Surphang Magazine Issue 46

Surphang Magazine

Issue 46

Kings of Quemao Maree Makes his Mark! ReginatoBrosBaliBound

The Pro Show Champ Chats

Kei Keeps It Cool!

SouthCoastShredders

DoubledO'Heaven

Surphang Magazine

01 - SM

'Stood the Test of Time' Five years ago I stood with this awesome sight of one of the most powerful waves in Europe right before me. Not surprisingly it featured in the very first issue of SURPHANG. And now as we begin the fifth year of the magazine Supporting Upcoming Rider Potential Here And Now Globally, this issue takes us back to El Quemao to see how the surfers who stood beside me when this shot was taken are now charging the wave itself, proving they've stood the test of time, as have many of the other upcoming surfers waiting inside...

El Quemao keeps delivering!

Photo: Stu Gaston

SM - 02

03 - SM

Surphang Magazine

Magazine Editor: Stuart Gaston Contributing Photographers: David Berthet, Thomas Deregnieaux, Adrian Bort, Paul Carpenter, Anton Carus, Noel Downey, Glen Harper, John F Jackson, Clint McLaughlin, Manu Miguelez, Darran Northcott, Gunar Steinert, Kurt Steinmetz, Ollie Treacher, & Chuck@Surf-Shot.com Staff Photographer: Stuart Gaston

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

Cover Shot: Kei Kobayashi getting kegged in Cali!

Photo: Clint McLaughlin

Seeking sunlit perfection never gets old!

Photo: Thomas Deregnieaux

SM - 04

ThisIssue'sFeatures

The Pro Show Champ Chats

Maree Makes His Mark! Kei Keeps It Cool!

Jordy Maree has just made the move up to the WSL QS series and is already making his mark among the world's best surfers!

05 - SM

Surphalosophy

Kings of Quemao

One of California's top upcoming One of Lanzarote's liveliest spots surfers, Kei Kobayashi is quickly has been firing all winter long so climbing the ranks yet keeping it we caught up with Lewis, Alex cool on the way – time for a chat! and Josh, the Kings of Quemao!

ThisIssue

Doubled O'Heaven SouthCoastShredders SURPHOGRAPHY Ollie Treacher This time around our Hot Shots feature focuses on some local UK talent in the form of South Coast Shredders, Billy & Toby.

Ollie Treacher is a young surfer and photographer at the forefront of the British surfing scene so we spoke to him about his work!

Finishing our look at what's hot in this season's winter's wetties, we compare three top brands, O'Shea, O'Neill and Vissla.

ReginatoBrosBaliBound Brothers Alister and Jack Reginato recently headed to Bali and scored... photographer Adrian Bort shares their story.

The Renatos went Bali bound for this!

Photo: Adrian Bort

SM - 06

Welcome to

The Pro Show Maree Makes His Mark!

Photos: Gunar Steinert; Words: Stu Gaston

07 - SM Jordy Maree makes his mark and puts his stamp on it!

Photo: Gunar Steinert

TheProShow Jordy Maree has just made the move up to the WSL QS series and is already making his mark among the world's best surfers!

So we caught up with him to see how his past few years have gone on the contest scene and how he found his first QS stint over in Australia chasing the dream...

SM - 08

Maree Makes His Mark!

09 - SM Jordy Maree makes the most of his air time!

Photo: Gunar Steinert

TheProShow

Name: Jordan Maree Age: 17 Years surfing: 12 years Where you live: Kalk Bay, South Africa Sponsors: DVG surfboards, Nixon and FCS fins but don't have a main sponsor at the moment Local break/s: Kalk Bay and Long Beach Favourite surfer?

Andy irons Favourite place to surf?

Donkey Bay Favourite surf movie?

Trilogy Favourite surf trick?

Barrel riding Favourite board?

DVG 5'9, not to sure about the rest of the dimensions hah

SM - 10

Maree Makes His Mark!

11 - SM Jordy Maree working a lefthander!

Photo: Gunar Steinert

TheProShow Now we last spoke to you two years ago, Jordy and in that time you've continued to post some great results, including reaching the semi finals of both WSL Pro Juniors in the South African Billabong Junior series last year. So talk us through those contests and the highs and lows that lead to you reaching 2nd place on the South African Pro Junior rankings?

Yeah it's always good to surf out of your division, improves your surfing and your heats end up being way more interesting and pushes your limits. Yeah about 99% of surf comps in South Africa are right handers so when conditions are small makes things a lot harder but I like the challenge.

This earnt you your place at the WSL World Junior Championships which was held earlier this year at Ribeira D'Ilhas in Portugal. That was your second time competing at that spot in the World Juniors so how did you find those experiences?

Yeah in my eyes that's the biggest Junior event in the world! The competition is insane and it's rad to surf against older and more experienced surfers.

You had to overcome some solid surfing from your contenders during those events. So how do you rate your surfing peers from around the world at the moment?

Yeah there are loads of good surfers and some of them are 4 years older than me which makes it hard because they a lot bigger than me but nothing is impossible and it pushes my level of surfing.

SM - 12

Maree Makes His Mark!

13 - SM Jordy Maree brings out his backhand attack!

Photo: Gunar Steinert

TheProShow

Most recently, you've been competing in Australia as the new contest season gets underway and you've been posting some convincing scores in both Pro Junior and QS events, notching up a highest heat score of 16.85 on day 1 of the Burleigh Pro. So how's it been stepping up from the Pro Junior to QS events?

Yeah it's always good to know you can surf against the best QS surfers and still realize at my age I have a good chance to do really well and just need to get my head around it.

Only got to surf one Junior QS which wasn't at all the way I wanted my heat to go but I felt I had a really good chance to do really well but you can't always predict what the ocean is going to do .

And how's the rest of your competitive season in Australia been going so far?

Yeah was rad to go to Aus again, went with a rad crew and got some good waves. I didn't get the results I wanted but it was a good learning curve for me and I'm still young and have lots to learn.

SM - 14

Maree Makes His Mark!

15 - SM Jordy Maree grabs some more air time!

Photo: Gunar Steinert

TheProShow

SM - 16

Maree Makes His Mark!

17 - SM Jordy Maree marks out his landing!

Photo: Gunar Steinert

TheProShow

Now you're already from South Africa and have no doubt surfed some epic breaks over there. How do those classic spots compare to those you're surfing over in Australia then?

Yeah South Africa has some of the best waves in the world and I've been privileged to surf some of them. The best thing about South Africa is you end up surfing with yourself which means you're able to catch more waves but saying that it also sucks because in Aus there are always good surfers surfing with you which pushes your surfing. The waves in Aus are super fun and you always know you can get a fun wave around the corner.

So when and where has your best session been over there this season then?

I live right next to one of the best beach breaks in the world and always get some crazy shacks when I go down the beach but yeah haven't had too much activity at the moment to be truthful ahah But what about any notable wipeouts?

Yeah nothing like a good wipeout, I think wipeouts are the best because sometime you get scared and it pushes your limits to go on bigger and more powerful waves. Yeah sometimes not making the wave is the most memorable part of your surf haha

SM - 18

Maree Makes His Mark!

19 - SM Jordy Maree makes his mark taking it tail high!

Photo: Gunar Steinert

TheProShow

Now what about future plans for travelling? Where do you want to head to and surf?

Yeah I love to travel and surf new spots but I just need to sort out my main sponsorship so that I can live my dreams and hopefully succeed to be able to surf as a profession.

So with much of the year still lying ahead, what are your goals?

Yeah still lots of time in the year left, I think I just need to try work getting a main sponsor to support me to live my dreams, but also do some more QS events in Europe would be ideal in my eyes. I really enjoy Europe and the people there.

Yeah and just to surf as much as possible.

And finally, what about the future then?

Yeah you can never predict the future but I can shape it which would be to surf as much as I can and to discover new waves, places and people. Hopefully some more surf trips and QS events to push my surfing to a new level. But yeah most important thing is to be having fun with my surfing and live my dreams I guess.

SM - 20

Champ Chats Kei Keeps It Cool!

Photos: Clint McLaughlin, Kurt Steinmetz & John F Jackson; Words: Stu Gaston

21 - SM Kei Kobayashi keeping cool in a wintery keg!

Photo: Clint McLaughlin

ChampChats One of California's top upcoming surfers, Kei Kobayashi is quickly climbing the ranks yet keeping it cool and collected on the way, in fact he's probably one of the most humble surfers we know! So he knew we had to make some time for another chat with this champ!

SM - 22

Kei Keeps It Cool!

23 - SM Kei Kobayashi keeps his eye on his keg count!

Photo: Clint McLaughlin

ChampChats

Name: Kei Kobayashi Age: 17 Years surfing: My whole life Where you live: San Clemente, California Sponsors: O'Neill, Etnies, Lost Surfboards, Banzai Bowls, On a Mission Surf Accessories, Luvsurf, DSC, Fu Wax, Icon Local break/s: Lowers Favourite surfer?

John John Florence Favourite place to surf?

Lowers Favourite surf movie?

View from a Blue Moon Favourite surf trick?

Backside Vertical turn Favourite board?

Lost surfboards (Mayhem)

SM - 24

Kei Keeps It Cool!

25 - SM Kei Kobayashi keeping it cool in yet another keg!

Photo: Clint McLaughlin

ChampChats Now it's been just over six months since we last spoke to you, Kei and in that time you've continued to post some great results, including reaching the semi finals of the WSL Fins Pro Junior in Belmar. So talk us through that contest and the highs and lows that lead to you earning your result.

Yeah I've been training a whole lot and focusing on the Pro Juniors and QS. I had lot of motivation going into the Fins Pro Junior and I had a magic board from Lost that Matt Biolos shaped me. But I ended up having a shocker in the semis and making a few mistakes by falling. But it's all a learning experience to fix next time.

You then followed that up with a 9th place finish at the QS event there, having to overcome some solid surfing from your contenders on the way. So how do you rate your surfing peers from around California at the moment?

I was really stoked with my 9th place in the QS, that was really big for me! Getting every point in the QS is very important to build up my seed when I get older. My peers in San Clemente, well the talent level is crazy! Every day, kids are pushing me to get better and it's really fun to live in San Clemente because the vibe is so awesome and everybody has each other's back!

How's the rest of your competitive season been going so far?

The Pro Junior season hasn't started for me yet – the first event of the season starts next month and I'm fired up and looking forward to it. But with the NSSA and Surfing America contests, I've been having a pretty good run, getting some wins.

SM - 26

Kei Keeps It Cool!

27 - SM Kei Kobayashi kicks out an impressive spray fan!

Photo: Kurt Steinmetz

ChampChats Now you're from California with some top quality waves like Trestles right on your doorstep but you've also been doing a lot of travelling lately both near and far. First of all, how was your recent trip down to Mexico back in January?

It was a blast! Headed down there with my dad.

My dad and I always have a nice bond when we head to Mexico because it's quiet and we score some really good waves and we have a place right on the beach. We scored some of the best waves I've surfed in Mexico back in January and I always head down there to get some practice with not too big a crowd plus all the local guys are very nice to my dad and I.

SM - 28

Kei Keeps It Cool!

29 - SM Kei Kobayashi takes it tail high!

Photo: Kurt Steinmetz

ChampChats

SM - 30

Kei Keeps It Cool!

31 - SM Kei Kobayashi kicks out off his backhand!

Photo: John F Jackson

ChampChats

You've also made a number of trips over to Hawaii this season so how's that been?

Yeah I've gone to Hawaii twice this winter and currently here right now. Hawaii is way different from all the other places, the pure power of the wave is so awesome. Hawaii is a place you have to go and practice and put your time in. I've been going out to Hawaii and putting myself in the bigger surf.

And trying bigger boards.

And when and where has your best session been over there this season then?

My best session I've had this year in Hawaii has to be Backdoor, I got some of the best waves of my life. 
 But what about any notable wipeouts this time around?

I have been getting pounded and getting worked and having lots of wipeouts but you have to get worked and it makes you stronger and hungrier for the next wave that could be the wave of your life!

SM - 32

Kei Keeps It Cool!

33 - SM Kei Kobayashi keeps them coming!

Photo: Kurt Steinmetz

ChampChats Now what about future plans for travelling? Where do you want to head to and surf?

I am heading to Bali next month to just surf and get some video clips to show to everybody. I basically just wanna score good waves and get good results in contest and have good grades in school.

SM - 34

Kei Keeps It Cool!

35 - SM Kei Kobayashi keeps his eye on the prize!

Photo: Kurt Steinmetz

ChampChats

So with much of the year still lying ahead, what are your goals?

I have a ton of goals set for this year. I really plan on accomplishing my goals this year – I am really focused and determined to do so.

Some of my goals are to win the Nationals in NSSA and Surfing America, and also to qualify for the World Juniors and to win a Pro Junior or a QS.

SM - 36

Kei Keeps It Cool!

37 - SM Kei Kobayashi kicks that tail high every time!

Photo: Kurt Steinmetz

ChampChats

And finally, what about the future then?

The The future is to make the WCT that's been my goal since I fell in love with surfing. Thanks to all my sponsors, my family, friends for all the endless support and GOD.

SM - 38

Kei Keeps It Cool!

39 - SM Kei Kobayashi keeps it cool, calm and collected all the way round!

Photo: Kurt Steinmetz

ChampChats

We have no doubt that Kei is going to be an upcoming surfer to keep an eye on in the future but we asked sharp-shooting photographer, Kurt Steinmitz who accompanied Kei on his recent trip to Baja Mexico to give us the final word: “On this recent run of big swells in Southern California, I was fortunate to make a strike mission down South to Baja Mexico and link up with a few groms at one of Baja's premiere point breaks. Kei Kobayashi has been coming down here for quite a few years now and he has this spot totally wired! On this paticular swell that saw the Todos contest run, 8-10 ft, west swell lines were firing all the way through the point and then linking to the inside section where the wave continued to barrel and line up all over again! It's really awesome to see Kei's style mature from his mini grom days in the NSSA to a young man throwing down huge carves and big airs on the open canvas of a perfect Mexican point! The swell lasted for three days and every session was a marathon of multiple turns, long waves and good times!�SM - 40

Surphalosophy

Kings of Quemao!

Photos: Anton Carus & Manu Miguelez; Words: Stu Gaston

41 - SM Lewis Leadbetter deep in the green room!

Photo: Manu Miguelez

surphalosophy One of Lanzarote's liveliest spots has been firing all winter long so when we saw the shots of what's been going down over there, we decided we ought to catch up with the three local upcoming surfers, Lewis Leadbetter, Alex Bauduin and Josh Braddock, who have been charging the wave all winter long and so become the Kings of Quemao!

SM - 42

Kings of Quemao!

43 - SM El Quemao kicks into action!

Photo: Anton Carus

surphalosophy

Five years ago, I stood alongside Lewis and Josh at La Santa, watching El Quemao going off. On that day, they chose to surf the Slab, a smaller wave to the right of that huge barreling monster. Now five years later, it's been great to see pictures of these two, plus Alex who regularly surfs with them, charging the famed spot, one of Europe's heaviest waves. So we recently spoke to these three Kings of Quemao to find out what it's like to take on and tame this beast!

SM - 44

Kings of Quemao!

45 - SM Lewis Leadbetter lays into a reeling righthander!

Photo: Anton Carus

surphalosophy

Name: Lewis Leadbetter Age: 22 Nickname: Lion Years surfing: 10 Where you live: La Santa/Las Americas Sponsors: Palmbeach Surfshop, Nexo Surfboards, Klaesik Clothing, Surfight Club Tenerife Local break/s: Las Americas Favourite surfer?

Greg Long Favourite place to surf?

El Quemao Favourite surf movie?

A View from a Blue Moon Favourite surf trick?

Barrel Favourite board?

Nexo Bladerunner 6’0-6’6, amazing barrel board!

SM - 46

Kings of Quemao!

47 - SM Lewis Leadbetter looking down that line!

Photo: Anton Carus

surphalosophy

Well it's been 3 years since we last spoke to you then, Lewis, and you're now living over in Lanzarote and regularly charging one of the most powerful waves in Europe – El Quemao. So what's it like having that kind of quality wave right on your doorstep and what effect would you say it's had on your surfing?

I was there for two years but I'm back in Tenerife now saving money for some surf trips. Planning on moving back to La Santa for next winter though, it's definitely the place I need to be right now!

It's been said that this winter has been one of the best for waves over in the Canary Islands so from your experiences would you agree with that?

It was for sure the best winter I've ever surfed! Although I'm living back in Tenerife, I've kinda spent all winter in Lanzarote, I've not missed a swell haha Now El Quemao is often referred to as 'The Pipeline' of Europe, so would you say that it has been living up to that reputation this winter?

I think this winter it definitely lived up to that name! We've had some crazy sessions out there this winter! The Quemao class comp was crazy good too!

SM - 48

Kings of Quemao!

49 - SM Lewis Leadbetter letting that lip wrap right over him!

Photo: Anton Carus

surphalosophy

So what's your best session there these past few months been like?

There's been too many to say!

Every time Quemao is solid it's gonna be a surf to remember.

And of course, El Quemao is a serious wave to take on, so what goes through you mind as you're about to take off on one of its waves?

Every wave I commit to it, just believe I can make it and give it my best shot!

Now what about any notable wipeouts you've had there?

I had a big one the last session I had there just after the comp had finished the first day. The tide was getting to low and I just cartwheeled down this set wave but I only touched the bottom and ate 2 more waves on the reef but luckily didn't get hurt.

SM - 50

Kings of Quemao!

51 - SM Lewis Leadbetter brings out his backhand!

Photo: Anton Carus

surphalosophy

When we last saw you, you were really honing your air game just months after being out the water for half a year following a bad landing from an air. And now all these years later, your charging big barrels at El Quemao so would you say that earlier experience has shaped your current surfing?

For sure, yeah I still love punting some airs but my passion's really going into the bigger waves now. I can promise you're gonna see some bigger things from me this year!

So with a season of some serious winter waves almost behind you, what's next for the year ahead?

There's still a bit of winter left, hopefully there's still some big swells left in El Ni単o before we finish the season and then saving money and training every day towards Indonesia in May. And finally, what about the future?

Look out for me on the Big Wave Tour, I'm coming!

SM - 52

Kings of Quemao!

53 - SM Alex Bauduin dropping into the righthander!

Photo: Anton Carus

surphalosophy

Name: Alex Bauduin Age: 18 Years surfing: 6 years Where you live: Las Americas, Tenerife Sponsors: Vissla, Body Blue (Nico Gil) my personal trainer and Blackstone Surf Centre Local break/s: Plenty of reef breaks and slabs!

Favourite surfer?

Dane Reynolds Favourite place to surf?

When theres the right swell and right winds, Canary Islands is probably my favourite place to surf.

The Mentawaiis looks sick but haven't had a chance to head over there yet.

Favourite surf movie?

A View from a Blue Moon Favourite surf trick?

I don't think there's a better feeling in surfing than getting a big barrel, I haven't experienced anything as epic so far!

Favourite board?

Just use different boards for different conditions.

SM - 54

Kings of Quemao!

55 - SM Alex Bauduin about to get shacked!

Photo: Anton Carus

surphalosophy

It's been over a year since we last spoke to you then, Alex, and in that time you've been ripping as hard as ever, competing in your final year of WSL Pro Junior contests, finishing off with a solid 21st in the overall rankings. Talk us through the highs and lows of your competitive season then?

Well it was my first year doing the whole tour so I was just trying to get as much experience as I could as well as trying my best to do well. I don't think anyone likes losing but from every loss you learn something that will help you in future contests.

More recently you've been scoring some great waves over in Lanzarote at the infamous El Quemao. So would you say it's been one of the best winter seasons the Canary Islands have seen in quite a while?

Yeah fore sure its the best winter I've ever seen since I've started surfing, it hasn't stopped firing!

This whole El Ni単o thing has really sent us some amazing moments.

Now El Quemao is considered as 'The Pipeline' of Europe, so would you say that it has been living up to that reputation this winter?

I didn't actually know how similar the wave was to Pipe until this year. I spent a month there this winter and there were big barrels pretty much every day. I think that answers the question! SM - 56

Kings of Quemao!

57 - SM Alex Bauduin in deep!

Photo: Anton Carus

surphalosophy

So what's your best session there these past few months been like?

Mental, just pits after pits with just my mates out, pure stoke!

And of course, El Quemao is a serious wave to take on, so what goes through you mind as you're about to take off on one of its waves?

Nothing goes through my mind really, my adrenaline takes over and my eyes are on the prize!

Now what about any notable wipeouts you've had there?

I've had some pretty gnarly wipeouts there hitting the reef pretty hard and long hold downs but it's all part of the game.

SM - 58

Kings of Quemao!

59 - SM Alex Bauduin dropping into another righthander!

Photo: Anton Carus

surphalosophy

So with a season of some serious winter waves almost behind you, what's next for the year ahead?

Well I'm just focusing on doing the QS tour and training around Hossegor for the summer season, and probably finishing off in Lanzarote training for some big wave surfing.

You'll no doubt be looking to take on the European QS events when they start soon in Zarautz so what training have you been doing for that?

I've been training with Yann Martin in the water and out of the water with Body Blue doing some physical training, I want to feel prepared when it comes to the QS season.

Finally then, what's your goal for this coming year? And what about the future?

Well it would be epic to qualify for the Primes, as my main longterm goal is to qualify for the WCT as well as dominating big wave surfing.

SM - 60

Kings of Quemao!

61 - SM Josh Braddock racing down the line!

Photo: Anton Carus

surphalosophy

Name: Joshua Braddock Age: 20 Nickname: Braddock Years surfing: 9 Where you live: Lanzarote Sponsors: Adams Surfboards and Lanzaroteretreats.com Local break/s: La Santa and El Quemao Favourite surfer?

Mick Fanning Favourite place to surf?

El Quemao Favourite surf movie?

Modern Collective Favourite surf trick?

Backhand Barrel Favourite board?

5.9 P2 round tail Adams surfboard

SM - 62

Kings of Quemao!

63 - SM Josh Braddock bringing his backhand into play!

Photo: Anton Carus

surphalosophy

Now Josh, you're lucky enough to live over in Lanzarote and have been regularly charging one of the most powerful waves in Europe – El Quemao. So what's it like having that kind of quality wave right on your doorstep and what effect would you say it's had on your surfing?

It's so good, I mean to be able to paddle out at one of the heaviest waves in Europe and get shouted into the biggest waves of the day is one of my dreams since I was a kid, I'm so lucky to have been brought up here because I'm treated as a local. In saying that you have to earn the support of everyone, that's why the last couple of years, Lewis and I have just been charging as hard as we can on this wave to prove that we deserve the best and biggest waves in the session.

It's been said that this winter has been one of the best for waves over in the Canary Islands so from your experiences would you agree?

I've had an epic winter so far, every week we've had 5 days of pumping waves, by the time New Years came around I was so surfed out. I even put my boards away for a couple of weeks and headed to the UK for a weekend to re-charge haha. For me it's been the best winter ever and it's going to be a hard one to beat.

SM - 64

Kings of Quemao!

65 - SM Josh Braddock brightening that deep blue cavern!

Photo: Anton Carus

surphalosophy Now El Quemao is often referred to as 'The Pipeline' of Europe, so would you say that it has been living up to that reputation?

Definitely, it's funny cause the Pipe Masters was on at the same time El Quemao was pumping and we were watching the live feed laughing cause we'd been getting just as good, if not better, barrels all day with only 8 people on the water.

So what's your best session there these past few months been like?

I had a session with just William Allioti and I in at Quemao, it was about 6ft, and as we got in, the wind died and the swell started to pulse. We had an hour and a half session of perfection all to ourselves, we couldn't believe it!

Of course, El Quemao is a serious wave to take on, so what goes through you mind as you're about to take off on one of its waves?

To be honest you really can't think about anything when your padding into a wave there, you just put your head down and tell yourself you're going to make it.

Now what about any notable wipeouts you've had there?

I had the worst wipeout I've ever had at the beginning of December, I've got it on video and it's brutal. I was surfing with a local guy Marcos and William, and they caught the first two waves of the set. I just remember paddling over one and then seeing this absolute bomb. I could hear them screaming and I just turned and went... it was a solid 10ft bomb and the wind got under my board half way down the face and I went over the falls so hard and drilled into the reef.

Thankfully I wasn't in too bad a state...

SM - 66

Kings of Quemao!

67 - SM Josh Braddock getting kegged, Quemao-style!

Photo: Anton Carus

surphalosophy

So with a season of some serious winter waves almost behind you, what's next for the year ahead?

I'm gonna focus on the European QS events, I'm also planning to do the QS in Bali if all goes to plan.

Then be back here at home for the start of next year's swells.

And finally, what about the future?

I will probably spend a few more winters here, but I definitely will be traveling around, I really want to go find some hidden waves with a few friends so hopefully we can get a good crew together and sort out a decent trip.

SM - 68

Reginato Bros Bali Bound Photos: Adrian Bort; Words: Stu Gaston & Adrian Bort

69 - SM Jack Reginato reeling out some impressive spray at Changu!

Photo: Adrian Bort

surphangaway Upcoming Australian shredders and brothers Alister and Jack Reginato recently headed to Bali and scored... photographer Adrian Bort was with them so we asked him to share their story...

SM - 70

ReginatoBrosBaliBound

Bingin doing its thing!

Photos: Adrian Bort

71 - SM

surphangaway

The best part of being a surf photographer is the places you get to visit and the people you meet along the way. So when my mate Joey pitched to me that his 50th birthday wish was to do a peak season surf trip to Bali and invite a bunch of his surfing friends and their families along, I was sold. Six months later and after a lot of planning, we all meet up at Brisbane airport, early morning, super pumped and ready to get on the plane for the 6hr flight to Bali. The flight is on time, we board and get underway and 3 movies later, we are already preparing to land at Denpasar International Airport in Bali. The moment you step outside the heat hits you like a wave. Customs is very painless and we clear it and find our driver. In less than an hour we have made it to our villa, unpacked and settled in but are restless to get our first surf session in so we decide to head to nearby Echo Beach for our first Bali bound surf.

SM - 72

ReginatoBrosBaliBound

Looking on perfection at Uluwatu!

Photos: Adrian Bort

73 - SM

surphangaway

Bali was not a new destination for me; I had been there many years earlier. I can still remember how excited I was way back then the first time as we descended to land at Denpensar Airport. I was lucky enough to have a window seat and could see surfers on Airport Rights catching waves just before we touched down. On that trip, I was travelling with non surfers and had very limited time and opportunity to surf. This trip however promised to be something else. I was travelling with some very experienced surfers, all with many an adventure surf trip under their belts and they were bringing their kids with them who were some of the best up and coming surfers from the Sunshine and Gold Coast regions of Queensland – perfect to showcase Bali surf and get some great shots. It quickly became obvious that we all were united and had one common goal – to surf as many different breaks as we could fit in over the next 12 days and really see what Bali could deliver. So as we headed off for that first session, I was excited to see what was on offer.

SM - 74

ReginatoBrosBaliBound

75 - SM Jack Reginato whacking that lip!

Photo: Adrian Bort

surphangaway

Alister Reginato, Changu.

Photo: Adrian Bort

Jack Reginato, Changu Photo: Adrian Bort

Sharing is caring!

Two Standouts were the Reginatos, older brother, Jack, 19, and younger brother Alister, 15, both competition surfers for their club, North Shore Boardriders on the Sunshine Coast. It was clear from the start that they both really ripped – they were explosive to watch and were not afraid of taking on the bigger waves of the sets, often making impossible vertical drops and emerging from barrels long after most photographers would have written them off and stopped firing off shots altogether...

Photo: Adrian Bort

SM - 76

ReginatoBrosBaliBound

77 - SM

Jack Reginato getting kegged at Keramas!

Photo: Adrian Bort

surphangaway

SM - 78

ReginatoBrosBaliBound

79 - SM Jack Reginato releasing those fins at Keramas!

Photo: Adrian Bort

surphangaway

The brothers' surfing styles are quite similar but Jack's having had a few more years experience was evident in his wave selection. He would be patient and take his time to choose the waves with the biggest yield for getting the most powerful moves smashed out or pick ones that turned into those nice long barrel rides.

SM - 80

ReginatoBrosBaliBound

81 - SM Alister Reginato caning a righthander at Keramas!

Photo: Adrian Bort

surphangaway

Alister would fearlessly take on any drop however close to shutting down and then surprise us all by making it out of most of them and still go on to work the wave for all it was worth! I asked Jack if they egg each other on out in the surf, to which he replied,“Yeah I think I push him more than he pushes me just because of the age gap but he still does push me to be honest! It's epic though because you always have a mate to surf with and it's always fun as well!"

SM - 82

ReginatoBrosBaliBound

Jack Reginato off the top!

Photo: Adrian Bort

83 - SM Jack Reginato, Uluwatu

Photo: Adrian Bort

surphangaway

Throughout the trip, we managed to surf and shoot at 8 different breaks and surfed them in lots of varied conditions. From the beach breaks at Changu and Echo beach, some Lefts and Rights at Airport lefts, to the reef breaks along the Bukit where we surfed Dreamland and Bingin and Jack scored at Ulluwatu, most of us were in agreement that the Big Right Hander that is Keramus was the best session.

Alister Reginato working a righthand lip!

Photo: Adrian Bort

SM - 84

ReginatoBrosBaliBound

Keramas looking inviting!

Photo: Adrian Bort

85 - SM On the way...

Photo: Adrian Bort

Alister Reginato

surphangaway

It was a fair trip to Keramus from Umalus Provence where we were staying, not far from Echo Beach. We left early before sunrise to beat the traffic and had a really good run beating the early morning rush. One hour later we arrived at Komune Resort Bali which is situated right in front of the famous Keramas right hand break. There were already a dozen guys out but it was really pumping and the boys were frothing to get out there. It's an easy paddle out from the sandy beach and there were so many great waves coming through that everybody of all levels and abilities got great waves that whole session and most walked away fully stoked except the few that snapped boards though luckily that was none of our lot!

Photo: Adrian Bort

SM - 86

ReginatoBrosBaliBound

Jack Reginato, Keramas Photos: Adrian Bort

87 - SM

surphangaway

Alister Reginato, Keramas!

Photo: Adrian Bort

Jack was easily the standout on the day, getting the best rides out of our crew, smashing out some big moves and throwing up buckets of spray. Alister wasn't too far behind him catching some great waves and hitting out with some killer hacks himself that you wouldn't normally expect to see from a 15 year old!

SM - 88

ReginatoBrosBaliBound

89 - SM Jack Reginato taking it tail high at Kedungu!

Photo: Adrian Bort

surphangaway

Reflecting on all the sessions Jack got on the trip, he said, "There were some really fun sessions like Kedungu but Keramas and Bingin were definitely the better days for me just because they are the kind of waves you hope to get when in Bali.� And I have to admit I felt exactly the same. So the next time I am in Bali, I will find a place on the Bukit peninsular as you have so many breaks to choose from within a 20 min drive and not the traffic found down around Denpensar and the Airport, as well as it also being much closer to Keramas. One thing for sure is we will all remember that trip fondly for a long time and we will be back to Bali in the not too distant future to enjoy all it has to offer again!

SM - 90

SouthCoastShredders Photos: Darran Northcott & Paul Carpenter; Words: Stu Gaston

91 - SM Billy Northcott negotiating some perfect Portuguese surf!

Photo: Darran Northcott

HotShots This time around our Hot Shots feature focuses on some local UK upcoming talent in the form of two top South Coast Shredders, Billy Northcott and Toby Pearce.

SM - 92

BillyNorthcott

93 - SM Billy Northcott back in Blighty!

Photo: Darran Northcott

HotShots

Name: Billy Northcott Age: 17 Years surfing: 11 years Where you live: Plymouth Sponsors: O'Neill wetsuits, Cloudbreak, B.O.S surfboards, Surfears, Kona Surf Company Local break/s: Constantine Favourite surfer?

Kelly Slater Favourite place to surf?

Portugal Favourite surf movie?

Endless summer 2 Favourite surf trick?

Round house cut backs Favourite board?

My 5'8 green BOS board What first got you into surfing?

My dad got me into it at a young age

SM - 94

BillyNorthcott

95 - SM

Billy getting barrelled!

Photo: Darran Northcott

HotShots

Who in surfing inspires you most?

Kelly Slater, John John Florence When and how did you become sponsored?

Craig at O'Neill provides me with my wetsuits which are great.

Cloudbreak Surf Shop saw me surf and helped me with sponsorship.

Hugh at BOS surfboards shapes my board for me, they are sick.

Surfears helped me out too and so did Kona Surf Company which I'm stoked at.

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

I enjoy contests but prefer free surfing as you can try new things.

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

Being sponsored and being given the opportunity to represent their brands.

What's been the highlight of the last year for you?

Surfing in Portugal in pumping waves with my mates.

SM - 96

BillyNorthcott

97 - SM Billy Northcott carving at Constantine!

Photo: Darran Northcott

HotShots

Where around the world have you been lucky enough to travel to and surf?

Portugal and all around Cornwall When and where was your best surf session?

At Constantine high tide What's the worst wipeout of your life?

At high tide Constantine, an air drop and never thought I was coming up.

Do you train as well as surf?

I do cardio and swim to keep my fitness up What do you do when you don't surf?

Fishing So what's your goal for this year?

Keep pushing my surfing And what about the future?

Travel and surf and learn new cultures

SM - 98

TobyPearce

99 - SM Toby Pearce takes on the right at Porthleven!

Photo: Paul Carpenter

HotShots

Name: Toby Pearce Age: 15 Nickname: 10 fingers Years surfing: 4 Where you live: Mousehole Sponsors: Vissla, Global Boarders, Powerwater, Dumpstuff, Stickybumps Local break/s: Sennen Favourite surfer?

Craig Anderson Favourite place to surf?

Porthleven Favourite surf movie?

Big Wednesday Favourite surf trick?

Barrel Favourite board?

4th custom

SM - 100

TobyPearce

101 - SM Toby Pearce pciks out another right at Porthleven!

Photo: Paul Carpenter

HotShots What first got you into surfing?

My step dad (Rob Coles) was a very good surfer and my family would go to the beach every summer and I would sit there watching him surf for as long as possible. And then I started getting lessons with Global Boarders who have helped me progress to where I am now, which I am very grateful for!

When and how did you become sponsored?

I became sponsored last year. I sent a few companies my CV and I had a few that came back to me saying yes, which have been a big help to me What do you prefer then, free surfing or competitions and why?

Well I spent a couple of years doing competition surfing and was doing alright, but it kind of felt it was taking the love and passion out of my surfing and I wasn't enjoying as much as I should have been, so I think I enjoy free surfing a lot more! But I will still go to the odd comp here and there.

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

Probably my commitment towards surfing such as getting up super early, and just having the passion and urge to go surfing everyday and not stopping till my arms couldn't move.

What's been the highlight of the last year for you?

Traveling and keeping healthy, I was 2nd on the UK tour for a while which was pretty cool!

SM - 102

TobyPearce

103 - SM Toby Pearce pulls into a green room at Porthleven!

Photo: Paul Carpenter

HotShots

Where around the world have you travelled to and surfed?

I have been to France, Morocco, Spain, and I'm off to California this Easter for a few weeks, which should be epic!

When and where was your best surf session?

Porthleven has been firing recently and I have had some super sessions there, some of the best barrels of my life!

What's been your worst wipeout?

A little secret spot near where I live, I got sucked over, onto the reef and my leash wrapped around a rock, it was pretty scary haha.

Do you train as well as surf?

Yeah I'm very into training and eating well, I think it's a big part of surfing and keeping healthy!

What do you do when you don't surf?

Skateboarding, training, seeing my friends and waiting for waves.

So what's your goal for this year?

My goal for this year is to travel around as much as I can and surf as many different spots as possible and meeting new people and getting better at surfing!

And what about the future?

Keep having the time of my life!

SM - 104

SURPHOGRAPHY Ollie Treacher Words: Stu Gaston; Photos: Ollie Treacher

In our continuing Surphography series where we profile exciting up and coming surf photographers, we speak to young British surfer and surf photographer, Ollie Treacher about his passion for surf photography, capturing those moments.

We look at the epic shots he's achieved so far in his life and ask what's next....

Name: Ollie Treacher Age: 19 Nickname: Treacher Years surfing/shooting: Surfing about 12; Shooting, 2 Where you live: Falmouth, Cornwall Local break/s: Porthtowan Favourite surfer?

John John Florence Favourite surf photographer?

Morgan Maassen Favourite place to shoot?

Aggie Favourite shooting stance (water or land)?

Water though I always shoot video when I'm in the water

105 - SM

Jayce Robinson on the right at Porthleven!

Photo: Ollie Treacher

surphography

SM - 106

SURPHOGRAPHY Ollie Treacher

107 - SM Pumping Porthtowan!

Photo: Ollie Treacher

surphography What first got you into surfing?

My Dad bodyboarded and so did I... when I started standing up on it, he decided it was time I had a surfboard!

So when and how did you become interested in shooting surfing?

There was a Hurley competition at a surf comp in Newquay and I won a GoPro in a rafe and so I started playing around with it in the water with my mates and so it just lead on from there.

What in surf photography inspires you ?

Probably the stills from John John films really. It's shot so well that the stills just really captivate me and make me want to get shooting myself.

SM - 108

SURPHOGRAPHY Ollie Treacher

109 - SM Kai Thomas getting kegged at Aggie!

Photo: Ollie Treacher

surphography

What do you prefer, surfing or shooting surfing and why?

I prefer surfing though to be honest it is prety close between the two; I like to go surfing because it gives me my own space and I can just go when I want to, though of course that's always changing based on conditions, tides etc. But shooting's good too capturing the moment as it happens.

I like just filming whoever's out without them knowing – it's much more natural than when you set up a shoot.

SM - 110

SURPHOGRAPHY Ollie Treacher

111 - SM

Joss Ash making the most of this winter's swells!

Photo: Ollie Treacher

surphography

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

Probably going to Millook to film with Jobe because he's the best surfer I've filmed and it was good to be asked to go and work with one of Britain's top Junior surfers. And I also got to hook up with Joss and Reubyn Ash while I was there and working with these surfers all at the top of British surfing was a really rewarding experience.

SM - 112

SURPHOGRAPHY Ollie Treacher

113 - SM

Pumping Porthleven!

Photo: Ollie Treacher

surphography

When and where would you say you’ve snapped your best shot so far. Talk us through it.

Porthleven last winter shooting Jayce Robinson. It was barrel after barrel and at that perfect time of day when the sun is just starting to go down and so the barrels are really beautifully backlit. So everything, surfer, waves and light came together really well on that day!

SM - 114

SURPHOGRAPHY Ollie Treacher

115 - SM

Noah Biersack getting barrelled at Aggie!

Photo: Ollie Treacher

surphography

And what projects are you working on at the moment?

Well I've been spending a lot of time shooting with Noah Biersack recently. He's really geting back into it after he broke his ankle last year so we've been building up some good foootage to share soon as his recovery edit.

What do you do when you aren’t shooting or surfing?

I'm working either at Mount Hawke skate park or Surf Sessions shop or at Truro College doing my film course or just hanging around with my mates in the surf shops.

SM - 116

SURPHOGRAPHY Ollie Treacher

117 - SM

Josh Ward wends his way through an Aggie barrel!

Photo: Ollie Treacher

surphography

So what’s your goal for this year?

To get a short film into the London Surf Film Festival.

And what about the future?

Go in to surf videography hopefully linked to a surf business but if not it'll be linked to surfing in some way.

SM - 118

Doubled O'Heaven Photos: Stu Gaston & Glen Harper; Words: Stu Gaston & Ollie Treacher

119 - SM

Ollie Treacher getting into gear at Godrevy!

Photo: Stu Gaston

HotWots

Finishing our look at what's hot in this season's winter wetsuits, we felt it was time to take our 'Hot Wots' reviews to the next level and bring some of the best wettie brands together to pit their rubber wares up against each other.

So this time around, we've taken the high-end, quality product brand, O'Shea from Wales and seen how they size up alongside global giant, O'Neill and fresh forward-thinking brand, Vissla. To help us out, we hooked up with upcoming surfer and surf photographer, Ollie Treacher to give us his surfer's eye view of the three wetsuits in question.

As ever, we asked Ollie to put the three suits – O'Shea's 5/4/3 Stealth, Vissla's 5/4 7 Seas and his own O'Neill 5/4 Psycho I – through their paces and share with us how each suit measured up in terms of its style, comfort, features, functionality, stretchability and usability, giving them all a final score out of ten for each of these aspects. So first on, let's see how O'Shea's high-end 5/4/3 Stealth winter wettie fared during a surf on a frigid February day down in Cornwall, UK...

SM - 120

DoubledO'Heaven

121 - SM Logan Nicol laying into the lip in his O'Shea winter wettie!

Photo: Glen Harper

HotWots O'Shea's wetsuits are high-end, quality products made exclusively from 100% limestone based neoprene, the ultimate in stretch, warmth, fit and durability. Technically combining the most innovative materials, they feature the world's most advanced Mitsu liquid tape system.

STYLE What you notice first about O'Shea's Stealth wetsuit is it's simple yet striking look – a well placed logo in the centre of the chest stands out clearly on an otherwise black wetsuit.

Up close though and the extent of the liquid tape system is also noticeable.

SM - 122

DoubledO'Heaven COMFORT When the Stealth was on, it felt really comfortable. The Thermal Insulator Core kept you super toasty and the upper body felt really snug most of the time. It was only when paddling hard to catch a wave that the upper body felt tighter and more restrictive which also contributed to feeling more tired more quickly. Other than that, the Stealth was good in terms of overall comfort.

FEATURES A Titanium Chest and Water Resistant Nylon Membrane means less wind chill factor when the suit is wet.

This Thermal Insulated Chest Panel, made from an advanced polypropylene fibre, insulates your body heat and retains it within the suit itself.

The Stealth is made from 100% Truflex Neoprene which, with its 100% stretch factor, makes it warm, light and flexible.

Full 'Mitsu' Liquid Tape is a unique combination of glued blindstitched seams and O'Shea's own exclusive tape which is an intelligent three layer compound designed to provide maximum stretchability, durability and water seal. All together its 100% water proof that keeps water out and retains body heat.

123 - SM Ollie Treacher tries out the Stealth!

Photo: Stu Gaston

HotWots FUNCTIONALITY Overall, the features of the Stealth worked really well and were a real asset to the suit.

Although it felt restrictive in the upper body when paddling, the additional neck inlay seal meant that no water got in whatsoever which was a real bonus. The thermal insulated chest panel was also ideal for keeping warm during a cold winter's surf. So all in all, a good set of features.

FEATURES The Pullover Zip Membrane is a watertight construction that ensures that water never enters the suit generating maximum heat for maximum performance.

The Supertex Kneepads are not only super flexible but also exceedingly durable, allowing you a maximum range of movement and handling copious amounts of duck diving.

And of course the handy external Key Pocket provides easy access to anything you need to stash away before hitting the surf on a cold, wintry day.

SM - 124

DoubledO'Heaven

125 - SM Ollie Treacher takes the Stealth to task!

Photo: Stu Gaston

HotWots STRETCHABILITY In the most part, the Stealth did feel stretchy enough to be comfortable when on. Although having said that, when you wanted to paddle into a wave, it did then feel tighter and less flexible, especially around the upper body. Similarly, it was actually quite difficult to get on and off around the neck where it was also less flexible.

USABILITY The Stealth performed well during the surf and allowed me the freedom of movement you'd want to be able to drive through bottom and top turns and overall felt like it would lend itself to high performance surfing.

The one drawback would have to be that it felt restrictive when paddling to catch a wave and getting up.

Other than than, it performed well.

SM - 126

DoubledO'Heaven

127 - SM Jake Sage shows how O'Neill's Psycho 1 can perform!

Photo: Stu Gaston

HotWots Next on, O'Neill's Psycho I, forged from many years of experience following the innovative approach of their founding father, Jack O'Neill.

So it is no wonder that Psycho Is offer unrestricted mobility, enhanced durability and incredible fit.

STYLE The Psycho I has the classic clean and simple style of all O'Neill suits – there's enough colour on the shoulder to stand out in the line up yet overall it's a classic darker suit that looks expensive and high quality both from afar and close up. The panels of the suit add to its clean look but also function really well with no unnecessary seams.

SM - 128

DoubledO'Heaven COMFORT Getting the suit on was the easiest of the three and the Psycho I is really comfortable and stretchy (though it can become slightly too stretchy over time). As it's 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.

FEATURES Technobutter 2 has the same great features of TechnoButter with the added benefit of a Velcro resistant interior.

The Single Fluid Seam Weld is a revolutionary seam construction that utilizes a non-chafing highgrade, silicone-based urethane applied in liquid form to outside of a glued and blindstitched seam completely blocking out water without restricting flexibility.

The Psycho I also incorporates Strategic Seamless Paddle Zones which is an ergonomic, seamless under sleeve panel that allows for unrestricted motion and eliminates rashing. It has a flexible and unique design which utilizes minimal seam placement for comfort.

129 - SM Ollie Treacher tries on the Psycho I! Photo: Stu Gaston

HotWots FUNCTIONALITY With their years of experience, it's no surprise that it's hard to fault the Psycho I. Every feature has its purpose and does its job well. The most noticeable asset is the inside of the F.U.Z.E neck system that as well as being incredibly functional is also comfortable too and as yet has given me no rubs at all!

FEATURES O'Neill's exclusive F.U.Z.E. (Front Upper Zip Entry) system offers a fresh alternative. Using the same free floating zipper technology as our patented Z.E.N. ZIP closure. The F.U.Z.E. closure keeps you dry and allows unrestricted flexibility.

The Psycho I also comes with Plasma wrist and ankle seals.

The External Key Pocket with in-built loop is made from an abrasion resistant, high stretch neoprene panel with ergonomic shaping for comfortable durability. Located along the lower leg inseam and constructed with Fluid Seam Weld and UltraFlex DS neoprene, this key pocket has added strength, easy access and is completely secure.

The Krypto Knee Padz are also made from an abrasion resistant, high stretch neoprene panel with ergonomic shaping for comfortable durability. The flexible and unique design utilizes an extended knee pad for added durability.

SM - 130

DoubledO'Heaven

131 - SM Ollie Treacher puts the Psycho I through its paces!

Photo: Stu Gaston

HotWots STRETCHABILITY Of the three suits, the Psycho I was by far the stretchiest which certainly made it easy to get on and off and out in the water, you could almost forget it was on it was that flexible.

As I mentioned before, the only drawback is that it does become a bit too stretchy with a lot of use so it's advisable to buy it tight at the start.

USABILITY The Psycho I performs really well during a surf and allows me the freedom of movement you'd want to be able to drive through anything from backhand carves to top level manoeuvres. It always feels really flexible whatever the conditions!

SM - 132

DoubledO'Heaven

133 - SM Connor Stratton-Darling surfs Vissla's 7 Seas!

Photo: Stu Gaston

HotWots Finally, it's on with the 5/3 version of Vissla's 7 Seas wetsuit who with their creative freedom and forwardthinking philosophy have been taking the wetsuit world by storm with their exceedingly well-received 7 Seas suit.

STYLE With its understated appearance, the 7 Seas suit takes style to the next level with its clean uncluttered look – a clear, straightforward logo on the back and badge-like emblem well positioned on the chest coupled with clean white cuff lines set off the all black wetsuit perfectly.

SM - 134

DoubledO'Heaven COMFORT Vissla's 7 Seas wetsuit was by far the most comfortable of the three suits. It was super stretchy and easy to get on yet at the same time the suit was also really well crafted so that it felt as if it had been custom-made – it was especially well shaped to fit into the arch of the back and around the arms. Of all the suits, this fitted the best.

FEATURES Based on the premise of less is more, Vissla stripped away the irrelevant knick-knacks and designed a suit to give you what you need - warmth in the ocean.

Super stretch light neoprene, sealed seams, quick dry lining, a superb tailored fit, and a minimal bulk chest-zip closure system, Vissla have built for you a top of the line wetsuit at an approachable price without all the marketing gimmicks.

Whether you like to set your line and trim on your single fin or get your fins above the lip on your thruster, we've built a catalogue of wetsuits in color ways and cuts to match your water intentions.

Everything you need in a wetsuit, nothing you don't.

135 - SM Ollie Treacher takes on the 7 Seas!

Photo: Stu Gaston

HotWots FUNCTIONALITY The 7 Seas was seriously good at what a wetsuit should do – keep you warm! It fitted so well that it had absolutely no water flush whatsoever as the neck seal was so good and the inside lining dried so fast, you wouldn't know you'd even been in the water yet it worked really well at retaining warmth. It did its job really well!

FEATURES - 100% Super Stretch light neoprene - lighter, warmer, softer, stretchier, easier to put on and take off, and allows for more freedom of movement - Thermal hollow fiber lining insulates heat and dries fast - Tailored fit - anatomically correct engineered body lines allow for unrestricted performance and warmth - Chest-zip entry, minimal bulk with contoured water tight design - Tripled glued, double blind stitched seams - Vissla super stretch tape allows for maximum seam sealing while having unrestricted stretch and comfort - Knee pads - supratex abrasion resistant jersey for flexibility and strength - Liquid taped cuff seals to prevent flushing - Easy access secure key cord

SM - 136

DoubledO'Heaven

137 - SM Ollie Treacher tames the 7 Seas!

Photo: Stu Gaston

HotWots STRETCHABILITY The amount of stretch on the 7 Seas wetsuit was just right. It was pretty easy to get on yet fitted so well, feeling especially snug around all the chest and under the arms where other suits can sometimes be less well fitting, that you could almost forget you were wearing a wetsuit at all.

USABILITY Vissla have certainly created a suit that is so flexible that it's almost as good as surfing in boardies. The 7 Seas responded really well to whatever way your body moved and though it felt snug, it never felt too tight. It almost made cold winter surfing really enjoyable!

SM - 138

DoubledO'Heaven

THE O'NEILL VERDICT As the pioneers of the very first wetsuits, O'Neill really do know what they're doing when it comes to making the perfect suit.

The Pyscho I looks good, feels great when it's one and performs really well in the water – indeed the only slight drawback is that over time, it's so flexible that it does stretch more than it needs to!

139 - SM

STYLE ●●●●●●●●●● ●●●●●●●●●●

COMFORT ●●●●●●●●● ●●●●●●●●●○

FUNCTIONALITY ●●●●●●●●●● ●●●●●●●●●●

STRETCHABILITY ●●●●●●●●● ●●●●●●●●●○

USABILITY ●●●●●●●●●● ●●●●●●●●●●

THE VISSLA VERDICT Without doubt, the wetsuit of the day has to be Vissla's 7 Seas. It has such a clean looking style, was really comfortable and performed so well in the water that you almost could believe you didn't even have a wetsuit on, that if it had been super easy to get on and off, it would have won hands down!

HotWots

STYLE

STYLE

●●●●● ●●●●●●●●●●

●●●●●●●●●○

COMFORT

COMFORT

●●●●● ●●●●●●●●● ●●●●●

●●●●●●●○ ●●●●●●●○○○

FUNCTIONALITY

FUNCTIONALITY

●●●●●●●● ●●●●●●●●●●

●●●●●●●●○ ●●●●●●●●○○

STRETCHABILITY

STRETCHABILITY

●●●●●● ●●●○ ○ ●●●●●●●●●

●●●●●●●○ ●●●●●●●○○○

USABILITY

USABILITY

●●●●●●● ●●●●●●●●●●

●●●●●●●●○ ●●●●●●●●○○

THE O'SHEA VERDICT As a high-end quality product, O'Shea's Stealth wetsuit certainly holds its own alongside the global leaders with a great looking style and some ingenious additional features that really help it to be seriously warm for frigid Welsh waters. If it had a little more flexibility in the upper body, this suit would be a real contender.

SM - 140

T H E G A L L E R Y

141 - SM

Jett Schilling takes to the air!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

TheGallery

SM - 142

T H E G A L L E R Y

143 - SM

Keanu Miller deep in the green room!

Photo: Noel Downey

TheGallery

SM - 144

T H E G A L L E R Y

145 - SM

Alister Reginato driving round at Changu!

Photo: Adrian Bort

TheGallery

SM - 146

T H E G A L L E R Y

147 - SM

Jack Reginato flying at Kedungu!

Photo: Adrian Bort

TheGallery

SM - 148

Surphang Magazine

149 - SM Thomas Delplace takes it tail high over Hossegor!

Photo: David Berthet @ Ripitup.fr

NextIssue We're back off to France next month so looking forward to hooking up with the best upcoming surfers that call the infamous breaks around Hossegor their home – next issue will therefore be another explosive one for sure!

SM - 150

Thanks for reading the Forty Sixth issue of

Surphang Magazine

Nothing like a sunset surf...

Photo: Adrian Bort