Surphang Magazine
Issue 48
The Pro Show
Jonas Bach'on' Track!
Champ Chats
Trestles' Talent
Charly's Charging! Becret Goes Big!
's for Venturers!
four three Finery
Surphang Magazine
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'Better Together' There is no combination of words I could put in this issue which really stress enough how better we are when we're together. As an outsider looking in, surfing always seems such a solitary sport and yet the more involved I have become, the more I have realised that surfers do feed off each other, from pushing each other in competition to just enjoying a free surf with mates. So at this tumultous time in British history, we felt it only right that this issue should focus on our friends in Europe as well as further afield for in seeing them set the bar so high, we in the UK know to what we can aspire!
Justin Becret just beats the inevitability of that wall of water! Photo: Stephane Becret
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Surphang Magazine
Magazine Editor: Stuart Gaston Contributing Photographers: Stephane Becret, Aziz Bouchgua, Miguel Caparica, Paul Carpenter, Bobby Killeen, Elbaz Mustapha, Eduardo Vidarte, From the Surface Images & Chuck@Surf-Shot.com Staff Photographer: Stuart Gaston
Send any photographic submissions for future issues of the magazine to: surphangmagazine@ymail.com
Cover Shot: Justin Becret busts one big air! Photo: Stephane Becret
Running off to that solo session. Photo: Stephane Becret
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ThisIssue'sFeatures
The Pro Show Champ Chats Surphalosophy
Charly's Charging!
Becret Goes Big!
Jonas Bach'on' Track!
Charly Quivront has been charging lately so we spoke to him about his contest campaign and his assault on the QS!
Justin Becret has been turning heads in France for all the right reasons – so time for a chat with an upcoming National Champ!
Austria's not known for raising surfing stars but Jonas Bachan is back on track and leading the way for his landlocked nation!
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ThisIssue
Trestles' Talent
four three Finery
Eurovision
You don't have to look much further than the perfect peaks of Trestles to find the next big talents – so here they are!
Brave a British summer with upcoming brands, Finisterre and Vissla as we check out their unsung rubber hero, the 4/3!
Despite recent events, we take a valuable look at the Europeans who are setting the bar high in the 2016 WSL Euro Pro Juniors!
's
for Venturers!
The best bit about surfing has to be those far flung adventures to find waves – here's two riders who've both been venturing!
Teva Bouchgua enjoying Morocco! Photo: Aziz Bouchgua SM - 06
Welcome to
The Pro Show Charly's Charging! Photos: Eduardo Vidarte; Words: Stu Gaston
07 - SM Charly's been seen charging the recent swells that lit up the French coast! Photo: Eduardo Vidarte
TheProShow Charly Quivront has been charging lately so we spoke to him about his contest campaign and his assault on the QS!
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Charly's Charging!
09 - SM Charly keeps it tail high! Photo: Eduardo Vidarte
TheProShow
Name: Charly Quivront Age: 20 Years surfing: 16 Where you live: Hossegor, France Sponsors: Volcom, ABC Distribution, Creature of Leisure, Sex Wax, Maracuja Surf Shop Local break/s: Seignosse Favourite surfers? Julian Wilson and Dusty Payne Favourite place to surf? Seignosse Favourite surf movie? Lost Atlas Favourite surf trick? Blow tails Favourite board? 5'11 x 18 3/8 x 2 1/4
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Charly's Charging!
11 - SM Charly's carving's on form too! Photo: Eduardo Vidarte
TheProShow
Now the past few years have seen you performing consistently well, especially last year when you posted some great results in your last year on the WSL Pro Juniors, including coming 2nd in the Prozis Pro Junior in Espinho and reaching the quarter finals of both the WSL Caparica and Lacanau Pro Juniors. So talk us through those contests and the highs and lows that lead to you ultimately reaching 5th place on the WSL European Pro Junior rankings? Well last year was a really fun year on the Junior series. I had a lot of fun with the Volcom Boys. I had a couple of great heats and was performing pretty good in some of them. I was actually feeling great at every event but sometimes it just wouldn't go my way. I remember in Lacanau for the Pro Junior though, I was in the man-on-man Quarters and all the guys that were on top of me in the rankings had already lost before, so I really had a chance to get over everyone but I put too much pressure on myself and I ended up losing because I fell on the last turn of a good wave‌ So that's where I think I blew it to get the title. Then the last event of the season was the Franito Pro Junior. It was a really close battle between 5 of us to get the title and I had to make it to the Semis but I fell before the Quarters‌ I'm still happy with my last season overall though!
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Charly's Charging!
13 - SM Charly Quivront keeps a hand in with some solid rail work! Photo: Eduardo Vidarte
TheProShow 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 first time competing at that spot in the WSL World Juniors so how did you find the entire experience there? I was really happy to get this chance to surf against the best guys of my age. The WSL World Junior Championships was supposed to be in Ribeira D'Ilhas but unfortunately we had a big storm, so the first round was held in the back up spot which was a left in Ericeira's harbour... To tell you the truth, I hated this wave! It was slow and mushy and I didn't really understand the wave so I ended up losing in round 2‌ They only held the last couple rounds in Ribeira d'Ilhas on the last 2 days of the waiting period which was then in fun conditions... always the way! You had to overcome some solid surfing from your contenders during the event. So how do you rate your surfing peers from around the world at the moment? The level was high in this contest but everyone could have won it. It was great to see the level of all the competitors. But I didn't feel like my level or the European level is in anyway less than that of the World's Best... we're definitely right up there with them!
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Charly's Charging!
15 - SM Charly keeps on top of his air game too! Photo: Eduardo Vidarte
TheProShow Most recently, you've been competing in the European QS events as the new contest season gets underway and you've been posting some convincing results with a Round 4 finish at the Zarautz Pro. So how's it been stepping up from the Pro Junior to just the QS events this year? This year it's a little different from last year for me because I will be focusing only on the QS events now. I started with a 9th in Zarautz with the best European guys in the comp, so it's good for my confidence. Pro Juniors and QS, it's really a totally different thing because you have to be more committed to get some great scores but its great, I like it better. Competitons aside, you started 2016 by putting up an impressive edit, 'Manga', full of some seriously solid surfing demonstrating both your aerial and barrel riding skills. So have you plans for continuing to up your own online profile with fresh material during the rest of the year? Magma was an edit filmed around France mostly at the end of last year, by my mum and edited by Julien Turpaud‌ This year, I want to do some free surfing trips as well and try to score some good swell around the world and hopefully make some good edits from that.
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Charly's Charging!
17 - SM Charly's big face carving keeps him happy! Photo: Eduardo Vidarte
TheProShow
Now you're already from France and spend your summers in Hossegor with some great breaks like the iconic beach break of La Graviere literally right on your doorstep. So how do those classic spots compare to others you've surfed around the world? No where in the world is like home. The only problem is that in summer we don't get many good waves but during the low season, we score good waves better than most places in the world, but it's great to see new things as well, surf some reef breaks and warm water. And where else around the world have you been lucky enough to surf so far? I've been going to Hawaii and Costa Rica a lot during the winter the last couple of years. Indo is a place that is always good, cheap and good waves and I've been to a bunch of places around the world to compete like Israel, California, Mexico, all over Europe...
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Charly's Charging!
19 - SM Charly's one on form French surfer right now! Photo: Eduardo Vidarte
TheProShow So when and where has your best session been then? France was amazing during two days in May and that was probably the best I've ever seen it. Two days of pure surf, I stayed in my wetsuit for 8 hours each day.. 2-3 meters barreling all day! Best day ever! But what about notable wipeouts? In those same two days, I had a bad wipe out. It was a medium set in La Graviere. I took off on that right, made a couple of sections and somehow the more I was getting in to the beach, the more the wave was getting scarier and wider. I tried to doggy door it but it was too late... I took the lip on my back. When I made it back up, my back was hurting and I couldn't see anything for a while so I had to go in and rest for 15 minutes. But I went back out straight after when I was feeling better... it was too good to miss!
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Charly's Charging!
21 - SM Charly Quivront keeping it real! Photo: Eduardo Vidarte
TheProShow
Now what about future plans for travelling? Where do you want to head to and surf? I just want to score some good waves whereever there is a good swell and discover new places. I don't know where the swell will take me. But I'll keep traveling to do contests as well. So with much of the year still lying ahead, what are your goals? My first goal is to get some great results on the QS because I've been training hard for it lately and from that I'll see where it takes me. And finally, what about the future then? I'd see myself on the Primes and making heats, scoring good waves and still loving the life I have. Why not after all the experience and with better surfing skills, getting on the CT one day too!
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Champ Chats Becret Goes Big! Photos: Stephane Becret & Miguel Caparica; Words: Stu Gaston
23 - SM Justin Becret grabbing some air time! Photo: Stephane Becret
ChampChats Justin Becret has been turning heads in France for all the right reasons – so time for a chat with an upcoming National Champ!
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Becret Goes Big!
25 - SM Justin Becret getting his fair share of perfect French barrels! Photo: Stephane Becret
ChampChats
Name: Justin Becret Age: 14 Years surfing: 5 Where you live: Seignosse, France Sponsors: Volcom, Reef Europe, Mattashapes, VZ, Creatures, Sex Wax, Xcel Local break/s: Casernes beach Favourite surfer? Rastovitch Favourite place to surf? Casernes beach Favourite surf movie? Les visiteurs Favourite surf trick? Tube Favourite board? JTB 5'6�Mattashapes
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Becret Goes Big!
27 - SM Justin Becret begins another barrel set up! Photo: Stephane Becret
ChampChats
What What first got you into surfing? My family's lifestyle and my friend, Momo Who in surfing inspires you most? I love the power of Joan Duru and Vincent Duvignac, Jack Robinson for his tube riding and also John John Florence. William Aliotti and Matt Meloa are air inspirations and also people like Dave Wassel, Aaron Gold, Tyler Laronde, Sancho, Gerard Benssoussan, Pilou Ducalme, Peio Lizarazu and Ludo Dulou all show me the way of humility and commitment to big wave surfing. When and how did you become sponsored? By Volcom 2 years ago following a contest.
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Becret Goes Big!
29 - SM Justin Becret banging out some impressive aerial antics! Photo: Stephane Becret
ChampChats
What do you prefer then, free surfing or competitions and why? Both are a good balance for me. In contests you need to be focused and I try surf the best as I can and then free surfing, it's why you surf in the first place, playing with the waves and the ocean! It's what keeps me going! 

 Now the past couple of years have seen you performing well on the competitive circuit, though becoming Under 14 French National Champion at the end of last year must have been a highlight. So talk us through that contest and the highs and lows that lead to you earning your title. I've lost in my short career more than twenty finals and for this contest the only thing that changed is that during the final I was surfing to win! I forgot all the other contests and I finished my day like I started it in my first heat. But winning or losing is a very fragile situation, it all depends on luck with the right waves and if you are ready at this moment to be first. This title was so good for me and my confidence and a deserved reward for my work and the people who believe in me!
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Becret Goes Big!
31 - SM Justin Becret bringing out his competition A-game in Portugal! Photo: Miguel Caparica
ChampChats
You've recently followed that up with a 5th place finish in the first WSL Pro Junior event of the year in Portugal, having to overcome some solid surfing from your contenders. How do you rate your surfing peers from around Europe at the moment then? As I'm still just 14, I surf with less pressure than the older competitors which is why I think I can just enjoy my surfing without a lot of stress. I'm at the Pro Junior to learn from the boys who surf so strong and so good that I've got a long way to go to perform at that high level so it's good to start early. I need to progress and to have enough power but I've still got time to work on that for now. So which of them did you least want to be drawn up against in a heat and why? I don't mind, I want to surf against everyone. I want to be challenged by all types of surfers, it's just part of how you progress. And now, does being French U14 Champion go down as your best victory to date? Victory is pretty rare and special so yes it was a great end to the season last year and the taste of it will last til the next French Championship this year!
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Becret Goes Big!
33 - SM Justin just enjoying some green room time! Photo: Stephane Becret
ChampChats
Now you live in France getting to spend your time surfing top quality waves like La Graviere in Hossegor! So how would you rate your local spots? We are lucky to have a few peaks working pretty consistently especially La Gravière. I can then decide to surf one or the other depending on the focus of my training because some are very crowded so it's challenging and good to prepare for competition and others are better to work my technical abilities. But where else around the world have you been lucky enough to travel to and surf? I have been so lucky so far to travel to many countries where the surf is never far but Tahiti remains my favorite place to surf and to stay.
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Becret Goes Big!
35 - SM Justin Becret bottomg turning one big Hawaiian wave! Photo: Stephane Becret
ChampChats
You've also made a number of trips over to Hawaii over the years so how was the past season for you? It was my fourth time on the North Shore of Hawaii but as for the surfing and my chance to perform in good Hawaiian waves, It's only my second season with really classic conditions and this winter the conditions were both solid and simply great! And when and where has your best session been over there this season then? Many sessions are engraved in my surfing memory but a special one was Waimea, the day after the Eddy Aikau. I got 7 waves and the thrill of surfing that break plus on some waves I had the deepest position, my gun was lying under me while I was paddling into them and I felt I could fly! But what about any notable wipeouts this time around? You don't have much time to be afraid because it all goes so fast. I am too light to go too deep into the water when I wipe out so I just stay near the surface and avoid bad encounters with the reef‌ but I did have a few good wipeouts at Pipeline and Off The Wall and also in Waimea!
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Becret Goes Big!
37 - SM Justin Becret and a beautiful tropical backdrop! Photo: Stephane Becret
ChampChats
Now what about future plans for travelling? Where do you want to head to and surf? For now I have no major plans to travel. I want to stay home for a while and finish my school years with my friends, but maybe a trip to California in June would be good! Of course, I'd love to go back to Tahiti and Hawaii in the future and discover lots of other places too! So with much of the year still lying ahead, what are your goals? My main objective is to perform on the Pro Juniors and keep on progressing. And finally, what about the future then? Next year is a tricky decision because I start high school and still don't know where, but I know it's a big step while surfing still requires all my focus to fulfill my potential as well. We'll see what will happen but whatever was things go, it'll be good and I know it will involve lots of surfing!
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Surphalosophy
Jonas Bach'on' Track! Photos: Stu Gaston; Words: Stu Gaston
39 - SM Jonas Bachan whacks out a fins free! Photo: Stu Gaston
surphalosophy Austria's not known for raising surfing stars but Jonas Bachan is back on track and leading the way for his landlocked nation!
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Jonas Bach'on' Track!
41 - SM Jonas Bachan working that righthander! Photo: Stu Gaston
surphalosophy
Name: Jonas Bachan Age: 18 Years surfing: 10 Where you live: Seignosse, Les Landes, France Sponsors: RedBull Austria, Vans , Blue Tomato, Sp Gadgets, DHD Surfboards, FCS Local break/s: Les Estagnots Favourite surfer? John John Favourite place to surf? La Gravière Favourite surf movie? Who is J.O.B Favourite surf trick? Must be barrels Favourite board? DHD DX1 6'0 x 18 3/16 x 2 1/4 SM - 42
Jonas Bach'on' Track!
43 - SM Jonas grabs some air time! Photo: Stu Gaston
surphalosophy Originally, you're from land-locked Austria, so how did you get into surfing then? My mum and dad were working for a surf brand in Austria and had to come here. They ended up starting a surf camp called Chillandsurf www.chillandsurf.com - here in Seignosse before buying the house I live in just behind the dune of Les Estagnots and running the surf camp in Portugal. So it was kind of obvious that I'd be a surfer knowing that my parents were both involved in the sport. And how big a part does surfing play in your life nowadays? My whole life is based on surfing, I surf as much as I can and when I'm not I'm editing or watching surf movies, skating or doing anything that could help my surfing. When and how did you become sponsored? At the age of 11 my coach Mathias Maallem got me sponsored by Quiksilver. They were looking for some young kids so my friend Louis Poupinel and I got onto the team. team. Who in surfing inspires you most? Jamie O'Brien for sure, he's mental!!! What do you prefer then, free surfing or competitions and why? I really like both: free surfing makes me remember why I actually started surfing, I wouldn't be able to count how many good times I have spent with my mates in the ocean, it's just sick! And on the other hand I've always been a competitive person so battling it out with some other kids is always good to see where you are with your surfing.
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Jonas Bach'on' Track!
45 - SM Jonas Bachan backhand lip bash! Photo: Stu Gaston
surphalosophy
Now the past few years have seen your performance consistently improving, though one of your best results must have been a few years ago when you won the Volcom TCT Under 16 European Finals in Hossegor. So talk us through those contests and the highs and lows that lead to your results? I was actually an injury replacement so when I got into the event, I just thought: “Ok let's just have fun!� But at one point, as I made all the heats until the final, I just realized that I could actually win this thing, so I gave it my all in the finals and the waves were super hard so I was lucky to get my two waves and to win it! Most recently though, you've really been making your mark on the WSL European Pro Juniors, with one of the highest wave scores at the recent Biscarosse event and making the quarter finals in Caparica before that. So with this now being your last chance at qualifying for the World Juniors, you must be aiming for one of those top spots on the rankings by the end of the year? Yeah for sure, I really want to make it even though I know it's going to be super hard as the level is very high and all these kids are ripping!!! But I'll just stay focused for the upcoming events and do my thing and we'll see how it goes!
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Jonas Bach'on' Track!
47 - SM Jonas Bachan whacks into layback! Photo: Stu Gaston
surphalosophy
There's a tight battle amongst some very talented junior surfers up at the top, so how do you rate your surfing peers from around Europe at the moment then? Well like I said, they're all ripping so going into a Pro Junior you can never guess who is going to take the win so that makes the whole thing even more exciting! And which of them would you least want to be drawn up against in a heat and why? I think that the current top 10 is like the lead pack so these would be the ones I’d not want to be against in a heat, but I think the hard thing in a contest is that every one can beat every one so you can easily lose against someone who is not surfing better than you and sometimes beat someone who rips 10 times more then you!
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Jonas Bach'on' Track!
49 - SM Jonas Bachan punting! Photo: Stu Gaston
surphalosophy
As well as competing, you also spend a good amount of time travelling, surfing and training at other spots – you made another trip to Lanzarote earlier this year so what is it about the island and its surf that keeps drawing you back? The waves are just perfect to train, beach breaks, reef breaks, point breaks, and the water and air temperature never gets too cold either! What about other training then? How do you keep on top of fitness and keep on pushing yourself and your surfing? I have been in a “surf school” called “Pole Espoir”. We have 5 training sessions a week: boxing/cardio, swimming and of course surfing, it helps me a lot! I also work out at home but it's always cooler to train with your mates! So you're from Austria but now live in Seignosse with some great breaks like the iconic beach breaks of Hossegor literally right on your doorstep. How do those classic spots compare to others you've surfed around the world? It's hollow man! I've been to many places but I can tell you, an 8 foot set on your head in La Gravière isn't something you could compare to any other beach breaks I guess.
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Jonas Bach'on' Track!
51 - SM Jonas Bachan back on track! Photo: Stu Gaston
surphalosophy
And where else around the world have you been lucky enough to surf so far? I’ve been to Costa Rica, California, Ecuador, Guadeloupe, Portugal, Canaries, Spain‌ So when and where has your best surf session been then? California was sick, Trestles is super fun! But everywhere I've been, I had at least one surf I'll remember my whole life! But what about any notable wipeouts? I had some sick surfs everywhere but sick surf is synonym of sick wipeouts too haha so I can just say that everywhere I've been I had at least one surf I'll remember my whole life but as well, one wipeout!!! 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? Next one is going to be Mentawaiis for sure, but there are so many places I still want to go!!! Hawaii, Australia, Brazil... Finally then, what about your future? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years time? I'll probably be there where the waves are best!
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's
for Venturers!
Photos: Aziz Bouchgua, Elbaz Mustapha & From The Surface Images; Words: Stu Gaston
53 - SM Vissla's Teva Bouchgua's been venturing... Photo: Aziz Bouchgua
surphangaway The best bit about surfing has to be those far flung adventures to find waves – here's two riders, Teva Bouchgua & Benny Howard who've both been venturing!
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Teva Bouchgua entures to Morocco...
55 - SM Teva Bouchgua venturing into a Moroccon barrel! Photo: Elbaz Mustapha
surphangaway
Name: Teva Bouchgua Age: 14 Years surfing: 10 years Where you live: Carcans, France Sponsors: Vissla, Globe, Smith, FCS, SUPERbrand Surfboards, Smoothstar Local break/s: Lacanau Favourite surfer? Mick Fanning Favourite place to surf? Everywhere Favourite surf movie? View from the Blue Moon (John John) Favourite surf trick? Tube Favourite board? SUPERbrand, Burnside model
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Teva Bouchgua entures to Morocco...
57 - SM Teva Bouchgua bashing a righthand lip! Photo: Elbaz Mustapha
surphangaway
What first got you into surfing? My dad taught me. Who in surfing inspires you most? Jordy Smith and Julian Wilson When and how did you become sponsored? 2/3 years ago, they came to me and asked me if I'd like to be sponsored, probably after seeing my contest results but also my motivation for surfing.
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Teva Bouchgua entures to Morocco...
59 - SM Teva Bouchgua bottom turning! Photo: Elbaz Mustapha
surphangaway
What do you prefer then, free surfing or competitions and why? Competition surfing because I like competing better though I love free surfing too!
What moment are you most proud of in your surfing career so far? When I won the European Grommet title on the Volcom tour.
What's been the highlight of the last year for you? It was my victory in the RipCurl GromSearch Tour in France
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Teva Bouchgua entures to Morocco...
61 - SM Teva Bouchgua about to enjoy and Anchor Point pit! Photo: Elbaz Mustapha
surphangaway
Where around the world have you been lucky enough to travel to and surf? Portugal, Spain, Morocco, Reunion Island, Mauritius, Guadeloupe, Hawaii, California When and where was your best surf session? This past winter when I scored perfect 6-8 foot Anchor Point in Morocco What about your worst wipeout? At Guethary in 10-12 foot surf
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Teva Bouchgua entures to Morocco...
63 - SM Teva Bouchgua brings it round off the top in Morocco! Photo: Elbaz Mustapha
surphangaway
Do you train as well as surf? Not so much, a bit of stretching is all really. What do you do when you don't surf? Skating on Smoothstar and studying for school of course So what's your goal for this year? I'm focusing on the Pro Junior tour and also to win the title at the National Championships And what about the future? To be on the WCT, that's my biggest goal in life!
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Benny Howard entures to Bali...
65 - SM Benny Howard rail grabbing in Bali! Photo: From the Surface Images
surphangaway
Name: Benny Howard Age: 19 Nickname: Benny Years surfing: 10 Where you live: Port Macquarie, Australia Sponsors: Vissla, Electric Surf, Baron Kutz, Perry Surfboards Local break/s: Light House Beach, Town Beach, North Shore Favourite surfer? Dane Reynolds Favourite place to surf? Lighthouse Beach, Port Macquarie Favourite surf movie? Trilogy Favourite surf trick? Cut Back Favourite board? Anything Braydon Perry makes.
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Benny Howard entures to Bali...
67 - SM Benny Howard's heard Bali never gets stale! Photo: From the Surface Images
surphangaway
What first got you into surfing? Dad taking me and my brothers and sister to cold Tassie Beaches Who in surfing inspires you most? Lots of people inspire me, to mention a few; Dan Scott, Matt Banting, Tom Howard When and how did you become sponsored? Some local surf shops when I was 12. What do you prefer then, free surfing or competitions and why? Free surfing because it suits me better. What's been the highlight of the last year for you? Shooting clips
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Benny Howard entures to Bali...
69 - SM Benny Howard hones his carving in Bali! Photo: From the Surface Images
surphangaway
Where around the world have you been lucky enough to travel to and surf? Fiji, Bali, heaps of trips around Oz Any notable trips out of those? Yeah I recently been in Bali with a mate surfing around Canggu and shooting with with a friend who lives over there we got some fun waves had a good time When and where was your best surf session? South Coast NSW What's the worst wipeout of your life? Getting knocked out and cutting me head open in Bali Do you train as well as surf? Yeah every now and again What do you do when you don't surf? Hang with mates and skate So what's your goal for this year? Go to Tahiti, learn to shape a board And what about the future? To surf full time
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Trestles' Talent Photos: Chuck@Surf-shot.com; Words: Stu Gaston
71 - SM Kei Kobayashi leads the way in Californian based talent! Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com
HotShots
You don't have to look much further than the perfect peaks of Trestles to find the next big talents – so here they are!
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Colt Ward
73 - SM Colt Ward carves round a solid lefthander! Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com
HotShots
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Colt Ward
75 - SM Colt Ward working another Trestles left! Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com
HotShots
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Crosby Colapinto
77 - SM Crosby Colapinto keeping up the family tradition at Trestles! Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com
HotShots
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Crosby Colapinto
79 - SM Crosby Colapinto caning a righthand lip! Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com
HotShots
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Griffin Colapinto
81 - SM Griffin Colapinto's surfing has risen to great levels thanks to Trestles! Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com
HotShots
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Griffin Colapinto
83 - SM Griffin Colapinto kicks out those fins into layback! Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com
HotShots
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Kei Kobayashi
85 - SM Kei Kobayashi grabbing some convincing air time! Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com
HotShots
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Kei Kobayashi
87 - SM Kei Kobayashi brings out his backhand attack! Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com
HotShots
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Kevin Schulz
89 - SM Kevin Schulz loves the lefthander at Lower Trestles! Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com
HotShots
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Kevin Schulz
91 - SM With perfect waves like this, it's no wonder Kevin Schulz has been on winning form lately! Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com
HotShots
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Parker Kohn
93 - SM New kid on the block, Parker Cohn packs a punch off a righthander! Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com
HotShots
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Parker Kohn
95 - SM Parker Cohn canes another righthand lip! Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com
HotShots
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Taylor Clark
97 - SM Taylor Clark takes it off the top at Trestles! Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com
HotShots
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Taylor Clark
99 - SM Taylor Clark tackles another Trestles left! Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com
HotShots
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four three Finery Photos: Stu Gaston; Words: Stu Gaston
101 - SM Jordan Retallack releasing a fin while sampling Finisterre's Nieuwland 4/3 wetsuit! Photo: Stu Gaston
Spring has sprung and at times summer has also been knocking on the door, even barging right into the party (if only for a few moments or two!) and with them has come not only those dreaded flat spells but also the occasional summer swell too. The mere sight of the sun and every surfer up and down the country all too quickly looks 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 especially when most of those summer swells seemed to be coupled with chilly onshore north westerlies! So in our continuing series of 'Hot Wots' wetsuit features, we'll be taking an in depth look at What's Hot in the world of those unsung heroes of wetsuits, the 4/3, ideal for those chillier surfs. This time around we'll be taking taking an in depth look at British newcomer, Finisterre's Nieuwland wetsuit and fresh upcoming brand Vissla's 7 Seas wetsuit to see which one comes out on top in terms of keeping you warm in the water whatever the weather may hold in the coming months of a British summer!
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Finisterre's Finest
103 - SM Jordan Retallack finds a right to put Finisterre's Nieuwland 4/3 wetsuit through its paces! Photo: Stu Gaston
HotWots After three years of research and development, Finisterre launched a unique wetsuit tester programme 'Nieuwland Works'. As well as looking at the design criteria for a wetsuit built by a British brand that understands the needs of surfers on these shores, the aim was also to build on the brand's heritage of innovation and quality. So after working with 300 surfers from athletes to guys on the ground, they have refined their most recent version of the Nieuwland 4/3 suit. We asked south coast shredder, Jordan Retallack to give us his own rating on this British branded suit...
STYLE In terms of looks, Finisterre have stripped their wetsuit right back. The all black suit is definitely classic looking with only the slightest of white logo on the left hand shoulder. No markings whatsoever means you can really blend into the line up and just get on with surfing the way you want in this original all black suit.
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Finisterre's Finest Finisterre's design brief was to build a suit with cold water environmental conditions in mind (greater windchill, lower temps, limited sunshine), as well as focusing on length of time in the water and durability – all the aspects that typify a British surfer's life in the water. They also wanted to make a wetsuit with an accessible price. So taking all this into consideration, they developed and refined a key set of unique selling points to their Nieuwland wetsuits: - Thicker chest and back panels (6.5mm) - Elongated smoothskin back panel - Internal lower back/kidney patch - Higher loft throughout suit for warmth - Wider (+50%) seam tape for improved durability - Double needle blind stitching throughout for increased warmth and durability - Finisterre neck pattern to reduced flushing - Ankle loops to help get on with cold fingers - PMA wrist and ankle seals
105 - SM Finisterre's Nieuwland 4/3 Photo: Stu Gaston
HotWots FUNCTIONALITY When compared to many other top level suits, Finisterre's Nieuwland seemed to have just the features you'd really need and nothing you wouldn't! It's got an improved sturdy stainless steel chest zip pull which also had a clever sewn in zipper guard. The thickness of neoprene across the upper body was ideal – thick enough to be really warm but also flexible enough to make paddling easy. The fit of the suit was pretty near perfect too being just tight enough but not too restrictive. With regard to warmth, the extra panel of neoprene coupled with the elongated smoothskin panel in the lower back was genius as it really did make a big difference and kept you feeling so much warmer than many other top level suits. Also the extra custom neck pattern really did prevent any flushing and along with the wrist seals kept you really toasty!
Finally, the addition of calf straps was rather ingenious – at first they seemed a bit unusual but actually when putting on and taking off the suit, they really did help, especially with cold hands! SM - 106
Finisterre's Finest
107 - SM Jordan Retallack negotiating a left in Finisterre's Nieuwland! Photo: Stu Gaston
HotWots
COMFORT First and foremost, the Nieuwland was surprisingly easy to get on and off for a 4/3 wetsuit and Finisterre had obviously thought carefully about balancing the thickness of the neoprene in all the right places, alongside the right types of neoprene in each panel of the suit. When the suit was on, the most noticeable part was how comfortable it felt, especially around the upper body – no rubs under the arms or around the neck which was tight enough to prevent any flushing but smooth enough to be able to move easily.
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Finisterre's Finest
109 - SM Jordan Retallack firing in Finisterre's Nieuwland 4/3 wetsuit! Photo: Stu Gaston
HotWots
STRETCHABILITY Surprisingly for a thicker wetsuit, the Nieuwland was really flexible in the water. Below the arms was incredibly stretchy and across the back which really helped with paddling. The chest zip panel was very flexible too making it pretty easy to get on and off, especially with cold hands!
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Finisterre's Finest
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Jordan Retallack really taking Finisterre's Nieuwland to task! Photo: Stu Gaston
HotWots
USABILITY When you're out in the water, it's really comfortable and keeps you so warm... the internal pile did such a good job you can actually feel it's retaining your body heat. As well as that, it felt like I'd always been using it as the fit was so good and it really moved with me as I was manoeuvring out in the surf. All in all, I was pleasantly surprised how well it performed for a thicker 4/3 wetsuit!
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Finisterre's Finest
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Jordan Retallack feeling happy with Finisterre's Nieuwland 4/3 wetsuit! Photo: Stu Gaston
HotWots
THE VERDICT Overall, Finisterre's Nieuwland 4/3 wetsuit is very impressive. It's all black unassuming look with white logos works well and its features are just what a good suit needs (though I'm still not totally convinced on the calf straps). It's a really warm, comfy wetsuit and certainly did the job at keeping me warm. I also liked that the neck, wrist and ankles were tight – I got no flush whatsoever with this wetsuit which was really good. STYLE ●●●●●●●●●○ ●●●●●●●●●○ FUNCTIONALITY ●●●●●●●●●○ ●●●●●●●●●○ COMFORT ●●●●●●●●●● ●●●●●●●●●● STRETCHABILITY ●●●●●●●●●○ ●●●●●●●●●○ USABILITY ●●●●●●●●●○ ●●●●●●●●●○
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Surf The 7 Seas
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Thomas Delplace puts Vissla's 7 Seas suit through its paces! Photo: Stu Gaston
HotWots
Vissla, with their forward-thinking philosophy and creative freedom, have quickly grown to become a fresh yet highly respected surfing brand. They have been bold enough to strip away the irrelevant knickknacks 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. So with that in mind, we asked former British Bodyboarding champion, lifeguard and all-round waterman, Taylor Prisk, who's used many wetsuit brands over the years, to test out the 4/3 version of the 7 Seas suit and give us his verdict...
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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
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Taylor Prisk 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
-Drainholes front and reverse
-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 lights up the 7 Seas! 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. Personally, I really like the subtle combination of this blue Vissla have chosen with the stylish yet classic look achieved by the white stripes around the cuffs. The onetone colour and classic look are just enough to be catchy and stylish all at the same time, perfect for polishing your surfing without drawing too much attention from the crowd.
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Surf The 7 Seas
121 - SM Thomas Delplace grabs time to through some stylish shapes in Vissla's 7 Seas suit! Photo: Stu Gaston
HotWots
FUNCTIONALITY As soon as I checked out the 7 Seas wetsuit, I was really impressed by its practical features. The chest zip entry system prevents any flushing with its minimum bulk and contoured water tight design and the drainholes were well placed for excess water to escape quickly. There is also 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
123 - SM Tyler Killeen finds Vissla's 7 Seas suit comfortable enough to be all laid back! Photo: Bobby Killeen
HotWots
COMFORT The 7 Seas wetsuit is tight to get on but once you're in, I don't think you can get a better fit! It's anatomically correct engineered body lines means it fits like you'd want a wetsuit to fit! This meant it had 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. All in all it has the warmth of a 4/3 coupled with the lightness of a 3/2 –practical and definitely the most comfortable suit I've worn!
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Surf The 7 Seas
125 - SM Thomas Delplace drives through some serious testing of Vissla's 7 Seas suit!
HotWots
Photos: Stu Gaston
STRETCHABILITY The 7 Seas wetsuit is surprisingly stretchy for a 4/3, meaning it feels really nice to wear and does fit like a glove. Although it is a bit tight to get on, I think that's the key to it being such a good fit! Because it's so stretchy, 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. The only drawback is that as 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 other wetsuit brands that I've used in the past. SM - 126
Surf The 7 Seas
127 - SM Tyler Killeen whacks out some spray in Vissla's 7 Seas suit! Photo: Bobby Killeen
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 (if the waves were co-operating) 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 as it doesn't limit your surfing at all!
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Surf The 7 Seas
129 - SM Thomas Delplace grabs some green room time to reflect on Vissla's 7 Seas suit! Photo: Stu Gaston
HotWots
THE VERDICT I have to say I was really impressed by Vissla's 7 Seas suit! Its minimalist style of subtle blue 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 I'd rather have a suit that way than one that flushes all the time or gives you rubs the more you use it! So I'm certainly happy I had the chance to check out Vissla's 7 Seas wetsuit! STYLE ●●●●●●●●●● ●●●●●●●●●● FUNCTIONALITY ●●●●●●●●●○ ●●●●●●●●●○ COMFORT ●●●●●●●●●● ●●●●●●●●●● STRETCHABILITY ●●●●●●●●●○ ●●●●●●●●●○ USABILITY ●●●●●●●●●● ●●●●●●●●●●
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Eurovision Photos: Miguel Caparica, Stu Gaston & Chuck@Surf-shot.com; Words: Stu Gaston
131 - SM Thomas Debierre takes to the lip on his backhand! Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com
TheGoss Despite recent events, we take a valuable look at the Europeans who are setting the bar high in the 2016 WSL Euro Pro Juniors!
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Arran Strong
133 - SM Arran Strong on form with a backhand barrel! Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com
TheGoss After a semi-final finish at the first Pro Junior in Caparica, Arran Strong is leading the way for the British contingent, currently sitting 13th on the WSL European Pro Junior rankings.
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Joao Moreira
135 - SM Joao Moreira jams one off the top! Photo: Miguel Caparica
TheGoss Also with a semi-final finish at the first Pro Junior in Caparica, Joao Moreira would no doubt be in an even stronger position right now had injury not struck at the most recent Portuguese event, leaving him lieing 12th for now...
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Yael Pena
137 - SM Yael Pena's surfing's been pointing in the right direction! Photo: Miguel Caparica
TheGoss Young Canarian surfer, Yael Pena is looking strong in joint 9th alongside fellow Volcom team rider, Justin Becret, after some consistent Quarter Final finishes.
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Lens Arancibia
139 - SM Lens Arancibia's been looking on form over the past few months! Photo: Stu Gaston
TheGoss Lens Arancibia also shares that 9th position on the current Euro rankings after equally consistent form so far which could see him climb further up the rankings if he can maintain his current form.
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Luis Perloiro
141 - SM Luis Perloiro launching off a fun lefthander! Photo: Stu Gaston
TheGoss Luis Perloiro looked bang on form with a runner up finish in the first European Pro Junior so if he can build on his early success then he could easily advance from his current 8th placed ranking.
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Leo-Paul etienne
143 - SM Leo-Paul Etienne's surfing is always bang on the mark! Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com
TheGoss Former ISA World Junior Champion Leo Etienne found his form in the third Pro Junior in Espinho this last weekend and with a podium finish has now launched himself to 6th place.
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Marco Mignot
145 - SM Marco Mignot's been making his mark for quite a while now! Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com
TheGoss Following a second place finish at Biscarosse, Marco Mignot, made a lot of momentum up the rankings and if he can find his form again, he'll no doubt up his current 5th.
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Luis Diaz
147 - SM Luis Diaz doing his thing in fun summer surf! Photo: Stu Gaston
TheGoss Luis Diaz dominated his heats throughout much of the most recent event in Espinho, just falling short of victory thus placing him 4th on the rankings.
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Lander Davila
149 - SM Lander Davila daring to race this French drainer! Photo: Stu Gaston
TheGoss Lander Davila defied all the odds to rocket a tremendous 32 places up the rankings to reach 3rd after his recent win at Espinho.
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Titouan Boyer
151 - SM Titouan Boyer looking buoyant on this righthander! Photo: Stu Gaston
TheGoss Sitting comfortably in 2nd place on the rankings is Titouan Boyer after a convincing win in the second Pro Junior at Biscarosse.
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Thomas Debierre
Debierre tackles another lip on his backhand! 153 - SM Thomas Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com
TheGoss After winning the first European event in Caparica, Thomas Debierre has driven onwards with enough consistency to maintain his position atop the rankings.
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T H E G A L L E R Y
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Charly Quivront keeping that tail high! Photo: Eduardo Vidarte
TheGallery
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T H E G A L L E R Y
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Justin Becret going as big as ever! Photo: Stephane Becret
TheGallery
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Surphang Magazine
159 - SM Jake Sage seeks out a fun righthander at Sennen! Photo: Paul Carpenter
NextIssue Well we'd been hoping to see summer put in a bit of an appearance by now in the northern hemisphere but all we've had is a few glimmers of hope mixed in with an unseasonal show of onshore winds and their accompanying churned up swells. So looks like we'll have to make the best of it for now and just do our best to keep bringing you the best in upcoming talent!
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Thanks for reading the Forty Eighth issue of
Surphang Magazine
Charly Quivront keeping spirits high! Photo: Edoardo Vidarte