year's King of the Groms International Final which will take place later this month in Hossegor before the Quiksilver Pro France gets underway. The ffteen fnalists have now been selected to compete alongside Quiksilver's own three wildcard entries. So we've picked out four of those fnalists to take a closer a look at plus a fair few of the Round 2 Runners Up who made it through to the Judges' Panel as we believe this bunch of Groms who would be King have all got big futures ahead of them in the surfng world!
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SM Kanoa Igarashi would quite happily be King of the Groms. Photo: Joe Foster
Hot Shots
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The WILDCARDS Leonardo Fioravanti, Kanoa Igarashi & Jack Robinson
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SM Leo Fioravanti's on fire as the European third of the Wildcard entries. Photo: Stu Gaston
Hot Shots
Quiksilver itself has a seriously strong team of groms led by these three wildcard entries into this year's King of the Groms International Final. Here we have top European grom, Leo Fioravanti who will feel at home surfng the beach breaks of Hossegor. He will be joined by Kanoa Igarashi from America and uber grom Jack Robinson from Australia. These three will be sure to set the standard very high right from the start!
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The FINALISTS Nomme Mignot
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SM Nomme Mignot nailing an air reverse. Photo: Stu Gaston
Hot Shots Name: Nomme Mignot Age: 16 Nickname: Burrito Years surfng: 7 Where you live: Summer in France; Winter in Mexico Sponsors: Billabong Local break/s: Hossegor Favourite surfer? Julian Wilson and Andy Irons Favourite place to surf? At home in Mexico Favourite surf movie? Lost Atlas Favourite surf trick? Barrels and airs Favourite board? Al Merrick and Semente 5'9 and 5'7 What frst got you into surfng? In my town in Mexico everyone surfs so that's why
What do you prefer then, free surfng or competitions and why? I like the both. When I do too many contests I don't have fun any more because you have to be focused all the time but too much free surfng and then you just want to compete and win! What moment are you most proud of in your surfng career so far? Wining the Pro Junior in Gijon and becoming Champion of Europe in the Under 16s
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The FINALISTS Nomme Mignot
How do you feel about competing in the international fnal of the King of the Groms? So happy this year I was a bit nervous with the video and the voting but I can't wait! Last year I did very bad so let's see this year can't wait though! Which of the current WCT surfers inspires you most? Michel Bourez, Joel Parkinson and Julian Wilson
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SM Nomme Mignot and his backhand attack. Photo: Stu Gaston
Hot Shots
When and where was your best surf session? Somewhere in Mexico with my cousin Diego, a good friend and my family it was so perfect What's the worst wipeout of your life? Somewhere in Mexico, it was really big and I got smashed by the sets, my board got broke and I couldn't breath any more What do you do when you don't surf? Have fun with friends and train for 40 minutes and eat a lot! What's your goal for the next year? Don't know yet will see, concentrating on this year, will see next year And what about the future? WCT and World Champ and and be happy the rest of my life
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The FINALISTS Luis Diaz
Name: Luis Diaz Age: 14 Nickname: Luis Years surfng: 4 years Where you live: Gran Canaria Sponsors: Quiksilver, Pukas Surfboards, Wawa Surf Shop Local break/s: North Coast, Gran Canaria Favourite surfer? Granger Larsen Favourite place to surf? El Picacho Favourite surf movie? Stranger Than Fiction Favourite surf trick? Barrel Favourite board? Cabianca / 5.4 x 17 x 2/DFK model/swallow
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SM Luis Diaz lip bashing. Photo: Robert Dougall
Hot Shots What frst got you into surfng? My aunt paid for me to have a surf lesson the day I turned 10 years old and I just enjoyed it so much that day that I've kept going! When and how did you become sponsored? In the Pro Junior of the Canaries couple of years ago, the Quiksilver team manager saw me surfng and talked with my parents What do you prefer then, free surfng or competitions and why? I enjoy both, but I prefer competitions because I'm competitive and like to surf against good surfers to learn and be a good competitor What moment are you most proud of in your surfng career so far? When I got into the quarters of a Pro Junior and when I qualifed for the King of the Groms
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The FINALISTS Luis Diaz
How do you feel about competing in the international fnal of the King of the Groms? I feel really excited because I'm going to compete with the U16 World's best surfers and I is a really good oportunity for me. Which of the current WCT surfers inspires you most? Of course Kelly Slater and then Sebastian Zietz and Kai Otton When and where was your best surf session? A day of perfect waves at home in "Moskapoint", a perfect point that breaks about two t imes in the year What's the worst wipeout of your life? Last week on a dangerous slab, it was big, I broke my leash and I ate the set in the face!
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SM Luis Diaz does air time. Photo: Robert Dougall
Hot Shots What do you do when you don't surf? Physical training or studying What's your goal for the next year? Qualify again for the International King of the Groms fnal and try to get in the top 15 of the Pro Junior ranking And what about the future? My dream is to be a WCT surfer in the future
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The FINALISTS Shane Sykes
Name: Shane Sykes Age: 16 years old Nickname: Shane'o Years surfng: 7 years Where you live: Salt Rock, South Africa Sponsors: Quiksilver, Hurricane, Clayton surfboards and Red bull Local break/s: Tinley Manor Favourite surfer? Dane Reynolds Favourite place to surf? Mozambique Favourite surf movie? Dear Suburbia Favourite surf trick? Barrels and air reverses Favourite board? Clayton, 5'5"18"2/8"2
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SM Shane Sykes seeks a soft landing. Photo: Alvin Mtatshi
Hot Shots What frst got you into surfng? I used to bodyboard until I was about 9 or 10 when I saw my brother having more fun on a surfboard, so I asked to get a board for my 10th birthday. Pretty much just gone on from there. When and how did you become sponsored? Quiksilver was my frst sponsor at the age of 11, 2008. Greg Swart a local South African legend was working for Quik at the time and my parents approached him for a few clothes and a wetsuit where it turned out to be much more and it has kind of grown from there. What do you prefer then, free surfng or competitions and why? Everyone wishes they could be just free surfers and so do I but it's not all possible. You can't really do both as you never have time to travel for comps and free surf at the same time. I like comps in a way where you can earn exposure and meet way more new people. What moment are you most proud of in your surfng career so far? Winning the trip to France as well as competing in the ISA World Juniors earlier this year.
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The FINALISTS Shane Sykes
How do you feel about competing in the international fnal of the King of the Groms? I'm really keen on competing in France because I have never been there before and it's even crazier to be rubbing shoulders with all the Pros and just to represent South Africa is a privilege. Which of the current WCT surfers inspires you most? John-John for sure! When and where was your best surf session? Cola's/Cokes, Maldives. July, 2012 What's the worst wipeout of your life? About 3 months ago i went for a pop shovit and landed wrong where my cartilage tore and folded, the doctor calls it a bucket-handle tear. I am still Re-habbing from the injury. What do you do when you don't surf? When I dont surf I skate, eat or do my exercises.
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SM Shane Sykes with a sick layback. Photo: Alex McGeown
Hot Shots What's your goal for the next year? My frst goal is to go to Hawaii during the end of the winter and get some tubes and get a few clips and fly over to California to do some of the NSSA comps around there but otherwise I'm just cruising and will hope to make the South African team to compete in the World Juniors again. And what about the future? My future goal is to make it on to the WCT and win a World Title sometime in my life, that's the ultimate goal. If that does not turn out well, I don't have an idea of what to do then haha
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The FINALISTS Victor Bernardo
Name: Victor Bernardo Age: 16 Nickname: Bernardo Years surfng: 11 years Where you live: Guarujรก/SP Brazil Sponsors: Hang Loose, Shinesurfboards, Energysports, CT and Teccel. Local break/s: Maluf, Tombo, Enseada....all at Guarujรก. Favourite surfer? John John Florence Favourite place to surf? Salina Cruz, Mexico. Favourite surf movie? Modern Collective Favourite surf trick? Airs Favourite board? 5'7x18.50X2 1/8 by my shaper Kareca
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SM Victor Bernardo brings his tail high mid air reverse. Photo: John F Jackson
Hot Shots What frst got you into surfng? My dad. When and how did you become sponsored? When I was 8 years old, one guy from Hang Loose brand came to talk to me and my dad and asked if I wanted to be sponsored by Hang Loose and nowadays I'm still sponsored by the same brand. What do you prefer then, free surfng or competitions and why? Both, but competition is better...I prefer it. What moment are you most proud of in your surfng career so far? When you win...it is so good, just a surfer knows the feeling!
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The FINALISTS Victor Bernardo
How do you feel about competing in the international fnal of the King of the Groms? Excited, nervous, kind of hard to explain... Which of the current WCT surfers inspires you most? Kind of everyone...but I like Adriano a lot... he inspires me. When and where was your best surf session? Last April on my last trip with Hang Loose team in Indo. What's the worst wipeout of your life? Maybe when I broke my board at Sunset last year.
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SM Victor Bernardo with a backhand air reverse. Photo: John F Jackson
Hot Shots What do you do when you don't surf? Stay with my friends, family, skate, just chill out. What's your goal for the next year? Win the juniors And what about the future? Compete with the WT guys, be part of the elite.
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ROUND 2 RUNNERS-UP Alex Hayes
Name: Alex Hayes Age: 15 Years surfng: 3 years Where you live: Sydney Sponsors: Foxhead, Boardstix, Palmers, MG surfboards, DP surfboards Local break/s: Queenscliff
Favourite surfer? John John or Clay Marzo Favourite place to surf? Maldives Favourite surf movie? John Johns or Clay Marzos movie. Favourite surf trick? Layback Favourite board? Hmm, kinda like an in between board, so like half performance, half summer type board
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SM Alex Hayes whacks out some spray. Photo: Stu Gaston
Hot Shots
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ROUND 2 RUNNERS-UP Alex Hayes
What frst got you into surfng? I did nippers when I was young until I was 13 then I did the swap When and how did you become sponsored? First sponsor I was like 14 What do you prefer then, free surfng or competitions and why? They're two different things, I like free surfng better on my own with no-one else because I love having no pressure, but yet in a good day competition is only fun when you win haha What moment are you most proud of in your surfng career so far? Meeting all these cool people and going away heaps. Who in surfng inspires you most? John John Florence or Clay Marzo!
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SM Alex Hayes hits it high with a backhand air. Photo: Stu Gaston
Hot Shots When and where was your best surf session? Defnitely at a secret surf break somewhere south. What's the worst wipeout of your life? There's been so many it's ridiculous I've hurt everything on my body!! I'm 15 and I've already screwed both my knees up. What do you do when you don't surf? Skate for sure, or just hang with friends, but food is a big part of my life What's your goal for the next year? To actually get some good comp results!! And what about the future? I just want to make a living out of surfng and not have to work!!
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ROUND 2 RUNNERS-UP Charly Termeau
Name: Charly Termeau Age: 16 yrs old Years surfng: 10 Where you live: Hendaye, France Sponsors: Oxbow, Vans, Oakley, FCS, Gorilla, Semente, Go Pro Local break/s: Valencia Peak in Hendaye Favourite surfer? Mick Fanning Favourite place to surf? Keramas, Indonesia Favourite surf movie? Stranger than Fiction Favourite surf trick? Aerials Favourite board? Semente 5'6” 18” 2”1/4
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SM Charly Termeau grabs some air time. Photo: Stu Gaston
Hot Shots When and how did you become sponsored? I got sponsored when I was 9 years old by Oxbow. The team manager was a really good friend of ours and saw me surfng. What do you prefer, free surfng or competitions and why? I like free surfng because I can go surf with my friends, have fun times. I like competitions too because that gives me an idea of my level and what I have to train to win the next contest. What moment are you most proud of in your surfng career so far? Surfng new perfect waves Who in surfng inspires you most? Mick Fanning
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ROUND 2 RUNNERS-UP Charly Termeau
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SM Charly Termeau takes to the air with a double grab. Photo: Stu Gaston
Hot Shots When and where was your best surf session? My best surf session was in Keramas earlier this year. There were only 5 of us in the water, 5ft perfect waves for 2 hour session, and I was getting barrelled in every wave. What's the worst wipeout of your life? I was 13 years old, and I was in at Pipeline in big 7-8ft surf. I was alone at the peak,and a really good wave was coming. Everybody was shouting "GO! GO!" So I kind of had to go. I paddled into it, got up, and.... I seriously nose planted! What do you do when you don't surf? I hang out with my friends, play video games, watch surf movies and do physical training What's your goal for the next year? My goal is to get qualifed for the Pro Junior World Final in Indonesia, and then, make some good result at the WQS. And what about the future? In the future, I would like to make it onto the WCT, or have a really good ranking in the WQS, but I would prefer to qualify for the World Tour.
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ROUND 2 RUNNERS-UP Colin Deveze
Name: Colin Deveze Age: 15 Nickname: Steve Years surfng: 10 Where you live: San Clemente, CA Sponsors: Ripcurl, Lost Surfboards, Electric, OAM Local break/s: Rivi, T-Street Favourite surfer? Chippa Wilson Favourite place to surf? Surfside Favourite surf movie? Modern Collective Favourite surf trick? Straight air Favourite board? Lost Scorcher
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SM Colin Deveze flying with ease. Photo: Jared Sislin
Hot Shots What frst got you into surfng? My dad because he shralps When and how did you become sponsored? Mainly help from my dad and sending in videos, photos and that sort of stuff What do you prefer then, free surfng or competitions and why? Free surfng because you don't have this pressure on you to paddle battle and be on the best waves, you can do whatever you want whenever you want What moment are you most proud of in your surfng career so far? Probably when I got a shot in the NSSA contenders magazine because I normally suck at contests Who in surfng inspires you most? People like Dane who just say screw contests I want to have fun and make movies that people would want to see
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ROUND 2 RUNNERS-UP Colin Deveze
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SM Colin Deveze drives his tail round at T Street. Photo: Stu Gaston
Hot Shots When and where was your best surf session? I'd say the best ones are just when I'm surfng Rivi and I'm having the most fun possible What's the worst wipeout of your life? I was surfng this wave called North Gate in San Clemente and it breaks right on the sand and when I fell I ended up right on the beach and I put my hand out and ended up with a broken hand and a fn to the thigh What do you do when you don't surf? Skate and play video games What's your goal for the next year? Just do my best in contests because when you're young that's the only way you can really get exposure, and just try to have fun doing it And what about the future? Hopefully I'll be able to live the dream, travel the world surf, flm it, and make surf movies
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ROUND 2 RUNNERS-UP Harley Ross
Name: Harley Ross-Webster Age: 15 Nickname: Hross Years surfng: Since I was 9 Where you live: North Curl Curl Sponsors: Volcom, Channel Islands, Macbeth Footwear, Skullcandy Local break/s: Curly, Narrabeen Favourite surfer? Dane Reynolds Favourite place to surf? Snapper Rocks Favourite surf movie? Modern Collective Favourite surf trick? Barrel Favourite board? 5'10 Proton, Channel Islands
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Harley Ross hits it tail high. Photo: Stu Gaston
Hot Shots
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ROUND 2 RUNNERS-UP Harley Ross
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Harley Ross rotates a backhand air. Photo: Stu Gaston
Hot Shots What frst got you into surfng? Started off bodyboarding and tried to surf a body board and fnally got a surf board When and how did you become sponsored? Sponsors started to watch me after a few good results at surf comps ! What do you prefer then, free surfng or competitions and why? I prefer competition surfng because I like to catch up with my friends from other regions and it brings out the best in my surfng What moment are you most proud of in your surfng career so far? Just recently won the state titles and made it into the NSW surfng team Who in surfng inspires you most? Dane Reynolds again When and where was your best surf session? A recent trip to Maldives out at Sultans with just my mate and a local out! What's the worst wipeout of your life? My local break North Curly, just copped one on the head! What do you do when you don't surf? Eat and watch TV What's your goal for the next year? Win Aussie Titles And what about the future? Do the pro junior and qualify for the WCT
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ROUND 2 RUNNERS-UP Jackson Baker
Name: Jackson Baker Age: 16 Nickname: Jacko Years surfng: About 8 years now Where you live: Merewether, Newcastle Sponsors: Ripcurl, Channel Island Surfboards, Reef Footwear, Electric Visual, Sanbah Surfshop, Future Fins, Boardstixs, Fu Wax Local break/s: Merewether Beach Favourite surfer? John John Florence Favourite place to surf? Overseas Lances Right in the Mentawaiis and Backdoor in Hawaii; Around home a couple of sweet spots up north I visit a lot! Favourite surf movie? Kelly Slater Black and White, and Dear Suburbia are the bookends of my surf movies Favourite surf trick? Anything when my fns are free or covered by a lip! Favourite board? Channel Islands rookie wide tail or my DFR either board is nuts!
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Jackson Baker takes to the air. Photo: Jack Taylor
Hot Shots What frst got you into surfng? My dad pushing me into little waves when I was really young! When and how did you become sponsored? Well that was an interesting story, when I was 8 I entered my frst Ripcurl Grom Search event at Bar Beach and ended up making a heat or two and the Ripcurl team manager approached my dad about a possible sponsorship and went from there! What do you prefer then, free surfng or competitions and why? That's a hard one I like doing both. What moment are you most proud of in your surfng career so far? I have had a couple, but nearly taking out Marlon Gerber in a man on man heat at the Ripcurl Mentawai Pro at pumping Lances Right! Who in surfng inspires you most? Barton Lynch because he was such a ferce competitor but always with a smile on his face and such a great mentor!
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ROUND 2 RUNNERS-UP Jackson Baker
When and where was your best surf session? My best session was at Backdoor January this year! Got three of the deepest and most hollow barrels I've ever had! Felt like being in a dream! What's the worst wipeout of your life? One day in January out at Pipe, it was probably 6-8 foot and me, Jordy Lawler, Kanoa Igarashi and Leo Fiovanti all got caught inside by a macking set and it was that big when I looked up I couldn't even see the sky! Somehow we all managed to survive amongst broken boards and leggies.
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Jackson Baker grabs some more air time. Photo: Zac Heath
Hot Shots What do you do when you don't surf? Try to catch up on my schoolwork haha. And listen to music and have with my mates! What's your goal for the next year? To qualify for the Australian team for the World Titles and looking at making the top 15 of the Australian Pro Junior ranks in my frst year! And what about the future? Be the best I can be at what I am good at! And hopefully get me to where I wanna be in life!
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ROUND 2 RUNNERS-UP Jared Hickel
Name: Jared Hickel Age: 15 Nickname: Jickel Years surfng: 4 Where you live: Cronulla Sponsors: Chilli Surfboards, Carve Eyewear, Creatures of Lesiure, Sexwax, Triple Bull Surf Shop. Local break/s: Second Left and Voodoo. Favourite surfer? Julian Wilson, Michel Bourez and Andy Irons. Favourite place to surf? Voodoo, Snapper Rocks Queensland and D Bah Queensland Favourite surf movie? Scratching the Surface with Julian Wilson and Bending Colours with Jordy Smith. Favourite surf trick? Getting tubed, big airs and big carves. Favourite board? 5'10 x 18 ½ x 2 5/16 Chilli Surfboards.
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SM Jared Hickel with a sick barrel. Photo: Nick Hollman
Hot Shots What frst got you into surfng? I started surfng a little later than others, but what frst got me into it was just when I was down the beach competing in surf life saving, and seeing all these kids just surfng and playing around in the water which just gave me this instant urge to surf. When and how did you become sponsored? I got my frst sponsor from Triple Bull Surf Shop in 2011 after winning the Under 16s Sutherland Shire Regional Titles, and the momentum started from there. What do you prefer then, free surfng or competitions and why? I defnitely prefer competing, because I am a quite competitive person and I also love the feeling of winning. But there is nothing better than having a free surf and putting all my training and practice into having an amazing surf. What moment are you most proud of in your surfng career so far? There's a couple, this year I was selected in the Mark Richards U16’s National Training Camp at the HPC (High Performance Centre), qualifying at the state titles to represent NSW at the National titles for 2012 & 2013. And winning the Shane Pringle Memorial Award at the Sutherland Shire Regional Titles in 2011 for most outstanding Junior Performance. Who in surfng inspires you most? A lot of people inspire me within surfng like, my two coaches Matt Griggs and Blake Johnston. Also I love the opportunity to surf with Andy King at our local beaches and reefs and the advice he gives me. My mates also inspire me as we just keep on pushing and pushing each other with our surfng.
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ROUND 2 RUNNERS-UP Jared Hickel
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SM Jared Hickel about to get pitted again. Photo: Nick Hollman
Hot Shots When and where was your best surf session? 3 years ago I surfed 2nd Left for the frst time and It was a solid 6 – 8 ft and I just rode this wide one, and it hit the shelf and jacked up and I got my frst solid barrel, I was stoked! What's the worst wipeout of your life? I’m not too sure I haven’t had a major wipeout yet and hoping not to get one!! What do you do when you don't surf? When I’m not surfng I like to hang with my mates and I also do a lot of training. What's your goal for the next year? To continue improving my surfng, to make the Australian Titles and win, and also to be a solid contender in the Australasian ASP Pro Junior Series. And what about the future? I just want to push my surfng as much as I can so I can go and compete on the QS and then the WQS and one day the World Tour. And to also achieve a Major Sponsor.
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ROUND 2 RUNNERS-UP Jordy Maree
Name: Jordy Maree Age: 15 Nickname: Jordy Years surfng: 10 Where I live: Cape Town, Kalk Bay Sponsors: Hurley , Nixon , Dakine , Futures Fins , DVG surfboards Local break: Kalk Bay Reef Favourite surfer? Bobby or Andy Irons Favourite place to surf? Misty Cliffs or Seapoint in the Cape Favourite surf movie? Passion Pop it's old but its the best Favourite surf trick? Passion Pops but I can't land them so I would have to go with big air rotations Favourite board? My new Clayton 5'4, 17, 2 so nice
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Jordy Maree loving the green room. Photo: John Wilkinson
Hot Shots
What frst got you into surfng? Had to be my dad, he surfed on a longboard and I wanted to be just like him and so I asked him if he could teach me how to surf and the next day he bought me a 5'11 spider surfboard, that's how it started. When and how did you become sponsored? I got sponsored when I was about 9 by Billabong and then a few years later I think I was 12, Hurley offered me a great sponsorship, they saw me doing well and winning a few events and decided they wanted me on the team and I was super stoked to be on the team! What do you prefer then, free surfng or competitions and why? I really enjoy free surfng and competitions but I think I enjoy competition surfng more because it improves my surfng so much always trying to be the best and I like the competition. What moment are you most proud of in your surfng career so far? I'm most proud of coming 10th in the ISA World Junior Surfng Games. Who in surfng inspires you most? The person who inspires me the most is my dad because he has to work so hard to have money for me to let me have experience around the world and to always be there for me.
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ROUND 2 RUNNERS-UP Jordy Maree
When and where was your best surf session? It was a few months ago at Seapoint, got the longest heaviest barrels ever! What's the worst wipeout of your life? My worst wipeout was the other day at my home break, Kalk Bay, I decided to go on a big set and it was low tide, got so planted on the reef, cuts and smashed board. What do you do when you don't surf? When I don't surf I normally go and chill with my friends. What's your goal for the next year? My goal for the next year is to win World Games and charge big barrels! And what about the future? Not so sure, I want to be a World Champ or be a Pro free surfer and travel the world.
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SM Jordy Maree takes to the air. Photo: John Wilkinson
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ROUND 2 RUNNERS-UP Kyle Imgraben
Name: Kyle Imgraben Age: 16 Nickname: Grommy Years surfng: 8 Where you live: Adelaide, South Australia Sponsors: Quiksilver, Emery Surfboards, Dragon sunglasses, Skullcandy and Shapers fns Local break/s: Seaford Favourite surfer? Julian Wilson Favourite place to surf? Secret spots around South Australia, Goldy and Byron are fun though. Favourite surf movie? Slow Dance Favourite surf trick? Air Reverse Favourite board? “Black Angel” by Emery
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SM Kyle Imgraben grabs a green room moment. Photo: Darren Longbottom
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ROUND 2 RUNNERS-UP Kyle Imgraben
What frst got you into surfng? My family, Dad surfed and brought me and my older brother, Mitch down to the beach, we both stood up and have been hooked since! When and how did you become sponsored? I have been sponsored for around 5 years now, I was approached by the Quiksilver Rep from South Aus (Scott Stevensons) when I was 12 and won the U16 division at the state titles and I have just been gaining sponsors since from just surfng and having fun really, won a few comps on the way. What do you prefer then, free surfng or competitions and why? Free surfng, because you can surf for hours with your friends and push your surfng, but there’s nothing like winning a contest such an awesome feeling. What moment are you most proud of in your surfng career so far? 3rd in Australia for the tag team event with my partner Luke Sykora. Who in surfng inspires you most? Julian Wilson When and where was your best surf session? Secret spot, South Australia What's the worst wipeout of your life? Messed my knee up doing a floater to the flats on a single fn, knee is still not good and that was 2 years ago.
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Kyle Imgraben grabs some air time. Photo: Darren Longbottom
Hot Shots What do you do when you don't surf? Skate, train, lay in bed and want to surf but it's flat... What's your goal for the next year? Do a couple Pro Juniors, get good footage, travel, froth out haha And what about the future? Just surf have fun and try and take it as far as I can
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ROUND 2 RUNNERS-UP Leon Glatzer
Name: Leon Glatzer Age: 16 Nickname: My family calls me Chicho Years surfng: 8 Where you live: Pavones, Costa Rica Sponsors: Volcom, Filtrate eyewear, Swox, Fatum surfboards Local break/s: Pavones, Punta Banco Favourite surfer? John John Favourite place to surf? Home Favourite surf movie? Lost Atlas Favourite surf trick? Kerrupt flip Favourite board? Fatum
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Leon Glatzer glides through a backhand whack. Photo: Stu Gaston
Hot Shots What frst got you into surfng? My Mom When and how did you become sponsored? Because of the ISA World Junior Surfng Championships in Panama 2012, they liked my surf and results What do you prefer then, free surfng or competitions and why? Comps because there is nothing better than winning though free surf is good with no pressure! What moment are you most proud of in your surfng career so far? My result in the ISA World Junior Surfng Championships 2013 in Nicaragua, I got 5th Who in surfng inspires you most? Dane Reynolds
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ROUND 2 RUNNERS-UP Leon Glatzer
When and where was your best surf session? At home it's a perfect left and you can do anything you want, best time was June 2012 What's the worst wipeout of your life? It was in France in 2012 it was 10 feet What do you do when you don't surf? Eat and play soccer
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Leon Glatzer whacks his tail round. Photo: Stu Gaston
Hot Shots What's your goal for the next year? Get a good result in the ASP Pro Juniors and win the ISA And what about the future? No idea! I try not to think about it too much!
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ROUND 2 RUNNERS-UP Quinn Bruce
Name: Quinn Jack Bruce Age: 14 Nickname: Quinny Years surfng: 6 years Where you live: Duranbah Beach, Gold Coast, Australia Sponsors: Volcom Stone, Hammo surfboards, Creatures of Leisure, Otis Eyewear and Sex Wax. Local break/s: Duranbah Favourite surfer? My Dad Favourite place to surf? South Straddie Favourite surf movie? Modern Collective Favourite surf trick? Big Hack Favourite board? 5'7 High performance, Hammo Surfboard.
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Quinn Bruce brings it tail high. Photo: Stu Gaston
Hot Shots What got you into surfng? My Dad and my Brother were surfng all the time and I was doing life saving, I loved being in the water! My Dad taught me and I've been out there everyday since! When and how did you become sponsored? A local guy in Noosa named Shannon Neil when I lived on the Sunshine Coast got me with Volcom when I was 12. What do you prefer, free surfng or competitions and why? I really enjoy competitions and being in a heat but travelling to surf good waves is my favourite things to do!
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ROUND 2 RUNNERS-UP Quinn Bruce
What moment are you most proud of in your surfng career so far? In Tasmania for the Australian titles I won the U16 Allstar titles. Who in surfng inspires you most? My Dad for sure, he is out there everyday no matter what the conditions and just guys like MIck Fanning, John John Florence, guys who are pushing the sport.
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Quinn Bruce grabs some more air time. Photo: Stu Gaston
Hot Shots When and where was your best surf session? In South Australia, Pondalowie Bay, No one around just me my Dad and my Brother and a perfect peak, the water was freezing but it was an epic surf! What's the worst wipeout of your life? A 6 foot day at Snapper Rocks, I got washed under water for 20 meters. What do you do when you don't surf? When I don't surf I'm either watching a surf movie, skating or fshing! What's your goal for the next year? I'd like to get some ratings in the Pro Juniors, maybe even win one too and do some QS's which is my main goal! And what about the future? I'd love to see myself on the CT which is my dream, but you know I'm gonna do as many QS's as I can the next few years and just travel, surf for a living and enjoy myself!
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ROUND 2 RUNNERS-UP Rhys Barfield
Name: Rhys Barfeld Age: 15 Years surfng: 5 Where you live: Harlyn Bay Sponsors: Quiksilver, Carve Eyewear, Fluid Juice Surfboards, FCS Fins, Gorilla Grip, Constantine Bay Surf Stores. Local break/s: Constantine and Harlyn. Favourite surfer? Cory Lopez Favourite place to surf? Hossegor Favourite surf movie? A Fly in the Champagne and Modern Collective. Favourite surf trick? Backhand Air Reverse. Favourite board? 5'10, 18 â…›, 2â…›, Squash tail. What frst got you into surfng? My Dad. When and how did you become sponsored? I got picked up by Quiksilver at the King of the Groms in 2009. What do you prefer then, free surfng or competitions and why? I like a bit of both, I really enjoy free surfng as you can do what you want when you want and keep trying new things. But I do enjoy competing, mostly when you win! What moment are you most proud of in your surfng career so far? Making the Progression Finals at the Europeans last year.
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SM Rhys Barfield carving on his forehand. Photo: Stu Gaston
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ROUND 2 RUNNERS-UP Rhys Barfield
Who in surfng inspires you most? Andy Irons for his drive, and Dad because of his enthusiasm and his outlook on surfng. When and where was your best surf session? Australia at a beach break called Straddie with Micah and Dad. What's the worst wipeout of your life? Hossegor when it was big and messy and I had a clean out set on the head! What do you do when you don't surf? Watch surf flms, hang out with friends and family and a bit of skating. What's your goal for the next year? To compete and do well in the Europeans and the Worlds. And what about the future? To become the best surfer I can and to stay involved in surfng.
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SM Rhys Barfield and his backhand attack. Photo: Stu Gaston
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ROUND 2 RUNNERS-UP Thelen McKinna-Worrell
Name: Thelen Mckinna-Worrell Age: 16 Nickname: T-Rod Years surfng: 5 Where you live: Malibu, California Sponsors: Quiksilver, Channel Islands Surfboards Local break/s: Little Dume, Westward Favourite surfer? Bobby Martinez Favourite place to surf? Hawaii Favourite surf movie? Trilogy Favourite surf trick? Layback Favourite board? Fred Rubble
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SM Thelen McKinna-Worrel takes to the air. Photo: Simeon Sturges
Hot Shots What frst got you into surfng? When I was 11 I was a skater along with all my friends and one day they all started surfng so I joined them. When and how did you become sponsored? 3 years ago I did well at nationals and the Quiksilver team manager liked my surfng. What do you prefer then, free surfng or competitions and why? Competition because I love winning.
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ROUND 2 RUNNERS-UP Thelen McKinna-Worrell
What moment are you most proud of in your surfng career so far? Making the Open Men's (18 and under) fnal at 14 Who in surfng inspires you most? Conner Coffin When and where was your best surf session? I'm not sure. Probably at home at Little Dume this summer What's the worst wipeout of your life? I got sucked over the falls on a 20 footer in Nicaragua What do you do when you don't surf? Skate What's your goal for the next year? Win And what about the future? Hopefully I can make a career out of surfng and make the World Tour.
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SM Thelen McKinna-Worrel works up to hitting that lip. Photo: Simeon Sturges
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ROUND 2 RUNNERS-UP Timothe Bisso
Name: TimothĂŠ Bisso Age: 16 Nickname: Tim Years surfng: 10 years Where you live: Guadeloupe Sponsors: Oakley, Reef, SeventyOne Percent, Fishbone Surfboard, Arcade Mfg, Future fns fns Local break/s: Roba Favourite surfer? Chippa Wilson and John John Florence Favourite place to surf? France Favourite surf movie? Done and Dear Suburbia Favourite surf trick? Slob air reverve Favourite board? Fishbone, 5'8 17 3/4 2 1/8 What got you into surfng? I was born in the surf with my mom and my dad. My dad is a shaper so I was destined to be a surfer When and how did you become sponsored? Last year, Yann Martin gave me the opportunity to be in the Oakley European Team. He trained me and coached me during the Pros Juniors and the other contests. What do you prefer, free surfng or competitions and why? I prefer competitions cause I like to compare my surf with others and compete with them and also I love the feeling when you win a heat or the contest haha What moment are you most proud of in your surfng career so far? The moment that I'm proud of in my surfng career was when I fnished 4th in the fnal at the Lacanau Pro Junior because I guess that it's great to compete with older guys and I had the chance and the waves to beat them until the fnal, I guess that's very good for a 15year old boy! Who in surfng inspires you most? I think Mick Fanning is the best surfer to be inspired because he's very focused and he has a very powerful but also radical surfng style.
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SM Timothe Bisso tearing the lip apart. Photo: Cat Gregory
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ROUND 2 RUNNERS-UP Timothe Bisso
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SM Timothe Bisso takes it tail high. Photo: Stu Gaston
Hot Shots When and where was your best surf session? My best surf session, it was in France at La Graviere in April. Perfect barrels, no wind, sunrise and with all my friends out. What's the worst wipeout of your life? My worst wipeout in my life, I think it was in Guadeloupe in a big swell my head hit the reef when I fell in a barrel. What do you do when you don't surf? When I don't surf, I sometimes skate, or chill with my friends or most of the time I do ftness training. What's your goal for the next year? My goal for next year is to win a Pro Junior and some other contests. And what about the future? Where do you see yourself in fve to ten years time? In the future, I see myself in the World Tour, and in the best surf movies!!!
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GROMS WHO WOULD BE KING!
So that's our top pick of Groms who would be King and while only a few of them will actually have a chance at becoming King of the Groms in this year's international fnal in Hossegor later this month, where they will with any luck get some good green room time like French Junior Surf team member Gatien Delahaye here, we very much expect to see many if not all of these guys dominating the surfng world in the years to come!
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SM Gatien Delahaye getting deep in a Hossegor green room. Photo: Stu Gaston
Hot Shots
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The Arrogance of Youth
Or SURPHANG's Grom Guide to Going Good Words & Photos: Stu Gaston
Ok so we've all been guilty of it in our day – the arrogance of youth that is, thinking we know best, thinking we know it all, thinking we're king of the jungle! Thing is, most of us realise pretty quick that this kind of behaviour is doing us no favours and quikcly grow out of it, realising a more modest approach is more appealing! Thankfully, the pages of this magazine are full of young up and coming surfers who really seem to be keeping themselves on a pretty even keel and not thinking that they're head and shoulders above the rest. However, for anyone considering that path that leads some to believe that they are so good that they need not bother conversing with us lowly surf journalists, here's a cautionary tale to consider frst...
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SM As the lights go down, make sure everything about you...
The Goss arrogance n. offensive display of superiority or self-importance; overbearing pride; the state or quality of being arrogant; arrogant n. having or showing an exaggerated opinion of one's own importance, merit, ability, etc.
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The Arrogance of Youth Just over twelve months ago, I sat down between heats at a 5-star ASP event abroad and got talking to a fellow photographer and journalist. He was not a happy man though. I listened on as he began to rant and rave about what he'd just experienced. Sent by his publishers to interview the current rankings' leader, he'd just caught the young surfer to ask for an interview. He paused, so I asked what had been the reply. He took a deep breath and continued saying there had been no reply – the kid had just snubbed him and gone over to talk to his mates. My fellow journalist was now fuming because this 'kid' was sponsored by a big brand who advertised regularly in his publisher's magazine and so being able to interview this surfer would have been quite a scoop. But that aside, he went on to make a really valiuable point. This kid was happy to be sponsored, happy to get the free gear every few months and happy to have this brand pay for the surfer's travel and accommodation costs and competition entry fees. And where did all the money for all this come from? From the very people who buy that brand's products, and at this point ironically, my fellow journalist pointed to the very branded top he was wearing!
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SM ...has lit up your entire performance.
The Goss Well point made, I simply empathised having experienced similar (and know that many in our business have too – only have to read some of the surf photographer blogs to know this) and so after exchanging a few more wise words, I headed back to the beach, note pad in hand. What happened after that I don't know, except that that surfer didn't make the fnal and I next saw my fellow journalist actually interviewing the event winner. But the story doesn't end there. In fact this story had completely passed me by until I returned to the event this summer... Oddly enough both surfer and journalist crossed my path again but how fortunes can change. The surfer now had an empty nosed board and seemed to be without many mates for support either. Meanwhile I didn't actually see the journalist in person at frst but rather caught a glimpse of him on the main event webcast! When I caught up with him face to face later that day, I discovered that he now ran his own media event company who just happened to have won his country's license to broadcast all the ASP events! So what's the point to this 'cautionary tale'? Well the tag line puts it across pretty well - 'As the lights go down, make sure everything about you has lit up your entire performance'. It's simple really – just blowing up in the water isn't enough to earn yourself a set of stickers anymore (and the numbers of surfers recently losing theirs is proof enough of this). Nowadays you also have to be an ambassador to your brand and that means you are to put it crudely a walking billboard. So everything you do has to show your brand in a good light and that means you do have to go out and meet your public, you do have to give as many interviews as are asked of you and you do have to roll up at the competition events with a certain air of humility. So in a nutshell, if you're good enough to have stickers on your board and sponsors behind you, show you're grateful for it in everything you do and you'll go far!
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T H E G A L L E R Y
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Maxime Huscenot hits the lip. Photo: Cat Gregory
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Josh Burke gets to work in the air. Photo: Alan Burke
T H E G A L L E R Y
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T H E G A L L E R Y
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Josh enjoys jumping above the lip. Photo: Alan Burke
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Josh Burke gets airborne on his backhand too. Photo: Alan Burke
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T H E G A L L E R Y
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Micky Clarke claims some air time. Photo: Brian Scott
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Surphang Magazine
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Peter Crisanto keeps moving his surfing to the next level. Photo: Stu Gaston
Next Issue The next issue of SURPHANG sees us hitting a big one! Yes it's our Twenty First, our Coming of Age if you like! So we thought we'd hook up with some surfers also hitting the big 21 this year, like our friend Mr Crisanto here who's certainly been turning some heads while he's been over here in Europe this summer competing on the ASP European Star Tour. He'll soon be heading home to Brazil and so we thought we'd take a look at a few of his fellow countryman plus we've heard some amazing things about Nicaragua, fast becoming the surfng world's new Bali. As ever then, there's plenty to come from SURPHANG ISSUE TWENTY ONE!
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Thanks for reading the Twentieth issue of
Surphang Magazine
Here they come... September swells. Photo: Benoit Raoul