Surphang Magazine Issue 38
Proudly presents
The Pro Show
No Blanks Blanco! Champ Chats
Luke's Luck on the Up!
Charging Riley!
The Young Contenders Caparica Kick-Off!
Quik Catch-up with Kanoa
All Amped Up!
Surphang Magazine
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'Charging!' It's an exciting time to be a part of the new movement of fresh and upcoming young surfers that are exploding into the world of surfing! Not only are they upping the anti with their air game, they're also charging harder than ever, aiming for bigger and better at every turn! So in this issue we catch up with some upcoming surfers who are really pushing the limits both with their competitive surfing, training even longer and harder to reach their ultimate goals, and also with their own surfing, seeking new heights of pumping surf in which they can charge and challenge themselves to the max! All in all, we are now entering a whole new generation of chargers and as ever, SURPHANG is right there to bring them right to you!
Riley Laing charging at his local! Photo: John Brumfield SM - 02
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Surphang Magazine
Magazine Editor: Stuart Gaston Contributing Photographers: Stu Gibson, John Brumfield, Mario Entero, Miguel Fernandinho, Tony Dillon, Andrew Chisholm, Dan Sedgwick, Hugo Silva, Elisiario Carvalho, Brieuc Calonnec, 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: Riley Laing charging Shipsterns! Photo: Stu Gibson
All amped up and ready to charge! Photo: Mario Entero
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This Issue's Features
The Pro Show Champ Chats Surphalosophy No Blanks Blanco!
Luke's Luck on the Up!
Miguel Blanco has been firing lately, taking down all the opposition to claim his first WSL Pro Junior of 2015!
Luke Dillon dominated the last event of the 2014 European Pro Juniors in Lanzarote so we caught up for a chat with this champ!
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Charging Riley!
Riley Laing has long been known for being the first teenage grom to charge Shipstern's Bluff – here he is at it all over again!
ThisIssue
The Young Contenders Caparica Kick-Off! There's a huge pack of hungry teenage surfers all vying for this year's WSL European Pro Junior title – here's our top twenty!
Caparica is one of Portugal's most consistent surf destinations and the location of the first WSL European Pro Junior of 2015.
Quik Catch-up with Kanoa Kanoa Igarashi has re-ignited his contest campaign this year after an Australian Open win. We caught up in Portugal...
All Amped Up! Summer's nearly here so we're checking out what's hot in this year's wetties! First, we get all amped up in ION's Onyx Amp!
THE GALLERY Riley Laing looking to get stuck into another solid session! Photo: Andrew Chisholm SM - 06
Welcome to
The Pro Show No Blanks Blanco! Photos & Words: Stu Gaston
07 - SM Miguel Blanco firing off the lip in Caparica! Photo: Stu Gaston
TheProShow
Miguel Blanco's surfing has been on fire lately. After a second place finish on the last Pro Junior of 2014, he's spent the winter pushing his surfing to new limits, charging both Pipeline in Hawaii and Peniche's legendary Supertubos back home. So after all this hard work, it's great to see it's paid off with Miguel taking his first WSL Junior Series win at the Caparica Primavera Surf Fest. We spoke to him about his recent success and the drive that has taken him to where he is now!
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No Blanks Blanco!
09 - SM Miguel Blanco carving his way to victory in Caparica! Photo: Stu Gaston
TheProShow
Name: Miguel Blanco Age: 19 Years surfing: 12 Where you live: Sao Pedro do Estoril, Cascais Sponsors: Kia Motors, Polen Surfboards, Joaquim Chaves Saude, FCS, Gorilla Local break/s: Sao Pedro do Estoril Favourite surfer? Dane Reynolds Favourite place to surf? Indo Favourite surf movie? Billabong Blue Horizon Favourite surf trick? Barrel Favourite board? 6'2 18 3/8 2 1/4 Quad, perfect for barrels!
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No Blanks Blanco!
11 - SM Miguel making his mark! Photo: Stu Gaston
TheProShow
What first got you into surfing? A friend because I moved from the middle of Lisbon to a house just by the sea in Sao Pedro do Estoril Who in surfing inspires you most? Probably Dane, you see a clip of him destroying it and you just want to go surf as fast as you can! What do you prefer then, free surfing or competitions and why? Both. Being on a boat trip in Indo with your friends scoring perfect waves is probably the best thing in the world, but winning a comp feels good... Really good!
“Winning a comp feels good... Really good!� SM - 12
No Blanks Blanco!
13 - SM Miguel Blanco firing off his backhand! Photo: Stu Gaston
TheProShow
Now the past couple of years have seen you performing better and better on the European Pro Junior circuit but your recent win at the Caparica Primavera Surf Fest must be a highlight? Yeh, last year I made second on the last Pro Junior of the year in Lanzarote so I got quite hungry for winning a comp. I knew that the competition in Costa da Caparica was going to be really hard because everyone was surfing to their best and the level is getting higher and higher. I prepared myself really well: trained a lot, worked on my boards and it worked! It was my first professional competition win too so I'm really happy right now! You had to overcome some solid surfing from your contenders. How do you rate your surfing peers from around Europe at the moment? I think I'm doing a good job and making my own way. Europe has really good surfers and it is doing some big damage on the QS, I just want to keep improving on my surfing and do some damage as well!
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No Blanks Blanco!
15 - SM Miguel moving a serious amount of spray! Photo: Stu Gaston
TheProShow
Now that you've had this win to start this year's season, what are your goals for the year to come? Of course I want to be European Champ, but I'll take it heat by heat and see how far I can go! Of course last year was a real mixed bag for you, losing Quiksilver as your main sponsor and yet going on to end the Pro Junior season with that second place finish at the Teguise Franito Pro Junior. So did what happen drive you even harder to do well when competing? Yeh I actually lost my main sponsor two years ago and that kinda opened my eyes and made me not take everything for granted... It was good to grow up. But now I really need to get a sponsor!
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No Blanks Blanco!
17 - SM Miguel Blanco capitalising on some fun surf in Caparica! Photo: Stu Gaston
TheProShow
Competitons aside, what about the freesurfing game? You've posted some impressive edits recently (as well as that epic bail off the rocks that went viral) so have you plans for upping your online profile with fresh material this year? Of course! What I really like to do is just surfing so I'll try to keep my Facebook page up to date with some good pics from epic sessions around Portugal and if I have the chance, around the world!! Now you're already from Cascais with some top quality waves right on your doorstep! So how would you rate your local spots? Well when you're talking about my home spots I would rate them some of the best waves in the world because surfing at home with your friends just feels awesome! But we have some super fun waves here in Cascais and some world class waves around Ericeira and Peniche! Where else around the world have you been lucky enough to travel to and surf? I've been lucky enough to travel to some amazing places like Indo, Maldives, Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Panama... even China!
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No Blanks Blanco! So what about future plans for travelling? Where do you want to head to and surf? I wanted to do the QS6000 in Maldives but it's going to be a hard call because it is at the same time as the Pro Junior in Sopelana but only time will tell! I was in Hawaii a few weeks ago so I'm going to stay in Portugal training for a bit. When and where has your best surf session been then? I had some really good sessions, but the last one was probably with my friend Filipe Jervis on a secret spot down south. We found a little slab and it was only us in the water! I think those moments are pretty special! But what's been the worst wipeout of your life? Maybe Backdoor a month ago. I couldn't move my neck for three days. It was pretty heavy but funny at the same time! Finally, where do you see yourself in five to ten years time? I really want to be on the WCT. But I really want to score perfect waves every day!! No one knows... Day by day and we'll see where I am in a few years...
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TheProShow
Miguel always making the most of the waves on offer!
Photo: Stu Gaston
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Champ Chats Luke's Luck on the Up! Photos: Tony Dillon & Miguel Fernandinho Words: Stu Gaston
21 - SM Luke Dillon looking on form! Photo: Miguel Fernandinho
ChampChats
Luke Dillon has been a dominant surfing force on the UK Pro Surf Tour for many years now and so it was no real surprise when he took the UK Pro Junior Championship title a few years ago. That success fuelled Luke's competitive streak though and so it was that he chose to take on the ASP European Pro Junior circuit last year and with amazing results, achieving what no British surfer has done for over two decades! So we caught up with this history making champion for a chat!
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Luke's Luck on the Up!
23 - SM Luke Dillon doing his thing in Portugal! Photo: Tony Dillon
ChampChats
Name: Luke Dillon Age: 20 Years surfing: 12 Where you live: Newquay, England Sponsors: Fox, Macbeth, Dakine, Adams Surfboards, Von Zipper Local break/s: Fistral Beach, Tolcarne Beach and Crantock Favourite surfer? Julian Wilson Favourite place to surf? Scotland Favourite surf movie? Scratching the Surface Favourite surf trick? Open face carve Favourite board? Adams P2 Model 5"11
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Luke's Luck on the Up!
25 - SM Luke launching over that lip! Photo: Tony Dillon
ChampChats
What first got you into surfing? My dad took me down Tolcarne beach and put me on a bodyboard and all I wanted to do was stand up from watching all the surfers all day. Who in surfing inspires you most? Slater, how someone can stay at the top for so long and just keep getting better, being physically stronger than anyone else and his mental mind game too, it's just ridiculous. When and how did you become sponsored? Entered my first contest at Fistral beach, it was the Quiksilver King of the Groms, ended up winning and got sponsored by Quiksilver right after. What do you prefer then, free surfing or competitions and why? Competition surfing, I love competing, I love the competition scene. Free surfing is great but I prefer to look at it as training. Whenever I'm in the sea with my mates, I'm always asking them to do heats and we self score ourselves.. Just always loved the feeling of competing, and just free surfing hasn't really appealed to me as of yet.
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Luke's Luck on the Up!
Luke Dillon taking it to the lip! Photo: Tony Dillon
So no wonder then the past couple of years have seen you performing well in competitons, especially in 2013 when you became the UK Pro Junior Champion. First, talk us through that season and the highs and lows that lead to you earning the title.
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Well I started the year by going to Lanzarote for a few weeks just for some warmer weather and better waves. Had a month off after and the first contest was the English Nationals in May. I had an okay run but not the best result I could have hoped for. After that I just stayed at home until the following two contests where I had good results and then through the year I just had to be consistent to win the title. The last leg was in the North, two contests around the North East of England and one in Scotland. I had a good result in Scotland and unfortunately the contests in the North East of England were cancelled because of no waves. The lows were definitely bowing out of contests early after you feel like you've been surfing well, but the high of winning the Junior tour with another year left was a good feeling.
ChampChats
You had to overcome some solid surfing to win that title. So how do you rate your surfing peers from around the UK at the moment? The standard of surfing in the UK is really good. We get forgotten about a little bit in Europe which is a shame but when you do well, it means that much more beating guys who are backed harder. There's a load of good guys from England all the way from the younger guys to the older guys. You have the young guns like Angus Scotney who I've had some good heats with through to the juniors like Jobe Harriss who I see as the guy who can push me as we're in the same age group and are always competing against each other. Then there's the older guys like Alan Stokes, Russell Winter; we've got Reubyn Ash too, so we've got real quality in England, just need to get the results to prove it!
And was becoming UK Pro Junior Champion your best victory to date? Actually it was winning the European Pro junior in Lanzarote because I moved up 30 places and qualified for the World Juniors which I don't think a Brit has done in 20 years so that was a massive achievement! SM - 28
Luke's Luck on the Up!
Luke Dillon driving round the bottom! Photo: Miguel Fernandinho
Indeed winning the final event of the ASP European Pro Junior Circuit in Lanzarote saw you finish in the top 4 in Europe! So how was that event for you?
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Well I love going to Lanzarote, it's my second home and I stay with Will Davey's family who I know really well and they've always been amazing to me. I owe that victory to them really for putting up with me so much! They live 30 seconds away from that break and I was always surfing there with Will and my friends who live there. It was my last Pro Junior ever and I was joking beforehand saying if I won then I could qualify for the Worlds.. I had my dad there and with the big English crew too, winning in front of all my English mates, who I've grown up surfing with all my life, cheering me in every heat and carrying me up to the podium was something I'll never forget.
ChampChats
That win saw you seeded into the ASP World Junior Championships, a massive achievement for a Brit, with the UK not having been represented there in years now! So how did that go surfing alongside the best upcoming surfers in the world?
It was amazing! I've always said to myself that I am good enough to compete on the world stage but of course I never had the chance until I qualified after winning the Lanzarote event. In one of my heats I had the chance to surf against Italio Ferrera who's now on the CT so that shows how good the World Juniors are getting now! So yeh that was really cool to have the chance to surf against someone like that. The whole contest just showed me what level I have to get to now, and I'm excited for what lies ahed, the best few years now as far as competing goes in my mind. SM - 30
Luke's Luck on the Up! Now you're from Newquay, one of the finest surfing spots in the UK and you regularly head to Lanzarote to train in its top quality waves! So how would you rate the two... your local spots compared to those of Lanzarote? To me Newquay will always be my favourite place, it's where I call home and that's my favourite place to surf, with all my friends in the place where I've lived and surfed my whole life. Home is just really good for surfing beaches, we have the odd reef and point but I just really love surfing fun beaches whereas in Lanzarote it's all really good reef breaks and slabs which is epic for getting barrelled and practising on heavy waves, basically I see it as having the best of both worlds! And where else around the world have you been lucky enough to surf? France, Spain, Portugal, Ireland, Scotland, Azores, Morocco, Canaries, Bali, Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii and Panama When and where has your best surf session been then? Looking back, probably when I was 12/13 and went to Bali. I constantly surfed Bingin with 5 guys out everyday for 2 weeks, the same perfect cylinder view everyday was something I miss a lot!
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Luke launching off his backhand! Photo: Dan Sedgwick
ChampChats But what's been the worst wipeout of your life? I was surfing a slab/point up in North Britain during a photo shoot for a magazine, got called into a bomb and paddled into it too slowly. Threw my board, got sucked over the falls, got out through the washing machine a few times and then got bounced along the bottom for what felt like hours! Ended up popping up about 30 metres down the slab to the sound of laughing from the boys, got rolled so many times, head was pounding, arms and legs cut everywhere and remember thinking underwater this could be it... I think I was 15 at the time so was just exaggerating it all but was so scared! Stick was in half, camera guys laughing at me... Absolute nightmare!! So what about future surf trips? Where else do you still want to head to and surf? I really want to head to Mexico/Nicaragua area and trip down there for some heavy waves! But also Mentawaii Islands just for those perfect waves you see on videos and edits... I'd like to go back over to Ireland as I haven't been in a few years and also catch swells on a few places I've marked out around Britain!
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Luke's Luck on the Up!
33 - SM Luke Dillon looking for his next move! Photo: Miguel Fernandinho
ChampChats
Now what are your goals for the year to come? I'm competing on the WQS this year so my first main goal is to just do as well as possible, have fun and try get a good seed for next year. I don't have the budget to travel internationally so putting all my focus onto the European leg this summer and autumn. Finally, where do you see yourself in five to ten years time? I hope on the WCT giving the top guys a run for their money!! But you never know, everything can change so fast these days, as long as I'm still surfing and it's still fun for me, then I'll be happy with that!
“As long as I'm still surfing and it's still fun for me, then I'll be happy with that!� SM - 34
Surphalosophy Charging Riley! Photos: Andrew Chisholm & Stuart Gibson; Words: Stu Gaston
35 - SM Riley Laing taking charging to another level! Photo: Andrew Chisholm
surphalosophy Riley Laing has to be the ultimate charger! Already known worldwide for being the youngest surfer ever to charge Shipstern's Bluff, that notorious big wave spot off Tasmania, just the other week he's been at it all over again! Not only that, he's a solid contest surfer too having just made it to the semi-finals of the Papara Surf Fest Mens Qualifying Series event in Tahiti! So we spoke to Riley recently about what it is that fuels his desire to charge dangerously large surf!
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Charging Riley!
37 - SM Riley Laing taking off on a big one! Photo: Andrew Chisholm
surphalosophy
Name: Riley Laing Age: 16 Nickname: Laingy Years surfing: 6 years Where you live: The Entrance North, NSW Australia Sponsors: Billabong, Spy Optic Sunglasses, Vertra, Future Fins, Surfers Choice and Dakine Local break/s: North Entrance beach Favourite surfer? Andy Irons Favourite place to surf? Around home. So many fun waves to surf and with your mates. Favourite surf movie? Trilogy - Andy Irons Section. Also Cluster. Just came out the other day and there's some sick surfing in there too! Favourite surf trick? A big straight slob or a big hack. Favourite board? DHD 5'11
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Charging Riley!
39 - SM Riley Laing laying into a solid bottom turn! Photo: Andrew Chisholm
surphalosophy What first got you into surfing? I was into motorbike riding from about 6 to 10 years old with my brothers but in the end it just got to dangerous and my mum ended up saying no more cause I had a pretty bad accident. I did nippers from a young age so I was use to being in the water and new how to read the surf where the rips were and all that but never use to surf. I actually use to bodyboard when I was really young just on the shories with my mates. But then after I stopped motorbike riding that's when my dad took me out surfing and taught me how to surf. When and how did you become sponsored? I was 13 when I got sponsored by Billabong. I was so stoked to be apart of the team. They took me down to Bells with a couple of the other Billabong groms when Bells was on and I just remember seeing all my hero's there surfing and I was like, "This is what I want to do, I want to be like them when I'm older!" Who in surfing inspires you most? Andy Irons. I've always liked his surfing. You never knew what he was going to do on a wave. He could do a 6ft air or the biggest hack you have ever seen. What do you prefer then, free surfing or competitions and why? I love them both. Free surfing is really fun cause you're mostly surfing with your mates and you can try stuff you wouldn't try in a heat. I also love doing comps though cause I’m a competitive person and want to do the best I can in everything I do.
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Charging Riley!
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Riley Laing looking quite relaxed considering! Photo: Stu Gibson
surphalosophy
Now you've had some great moments in your surfing career and you've become known worldwide for being the youngest surfer to charge solid Shipstern's Bluff in Tasmania! You've just been back there recently so what is it that draws you to that wave? Shipstern's Bluff. The name scares me haha. I remember watching video's of it when I just started surfing. I was like there is no way I'm going to surf that wave. It looked like the scariest wave in the world with that step in it! Then when I was around 12 something attracted me to it. I don't know what but I just really wanted to surf it and I told my dad I wanted to go surf it. He said not yet you're too young, we have to get some more experience in bigger waves so he started taking me out to my local bombies. So when I was 13 we decided to go with the help of Jug Allport. I was so nervous, scared and not sure what to expect. Well it just looks as scary as on a computer when you see it in real life. But if you make the drop and get over the step you can get one of the widest, thickest barrels in your life and that is what I liked about that wave.
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Charging Riley!
43 - SM Riley realising quite how thick and wide this wave really is! Photo: Andrew Chisholm
surphalosophy
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Charging Riley!
45 - SM Riley Laing loving the chance to charge Shippies! Photo: Andrew Chisholm
surphalosophy How many times have you surfed there then? My first surf was when I was 13 then I went back when I was 14 and Kelly Slater was actually there and a bunch of my other big wave hero's like Mark Mathews, Laurie Towner, Marti Paradisis, Ryan Hipwood and more. It was so good to see all them out there pushing the limit on paddling and tow out there. Such a great experience. Then I went down there about 2 weeks ago now for filming for the Crew TV season 3 Generation 2 with Mark Mathews, Russle Bierke and Max Mcguigen. It wasn't too big about 8 to 10ft, with a couple of bigger sets coming through but was a great day for paddling. And this last trip there, how did it come about? You were just back off another trip to Hawaii weren't you? I was in Hawaii at the time and Mark Mathews rang me up and said there was a big swell heading to Shipsterns if I was keen to go filming for the Crew TV. I said, Yes I’m heaps keen. I booked the first flight back from Hawaii and I said I would meet him in Tassie. I had to call my parents to bring down my Billabong wetsuit and paddle/tow boards for Shippies and I met them at Sydney airport to do a board change and head back on another flight to Tasmania about an hour after I landed. And how was it? Did it compare to all time Shippies sessions you've had before? It was a bit slow. About 30 minute wait for a wave. But it was good cause there was only 5 of us out so we all had a few waves each. It was saying it would be really big but the swell just wasn't quite getting in there. It was a really fun experience though.
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Charging Riley!
47 - SM Riley Laing looking calm and collected! Photo: Stu Gibson
surphalosophy
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Charging Riley!
49 - SM Riley Laing loving the warmer water of Hawaii too! Photo: Courtesy of Billabong
surphalosophy
So what about the trip you've just had over to Hawaii. Was that another epic trip by North Shore standards? The trip I had in Hawaii wasn't the best season. There was a lot of sand at Pipe and Backdoor and onshore winds basically the whole time so we didn't get any good waves there really. A couple fun early morning at Off The Wall but that's about it. But at the end of last year when I was staying in Hawaii with my coach Micro I got to surf Jaws which was a huge experience for me. It's pretty hectic and the paddle out and in is gnarly! I broke the board I borrowed trying to get back in. And before that, you had another stint over in Bali too. How was that then? I went over to Sumbawa with Shane Fleatcher filming for a short clip that we are going to be dropping soon. The waves were super fun. So what about contests this year so far? Has the season got off to the start you'd hoped for? In the Australian comps I haven't been able to surf passed my first or second round because I have had to fly out that same day due to commitments overseas or with the Crew TV Show. My best result was in Hawaii at the Sunset Pro Junior and I made the quarter finals. I really wanted to win it cause the waves were firing.
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Charging Riley!
51 - SM Riley Laing launching above the lip in Hawaii! Photo: Courtesy of Billabong
surphalosophy
You're now over in Tahiti, and how's that been? Had any good Chopes sessions yet? I arrived here a couple days ago but I haven't surfed Chopes yet but there's swell on the way. I'm really exited to get out there! So it'd be fair to say you've become known as a bit of a big wave charger. So what's the appeal for you? I just love surfing and I love to challenge myself with everything to do with surfing... big waves along with my air game and competition surfing. I want to be good at it all!! Which monster waves around the world have you still in mind to surf? I want to get over to West Aus this winter to surf The Right. Would love to get a big one there.
“I want to be good at it all!!� SM - 52
Charging Riley!
53 - SM Riley Laing looking solid charging Shippies! Photo: Andrew Chisholm
surphalosophy
Finally then what about the future? Is your goal to one day be on the Tour or are you going to carve out your own destiny and be known for your big wave surfing? Or both of course? My goal would be to make the tour and still go around chasing swells. Have the best of both worlds. Why have one when you can do both? Yeeeww!!
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The Young Contenders Photos & Words: Stu Gaston
ez l a z n o G o x t Na
55 - SM Natxo Gonzalez kicking out in Caparica! Photo: Stu Gaston
HotShots Another year, another series of European Pro Juniors, another Championship title to be won and so another hungry pack of surfers ready to fly into battle to do whatever it takes to make it theirs! We've already met Miguel Blanco who currently sits at the top of the rankings table, so now here are twenty upcoming surfers who we think, based on past and present performances have what it takes to be young contenders for this year's title!
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The Young Contenders
ec r a o l C n o s l Ne
57 - SM Nelson Cloarec clipping that lip! Photo: Stu Gaston
HotShots
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The Young Contenders
ia b i c n ra A s Len
59 - SM Lens Arancibia launching out of the lip! Photo: Stu Gaston
HotShots
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The Young Contenders
iss r r a H Jobe
61 - SM Jobe Harriss hitting the lip! Photo: Stu Gaston
HotShots
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The Young Contenders
nt o r v i u Q y l Char
63 - SM Charly Quivront working the right hander! Photo: Stu Gaston
HotShots
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The Young Contenders
es d n a n r e F Tomas
65 - SM Tomas Fernandes on fire! Photo: Stu Gaston
HotShots
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The Young Contenders
eca s n o F e Guilherm
67 - SM Guilherme Fonseca getting his timing bang on! Photo: Stu Gaston
HotShots
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The Young Contenders
egi r e Y l o n a Im
69 - SM Imanol Yeregi and his solid rail surfing! Photo: Stu Gaston
HotShots
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The Young Contenders
Andy Criere
71 - SM Andy Criere's surfing always hits the mark! Photo: Stu Gaston
HotShots
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The Young Contenders
Lourenco Alves
73 - SM Lourenco Alves launching himself into the competitive field! Photo: Stu Gaston
HotShots
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The Young Contenders
ot n g i M e m Nom
75 - SM Nomme Mignot knows how to stand out! Photo: Stu Gaston
HotShots
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The Young Contenders
Titouan Boyer
77 - SM Titouan Boyer is one to be taken seriously! Photo: Stu Gaston
HotShots
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The Young Contenders
ye a h a l e D n e i t Ga
79 - SM Gatien Delahaye will do some damage this year! Photo: Stu Gaston
HotShots
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The Young Contenders
o r i o l r e P Luis
81 - SM Luis Perloiro looking on form! Photo: Stu Gaston
HotShots
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The Young Contenders
o h l e o oC r d e P
83 - SM Pedro Coelho keeping himself ahead of the game! Photo: Stu Gaston
HotShots
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The Young Contenders
e k p o K o a o J
85 - SM Joao Kopke keeping himself up with his contenders! Photo: Hugo Silva
HotShots
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The Young Contenders
o s s i B m Ti
87 - SM Tim Bisso and his competition killing backhand! Photo: Stu Gaston
HotShots
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The Young Contenders
Aldric God
89 - SM Aldric God giving it his all in Caparica! Photo: Stu Gaston
HotShots
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The Young Contenders
Leon Glatzer
91 - SM Leon Glatzer looking like he means business! Photo: Stu Gaston
HotShots
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The Young Contenders
Diego Mignot
93 - SM Diego Mignot meaning to make his mark! Photo: Stu Gaston
HotShots
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Caparica Kick-Off! Photos: Elisiario Carvalho; Words: Stu Gaston
95 - SM Caparica looking captivating! Photo: Elisiario Carvalho
HotSpots Spectacular view, spectacular location! What better place to host the opening spectacle of the 2015 World Surfing League's European Junior Series! Welcome the the Caparica Primavera Surf Fest and kick-off for this year's hotly contested Pro Juniors!
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Caparica Kick-Off!
The inaugural Caparica Primavera Surf Fest was held a few weeks ago now amidst much excitement as a musical festival created the perfect back drop to the first event of the World Surfing League's European Junior series. A large dome-like tent hosted ten days of the best musical entertainment right on the beach, following each day's surfing action.
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HotSpots
Photos: Courtesy of Caparica Primavera Surf Fest
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Caparica Kick-Off!
Photo: Elisiario Carvalho
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HotSpots
Photos: Courtesy of Caparica Primavera Surf Fest
Situated just 30km from the centre of Lisbon, making it the closest surfing beach to a European Capital, Costa da Caparica was the perfect venue for such an event, being one of the most consistent spots for swell in Europe with high performance waves typical of 95% of the world's surfing contests. No wonder then that over 100 of the very best under-21 surfing talents from across Europe and even further afield were keen to compete in the first event of this year's European Junior series and battle it out for an early lead in the regional title race and world final qualification prospects. And so the stage was set for an exciting three days of surfing competition starting on Wednesday 1st April.
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Caparica Kick-Off!
101 - SM Miguel Blanco blazing to victory in Caparica! Photos: Courtesy of Caparica Primavera Surf Fest
HotSpots Even before the event began, Miguel Blanco, as the Portuguese surfer highest up the rankings in 2014, was looking strong after his finals finish at the last event of the 2014 season in Lanzarote.
Yet a strong European force fought their way through the early rounds. Charly Quivront was an early stand out with some of the highest heat scores of the entire event in his first few rounds. Similarly strong was Andy Criere who mixed up an impressive repertoire off his forehand as he even took to the air at one point. Hot off his success at last year's World Juniors just up the road in Ericeira, Tomas Fernandes also found his form in his early heats and so by the quarter finals, eight of the best Junior surfers from across Europe had displayed their talents and were ready to take on the final battle at this inaugural event of the season.
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Caparica Kick-Off!
103 - SM Miguel Blanco claims it in Caparica! Photos: Courtesy of Caparica Primavera Surf Fest
HotSpots
In the end though, the event was to be Blanco's. Winning five out of his six heats, Miguel was firing throughout the entire competition and so thoroughly deserved to take his first World Surfing League Junior Series win, made all the more special as Caparica is just the other side of the might river Tagus from his own local spot!
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Quik Catch-up with Kanoa Photos & Words: Stu Gaston
105 - SM Kanoa Igarashi igniting the early morning surf! Photo: Stu Gaston
TheGoss We last caught up with Kanoa Igarashi when he was in Portugal back in October for the ASP World Junior Championships. So it was great to catch up with him at the start of April, once again in Portugal, as he returned to tackle the tenth event of the entire World Surfing League's Junior Series. We were right there alongside him for the few days around the event to see what life chasing contests is really like...
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Quik Catch-up with Kanoa
107 - SM Kanoa Igarashi carves through an early afternoon pre-heat free surf! Photo: Stu Gaston
TheGoss
Kanoa arrived in Caparica, Portugal on the morning of April Fool's Day itself. Despite being jetlagged following his overnight flight from the States, he headed straight into his Round 1 heat, which he won, notching up an impressive 17.00! After an early afternoon free surf, it was straight back on it for Round 2 – another win, another impressive score of 17.33! With this fine form on show, it wasn't hard to see why Kanoa had made it to a second place finish at the Ron Jon Vans Junior Pro back in March and had won the Hurley Australian Open Pro Junior earlier in February!
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Quik Catch-up with Kanoa
109 - SM Kanoa Igarashi caned it in his early heats! Photo: Stu Gaston
TheGoss
Kanoa had dominated that first event of the 2015 World Surfing League Junior Series in Australia. Winning every one of his seven heats with scores ranging from 14.25 up to 17.75, it was clear that Kanoa meant business. "That win meant a lot to me – it was my first WSL win outside my region and the field was full of great surfers. I thought I hadn't even got in the event for a while so to get in and then win felt great. Last year I lost in the Quarterfinals so to go a few spots better was unbelievable." Kanoa continued on form with that second place finish at Cocoa Beach in Florida, followed closely by reaching the semifinals at the Pipeline Pro Junior. As we all know though, good things come in threes and so after a strong start at the event in Caparica, Kanoa came unstuck in Round 3 when he came up against two very strong French surfers both hungry for success in their final year on the WSL European circuit.
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Quik Catch-up with Kanoa
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Kanoa Igarashi working hard in the high tide surf at Guincho! Photo: Stu Gaston
TheGoss
After a lay day watching his Portuguese friend win the event and then party through the night, we got on it the next day, making the most of the small onshore conditions that Guincho had to offer.
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Quik Catch-up with Kanoa
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Kanoa keeping an eye out for his next move! Photo: Stu Gaston
TheGoss
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Quik Catch-up with Kanoa
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Kanoa keeps carving his way to success! Photo: Stu Gaston
TheGoss
The surf was far from ideal and the high tide bank wasn't offering the best conditions for Kanoa to really put on his usual show. Nonetheless we made of it what we could and even in the wedgy waves that were around, it was still clear to see the powerful surfing and skill that has become such a key part of Kanoa's recent success. Kanoa came in still full of stoke despite the lack of quality from the surf, for he knew that with many days ahead in where he considers his second home, Portugal would once again deliver the waves for which it is renowned. And in a similar way, we know that with many events ahead, Kanoa will once again deliver the performances for which he is renowned. Next stop then, Lowers!
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All Amped Up! Photos: Mario Entero, Brieuc Calonnec & Stu Gaston Words: Stu Gaston & James Heslington
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ION team rider Andy Criere all amped up in his Onyx Amp wetsuit! Photo: Mario Entero
HotWots
Summer is just around the corner and that means longer days, longer surfs, longer in the water – and thanks to the innovations in wetsuit design you can be in there longer than ever! So in our new feature, 'Hot Wots', we'll be looking at What's Hot in the world of wetsuits with the help of Surphang's very own top student surfer, James Heslington. He'll be testing out our favourite suits on offer this summer and giving us an actual surfer's eye review of how good these suits really are! First up then, we're checking out watersports giant ION's Onyx Amp – and yes it's that good that we really were 'All Amped Up', fully charged and ready to get this one suited up and in the water!
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All Amped Up!
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ION team rider Andy Criere grabbing some air time in his Onyx Amp! Photo: Mario Entero
HotWots ION have recently launched into the surf scene with their popular Onyx Amp wetsuit tagged as a clear stand out among its competitors, enabling every rad performer to similarly stand out from the crowd. With bold statements like this, we got James to give us his view: “If looks could kill... need I say anymore. Personally, the Onyx Amp is one of the best suits I've ever seen - from the passion red to its electric blue, it's already amped up and fully charged to hit the water! Although it certainly won't cease to grab your attention, it will also keep you just under the radar when paddling out at your best mate's local spot (preventing the passion red turning to blood red!). As a 4/3, this suit would see you through much of the year and even the harsh winter months for the foolhardy surfer. You will certainly find the Onyx Amp will become a friend for life packed with all its enticing features...�
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All Amped Up! The ION Onyx Amp is stacked full of some serious features: S_SEAL ION's approved highly elastic liquid seam sealing glue for outstanding water sealing and even greater bomb proof tearing strength of the GBS Seams.
SEAL_TITE (COLLAR) This single layer collar construction provides perfect water sealing and improved wearing comfort. The super smooth Glide_Skin on the inside of the collar avoids skin irritations and seals the neck perfectly without choking. On the outside an aditional S_Seal stripe on the collar rim reduces water intrusion and the heightened collar protects against cold water and the windchill effect.
DRAIN_HOLES ION front zip wetsuits have Drain_Holes in the chest panel and the back panel. There are Drain_Holes also placed in the calves which prevent the water from getting stuck in the legs like a bubble.
CONTOUR_CUT In order to improve felxibility and comfort, all ION wetsuits come with the ION Contour_Cut. It enhances the flex in collar, wrist, elbows, insteps and the hollows of the knees.
SEAL_TITE (WRIST) A S_Seal rubber stripe print around the inside of the wrists results in a tighter sealed fit which avoids water rushing into your arms. ION choose this specific S_Seal also because it is very UV resistant and durable – for a long product life.
KEY_LOOP All ION wetsuits are now equipped with a clever key pocket with an included elastic safety loop on calf, arm or other places depending on the model (please only store water resistant keys in this pocket to avoid damage).
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HotWots FLEX_CONTROL The specific modifications in the panel construction (called Flex_Control) result in a better performance of the Onyx Amp.
SEAM_REINFORCEMENTS All stress points are reinforced either with Melco_Tape on the inside seams or rubber logo patches on the outside to prevent ripping.
HOT_STUFF This improved Hot_Stuff version has a wooly-like appearance - wooly knitting structure in grey/black - and therefore feels nice and soft on bare skin with really good stretch.
NINJA_KNEES The new Ninja_Knees feature uses the same high elastic material used in the arm panels. The result is an amazing freedom of movement while bending your knees.
L-TEX_PROTECTION Highly abrasion resistant rubber protection printings on the knee panels. Nervertheless the according ION Flex_Control zones allow outstanding freedom of movement.
CRASH_PADZ Additional Neoprene pads protect sensitive body areas like shins, ribs, crotch, hips, tailbone, etc. against pressure and impact injuries. The number of pads varies according to the suit. Each pad consists of a special high density K_Type Neoprene foam to damp the impact force.
LEG LOOP All long-leg ION wetsuits are provided with detachable Velcro Leg_Loops. This loop can be wrapped tight around the ankle to increase to prevent water from rushing in. To not lose the Leg_Loop on the water it has a unique construction of especially strong Velcro. Of course the Velcro Loop can also be removed easily by hand if not needed.
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All Amped Up!
COMFORT “This is one 4/3 you could wear for much of the year without verging on hyperthermia. The suit feels thick enough to wear on those howling onshore days however in the summer months its close enough to feeling like you're almost wearing boardies on a good old British summers day (because let's be honest, who'd be seen dead in a shortie?!). ION's size range is complimentary to most body shapes, with myself normally having to take a small but ION's small tall fitted perfectly. Even those commonly restrictive areas like the chest zip felt really comfortable on the Amp, removing that tight chested desperation to breathe.�
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HotWots
ION team rider Andy Criere getting to grips with the lip in his Onyx Amp wetsuit! Photo: Mario Entero
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All Amped Up!
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James Heslington getting ready to hit it in the Onyx Amp wetsuit! Photos: Stu Gaston
HotWots
STYLE “As I've stated already (and the Amp is nothing short of understated), this suit really does stand out in a crowd. But unlike the fluoro warriors of the nineties and the spiderman wannabies of the noughties, its not so brash as to need your sunglasses for anything other than sitting on the beach. The choice of colours compliment each other well, even the different tones helping the icons stand out. With the subtle positioning and colour coordinating Onyx Amp logos, it helps you feel that extra bit special even before you hit the water. It may not be everyone's taste but as all good art, it will have its moment!�
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All Amped Up!
127 - SM ION team rider Andy Criere blowing tail in his Onyx Amp wetsuit! Photo: Mario Entero
HotWots FUNCTIONALITY “The Amp is loaded with a whole host of innovative features. As well as your obvious drain holes and key pocket, it has fully liquid seamed seals on its outer lining. More unusual are the extra lined neoprene shin pads which make you feel like you could take on John Terry (or your board's fins after blowing tail) and not end up with shins as blue as the suit itself! Further down, the ankles have detachable velcro straps to keep out sea water (or even keep it in!), although these would probably be best for those cold winter surfs (or just left in the packet?). The Hot Stuff lining adds that extra warmth to keep you positive about those early morning dawnies. The suit also feels like an Italian tailored jacket with bodily contour cut wrists and ankles which improve the fit.�
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All Amped Up!
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James Heslington paddling out to hit the surf in the Onyx Amp! Photos: Stu Gaston
HotWots USABILITY “You can avoid the need to wear your wetsuit round your waist on those long walks to your favourite secret spot as you could wear the Amp all day walking wherever you wanted, it's that well fitting. Not only that, the suit also comes on and off in a matter of minutes, maximising potential water time. Although the chest zip is easy to use, it does appear to have been designed by a left handed surfer as the zip goes the wrong way – its on the opposite side to any suit like it I've ever used! It takes a bit of getting used to but works as a chest zip should; goodbye cold water flush! Of course the main purpose of a wetsuit is to be used in the water and the Amp really performs well – paddling out is as easy as ever it could be, giving you that electric buzz to get surfing, not feeling drained when you finally make it out the back.”
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All Amped Up!
131 - SM ION team rider Thomas Simon wraps round in his Onyx Amp wetsuit! Photo: Brieuc Calonnec
HotWots
STRETCHABILITY “We all know the struggles of getting into a stiff wetsuit but luckily the geniuses at ION HQ have managed to create a flexible 4/3 in the Amp; a rarity these days? This makes any movement really easy, so paddling became almost a pleasure and those rashie armpits a thing of the past. This includes the chest zip which prevents you from being reborn again and again. When out surfing, the stretchiness of the material helps those wrap arounds feel light and snappy and with extra flex around the knees for added compression when busting those 10ft airs (because surfing below the lip is so last year!)�
ION team rider Andy Criere busting out above the lip in his Onyx Amp! Photo: Mario Entero
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All Amped Up!
133 - SM ION team rider Andy Criere getting deep in his Onyx Amp wetsuit! Photo: Mario Entero
HotWots “Overall the Amp's main selling point is always going to be its look but its secret weapon has to be its features and functionality which has its competition comboed every time! This suit was so impressive, I did actually try running off with it after the session, however I stood out too easily in that typical neoprene clad crowd...” Once we got it off him, James gave his verdict: COMFORT ●●●●●●●●○○ STYLE ●●●●●●●●●○ FUNCTIONALITY ●●●●●●●●●○ USABILITY ●●●●●●●○○○ STRETCHABILITY ●●●●●●●○○○ So if you've been as impressed with ION's Onyx Amp as much as we were, head over to ION's website to find out more: http://www.ion-products.com/water/men/wetsuits/
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T H E G A L L E R Y
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With so much talent teetering off of every wave in Caparica at the start of April, this issue 'The Gallery' is a tribute to all those upcoming surfers who went all out to catch the attention of the judges in their heat... you may have drawn the short straw when your score fell short of the mark but here we salute your efforts as we caught all your best moves on camera!
Charly Quivront kicks off the lip! Photo: Stu Gaston
TheGallery
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Alex Bauduin brings out his backhand! Photo: Stu Gaston
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Gearoid McDaid gives that lip some! Photo: Stu Gaston
TheGallery
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T H E G A L L E R Y
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Jonas Bachan lip bash! Photo: Stu Gaston
TheGallery
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Leon Glatzer seeming to effortlessly glide off the lip! Photo: Stu Gaston
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T H E G A L L E R Y
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Joao Kopke kicking out! Photo: Stu Gaston
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T H E G A L L E R Y
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Leo-Paul Etienne showing some fin! Photo: Stu Gaston
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T H E G A L L E R Y
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Jacome Correia keeping his nose up! Photo: Stu Gaston
TheGallery
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T H E G A L L E R Y
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Joao Moreira making the most of the fun sized surf! Photo: Stu Gaston
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T H E G A L L E R Y
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Will Davey whacking out some spray! Photo: Stu Gaston
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T H E G A L L E R Y
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Nomme Mignot nailing it! Photo: Stu Gaston
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T H E G A L L E R Y
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Kanoa Igarashi igniting the proceedings! Photo: Stu Gaston
TheGallery
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Surphang Magazine
159 - SM Caio Ibelli polishing his performance! Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com
NextIssue With this year's competitive season well underway, all eyes now turn to that first fully charged event – the Lowers Pro, kicking off in just a few days time! This is always the event where the top upcoming talent can pit themselves against some of the best surfers in the world right now! So we'll be keeping our eye on all that action as well as all the upcoming rider potential right across the globe because that's what SURPHANG is all about! Be sure to join us in our next action filled issue then!
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Thanks for reading the Thirty Eighth issue of
Surphang Magazine
That's one big take off.... Riley Laing charging! Photo: Andrew Chisholm