Surphang Magazine Issue 30

Surphang Magazine Issue 30

Proudly presents

The Pro Show Griffindor!

Champ Chats The Great Dane!

So Cal Crew

The Joys of La Jolla

Ryes of the Rubens Gaume GoPro-ers to Lowers

Surphang Magazine

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'Rise and Shine' It's an exciting time in the surfing world! With the revitalised ASP emerging this year, surfing is starting to take it's place on the world sporting stage and who knows, if man can master the technology of waves, it might even find itself as an Olympic sport sometime soon! So it's an exciting time too to be an upcoming surfer and as ever, this issue is full with them!

There's no better way to start another day!

Photo: Ronald Hons

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Surphang Magazine

Magazine Editor: Stuart Gaston Contributing Photographers: Oliver Emsallem, Mark Harris, Catherine Gregory, Ronald Hons, Kyle Jetter, Poli Photography, and Chuck@Surf-Shot.com

Staff Photographer: Stuart Gaston

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

Cover Shot: Rise and Shine Ryland Rubens!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-Shot.com

Ryland Rubens roundhouse run.

Photo: Ronald Hons

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This Issue's Features

The Pro Show

Champ Chats The Great Dane!

Griffindor!

Griffin Colapinto's been dubbed as 'California's next big thing!'

So we checked him out surfing Lowers to see for ourselves!

Ryes of the Rubens!

With numerous National titles to Ryland Rubens will be rising to his name, Barbados's Dane Mackie surf stardom this summer as he is going places! We caught up with features in an all new surf film. him for a chat between contests!

So we just had to hook up!

Plus new feature,

Hot Wotnots...

Rubber Bandits and

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Surphalosophy

THE GALLERY

ThisIssue

The Joys of La Jolla

Gaume GoPro-ers toLowers

Surf photographer Ronald Hons shares the delights of his local breaks around La Jolla with us in this Hot Spot Special Gallery.

The revolution of the Go Pro has Southern California is literally afforded us angles on surfing some littered with talented upcoming had never seen. So Arthur Gaume surfers so here is yet another shows us California with a Go Pro. crop of the So Cal Crew!

So Cal Crew

San Diego surf searching!

Photo: Ronald Hons

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Welcome to

The Pro Show Griffindor!

Photos: Stu Gaston & Catherine Gregory Words: Stu Gaston

07 - SM Griffin Colapinto gets to the point at Lowers!

Photo: Stu Gaston

Griffin Colapinto is a name that once you have heard it, you won't forget it! If you are lucky enough to see Griffin in the water like we were, it will not only confirm his reputation in your mind but will no doubt also get you wondering what his future might hold. This super talented young surfer originates from San Clemente in California and is already punching well above his weight – and winning. But don't just take our word for it, check out Griffin surfing his favourite local spot, Lowers and see what we mean for yourselves!

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Griffindor!

09 - SM Griffin gives his backhand a bash!

Photo: Stu Gaston

The Pro Show Lowers is of course where you will often find Griffin, clawing into a mid-sized one before unleashing a perfectly choreographed barrage of airs, carves and tailblows that look too big to be coming from a 15 year old grom. And they are, yet he just keeps growing right into them!

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Griffindor!

11 - SM Griffin Colapinto carving up the Lowers right!

Photo: Stu Gaston

The Pro Show With a host of sponsorships, regular contest wins, a bagful of surf tricks and his youthful athleticism and strength on his side Griffin is set for a massive future in the industry. In fact even though he is still only 15, it seems a little unfair that he still has to carry the badge of 'grom' around with him. For now though, let's hear more from the lad himself...

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Griffindor!

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Griffin releasing some fin!

Photo: Stu Gaston

The Pro Show

Name: Griffin Colapinto Age:15 Age:15 Nickname: Griffindor Years surfing: 13 Where you live: San Clemente, California Sponsors: Billabong, Lost Surfboards, Sexwax, Creatures of Leisure, Von Zipper and Daphne's Local break/s: Lowers Favourite surfer?

Joel Parkinson Favourite place to surf?

Lowers Favourite surf trick?

Air reverse, inverted Favourite board?

Lost

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Griffindor!

15 - SM Griffin chucking his fins out again!

Photo: Stu Gaston

The Pro Show

What first got you into surfing?

My Dad started pushing me into waves at Sano when I was 2 years old.

When did you become sponsored?

In 2008, when I was 10 years old

by Ergo Clothing

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Griffindor!

17 - SM Griffin Colapinto carving!

Photo: Stu Gaston

The Pro Show

Who in surfing inspires you most?

Joel Parkinson Where was your best surf session?

Rincon

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Griffindor!

19 - SM Griffin chucking an impressive spray fan!

Photo: Stu Gaston

The Pro Show

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

Becoming World Champion in the grom division of the Volcom VQS in 2012, reaching the final of the ASP Fins Pro Junior in New Jersey and joining the USA Junior Surfing team What's your goal for the future?

I would like to become a pro surfer and make the tour.

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Griffindor!

Well it's not everyday you see a young man lay it on the rail like Griffin can. With a mixed bag of tricks and a solid rail game it's only a matter of time before he'll be gracing print covers around the world. Griffin ain't scared of a big air either and at 15 years old he just might be 'California's next big thing,' a scary but reasonable title we think!

21 - SM Griffin Colapinto punting high over Lowers!

Photo: Catherine Gregory

The Pro Show

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Champ Chats The Great Dane!

Photos: Mark Harris; Words: Stu Gaston

Multiple championship title holder Dane Mackie is already dominating the contest scene on his home island of barbados.

And Just like 'The Great Danes' before him, he now has his sights on conquering the mainland contests as he prepares to become NSSA national champion. So we caught up with Dane for a chant before setting off on his west coast conquest.

23 - SM Dane Mackie making it look easy!

Photo: Mark Harris

Name: Dane Mackie Age: 16 Nickname: Danerts Years surfing: 6 Where you live: Barbados Sponsors: Lost Enterprises, Vestal, Digicel, Jada Group, Fin-S Local break/s: South Point, Brandons, Soup Bowl, Coles Road Favourite surfer?

Julian Wilson Favourite place to surf?

Trestles, California Favourite surf movie?

Modern Collective Favourite surf trick?

Frontside slob air reverse Favourite board?

Lost "Sub Driver"

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The Great Dane!

25 - SM Dane Mackie takes to the air!

Photo: Mark Harris

CHAMP CHATS What first got you into surfing?

My brother was surfing every day and I tried it and got hooked.

When and how did you become sponsored?

I first became sponsored after my second overseas contest and Lost decided to pick me up. I've been with them from since then until now.

Who in surfing inspires you most?

All of the WCT Surfers like Gabriel Medina, John John Florence and Julian Wilson What do you prefer then, free surfing or competitions and why?

I love freesurfing to try new tricks and explore new surf breaks but competition gives me an adrenaline rush like no other.

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The Great Dane!

27 - SM Dane going big on his backhand!

Photo: Mark Harris

CHAMP CHATS Now the past few years have seen you performing consistently well at all levels, having been Open Men’s National Champion in 2012 and also winning various age categories in other contests over the past few years. So talk us through those contests and the highs and lows that lead to you earning your titles.

Well in 2012 I had a great year, winning almost all of the divisions in Barbados. I just try my best to stay focus and not to put myself down when I have a bad heat. My boards were working great and I was confident. I think confidence is really key in winning contests.

I imagine you have to overcome some solid surfing from your contenders. How do you rate your surfing peers in Barbados at the moment then?

My competition in Barbados is fairly fierce. Everyone surfs great. It all comes down to getting the right waves and putting scores together and winning heats.

And then of course you also compete in the NSSA contests too, recently doing very well at the Eastern Regionals. Tell us more about that competiton then.

The NSSA Regionals was a great experience. It was my first NSSA East Coast contest and I was a little bit nervous.

I was confident though and the waves were super fun.

There were a bunch of mini peaks all over the place and I had a great board under my feet. In the end I took the Explorer Juniors title and the Airshow title aswell. The format on the airshow heats is sick!

Also I got 3rd in the Explorer Mens division.

So how does the standard of surfing compare when you surf in the NSSA contests? Who are your main contenders across the states?

Across the states there are so many great surfers, the East Coasters like Noah Schweizer, Luke Marks, Corey Howell and then when I go to California there's people like Griffin Colapinto, Kanoa Igarashi and many others! I get nervous at times but it's important to stay focus so I just try my best not to overthink things through too much.

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The Great Dane!

29 - SM Dane grabs some more air time!

Photo: Mark Harris

CHAMP CHATS You've been surfing against these guys most of your competitive life. There must be different levels of camaraderie or rivalry in the ranks.

Does this affect the way you surf in a heat?

Well when you have a stacked heat it's always tough to make it, but I try my best to not worry who I have in my heat but to just surf and try my best.

I try to stay away from all of the hassling but it happens, and when it does you have to deal with it.

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

Kanoa and Griffin at Huntington because they are locals and they rip waves to shreds! And to the East Coasters that grind out on small waves. Coming from Barbados, I don't get much practice on such small stuff.

Now you've had various wins and been a National Champion, so what goes down as your best victory to date?

My best victory to date would have to be the VQS series at Ponto Beach Carlsbad in California where I won the Juniors division 15-17, taking down Kanoa Igarashi and Griffin Colapinto‌..

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

Well I try to eat well and surf often and keep fit. I recently joined a gym with my sister where I am starting to go regularly.

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The Great Dane!

31 - SM Dane Mackie making a full rotation!

Photo: Mark Harris

CHAMP CHATS so you're from Barbados and have no doubt surfed some epic breaks over there.

How do those classic spots compare to others you've surfed around the world?

Yea we have some great spots but it's always amazing to surf new spots and different spots. I'm mostly used to reef breaks and maybe a few beach breaks. Soup Bowl is definitely the most well known wave here in Barbados and it's a great wave! It is very tricky and is always changing so it gets hard to surf.

And where else around the world have you been lucky enough to surf so far?

I've been to Peru, Panama, Florida, North Carolina, Virginia, California and Jamaica So when and where has your best surf session been then?

My best session ever would have to be in California at Salt Creek – 6ft and perfect peaks, barrels, airs and turns all in one wave!

And what's the worst wipeout of your life so far?

Going over the falls at Soup Bowl one time. The lip of the wave was so powerful. I basically got beaten to shore and I hit my face on the reef. It was not so fun haha.

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The Great Dane!

33 - SM Dane Mackie making the most of this section!

Photo: Mark Harris

CHAMP CHATS

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 still have to go to Hawaii, Indonesia and Australia for sure.

Those places look amazing and I really hope I get a chance to go.

What do you do when you don't surf?

I like to watch surfing haha. Well I hang with my friends and we do all kinds of other sports, football, tennis, whatever opportunity we get to play sports we take it.

Now what's your goal for the this year?

My main goal this year is to win Open Mens at the NSSA Nationals at Huntington Beach, California And finally where do you see yourself in five to ten years time?

I would love to see myself on the WCT or on the WQS. It's a big task but I will try my best to do what it takes!

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Surphalosophy

Ryes of the Rubens Photos: Chuck@Surf-Shot.com & Stu Gaston; Words: Stu Gaston

35 - SM Ryland Rubens in his very own green room!

Photo: Chuck@SurfShot.com

surphalosophy Ryland Rubens will rise to surf stardom this summer. How do I know this you ask? Because he's featuring in the new surfing movie,“MECCA II�produced

by Bryan Johnson which will be hitting the big screen at the end of July. So being part of such a massive project with his own sick section, Rye is no doubt destined for big things ahead!

We were lucky enough to work with him earlier this year and having seen Ryland surf for real, we know for sure that he will go far. It's time to move over for the 'Ryes of the Rubens!'

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Ryes of the Rubens

37 - SM Ryland Rubens ripping at his local!

Photo: Stu Gaston

surphalosophy

Name: Ryland Rubens Age: 14 Nickname: Rye Years surfing: 11 Where you live: San Diego Sponsors: Billabong, Sector 9, Sanuk, Vonn Zipper, Dakine, Rusty Surfboards, FCS, and South Coast Surf Shop Local break/s: Blacks Favourite surfer?

Gabriel Medina Favourite place to surf?

Somewhere close to home Favourite surf movie?

Blue Horizon Favourite surf trick?

Airs Favourite board?

Secret Rusty model

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Ryes of the Rubens

39 - SM Ryland on rail at Lowers!

Photo: Stu Gaston

surphalosophy What first got you into surfing?

My dad being a surfer himself When and how did you become sponsored?

Bird, the former owner of South Coast Surf Shop was a big supporter at first

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Ryes of the Rubens

41 - SM Ryland rising tail high!

Photo: Stu Gaston

surphalosophy Who in surfing inspires you most?

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

I love competing but also love free surfing. I love them both.

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Ryes of the Rubens

43 - SM Ryland Rubens whacks out his tail!

Photo: Stu Gaston

surphalosophy Now the past few years have seen you performing consistently well at all levels, with some great results in the NSSA contests, so give us your thoughts on contests.

I have a bad birthday, so I'm usually surfing against older boys who don't like losing to a younger grom!

I imagine you have to overcome some solid surfing from your contenders.

How do you rate your surfing peers in America at the moment then?

Yeh the standards really high so you can't ever get too lazy or another peer will simply take you out!

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Ryes of the Rubens

45 - SM Ryland rising once more into the air!

Photo: Stu Gaston

surphalosophy You've been surfing against these guys most of your competitive life. There must be different levels of camaraderie or rivalry in the ranks. How does this affect the way you surf in a heat?

Well it never feels good not making a heat, so everyone is a rival in a sense.

So who would you want to be drawn up against in a heat and why?

I really want to go up against my dad – bragging rights on the line!

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Ryes of the Rubens

47 - SM Ryland rips on his backhand too!

Photo: Stu Gaston

surphalosophy Now you've had various great results recently, so what's your goal now for this year?

Just having fun!

What about training then?

How do you keep on top of fitness and keep on pushing your surfing?

I usually do a few dozen pull ups and a few hundred sit ups a few times a day.

Pretty straight forward.

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Ryes of the Rubens

49 - SM Ryland Rubens getting to work at Lowers!

Photo: Stu Gaston

surphalosophy You're from San Diego and have no doubt surfed some epic breaks over there. How do those classic spots compare to others you've surfed around the world?

Every beach has it’s day! On a winter's day down here, you can get world class waves.

And where else around the world have you been lucky enough to surf so far?

Hawaii, Maldives, Latin America, Indonesia and Mainland Mexico

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Ryes of the Rubens

51 - SM Ryland and his impressive rail work!

Photo: Stu Gaston

surphalosophy

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Ryes of the Rubens

53 - SM Ryland rips apart his local's lefthander!

Photo: Stu Gaston

surphalosophy So when and where has your best surf session been then?

With my dad in West Java travelling with backpacks for three weeks.

And what's the worst wipeout of your life so far?

I took off real late at Pipeline a few months ago and got rag dolled good and proper!

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 want to surf a good wave park actually!

So finally then where do you see yourself in five to ten years time?

Hopefully getting a college education and having fun travelling the world!

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Ryes of the Rubens

55 - SM Ryland Rubens rising to stardom!

Photo: Stu Gaston

surphalosophy

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The Joys of La Jolla Words: Stu Gaston; Photos: Ronald Hons

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HotSpots

California is renowned for great surfing breaks from Santa Cruz in the North to San Clemente in the South.

Yet surfers sometimes overlook the southernmost surf spots of San Diego. Just north of the city itself and the tourist trails of SeaWorld and the like lies the coastal town of La Jolla where many lesser known joys can be found! So local surf photographer Ronald Hons gives us a brief insight into the Joys of La Jolla!

Looking out over La Jolla!

Photo: Ronald Hons

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The Joys of La Jolla

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HotSpots

Windansea is an exposed reef break that has reasonably consistent surf. It is named after the 1909 oceanfront Strand Hotel that was renamed "Windansea" Hotel in 1919 after the owner Arthur Snell ran a "naming contest".

The Windansea Hotel which was located on Neptune Avenue burned down in 1943. Geographically, it is defined by the beachfront extending north of Palomar Avenue and south of Westbourne Street.

Neptune doing his thing!

Photo: Ronald Hons

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The Joys of La Jolla

61 - SM A wave at the end of your garden!

Photo: Ronald Hons

HotSpots

The distinguishing landmark at Windansea is a palm-covered shack that was originally constructed in 1946.

The Windansea shack.

Photos: Ronald Hons

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The Joys of La Jolla

63 - SM A road to somewhere...glassy...

Photo: Ronald Hons

HotSpots

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The Joys of La Jolla

65 - SM Green room with a view!

Photo: Ronald Hons

HotSpots

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The Joys of La Jolla

67 - SM Lucas Dirkse loving La Jolla!

Photo: Ronald Hons

HotSpots The main peak at Windansea is a reef break.

During the winter months, Windansea can have six-to-eight foot surf.

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The Joys of La Jolla

69 - SM Windansea waves!

Photo: Ronald Hons

HotSpots

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The Joys of La Jolla

71 - SM Jamie McBride having fun at high tide!

Photo: Ronald Hons

HotSpots Summer tends to offer the optimum conditions for surfing at Windansea which works best in offshore winds from the east and can be really good at all stages of the tide.

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The Joys of La Jolla

73 - SM This is the joy of La Jolla!

Photo: Ronald Hons

HotSpots

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The Joys of La Jolla

75 - SM Jonathan Dupont working it at Windansea!

Photo: Ronald Hons

HotSpots Most of the surf comes from groundswells and the ideal swell direction is from the southwest. The right reef break is best, but there is a good left reef too.

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The Joys of La Jolla

77 - SM Evening rush hour!

Photo: Ronald Hons

HotSpots

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The Joys of La Jolla

79 - SM Skip McCullough making it!

Photo: Ronald Hons

HotSpots Other breaks in the vicinity of Windansea include Middles, Simmons (named after Bob Simmons who died at that break in 1954), Turtles and Big Rock.

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The Joys of La Jolla

81 - SM Scripps Pier solo sesh!

Photo: Ronald Hons

HotSpots

North Scripps is a beach break that has very consistent surf. Winter is the best time of year for surfing here when offshore winds blow from the east southeast.

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The Joys of La Jolla

83 - SM Jacob Szeleky smacks the lip at Scripps!

Photo: Ronald Hons

HotSpots Clean groundswells prevail and the ideal swell direction is from the west. An uncrowded break, even when it is working.

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The Joys of La Jolla

85 - SM Surfing gold at La Jolla!

Photo: Ronald Hons

HotSpots

Blacks Beach is a secluded section of beach lieing beneath the cliffs of Torrey Pines, which extend up to 300 feet (91Â m)above the sandy beach.

The southern portion of Black's Beach is known to surfers as one of the most powerful surf breaks in Southern California. The waves gain their power due to the focusing effects of Scripps Canyon, an underwater canyon just offshore the La Jolla Underwater Park which funnels swell in towards Blacks making it such an appealing break.

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The Joys of La Jolla

87 - SM The joyful gem of La Jolla!

Photo: Ronald Hons

HotSpots

Black's Beach was named after the Black family who had a horse farm overlooking the beach. They sold the land, and then it was subdivided into La Jolla Farms lots. The Farms' residents retained the Black family’s private road to the beach. Many mansions can be seen in the southern portion of the beach, reminding surfers of its gem like quality and proving that there are many joys to be shared around La Jolla!

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Gaume GoPro-ers to Lowers Words: Stu Gaston; Photos: Arthur & Hugo Gaume

89 - SM Arthur Gaume gains his bearings at Lowers.

Photo: Arthur Gaume

surphangaway

About a Decade ago, it was hard enough just to get someone to take shots of you surfing from the land, let alone water shots! Yet nowadays, the revolution of the 'GoPro' has completely changed the way surfing is shot, opening up the exciting prospect of Selfie Surfing! So 'GoPro' sponsored French surfer, Arthur Gaume, recently took his latest toys on a trip to California with him (plus his brother Hugo in land photographer role), and here's what they came up with...

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Gaume GoPro-ers to Lowers

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Arthur Gaume gears up for a Lowers sesh.

Photo: Arthur Gaume

surphangaway The greatest Versatility of the 'GoPro' has to be the variety of mounts. So here, as Arthur heads out to surf Lowers, with his hand held device ready to roll into action, his second board mounted 'GoPro' captures that moment of anticipation before paddling out to what looks like a really fun surf!

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Gaume GoPro-ers to Lowers

93 - SM Arthur loving another surf at Lowers.

Photo: Arthur Gaume

Having both devices allows for some awesome surfing perspectives – heading out; then waiting for the set to come; catching the wave; nailing the turn; and being at one with more than just the waves!

surphangaway

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Gaume GoPro-ers to Lowers

95 - SM Arthur, up close and in action.

Photo: Arthur Gaume

surphangaway

Meanwhile, the board mounted device alone really shows the power that goes into surfing each and every wave!

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Gaume GoPro-ers to Lowers

97 - SM Arthur airing over a Californian lip.

Photo: Hugo Gaume

Of Course though, some surfing will always still look grand from the Land. Here Hugo captures his brother grabbing the chance to get high above a Californian lip!

surphangaway

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Gaume GoPro-ers to Lowers

99 - SM Arthur Gaume gaining speed through a powerful bottom turn.

Photo: Hugo Gaume

Surf Photography has come a long way over the past ten years and the 'GoPro' has now added a whole new dimension! Who knows where it will head next, but the world of selfie surfing is certainly here to stay!

surphangaway

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So Cal Crew Words: Stu Gaston; Photos: Stu Gaston, Catherine Gregory, Kyle Jetty & Chuck@Surf-shot.com

101 - SM Matt Passaquindici pushes out his tail.

Photo: Stu Gaston

HotShots

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

So here's our pick of another seven at the top of their game who will be ones to watch in the future!

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Matt Passaquindici

103 - SM Matt Passaquindici rips apart a fun sized righthander.

Photo: Stu Gaston

HotShots Age: 18 Nickname: Garfield Years surfing: 8 Where you live: Huntington Beach Sponsors: Quiksilver, Jacks, Futures Fins, Freak Traction, Watermans Sunscreen Local break/s: Anywhere in HB Favourite surfer?

Slater Favourite place to surf?

I don't know yet Favourite surf movie?

Blue Horizon Favourite surf trick?

Getting Barreled Favourite board?

My 5'5 swallow

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Matt Passaquindici What first got you into surfing?

My dad taking me down to Blackies every weekend.

When and how did you become sponsored?

When I was 13, I was approached by a rep in the water on South side.

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

Free surfing of course, but competing gets me more excited.

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

Winning High School Varsity Nationals last year.

Who in surfing inspires you most?

Simpo When and where was your best surf session?

Had a few What's the worst wipeout of your life?

Going over the ledge at Sunset

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Matt Passaquindici takes it tail high.

Photo: Stu Gaston

HotShots

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Matt Passaquindici

107 - SM Matt Passaquindici putting in some rail work.

Photo: Stu Gaston

HotShots Do you train as well as surf?

I try to What's the healthiest thing you ate today?

My organic cereal What do you do when you don't surf?

Hang with friends, skate, or golf.

What's your goal for the next year?

To have a good seed in the QS and travel as much as possible And what about the future?

Qualify for the Prime events and try my best.

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Johnny Elles

109 - SM Johnny Elles enjoying the Lowers right.

Photo: Stu Gaston

HotShots Age: 19 Years surfing: 12 Where you live: Huntington Beach, CA Sponsors: RipCurl, Smith Optics, Huntington Surf and Sport, Futures Fins, Chemistry Surfboards Local break/s: Huntington Beach Pier

Favourite surfer?

Laurie Towner Favourite place to surf?

North Shore, Oahu Favourite surf movie?

Three Degrees Favourite surf trick?

Getting barreled

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Johnny Elles

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Johnny Elles bang on time.

Photo: Stu Gaston

HotShots What first got you into surfing?

Surfing has always been a big part of my family so I would say I was definitely born into it When and how did you become sponsored?

During the 2004 NSSA West Coast Regional Championships, I finished 2nd and was fortunate enough to get sponsored What do you prefer then, free surfing or competitions and why?

Free surfing for sure! Five years ago I would have said I enjoyed contest more though then. I enjoy free surfing more because there's no reason to be mad at surfing or your performance when you're out just enjoying it with your friends

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Johnny Elles

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Johnny Elles laying into the left at Lowers.

Photo: Stu Gaston

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

I think my most proud moment was first getting sponsored. It's all you can think about before you ever get a sponsor!

When and where was your best surf session?

Huntington can have its day!

What's the worst wipeout of your life?

Whenever I go to the North Shore!

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Johnny Elles

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Johnny Elles releasing some fin.

Photo: Stu Gaston

HotShots Do you train as well as surf?

I don't train... training is only if you're at your peak physical condition and need the extra edge on your competitors What's the healthiest thing you ate today?

I had four eggs for breakfast and an acai smoothie What do you do when you don't surf?

Fish, as in spearfishing

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Brandon Manguso

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Brandon Manguso goes for a slob grab.

Photo: Stu Gaston

HotShots Age: 20 Years surfing: 10 years Where you live: Carlsbad, California Sponsors: Bull Taco, Keahana EPS, Avila Surfboards Local break/s: Carlsbad Jetties, Pier and Harbor, Lowers Favourite surfer?

Johnny 'Seaside' Favourite place to surf?

Lowers or Blacks Favourite surf movie?

Days of the Strange Favourite surf trick?

Slob air-reverse Favourite board?

5'9 Performance Board

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Brandon Manguso

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Brandon looking to the landing.

Photo: Stu Gaston

HotShots

What first got you into surfing?

My Dad pushed me to surf when I was young, even though I hated pools and swimming growing up.

When and how did you become sponsored?

To be honest, I have never really had any 'major' backing sponsors‌ I have a solid shaper and some small companies helping me out. Still looking for a main sponsor!

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

Free surfing and nailing clips.

When there is no stress, that's when you have the most fun!

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

Winning a WSA event awhile back Who in surfing inspires you most?

I really like Craig Anderson's attitude, I feel like he is starting new trends in the surf world

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Brandon Manguso

121 - SM Brandon Manguso makes good use of his rails.

Photo: Stu Gaston

HotShots

Do you train as well as surf?

No, probably should What's the healthiest thing you ate today?

Smoothie What do you do when you don't surf?

Shoot film and work What's your goal for the next year?

Surf in the Pro Junior Series and be doing well.

And what about the future?

I am taking it day by day!

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Michael Gumina

123 - SM Michael Gumina making the most of this righthander.

Photo: Kyle Jetter

HotShots

Age: 17 Nickname: Sticky Fingers Years surfing: 6 Where you live: La Jolla, CA Sponsors: Hurley, Spy Optic, Vertra, Viskus, Xanadu Surfboards, Granny's Nifty Accessories.

Local break/s: Windansea, Blacks, Scripps Favourite surfer?

Julian Wilson and Peter King Favourite place to surf?

Sunset Beach Favourite surf movie?

Done Favourite surf trick?

Stale fish grab Favourite board?

X20 and X14 from Xanadu

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Michael Gumina

125 - SM Michael Gumina grabbing some air time.

Photo: Stu Gaston

HotShots What first got you into surfing?

My cousins were my roll models and they surfed When and how did you become sponsored?

Having friends and next thing you know they are team managers at rad companyies!

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

Free surfing!

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

Making the NSSA West Coast Championships around 4 years ago When and where was your best surf session?

Secret La Jolla reef this past winter.

What's the worst wipeout of your life?

Going over the falls on a canyon set at Blacks.

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Michael Gumina

127 - SM Michael Gumina getting airborne once more.

Photo: Ronald Hons

HotShots Do you train as well as surf?

Yes What's the healthiest thing you ate today?

Bean burrito What do you do when you don't surf?

Skate, Bible study, shoot photos What's your goal for the next year?

Win more heats, do higher airs And what about the future?

Build a decent video section.

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Nelson Kingery Age: 19 Nickname: Nelly Years surfing: 13 Where you live: Solana Beach Sponsors: Globe, Neff, Boardworks Surf, Sharpeye Local break/s: Seaside Reef Favourite surfer?

Taj Burrow Favourite place to surf?

Indo, Mentawaiis

When and how did you become sponsored?

My first sponsors were West and Sundiego when I was 13.

I'd met the owner of West while doing a competitive surf camp. I later became invovled with Globe soon after by a friend who introduced me to the team manager.

129 - SM Nelson Kingery caning a Lowers left.

Photo: Stu Gaston

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

I prefer free surfing, theres so much biased judging that happens, you can even see some questionable results while watching the WCT. What moment are you most proud of in your surfing career so far?

Finding cool and creative hobbies that I managed to start doing because of surfing. Spray painting, working with cameras and water housings, playing around with editing software.

Who in surfing inspires you most?

Right now, probably Noa Deane. He just doesn't give a shit what people think or say and he rips harder than anyone his age!

When and where was your best surf session?

Usually have good sessions at Lowers, it's like a skate park since it's always offering perfect sections even if you're going left or right.

What's the worst wipeout of your life?

Spot I surfed in La Jolla, only breaks a couple times on big swells and it was my first time surfing it. It was a good day maybe 6-8ft slabs and my first wave was the one I got extremely worked on and broke my board. After being held down I was swept around the cliffs and had to find a way in.

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Nelson Kingery

131 - SM Nelson Kingery kicks out.

Photo: Stu Gaston

HotShots Do you train as well as surf?

I do train as well as just surf What do you do when you don't surf?

I usually ride my motorcycle with a group of friends and go into Julian, which is east of san diego. If i am not doing that i will go skate or do something in the garage.

What's your goal for the next year?

Working on getting to places I've never been before with friends and just trying to better my surfing on course And what about the future?

I am going to college right now as well as just surfing, I believe in having a good back up plan, so I am majoring in business and at the moment have been working on small ideas to maybe make into my own business.

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Sebastian Mendes Age: 12 Nickname: Bash Years surfing: 10 Where you live: San Clemente, CA Sponsors: O'Neill, WRV, Oakley, Famous, Freestyle and Valsurf Local break/s: Lowers, Uppers, Riviera, T Street

Favourite surfer?

John John Florence Favourite place to surf?

Lowers Favourite surf movie?

Done Favourite surf trick?

Airs Favourite board?

4'9 and a half squash tail made

by WRV Pat Mulhern

133 - SM Sebastian Mendes bashing out his tail.

Photo: Catherine Gregory

HotShots What first got you into surfing?

Watching my dad get barreled all day long at Zuma Beach

When and how did you become sponsored?

WRV surfboards signed me when I was 8 and have been hooking me up with boards since the age of 6. Now I have my own model coming out. It's called The Bash. In May last year, O'Neill signed me to my first major contract.

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

I prefer competition surfing because I love to win because it is the best feeling ever.

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

Regionals because it was a huge event and I had lots of very tough competitors to go against.

Who in surfing inspires you most?

John John Florence because he can rip and surf in anything

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Sebastian Mendes When and where was your best surf session?

Lowers is always good with its bowly right and super fun rippable left What's the worst wipeout of your life?

I was at a secret spot on the Eastside of Oahu, even though it was only a five foot wave it was a slab and thick. I got hung up in the lip and got sucked down and worked like never before. I hit the reef a few times but luckily I was ok

135 - SM Sebastian Mendes setting the ends of those fins free.

Photo: Catherine Gregory

HotShots

Do you train as well as surf?

Yes at DSC performance in core training. I also do training in the water with my two coaches for technnique and competition What's the healthiest thing you ate today?

Banzia Bowls What do you do when you don't surf?

I watch TV, skate, play video games, and play with my dogs and friends.

What's your goal for the next year?

I want to win the USA title at Lowers and make the national team.

And what about the future?

I want to be a pro surfer and win a World Title

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Hiroto Oohara

137 - SM Hiroto Oohara taking it tail high.

Photo: Chuck@SurfShot.com

HotShots Age: 17 Nickname: Hiro Years surfing: 10 Where you live: Chiba, Japan Sponsors: Hurley, Monster Energy, FCS , Gorilla Grip Local break/s: Shidashita Favourite surfer?

Dane Reynolds Favourite place to surf?

Lowers Favourite surf movie?

John John Florence's DONE Favourite surf trick?

Carving Favourite board?

JS

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Hiroto Oohara

139 - SM Hiroto Oohara hits it into layback.

Photo: Chuck@SurfShot.com

HotShots What first got you into surfing?

When I was 7 years old my mum took me surfing When and how did you become sponsored?

Just got good result from big contests What do you prefer then, free surfing or competitions and why?

I like to do free surf because I can relax more then competitions

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Hiroto Oohara

141 - SM Hiroto Oohara having fun over the lip again.

Photo: Chuck@SurfShot.com

HotShots Who in surfing inspires you most?

Dane Reynolds When and where was your best surf session?

Anytime surf at Lowers What's the worst wipeout of your life?

6ft Backdoor

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Hiroto Oohara

143 - SM Hiroto hitting out at the section.

Photo: Chuck@SurfShot.com

HotShots What's your goal for the next year?

I don't have a specific goal, just always try to do my best And what about the future?

To be a Billionaire would be nice!

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Rubber Bandits Words & Photos: Stu Gaston

145 - SM Out with the old and in with the new?!

Photo: Stu Gaston

HotWotnots True to our vision, in this issue's Hot Wotnots feature, we felt it was time to put an upcoming wetsuit brand up against an old hand – so our two testers Luke Trowill and Taylor Prisk took up the challenge of tryng out newcomer Attica and established brand Xcel.

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Rubber Bandits

147 - SM Kevin Schulz putting his Xcel through its paces!

Photo: Stu Gaston

HotWotnots

XCEL has been a leading wetsuit brand for decades, first established in 1982, and has upcoming riders ripping all over the globe.

ATTICA, however,

popped onto the surf scene just a couple of years ago. So what can the upcoming brand offer that the oldhand hasn't already mastered?

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Rubber Bandits

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HotWotnots Well, it was down to Luke and Taylor to put both brands through their paces – with no waves to hand, it was time for a quick trip to the Flowrider.

Luke Trowill and Taylor Prisk push their suits to the limits on the Flowrider!

Photos: Stu Gaston

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Rubber Bandits First, the Infiniti Comp it's designed for maximum stretch and is the most flexible of all Xcel fullsuit series.

Inner waterproof stretch Fusion taping fuses seams together; used primarily in the upper body where maximum flexibility is required.

Front entry zip attached at the right shoulder to keep more water out; with a SmoothSkin hem seal, pull cord/barrel lock combo, and a snap lock to keep zipper pull in place, it's really tight, letting no water in and keeping you warm!

A large front and back "comp"(etition) ready panel has zero seams from the upper chest to the knees, for maximum range of motion. The Comp is also extremely lightweight and quick drying, with Xcel's most advanced V Foam and Quick Dry Lining on the interior of the large front and back panel.

151 - SM Xcel - tried and tested by Taylor!

Photo: Stu Gaston

More lightweight inner lining with faster drying time; made from recycled polyester fibers.

HotWotnots

Duraflex Kneepads are contoured, durable panels that stretch with you – plus behind-the-knee cutouts for even more flexibility. They're really grippy and comfortable!

A thin band of liquid neoprene ("NexSkin") in the inner wrists and ankles forms an excellent seal, and helps minimize flushing.

Overall, this wetsuit is ideal for surfers seeking high performance levels of flexibility and comfort – and at a price well above £200, any surfer would expect nothing less!

Both the Xcel and Attica suits are available at Surfing HQ in Portreath as well as their own branded websites.

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Rubber Bandits The Omega from Attica is also a fully loaded suit.

A confortable Glide Skin neck seals the suit, preventing any flushing along with a YKK Blockout Chest Zip. The two combined also have enough flex, thanks to the Neospan and its 100% superstretch, to make it easy to get on and off.

Flextape provides a fully welded seam seal throughout the suit that really seamed to stop any considerable water entry to the suit, keeping the suit warm throughout a session.

153 - SM Attica – new kid on the block!

Photo: Stu Gaston

Wrist cuff seals keep the suit sealed, especially handy when paddling.

Inferno Light-weight thermal insulation keeps the suit warm, whatever the weather!

HotWotnots

Supratex Kneepads are strong yet comfortable at the same time with no rubs behind the knee itself.

Ankle cuff seals keep the suit sealed.

Overall, this wetsuit is loaded with features and sits comfortably alongside any of the top of range suits – the only difference being it's on the right side of £200!

The Contoured Fit to the suit makes it really exceedingly comfortable and feel like a second skin – you almost forget you're wearing it!

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T H E G A L L E R Y

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Kei Kobayashi grabs some air time!

Photo: Catherine Gregory

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T H E G A L L E R Y

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Ryland Rubens getting tubed!

Photo: Chuck@SurfShot.com

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T H E G A L L E R Y

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Behind the green room!

Photo: Ronald Hons

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T H E G A L L E R Y

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Trevor Thornton takes to the air!

Photo: Catherine Gregory

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T H E G A L L E R Y

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Colt Ward kicks out his tail!

Photo: Poli Photography

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T H E G A L L E R Y

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Tristan Sullaway slobbing around!

Photo: Ronald Hons

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T H E G A L L E R Y

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John West working that wave!

Photo: Poli Photography

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Surphang Magazine

169 - SM Mateia Hiquily having fun at home in Tahiti!

Photo: Oliver Emsallem

NextIssue By the time the next issue is ready for release, the surfing world will once again be turning it's attention to Teahupoo where one Pro Junior surfer has already been making his mark – so in the next issue we'll be talking to Tahiti's very own rising star, Mateia Hiquily.

As well as that, we'll also be checking out the champs dominating the European surf scene at the moment and trying to find out more about the magic of France, a nation who seem to have a knack of producing some very solid surfing talent!

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Thanks for reading the Thirtieth issue of

Surphang Magazine

Nothing like finishing off with a sunset surf!

Photo: Ronald Hons