Surphang Magazine Issue 24
Issue 24
Proudly presents
Wish You wAUS Here... The Pro Show
Youthless riley! Champ Chats
Conquering Connor!
HOT SHOTS DOWN UNDER Surphalosophy Krups on the Up!
Surphang Magazine
'A Whole New Chapter Awaits!' There's nothing better than turning over to find something fresh and new awaiting you! Now you can take that as you will but of course what we mean is that 2014 has just began and so a whole new and exciting chapter of our surfing lives awaits us all! So what better way to start a fresh new set of SURPHANG issues than to look at some top up coming surfers who after some impressive opening chapters are just about to embark on possibly the most exciting parts of their surfing lives so far! And of course as well as all that, we've got a tantalising taste of some all time epic surf from the southern hemisphere, hopefully enough to keep us all in the northern half going until summer! So sit back, make yourselves more than comfortable and join us as we open up our own new and exciting chapter!
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Every surfer knows this feeling... Photo: Jesse Little
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Surphang Magazine
Magazine Editor: Stuart Gaston Contributing Photographers: Richard Agius, Paul Anderson, John Brumfield, Jake Evans, Harry Gibson, Zak Hawkes, Josh Lindsay, Jesse Little, Darren Longbottom, Mark Morgan, Blake Ormerod, Peter Perreaux, Mark Radford, Ben Shepherd, Harry Sweeney, Joe Wallace Staff Photographer: Stuart Gaston
Send any photographic submissions for future issues of the magazine to: surphangmagazine@ymail.com
Cover Shot: Kyle Imgraben grabs some tube time! Photo: Darren Longbottom
Jamie Krups gets 2014 off to a flying start! Photo: Harry Sweeney
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This Issue's Features
The Pro Show Youthless Riley!
One of Billabong's 'Youthless' crew, Riley Laing has already surfed some really, big waves – so we had to find out more!
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Champ Chats
Conquering Connor! This 2013 NSW Open State Title Champion will be hoping for yet another good year – time to chat with top surfer Connor O'Leary!
Wish You wAUS Here... While winter takes its grip, the southern hemisphere is having some great surfing sessions – here's a look at South Australia!
This Issue
Secrets in the South Dion Atkinson just joined the Tour but here he is at home enjoying a secret spot session with groms Kyle and Matt.
Surphalosophy
HOT SHOTS DOWN UNDER
Krups on the Up!
Jamie Krups is one surfer from Sydney who's mind is always on surfing and as he surfs so much, his surfings definitely on the up!
Australia's full of talented up and coming surfers so here's just some who will no doubt be ones to watch in the future!
Plus regular features, The Goss...
What Next from the Water?
and
THE GALLERY
An A-Frame to start another year of awesome surf! Photo: Joe Wallace
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Welcome to
The Pro Show Youthless Riley! Words: Stu Gaston; Photos: John Brumfield
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SM Riley Laing loves to hang in the green room! Photo: John Brumfield
The Pro Show
Riley Laing rose to the surfing world's attention last year as one of the crew of Billabong groms in the movie, 'Youthless'. As the title suggests, this group of talented groms is surfing way beyond their years but our friend Riley here really caught our attention for one very big reason, very big indeed! Riley is the youngest kid ever to surf Shipsterns! Yes Shipsterns that mentally massive, extremely powerful right hand reef breaking over super sized boulders off of Tasmania! We just had to talk to the very 'youthless' Riley!
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Youthless riley Name:
Riley Laing
Age: 15 Years surfing: 5 Where you live: North Entrance NSW Sponsors: Billabong, Dragon Sunnies, Future Fins, Vertra Sunscreen, Macbeth, Aerial 7, Surfers Choice, Banana Wax and Dakine Local break/s: North Entrance and a couple bombies and reefs. Favourite surfer? Andy Irons Favourite place to surf? Home, Hawaii and Shipsterns. Favourite surf movie? Done - John John Florence Favourite surf trick? Getting big barrels!!!
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SM Riley gets his rail working! Photo: John Brumfield
The Pro Show
What first got you into surfing? I just loved it! Kept going back out and trying to push myself every time to go bigger and better!
When and how did you become sponsored? I was about 11 or 12 when I first started getting sponsored. My first sponsor was my local surf shop "Surfers Choice". He then told me to put a resume together and that he will send it off to other company's to get sponsored.
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Youthless riley
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Riley Laing in his local green room. Photo: John Brumfield
The Pro Show
Now you've had some great moments in your surfing career so far like just being the youngest surfer to charge solid Shipstern Bluff in Tasmania! So talk us through that experience first and what it's like to surf such solid waves alongside other legendary surfers? I was telling my Dad that I wanted to go down to Shipsterns when I was about 12! Then when I was 13 my dad rang me up from school and said "There's a swell heading to Shipsterns for tomorrow. I'm coming to get you. I've booked a flight tonight at 6:00 and you've got to go pack all your boards". I was excited but nervous at the same time. I went down with my Dad, Scott Laing, Justen "JugHead" Allport and Mike Brennan. When we got to Tasmania, we went and got the Billabong jet ski and then we were off to Shipsterns. My first wave was my biggest wave that time and it pinched on me while I was in the barrel and I got smashed. I got heaps more waves that day and was so stoked to surf Shipsterns and to still be alive when I got back to the boat ramp. The second time I went down there was a lot bigger and all my surfing heroes were there like Kelly Slater, Mark Mathews, Ryan Hipwood, Marti Paradisis and more. I got the biggest barrel of my life, got blown out and Kelly Slater and everybody was Yahooing and whistling, it was the best feeling ever!!
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Youthless riley
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SM Riley whacks out his backhand attack! Photo: John Brumfield
The Pro Show
Since then you've just spent a season over in Hawaii, once again with some solid sessions I imagine! Tell us all about what must have been an epic trip! Yeah i had the best time in Hawaii. Got to surf Waimea and I got a couple of big ones out there. Plus Pipeline pumping and big Sunset, Rocky's and more. I didnt get as many waves as I would have liked at Pipeline on the big days because it was so crowded though! Before that, you had a stint over in Bali too. How was that then? I went over to Bali with Justen "JugHead" Allport for the biggest swell they've had in years. We surfed big Ulu's with just three other guys. It was sick fun.
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Youthless riley
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SM Riley's repertorie includes impressive Kerrupt airs too! Photo: John Brumfield
The Pro Show
Who in surfing inspires you? My coach Glen Hall inspires me. He put's in 100% all the time. He's been doing the QS for so many years and came so close to qualifying so many times but he finally qualified for the World Tour and reached his dream but unfortunately fractured he's back in a heat at Restaurants in Fiji which put him out for the rest of the year. He tells me all the things that he's done right and the things that he could have done better so one day when I'm in his position, I'll be able to use his advice and experience to hopefully reach my goal of being on the World Tour!
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Youthless riley
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SM Riley cruises through another green room! Photo: John Brumfield
The Pro Show
What do you prefer then, free surfing or competitions and why? I love doing both. So what about contests this past year? You're still only 15 with plenty of your career ahead of you so what have your contest highlights been so far? I haven't done too many comps this year because I've been doing a few more trips but I got 5th in the Occy Grom Comp and I got 13th in the Pro Junior at Coffs Harbour. I'm doing a lot more comps this coming year though. I imagine you have to overcome some solid surfing from your contenders. How do you rate your surfing peers in Australia at the moment then? Everybody is surfing so good these days, pushing each other to get better and better which is good for them and it makes us all get better with our surfing.
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Youthless riley
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SM Riley runs one off the top. Photo: John Brumfield
The Pro Show
And what about training? How do you keep on top of fitness and keep on pushing your surfing? I'm coached by Glen Hall and he has helped me out heaps. I do crossfit 2 days a week and do my own training the other days.
So you're from Australia and have surfed some epic breaks over there. How do those classic spots compare to others you've surfed around the world like Hawaii? Home isn't as crowded as Hawaii but still has some really good waves. Hawaii has a lot more bigger swells which I like but still has some good waves for airs and turns.
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Youthless riley
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SM Riley brings out his backhand again. Photo: John Brumfield
The Pro Show
So when and where has your best surf session been? Thats such a hard question. My top 3 would be at home on the Central Coast, Shipsterns with Kelly Slater and all my other surfing hero's and West Java where I went with Dylan Longbottom, my Dad and Spud to a crazy barrel right hander. And what's the worst wipeout of your life so far? I got two pretty bad wipeouts. One was at Shipsterns where the lip landed on my tail of my board and it just exploded on me ripping my booties and gloves off. The second was out West Java where I pulled into a big barrel and it closed out on me and I got sucked over the falls, hit the bottom dislocating my shoulder and couldn't surf for the rest of the trip.
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Youthless riley
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SM Riley rides a solid backhand barrel. Photo: John Brumfield
The Pro Show
You've obviously 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 really want to go to Tahiti and surf Teahupoo and also Jaws.
What do you do when you don't surf? I like to fish and skate.
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Youthless riley
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SM Riley Laing can lauch off his backhand too! Photo: John Brumfield
The Pro Show
What's your goal for the next year? To win comps and improve my surfing in small and big waves. Travel and keep chasing swells. And what about the future? To be World Champ one day and on the CT. And to win a Big Wave XXL Award.
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Champ Chats Conquering Connor! Words & Photos: Stu Gaston
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SM Connor O'Leary keeps that tail coming right round! Photo: Stu Gaston
Connor O'Leary has a healthy career ahead of him if his previous performances are anything to go by. He won the first ASP event to be held in Korea back in 2012 when he was only 17 then last year won the Go Pro Junior in Japan shortly after becoming the New South Wales State Open Champion. So now Connor will be looking to widen his conquest to the world stage as he once again undertakes the ASP QS events of 2014.
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CHAMP CHATS Name:
Connor O'Leary
Age: 18 Years surfing: Since i was about 6 so 12 years Where you live: Cronulla, Sydney, NSW Australia Sponsors: Quiksilver, Al Merrick, Ocean and Earth, Vestal Watches, Triple Bull Surfshop Local break/s: Cronulla Beach, Voodoo, Cronulla Point, Shark Island
Favourite surfer? Rob Machado, Nate Tyler, Dane Reynolds Favourite place to surf? Rocky Lefts, Angourie, South Straddie Favourite surf movie? Modern Collective Favourite surf trick? Getting Barrelled!!! Favourite board? Al Merrick Rookie
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SM Connor O'Leary carving up a lefthander at Lacanau last summer. Photo: Stu Gaston
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CHAMP CHATS
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SM Connor O'Leary off the top! Photo: Stu Gaston
What got you into surfing? My parents both surfed and mum was a professional Japanese surfer back in the day, so they influenced me alot. When and how did you become sponsored? I got an offer off Quiksilver when i was about 12. What moment are you most proud of in your surfing career so far? Probably representing Australia in the 2011 ISA World Juniors in Peru was an awesome opportunity; also recently winning my first WQS event in Korea and of course taking the NSW Open State Title last year. Who in surfing inspires you most? I don't really have an inspiring surfer, but Glen Hall has inspired me alot this past year He's kept going at it and at it on the WQS for some time now and finally cracked it to be able to qualify onto the World Tour but then of course had to pull out after that injury in Fiji so will look forward to hopefully seeing him back this year. What do you prefer, free surfing or competitions and why? I always love freesurfing and expressing myself and getting footage, but I've always loved competing, so I guess I like to mix it around.
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CHAMP CHATS
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SM Connor O'Leary and some powerful carving! Photo: Stu Gaston
When and where was your best surf session? I can't really tell you where was my best surf session because I can't really remember but I recently went to Bali before I came to Europe and got some amazing waves, surfed the left point at Canguu 5ft clean with the most perfect barrels with noone out! I was cheering!! What's the worst wipeout of your life? A few years ago I surfed Margaret River when I was 16 for the Aussie titles and it was huge, 8-10ft, and I ended up getting a 10ft clean on the head! Was the scariest moment of my life! And getting caught inside on a big one out Sunset last year!
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CHAMP CHATS
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SM Connor keeping traction in small French waves! Photo: Stu Gaston
What do you do when you don't surf? I usually go for a cruise around on the skate board, go and train if I am keen enough, maybe go hit some golf balls at the driving range. Do you train as well as surf? Yes I train 3 times a week, just to keep my fitness levels up and to get some more muscles in my legs, and to increase my core strength.
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CHAMP CHATS
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SM Connor O'Leary launches a slob and lands it! Photo: Stu Gaston
And if you didn't surf at all, what sport would you play? If I didn't surf, I would probably keep playing soccer. I stopped playing soccer when I was 14 because I was always away for surfing competitions so I never got to play. If you had unlimited money, what would you buy? I would buy mulitple houses around the best surf spots in Australia and the world, and a car that can fit surfboards easily in, haha What's the healthiest thing you ate today? I had eggs and fresh orange juice. What's your most overused word? Most overused word probably 'yeah'.
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CHAMP CHATS
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SM Connor O'Leary slobbing once again! Photo: Stu Gaston
What's your goal for the next year? Goal for next year is to hopefully make the top 50, or at least get a better seed for the year after. And what about the future? In five to ten years time I hope to see myself either in a solid spot for making the World Tour, or even just making a career in surfing if that doesn't work out, but still having a good ranking in the world rankings.
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Wish You wAUS Here... Words: stu gaston; Photos: Jesse Little & Joe Wallace
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SM A hidden gem in Southern Australia. Photo: Jesse Little
Hot Spots
If you're looking to get away from winter for some serious sun and surf, there's no better place to start than Australia! Most people head straight to Sydney and the Central Coast or Brisbane and the famous Gold Coast but perhaps starting off at Adelaide and the Southern Coast could be worth some consideration, especially when you see what's on offer...
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Wish You wAUS Here...
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SM An A-Frame set up. Photo: Joe Wallace
Hot Spots
Adelaide itself isn't renowned for surf so most local surfers head out onto the Yorke peninsula where the offerings are much more reliable...
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Wish You wAUS Here...
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SM A sight for sore eyes. Photo: Joe Wallace
Hot Spots
Right down at the tip of the Yorke peninsula is where things start to get interesting with plenty of good set ups just waiting to be surfed...
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Wish You wAUS Here...
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SM Someone's already getting slotted. Photo: Jesse Little
Hot Spots
And as it can be quite a mission round from Adelaide, you'll often only find one other guy already out...
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Wish You wAUS Here...
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SM Josh Lindsay setting himself up. Photo: Joe Wallace
Hot Spots
But with surf like this on offer, it's more than worth it...
A couple of empties. Photos: Joe Wallace
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Wish You wAUS Here...
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SM Inside that hidden gem! Photo: Jesse Little
Hot Spots
And once you get out there, well who wouldn't be stoked surfing this...
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Wish You wAUS Here...
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SM Matt Lindsay makes his final preparations... Photo: Joe Wallace
Hot Spots
Taking off into turquoise waters, welling up into perfect walls...
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Wish You wAUS Here...
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SM ...before travelling down the line... Photo: Joe Wallace
Hot Spots
With warm sunshine bearing down and giving that golden sheen.
...and take off! Photo: Joe Wallace
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Wish You wAUS Here...
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SM A nice little nugget of a righthander. Photo: Jesse Little
Hot Spots
In the right conditions, you can score endless empty barrels...
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Wish You wAUS Here...
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SM Matt Lindsay makes the most of some green room time. Photo: Joe Wallace
Hot Spots
Getting that endless ride of your life...
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Wish You wAUS Here...
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SM Bailey Lodge loving life. Photo: Jesse Little
Hot Spots
And all the time safe in the knowledge that the crowds are far away...
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Wish You wAUS Here...
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SM Bailey getting barrelled again. Photo: Jesse Little
Hot Spots
Meaning you've got all this for endless hours of play...
While Matt launches a fun little air. Photo: Joe Wallace
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Wish You wAUS Here...
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SM A golden barrel for Bailey. Photo: Jesse Little
Hot Spots
And as the sun descends towards its golden glow...
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Wish You wAUS Here...
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SM Luke Sykora looks back at a fun one. Photo: Joe Wallace
Hot Spots
Heading in from that epic session, you know...
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Wish You wAUS Here...
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SM One of many hidden gems in Southern Australia. Photo: Joe Wallace
Hot Spots
That somewhere on this awesome southern coast will be firing once again another day...
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Secrets in the South Words: stu gaston; Photos: Jesse Little & Joe Wallace
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SM After the trek, always good to see it was worth it! Photo: Joe Wallace
surphangaday
South Australian surfer, Dion Atkinson may have just made it onto the World Tour, but he's still got the stoke of his local groms at heart and so when he knows some of the secret spots along the south coast of Australia are going to be firing, he doesn't just keep it to himself, he gets on the blower and gets those local groms along with him so they too can be part of those epic sessions that drive surfers to go all the way! One such session went down here and Kyle Imgraben and Matt Lindsay were those local groms who are still frothing about it months later. Here's their story of the day...
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Secrets in the South
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SM A southern secret spot lighting up. Photo: Joe Wallace
surphangaday
“Dion gave me a call the night before and asked if i was keen for a surf. I said, Of course I am! He said, Sweet we're going to be shooting too so we will pick you up at 5. I always get excited when I know that there's going to be good waves and the forecast was looking great! I set my alarm for 4:30 am, woke up, ate some breakfast and then I heard them pull up.�
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Secrets in the South
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SM Suits on, boards waxed and out there... Photo: Joe Wallace
surphangaday
“Once we got there, it looked mental, about 15-20 knot offshores and pumping consistent 4ft lines coming through. We ran down the hill, got into our suits and headed straight out.� ...while the surf cranks up another gear! Photo: Joe Wallace
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Secrets in the South
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SM Dion Atkinson dives straight in, showing everyone how it's done! Photo: Joe Wallace
surphangaday
“Dion got some sick ones right from the start!”
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Secrets in the South
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SM Kyle Imgraben follows the lead, grabbing a good righthander... Photo: Joe Wallace
surphangaday
“He then started calling me into some sick ones too! It was so fun and the waves were pumping all day!�
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Secrets in the South
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SM ...and gets off to great start! Photo: Jesse Little
surphangaday
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Secrets in the South
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SM Kyle keeps getting kegged.... Photo: Joe Wallace
surphangaday
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Secrets in the South
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SM ‌ notching up some serious tube time. Photo: Jesse Little
surphangaday
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Secrets in the South
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SM Kyle Imgraben just keeps grabbing 'em... Photo: Jesse Little
surphangaday
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Secrets in the South
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SM ...and gets seriously shacked in this south coast gem! Photo: Jesse Little
surphangaday
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Secrets in the South
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SM Meanwhile, Matt Lindsay is making the most of the righthanders too! Photo: Joe Wallace
surphangaday
“Okay so from what I can remember, the day was really cold and a bit overcast too (had to wear two jumpers and a jacket). The water was ice cold and the waves were pretty big, around 4-6ft.�
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Secrets in the South
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SM Matt making the drop! Photo: Paul Anderson
surphangaday
“We were there most of the day and in between the closeouts and heavy wipeouts there were some really good waves to be had.”
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Secrets in the South
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SM Matt Lindsay loving his green room time! Photo: Joe Wallace
surphangaday
“The wind was a really stiff offshore which made it pretty hard to get into some of the waves,...�
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Secrets in the South
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SM Matt Lindsay loving that feeling! Photo: Paul Anderson
surphangaday
“...but if you got into a good one it was well worth it!”
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Secrets in the South
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SM Dion Atkinson doing what he does best! Photo: Joe Wallace
surphangaday
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Surphalosophy Krups on the Up! Words: stu gaston & Photos: Harry Sweeney
Jamie Krups will go a long way in the surfing world. How can we be so certain of that you ask? Simple – he's determined and he works hard at what he loves – surfing! And in our book anybody who works hard deserves to go all the way. Ok so that's all a bit idealistic but we hooked up with this kid last year and when we saw this latest batch of shots hit our inbox, we know this kid's going far! So here's your chance to get to know Jamie Krups – like any 16 year old grom, he doesn't give much away but we 're more than confident he'll be on the up in 2014!
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SM Jamie Krups going just one way... up! Photo: Harry Sweeney
surphalosophy
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Krups on the Up!
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SM Jamie Krups paddling out to the line up. Photo: Harry Sweeney
surphalosophy Name:
Jamie Krups
Age: 16 Nickname: Krup Years surfing: 7 Where you live: Sydney, Australia Sponsors: Fox Head, Macbeth Footwear, Aloha Surf Shop Manly, J Train Athletic, FCS, Gorilla Grip, Banana Wax, Chilli Surfboards Local break/s: North Steyne Favourite surfer? Dusty Payne Favourite surf spot? North Steyne Left Shorey Favourite surf movie? Modern Collective Favourite surf trick? Doing Jumps Favourite board? 5’9” Chilli Spawn
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Krups on the Up!
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SM Jamie Krups gets up to the lip... Photo: Harry Sweeney
surphalosophy
What first got you into surfing? Living by the beach. And how big a part does surfing now play in your life? A very large part.
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Krups on the Up!
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SM ‌ and smashes it one! Photo: Harry Sweeney
surphalosophy
So when and how did you become sponsored? A few years back, through doing contests. What do you prefer then, free surfing or competitions and why? Competitions because you can put yourself against others to get a measure of where you're at and what you need to do.
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Krups on the Up!
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SM Up, up and away at Manly! Photo: Harry Sweeney
surphalosophy
What moment are you most proud of in your surfing career so far? Beating my coach in a mock heat. Who in surfing inspires you most? Beau Mitchell.
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Krups on the Up!
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Jamie getting airborne! Photo: Harry Sweeney
surphalosophy
When and where was your best surf session? North Steyne Left Shorey-Everyday. What's the worst wipeout of your life? Waimea Bay, Hawaii.
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Krups on the Up!
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Jamie Krups kicking out one impressive fan of spray! Photo: Harry Sweeney
surphalosophy
What do you do when you don't surf? Eat food. Lots. Do you train as well as surf? Yes.
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Krups on the Up!
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Jamie Krups and another up! Photo: Harry Sweeney
surphalosophy
So why surfing? Why not any other sport? Because it is unlike any other sport. It's unique. And if you didn't surf at all, what sport would you play? I would do something that produces adrenaline. If you had unlimited money, what would you buy? The worlds biggest party. Jamie grabbing some more air time! Photo: Harry Sweeney
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Krups on the Up!
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Jamie chucks some tail. Photo: Harry Sweeney
surphalosophy
What's the healthiest thing you ate today? Avocado roll. What's your most overused word? And.
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Krups on the Up!
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Jamie Krups simply on the up! Photo: Harry Sweeney
surphalosophy
What's your goal for the next year? Win the trials to get into the Aus Open. And what about the future? Who knows. It’s the future.
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HOT SHOTS
HOT SHOTS
DOWN UNDER
DOWN UNDER
Words: stu gaston; Photos: Various
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SM Jackson Baker is just one of a talented crew of Hot Shots ripping in Australia right now. Photo: Jake Evans
Hot Shots Australia has a huge amount of surfing talent but more importantly it has a huge amount of support for developing that surfing talent. So here's another round of Australia's talented up and coming surfers who are all going to be names to watch in the future!
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Alex Hayes
Age: 15 Years surfing: 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 having fun on a lefthander. Photo: Ben Shepherd
Hot Shots
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Alex Hayes
What first got you into surfing? 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 surfing or competitions and why? They're two different things, I like free surfing 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 surfing career so far? Meeting all these cool people and going away heaps. Who in surfing inspires you most? John John Florence or Clay Marzo!
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SM Alex Hayes hitting the lip. Photo: Ben Shepherd
Hot Shots
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Alex Hayes
When and where was your best surf session? Definitely 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 surfing and not have to work!!
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SM Alex launching into an airborne opportunity. Photo: Ben Shepherd
Hot Shots
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Jackson Baker
Age: 16 Nickname: Jacko Years surfing: About 8 years now Where you live: Merewether, Newcastle Sponsors: Ripcurl, Channel Island Surfboards, Reef Footwear, Arnette, 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 fins 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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SM Jackson Baker throws some tail. Photo: Richard Agius
Hot Shots
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Jackson Baker
What first got you into surfing? 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 first 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 surfing or competitions and why? That's a hard one I like doing both. What moment are you most proud of in your surfing 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 surfing inspires you most? Barton Lynch because he was such a fierce competitor but always with a smile on his face and such a great mentor!
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SM Jackson Baker bottom turns to set himself up for... Photo: Richard Agius
Hot Shots
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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. 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 first 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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SM ...a stall into deep, blue barrel! Photo: Richard Agius
Hot Shots
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Josh Radford
Age: 19 Nickname: Rady or Little Rady Years surfing: 10 years Where you live: Central Coast NSW Australia, but moving to the Sunny Coast of Queensland Sponsors: Adrenalin Wetsuits, House of Marley, Brixton Clothing, Beck and HPS Surfboards, Gas Fins, Sanuk Shoes, Hurricane Grips and leggies, Freestyle Watches. Waxy Wax. Smith Sunnies Local break/s: break/s: Park, Catherine Hill Bay, Birdie Beach Favourite surfer? Jordy Smith, John John Favourite place to surf? Lakey Peak Sumabawa, Keramas & Sunset Favourite surf movie? Deeper Shade of Blue Favourite surf trick? Any air Favourite board? 5’8” x 18x 2” squash by Karl Hassle
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SM Josh Radford gives his rail a work out. Photo: Mark Radford
Hot Shots
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Josh Radford
What first got you into surfing? My Dad, he is a surf reporter, Surf Event Director and Indo Boat skipper So when and how did you become sponsored? Exposure as a grom, a few good results and my Dad What do you prefer then, free surfing or competitions and why? Free Surfing by far but comp surfing is an evil necessity What moment are you most proud of in your surfing career so far? Coaching new groms and them frothing around me, I was the same once Who in surfing inspires you most? John John and Craig Anderson and my Indo mates
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SM Josh Radford grabs some air time. Photo: Mark Radford
Hot Shots
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Josh Radford
When and where was your best surf session? Periscopes last year and home just a short while ago What's the worst wipeout of your life? Sunset and Backdoor Pipe Hawaii Do you train as well as surf? Sometimes What's the healthiest thing you ate today? Sushi What do you do when you don't surf? Skate board, Art work on boards and TV What's your goal for the next year? Big Indo Barrels and shape some great boards And what about the future? Become a great board maker
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SM Josh Radford with a pretty rad kerrupt! Photo: Mark Radford
Hot Shots
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Kyle Imgraben
Age: 16 Nickname: Grommy Years surfing: 8 Where you live: Adelaide, South Australia Sponsors: Quiksilver, Emery Surfboards, Dragon sunglasses, Skullcandy and Shapers fins 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 get to grips with the green room. Photo: Darren Longbottom
Hot Shots
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Kyle Imgraben
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SM Kyle Imgraben grabs one off the lip, releases his fins... Photo: Darren Longbottom
Hot Shots What first got you into surfing? 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 surfing and having fun really, won a few comps on the way. What do you prefer then, free surfing or competitions and why? Free surfing, because you can surf for hours with your friends and push your surfing, but there’s nothing like winning a contest such an awesome feeling. What moment are you most proud of in your surfing career so far? 3rd in Australia for the tag team event with my partner Luke Sykora. Who in surfing 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 fin, knee is still not good and that was 2 years ago.
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Kyle Imgraben 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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SM ...and finishes by kicking out his tail. Photo: Darren Longbottom
Hot Shots
Kyle Imgraben after another good days surfing! Photo: Jesse Little
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Matt Lindsay
Age: 20 Nickname: Flick Years surfing: 12 Where you live: South Australia Sponsors: Billabong, JS industries, Globe Local break/s: Seaford Favourite surfer? Craig Anderson Favourite place to surf? West Coast of South Australia Favourite surf movie? Who is JOB? Favourite surf trick? Air Reverse Favourite board? JS Revolution, but all JS boards go amazing.
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SM Matt Lindsay launching tail high. Photo: Joe Wallace
Hot Shots
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Matt Lindsay What first got you into surfing? My Dad when I was 8 years old.
When and how did you become sponsored? When I was around 13, through the support of the local surf shop ‘ONBOARD’ What do you prefer then, free surfing or competitions and why? Free surfing, you can set your own goals and have time to try new things. What moment are you most proud of in your surfing career so far? Making the finals of the King Of The Groms in Indonesia. Who in surfing inspires you most? Local surfers like Dion Atkinson and Teale Vanner, I aspire to achieve what they have some day.
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SM Matt Lindsay lets his fins loose. Photo: Joe Wallace
Hot Shots
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Matt Lindsay
When and where was your best surf session? On the West Coast of South Australia around a year ago now What's the worst wipeout of your life? Drilled into the sand at West Cape on the Yorke Peninsula, creased my board in three places. Do you train as well as surf? I swim twice a week, but apart from that I think surfing all conditions is the best training. What's the healthiest thing you ate today? A packet of m&m’s. What do you do when you don't surf? Either go to University, or skate the local skate park/ go fishing.
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SM Matt makes the most of some air time in Bali. Photo: Josh Lindsay
Hot Shots What's your goal for the next year? To try and make finals in all the South Australia open comps, this is a big goal and to achieve it would be amazing. And what about the future? I hope to just keep surfing and have fun; with maybe on day qualifying for the open international competitions; this would a life goal for me that would be incredible to achieve!
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Patrick Parker
Age: 16 Nickname: Pat, Pados Years surfing: 8 Where you live: Queenscliff, Manly Sponsors: Reef, Channel Islands, Filtrate Eyewear, Futures, Aloha Surf Manly Local break/s: Queenscliff/North Steyne Favourite surfer? John John Favourite place to surf? Queenscliff/North Steyne, Keramas and South Coast. Favourite surf movie? Dear Suburbia and Done Favourite surf trick? Getting barreled. Favourite board? 5’7 New Flyer
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SM Patrick Parker punts and releases his fins. Photo: Mark Morgan
Hot Shots
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Patrick Parker What first got you into surfing? My Dad when I was about 4-5 years old. But I really started to get into it at the age of 9. When and how did you become sponsored? I first got sponsored by Channel Islands by talking to the guys at Onboard Industries. What do you prefer then, free surfing or competitions and why? I like doing both because I think it’s a good balance. What moment are you most proud of in your surfing career so far? Probably getting to surf with Kelly Slater one day at Keramas when the waves were solid. I ended up scoring the front page of my local newspaper and getting on the Tracks website. Who in surfing inspires you most? John John Florence because he is one of the most progressive surfers in the world and still charges.
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SM Patrick Parker and his backhand snap. Photo: Harry Sweeney
Hot Shots
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Patrick Parker
When and where was your best surf session? Was probably a few years ago at Keramas when it was uncrowned and pumping! What's the worst wipeout of your life? I have had so many heavy wipeouts it’s so hard to pick the worst one haha. Off the top of my head, I remember when I was about 12, going over the falls after just not getting onto this 6 foot one at Ketewel and getting drilled on the reef. Do you train as well as surf? Yea I have been training with my coach Austin Ware a lot this year. What's the healthiest thing you ate today? Chicken burger! What do you do when you don't surf? In the Gym bench-pressing loads or playing GTA 5.
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SM Patrick Parker punts tail high. Photo: Harry Sweeney
Hot Shots What's your goal for the next year? Try entering a couple Pro Juniors and see how I go and just keep training and surfing a lot. And what about the future? Hopefully do well in the Pro Juniors in the next couple of years; eventually do the QS and try get onto the CT one day!
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Quinn Bruce
Name: Quinn Jack Bruce Age: 14 Nickname: Quinny Years surfing: 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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SM Quinn Bruce getting barrelled. Photo: Harry Gibson
Hot Shots
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Quinn Bruce
What got you into surfing? My Dad and my Brother were surfing 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 surfing 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! What moment are you most proud of in your surfing career so far? In Tasmania for the Australian titles I won the U16 Allstar titles. Who in surfing 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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SM Quinn Bruce gets airborne. Photo: Harry Gibson
Hot Shots
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Quinn Bruce 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.
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SM Quinn Bruce grabs a stalefish air. Photo: Harry Gibson
Hot Shots What do you do when you don't surf? When I don't surf I'm either watching a surf movie, skating or fishing! 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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Sheldon Simkus
Age: 16 Nickname: Shelly Years surfing: 12 Where you live: Tweed Heads Sponsors: O’Neill, DHD Surf Boards, Arnette Eyewear, Cooly Surf, Shapers Fins, Bananawax and Amazonia Aca’i. Local break/s: Snapper Rocks & Duranbah Beach Favourite surfer? Mick, Joel and John John. Favourite place to surf? Pipeline Favourite surf movie? Missing – Mick Fanning Favourite surf trick? BARRELS & Airs Favourite board? 5’6 DHD Puzzle Piece
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SM Sheldon Simkus works the righthander. Photo: Joanne Simkus
Hot Shots
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Sheldon Simkus
What first got you into surfing? I first started surfing when my sister used to push me onto waves at Little Mahli Rocks when I was 4 years old. I have been hooked on it ever since! When and how did you become sponsored? I was discovered at surfing comps when I was about 10 years old. What do you prefer then, free surfing or competitions and why? I love free surfing, trying the biggest airs and getting the deepest barrels but I prefer surfing in comps and competing against mates. What moment are you most proud of in your surfing career so far? My proudest moment so far would have to be competing in the King of the Groms at Snapper Rocks during the Quiksilver Pro. It was such an awesome feeling surfing your local break with three other groms out and hundreds of spectators on the beach. Who in surfing inspires you most? John John and Jordy Smith because they both compete on the highest level in surfing and both drop the best movies.
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SM Sheldon Simkus with a sunlit punt. Photo: Joanne Simkus
Hot Shots
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Sheldon Simkus
When and where was your best surf session? I have had awesome sessions at places like Cloudbreak, Restaurants and Pipeline and I’ve had a lot of stand out sessions at places like South Straddie, but I would have to say I’ve had the best sessions of my life at Snapper – when the swells right and the banks are good, It’s one of the best waves in the world. What's the worst wipeout of your life? The worst wipeout of my life would have been when I competed in the North Shore Surf Shop Pro Junior in Hawaii at Sunset Beach. The day before my heat they were contemplating holding the Eddie Big Wave Comp at Waimea, that’s how big the swell was! I saw a wave feather half a kilometre out the back and I thought to myself, get to the shoulder as quick as you can! I recall seeing a 15ft face gunning me down, I bailed and ended up getting drilled by the next three waves in the set, washed in and around and back out to the channel. It was an experience I’ll never forget.
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SM Sheldon Simkus sets his standards high. Photo: Joanne Simkus
Hot Shots Do you train as well as surf? I do train as well as surf but I believe the best training you can have is being out in the surf. What's the healthiest thing you ate today? A very delicious mango! What do you do when you don't surf? When the surf’s flat I love going fishing off the coast. What's your goal for the next year? Do as many Pro Junior comps as I can. And what about the future? I’m not quite sure what the future holds for me yet, I would love to travel the world doing comps and making movies, but what I know is I’ll be surfing as much as I can and living life to the fullest… yew!
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What Next from the Water? Words: stu gaston; Photos: Various
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SM Nic Doran delights in a well lit nugget. Photo: Peter Perreaux
The Goss Let's be honest, there's nothing more inspiring than a shot of a surfer getting slotted in a perfect barrel taken head on from the water itself. Or is there? Last year it was muted that the air reverse has had its day because too many surfers are overusing them. Well can the same be said about the classic barrel water shot therefore or will this angle always remain close to every surfer and surf photographer's heart?
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What Next from the Water?
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SM Kyle Imgraben grabs some more time in the green room. Photo: Jesse Little
The Goss Certainly, there still seems to be plenty of life left yet in that magic moment when photographer and surfer hook up simultaneously as one in a hollow cavern of perfection and capture the true wonder of the green room. It may still be true that only a surfer knows the feeling but with shots like this, the awesome sight of travelling down the tube have been opened up to all!
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What Next from the Water?
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SM Jared Hickel sets up for some tube time. Photo: Nick Hollman
The Goss And just like surfers keep pushing the limits of their sport to new heights, so in-water surf photographers keep pushing the boundaries of their craft to new angles with the current craze frothing over the 'surfer's eye view', trying to truly connect with the surfer's perspective of the all time tube experience.
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What Next from the Water?
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SM Toby Mossop takes off on a fun one. Photo: Blake Ormerod
The Goss Current king of the 'surfer's eye' shot is French surf photographer, Laurent Pujol who recently scored not one, not two or even three but four cover shots for his efforts, following top pro surfers through the barrel whilst also surfing himself and snapping the shot! No mean feat but with the bar set ever higher, no doubt it won't be long before we see much more of this angle.
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What Next from the Water?
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SM A golden sunset barrel. Photo: Jesse Little
The Goss So finally to the question, what next from the water surf photographers? As if surfing a barrel behind a surfer at the pinnacle of their wave riding skills wasn't already enough, no doubt someone somewhere is at this very minute floating around in some crystal clear waters, devising the next water related revolution. But for now, let's leave our imaginations to wonder at the kaleidoscope of colours that fill our watery world.
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T H E G A L L E R Y
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Riley Laing races along another backhand barrel. Photo: John Brumfield
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Harley Ross buries that rail deep. Photo: Ben Shepherd
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T H E G A L L E R Y
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Patrick Parker getting tubed in Bali. Photo: Courtesy of Patrick Parker
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Jackson Baker punt perfection. Photo: Jake Evans
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T H E G A L L E R Y
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Riley Laing launches into a fun one. Photo: John Brumfield
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Dan Greig grabs an airborne opportunity. Photo: Harry Sweeney
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T H E G A L L E R Y
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Patrick Parker finds green room perfection in Bali. Photo: Zac Hawkes
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Riley Laing riding a big one! Photo: John Brumfield
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T H E G A L L E R Y
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As the sun comes down, Jamie Krups is on the up! Photo: Harry Sweeney
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Surphang Magazine
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Getting inside a golden barrel. Photo: Jesse Little
Next Issue That terrific feeling as you can see light at the end of the tunnel is just like the moment when it dawns on you that you've reached another major milestone. With SURPHANG TWENTY FIVE, we will be 2 years old! So expect an awe inspiring issue coming your way direct from the spiritual home of surfing, Hawaii! We're keeping the cover shot well and truly under wraps at this point but it's a cracker and sets the tone for what will be a complete and utter celebration of everything SURPHANG from the past 12 months. Keep an eye out for all that and more next month!
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Thanks for reading the Twenty Fourth issue of
Surphang Magazine
Riley Laing looks to be pointing in the right direction to take 2014 head on! Photo: John Brumfield