Surphang Magazine Issue 47

Surphang Magazine

Issue 47

The Pro Show

Tim Takes on the Tour!

Champ Chats Moreira's Moving Up!

Delplace Digs Deep!

Edoardo'sEscape Tomorrow's Talent

Chasing the Swell

Surphang Magazine

01 - SM

'Things aren't always what they seem...'

Stood at the top of a French sand dune at a well-known break, about to head down to shoot some of the best surf I'd seen in a long while, a chance encounter with a fellow countryman led to a passing comment: “You edit a surfing magazine? That must be the dream job!”

Five years ago, the answer would have been simple. Now those five years have given me a far deeper experience of this surfing world and things certainly aren't always what they seem. This issue brings into the spotlight surfers who have had to really work against all the odds to achieve the heights they've reached. Some of them have seemed to soar there gracefully while paddling frantically beneath the surface; others have had to grapple with the rocky rips thrown in their way, making them the toughened souls they have become. But there is of course one thing they all have in common – talent! So join us again in Supporting Upcoming Rider Potential Here And Now Globally!

Joao Moreira reaching for the 'sky'!

Photo: Miguel Caparica SM - 02

03 - SM

Surphang Magazine

Magazine Editor: Stuart Gaston Contributing Photographers: Olivia Anderson, Matilde Barrote, Miguel Caparica, John Chard, Adam Laister, Nuno Miguel, Andrea Papa, Samuel Tome, & Chuck@Surf-Shot.com Staff Photographer: Stuart Gaston

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

Cover Shot: Thomas Delplace in deep!

Photo: Stu Gaston

Letting the light reveal all...

Photo: Adam Laister

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ThisIssue'sFeatures

The Pro Show Champ Chats Surphalosophy

Tim Takes on the Tour!

Tim Bisso has gone from top Pro Junior surfer to World Tour competitor in just a few weeks he gives us a bit of an insight...

05 - SM

Moreira's Moving Up!

Delplace Digs Deep!

A year on since we first spoke to A surfer's life isn't always living Joao Moreira, we caught up with the dream – Thomas Delplace, him after his recent success at the top upcoming French talent, digs start of his 2016 contest campaign. deep and shares his thoughts.

ThisIssue

Tomorrow's Talent Chasing the Swell 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!

Sometimes when a surfer and a surf photographer work together, the result can be visual magic so we sought some inspiration here...

Making the most of changing seasons but before summer's here, it's time to check out that unsung rubber hero, the 4/3!

Edoardo'sEscape As an upcoming Italian surfer, Edoardo Papa spends most of his time escaping his homeland to find waves elsewhere...

Edoardo enjoying the Maldives!

Photo: Andrea Papa SM - 06

Welcome to

The Pro Show Tim Takes on the Tour!

Photos: Chuck@Surf-shot.com & Stu Gaston; Words: Stu Gaston

07 - SM Tim Bisso's time to take on the Tour is here!

Photo: Stu Gaston

TheProShow Tim Bisso is having a really good year so far! He's gone from top Pro Junior surfer, finishing in second place at the WSL World Juniors in Portugal, to World Tour competitor in just a few weeks! And not only that, in his second heat at Bells, he came up against 11 times World Champion Kelly Slater and casually took best wave score of the heat! But it's not always been that easy so we asked Tim to give us a bit of an insight into life at the top...

SM - 08

Tim Takes on the Tour!

11 - SM Tim Bisso tucks into a lush lefthander in Lacanau!

Photo: Stu Gaston

TheProShow

Name: Tim Bisso Age: 19 Years surfing: 16 Where you live: Portugal & Guadeloupe Sponsors: RipCurl, Smoothstar, SUPERbrand, YMSA Local break/s: La Bouelle, Saint-Francois Favourite surfer?

Occy Favourite place to surf?

Sumbawa, Indonesia Favourite surf movie?

Last Globe movie – Changrilla Favourite surf trick?

Backside carve under the lip Favourite board?

5'11 18'1/4 2'1/4

SM - 12

Tim Takes on the Tour!

09 - SM Tim Bisso bashing that lip on his backhand!

Photo: Stu Gaston

TheProShow

Now the past few years have seen you performing consistently well, having been French Junior Champion and then also earning yourself second on the ASP Pro Junior ranking the year before last which lead to your first ASP World Junior Championships. So talk us through the contests and the highs and lows that lead to your results.

I'm very happy for all the good results that I did for sure. I had a couple of hard times with my sponsors at the beginning and these results helped me a lot. It's always hard for a guy who's from a small island. I got really lucky to get some opportunities to surf as a wildcard in some contests like the Acores QS10000 and so earnt a prime seed after. I've been traveling without my parents for a couple years now and I've learned a lot about life and sharing with the people that I meet around the world is priceless.

SM - 10

Tim Takes on the Tour!

13 - SM Tim takes on the world's best juniors at Oceanside!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

TheProShow

Last year then, you had a much busier year, continuing to compete in the WSL Pro Juniors but also starting your QS campaign. You still had some solid 2nd and 3rd place finishes in the Pro Juniors as well as a 5th place in the QS in Casablanca. So how was last year for you – was it more demanding stepping up to the QS events?

As a Junior, it was kind of hard to find my rhythm at the beginning of the season but I worked hard with Yann Martin. We worked also on my board quiver – he helped me a lot and after that I was set up (haha). I'm not really happy with my Pro Junior season, I lost a lot of heats but this is how it is, you have to lose some to win some.

Your year ended competing at the ISA World Juniors in California where you once again came up against the best junior surfers from across the world. Did that help you get the measure of the current level of surfing and push yourself even further?

The ISA is a tricky contest. I lost in the early rounds of the contest so I just set my mind on the QS in Brasil instead.

SM - 14

Tim Takes on the Tour!

15 - SM Tim's time to shine was nigh!

Photo: Stu Gaston

TheProShow

Because of course, following that, you began this year by competing in the WSL World Junior Championships back in Portugal where you achieved an amazing second place finish. So how was that expereince for you?

The WSL World Juniors was one of my best memories ever! The waves were really fun at the second contest site and so I just got into a rhythm of surfing each heat and just enjoying it. Yann Martin and I had worked a lot for this contest I'm stoked to share moments like that with him.

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Tim Takes on the Tour!

17 - SM Tim Bisso takes on the Tour at Bells!

Photo: Ed Sloane

TheProShow

And then most recently, you've had the huge success of winning the trials at the WCT Bell's Beach event which then lead to surfing against 11-times World Champion Kelly Slater in Round 2 where you took the top wave score of the heat!

Now that must have been one of the biggest moments of your surfing career so far?

It was by far my best result so far and the biggest opportunity I've ever had. A lot of people talked about that heat for sure... I'm feeling thankful for the quality of my surfing and the fact I had the chance to show everyone over there what I could do. I also had an amazing time in Torquay with Kekoa Bacalso. He took care of me and helped me with everything. It definitely gave me more confidence for the next contest of the season.

“It was by far my best result so far and the biggest opportunity I've ever had.�

SM - 18

Tim Takes on the Tour!

19 - SM Tim Bisso's now ready to take on whatever lies ahead!

Photo: Chuck@Surfshot.com

TheProShow

So now you've had a taste of surfing on the 'Dream Tour', does that make you hungrier than ever to qualify this year?

Surfing with those guys and being able to hang around them made me dream of course. I'll put all I have into getting up there again soon for sure.

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

I don't know where I'll be... I hope I will be on Tour and doing a lot of searching for waves too I guess. I want to travel everywhere all the time but I don't really know where everything is going to end up, nobody does but I'll keep dreaming and give it all I've got!

“Surfing with those guys and being able to hang around them made me dream of course. I'll put all I have into getting up there again soon for sure.�

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Champ Chats Moreira's Moving Up! Photos: Matilde Barrote, Miguel Caparica, Nuno Miguel & Chuck@Surf-shot.com; Words: Stu Gaston

21 - SM Joao Moreira moving up in the world!

Photo: Matilde Barrote

ChampChats A year on since we first spoke to Joao Moreira, we caught up with him after his recent success at the start of his 2016 contest campaign to find out what he hopes this year has in store...

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Moreira's Moving Up!

23 - SM Joao Moreira about to make the most of a righthander!

Photo: Miguel Caparica

ChampChats

Name: Jo達o Moreira Age: 17 Years surfing: 10 Where you live: Lisbon, Portugal Sponsors: Volcom, DHD, Fonte Viva, Reef, FCS, Electric, Bana and Besushi Local break/s: Carcavelos Favourite surfer?

John John Florence Favourite place to surf?

Trestles Favourite surf movie?

View from a Blue moon Favourite surf trick?

Barrel riding Favourite board?

My new 5'9, DX1 model from DHD

SM - 24

Moreira's Moving Up!

25 - SM Joao Moreira releasing those fins!

Photo: Miguel Caparica

ChampChats

Now it's been just almost a year since we last spoke to you, Joao and in that time you've continued to post some great results, including reaching the semi finals of the WSL Caparica Pro Junior. So talk us through that contest and the highs and lows that lead to you earning your result.

Caparica Pro Junior had a bit of everything in terms of wave conditions.The highs were definitely the scores that I made through my heats till the semis.

Unfortunately I ended up losing with two 2's or something like that.

I waited too much for a wave during the semis and that was my biggest low during the contest.

SM - 26

Moreira's Moving Up!

27 - SM Joao Moreira working another righthander!

Photo: Miguel Caparica

ChampChats

And just a month or so before that, you'd taken a finals place finish at the RipCurl European GromSearch final in Cape Verde, having to overcome some solid surfing from your contenders on the way. So how do you rate your surfing peers from around Europe at the moment?

The RipCurl GromSearch final in Cabo Verde was a really fun contest even though I didn't achieve my aspirations for the contest. In my opinion, this year's race for the European Junior title will be really tight because there are a lot of groms who are ripping at the moment !

And how's the rest of your competitive season been going so far this year?

My competitive season has been one of the best so far! I had that great result at the Pro Junior and one week earlier, I finished 9th in the top national circuit from Portugal, Liga Moche, where all the best surfers from Portugal compete to prepare themselves for the their QS campaign.

SM - 28

Moreira's Moving Up!

29 - SM Joao Moreira making his mark in America!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

ChampChats

And of course, at the end of last year, you had the amazing opportunity to compete in the ISA World Junior Championships over in Oceanside, California where you also posted an impressive top 20 placing in the Under 16s. So how was that whole experience for you?

The ISA World Junior Championships in California was a great contest for me. I made it through a couple of good heats over there. I learned a lot from my mistakes on the way though and gained a huge amount from the experience of the others who were all around me. So yes a great experience all round!

SM - 30

Moreira's Moving Up!

31 - SM Joao Moreira makes the most of the Californian surf!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

ChampChats Now you're already from Portugal with some top quality waves right on your doorstep but you've also been doing a lot of travelling lately, including of course Cape Verde and California. So how do all these different spots compare?

There is no place like home but I love travelling around too! I find it so refreshing to experience different cultures, meet new people and surf in places I have never surfed before. Surfing Trestles was a dream come true, still can't believe how fun that wave can be!

And when and where has your best session been over all these trips then?

Yes my best session definitely took place at Trestles. After a long day spent watching the Volcom TCT, Marco Mignot and I went for a surf. The waves were super fun!

But what about any notable wipeouts?

I had a serious wipeout two weeks ago! I caught a bigger wave at my home spot and I tried to do a really hard barrel that wasn't even makeable. I finished up with seven stitches on the back of my head!

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

I don't have any trips in mind right now, but there are some places that I would love to surf like Brazil or Australia!

“Surfing Trestles was a dream come true, still can't believe how fun that wave can be!�

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Moreira's Moving Up!

33 - SM Joao Moreira moving in on a lush lefthand lip!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

ChampChats

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

My goals for this year are to keep myself in the top 5 of the Euro Pro Junior, qualify for the Volcom TCT final in California, make the top 15 in the Liga Moche and top 3 in the National Pro Junior, become Under 18 National Champion and finish in the top 15 in the ISA World Juniors.

And finally, what about the future then?

If everything goes according to my plan, I want to get a chance on the WCT someday!

SM - 34

Surphalosophy

Delplace Digs Deep!

Photos: Stu Gaston; Words: Stu Gaston

35 - SM Thomas Delplace digs himself deep into a La Piste pit!

Photo: Stu Gaston

surphalosophy A surfer's life isn't always living the dream – Thomas Delplace, top upcoming French talent, has had a lot of hurdles to overcome and so digs deep and shares his thoughts on his surfing life...

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Delplace Digs Deep!

37 - SM Thomas Delplace launches into a backhand air!

Photo: Stu Gaston

surphalosophy

Name: Thomas Delplace Age: 19 Years surfing: 9 years Where Where you live: Seignosse, France Sponsors: Vissla, FCS, RT Surfboards Local Local break/s: Capbreton Favourite surfer?

Sebastien Zietz Favourite place to surf?

VVF, VVF, Capbreton Favourite Favourite surf movie?

Bending Colours Favourite Favourite surf trick?

Airs Favourite Favourite board?

6"0 x 18 3/5" x 2 3/5" Verdi, RT Surfboards

SM - 38

Delplace Digs Deep!

39 - SM Thomas Delplace working his rail on a La Graviere righthander!

Photo: Stu Gaston

surphalosophy

What first got you into surfing?

Watching Young Guns 2 How big a part does surfing play in your life?

Surf is my whole life, I live for surf, was born in the ocean and will die in the ocean...

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

I need both; competition to know how good other surfers are, but free surf is definitely what I prefer!

“I live for surf, was born in the ocean and will die in the ocean...�

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Delplace Digs Deep!

41 - SM Thomas Delplace perfecting those moves!

Photo: Stu Gaston

surphalosophy

Now the past few years have seen your performance consistently improving, though your best results must have been two years ago when you won the Volcom TCT event in Zarautz and then earnt 2nd place at the Volcom European TCT Finals in Hossegor, narrowly missing that place to compete in the Global finals in California. So talk us through those contests and the highs and lows that lead to your results?

That was the biggest deception ever to not go to California; it's been my dream for a long time now to surf out there, so yeh that was the lowest I could feel. But I don't know, the best for me is not to win the event, it's just to show to everybody watching my heat, to my opponents, my real level, and for the moment I don't think I have reached it yet so I will continue until I think I've made it.

SM - 42

Delplace Digs Deep!

43 - SM Thomas takes to the air!

Photo: Stu Gaston

surphalosophy

Soon after that you picked up your most recent major head sponsor in upcoming brand Vissla. You'd been looking for the support of a brand like Vissla for a while so how did you feel to have hooked up with such a quickly upcoming company?

Yes Vissla weren't my first major sponsor, but it's for sure the brand with which I'm the happiest. Their clothes and wetsuits are really different to what you can find in other brands. It's a particular design and I really like it. I have good relations with everybody working there. They've got a fun vibe and it's always good to go to their office.

Vissla are of course leading the way with their 'Creators and Innovators' approach and you certainly live up to that with your approach to your free surfing, constantly pushing the limits especially with your aerial technique. What is it about the aerial side of surfing that you find most fulfilling?

I love making airs because I would be different from other French surfers, because 3 years ago when I started landing them, not many surfers over here were making aerials. Now though everybody are making airs, but I still just love the feel you have from SM - 44 busting good airs.

Delplace Digs Deep!

45 - SM Thomas Delplace drives through another righthander!

Photo: Stu Gaston

surphalosophy

And yet at the same time, you're constantly training hard to nail your rail game. So how important is it to you to develop every aspect of your surfing?

Aerials are not the most important in surfing certainly. I deplore all these young surfers who are landing hell airs but who cannot make a decent carve. I mean, it's important not to focus only on your air game; how to surf a wave correctly is what's most important.

What about other training then?

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

I started Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at YBJJ Capbreton with the Beven brothers since January. It's really good with a lot of physical training involved!

Everybody gives the best of themselves, and there's a positive energy; it's really good for your mental state too. It's a sport which gives you mental control, which is really important to have in surfing, and more generally in life. You see things differently, how to be better in life.

SM - 46

Delplace Digs Deep!

47 - SM

Thomas Delplace digs deep into a green room!

Photo: Stu Gaston

surphalosophy So you're from Martinique originally and you now live in Seignosse with some great spots like La Graviere and the iconic beach breaks of Hossegor right on your doorstep.

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

Well, other world spots like Uluwatu, Keramas, Rocky Point seem dreamy, but we have world class waves in France.

I love the French beach breaks.

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

I think it was Tahiti, because you are not going in the water just like that. You have to know everyone in the water and give the locals the respect they're looking for, or you're going to get trouble.

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

I think my best surf session ever was in Capbreton, getting barreled like never before.

SM - 48

Delplace Digs Deep!

49 - SM Thomas Delplace dazzling in a sunlit surf!

Photo: Stu Gaston

surphalosophy

You've obviously travelled to and surfed some amazing spots around the world! So where's left? Where do you still want to travel to and surf?

I want to discover California, particulary Huntington beach; it doesn't look as good as Lowers Trestles, but for the lifestyle and the aerials shot seems amazing!

And obviously Snapper Rocks on the Gold coast, for those amazing rides and lifestyle.

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

I think I will be a Psychologist. I'm actually studying psychology, and will continue to surf for sure. I dont know but my dream is to be a psychologist for the WSL and move all around the world with the WSL crew to help the surfers on Tour.

SM - 50

Edoardo's Escape Photos: Andrea Papa; Words: Stu Gaston

51 - SM Edoardo Papa enjoying perfect surf and warm water!

Photo: Andrea Papa

surphangaway As an upcoming Italian surfer, Edoardo Papa spends most of his time escaping his homeland to find waves elsewhere...

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Edoardo'sEscape

53 - SM Edoardo Papa punting above turquiose waters!

Photo: Andrea Papa

surphangaway

So Edoardo, when we last spoke to you, you mentioned that as an Italian surfer, you have to spend a lot of time travelling both near and far to find good waves! First of all then, let's talk about your travels further afield. Last year your most exciting trip must have been to the Maldives, so how did that come about?

Well we were interested in exploring a different place further afield than Europe. We'd always liked the look of the Maldives because of its warm waves and it seemed like being a good surf destination for getting some good clips and shots.

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Edoardo'sEscape

55 - SM Edoardo Papa picks out some perfect rights!

Photo: Andrea Papa

surphangaway

And while you were there, where and when was your best session then?

It was on Cooke Island where there are some of the best long waves I've ever surfed but the absolutely best session had to be surfing a long right hander with its beautiful clear waters. Just perfection!

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Edoardo'sEscape

57 - SM Edoardo Papa pulling that tail right round!

Photo: Andrea Papa

surphangaway

Looking at the shots from your trip there, your surfing seems to have really improved, so would you say that trips like that surfing such good waves can have a huge impact on the quality of your surfing?

For sure, surfing on such good waves helps a lot with focusing on manoeuvres, but I think you make the most improvement on less than good waves, where you have to be much more reactive and quick thinking to get the most out of the waves you're facing.

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Edoardo'sEscape

59 - SM Edoardo Papa playing in paradise!

Photo: Andrea Papa

surphangaway

So how did it compare to previous trips you'd made to other surf spots around the world?

Well the Maldives was my first trip outside of Europe so it was a great opportunity to discover a new culture and landscape that was previously completely unknown to me. Besides the surfing, it's awesome to have the chance to open your eyes and see the beauty of different places around the world.

SM - 60

Edoardo'sEscape

61 - SM Edoardo enjoying Europe's answer to Pipe!

Photo: Andrea Papa

surphangaway

Of course, you also make a number of trips over to Lanzarote and are just back off your most recent trip there so how did this winter's season of waves compare to your previous times on the island?

This season in Lanzarote was a really positive one, both for improving my skills and for the quality of waves I got to surf.

Overall I'm really satisfied after this winter season there because I also managed to surf the infamous El Quemao wave that everyone compares to Pipeline.

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Edoardo'sEscape

63 - SM Edoardo Papa loving the sun and surf in Lanzarote!

Photo: Andrea Papa

surphangaway

So where's your all time favourite spot in Lanzarote that you hope will be cranking when you head over there?

My favorite spot is La Izquierda de La Santa, which is a right and left that's really fast and steep.

You can get barrels too when it has the right swell. I really enjoy it as it's a pretty demanding wave, which lets me train every move.

SM - 64

Edoardo'sEscape

65 - SM Edoardo Papa perfecting his skills in some soild surf!

Photo: Andrea Papa

surphangaway

Now everyone knows the surf in Lanzarote can be pretty heavy, so have you ever taken any hard wipeouts at say La Santa or any other gnarly spots?

Yes it is pretty heavy for sure.

Surfing in Lanzarote is a bit harder due to the volcanic rocks and really hard waves. This year I have broken 2 boards in 2 days surfing El Quemao!

SM - 66

Edoardo'sEscape

67 - SM Edoardo enjoying getting away to far flung waves!

Photo: Andrea Papa

surphangaway

Well having spent plenty of time travelling last year, what are your travelling plans for this year?

Besides Portugal in April, I may go to the Wavegarden with Vans.

After school finishes, I will be in France and with my Dad we are thinking about the Mentawaiis in September. The goal is to head to somewhere where I can keep improving my surf skills as well as shoot some good footage and pics.

SM - 68

Edoardo'sEscape

69 - SM Edoardo Papa preparing his contest game!

Photo: Andrea Papa

surphangaway So yes you're heading off to Portugal again soon for a training trip with all the upcoming Billabong crew, who have always been well known for pushing the boundaries at the best spots around Europe, so what are your goals for your contest season this year?

Together with Billabong, we have planned to partially take part in the Pro Juniors and for sure I'll be in Sopelana and Lanzarote. My goals are to gain experience and to show my skills during the contests, though I'm not hiding my eagerness to reach the top!

SM - 70

Edoardo'sEscape

71 - SM Edoardo grabbing some air time for a future edit!

Photo: Andrea Papa

surphangaway

Competitons aside, what about the freesurfing game? You've posted some impressive edits recently, so have you plans for upping your online profile with fresh material this year?

Yes it's something I really like, both because it lets me discover new places and people around the world and gives me the opportunity to get to know new cultures. In the future I'll work on producing more clips and photos for sure.

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Edoardo'sEscape

73 - SM Edoardo always picking out the best of the crop!

Photo: Andrea Papa

surphangaway

Finally then what about the future?

Is your goal to one day be on the Tour or are you going to carve out your own destiny and be known for your freesurfing?

Or both of course?

I'm interested by the competitive side of the tour and I'm working hard to manage to be, at some point, a really complete surfer. My goal for the future is to reach the world's highest surfing level.

SM - 74

Tomorrow's Talent Photos: Olivia Anderson, John Chard & Samuel Tome; Words: Stu Gaston

75 - SM Tom Tiger de Villiers views some tube time!

Photo: Olivia Anderson

HotShots As ever SURPHANG is always scouting for the next big talent so here are two of tomorrow's seriously talented surfers today!

SM - 76

Tomorrow's Talent

77 - SM

Tom Tiger de Villiers takes advantage of yet more tube time!

Photo: Olivia Anderson

HotShots Name: Tom Tiger de Villiers Age: 14 Years surfing: 5 Where you live: Scarborough, Cape Town Sponsors: Cape Energy Surfboards, Hyp Surf and Skate Apparel Local break/s: Scarborough, Kommetje, Cape of Good Hope Reserve Favourite surfer?

Clay Marzo and Craig Anderson Favourite place to surf?

Kalk Bay Favourite surf movie?

View from A Blue Moon Favourite surf trick?

Stand up barrel or big backhand snap Favourite board?

My Cape Energy 5'0 Tomo What first got you into surfing?

Watching my dad at J-Bay and Scarborough Who in surfing inspires you most?

My dad; he is 56 and still surfs big surf better than most people When and how did you become sponsored?

Cape Energy Surfboards is my dad's surfboard company and so he sponsors me and Hyp, I created with a few friends, Finn Olive and Daniel Locke so we are self sponsored What do you prefer then, free surfing or competitions and why?

I prefer free surfing because surfing is like life in that you don't have to compete to win.

SM - 78

Tomorrow's Talent

79 - SM Tom tunes into another tasty tube!

Photo: Samuel Tome

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

Getting a stand up backhand no grab barrel and getting spat out What's been the highlight of the last year for you?

The highlight of last year were the really good banks at a local spot and getting soo barrelled everyday!

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

Haven't surfed anyway outside of South Africa but I had a great time that last time I went to J-Bay and met tons of cool people like John John and Taylor Know When and where was your best surf session?

Scarborough a year ago.

What's your worst wipeout?

It was at Supers when I hit my back on the rocks, got my leash snagged and almost got stuck in a cave.

Do you train as well as surf?

I don't train but I'm very active – I skate and play soccer. I also live in a very hilly area which helps I guess!

What do you do other than surf?

When I don't surf, I skate, go round to my friends, edit movies, draw, go on my computer...

So what's your goal for this year?

My goal is to show people that you don't have to be rich or priviliged to rip and to get respect and charge!

And what about the future?

No one can control the future, if there is one because of pollution but there is no set destination for anyone. So make your life the way you are going to be most happy!

SM - 80

Tomorrow's Talent

81 - SM Taylor Bairds takes to the air!

Photo: John Chard

HotShots Name: Taylor Bairds Age: 12 Years surfing: 5 Years Where you live: St. Ives, Cornwall Sponsors: C-Skins, BOS Surfboards, HUBBOX, Creatures of Leisure, SEX Wax Local break/s: Porthmeor Favourite surfer?

John John Florence Favourite place to surf?

Lobos, Fuerteventura Favourite surf movie?

A View from a Blue Moon Favourite surf trick?

Airs Favourite board?

F2 5'5�

What first got you into surfing?

My dad got me into surfing. We always surf together.

Who in surfing inspires you most?

Watching the other locals in St Ives – I'm pretty lucky to have the likes of Jayce Robinson and Tom Lowe to watch!

When and how did you become sponsored?

My first proper sponsor was Richard from HUBBOX, loved getting that sticker on my board!

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

I actually used to hate competing! I found it too much pressure, but as I've got a bit older I've changed my view. I love to free surf but now really look forward to each contest too!

SM - 82

Tomorrow's Talent

83 - SM Taylor Bairds bottom turning!

Photo: John Chard

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

It has to be my sponsorship Skins, so stoked with that!

the last with C-

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

Canaries, France, Portugal and the Channel Islands When and where was your best surf session?

One of my best surfs was at Godrevy the other week, landed a few good airs!

What's the worst wipeout of your life?

That was a few years back when a beginner's board hit me in the head... there was a lot of blood!

Do you train as well as surf?

I do a fair bit of fitness training. I train with Joel Gray and his new Grom squad. As well as surfing. we train with the high performance academy. We do circuit training specific to surfing, it's great!

What do you do when you don't surf?

When I'm not in the sea I love to skate. I'm always outside, got a new puppy too and love walking him!

So what's your goal for this year?

This year I'm really hoping to get some good results in the comps and to surf as well as I can.

And what about the future?

In the future I plan to travel, as soon as I'm old enough, I'll go where the waves are good!

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Chasing the Swell Photos: Adam Laister; Words: Adam Laister

85 - SM Capturing a magic golden moment with Luke Embleton!

Photo: Adam Laister

surphography

Continuing our Surphography series, this time around we look at what can be achieved when photographer and surfer strike up a partnership based on the sheer stoke that surfng can bring. Adam Laister tells us more...

I frst met Luke in Newquay in the summer of 2013. I was taking pictures of my mates down at South Fistral, when I noticed a litle blonde dude, zipping across the inside, close to the rocks. The waves weren’t amazing that day, about 4-5 foot lumpy mush out back, and the light was fading fast. I was watching Luke tuck into this litle barrel right in front of me, and fred of a few frames. I got the whole sequence of him pulling in right up to the look on his face as he came out – pure stoke!

I knew that was the kind of surfer I wanted to work with a lot more...

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Chasing the Swell

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surphography

Once I'd met up with Luke to give him the shots, I told him about my plans to go to Indo after the summer, and that my friend had pulled out, so I had nobody to go with. He decided right there and then to come with me, and had booked fights within a couple of days. For two months, Luke and I spent the time hunting out waves and chasing the swell in Indonesia. We spent a few days on Bali, before escaping the crowds, and heading to Sumbawa..

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Chasing the Swell

89 - SM Luke Embleton looks out from a crystal cavern!

Photo: Adam Laister

surphography

Our Indo trip was peppered with calamity though... Luke nearly died of heat stroke, and spent two thirds of his budget in the frst 2 weeks. We got ripped of by the locals a couple of times, but thankfully we built up a good relationship with them in the end. Indeed as the trip went on, it turned out delivering everything I'd hoped. On the whole the surf was kind to us and even though it is Lakey Peak which is the beter known wave, it was it’s neighbour, Lakey Pipe, where we scored our best shots. I was even able to recreate the image I had always wanted to take since I started shooting surf, that shot from behind the wave from under the water. So I was stoked we managed to score that one!

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Chasing the Swell

91 - SM Chasing the swell in Ireland!

Photo: Adam Laister

surphography

Our next trip wouldn’t come until 2 years later, in 2015, when I went to Ireland with Luke, a fellow South African from Cape Town called Martin, and Martin’s Jack Russell, Mitsy. We were all piled into a camper van, which Martin bought for £50, and fxed up, I was amazed it lasted us the whole trip! We thought we would kick the trip of in full swing, so we atended a festival near Galway called Earth Dance, and after that litle jaunt, we headed North on the hunt for waves. Our frst stop was Easky Left, but we got there when the sun was going down, and wind was blowing onshore. Where were these perfect Irish green pits that we had been told so much about?

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Chasing the Swell

93 - SM Luke Embleton loving an Irish left!

Photo: Adam Laister

surphography

After a couple of frustrating days, scouring the coast looking for somewhere blowing ofshore, we camped at a place called Kilcummin, in hope that there would be enough swell the next day to wrap around into the sheltered bay. In the morning, we woke to blue skies, and light ofshore winds, the air was warm and thick, smelling of the land it had just passed over. The sea was calm and tranquil, a bit too calm for our liking. We felt cheated, had the magical seaweed lied to us? I sent my quadcopter into the sky, to see if I could scope some more spots further up the coast. Towards the headland, I could see the ocean come alive, spinning a perfect barrel of over a shallow reef. The boys scored wave after wave, and were fnally satisfed, having sampled green gold for the frst time.

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Chasing the Swell

95 - SM Luke Embleton about to bury some rail right in front of the lens!

Photo: Adam Laister

surphography After a messy week in Newquay, our judgement was slightly blurred. We both had no job to go back to, and Luke was graced with the kindness of the taxman paying him back 3 years of the hard earned cash he had taken.

Hurricane Joaquin was tearing up the Atlantic at the time, so we knew there would be some swell somewhere, we just had to fnd it!

Checking the reports, Portugal looked to be the best bet, and we booked fights that afternoon, heading to the Peniche area.

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Chasing the Swell

97 - SM Capturing another magic golden moment with Luke Embleton!

Photo: Adam Laister

surphography We woke up to our frst morning in Baleal. The swell had arrived. Blinded by the early morning light, we tentatively stuck our heads out the velux window and gazed at the ocean.

We had a perfect vision of some big sets rolling into the bay. The wind was light, so we got down to the beach relatively early. Luke tucked into a couple of nice left-hand tubes, but only made one clean one. The ocean still had the energy of Hurricane Joaquin fowing through it, wild and unruly. The evening brought us beter luck... we met our friend Alvaro, who hooked us up with a lift to Supertubos for a sunset session. We were greeted with perfect waves. The ofshore winds and evening sun lit up the spray in golden light. It was beautiful to watch this world-class wave for the frst time and we knew we had to go there for sunrise the next day.

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Chasing the Swell

99 - SM Looking on at some solid green kegs!

Photo: Adam Laister

surphography On the day we went to Nazaré, we caught a lift with a local called Ladis, who runs a surf hostel in Baleal, and an Argentinian called Bernie. As we snaked up the coast in the van, the weather only added to the sullen atmosphere that surrounds this intimidating location. It was grey and drizzly, the frst day that wasn’t anything but beautiful sunshine. As we pulled up to the lighthouse, we were greeted with a side view of hefty lumps rolling into the bay. They exploded on to the beach, creating a seemingly impenetrable wall of white water. The boys had a hard task of making it out back, and once they did, they only took a couple of waves each. The peaks were all over the place, there was multiple swells coming in that day, making it hard to fnd a defned take-of point. After a good thrashing, we thought it best to fnd something more manageable, taking our leave, as some tow guys turned up on Jet Ski’s.

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Chasing the Swell

101 - SM Luke Embleton enjoying some air time!

Photo: Adam Laister

surphography The last few days were plagued by bad luck. Firstly, our friend Alvaro wiped out on a wave in Baleal, his board fipped around, and the nose drove into his temple. He ended up with a few stitches, and a fractured skull, but he was prety lucky considering how close it was to blinding him in one eye, or hiting the soft spot in his skull, which would cause brain damage, or in a worst case, death! The next casualty was Luke’s board, heavily cracked after pulling into a close out at Supertubos. Then the next day I put a hole in my foot, which managed to fnd the only rock submerged in an otherwise sandy beach break. For the last few remaining days, I had to stay out of the water and keep my stitches dry, so we went around the surrounding spots to get some land shots.

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Chasing the Swell

103 - SM Luke Embleton enjoying yet more air time!

Photo: Adam Laister

surphography

As the trip came to an end, Luke and I had to board the metal bird and return to rainy old England. At least we left being satisfed, having got much beter shots than in Ireland. It was prety rad to be chasing the swell, and it makes you realise how hard it is to get new, exciting content, in a world already flled with millions of breath-taking shots.

However, this blue marble we call home is so vast, and there are still so many waves out there, waiting to be discovered, it’s all part of the endless search. And so I look forward to seeing where the future may take us next...

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SURF THE 7 SEAS! Photos: Stu Gaston; Words: Stu Gaston & Thomas Delplace

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Thomas Delplace digs surfing in Vissla's 7 Seas suit!

Photos: Stu Gaston

HotWots

As winter's grip starts to ease into spring, surfers up and down the country mourn the passing of those epic swells and in a desperate hope for summer to hurry along with its small but warm waves, they at least can look to shedding a couple of mils of rubber. But all too often, the tepid seas off our shores don't quite meet those warm water expectations. So in our continuing series of 'Hot Wots' features, we'll be taking an in depth look at What's Hot in the world of those unsung heroes of wetsuits by firstly revisiting Vissla and the 4/3 version of their 7 Seas wetsuit.

Tagging themselves as 'Creators and Innovators', this time around we've hooked up with the innovative talent of top upcoming French Vissla rider, Thomas Delplace to help give us that actual surfer's eye review – not only creative on his RT board but equally stylish in his newfound modelling career, Thomas is a surfer who is no stranger to hours in a wetsuit, training for his next goal. So time then for Thomas to 'Surf the 7 Seas!'

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SURF THE 7 SEAS!

107 - SM Thomas Delplace grabs some air time for the 7 Seas!

Photo: Stu Gaston

HotWots

Vissla is a brand that represents creative freedom, a forward-thinking philosophy, and a generation of creators and innovators. So based on the premise of less is more, they have stripped away the irrelevant knick-knacks from their pioneering top of the line 7 Seas wetsuit and designed a suit that focuses on that one surfing essential - warmth in the ocean. Be it setting that line and trimming on a single fin or getting those fins above the lip, Vissla have built a catalog of wetsuits in color ways and cuts to match every surfer's water intentions. And with that in mind, Thomas puts aside those winter blues, dons Vissla's blue 4/3 and takes it for a quick spin...

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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

109 - SM Thomas Delplace dons the 7 Seas!

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!

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Thomas Delplace lighting up a lefthander!

Photo: Stu Gaston

HotWots

STYLE For those surfers who want to light up the line up, Vissla's 7 Seas suit now comes in a variety of colour ways. For me, I like the combination of the natural colours Vissla have chosen (blue, brown and green) with the classic style of the white stripes around the cuffs. The one-tone colour and classic look are just enough to be catchy and stylish all at the same time. This minimalist look says a lot about the brand too in allowing the quality of the suit to really speak out for itself.

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SURF THE 7 SEAS!

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Thomas Delplace puts the 7 Seas through its paces!

Photo: Stu Gaston

HotWots

FUNCTIONALITY I've been using the 7 Seas wetsuit for a good while now and I'm still impressed by its practical features.

The chest zip entry system prevents any flushing with its minimum bulk and contoured water tight design – there is a key cord just inside the chest zip which could well add some bulk if you did use it to stash your key away but I've not used it so can't really say. The seals on the cuffs and ankles are super tight so not only does that stop them rolling up but no water goes up them at all either. The 100% super stretch, super light limestone based neoprene is 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 really add to the impressive level of features on this suit!

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SURF THE 7 SEAS!

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Thomas Delplace looking comfortable!

Photo: Stu Gaston

HotWots

COMFORT The 7 Seas wetsuit is for me the perfect fitting wetsuit.

It's anatomically correct engineered body lines means it fits like you'd want a wetsuit to fit! As a result, it has minimal rub, no irritation and no flush either. The thermal hollow fibre lining keeps you warm while the inside of the chest panel supports your upper body really well but not so tight that it was uncomfortable.

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 and definitely the most comfortable suit I've worn!

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SURF THE 7 SEAS!

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Thomas Delplace driving flexibly through a backhand top turn!

Photos: Stu Gaston

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 whacking out those moves on the board. In fact it's so flexible it feels like a 3/2 even though it's actually a 4/3. Under the arms and on the shoulders, the suit is super flexible which really helps with paddling and I could have happily spent hours out in the surf (and have done in my own 4/3s) without getting too tired and with this in mind, you could easily surf in this suit through the cold days of early spring and late autumn as its flexibility would mean you wouldn't tire too quickly paddling against the constrictive feel of a thicker 5/3 wetsuit. All in all the perfect fit of the suit coupled with its flexibility would always make this my suit of choice for those colder surfs at almost any time of the year!

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SURF THE 7 SEAS!

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Thomas Delplace giving his rail a good work out!

Photo: Stu Gaston

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 setting your line for some solid rail work, because the suit is such a good fit, it takes a bit of practice 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 loses 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!

121 - SM Thomas Delplace lighting up the surf with Vissla's 7 Seas wetsuit!

Photo: Stu Gaston

HotWots

THE VERDICT The 7 Seas suit is just what I want from a suit! Its minimalist look with subtle colours and classic logos looks just right. It's good to have a suit that allows you to blend into the lineup when a surf's not going your way, yet 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 have to be well practised getting in and out of it) but for me that works as I spend so much time in a suit!

I'm certainly happy spending many an hour in Vissla's 7 Seas wetsuit!

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FUNCTIONALITY ●●●●●●●●●●

COMFORT ●●●●●●●●●○

USABILITY ●●●●●●●●●●

STRETCHABILITY ●●●●●●●●●●

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T H E G A L L E R Y

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Maxime Dos Anjos takes to the air at La Piste!

Photo: Stu Gaston

TheGallery

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T H E G A L L E R Y

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Joao Moreira making the most of a Portuguese righthander!

Photo: Miguel Caparica

TheGallery

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T H E G A L L E R Y

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Edoardo Papa enjoying his time in the Maldives!

Photo: Andrea Papa

TheGallery

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T H E G A L L E R Y

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Thomas Delplace punting at Prevent, Capbreton!

Photo: Stu Gaston

TheGallery

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T H E G A L L E R Y

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Luke Embleton enjoying some warm waves in Portugal!

Photo: Adam Laister

TheGallery

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T H E G A L L E R Y

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Tim Bisso about to top turn at Oceanside!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

TheGallery

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T H E G A L L E R Y

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Joao Moreira moving up on another righthand lip!

Photo: Miguel Caparica

TheGallery

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T H E G A L L E R Y

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Edoardo Papa punting on Cook Island!

Photo: Andrea Papa

TheGallery

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Surphang Magazine

139 - SM The sun setting on another good day!

Photo: Adam Laister

NextIssue Hopefully by the time our next issue is nearly done, we'll be enjoying many such sunsets as summer finally shows its face in the northern hemisphere.

So it'll also be time to share everything we love about those sunny surfs!

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Thanks for reading the Forty Seventh issue of

Surphang Magazine

Nothing like sunset swell lines...

Photo: Adam Laister