Surphang Magazine Issue 29

Surphang Magazine Issue 29

Proudly presents

The Pro Show

Carlson's come back!

Champ Chats

Kevin's Caning it!

Eros Flies Again!

Connor and Co.

Fun at the Flowhouse!

Surphang Magazine

01 - SM

'Fly me to the Moon!'

If you like progressive surfing, then you'll love California!

Blessed with consistently small but punchy surf, surfers from Trestles to T Street, from Salt Creek to San Diego are all pushing the boundaries of their aerial antics. So seeing as Supporting Upcoming Rider Potential Here And Now Globally really is our thing, we can't but help love everything about airs!

So buckle up because there's a high flying thriling ride ahead!

Josh Benjoya's been getting higher and higher over Salt Creek!

Photo: Jared Sislin SM - 02

03 - SM

Surphang Magazine

Magazine Editor: Stuart Gaston Contributing Photographers: Catherine Gregory, Sarah Bunt and Jared Sislin

Staff Photographer: Stuart Gaston

Send any photographic submissions for future issues of the magazine to: surphangmagazine@ymail.com

Cover Shot: Ethan Carlston's confident slob!

Photo: Stuart Gaston

Hiroto Oohara flying over the lip.

Photo: Catherine Gregory

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This Issue's Features

Carlston's Come Back!

Champ Chats

Kevin's Caning It!

Surphalosophy

A year ago, Ethan Carlston was out of the water with a serious knee injury – now look at him go! We caught up over coffee!

Fresh from his National Title, Kevin Schulz talks to us about the highs and lows of his life – namely airs and Lowers!

Eros Exarhou really is awesome by name as well as awesome by nature so we hooked up with this fly-in from Florida!

The Pro Show

Plus new feature,

Hot Wotnots...

Rubber Bandits and 05 - SM

THE GALLERY

Eros Flies Again!

ThisIssue

Connor and Co.

SURPHOGRAPHY Jared Sislin

Fun at the Flowhouse!

We had to catch up with lots of upcoming surfers in California!

So here's Connor Haddadin and a couple more rippers!

In the third instalment of our new surf photographer feature, we are lucky enough to be able to share the work of Jared Sislin!

Continuing our look at man's ability to mirror the magic of waves, this time we find out more about the FlowBarrel!

Salt Creek cranking into life!

Photo: Jared Sislin

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Welcome to

The Pro Show Carlston's Come Back!

Words & Photos: Stu Gaston

07 - SM Ethan Carlston catching up with some air time at Lowers!

Photo: Stu Gaston

Ethan Carlston is currently on a come back and it won't be long before he's up there again alongside the other big Cali names where he belongs. Good friends with Kolohe and the Gudauskas brothers, Ethan is respected by all the local surfers in San Clemente and after what he's been through it's no surprise. We first met Ethan before his injury took place so now two years later, we were really keen to see how he was getting on now he's back in the water!

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Carlston's Come Back!

09 - SM Ethan Carlston making one helluva come back at Lowers!

Photo: Stu Gaston

The Pro Show

Name: Ethan Carlston Age: 18 Years surfing: 6 years Where you live: San Clemente Sponsors: Hurley, Superstix Surfboards, Ello Gum, Future Fins, Blackline MFG, Watermans Sunscreen, PNL Skate trucks, DSC Performance Local break/s: Lowers/T-Street Favourite surfer?

Mick Fanning and Julian Wilson Favourite place to surf?

Anywhere with good waves and warm water Favourite surf movie?

Bending Colours Favourite surf trick?

Barrels Favourite board?

5'11�Hamish Blackstar

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Carlston's Come Back!

What first got you into surfing?

I moved to San Clemente when I was 11 and my dad surfed so he made me do it too but at first I really sucked so bad – all the other kids made fun of me. But when I was 12, my good buddy Kevin Schulz who played soccer with me, quit the team to focus on surfing. He got me to come with him and because he was starting to get really good, he actually got me into it too – I was stoked!

11 - SM Ethan expressing himself at his local!

Photo: Stu Gaston

The Pro Show When and how did you become sponsored?

I knew I wasn't really that good but I surfed every day and trained hard to get my surfing to a high level. After getting some results and putting out a few web clips, I was now about 15 and my trainer introduced me to the Hurley guys and it went from there.

What do you prefer, free surfing or competitions and why?

I'm a competitor at heart so even free surfing's competitive for me because I'm always trying to push myself.

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Carlston's Come Back!

13 - SM Ethan just slobbing around!

Photo: Stu Gaston

The Pro Show What moment are you most proud of in your surfing career so far?

Pretty much coming back from my injury. It's made me respect people who have done the same like Mick Fanning and Taylor Knox but still gone on to make it big.

Who in surfing inspires you most?

Anyone that can go through some kind of trial like an injury or some kind of pressure and still find the inner desire to succeed.

How big a part does surfing play in your life?

Pretty big I mean it's not everything but it's definitely a huge part of my daily life from just surfing to relax to surfing to make a living.

At the end of the day it's always there!

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Carlston's Come Back!

15 - SM Ethan engaging in more serious air time!

Photo: Stu Gaston

The Pro Show So almost 2 years ago now, that part of your life took a major blow when you became injured.

What happened to cause the injury at first?

It was actually when I was trying out new boards down in Baja. My wax was slippery and I did an air. My foot slipped and my leg bent funny and hurt. Nothing popped though and I thought I was alright though my knee kept locking. I still surfed a bit longer but it was locking and hurt so once I got home I just rehabbed for a week – I thought it was just a meniscus tear or something like that. I actually surfed an NSSA contest at Huntington Pier that weekend and made the Quarters but by now it was hurting so much.

But of course as things progressed, it turned out it was much worse than you first thought. What was the final prognosis and what had to be done to treat it?

Well I went that week or so testing it out and it felt better but it then locked really badly after the contest so I got it checked out. They X-rayed it and the results came through – it showed that there was actually a piece of bone missing. They then suggested doing an MRI but beforehand, my knee completely locked – I couldn’t even bend it for the MRI. When the results came back from that though, the prognosis was I had Osteochondritis dissecans. Basically there was a bit of bone missing, and the cartilage had grown to fill the gap and when I injured myself that bit of cartilage had popped out – so my knee was locking when it then rubbed against the bone. I was now put onto a donor list for a piece of bone to fill the gap. I had to wait 6 months before a donor came up but then I was able to go in for surgery and have the bone allograft to replace the missing bone in my knee.

The op actually went well and so after that I was in rehab.

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Carlston's Come Back!

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Ethan takes it tail high!

Photo: Stu Gaston

The Pro Show In the meantime though, no surfing. How long were you out the water then and what did you do to stay sane?

I was out the water for another four months (ten months in total) and during that time I was mostly doing lots of physical rehab with Kevyn Dean. Other than that, I really got into filming – I like it alot because it's something cool you can do which isn't physical but it's really creative and you can express a lot about yourself through it.

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Carlston's Come Back!

19 - SM Ethan Carlston's come back looks convincing enough!

Photo: Stu Gaston

The Pro Show So can you remember when you finally got back in the ocean?

What was that like?

First time felt so weird. The ocean felt huge, just like a desert and it felt so vast, I found it hard paddling and I bruised my ribs, my shoulders hurt and my knee hurt at first. All I'd been able to do beforehand was pull ups and swimming so there were a lot of muscles you use for surfing that I'd just not used for almost a year. It felt so strange.

Luckily, I got back into it quite quick though.

Now from what I hear from other locals and from what I've seen myself, you're now ripping harder than ever! How long did it take you to get fully back on your game?

Shortly after, I felt like I got back into surfing and got my confidence back quite quickly and after a couple of months I was getting back to where I was before the injury.

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Carlston's Come Back!

21 - SM Ethan exercising some stalefish practice!

Photo: Stu Gaston

The Pro Show And what about your aerial game? How much did you have to practice before you were landing those trademark airs again?

At first airs came easier to me than big turns. I was landing air reverses after about 3 months. But I really had to work on my turns and my rail game. To be honest though, it's more about that power surfing nowadays as air reverses don't make you stand out anymore. It's only just about now that I really feel like I'm ready to be doing the really big airs that I need to be to stand out.

So despite it all, you're still always going big out there!

What's your favourite air then?

Definitely Stalefish full rotations And which one/s are you working on to add to the Carlston repertoire?

Well I want to try new things, Superman air reverses, tuck knees, judos and anything skateboard influenced. I'm a skater too and with airs it's all about style, how high you go, nailing the grabs and just focusing on how it looks. I'm really inspired by Dane Reynolds and Nate Tyler and how they're always pushing airs, making them higher and doing new things.

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Carlston's Come Back!

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Capturing more of Ethan Carlston's aerial repertoire!

Photo: Stu Gaston

The Pro Show

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Carlston's Come Back!

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While some float gently by, Ethan Carlston's aiming high!

Photo: Stu Gaston

The Pro Show

So after everything that happened, why are you still surfing? Why not take up a safer sport like golf?

I've always had it in my head that I want to be a professional surfer ever since I started back at the age of 12. I'm now at the age where I want to put everything into surfing that I can to be as big as I can. I love bettering myself and I love the whole feel of knowing there are new things that I can still try – you don't get that in any other sport I know.

So now you're back on form, what's your goal for this year?

My goal this year, whatever it takes, is to get into as many events as I can and win as many heats as I can!

And what about the future?

Where do you see yourself in five to ten years time?

I just see myself working hard at whatever I'm doing and hopefully that's still in surfing!

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Champ Chats Kevin's Caning It! Words & Photos: Stu Gaston

27 - SM Kevin Schulz is sure caning it with this one!

Photo: Stu Gaston

Last time we caught up with Kevin Schulz for a chat, he'd just become a West Coast Champion. Now another year on, he's represented his nation at the World Junior Surfing Games and just taken his first National Title. So we knew we had to catch up with him for another chat about where things are at for this quickly upcoming American surfer!

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Kevin's Caning It!

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Kevin Schulz showing us why he won the National Airshow Title!

Photo: Stu Gaston

CHAMP CHATS Since we last caught up with you, the past year has been another epic one – winning the NSSA Nationals Airshow last summer must have been a highlight so talk us through that first?

I was super stoked on that. It was my first national title and my only one so far! It was a huge win for me.

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Kevin's Caning It!

31 - SM Kevin working the wave at Lowers!

Photo: Stu Gaston

CHAMP CHATS Then of course 2013 saw you representing America at the ISA World Junior Surfing Games, this time in Nicaragua as well as many other notable contest performances. So talk us through that event and other notable moments in your contest season?

Nicaragua was amazing, being on the USA surf team and going to surf worlds was one of my main goals. The waves were firing everyday and I made a few rounds which in turn helped the US team to a Bronze!

Becoming a member of the PacSun USA Surf Team had been one of your goals for a long while. Now having graduated from the team, you've been working hard to forge yourself a strong position on the ASP Pro Junior circuit with a great start at the Fins Pro Junior where you reached the Semis. Talk us through that contest in particular and how it all went?

The Fins Pro Jr. is always one of my favorites. I have some really good friends there and I had a lot of support on the beach which gave me a lot of confidence going into the event. The semi ended up being a close battle with my good buddy Parker and he got the best of me in that one! I can't wait to head back this year.

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Kevin's Caning It!

33 - SM Kevin working hard on his competitive surfing!

Photo: Stu Gaston

CHAMP CHATS So what are your goals for the coming year?

I would like to win nationals, its a tough feat but I've been working really hard and I feel good right now.

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Kevin's Caning It!

35 - SM Kevin Schulz showing some fin!

Photo: Stu Gaston

CHAMP CHATS The surfing talent in the US is extremely high now!

So how do you rate your surfing peers over there at the moment?

Everyone is surfing better and better each day which in turn pushes me as well.

The local pros are such rad people. Nate Yeomans and the Gudangs are on fire right now.

And which of them would you least want to be drawn up against in a heat and why?

Those guys are on a whole different level, but I would really enjoy surfing a man on man with Nate Yeomans.

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Kevin's Caning It!

37 - SM Kevin Schulz shralping!

Photo: Stu Gaston

CHAMP CHATS And what about training? How do you keep on top of fitness and keep on pushing your level of surfing?

I train at DSC with Kevyn Dean. I've been doing quite a bit of strength training and it has for sure been showing in my surfing.

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Kevin's Caning It!

39 - SM Kevin and some powerful carving!

Photo: Stu Gaston

Now you're from California with some of the best waves that the US has to offer on your doorstep! So how does Lowers compare to other top surf spots around the world in your opinion?

Lowers is the most rippable wave around.

Beachies are everywhere but Lowers is the only spot that allows for more than one good turn on a wave.

CHAMP CHATS

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Kevin's Caning It!

41 - SM Kevin Schulz shredding at Lowers!

Photo: Stu Gaston

You've recently been off on a trip to frozen Canada, quite an extreme to your local spots! How was that then?

It was really cold.

Snow, ice, the whole nine yards. It was the best experience of my life though!

CHAMP CHATS

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Kevin's Caning It!

43 - SM Kevin mixing it up with a stalefish!

Photo: Stu Gaston

CHAMP CHATS And what about any other plans for travelling? Where around the world do you really want to surf?

I would like to go back to Canada, the coast line is so unexplored and I can pretty much guarantee that there are waves better than Lowers out there.

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Kevin's Caning It!

45 - SM Kevin Schulz showing he means business!

Photo: Stu Gaston

CHAMP CHATS Finally then, where do you see yourself in five to ten years time?

I would like to be graduated from college and in the top 50 in the world making a push for the tour. Its a long journey but a fun one as well.

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Surphalosophy

Eros Flies Again!

Words & Photos: Stu Gaston

47 - SM Eros Exarhou executing an impressive aerial manoeuvre!

Photo: Stu Gaston

surphalosophy Eros Exarhou is a rising talent if ever there was one! Having flown over from Florida for a summer in San Clemente, Eros (pronounced 'airos') really stood out among the Lowers crowd for all the right reasons. Spotting the Hurley sticker on the nose of his board and seeing he was a good friend of Ethan Carlston's, we knew that Eros was everything SURPHANG stands for – so we had to hook up with this upcoming rider!

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Eros Flies Again!

49 - SM Eros airing during a fun sunset session!

Photo: Stu Gaston

surphalosophy

Name: Eros Exarhou Age: 19 Years surfing: 8-9 years Where you live: San Clemente for the summer but from Daytona Beach, Florida Sponsors: Hurley, Stance, Freak Traction Local break/s: Ponce Inlet/ New Smyrna Favourite surfer?

John John Florence and Taj Burrow Favourite place to surf?

Lowers Favourite surf movie?

Stranger than Fiction Favourite surf trick?

Stalefish Favourite board?

5’8” Mayhem

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Eros Flies Again!

51 - SM Eros tearing tail high over another righthander!

Photo: Stu Gaston

surphalosophy What got you into surfing?

My mum used to take me to the beach everyday when I was like 7 and threw me out on a boogie board – I just loved it and it made sense living so close to the beach. When I was 8, my mum bought me my first shortboard (a Mayhem) and I just taught myself to surf.

When and how did you become sponsored?

My first sponsor was Glass who sponsored me for clothing back home when I was just 12. Then I went to Billabong from 13 until I was 16. After that I was sponsorless for almost 2 years, but now Hurley have picked me up after I got speaking to Asher Nolan who helped me out loads.

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Eros Flies Again!

53 - SM Eros can air just as well off his backhand too!

Photo: Stu Gaston

surphalosophy How big a part does surfing play in your life?

Too big, it's pretty much life right now.

That's why I got my place out here in Cali so I can be training and doing all I can to do well in the Pro Juniors and some QS events as well.

Who in surfing inspires you most?

Actually John John, he got injured but then just comes back and does a massive alley oop at Bali – that's just amazing how he just blows up like that.

What do you prefer, free surfing or competitions and why?

I actually really like contests. I mean I love free surfing but I kind of like the pressure of contests. I'm kind of like scared at first but once you've got that first wave down, you're in your zone trying to nail the best performance you can give on the day.

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Eros Flies Again!

55 - SM It's not all about airs... Eros Exarhou executes a solid roundhouse cutback!

Photo: Stu Gaston

surphalosophy What moment are you most proud of in your surfing career so far?

I won the Skull Candy Pro Junior back in November 2012 over in Virginia just before I injured my foot and was out the water for four months.

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Eros Flies Again!

57 - SM Eros airing at T Street with a tail high stalefish!

Photo: Stu Gaston

surphalosophy So how did that affect your momentum at quite a key point of your career?

Well after the metatarsal in my right foot fixed itself, soon after I was back surfing, I then tore my meniscus just surfing out at T Street. I was out another seven months while that healed.

You were out the water pretty much a whole year until quite recently then?

How was it getting back into it after such a long time out?

Well yeh I was back surfing in February but it all came back really quick actually. I was back competing in March at the RonJon Pro Junior at Coco Beach - I made it to the Quarterfinals so I was pretty stoked with that.

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Eros Flies Again!

59 - SM Eros tearing apart another righthander at Lowers!

Photo: Stu Gaston

surphalosophy

So now you're back on it, what's your goal for this year?

I want to do well in all the Pro Juniors so I can hopefully make the ASP World Juniors, I also want to do a few QSs and up my ranking and of course go on as many surf trips and do as much travelling as I can.

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Eros Flies Again!

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Eros Exarhou executing another impressive aerial manoeuvre!

Photo: Stu Gaston

surphalosophy Where have you travelled to already then? And where was your best session?

Ive been Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Nicaragua and Hawaii. Rockies was definitely one of the best.

What's the worst wipeout of your life?

At Pipe, I got pretty rocked there! I'd just turned 17 and I got slammed!

What do you do when you don't surf?

I play a lot of golf, do yoga and train.

Where do you train then?

DSC Performance with Kevyn Dean. What I do with him has had a huge impact on my surfing.

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Eros Flies Again!

63 - SM Eros Exarhou flying yet again!

Photo: Stu Gaston

surphalosophy So why surfing?

Why not any other sport?

I played soccer for 6 years and I had a scholarship and I was on the travelling team but one day I woke up and I was over that and just wanted to surf!

Finally what about the future?

Where do you see yourself in five to ten years time?

Well hopefully, I'll have won a couple of contests. I just want to be in the surf industry, maybe as a rep for a company, helping out but definitely still in the surf industry.

If that doesn't work out, then I'd help out with my Mum's restaurant and take that on for her one day.

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Connor and Co. Words: Stu Gaston; Photos: Stu Gaston & Cat Gregory

65 - SM Connor Haddadin flying on his magic board like Aladdin!

Photo: Stu Gaston

HotShots

California is home to a considerable crew of talented upcoming surfers.

For now, here's our pick of three at the top of their tree who will be ones to watch in the future!

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Connor Haddadin

67 - SM Connor Haddadin whacking the lip at Lowers!

Photo: Catherine Gregory

HotShots

Name: Connor Haddadin Age: 18 Nickname: Condoggydog Years surfing: 6 Where you live: Dana Point California Sponsors: Lira clothing, Jonesea wetsuits, and Infinity Surfboards Local break/s: Only secret spots can't tell you that!

Favourite surfer?

Nick Mora he shreds with insane style.

Favourite place to surf?

The ocean.

Favourite surf movie?

Blue Crush, cant beat it.

Favourite surf trick?

If getting tubed is a trick its a pretty sick one.

Favourite board?

Probably the high five but all Infinity boards are sick.

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Connor Haddadin

69 - SM Connor Haddadin having fun at Salt Creek!

Photo: Stu Gaston

HotShots What first got you into surfing?

Moving to the coast.

How big a part does surfing play in your life?

A very large portion!

When and how did you become sponsored?

Its all about who you know!

What do you prefer then, free surfing or competitions and why?

Free surfing because competitions take away the relaxing feeling you can only find in a good free surf.

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Connor Haddadin

71 - SM Connor Haddadin on a high!

Photo: Stu Gaston

HotShots

What moment are you most proud of in your surfing career so far?

There are too many moments wouldn't be able to answer that!

Who in surfing inspires you most?

I don't really look toward other people I just do it for myself.

When and where was your best surf session?

Salt Creek.

What's the worst wipeout of your life?

I've never fallen so I don't know.

Do you train as well as surf?

Yes.

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Connor Haddadin

73 - SM Connor caning a lefthander at the Creek!

Photo: Stu Gaston

HotShots What's the healthiest thing you ate today?

A veggie burrito.

What do you do when you don't surf?

I accede to academics and partying.

So why surfing?

Why not any other sport?

Nope everything else is lame.

What's your goal for the next year?

Enjoy high school.

And what about the future?

College bound.

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Kei Kobayashi

75 - SM Kei Kobayashi grabs some air time at Lowers!

Photo: Catherine Gregory

HotShots Name: Kei Kobayashi Age: 15 Nickname: Keichan Years surfing: Since I was born Where you live: San Clemente Sponsors: O'Neill, Electric, Lost Surfboards, Fu Wax, FCS, Etnies Neck Tans, Watermans, DSC Performance, Luv Surf, Board and Brew, Stance Socks.

Local break/s: Lowers

Favourite surfer?

John John Florence Favourite place to surf?

Lowers Favourite surf movie?

Done Favourite surf trick?

Layback Favourite board?

Mayhem (V2 short board)

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Kei Kobayashi

77 - SM Kei Kobayashi cruising over the lip at Lowers!

Photo: Catherine Gregory

HotShots What first got you into surfing?

My brother and my dad watching them since I was a little grom.

When and how did you become sponsored?

I got sponsored when I was 8 when I started to do contests.

What do you prefer then, free surfing or competitions and why?

I love competition, and I also love free surfing, I have a passion for both!

What moment are you most proud of in your surfing career so far?

I'm most proud of my results!

Who in surfing inspires you most?

John John Florence

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Kei Kobayashi

79 - SM Kei Kobayashi caning a Lowers lefthander off his backhand!

Photo: Catherine Gregory

HotShots When and where was your best surf session?

Surfing Lowers with my good friends What's the worst wipeout of your life?

Probably in Nicaragua, I took off and air dropped on like a 10 foot wave and got so worked haha What's the healthiest thing you ate today?

Fruit and salad What do you do when you don't surf?

I golf with friends when I don't surf

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Kei Kobayashi

81 - SM Kei Kobayashi loving some lip bashing at Lowers!

Photo: Catherine Gregory

HotShots

Do you train as well as surf?

Yes I train at DSC Performance with Kevyn Dean, it has helped my surfing so much What's your goal for the next year?

My goal for the next year is to get picked for the USA surf team and win US Champs and Nationals And what about the future?

My future is to become a surfer on the WCT!!!!

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Garrett Blair

83 - SM Garrett Blair and his backhand flair!

Photo: Stu Gaston

HotShots Name: Garrett Blair Age: 17 Nickname: Geb Years surfing: 5 Where you live: Laguna Niguel, CA Sponsors: Infinity Surfboards Local break/s: Salt Creek and Lowers Favourite surfer?

Julian Wilson Favourite place to surf?

Lowers Favourite surf movie?

Modern Collective Favourite surf trick?

Barrel Favourite board?

5'5 Infinity High Noon

What first got you into surfing?

Friends who surfed and my dad When and how did you become sponsored?

Bought an Infinity board and kept in contact with them as my surfing began to progress What do you prefer then, free surfing or competitions and why?

Free surfing because it's more fun and less stressful What moment are you most proud of in your surfing career so far?

When my high school surf team, Dana Hills surf team, won SSS state championships for shortboarding in April.

Who in surfing inspires you most?

Blake Stelter because he has passion

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Garrett Blair

85 - SM Garrett Blair loving life in the green room!

Photo: Jared Sislin

HotShots

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Garrett Blair

87 - SM Garrett Blair flaring off a Lowers lefthander!

Photo: Stu Gaston

HotShots When and where was your best surf session?

Puerto Escondido last summer What's the worst wipeout of your life?

Tried to ride a wave all the way onto the shore at Doheny and my board flipped over and jabbed into my ribs and they were bruised for a week.

Do you train as well as surf?

Yes, at DSC Performance.

What's the healthiest thing you ate today?

A pizza What do you do when you don't surf?

Skateboard and school What's your goal for the next year?

Get bigger barrels And what about the future?

Go to college and get a good job so I can afford to travel a lot!

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SURPHOGRAPHY Jared Sislin Words: Stu Gaston; Photos: Jared Sislin

In the third of our new Surphography series, we speak to young American surfer and surf photographer, Jared Sislin about his passion for surf photography and what he wants to achieve in his life and career.

Name: Jared Sislin Age: 18 Years surfing/shooting: 6 years Where you live: Laguna Niguel, California Local break/s: Salt Creek Favourite surf photographer?

Probably Clark Little Favourite place to shoot?

Definitely home Favourite shooting stance (water or land)?

Water

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Gazing out through the green room!

Photo: Jared Sislin

surphography

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SURPHOGRAPHY Jared Sislin

91 - SM Michael Carpenter nicely covered up at Salt Creek!

Photo: Jared Sislin

surphography

When and how did you get started shooting surfing?

I started shooting photos in seventh grade with a $100 water camera. I started getting some really good surf shots of my friends and empty wave shots. Some of the photos that I got with that camera made it into features on Surfline.

I eventually saved up and stepped up my equipment and got a legit setup.

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SURPHOGRAPHY Jared Sislin

93 - SM Garrett Blair getting into another green room!

Photo: Jared Sislin

surphography

What do you find most fascinating about shooting surfing then?

The fact that the ocean is always changing, and photographers are putting themselves in more critical spots around the world in some of the biggest waves everyday, risking their lives for a good shot.

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SURPHOGRAPHY Jared Sislin

95 - SM Josh Benjoya enjoying some sunset air time!

Photo: Jared Sislin

surphography

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SURPHOGRAPHY Jared Sislin

97 - SM Nathan Carvalho grabs some air time at Salt Creek!

Photo: Jared Sislin

surphography

What inspires you about leading a shooting career then?

Knowing that the possibilities are unlimited when it comes to photography. There are so many places that I can travel to and capture images that most people might not ever get a chance to see.

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SURPHOGRAPHY Jared Sislin

99 - SM Lucas Taub taking it to the lip!

Photo: Jared Sislin

surphography

What do you enjoy most about surf photography then?

I get to capture images that only are there for a split second and share them with people. I also just enjoy getting good surf shots of all my friends that I have grown up with at Salt Creek.

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SURPHOGRAPHY Jared Sislin

101 - SM Connor Haddadin high flying over the Creek!

Photo: Jared Sislin

surphography

Who in surf photography influences you most?

My influences are Clark Little, Hank Foto, Scott Winer, Art Brewer. Scott Winer has influenced me a lot, he's like a mentor to me.

He lives on an island in Fiji, shooting surf photos, but when he is in town he always comes over to help me out by giving me advice.

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SURPHOGRAPHY Jared Sislin

103 - SM Nathan Carvalho caning the lip at Salt Creek!

Photo: Jared Sislin

surphography And who else has helped you reach where you are today?

Dan Boehne of Infinity Surfboards, who helped me get my first photos published in diferent surfing magazines. Also Mark Gabriel, owner of the Mint Fine Art Gallery in San Clemente, who shows and sells my work at his gallery.

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SURPHOGRAPHY Jared Sislin

105 - SM Capturing the moment at Salt Creek!

Photo: Jared Sislin

surphography

What do you enjoy most about surf photography then?

I get to capture images that only are there for a split second and share them with people. I also just enjoy getting good surf shots of all my friends that I have grown up with at Salt Creek.

What do you do when you aren't shooting?

Surfing mostly or hanging out with friends, swimming, paddleboarding, music.

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SURPHOGRAPHY Jared Sislin

107 - SM Not a bad place to want to spend your life!

Photo: Jared Sislin

surphography So what's your goal for this next year? And what about the future?

I plan on going to Orange Coast College after I graduate Dana Hills and majoring in photography. Then I will transfer somewhere after that and figure out exactly what type of photography I want to focus on, along with surf photography, which I will do forever.

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Fun at the Flowhouse!

Photos: Jared Sislin Words: Stu Gaston

109 - SM Josh Benjoya enjoying some tube time at the FlowBarrel!

Photo: Jared Sislin

surphangaday

For centuries, Man has always tried to improve on Nature – sometimes successfully and sometimes not. For surfers all across the globe, the ultimate question is can Man create a machine that gives the same feeling as riding a natural wave? Well with wave pools and Wavegardens now a reality, it could be very soon that surfers everywhere can find out for themselves. By this time next year, the UK could see the second Wavegarden in the world built inland in North Wales but for now any land-locked or wave-starved surfer has but one option – the Flowrider experience! Last time we took our crew of upcoming British surfers to try out the basic Flowrider so this time round, fellow surf photographer across the big Atlantic pond, took a couple of mates, upcoming surfers Josh Benjoya and Brandon Sheldon, back to the next level of flowriding, the FlowBarrel at the Wavehouse in San Diego and we asked them to share their thoughts on whether this experience came closer to the feeling of really getting tubed.

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Fun at the Flowhouse!

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Josh Benjoya getting to grips with the power of the FlowBarrel!

Photo: Jared Sislin

surphangaday

First though, what's the official take on this waveriding technology? Well here it is: “The FlowBarrel, mother of all artificial wave machines, is the closest man has come to recreating the power, challenge and beauty of Banzai Pipeline, Hawaii’s surf reef break.

The only FlowBarrel in the United States resides at WaveHouse Beach Club and has challenged everyone from tourists to Olympic gold medalists to flowboard its perfect, tubing wave. This 10 foot wave machine pumps 100,000 gallons of water per minute over a uniquely shaped ride surface creating an endless barreling wave.”

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Fun at the Flowhouse!

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Josh Benjoya bringing his riding style to the mix!

Photo: Jared Sislin

surphangaday

So far so good then but can this artificial wave really rival the power of Pipeline itself?

After all is flowriding actually anything like surfing? In fact what is flowriding? Once again, here's the official take on that fact: “Flowboarding, riding a flowboard standing up or using a bodyboard on a FlowRider or FlowBarrel is a hybrid boardsport that is a complex equation of riding styles and equipment: Surfing (minus the fin) + Snowboarding (minus the mountain) + Wakeboarding (minus the boat)+ Skateboarding (minus the road rash) + Skimboarding (minus the sand).”

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Fun at the Flowhouse!

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Josh Benjoya enjoying flowboarding on the FlowBarrel!

Photos: Jared Sislin

surphangaday

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Fun at the Flowhouse!

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Josh just having fun!

Photo: Jared Sislin

surphangaday

Well that's the official line, but what's the reality? Time to get talking to Brandon and Josh and see what these upcoming surfers made of man's attempt to immitate nature, to recreate the power of Pipeline itself!

Over to Brandon Sheldon first then...

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Fun at the Flowhouse!

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Brandon Sheldon getting barrelled out of his mind!

Photo: Jared Sislin

surphangaday

So Brandon, have you been on the FlowBarrel before?

Yes, this was my second time doing it.

How was it returning for another session?

Any easier second time round?

Sure second time was much easier, I didn't even stand up first time haha.

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Fun at the Flowhouse!

121 - SM Brandon bracing himself for the exit!

Photo: Jared Sislin

surphangaday

What's the trickiest part to master about flowriding then?

The trickiest part is coming out of the barrel!

And how does it compare to other board sports, bodyboarding/surfing/skateboarding?

I feel like bodyboarding it simulates bodyboarding pretty good but surfing it is more like a mixture of wakeboarding and skating actually.

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Fun at the Flowhouse!

123 - SM Brandon Sheldon showing us how much he loves a long tube time!

Photo: Jared Sislin

surphangaday

So does it come close to the reality of scoring some solid tube time at your local spot?

Getting tubed at the Wavehouse is pretty sick. It's the best feeling coming out of a ten second barrel haha Now you've no doubt heard of the Wavegarden in Europe and the larger developments in the UK with a potentially barreling wave. Would that be better and worth a go?

I think the Wavegarden is really sick and I would love to surf it someday.

It would be just as awesome as the Wavehouse if not better!

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Fun at the Flowhouse!

125 - SM Josh Benjoya enjoying getting the motion down!

Photo: Jared Sislin

surphangaday

So Josh have you been on the FlowBarrel before?

Yes, this was my second time on the FlowBarrel.

How was it returning for another session?

Any easier second time round?

After your first time, you find you start to pick it up quickly and get the motion down.

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Fun at the Flowhouse!

127 - SM Josh Benjoya mastering that perfect combination of balance and speed!

Photo: Jared Sislin

surphangaday

What's the trickiest part to master about flowriding then?

You're constantly controlling balance and speed by pushing on your back foot to move farther towards the barrel and push on your front foot to move toward the shoulder.

It's really simple and frontsiders usually pick it up pretty easily.

And how does it compare to other board sports, bodyboarding/surfing/skateboarding?

I would say it's a mix between skim boarding and surfing.

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Fun at the Flowhouse!

129 - SM Josh just loving letting his legs handle a good long barrel!

Photo: Jared Sislin

surphangaday

So does it come close to the reality of scoring some solid tube time at your local spot?

It actually looks really similar to a real barrel and you can put yourself as deep as you want and stay in there as long as your legs can handle. I feel that it can help your tube riding game a lot out in the ocean if that's one of your weaknesses.

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Fun at the Flowhouse!

131 - SM Josh Benjoya biding his time in the FlowBarrel for now!

Photo: Jared Sislin

surphangaday

Now you've no doubt heard of the Wavegarden in Europe and the larger developments in the UK with a potentially barreling wave.

Would that be better and worth a go?

Yeah, the Wavegarden looks really sick!

I wouldn't say it's better just a different type of artificial wave. The Wavegarden is shifted more toward surfing and the Wavehouse is shifted more toward skimboarding.

So in your opinion, with Wavegardens in Europe and talk of Kelly Slater opening his own wavepark, is there a future in riding artificial waves?

I believe there is a future in it and it's just a matter of time until someone makes the perfect wave.

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Rubber Bandits Words: Stu Gaston; Photos: Stu Gaston & Sarah Bunt

133 - SM Tyler Littlejohns about to put his new Dunes wetsuit to the test!

Photo: Stu Gaston

HotWotnots Welcome to SURPHANG's new Hot Wotnots feature!

Here we will be reviewing the newest products on the surfing scene! First up our two product testers, Tyler Littlejohns and Henry Hudson tried out some alternative brands in the world of wetsuits – Dunes and Aviant – and they were stoked with how good the suits really were!

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Rubber Bandits I’ve just been able to test out the new Dunes Moon Suit Steamer 100% D-Flex stretch neoprene. It’s loaded with all the latest features – titanium infused jersey lining; fire fibre glued & blind-stitched liquid sealed seams; lockable, durable chunky chest zip; liquid seal cuffs and liquid seal shoulder opening; minimal seams; and Dunes less panelling cut with back panel allowing more stretch across the back. So far, after a couple of surfs, I’ve been stoked with it!

135 - SM Tyler Moon testing!

Photos: Stu Gaston

HotWotnots

Getting into the suit is super easy, it’s all made of the 100% Flex neoprene so even round the chest zip and neck flap was really stretchy and easy to get in and out of, not like some suits where you can feel like you’re about to pull your head off!

Out in the water, the suit’s really flexible round the arms making paddling really effortless.

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Rubber Bandits

When I was busting forward spins, the suit moved really well and you’d barely know you were wearing it. So all round, the Flex really works, easily the most flexible suit I’ve ever had!

137 - SM Tyler puts the suit through its paces!

Photos: Stu Gaston

HotWotnots

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Rubber Bandits

I’ve started using the 3/2 model in May in the UK when the water’s only really starting to warm up after our frigid winter but surfing early on a Sunday morning, I found it super warm, especially round the chest with its titanium infused jersey lining.

To be honest after about thirty minutes surfing, if anything I felt a bit too warm!

But over here in the UK that’s all good and should mean I can get a lot of use out of the suit right into Autumn and early winter when the water here starts to cool off again.

139 - SM The Dunes endurane test!

Photo: Stu Gaston

HotWotnots

I was well impressed when I got the suit to see that it had fully liquid sealed seams – knew it was going to keep me so much warmer and just stop too much water getting in the suit. Plus with the liquid seams on the cuffs and also round the shoulder opening, this has really improved the feel and overall practicality of the suit coz there was just no flushing at all. I could have stayed in for ages and not noticed the cold the suit’s that good!

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Rubber Bandits I’ve use a good variety of suits with chest zips now but found this one really strong and the strap to keep it in place was solid and didn’t pop open half way through a surf like so many suits often do. Also the knee pads felt really robust but also super comfy so I reckon that will be a real plus for drop kneeing. They moulded round my knee really well so again I don’t think I’m going to be finding rubs a problem.

141 - SM Tyler took the testing seriously but was stoked with the overall performance!

Photos: Stu Gaston

HotWotnots

Overall then, it’s a really sick suit! Comfort and flexibility for me were the two really noticeable points – I’ve not worn a suit that felt that comfortable and in which I could happily surf for hours.

All in all I’m really stoked to be using such a high standard of suit made especially for bodyboarders. Looking forward to seeing what Dunes can come up with in their next range!

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Rubber Bandits After the success of Dunes wetsuits over the past few years, Greg Sandmann has now launched Aviant wetsuits, the surfer's equivalent of its sister bodyboarding brand. Loaded with all the same hi-tech features, junior surfer Henry Hudson tried out a couple of the 5/3 models before letting us know what he thought of this new brand on the block.

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HotWotnots

The flexibility of the suit is really good in all the key areas, especially the arms which makes paddling out better and it's easy to put on which is always a bonus!

Henry Hudson haves a go at checking out Aviant wetsuits!

Photos: Stu Gaston & Sarah Bunt

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Rubber Bandits

Warmth wise the suit is excellent!

I've had surfs where I've been in for hours and haven't even been cold! The seams are good, hardly any water gets into the suit itself which is where the warmth comes from.

145 - SM Aviant underwater!

Photo: Stu Gaston

HotWotnots

The chest zip makes the suit so easy to put on and it's a really good, strong feature on the suit so it doesn't start slipping back half way through a surf like other designs I've had can do. The knee pads are strong and don't seem to be wearing down at all which is a real plus as a surfer.

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Rubber Bandits

147 - SM Henry happy with his Aviant wetsuit!

Photos: Stu Gaston & Sarah Bunt

I think that the suits are really good all round – the comfort of the suit is insane and I now find myself surfing for hours without even realising it they're just so good!

HotWotnots

So if you've liked what you've seen of Dunes and Aviant wetsuits, then check out more of their products here: http://www.dunesurfstore.com/ Or alternatively if you want more info on the suits, the email is coastocoast17@gmail.com

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T H E G A L L E R Y

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Jake Kelley jumps into action over a Lowers lip!

Photo: Stu Gaston

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151 - SM Colt Ward wangs it into layback!

Photo: Stu Gaston

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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Johnny Elles eyes an airborne opportunity!

Photo: Stu Gaston

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155 - SM Matt Passaquindici packs a punch off his backhand!

Photo: Stu Gaston

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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Jake Kelley keeping it up!

Photo: Stu Gaston

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159 - SM Mr Gudauskas goes for the grab!

Photo: Stu Gaston

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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Ethan Carlston working the car wash, yeah!

Photo: Stu Gaston

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163 - SM Colt Ward whacks out some spray off his backhand attack!

Photo: Stu Gaston

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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Kei Kobayashi kicks out!

Photo: Stu Gaston

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167 - SM Jake Kelley mid air control!

Photo: Stu Gaston

T H E G A L L E R Y

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Surphang Magazine

169 - SM Ryland Rubens is one of La Jolla's rising stars!

Photo: Stu Gaston

NextIssue Ryland Rubens is lucky enough to call the legendary break of Black's Beach his local! Of course, getting to surf such an epic wave for his training ground, young Ryland is turning out to be quite the epic surfer! So in the next issue we turn the spotlight on the overlooked area of South California and see what joys La Jolla has to offer – its time for some truly epic summer surf!

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Thanks for reading the Twenty Nineth issue of

Surphang Magazine

End of another day... end of another stay... tara for now T Street!

Photo: Stu Gaston