Surphang Magazine Issue 35

Surphang Magazine Issue 35

Chasing Chasing The The

Dream Dream

Proudly presents

The Pro Show

Fioravanti on Form!

Champ Chats All Syked Up!

Chasing Gonzalo!

Just 'Kidd'ing!

A Tale of Two Talents

Twenty 14 Talent

Surphang Magazine

01 - SM

'Chasing The Dream!'

And there you have it! He's only gone and done it!

Yes Gabriel Medina has silenced all the doubters and become the 2014 ASP World Champion. The young Brazilian phenomenon has not only fulfilled his own dream but shown that dreams aren't just for wishing, they are for believing, for chasing, for grabbing with both hands and all out achieving! So in our final issue of what has been a remarkable year all round, we bring you a whole host of young upcoming surfers who are doing just that – chasing their dreams with the hope of being the next Gabriel Medina of their time!

Gabriel Medina more than chased his dream!

Photo: Thomas Deregnieaux SM - 02

03 - SM

Surphang Magazine

Magazine Editor: Stuart Gaston Contributing Photographers: Humberto Coelho, Thomas Deregnieaux, Craig Bessant, Fabian Coetzer, Shaun Cottrell, Miguel Fernandinho, Rommel Gonzales, Alan van Gysen, Ryan Janssen, Shayne Nienaber, Joanne O'Shaughnessy, Luke Patterson, Dan Sedgwick, Lucille Thami, Matthew Tweddle, Dean Vincent 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: Shane Sykes flying high!

Photo: Luke Patterson

Living the dream...

Photo: Stu Gaston

SM - 04

This Issue's Features

The Pro Show Champ Chats Chasing Gonzalo!

All Syked Up! Fioravanti on Form!

Leo Fioravanti has risen from a Pro Junior Champion to Top 32 Mens Elite contender this year so here's his impressive story!

05 - SM

Shane Sykes set his sights high Hurricane swells can be tricky and so was stoked when he took things to judge but three Cali the eventual Pro Junior series win. groms took the gamble to chase We caught up with him for a chat!

Gonzalo... and they scored!

ThisIssue

Just 'Kidd'ing! A Tale of Two Talents You may not have heard of Richard Kidd just yet but that's all about to change as this kid is ready to make his mark!

This is the tale of two talented young surfers who have both realised some of their dreams this year and have many more in store!

Twenty 14 Talent This year has seen no end to the levels of upcoming talent in the surfing world, so here are just fourteen worthy of a mention!

Waiting for the next big one to show up!

Photo: Thomas Deregnieaux

SM - 06

Welcome to

The Pro Show Fioravanti on Form!

Photos: Craig Bessant, Humberto Coelho, Miguel Fernandinho, Stuart Gaston, Rommel Gonzales & Matthew Tweddle Words: Stu Gaston

07 - SM Leo Fioravanti looking more than on form!

Photo: Miguel Fernandinho

Leonardo Fioravanti could well be the next big phenomenon in the world of surfing. Indeed he could even be the 'next' Medina! Having been the ASP European Pro Junior Champion last year, this year he took the World Qualification Series by storm and by its culmination in Hawaii, Leo had become an actual Top 10 World Tour contender, all before he'd even reached his seventeenth birthday! So let's take a look at the year that took this talented grom to the top and a step closer to the dream tour!

SM - 08

Fioravanti on Form!

09 - SM Leo Fioravanti firing at Coxos!

Photo: Stu Gaston

The Pro Show

Name: Leonardo Fioravanti Age: 17 Nickname: Leo Years surfing: 10 Where you live: From Italy but live at Bourdaines, Hossegor Sponsors: Quiksilver, Redbull, Moskova, Quiksilver surfboards Local break/s: Banzai Beach, La Graviere Favourite surfer?

Kelly Slater Favourite place to surf?

La Graviere, Kirra Beach Favourite surf movie?

Modern Collective Favourite surf trick?

Barrel Favourite board?

5' 10" shaped by Christian Bradley

SM - 10

Fioravanti on Form!

11 - SM Leo Fioravanti leading the way in Ecuador!

Photo: Rommel Gonzales

The Pro Show

Leo's year began training down under in Australia, the country he considers his second home. With his Australian twang resonating clearly, he goes on: “This year the banks at Snapper were unbelievable, you could get barrreled from behind the rock to Greenmount so me and my friend Kanoa were just surfing all day, every day. Plus I did 2 Pro Juniors, got 2nd in one and 5th in the other.”He other.”He followed th this up with a 5 place finish in the ISA World Junior Championships as the only Italian surfer present, a huge result without any national team to support and cheer him on!

SM - 12

Fioravanti on Form!

13 - SM Leo Fioravanti laying into a French right hander!

Photo: Stu Gaston

The Pro Show So by the middle of the year when Leo was back in his European homelands, it was no surprise that he soon began to make some significant marks on his score sheets...

SM - 14

Fioravanti on Form!

15 - SM Leo Fioravanti finding some airborne opportunities!

Photo: Stu Gaston

The Pro Show His European season may have had a rocky start at the first two Pro Juniors - “I didn't have the results I was looking for. I felt like I was surfing good but in every heat I didn't catch the right waves and that's what caused me the loss both times” times”- but that just fired Leo up to really go for it when he reached the final showdown at Lacanau. He flew into the final of the Pro Junior amid a highly competitive international field which he then followed up by reaching the man-on-man final in the QS event, coming second to Tanner Gudauskas in another hardly fought final.

SM - 16

Fioravanti on Form!

17 - SM Leo Fioravanti finds a good section wherever the wave may be!

Photo: Matthew Tweddle

The Pro Show

So the stage was now set for Leo's biggest success of the past year when he won his first QS event, the Pantin Classic Galicia Pro at the end of August. It was a special day for him, coinciding with his mother's birthday: “I was surfing heats with absolutely no pressure on the QS and it seemed to be working out. That day was my mom's birthday and I was so stoked to give her that present.

That was the best day of my life for sure.�

SM - 18

Fioravanti on Form!

In addition to the $8,000 purse for winning the event in Spain, Leo also received a flight ticket to any of over 200 destinations worldwide, generously offered by Turkish Airlines, one of the main sponsors of the event. Seeming to spend more time away than he does at home (having been to Australia, Ecuador, Mexico, Brazil, Mentawaiis, Tahiti, all around Europe and Hawaii this year alone!), Leo commented, “I'll have to think about it a little bit, but Indonesia seems like an obvious choice for me right now”, now”, which of course he did before returning to take on the Prime events in the Portuguese stint of the contest season!

19 - SM Leo Fioravanti flying through another sun drenched green room!

Photo: Craig Bessant

The Pro Show

SM - 20

Fioravanti on Form!

21 - SM Leo Fioravanti firing off his backhand!

Photo: Rommel Gonzales

The Pro Show His European season continued on form and Leo leapt up the rankings, so much so that by the time it came down to the last Prime event of the season, the Vans World Cup of Surfng in Hawaii, he had rocketed up to becoming a potential qualifier for the 2015 World Tour, if he could make the semi-finals or better.

SM - 22

Fioravanti on Form!

23 - SM Leo Fioravanti on form at the World Juniors!

Photo: Humberto Coelho

The Pro Show

Leo bolted out of the gates in Round 2, Heat 3 with an incredible combination of scores - 9.07 and 7.1, for a total of 16.17. "I just tried to stay wide and the others were kind of getting caught really deep. I got two waves, one with about four turns and that was pretty much my heat after ten minutes. It would mean the world to me and to Italy for me to qualify. There's never really been a surfer from Italy that's gone this far. I hope I can keep going. I have so much support from back home, so that's good. Hopefully we keep getting some good waves and luck will go my way."

On this occasion though, Leo came up against the solid surfing of Filipe Toledo and so his journey came to an end, for this year at least, But with an end of year ranking of 28th when he's still only 17, then it's clear to see we can certainly be expecting big things of Leo Fioravanti in the future – a world champ hopeful for sure!

SM - 24

Champ Chats All Syked Up! Photos: Fabian Coetzer, Alan van Gysen, Shayne Nienaber, Luke Patterson & Dean Vincent; Words: Stu Gaston

25 - SM Shane Sykes flying high!

Photo: Luke Patterson

Shane Sykes set his sights high this year and so finished the year in style, taking out the Billabong Junior Series and becoming the ASP South African Pro Junior Champion. Now he's got his sights set even higher and so we caught up with the young surfer from Salt Rock to find out what he feels his future holds!

SM - 26

All Syked Up!

27 - SM Shane Sykes slobbing it up!

Photo: Shayne Nienaber

CHAMP CHATS

Name: Shane Sykes Age: 17 Nickname: Shano Years surfing: 7 Where you live: Salt Rock, Durban, South Africa Sponsors: Quiksilver, Vans, Clayton Surfboards, Skullcandy, Futures, Creatures of Leisure Local break/s: Mostly Ballito area Favourite surfer?

Noa Deane Favourite place to surf?

Sultans, Maldives Favourite surf movie?

Seen Unseen, Dane Reynolds Favourite surf trick?

Slob straight air Favourite board?

Clayton Supernova , 5'5

SM - 28

All Syked Up!

29 - SM Up, up, close and away!

Photo: Fabian Coetzer

CHAMP CHATS What first got you into surfing?

When I was 8, we moved from a farm to our family's beach cottage and right in front of the house there is an A-frame reef slab sort of wave that ran into a sand bank and until I was only 10, I got my first surfboard and went for lessons from then on.

How big a part does surfing play in your life?

Well I'm not really interested in anything else than surfing but I do have to keep in mind the school part of it. I only have one year left so I'll do my best with that and get it over with then I'll start the QS full time. My life revolves around what the waves are doing and all the other elements that goes with surfing.

When and how did you become sponsored?

When I was 12, legendary SA surfer Greg Swart was working for Quiksilver at that time and he moved with his family to Salt Rock where he saw me and my brother surfing and in the next month I had been hooked up. I am now best friends with his son.

So you're from Salt Rock near Durban. How has that shaped you as a surfer then?

Salt Rock is an amazing place to grow up in. It's really quiet in terms of crowds and easy to get many sessions in by yourself which I love. The down side is that there aren't many guys that push me unless I surf with Slade or some of the older guys but in that case I get to work on my own strategies by myself. Most waves are beach breaks so we don't often get long rides but this just forces me to put more turns into one wave!

SM - 30

All Syked Up!

31 - SM Shane Sykes setting up for success!

Photo: Alan van Gysen

CHAMP CHATS

Who in surfing inspires you most?

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

I'd love to take the free surfing route but that is such a huge risk because your sponsors might not agree and you have to know the right people. It's a whole other industry. In saying that, I do enjoy the competitive vibe and definitely want to be a World Champ!

SM - 32

All Syked Up!

33 - SM Shane Sykes shredding!

Photo: Dean Vincent

CHAMP CHATS Now, two thousand and fourteen has been a good year for you on the whole coming to a great finish after you've just become Junior Champion of the Billabong Junior Series.

So talk us through that series of contests and the highs and lows that lead to your eventual win.

It was a huge surprise when I won the overall series because I wasn't even focused on the points as I had done really average in the previous event and came out with a third in the event before that.

Before that last event which I won, I was only lying 7th so I wasn't really feeling any pressure.

I really just surfed my best and had heaps of fun in pumping waves. I'm really happy with my achievement though as these points will help me for next years ASP World Juniors.

And what about earlier in the year when you had highlights like earning yourself a wildcard into the ASP Prime Mr Price Pro Ballito event and surfing against some of the top surfers in the world?

Earning the wildcard into an event that I have always dreamt of doing was literally a dream come true. Months before the event, I would lie on my bed every night and picture me putting on that vest and competing against my favourite surfers. With me having the lowest seed in the contest, I was put into a heat with 3 really big names, Kai Otton, Jesse Mendes and Stu Kennedy. I didn't really feel the pressure until I was paddling out and all the Ballito locals were cheering me on, I must say it felt truly amazing.

I would really like to thank ASP for that opportunity!

SM - 34

All Syked Up! I imagine you have to overcome some solid surfing from your contenders. How do you rate your surfing peers in South Africa at the moment then?

The level in SA isn't low but it's not that close to countries such as Australia and US either, they just have so many more surfers. But South Africans struggle to travel as much as other guys in their age groups from other countries, and many of us want to show the world that we are actually good enough.

There are a couple of us that have often match ups that are intense such as Matt McGillivray, Slade Prestwich, Max Armstrong and Dylan Lightfoot.

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?

Yeah for sure there is some heavy rivalry but out the water we are all great friends. I don't really care who it is when it comes to the heat, I just catch my 2 best waves and try make the heat in the end.

35 - SM Shane Sykes soaring over the lip!

Photo: Dean Vincent

CHAMP CHATS

SM - 36

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

Slade and Dylan because they are older than me which means they have a bit more experience and Dylan can get out to back line in about 1 minute after a wave then you get Slade who I just love to watch and shreds haha.

Now you've had various great results recently, so what's your goal now for the year to come?

Yeah this past year has been my best yet. In February next year I will be going to Hawaii for my first time which has been my lifetime goal. I just want to go and prove myself. Apart from that I want to get some good magazine coverage and go on a couple surf trips.

While this is all happening I will be finishing school next year so those are my main goals but I have other small goals that I would also like to achieve – one of my biggest is to compete in the Vans US Open Pro Junior.

37 - SM Shane Sykes setting those sights high!

Photo: Dean Vincent

CHAMP CHATS

SM - 38

All Syked Up! So as well as a good year of contests, you've had a good year of trips too, heading off to both Madagascar and the Maldives. How were those trips then?

Maldives is for sure the best place I have been to! It wasn't the first time I'd been there so I knew what to expect but it was better than the first time as I've improved and know the waves better. Everyday was 4-6 ft and the best conditions. Four days after I arrived home from Maldives, I found myself on a plane on our way to Madagascar with the Zigzag crew. We scored some amazing waves and I ended up naming a spot that is now known as BOLO BOLOS, the name came from these round chocolate coated biscuits that the captain had on board. I earned some great coverage from this trip and would be delighted to do another one.

So between the two, when and where was your best surf session?

My best session between Maldives and Madagascar was at Sultans in the Maldives - every wave was a drainer and you could get two long barrels per waves, one as you take off and one down the end on the inside section and in between you could go big on your turns. It was one to remember.

39 - SM Shane Sykes taking it tail high!

Photo: Fabian Coetzer

CHAMP CHATS

SM - 40

All Syked Up! And what's the worst wipeout of your life so far?

Last year in Cape Town the wind was blowing hard offshore and I got to the end of a wave where it was about to close out so I jumped off and my board followed me as I got sucked over the falls and that's where my face met the upper half of my rail. I came up with blood instantly coming from around my eye.

I didn't really know where because the water is so cold you can't feel anything, I just saw blood. I got out and went to the car park to look in someone's car side mirror and my eye had already swelled up, I looked Chinese haha. Other than that I can't recall.

You've no doubt surfed some epic breaks over in South Africa like J-bay but you also headed up exploring the spots of Mozambique this past year. How was that?

I've been to J-bay every year since I was 12 and I've only had one session that was mind blowing but yea I am kind of skunked every time I go there. But on the other hand, every time I go to Mozambique, I score the funnest waves. Going to Mozambique is always an adventure which also excites me so much!

41 - SM Shane Sykes soaring!

Photo: Fabian Coetzer

CHAMP CHATS

SM - 42

All Syked Up!

43 - SM Shane Sykes is really all psyched up!

Photo: Fabian Coetzer

CHAMP CHATS What about training then? How do you keep on top of fitness and keep on pushing your surfing?

I will do my usual warm ups and stretches etc. eating healthy though for me I just eat whatever is edible haha.

Finally then, what about your future? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years time?

Five to ten years from now ......... anything could happen from now but my ultimate goal is to be on tour in five years but if that doesn't work out, I would like to go the free surfing route with Brendon Gibbons and that crew.

SM - 44

Chasing Gonzalo!

Photos & Words: Joanne O'Shaughnessy; Interview Words: Stu Gaston

45 - SM Kei Kobayashi grabs some air time!

Photo: Joanne O'Shaughnessy

HotSpots If you live in California, then every other surfer naturally assumes you're living the dream already!

Not necessarily so though unless you thrive on an average diet of fun 2ft surf for much of the year round. So when a potential hurricane swell shows up on the opposite American coastline, you can begin to understand why three surf starved groms might be up for venturing over to check it out!

SM - 46

Chasing Gonzalo!

47 - SM

Pipe pumping – the New Jersey one that is!

Photo: Joanne O'Shaughnessy

HotSpots

Back in October, Kei Kobayashi, Cole Houshamnd and Sebastian Mendes, whose father Anthony originally hailed from New Jersey, took the long trip across their mighty homeland to chase the potential swell of Hurrican Gonzalo that would show up on the East Coast. With nothing but barrels on their minds, they weren't to be disappointed!

Kei Kobayashi and crew head out!

Photos: Joanne O'Shaughnessy

SM - 48

Chasing Gonzalo!

Early on the morning of Friday 17th October, the groms checked the waves for miles eventually deciding to surf the "Pipe" at the southern end of Spring Lake, New Jersey. The pipe is actually an outlet pipe from Wreck pond which was once an inlet. The pipe has a beacon attached to the end of it as it lines up closely to the existing Sea Girt Light House on land.

49 - SM Cole Houshmand hitting the lip!

Photos: Joanne O'Shaughnessy

HotSpots

SM - 50

Chasing Gonzalo!

51 - SM Kei Kobayashi flying high in a clear blue sky!

Photo: Joanne O'Shaughnessy

HotSpots The weather was super warm for October and the lighting was beautiful. The conditions were good all day and the three young surfers scored some great waves but the meat of the swell was still set to show up overnight...

SM - 52

Chasing Gonzalo!

53 - SM

Sebastian Mendes bashes another lip!

Photos: Joanne O'Shaughnessy

HotSpots

SM - 54

Chasing Gonzalo!

55 - SM

Cole Houshmand makes the most of this righthander!

Photo: Joanne O'Shaughnessy

HotSpots

SM - 56

Chasing Gonzalo!

57 - SM Kei Kobayashi caning some tube time!

Photo: Joanne O'Shaughnessy

HotSpots

SM - 58

Chasing Gonzalo!

59 - SM

Kei in the barrel of the day again!

Photo: Joanne O'Shaughnessy

HotSpots

By Saturday morning, the swell had really arrived; it was still very warm and the lighting was beautiful. The boys once again drove for miles from Island Beach State Park in the south to Asbury Park in the north checking the conditions and exploring New Jersey a bit. Nothing looked as good as the Pipe in Spring Lake though, so that is where they surfed for most of the day.

SM - 60

Chasing Gonzalo!

61 - SM Kei Kobayashi completing another solid tube run!

Photo: Joanne O'Shaughnessy

HotSpots

Kei got the best of it in the morning surfing alongside some stellar East Coast pros.

SM - 62

Chasing Gonzalo!

63 - SM

Cole Houshmand hitting it with his backhand!

Photo: Joanne O'Shaughnessy

HotSpots Later in the day we moved to a spot at the north end of Spring Lake. The waves settled down a bit and Cole was able to get some good ones!

SM - 64

Chasing Gonzalo!

65 - SM Kei Kobayashi grabbing yet more tube time!

Photo: Joanne O'Shaughnessy

HotSpots Kei killed it at this spot. He scored multiple barrels and went to the air as well. The groms were stoked to surf New Jersey during hurricane season and get barreled. I had to tell them that the waves aren't always that good here, and when they are good, the weather and water is so much colder.

A good little surf strike for them.

SM - 66

Chasing Gonzalo!

Now Kei, you're just back from surfing Pipe in Hawaii but of course just over a month ago, you headed over to chase the swell from Hurricane Gonzalo at a very different Pipe.

So first of all, tell us how it all came about?

It all came about when Sebastian Mendes called me at 11 at night and said lets go to new jersey the waves are going to be pumping. Sebastian and I have been doing some strike missions with eachother! I was like yes let's go and that's how it all happened!

So had you surfed over in New Jersey before?

I have surfed in New Jersey before for the Belmar Pro junior. I go there every year I compete in the Belmar Pro Junior. But I've never seen it so good!!!

67 - SM Kei Kobayashi grabs more air time too!

Photo: Joanne O'Shaughnessy

HotSpots

SM - 68

Chasing Gonzalo!

And what were you expecting, heading to surf a hurricane swell?

I was expecting some fun waves. Didn't think it would be that good and that square of barrels!! I got pretty worked, most worked I've ever gotten there.

Did it live up to expectations then?

It did was better than the expectation and I'm really stoked I got to surf pumping me jersey and I'm stoked that all the locals were all so friendly to me out in the line up.

69 - SM Kei Kobayashi killing it in the perfect conditions!

Photo: Joanne O'Shaughnessy

HotSpots

SM - 70

Chasing Gonzalo!

Which day gave you the best session?

All the days I was there gave me the best session but the second day I was by far the best. It was the biggest and best! I was stoked to be out there. And I was only there for 4 days!

Any solid wipeouts then?

Yes I pulled into a bunch of close outs.

Fell on some but it was all in laughs!

71 - SM Kei Kobayashi flying through yet another barrel!

Photo: Joanne O'Shaughnessy

HotSpots

SM - 72

Chasing Gonzalo!

And on its day, how did this Pipe compare to the original in Hawaii?

This was more manageable then pipe in Hawaii I personally think. Pipe and Backdoor is a very scary wave and you can hit the reef and die there. But New Jersey is very powerful and a great wave and I would love to be back there!

So all in all, was the trip across to the East Coast worth it?

Yes the trip was well worth it for me.

I had a blast one of the funnest trips I've ever been one, I can't wait to get back there.

73 - SM Kei Kobayashi caning his East Coast sessions!

Photo: Joanne O'Shaughnessy

HotSpots

SM - 74

Just 'Kidd'ing!

Photos: Fabian Coetzer, Shaun Cottrell, Shayne Nienaber & Ryan Janssen; Words: Stu Gaston

75 - SM Richard Kidd kicks into some air time!

Photo: Shayne Nienaber

surphalosophy

Richard Kidd is a name you may not have heard much of yet but rest assured this is one kid who's soon to make his mark on the surfing world. So as ever we here at SURPHANG like to be the first to bring the talent of tomorrow to you today, so here he is, Richard Kidd.

SM - 76

Just 'Kidd'ing!

77 - SM Richard Kidd racks up some tube time!

Photo: Ryan Janssen

surphalosophy

Name: Richard Kidd Age: 17 Nickname: Rich Years surfing: 5 years Where you live: Ballito, Durban, KZN, South Africa Sponsors: Lizzard, Bilt surfboards and ZION wetsuits Local break/s: Surfers (where Mr Price Pro Ballito is held) Favourite surfer?

John John Florence Favourite place to surf?

Sunrise in Ballito Favourite surf movie?

Mick Fanning Missing Favourite surf trick?

Well if getting barreled is a trick then that would be my favourite trick!

Favourite board?

My 5'8 Bilt shaped by Elton Fursmen

SM - 78

Just 'Kidd'ing!

79 - SM Richard Kidd takes to the air!

Photo: Shaun Cottrell

surphalosophy What first got you into surfing?

I started bodyboarding with my friends on holiday and then I decided to upgrade haha How big a part does surfing play in your life?

Besides my family, surfing is indeed the biggest part of my life!

When and how did you become sponsored?

At the start of 2014 I got a double page spread in ZigZag magazine and then a couple days later I got a phone call and it went from there

SM - 80

Just 'Kidd'ing!

81 - SM Richard Kidd kicks out his tail!

Photo: Fabian Coetzer

surphalosophy Who in surfing inspires you most?

Jason Ribbink, because of all the stories he has told me and he still rips not only big waves but also 2ft weak Durban, he just rips!

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

I'm big into the contest scene at the moment because of all the travelling around and you get to meet a lot of new people along the way.

SM - 82

Just 'Kidd'ing!

83 - SM Richard Kidd grabs some air time!

Photo: Fabian Coetzer

surphalosophy Now the past few years have seen you performing consistently well at all levels, with some good results this year. So talk us through your contest season and the highs and lows that lead to your results.

I have made some changes with my surfing and training routine. I have changed coaches to Gary Freeman and Jason Ribbink has been at all my contests to support, help and keep me focused. I have been training more on the competitive side and less in the air which helps a lot when you're in a heat.

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

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

Yeh we've got some really good surfers like Slade Prestwich and Davey van Zyl

SM - 84

Just 'Kidd'ing!

85 - SM Richard Kidd grabs another airborne opportunity!

Photo: Fabian Coetzer

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?

Surfing against the likes of Slade and Davey definitely helps and pushes my surfing because of how they surf and because of all their experience.

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

Both of them hahaha, they both are on the WQS and they surf amazingly, but on the other hand I want to surf against them because of the experience I will gain from it.

SM - 86

Just 'Kidd'ing!

87 - SM Richard Kidd hits the lip!

Photo: Ryan Janssen

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

2015 is going to be a tough but good year. It's my Matric year but I also want it to be a good year for my surfing career. My main goal is to make the South African team and go to the ISA World Junior Championships.

What about training then?

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

My trainer Gary Freeman trains me in and out of the gym. He films all the surf sesions we do and then after we go back to the gym to see where I went wrong so we can fix it.

SM - 88

Just 'Kidd'ing!

89 - SM Richard Kidd kicks out!

Photo: Ryan Janssen

surphalosophy Now you're from Ballito near Durban and have no doubt surfed some epic breaks over in South Africa. How would you rate those classic spots such as J-bay then?

Definitely! J-Bay is an incredible wave and is one of the best waves I have ever ridden, I am so lucky to surf there all the time!

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

I have never surfed out of Africa but I have surfed a couple spots in Mozambique and that was pretty nuts.

SM - 90

Just 'Kidd'ing!

91 - SM Richard Kidd rides through another green room!

Photo: Ryan Janssen

surphalosophy

And when and where has your best surf session been then?

At my local spot in winter, it gets insane.

But what about the worst wipeout of your life so far?

My worst wipeout was going over the falls at Sunrise in Ballito and getting smashed against the rocks, it was gnarly!

SM - 92

Just 'Kidd'ing!

93 - SM Richard Kidd works a righthander!

Photo: Ryan Janssen

surphalosophy

So what about future plans for travelling?

Where do you want to head to and surf?

I want to travel all over and surf everywhere but I really want to go get some big barrels in Hawaii.

Finally then, what about your future?

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

I see myself on the WCT living the dream hopefully!

SM - 94

A Tale of Two Talents Photos: Thomas Deregnieaux, Stu Gaston, Lucy Thamille & Chuck@Surf-shot.com Words: Stu Gaston

95 - SM Ryland Rubens driving off the lip!

Photo: Stu Gaston

HotShots

Talent comes in many different forms but in its essential form, talent is an innate ability developed through much practice, hard work and dedication into an ability of superior quality. Over the past year, two surfers in particular have stood out for such hard work and dedication and it has certainly allowed their talent to flourish and helped them to earn the recognition they deserve. First to take a wave is Ryland Rubens, keenly followed by Thomas Delplace paddling out to the line up.

So here's a tale of these two Hot Shot Talents!

Thomas Delplace taking his place in the line up!

Photo: Thomas Deregnieaux

SM - 96

A Tale of Two Talents

97 - SM Ryland Rubens rounding into a bottom turn!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

HotShots

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

SM - 98

A Tale of Two Talents

99 - SM Ryland Rubens riding off the top!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

HotShots

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 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.

SM - 100

A Tale of Two Talents

101 - SM Ryland Rubens hitting the lip at Huntington!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

HotShots

Now, two thousand and fourteen has been a good year for you on the whole coming to a great finish after you’ve just won the RipCurl Gromsearch and become the Under 14 Champion. So talk us through that contest and the highs and lows that lead to your eventual win.

Yeah, I was stoked to win the Gromsearch because of all the great surfers in the event. I just seemed to get stronger with every heat which helped.

And what about a month or so earlier when you had highlights like winning the NSSA event at Huntington.

How was that for you?

I was fortunate to do well at Huntington Beach for the NSSA event. Anytime you can do well in Huntington is a good thing becuase the waves are always tricky.

SM - 102

A Tale of Two Talents

103 - SM Ryland Rubens riding off the lip!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

HotShots 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 take you out!

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.

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

Just keep 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.

SM - 104

A Tale of Two Talents

105 - SM

Ryland Rubens reaching out off his backhand!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

HotShots

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.

SM - 106

A Tale of Two Talents

107 - SM Ryland Rubens working every wave he rides!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

HotShots

Earlier this year, you were lucky enough to sepnd a couple of weeks over in Hawaii. So how was that then?

Yeah, earlier in the year I did a few events at Pipeline and Sunset. It was a great learning experieince though I took bad wipe outs at both places!

While you were there then, when and where has your best surf session?

Definitely Pipeline But what about the worst wipeout?

I took off real late at Pipeline and got rag dolled good and proper - I'm still healing from a sprained MCL. The place is scary for sure.

SM - 108

A Tale of Two Talents

109 - SM Ryland Rubens rides down into another big bottom turn!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

HotShots

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!

SM - 110

A Tale of Two Talents

111 - SM

Thomas Delplace takes it tail high!

Photo: Lucille Thami

HotShots

Name: Thomas Delplace Age: 17 Nickname: Taz Years surfing: 9 Where you live: Seignosse Sponsors: Vissla, FCS, Gorilla Local break/s: Santocha (Capbreton), Le Penon (Hossegor) Favourite surfer?

Julian Wilson Favourite place to surf?

Pelle Ă Tarte, Martinique Favourite surf movie?

Slow Dance Favourite surf trick?

Air Reverse Favourite board?

Pukas By TAZ

SM - 112

A Tale of Two Talents

113 - SM

Thomas Delplace takes to the air!

Photo: Stu Gaston

HotShots

What first got you into surfing?

When I watched Young Guns 2, I already knew then that that was the sport for me!

How big a part does surfing play in your life?

Surfing is a huge part of my life, that makes me calm and unstressed.

I surf when I can every day.

Who in surfing inspires you most?

John John Florence and the way he just loves what he does What do you prefer then, free surfing or competitions and why?

Free surf, though I do love both, but with free surfing you can express yourself how you want to and because I always surf better then!

SM - 114

A Tale of Two Talents

115 - SM

Thomas Delplace digs in off his backhand!

Photo: Stu Gaston

HotShots Now the past year has seen you performing consistently well with some good results, such as winning the junior Division of the Volcom Totally Crustaceous Tour Event at Zarautz. So talk us through those contests and the highs and lows that lead to your results.

Well, the win in Zarautz was really something special because I won with 17 point something of a total, and that gave me a lot of confidence for the next step, where unfortunately I didn't find waves in the final. I also had the only 10 of that contest. So yeh that has been a good contest year for me.

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

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

European surfers are so different in style, it's not like in Hawaii or California I think, where guys can do everything; In Europe guys who can make everything do exist, but you can find people who are best in aerials or basic turns. There is a lot of potential in Europe and it's always good to compete against a European guy.

SM - 116

A Tale of Two Talents

117 - SM

Thomas Delplace takes yet more air time!

Photo: Stu Gaston

HotShots

Now you've had various great results recently, so what's been your best this year?

Well I was really pleased with my results in the Pro Juniors. It's pretty hard to make heats in Pro Junior, scores are low and all the surfers rip.

So after a good year, what's your goal now for the year to come?

For the year to come, and I think it's my last because ASP rules have changed, I want to finish in the top 15 Pro Juniors, and eventually to qualify for the World Finals though I know that I have to work more on my surf and my contest strategy.

SM - 118

A Tale of Two Talents

119 - SM

Thomas Delplace flashing a recently stickered nose!

Photo: Thomas Deregnieaux

HotShots As well as some good contest results, this year has also seen you working hard to secure some sponsorship and backing which you've now achieved having been picked up by Vissla. So talk us through what it's like to have them supporting you?

Well, it was awesome to find a sponsor after so long without a sticker on the nose of my board, and no real help from other sponsors.

Even if it's not a big deal for the moment, we can hope for some better help next year maybe.

What about training then?

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

I have my coach Nicolas Fernandez who I've had for a few years now, and he knows me really well! He helps me a lot with my progress! For fitness I didn't train hard on my fitness this year I admit, but I sometimes run and stretch, because I didn't need to be fitter or stronger, that would have been too much.

Now you're from Hossegor and surf those epic breaks over in France every day. So how would you rate those classic spots such as Graviere then?

La Gravière is a high performance wave which could be an epic wave that can rival World Class waves like Pipe. But the problem is the sand banks which always move away.

SM - 120

A Tale of Two Talents

121 - SM Thomas Delplace tweaks his air game!

Photo: Stu Gaston

HotShots Earlier this year, you were lucky enough to sepnd a couple of months over in Tahiti. So how was that then?

Tahiti was a pretty cool lifestyle experience! I was staying in my Tahitian's friend house, Mihimana and William, and there are sick waves around there!

And while you were there, when and where has your best surf session?

My best sessions were on the beachs breaks!

But what about the worst wipeout of your life so far?

Well, I was too late for a barrel, and the wave took me so deep, that I touched the sand and I couldn't even move, was without oxygen, that was really scary.

SM - 122

A Tale of Two Talents

123 - SM Thomas Delplace doing his air thing!

Photo: Stu Gaston

HotShots So what about future plans for travelling? Where do you still want to head to and surf?

Well I'm still studying and it's my last year so I have to keep it up until August. I think I will not travel this winter for this reason unfortunately. But I will surf every day with my friends.

Finally then, what about your future? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years time?

Well I don't think I can live from my surfing alone, when I see my actual situation with sponsors, I can't live with that so I think I will have to have a job, but still surfing every day of course!

SM - 124

Twenty 14 Talent Photos: Stu Gaston, rommel Gonzales, Dan Sedgwick & Chuck@Surf-shot.com; Words: Stu Gaston

125 - SM Nomme Mignot making the most of fun puntable sections!

Photo: Stu Gaston

TheGoss

As ever, the levels of upcoming talent in the surfing world just seem to be going up, up, up!

So we've hand picked a small selection of just fourteen junior surfers who we feel have got what it takes to go far and will be chasing the dreams of their fun filled futures!

SM - 126

Aldric God

127 - SM Aldric God giving it all he's got!

Photo: Stu Gaston

TheGoss

SM - 128

Alex Bauduin

129 - SM Alex Bauduin showing a French righthander who's boss!

Photo: Stu Gaston

TheGoss

SM - 130

Alex Iriondo

131 - SM Alex Iriondo rounds off the lip!

Photo: Stu Gaston

TheGoss

SM - 132

Charly Quivront

133 - SM Charly Quivront carving through that righthander!

Photo: Stu Gaston

TheGoss

SM - 134

Diego Mignot

135 - SM Diego Mignot making the most of small fun French surf!

Photo: Stu Gaston

TheGoss

SM - 136

Gatien Delahaye

137 - SM Gatien Delahaye digs that rail deep!

Photo: Stu Gaston

TheGoss

SM - 138

Guillaume Fonseca

139 - SM Guillaume Fonseca finds some fun off his backhand!

Photo: Stu Gaston

TheGoss

SM - 140

Jacome Correia

141 - SM Jacome Correia creates a whole lot of spray off his forehand!

Photo: Stu Gaston

TheGoss

SM - 142

Mikey February

143 - SM Mikey February means business!

Photo: Stu Gaston

TheGoss

SM - 144

Nomme Mignot

145 - SM Nomme Mignot making for another punt!

Photo: Rommel Gonzales

TheGoss

SM - 146

Taylor Clark

147 - SM Taylor Clark lays into a lefthander!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

TheGoss

SM - 148

Tommy Boucat

149 - SM Tommy Boucat bashes the lip off his backhand!

Photo: Stu Gaston

TheGoss

SM - 150

Tyler Killeen

151 - SM Tyler Killeen taking it to the next level!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

TheGoss

SM - 152

Will Bailey

153 - SM Will Bailey whacks a frothy lip!

Photo: Dan Sedgwick

TheGoss

SM - 154

T H E G A L L E R Y

155 - SM

Ryland Rubens and more of his powerful riding!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

SM - 156

T H E G A L L E R Y

157 - SM

Shane Sykes setting those sights!

Photo: Fabian Coetzer

SM - 158

T H E G A L L E R Y

159 - SM

Kei Kobayashi killing it with his tube riding!

Photo: Joanne O'Shaughnessy

SM - 160

T H E G A L L E R Y

161 - SM

Ryland Rubens riding one off the top!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

SM - 162

T H E G A L L E R Y

163 - SM

Believe you can fly and you will! Thomas Delplace takes point!

Photo: Thomas Deregnieaux

SM - 164

T H E G A L L E R Y

165 - SM

Nomme Mignot makes it all look easy!

Photo: Rommel Gonzales

SM - 166

T H E G A L L E R Y

167 - SM

Taylor Clark takes to the air!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

SM - 168

Surphang Magazine

169 - SM

Thomas Delplace setting up for his next big move!

Photo: Nicolas Fernandez

NextIssue We've reached the end of what has been another awesome year and we've enjoyed every minute of making every issue that has Supported Upcoming Rider Potential Here And Now Globally. So all that's left for us to do is look forward to doing it all over again in 2015! Have a good one and keep SURPHANG!

SM - 170

Thanks for reading the Thirty Fifth issue of

Surphang Magazine

Richard Kidd living the dream!

Photo: Shaun Cottrell