Surphang Magazine Issue 39
Proudly presents
The Pro Show Do'moniz'ation! Champ Chats Portuguese Potential!
Make Way for the Mignots!
Tomorrow's Talent
Magical Martinique SURF THE 7 SEAS! LET'S GET HYPER!
Surphang Magazine
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'Better together!' Yes, Jack Johnson really did know what he was on about! Surfing can often be such a solitary sport, sat out back deep in your own thoughts. Yet at the same time, it is such a social sport too – so often the upcoming riders we interview in these very pages rave on about those sessions when it was just them and their mates out in over head pumping surf. Well maybe the pumping surf bit was a slight over exaggeration but we all know that a sick session surfing with your mates is what it's really all about! So in this issue of SURPHANG we bring you some upcoming surfers who really are 'better together!'
As Josh Burke peers out, his brother Jacob looks on in envy! Photo: Alan Burke SM - 02
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Surphang Magazine
Magazine Editor: Stuart Gaston Contributing Photographers: Michael Kellerman, Thomas Deregnieaux, Alan Burke, Sam Moody, Bobby Killeem, Dave Muir, Pete Singlehurst, Vince Timson, 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: Diego Mignot grabbing some air time! Photo: Stu Gaston
Tyler Killeen takes time to impress! Photo: Bobby Killeen
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This Issue's Features
The Pro Show Champ Chats Surphalosophy Do'moniz'ation!
Josh Moniz and his brother Seth have been taking multiple wins so far this contest season - time to check out this dominant duo!
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Portuguese Potential! Make Way Two heads are better than one so this issue we catch up with two champs who are both pushing the bounds of Portuguese potential!
for the
Mignots!
Diego Mignot and cousin Nomme have made names for themselves with surfing that speaks for itself - we made time to find out more!
ThisIssue
Tomorrow's Talent Magical Martinique SURF THE 7 SEAS! As ever SURPHANG is always scouting for the next big talent so here are two of tomorrow's seriously talented surfers today!
Martinique is a magical yet mostly unknown surf destination so after his recent visit there, we asked Josh Burke to let us know more...
Summer's nearly here so we're checking out what's hot in this year's wetties! Firstly we surf the '7 Seas' thanks to Vissla!
LET'S GET HYPER! And while we're checking out what's hot wetsuit-wise, here's a look at O'Neill's Hyperfreak! Plus regulars, The Goss...
Letting Loose At Lowers! and
THE GALLERY
Eric Geiselman getting into that summer vibe! Photo: Sam Moody
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Welcome to
The Pro Show Do'moniz'ation! Photos: Alan Burke & Chuck@Surf-shot.com; Words: Stu Gaston
07 - SM Josh Moniz laying one down at Lowers! Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com
TheProShow Josh and Seth Moniz were always destined to become great surfers – they're sons of North Shore legend Tony Moniz and have grown up surrounded by similarly talented siblings so surfings in their blood! This past year though their talent has really come to the fore with both Josh and Seth really starting to dominate the competitive scene, taking multiple WSL event wins between them. So we decided it was time to take a more in depth look at this dynamic duo!
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Do'moniz'ation!
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Josh Moniz making his mark in Martinique! Photo: Alan Burke
TheProShow
Josh is the brother whose name has recently taken the surfing world by storm after his recent success in the Caribbean where he won the inaugural QS3000 Martinique Surf Pro in an exciting final against Michael February at the righthand pointbreak of Basse-Pointe. Josh couldn't have started his final any better, catching an excellent first wave and delivering a series of exciting fronthand turns for a 9.07. And he didn't stop there, going on to capitalise on every opportunity, netting a back up wave of 8.87 to take the win. Josh commented: "I'm so stoked, this is my first QS win. Coming off another win in a Junior in Hawaii I had a lot of confidence and I'm on kind of a little roll so hopefully I can keep it going."
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Do'moniz'ation!
Indeed when Josh won his first QS in Martinique, he was fresh off an equally significant win back in his native Hawaii where he had just become the Pipeline Pro Junior Champion taking the title off of his very own brother Seth! From his opening round heat earlier in the week, Josh knew his toughest opponent would likely be Seth, who entered the Pipe Pro Junior as not only the defending champion, but was also fresh off his own win in the recent Sunset Beach Pro Junior. But as it turned out, the Final became a two-man battle between Josh and his good friend Benji Brand. Once again, Josh started off strong but then struggled to find the backup wave he needed until in the last 15 seconds he threw a flawless backside air to net him the win!
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Josh Moniz's smooth moves impressed in Martinique! Photo: Alan Burke
TheProShow
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Do'moniz'ation!
13 - SM Josh Moniz making light work of it at Lowers! Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com
TheProShow
Josh may have relinquished Seth off his title but there's certainly no lack of brotherly love between these two rising surfing stars. Indeed Seth recently commented of Josh: “In “In the water, Josh can drop some really crazy airs. But what really impresses me is how powerful he is. You don't see a lot of surfers his age who are able to use their rail and their strength the same he can. He's got it all. As he gets older, it's gonna be crazy to see what he does.” “Ten years from now, I think Josh will probably be on the World Tour. I really hope I'm there with him, but he has everything going for him. He's hard working, humble, talented, and he's not afraid to just go for it. He's become really smart about how he approaches his competition in a heat. I think this next year is going to be a real breakout year for him.” Well Josh has certainly made a very convincing start to what his brother sees as his breakout year and so only time will tell if he can maintain his current position in the Top 100 ranked surfers on the QS. Meanwhile, what about his brother Seth...
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Do'moniz'ation!
15 - SM Seth Moniz searching for some light at Sunset, Hawaii! Photo: Alan Burke
TheProShow
Well Seth's happy enough after his recent win at the Sunset Beach Pro Junior: "I won the Pipe Juniors last year and that's my favorite wave, but this was definitely the biggest waves we've had for a junior event, so I'm really happy to win under those conditions, I'm in my last year of school this year, so it might be a few years before I qualify for the World Tour, but that's what I'm working towards." But before that both Seth's and Josh's recent wins are crucial as come next winter, Hawaii's top two Juniors will receive entries into the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing. So Josh recognises the importance of how they push each other to these victories: “As brothers, you're naturally going to be competitive. But Seth and I take it to another level. He's always pushing me to do better. But that's one of my favorite things about Seth. He makes me better no matter what we are doing. He's always trying to one-up me or my brothers, so that really pushes us to try and keep up with him.�
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Do'moniz'ation!
17 - SM Seth Moniz flying high in the sky! Photo: Courtesy of Billabong
TheProShow
And that's probably one of the reasons why these two brothers are dominating the surfing scene at the moment. Josh also added: “As a surfer, Seth is definitely a natural. He just picks things up quick. He has a natural ability to land crazy airs and do unreal turns. And he's always in position for the best waves. I don't know how he always does it. He's close to fearless in heavy waves as well. Out of the water, he's the same way. It's a little ridiculous to be honest. He's good at everything!” As for Seth, he pointed out: “Josh is more than just a great surfer, yet he always impresses me with how humble he is. He is an amazing surfer, but you'll never hear him admit it. He's a little more reserved than most of our friends, so I think he's gone a little under the radar because of that. But lately, he's really blowing up and so people are taking notice of just how talented a surfer - and what a good a person – he is.” Looks like the Moniz brothers have plenty more dominating to do!
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Champ Chats Portuguese Potential! Photos & Words: Stu Gaston
19 - SM Joao Moreira grabbing some air time! Photo: Stu Gaston
ChampChats Portugal not only produces consistently pumping surf, it also produces consistent and amped up surfers! So this time around we caught up with not one but two Portuguese surf champions who really are brimming full of Portuguese potential!
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Portuguese Potential!
21 - SM Joao Moreira making the most of a fun summery surf!
Photos: Stu Gaston
ChampChats
Name: Jo達o Guilherme Moreira Age: 16 Years surfing: 8/9 years Where you live: Lisbon, Portugal Sponsors: Volcom, SuperBrand, Reef, Fonte Viva , Electric, FCS and Bana Local break/s: Carcavelos Favourite surfer? Filipe Toledo Favourite place to surf? Carcavelos Favourite surf movie? Lost Atlas Favourite surf trick? The Tube Favourite board? The Superbrand model called "Toy"
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Portuguese Potential!
23 - SM Joao Moreira carving up Caparica! Photo: Stu Gaston
ChampChats
What first got you into surfing? I used to spend long days at the beach with my family and my father surfed. One day I decided that I wanted to try to surf too and since that I guess I pretty much became hooked on surfing! Who in surfing inspires you most? My father because he teaches me lots of things. Nic Von Rupp is also a big inspiration for me! When and how did you become sponsored? My first sponsor was a very well known shop in Carcavelos called "Bana Surf&Skate shop". Don´t remember how I became sponsored but it got me really pumped up to do better. What do you prefer then, free surfing or competitions and why? I like both in certain ways because I love to get huge scores and I also love to free surf with a good crew! What moment are you most proud of in your surfing career so far? That would be when I received the award for best hopeful male athelete from the President of the Chamber of Cascais.
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Portuguese Potential!
25 - SM Joao Moreira working the righthander! Photo: Stu Gaston
ChampChats
Now the past couple of years have seen you performing well on the competitive circuit and recently becoming the Under 16 Regional Junior Champion must be the highlight. Talk us through the contest and the highs and lows that lead to you earning the title. I had a few good heats. It wasn´t my main goal to be regional champion but it's always good to get more titles! The other surfers were surfing good and I had to push my surfing and tactics to win! You had to overcome some solid surfing from your contenders. How do you rate your surfing peers from around Portugal at the moment? They are all good surfers. I think Portugal is a very talented place with good surfers! So who did you want to be drawn up against in a heat and why? I wanted to be drawn up against Vasco Monica. He won the first stop and I got really angry with myself because I made big mistakes in the final day. And is being a regional champion your best victory to date? No, that was when I became National Under 14 Champion! But this was a pretty sick contest, full of good waves and fun moments!
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Portuguese Potential!
27 - SM Joao Moreira releasing those fins!
Photos: Stu Gaston
ChampChats Now you're already from Carcavelos with some top quality waves right on your doorstep! So how would you rate your local spots? Portugal is a country that can produce good waves all year round. My local doesn't have that consistency but it has been providing some good sessions lately with my mates! Where around the world have you been lucky enough to travel to and surf? I have been lucky enough to travel all around Portugal, Hawaii, Nicarรกgua, Panama, France, Spain and Canary Islands When and where was your best surf session? It was last winter at Carcavelos. I spent all that morning getting tubed! What's the worst wipeout of your life? My worst wipeout was probably at Carcavelos when I was trying to do a late take off and just got smashed by the lip and by my own board... ended up with 5 stitches on my lip. Do you train as well as surf? Yes, I do. It's important to get more power and strength in my turns! What do you do when you don't surf? When I'm not surfing, I might be skating around town, sleeping, at the gym or just hanging around with my friends.
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Portuguese Potential!
29 - SM Joao Moreira enjoying the conditions! Photo: Stu Gaston
ChampChats
What's your goal for this year? This year I want to become the National Under 16 Champion, be in the top 5 of the National Pro Junior, qualify for Volcom VQS World Final, do well in every contest I'm in and become a better surfer and person too! And what about the future? In the future I'm praying to become a professional surfer and to be on the WSL World Tour but there is a long journey till there...
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Portuguese Potential!
31 - SM Lourenco Alves getting loose on a lefthander! Photo: Stu Gaston
ChampChats
Name: Lourenรงo Alves Age: 17 Years surfing: 10 Where you live: Costa da Caparica Sponsors: O'Neill, Shapers Fins, Liive Vision, Superbrand Local break/s: Costa da Caparica Favourite surfer? Dane Reynolds Favourite place to surf? Supertubos Favourite surf movie? Attractive Distractions Favourite surf trick? Aerials and barrels Favourite board? Superbrand's Siamese Palm Viper 5'9
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Portuguese Potential!
33 - SM Lourenco Alves all over this lefthander! Photo: Stu Gaston
ChampChats
What first got you into surfing? My sister had some surf lessons a while ago! I got curious and tried it! I've been hooked ever since! Who in surfing inspires you most? I get really inspired by creative surfers such as Dane Reynolds and John John Florence, but surfers like Mick Fanning and Kelly Slater inspire me too How did you become sponsored? I used to compete on some little comps at my home break! Over time, i got better and results started showing up! I guess my sponsor saw the progress that I have made and sponsored me What do you prefer then, free surfing or competitions and why? I think that they compliment each other! I really like the feeling of doing well in competitions and winning heats, but sometimes it gets stressful! Freesurfing is great to put the stress away and get you even more stoked to train and compete!
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Portuguese Potential!
35 - SM Lourenco Alves loving those lefts! Photo: Stu Gaston
ChampChats Now the past couple of years have seen you performing well on the competitive circuit, though becoming the current Under 18 Regional Junior Champion must have been a highlight. Talk us through the contest and the highs and lows that lead to you earning the title. Yes! Last year went well regional competition wise! I started the year with 2 wins! These two contests were super fun, the waves were good and I had all the energy, since these occured on the first half of the year! The last stop didn't go so well, I was tired and the waves were weak... I ended up in 9th place, but even with this result I managed to be the Regional Under 18 Champion You had to overcome some solid surfing from your contenders. How do you rate your surfing peers from around Portugal at the moment? Surfing in Portugal is growing a lot! There are a lot of great surfers such as Guilherme Fonseca, Luis Perloiro, Francisco Duarte, Miguel Blanco, Pedro Coelho, Tomas Fernandes and many more! I think that we've shown some of our talent at the last JQS1000 in Caparica So which of them did you least want to be drawn up against in a heat and why? I want to compete against all of them because I want to be the best. And if you want to be the best you have to beat the best ! And now, does being a regional champion go down as your best victory to date? Yes! It is!
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Portuguese Potential!
37 - SM Lourenco Alves launching over Caparica! Photo: Stu Gaston
ChampChats Now you're already from Costa da Caparica with some top quality waves right on your doorstep! So how would you rate your local spots? The waves are not the best but I have to admit that Caparica is really consistent and most times the waves are fun! I just like the fact it's a huge stretch of sand so I'm always able to find a little peak just to myself . Where else around the world have you been lucky enough to travel to and surf? I've been to Australia, Maldives, Canary Islands, Basque Country and France! So what about future plans for travelling? Where do you want to head to and surf? I'm going to the Mentawais this summer and maybe at the end of the year I'll travel to Hawaii When and where has your best surf session been then? I just had the funnest surf session ever at Snapper Rocks back in February! Surprisingly the crowd was not that bad, and the waves were super good! But what's been the worst wipeout of your life? I've never had a really bad wipeout but one time in the south of Portugal, I tried an air on a wrong section.... It was way steeper than I thought and I ended up being tossed to the flats and hit my face and chest on the water really hard! It hurt a lot!
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Portuguese Potential!
39 - SM Lourenco Alves eyeing up a landing! Photo: Stu Gaston
ChampChats
So now you're a champ then, what's next? What are your goals for the year to come? I've I've raised my goals a bit! This year I want to be National Under 18 Champ and be in the top 16 Pro Juniors And what about training? How do you keep on top of fitness and keep on pushing your surfing? I have a huge amount of help from APS or Professional Surfing Academy. They work on my fitness, strength and endurance, aswell as helping me improve my surfing! Finally, where do you see yourself in five to ten years time? Hopefully living from surfing!
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Surphalosophy
Make Way for the Mignots! Photos: Stuart Gaston & Chuck@Surf-shot.com; Words: Stu Gaston
41 - SM Diego Mignot grabbing some serious air time! Photo: Stu Gaston
surphalosophy Sharing a surf with mates makes it both enjoyable and worthwhile as you push yourself to go one better than each other's last wave. So imagine how much you'd push yourself if you spent much of your time surfing with your family! This is probably why Diego Mignot and his cousin, Nomme, are such good surfers – they've surfed together much of their life and so continue to constantly push each other to that next level! We spoke to Diego recently to tell us more...
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Make Way for the Mignots!
43 - SM Diego doing his thing! Photo: Stu Gaston
surphalosophy
Name: Diego Mignot Age: 19 Years surfing: 11 Where you live: Mexico and France Sponsors: Billabong, FCS Local break/s: La Isquierda Favourite surfer? Gabriel Medina Favourite place to surf? Somewhere south of Mexico Favourite surf movie? Cluster Favourite surf trick? Barrel Favourite board? 6'0 18 3/4 2 5/16
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Make Way for the Mignots!
45 - SM Diego Mignot making good use of that rail! Photo: Stu Gaston
surphalosophy
What first got you into surfing? Living in a little town called Sayulita that is full of surfers! How big a part does surfing play in your life? For the moment surfing is a big part of my life! When and how did you become sponsored? This is my 3rd year with Billabong, and I was sponsored just by doing what I love – surfing! Who in surfing inspires you most? Kelly Slater What do you prefer then, free surfing or competitions and why? I prefer free surfing because you're not timed and you don't have any pressure on you. You can enjoy your surf more!
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Make Way for the Mignots!
47 - SM Diego Mignot takes to the sky! Photo: Stu Gaston
surphalosophy
Now the past few years have seen you performing consistently well at all levels, winning your first Pro Junior at Sopelana back in 2013 and reaching the semifinals of both the last European Pro Junior in Lanzarote last year and the Hunter Business Boardriders Pro Junior in Austrlia this year. So talk us through the highs and lows of your contest career so far. I've had ups and downs through my young career, but winning the Sopelana Pro Junior was pretty sick! Also made a couple of finals in some of the other Junior events and there was a fun WQS that I finished 5th in last year in Pantin. Most recently you won the Airshow at the Caparica Primavera Surf Fest though soon after you injured your knee landing badly during another contest. So what happened exactly? And how long til you're back in the water? Yeah hurt my knee in the final of the Volcom VQS a couple of weeks ago, trying a big air into the flats. But I should be back in the water in a week or so.
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Make Way for the Mignots!
49 - SM Diego Mignot moving some spray! Photo: Stu Gaston
surphalosophy
Now once you're back out there, with various great results behind you, what's your goal for the rest of the year to come? To finish in the top 1 to 3 ranking in the Pro Juniors and do a couple WQS events. What about training then? How do you keep on top of fitness and keep on pushing your surfing? I have a trainer that helps me stay fit and coaches my surfing too.
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Make Way for the Mignots!
51 - SM Nomme Mignot making the most of fun summer surf! Photo: Stu Gaston
surphalosophy
Being part of the Billabong team, with Richard 'Dog' Marsh coaching you all, must surely help improve your surfing a lot too? Yeah for sure, having Richard at my side makes a big difference! And of course, you spend so much of your time, surfing as well, with your cousin Nomme that this must help you both really push your surfing as well? Yeah surfing with my cousin Nomme is always fun and we push ourselves as much as each other! You've competed together a lot as well when you were both in the French Junior Surf Team, but have you actually had to ever surf a heat against each other in a contest? Yes we have done a couple of heats together haha
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Make Way for the Mignots!
53 - SM Diego Mignot grabbing more air time! Photo: Stu Gaston
surphalosophy
Now you're from Sayulita in Mexico with some great breaks right on your doorstep and then you spend your summers staying in France right by the iconic beach breaks of Hossegor. So how do those classic spots compare to each other? Well Hossegor has some great waves but I really love surfing around Mexico! And where else have you been lucky enough to surf so far? Tahiti, All around the Pacific Ocean, All of Europe, Mentawais and Bali
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Make Way for the Mignots!
55 - SM Diego Mignot moving in all the right directions! Photo: Stu Gaston
surphalosophy
When and where has your best surf session been then? Somewhere in Mexico actually But what about the worst wipeout of your life so far? My worst wipeout must have been at Pascuales. It was a big day and I took a big 10 foot close out stand up barrel. It dragged me all the way to the sand and it didn't want me to get out! After a few seconds passed, I pushed myself from the sand and did at least three strong paddles to get back out and finally after the fourth one my head popped out of the water!
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Make Way for the Mignots!
57 - SM Diego Mignot's mighty backhand air! Photo: Stu Gaston
surphalosophy So what about future plans for travelling? Where do you still want to head to and surf? I don't know, I just wait and search around the world for some good waves. But Mexico is still my favourite place to find amazing waves! Finally then, what about your future? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years time? It can go in two ways, but I'll try my best to qualify for the World Tour or I'll be surfing perfect waves somewhere in the world!
And no doubt that's exactly where you'll find Diego in a few years time... surfing perfect waves in between contests, most likely in Mexico with his cousins Nomme and not forgetting young Marco who is quickly making his mark as his brother and cousin have done before him...
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Make Way for the Mignots!
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Marco Mignot making his mark too! Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com
surphalosophy
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Tomorrow's Talent Photos: Bobby Killeen & Stuart Gaston; Words: Stu Gaston
61 - SM Tyler Killeen kicks out! Photo: Bobby Killeen
HotShots Supporting Upcoming Rider Potential Here And Now Globally is what we do best – so here are two more upcoming talents who we believe will be two names to keep an eye on in the not distant futures as they become 'tomorrow's talent!'
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Tomorrow's Talent
63 - SM Tyler 'T-bone' Killeen kicks out that tail! Photo: Bobby Killeen
HotShots
Name: Tyler Killeen Age: 18 Nickname: T-bone Years surfing: 12 years Where you live: Surfside, CA Sponsors: Vissla, Huntington Surf and Sport, Futures Fins, D'Blanc, Hoffman Surfboards Local break/s: Huntington Beach pier, Surfside, South Side Seal Favourite surfer? Andy Irons Favourite place to surf? Secret spot in Seal Favourite surf movie? 156 tricks Favourite surf trick? Laybacks Favourite board? My twin SM - 64
Tomorrow's Talent
65 - SM Tyler Killeen takes some time in the green room! Photo: Bobby Killeen
HotShots
What first got you into surfing? My dad Who in surfing inspires you most? Dane Reynolds When and how did you join your current sponsors? I've known the guys at HSS my whole life from my dad: as soon as I showed I could surf Mark Reeder hooked me up. I met Bryan at Futures through doing some Pro Juniors and saw him around HSS. Bobby Lockart hooked me up with Vissla: he had taken care of me when he worked at Billabong so when he went over to Vissla, he introduced me to Corban the Team Manager and now Corban takes care of me. Jason Hoffman is my dad's good friend and I really like his boards so he sponsored me too!
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Tomorrow's Talent
67 - SM Tyler 'T-bone' Killeen kicking out a nice spray fan! Photo: Bobby Killeen
HotShots
What do you prefer then, free surfing or competitions and why? I like free surfing personally. Contests are cool too though when you win! What moment are you most proud of in your surfing career so far? I was the proudest I've ever been when I landed my first air revo. Where around the world have you been lucky enough to travel to and surf? Tavi, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, Hawaii, all over Cali, New Jersey, Florida When and where was your best surf session? Cloud Break about 4 years ago. It was solid 8-10 feet with light offshore winds. I surfed 4 hours my first sesh then surfed Resturants all afternoon! What's the worst wipeout of your life? Getting pearled at Pipe and took donuts!
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Tomorrow's Talent
69 - SM Tyler Killeen carves round a Cali lefthander! Photo: Bobby Killeen
HotShots
Do you train as well as surf? Not really What do you do when you don't surf? I used to skate until about 2 months ago: I broke my arm.. but other than that, I like friends and girls What's your goal for this year? Get better at surfing! And what about the future? As long as I can surf for the rest of my life, I'll be stoked!
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Tomorrow's Talent
71 - SM Dylan Groen getting into the lip!
Photos: Stu Gaston
HotShots
Name: Dylan Groen Age: 14 Years surfing: 7 years Where you live: Cascais, Portugal Sponsors: O'Neill Germany, FCS Fins Local break/s: Guincho Favourite surfer? Jordy Smith Favourite place to surf? Snappers, Australia Favourite surf movie? O'Neill Smash it Up and Ke Nui Chronicles with John John Florence Favourite surf trick? Aerials and barrels Favourite board? Polen 5´10� x 18 x 2 and 3/16
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Tomorrow's Talent
73 - SM Dylan Groen giving his fins some serious release time! Photo: Stu Gaston
HotShots
What first got you into surfing? My dad Who in surfing inspires you most? Jordy Smith for his power surfing and Julian Wilson for his airs When and how did you become sponsored? With O´Neill Germany since 2012 after winning the U16 German National Title and with FCS Fins since 2015 after winning the U14 Portuguese National Circuit in 2014.
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Tomorrow's Talent
75 - SM Dylan Groen getting a great line going down that righthander! Photo: Stu Gaston
HotShots
What do you prefer then, free surfing or competitions and why? Free surfing because I am more relaxed and I am able to surf my best. But I enjoy competing as well. What moment are you most proud of in your surfing career so far? Winning the U14 Portuguese National Circuit last year, 2014. Do you train as well as surf? Yes. I have surf training 3 times a week with my trainer, Rodrigo Sousa, and physical training 2 times a week with JoĂŁo MoisĂŠs.
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Tomorrow's Talent
77 - SM Dylan Groen going all out on the rights! Photo: Stu Gaston
HotShots
Where around the world have you travelled to and surfed? Bali and Australia When and where was your best surf session? December 2014 on a surf trip to S達o Torpes, south Portugal. We got some really nice lefts that were barreling and glassy so it was super fun but really cold. What's the worst wipeout of your life? It was in 2009 while I was surfing with my dad on a huge day at my local break, Guincho, and took off on the biggest wave, fell at the top and just rolled down the wave. I was under water quite a while but eventually I made it back up.
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Tomorrow's Talent
79 - SM Dylan Groen getting in some rail work! Photo: Stu Gaston
HotShots
What do you do when you don't surf? Play basketball, watch videos and go skating. During the week I still have to go to school What's your goal for this year? Win the Portuguese Nationals U16 and go to the Maldives on a surf trip. And what about the future? Make the CT hopefully!
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Magical Martinique Photos: Alan Burke; Words: Stu Gaston
81 - SM Josh Burke bashing the lip in Martinique! Photo: Alan Burke
HotSpots
Martinique is a magical place and fast becoming a dream surf destination even though it's been flying under the mainstream radar until recent years. Yet the recent Martinique Surf Pro brought some of the world's best surfers to this small Caribbean island who were therefore able to discover some of its many secrets. Lieing on its northern coast, the reef break of Pelle a Tarte is one such gem which top Pro Junior surfer, Josh Burke was fortunate enough to find...
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Magical Martinique
83 - SM Josh Burke having fun on this righthand reef in Martinique! Photo: Alan Burke
HotSpots
Now Josh, you're just back from surfing over in Martinique for the WSL event there held at Basse Pointe and I guess while you were there, you headed around the island to chase any swell you could find leading you to surf the reef break, Pelle a Tarte. So first of all, tell us how that session did indeed come about? I only got to surf three waves in Martinique which was Basse Pointe (the contest wave), I can't remember the name of the other wave as it's in French, and Pelle a Tarte my favourite, which I finally got to surf on the last day I was there. I had an awesome session, I surfed for 6 hours, pretty much just surfing with my friends, exchanging barrels and big carves to the beach.
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Magical Martinique
85 - SM Josh Burke lip bashing again! Photo: Alan Burke
HotSpots
So had you ever surfed over in Martinique before this trip? Funny enough Martinique is only a few hundred miles from Barbados and yet this was my first trip to Martinique and it was great! Can't wait to go back next year. Now being from Barbados yourself, how did this Carribean island compare? Martinique is beautiful and the waves are similar. There's a couple differences like Barbados is a limestone island whereas Martinique is volcanic; Barbados was a British colony becoming independent in 1966, therefore our language is English although we speak Bajan (broken English) whereas Martinique is governed by France therefore speaks French and although we are both Caribbean islands and so close our cultures are very different. All in all I still think Barbados is the best place in the world!
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Magical Martinique
87 - SM Josh Burke rleasing the fins at the reef break of Pelle a Tarte! Photo: Alan Burke
HotSpots
What about this reef break though, did Pelle a Tarte live up to expectations? I only surfed Pelle a Tarte once while I was in Martinique which was on the last day and it was pumping, big barrels and long walls. I had heard about it a little before and I thought it totally surpassed my expectations to be honest!!
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Magical Martinique
89 - SM Josh Burke goin big in Martinique! Photo: Alan Burke
HotSpots
And on its day, how did this reef break compare to others you've surfed? Every reef break or break period is different, that's what makes surfing so unique and adventurous. I love arriving at a new spot for the first time. There is a feeling there that's just really appealing. Nearly all our waves at home in Barbados are reef breaks. The ones I surfed in Martinique were really fun especially Pelle a Tarte and the contest wave, Basse Pointe, was really good too.
“That's what makes surfing so unique and adventurous.� SM - 90
Magical Martinique
91 - SM Josh Burke getting barrelled at the end of a fun surf! Photo: Alan Burke
HotSpots
So all in all, was this trip across to Martinique worth it for the surf you found? Well this trip to Martinique was definitely worth it. The people were very friendly especially the surfers and our local friend Jean-Luc who I met for the first time showed us around and took great care of us. Also for the contest, the WSL Martinique Surf Pro was a 3000QS and the level was very high so I was super happy with a 17th place finish plus its only a 35 minute flight away from Barbados but yes, for sure the last session definitely topped off my trip as I had one of the best sessions of my life!!
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Magical Martinique
93 - SM Josh Burke making the most of magical Martinique! Photo: Alan Burke
HotSpots
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SURF THE 7 SEAS! Photos: Sam Moody, Chuck@Surf-shot.com, Thomas Deregnieaux, Bobby Killeen & Stu Gaston Words: Stu Gaston & Connor Stratton-Darling
95 - SM Cam Richards loves surfing the '7 Seas'! Photo: Sam Moody
HotWots
With summer just starting to put in an appearance, surfers up and down the country can start to seriously contemplate those longer days with longer surfs and longer in the water – and thanks to the innovations in wetsuit design you can be in there longer than ever! So in the second of our new 'Hot Wots' features, we'll be taking another in depth look at What's Hot in the world of wetsuits, starting off with fresh new brand, Vissla and their 7 Seas wetsuit. Tagging themselves as 'Creators and Innovators', this time around we've brought the innovative mind of the Momentous Youth Project creator, Connor Stratton-Darling on board to help give us that actual surfer's eye review – not only creative behind a lens but equally stylish on any board, Connor's also a surf instructor so no stranger to hours in a wetsuit. Time then for Connor to 'Surf the 7 Seas!'
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SURF THE 7 SEAS!
97 - SM Andrew Jacobson carving in his classic '7 Seas' suit! Photo: Sam Moody
HotWots
Vissla is a clothing brand that represents creative freedom, a forward-thinking philosophy, and a generation of creators and innovators. They embrace the modern do-it-yourself attitude within surf culture, performance surfing, and craftsmanship, leading to a surfeverything and ride-anything mentality. With this in mind, Connor introduces us to the 7 Seas wetsuit: Harkening back to the original wetsuits of yesteryear, the Vissla 7 Seas wetsuit takes the classic black wetsuit look and brings it well and truly into the 21st century...
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SURF THE 7 SEAS! WARMTH & STRETCH -100% Super Stretch light neoprene - lighter, warmer, softer, stretchier, easier to put on and take off, and allows for more freedom of movement
FIT -Tailored fit - anatomically correct engineered body lines allow for unrestricted performance and warmth
DURABLE & WATERTIGHT -Tripled glued, double blind stitched seams -Liquid taped cuff seals to prevent flushing
-Vissla super stretch tape allows for maximum seam sealing while having unrestricted stretch and comfort
99 - SM Connor Stratton-Darling dons his '7 Seas' suit. Photo: Stu Gaston
HotWots WARMTH & STRETCH -Thermal hollow fiber lining insulates heat and dries fast
DURABLE & WATERTIGHT -Chest-zip entry, minimal bulk with contoured water tight design
-Knee pad - supratex abrasion resistant jersey for flexibility and strength
-Easy access secure key cord
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SURF THE 7 SEAS!
101 - SM Eric Geiselman surfing in his '7 Seas'! Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com
HotWots STYLE The first thing you notice about the suit is that it's a classic black wetsuit with just a few subtle turquoise stripes around the cuffs. For me, a plain black wetsuit which is quietly colourful with that subtle use of a bright colour in tastefully small quantities is much more pleasing on the eyes. It's enough to be catchy and stylish at the same time – in fact it gains style through its lack of colour. This minimalist look says a lot about the brand too in allowing the quality of the suit to speak for itself.
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SURF THE 7 SEAS!
103 - SM Tyler Killen takes it tail high in his '7 Seas suit'! Photo: Bobby Killeen
HotWots FUNCTIONALITY The Vissla 7 Seas wetsuit is packed with really practical features. The chest zip entry system prevented any flushing with its minimum bulk and contoured water tight design, though the placing of the key cord just inside the chest zip could well add some bulk if you did use it to stash your key away and might be uncomfortable when paddling out. The seals on the cuffs and ankles however were super tight so not only did that stop them rolling up but no water went up them at all either. The 100% super stretch, super light limestone based neoprene was really well balanced across the suit with the 3mm on the arms and calves and the thicker panels over the rest of the body for added warmth. This coupled with the triple glued and double stitched seams (hopefully the exposed stitching won't catch after regular use) really add to the impressive level of features on this suit! SM - 104
SURF THE 7 SEAS!
105 - SM Thomas Delplace takes to the air in his '7 Seas' suit! Photo: Thomas Deregnieaux
HotWots COMFORT The 7 Seas wetsuit was for me the perfect fitting wetsuit. It's anatomically correct engineered body lines meant it fitted like you'd want a wetsuit to fit! As a result, it had minimal rub, no irritation and no flush either, in fact it was easy to forget you were wearing a wetsuit at all. As well as that, the thermal hollow fibre lining kept it all warm while the inside of the chest panel supported your upper body really well but not so tight that it was uncomfortable. In fact when paddling, it felt surprisingly comfortable for how tight the suit was. Indeed the upper body panels were so well fitting that it felt like the suit sat on you just right, so much so that there was no flush at all and as it barely absorbed much water either it never felt that heavy – all in all it has the warmth of a 4/3 coupled with the lightness of a 3/2 – practical yet comfortable!
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SURF THE 7 SEAS!
107 - SM Eric Geiselman getting flexible in his '7 Seas' suit!
Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com
HotWots USABILITY Vissla's 7 Seas wetsuit really is the perfect balance of comfort, flexibilty and practicality. It's really flexible in all the key places so you don't feel at all constrained when moving on the board – it allowed me to get low and pop up with ease. It was so flexible it felt like a 3/2 even though it was still a 4/3 and with this in mind, you could easily surf in this suit right through the summer. Under the arms and on the shoulders, the suit was super flexible which really helped with paddling and I could have happily spent hours out in the surf without getting too tired. All in all the perfect fit of the suit coupled with its flexibility make this my suit of choice for the summer surfs ahead!
Connor Stratton-Darling cruising the '7 Seas'!
Photo: Stu Gaston
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SURF THE 7 SEAS!
109 - SM Jordy Lawler laying it down in his '7 Seas' suit! Photo: Michael Kellerman
HotWots STRETCHABILITY The 7 Seas wetsuit is surprisingly stretchy for a 4/3, meaning it does fit like a glove. Although it's perfect for busting all those moves when you're out surfing, be it high performance aerials or just cruising along the line, because the suit is such a good fit, it's fairly tricky to get it on and off – the chest zip neck panel fits so well that it's very snug when pulling it over your head so you have to be quite flexible yourself! It's stretchy enough though and not so stretchy that it will lose its shape after a lot of use which once again would stand this suit apart from many others.
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SURF THE 7 SEAS!
111 - SM Andrew Jacobson launching in his '7 Seas' suit! Photo: Sam Moody
HotWots THE VERDICT Personally I found the suit was just what I want from a suit! Its minimalist look and lack of colour and brash logos draws you in so you stand out by being understated. It's better to have a suit that allows you to blend into the lineup when a surf's not going your way, but with enough style that you stand out when your surfing speaks for itself. The suit is great in the sense that it is tight fitting (though you'd have to be a contortionist to get in and out of it) but for me that works as I spend so much time in a suit! I'd certainly be happy to spend many an hour in the 7 Seas wetsuit either pushing people into waves on their foamies or getting a few good waves for myself! STYLE ●●●●●●●●●●
FUNCTIONALITY ●●●●●●●●○○
COMFORT ●●●●●●●●●○
USABILITY ●●●●●●●●●○
STRETCHABILITY ●●●●●●●●○○
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LET'S GET HYPER! Photos: Dave Muir & Stu Gaston Words: Stu Gaston & Jake Sage
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Jake Sage letting his surfing get hyper! Photo: Dave Muir
HotWots
Of course, if a classic wetsuit is what you want, then there's none more classic than the original wetsuit pioneers themselves, O'Neill and their range of Hyperfreak wetsuits. Founded in California in 1952, the young Jack O'Neill took his unstoppable passion for surfing and used it to beat Mother Nature at her won game. Pioneering the world's first neoprene surf wetsuit, Jack had successfully found a way to extend his surf sessions in the bone-chilling breaks of Northern California. While many things have changed since those humble beginnings, O'Neill's initial vision of producing functional and innovative board riding products still lives on in their current range of Hyperfreak wetsuits. We asked O'Neill team rider, young Jake Sage to put his similarly unstoppable passion for surfing into testing out the Hyperfreak F.U.Z.E. 3/2 summer wetsuit for us and give his surfer's eye review on this classic of all classic wetsuits!
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LET'S GET HYPER! O'Neill's Hyperfreak is your classic clean cut summer suit – it's quite minimalistic with not too many panels, perfect for both contest performance and enjoying a chilled summer surf. The first thing that stand outs about the Hyperfreak is how light it is – you barely notice it sitting on the nose of your board as you head off for your summer session. And of course being a classic O'Neill suit, the rest speaks for itself. The Hyperfreak series is constructed with super buttery 100% Technobutter, clean graphics, insane Colour blocking, light and flexible GBS seams, Lumbar Seamless Design (LSD), unfinished cuffs, and Krypto Knee Padz. The lightweight, quality materials and attention to detail make this another team inspired favourite. -3/2mm Technobutter Neoprene -Strategic seamless paddle zones -Minimal Seam Deisgn -Contortionist seamless shoulder -Sidewinder S-Curve seams -F.U.Z.E Entry System -Critically Taped-Reinforced seam junctions -Glued & Blindstitch Seam construction -Double super seal neck -External key pocket with loop
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Jake Sage suited up. Photo: Stu Gaston
HotWots
F.U.Z.E. Entry system
External Key Pocket
Krypto Knee Padz
FUNCTIONALITY The Hyperfreak 3/2 smmer wetsuit is packed with handy features including the F.U.Z.E neck entry system which means you can adjust the neck easily to prevent any flushing. The knee pads are comfortable enough and the external key holder was in a handy place on the side of the thigh.
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LET'S GET HYPER!
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Jake Sage getting hyper and into layback! Photo: Dave Muir
HotWots STYLE The style of the suit is quite clean and understated – there's enough colour on the shoulders to stand out in the line up yet overall it's a classic darker suit so you don't draw too much attention to youself. The panels of the suit make it both look really clean but also function really well with no unnecessary seams.
COMFORT When the suit's on, as it has so few panels, it's really comfortable and stretchy – in fact its so light, you don't even notice it's on! Made out of 100% Technobutter, the feel of the suit is silky, smooth which makes it practically rub free and super comfy when you're out in the water waiting for that next set.
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LET'S GET HYPER!
STRETCHABILITY The Hyperfreak 3/2 is so stretchy it's really easy to get on and off. And as for when you're heading out in the water, it made paddling really straight forward as you feel like your just wearing boardshorts.
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Jake Sage putting the Hyperfreak through its paces! Photos: Stu Gaston
HotWots USABILITY Out in the water, the Hyperfreak is anything but restrictive, allowing you to push your turns harder without even noticing it's on again. It's so flexible with less seems that you're free to push your surfing further without being restricted by the suit at all which means you can stay in the water longer and surf as much as you can muster.
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LET'S GET HYPER!
121 - SM Jake Sage seeing how stetchy the Hyperfreak can get!
Photos: Stu Gaston
HotWots THE VERDICT Well I found the Hyperfreak super stretchy so you can stay out in the water for longer as you don't get tired.The style's really cool too – a classic look which makes it simple but effective. So for me it really is an all round summer suit, suitable for high performance in contests but also just as good for a relaxed day down the beach surfing in the sun with your mates as it dries so quick you can just whack it on and off in between surfs. All in all, the guys at O'Neill have once again delivered another classic wetsuit in the Hyperfreak – one that I'll happily be wearing right through the summer season! FUNCTIONALITY ●●●●●●●○○○
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COMFORT ●●●●●●●●●○
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Letting Loose at Lowers! Photos: Chuck@Surf-shot.com; Words: Stu Gaston
Ryan Callinan
123 - SM Ryan Callinan calling time on anything but solid surfing! Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com
TheGoss It's unbelievable to think but we're almost half way through the year already and that means for some QS surfers, they're half way to fulfilling their dreams and making it onto the World Tour at year's end. So here's our first look at a few surfers who after their performances at key contests such as the Lowers Pro could well be edging that step closer to success!
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Letting Loose at Lowers!
Caio Ibelli
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Caio Ibelli believes he can fly – like Superman! Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com
TheGoss
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Letting Loose at Lowers!
Carlos Munoz
127 - SM Carlos Munoz means business! Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com
TheGoss
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Letting Loose at Lowers!
ry a e L ' O Connor
129 - SM Connor O'Leary launching himself onto the leader board! Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com
TheGoss
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Letting Loose at Lowers!
Ezekiel Lau
131 - SM Ezekiel Lau launching high above the rest of the pack! Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com
TheGoss
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Letting Loose at Lowers!
n Evan Geiselma
133 - SM Evan Geiselman giving it his all! Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com
TheGoss
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T H E G A L L E R Y
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Eric Geiselman giving us a taste of summer! Photo: Sam Moody
TheGallery
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T H E G A L L E R Y
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Tyler Killeen taking it tail high! Photo: Bobby Killeen
TheGallery
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T H E G A L L E R Y
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Cam Richards rocketing into the stratosphere! Photo: Sam Moody
TheGallery
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T H E G A L L E R Y
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Jake Sage having fun in some summery surf! Photo: Pete Singlehurst
TheGallery
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T H E G A L L E R Y
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Andrew Jacobson getting just the right balance! Photo: Sam Moody
TheGallery
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T H E G A L L E R Y
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Tyler Killeen looking all laid back for summer! Photo: Bobby Killeen
TheGallery
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T H E G A L L E R Y
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Eric Geiselman getting some green room time! Photo: Sam Moody
TheGallery
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Surphang Magazine
149 - SM Harry Timson's surfing is seriously taking off! Photo: Vince Timson
NextIssue We've no doubt mentioned this before, but it really is an exciting time to be supporting upcoming surfers across the globe. Not for many years now has there been such an explosion of talented youth pushing up through the ranks. So we'll be looking at a whole host of upcoming surfers whose surfing really is taking off and launching them into what will surely be a long spell of limelight!
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Thanks for reading the Thirty Nineth issue of
Surphang Magazine
Cam Richards launching high! Photo: Sam Moody