Surphang Magazine Issue 50

Surphang Magazine

Issue 50

Proudly presents

Sharp Che's Success

Maree all the Way! &the Blue Brothers

In The Bleak Midwinter

A Pro Show Duo Indo Inspiration Southern Promise

Surphang Magazine

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'Celebrate good times, come on! Let's celebrate!'

It's quite astounding to think that with this fiftieth issue, SURPHANG Magazine celebrates five years on the cybershelf of online surf media reading material! And what a five years it's been! We've got to shoot with some of the best surfers in the world (not to mention some less good ones too), met some really decent surfers (not to mention some who really aren't that decent at all) and realised that surfers are no different to any other walk of life – some you feel privileged to have had cross your path and others you'd happily forget forever more. For as with all people on this planet, there are good surfers and bad surfers, friendly surfers and not so friendly surfers, arrogant surfers and humble surfers. And yet regardless of all that, we've stayed true to Supporting Upcoming Rider Potential Here And Now Globally whether that support has been gratefully received and reciprocated or recklessly thrown back in our faces. There have certainly been good times and bad but just like the waves that we shoot, you learn to ride the rough with the smooth and so to all those who are still here and have supported our journey, we simply thank and salute you!

Balancing the joy of surfing in the harshness of winter can be hard...

Photo: Marcus Paladino SM - 02

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Surphang Magazine

Magazine Editor: Stuart Gaston Contributing Photographers: Olivia Anderson, Will Basil, Sam Breeze, Alan Burke, Fernando del Barrio, Anton Carus, Riley Edwards, Warwick Martin, Colin Mckenney, Ryan Miller, Sam Moody, Marcus Paladino, Martin Reid, Felix Rome, Monica Santos, Lourens de Villiers, Dennis Vinh, & Chuck@Surf-Shot.com Staff Photographer: Stuart Gaston

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

Cover Shot: Alex Bauduin launching in Lombok!

Photo: Fernando Del Barrio

Michael Darling delights in the rising sunlight of the dawnie!

Photo: Marcus Paladino

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ThisIssue'sFeatures

Pro Show Uno Pro Show Duo Maree all the way!

Jordy's junior career just ended with a credible quarter finals finish at the WSL Worlds. Now he turns his eye to the big one!

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The

Blue Brothers!

Surphalosophy Sharp Che's Success

Brothers who surf may not be new Che Allan also just took a quarter so let us now introduce you to the finals finish at the WSL World latest upcoming crew of brothers Juniors so here's another talent who already hit the big blue! we'll be keeping our eye on!

ThisIssue

In The Bleak Midwinter

Southern Promise

Being a surf photographer can be Continuing our look at the pool both rewarding and challenging, of talent eminating from the especially when you live in a place southern hemisphere, here's six where it seems it's always winter. more surfers to keep an eye on!

Kings Kings of of Quemao Quemao The Pipeline of Europe, namely El Quemao has been on fire this winter so here's our favourite four kings taming this beast!

Indo Inspiration What do you do if there's no waves at home? Go on a surf trip of course! Alex Bauduin seeks inspiration in Indo!

Rookie Round-up As the Dream Tour kicks off for yet another year of action, here's our quick look at the rookies this time round...

BACK TO BLACK

They may not have even existed five years ago yet Vissla has grown to become many surfers' favourite brand. Here's why...

Alex Bauduin bags some Indo inspiration!

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Welcome to

Pro Show uno Maree all the way!

Photos: Olivia Anderson Words: Stu Gaston

07 - SM Jordy Maree getting right in there!

Photo: Olivia Anderson

ProShowUno

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Maree all the Way!

09 - SM Jordy Maree making his mark!

Photo: Olivia Anderson

ProShowUno

Jordy Maree has been a formidable character on the South African surf scene for some years now. Last year he finished second on the WSL African Junior Rankings which took him straight into the WSL World Junior Championships. He put in a strong performance with some top wave scoring heats along the way meaning his junior career ended with a credible quarter finals finish. Now he turns his eye to the big one as he puts all his efforts into the QS events! We've been following and supporting Jordy's progress for many years now and we know he's definitely one to watch in the future!

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Maree all the Way!

11 - SM Jordy Maree bang on time!

Photo: Olivia Anderson

ProShowUno

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Maree all the Way!

13 - SM Jordy Maree whacking that lip!

Photo: Olivia Anderson

ProShowUno

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Maree all the Way!

15 - SM Jordy Maree getting stuck in again!

Photo: Olivia Anderson

ProShowUno

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Maree all the Way!

17 - SM Jordy Maree hitting it high!

Photo: Olivia Anderson

ProShowUno

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Maree all the Way!

19 - SM Jordy Maree going for it all the way!

Photo: Olivia Anderson

ProShowUno

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Welcome to

Pro Show Duo The

Blue Brothers!

Photos: Alan Burke, Anton Carus & Olivia Anderson Photography Words: Stu Gaston

21 - SM Josh Burke grabs some air time!

Photo: Alan Burke

ProShowDuo Brothers who surf may not be new so let us now introduce you to the latest upcoming crew of brothers who already hit the big blue!

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The

Burke Brothers

23 - SM Josh Burke hitting the air waves!

Photo: Alan Burke

ProShowDuo

Josh Burke graduated from a very successful junior career just over a year ago and we've closely tracked his progress during that time, featuring him on more than one cover over those years too...

Now younger brother Jacob is hot on his heels with some strong performances on the WSL North American circuit during the past year, leaving him 26th on the rankings. So there's plenty still to come from both Burke brothers yet!

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The

Burke Brothers

25 - SM Josh Burke hitting a Huntington lip!

Photo: Alan Burke

ProShowDuo

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The

Burke Brothers

27 - SM Josh jumping in the air again!

Photo: Alan Burke

ProShowDuo

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The

Burke Brothers

29 - SM Josh about to go for a big re-entry!

Photo: Alan Burke

ProShowDuo

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The

Burke Brothers

31 - SM Jacob Burke emanating big brother!

Photo: Alan Burke

ProShowDuo

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The

Jaardsveldt Brothers

33 - SM Ford van Jaardsveldt getting in the green room!

Photo: Olivia Anderson

ProShowDuo

Ford and York van Jaardsveldt are both still very much in the primes of their junior careers and as such are certainly turning heads with their performances.

Ford finished 6th on the WSL Africa Junior rankings last year and both of them were quickly picked up by fresh surf brand RVCA many years ago now which is a real testament to the talent and potential that these brothers hold...

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The

Jaardsveldt Brothers

35 - SM Ford van Jaardsveldt jamming out his tail!

Photo: Olivia Anderson

ProShowDuo

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The

Jaardsveldt Brothers

37 - SM Ford van Jaardsveldt right in that green room!

Photo: Olivia Anderson

ProShowDuo

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The

Jaardsveldt Brothers

39 - SM York van Jaardsveldt getting nicely shacked!

Photo: Olivia Anderson

ProShowDuo

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The

Blouin Brothers

41 - SM Erwan Blouin bashes a nice blue righthand lip in Lanzarote!

Photo: Anton Carus

ProShowDuo

The Blouin brothers from France have become a real 'Tour de Force' in the past year having both been members of the French team competing at the ISA World Junior Championships in the Azores. Coming from a country that has always been strong in both national and international competition, it will be no surprise to see both Erwan and Loic looking to make their mark on the contest scene this coming year!

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The

Blouin Brothers

43 - SM Erwan Blouin goes big off the top!

Photo: Anton Carus

ProShowDuo

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The

Blouin Brothers

45 - SM Erwan Blouin working a lefthander in Lanzarote!

Photo: Anton Carus

ProShowDuo

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The

Blouin Brothers

47 - SM Loic Blouin whacks out quite some spray off this lefthander!

Photo: Anton Carus

ProShowDuo

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The

Blouin Brothers

49 - SM Loic Blouin getting barrelled in Lanzarote!

Photo: Anton Carus

ProShowDuo

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Surphalosophy Sharp Che's Success Photos: Sam Moody; Words: Stu Gaston

51 - SM Che Allan grabs some air time after a successful year!

Photo: Sam Moody

surphalosophy Che Allan also just took a quarter finals finish at the WSL World Juniors so here's another talent we'll be keeping our eye on...

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Sharp Che's Success

53 - SM Che Allan grabbing every opportunity to blow up!

Photo: Sam Moody

surphalosophy

Che Allan ended last year with an all or nothing approach... fortunately it was for the last contest of the season which just happened to be at his local break... and he won! So this propelled him into a fourth place finish on the WSL North America Junior Rankings and earnt him a berth at the WSL World Juniors.

That event with a stacked international field of talent was when Che really came into his own and was able to reveal his sharp surfing prowess to the world with a quarter finals finish just short of under a couple points to make it through. But we have every confidence that Che's recent succes is only the beginning of big things come. Another talent to watch keenly for the future!

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Sharp Che's Success

55 - SM Che Allan airing the fins again!

Photo: Sam Moody

surphalosophy

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Sharp Che's Success

57 - SM Che Allan always on it!

Photo: Sam Moody

surphalosophy

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Sharp Che's Success

59 - SM Che Allan grabs another aerial opportunity!

Photo: Sam Moody

surphalosophy

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Indo Inspiration Photos: Fernando Del Barrio & Riley Ewards; Words: Stu Gaston

61 - SM Alex Bauduin finding inspiration from this Indo righthander!

Photo: Fernando del Barrio

surphangaway What do you do if there's no waves at home? Go on a surf trip of course! Alex Bauduin seeks inspiration in Indo!

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Indo Inspiration

63 - SM Alex Bauduin nicely barrelled in Indo!

Photo: Fernando del Barrio

surphangaway

So Alex, when we last spoke to you almost a year ago, you were just back home from a trip over to Lanzarote in search of some big wave surfing. In between you've had a year travelling both near and far to find good waves but your most exciting trip must have been your recent adventure over in Indo, so how did that come about?

Well it was actually quite last minute – I didn't know I was going until a week before I left. My friend was going and he said he wanted to do some filming and asked me if I could go along with him. We figured out that it was still quite good late season. Flight tickets were cheap and he decided to sponsor the trip through his surf centre and camp, Black Stone Surf.

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Indo Inspiration

65 - SM Alex Bauduin bags some air time in Lombok!

Photo: Fernando del Barrio

surphangaway

While over there, you spent time on both Lombok and Sumbawa, so how did the two compare?

Well we went through Lombok on our way to Sumbawa. We only had planned staying a couple of days but the waves were surprisingly good and it had some beautiful places to visit, so we stayed almost a week then we left straight to Sumbawa as we saw a good swell on the way. We scored in Sumbawa! For me, it's a lot better wave wise and a lot less people in and out of the water.

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Indo Inspiration

Lakey Peak looking dreamy!

Photo: Riley Edwards

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surphangaway

Now there's always a lot of hype about surfing Lakey Peak, so did it live up to your expectations?

I knew Lakey was good because I've heard a lot of people talk about it, but to actually go and experience it for myself was epic. The wave is perfect and really consistent and because I went late season it wasn't too crowded. I think getting pitted everyday lives up to anyones expectations.

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Indo Inspiration

Alex Bauduin back in the green room!

Photo: Riley Edwards

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surphangaway

And out of the whole trip, where and when was your best session then?

Well we had a lot of good waves specially at Lakey Peak and Periscopes. But this one session at Lakey Peak, the swell was picking up and before dark there was hardly anyone one out. There were some bombs coming through and no locals to stop me from catching them! So that was easily the best session of the whole trip for me.

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Indo Inspiration

71 - SM Alex Bauduin going big in Lombok!

Photo: Fernando del Barrio

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?

Surfing good waves makes you want to surf more which means you're surfing so much and the waves are so consistent that it definitely helps you improve and work on things to get better. Also there aren't many external factors to stop you from surfing.

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Indo Inspiration

73 - SM Alex Bauduin bottom turning into perfection!

Photo: Fernando del Barrio

surphangaway

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

Most of the time when I travel it's to compete so it was nice to go on a trip where we didn't really know where we were going to end up. All we knew was that we wanted to catch good waves and surf as much as we could. Surfing good waves in boardies all day, there aren't many places where you can do that.

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Indo Inspiration

75 - SM Alex Bauduin bashing one off the top!

Photo: Fernando del Barrio

surphangaway

And having spent plenty of time travelling last year, what are you travelling plans for the year to come?

I would like to do a couple of trips just to surf epic waves. I had in mind the Mentawaiis in May and I'll be doing the WQS events around Europe. And stay around the Canary Islands when it's good of course and we're having a pretty good winter so far.

So you'll no doubt also being heading off round mainland Europe again this year for the WSL QS events, so what are your goals for your contest season this time around?

I just want to do the best I can and learn as much as I can competitively.

Travelling around with all the QS guys definitely pushes you to do better and better.

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Indo Inspiration

77 - SM Alex Bauduin nicely barrelled!

Photo: Fernando del Barrio

surphangaway

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

Yeh I will be working hard on my edits this year. One's just come out from this Indo trip that Auzokoa has put together.

I would like to do edits from most of my trips now.

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Indo Inspiration

79 - SM Alex Bauduin bigging it up!

Photo: Fernando del Barrio

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 just want to keep working hard and having fun and if that takes me to my goals then perfect. Of course making it on tour would be a dream come true!

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In The Bleak Midwinter Photos: Marcus Paladino; Words: Stu Gaston

81 - SM Michael Darling grabs some midwinter air time!

Photo: Marcus Paladino

surphography Being a surf photographer can be both rewarding and challenging, especially when you live in a place where it seems it's always winter.

We spoke to upcoming sharp shooter Marcus Paladino about what it's like to surf and shoot when it's an endless winter...

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In The Bleak Midwinter

83 - SM Michael Darling delighting in some midwinter perfection!

Photo: Marcus Paladino

surphography

Name: Marcus Paladino Age: 26 Nickname: MP & Dino Years surfing/shooting: 6 Where you live: Tofino, British Columbia, Canada Local break/s: Cox Bay Favourite surfer?

John John Florence Favourite surf photographer?

Jeremy Koreski Favourite place to shoot?

Home Favourite shooting equipment?

Water housing

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In The Bleak Midwinter

85 - SM Michael Darling grabs another aerial opportunity!

Photo: Marcus Paladino

surphography

What first got you into surfing?

Everyone I lived with were avid surfers, I started tagging along with them and they taught me everything I know.

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

I've always loved shooting action sports so when I moved to Tofino in 2011, shooting surfing was no exception. I enjoy it as much as surfing itself.

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In The Bleak Midwinter

87 - SM Michael Darling delights in punting!

Photo: Marcus Paladino

surphography

What about surf photography inspires you most?

The lack of control. You can't really plan anything, so when you see an amazing and unique shot you know that it's something special.

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In The Bleak Midwinter

89 - SM Michael Darling getting slotted!

Photo: Marcus Paladino

surphography

What do you prefer, shooting from land or water and why?

Water. The perspective is way more interesting, it makes you a part of the experience as opposed to just witnessing it.

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In The Bleak Midwinter

91 - SM Michael Darling racing down an icy tube!

Photo: Marcus Paladino

surphography

You spend most of your time shooting in Canada so tell us more about your experiences of shooting there?

Lots of rain. You've got to be ready for the weather around here and prepared to go on long hikes to get good waves.

Where else have you been fortunate enough to travel to and shoot?

Mexico, France and Switzerland.

And where do you still want to head to and shoot at some point?

Hawaii, California and Indo.

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In The Bleak Midwinter

93 - SM Michael Darling delighting in cold water midwinter perfection!

Photo: Marcus Paladino

surphography

When and where would you say you’ve snapped your best shot/s so far?

I don't think I've really taken my "best" photo. But my favourite shots are definitely from home. When the conditions line up and the light is just right there's no place I'd rather be shooting.

And what projects are you working on at the moment?

I've got a few edits I'm working on right now, but otherwise just making travel plans.

And what about the future?

I'll just be happy to travel the world, for free

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Southern Promise Photos: Warwick Martin, Colin Mckenney & Lourens de Villiers; Words: Stu Gaston

95 - SM Coby Perkovich punting some aerial antics!

Photo: Warwick Martin @ OzSurfPics

HotShots Continuing our look at the pool of talent eminating from the southern hemisphere, here's six more surfers to keep an eye on!

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Coby Perkovich

97 - SM Coby Perkovich whacks out some serious spray!

Photo: Warwick Martin @ OzSurfPics

HotShots

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Coby Perkovich

99 - SM Coby Perkovich carving it up at his local!

Photo: Warwick Martin @ OzSurfPics

HotShots

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Kalani Ball

101 - SM Kalani Ball canes a nice one off the top!

Photo: Warwick Martin @ OzSurfPics

HotShots

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Kalani Ball

103 - SM Kalani Ball bashing that lefthand lip!

Photo: Warwick Martin @ OzSurfPics

HotShots

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Kehu Butler

105 - SM Kehu Butler in the balance on that righthand lip!

Photo: Colin Mckenney

HotShots

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Kehu Butler

107 - SM Kehu Butler grabs his own air time!

Photo: Colin Mckenney

HotShots

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Liam de Villiers

109 - SM Liam de Villiers getting in on the action too!

Photo: Lourens de Villiers

HotShots

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Liam de Villiers

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Liam de Villiers shacked!

Photo: Lourens de Villiers

HotShots

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Tane Bowden

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Tane Bowden also grabbing some air time!

Photo: Warwick Martin @ OzSurfPics

HotShots

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Tane Bowden

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Tane Bowden whacking out his tail!

Photo: Warwick Martin @ OzSurfPics

HotShots

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Zac Condon

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Zac Condon caning that righthand lip!

Photo: Warwick Martin @ OzSurfPics

HotShots

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Zac Condon

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Zac Condon working another righthander!

Photo: Warwick Martin @ OzSurfPics

HotShots

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Kings Kings of of Quemao Quemao Photos: Anton Carus; Words: Stu Gaston

121 - SM Alex Bauduin barrelled again, this time closer to home!

Photo: Anton Carus

HotSpots The Pipeline of Europe, namely El Quemao has been on fire this winter so here's our favourite four kings taming this beast!

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Kings Kings of of Quemao Quemao

123 - SM Alex Bauduin carving up the right at El Quemao!

Photo: Anton Carus

HotSpots

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Kings Kings of of Quemao Quemao

125 - SM Alex Bauduin bashing that lefthander!

Photo: Anton Carus

HotSpots

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Kings Kings of of Quemao Quemao

127 - SM Lewis Leadbetter looking to the lip!

Photo: Anton Carus

HotSpots

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Kings Kings of of Quemao Quemao

129 - SM Lewis Leadbetter bottom turning another big one!

Photo: Anton Carus

HotSpots

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Kings Kings of of Quemao Quemao

131 - SM Lewis Leadbetter launching off THE big one!

Photo: Anton Carus

HotSpots

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Kings Kings of of Quemao Quemao

133 - SM Joshua Braddock bags a big one of his own!

Photo: Anton Carus

HotSpots

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Kings Kings of of Quemao Quemao

135 - SM Joshua Braddock brings it round off the top!

Photo: Anton Carus

HotSpots

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Kings Kings of of Quemao Quemao

137 - SM Joshua Braddock back on it!

Photo: Anton Carus

HotSpots

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Kings Kings of of Quemao Quemao

139 - SM Dale Foster finding some fun at his new local!

Photo: Anton Carus

HotSpots

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Rookie Round-up

Photos: Chuck@Surf-shot.com, Monica Santos, Dennis Vinh; Words: Stu Gaston

141 - SM Leo Fioravanti has been on fire again!

Photo: Monica Santos

TheGoss As the Dream Tour kicks off for yet another year of action, here's our quick look at the rookies this time round...

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Connor O'Leary

143 - SM Connor O'Leary caning a Lowers lefthander!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

TheGoss

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Ethan Ewing

145 - SM Ethan Ewing eyeing up his next move!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

TheGoss

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Ezekiel Lau

147 - SM Ezekiel Lau airing at Lowers!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

TheGoss

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Leo Fioravanti

149 - SM Leo Fioravanti looks to be bang on form!

Photo: Ryan Miller

TheGoss

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Frederico Morais

151 - SM Frederico Morais makes the most of a Lowers righthander!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

TheGoss

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Kanoa Igarashi

153 - SM Kanoa Igarashi canes a lefthander at his local as he prepares to get back on it!

Photo: Dennis Vinh

TheGoss

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BACK TO BLACK Photos: Stu Gaston; Words: Stu Gaston

155 - SM Connor Stratton-Darling delighting in his Vissla 7 Seas suit!

Photo: Stu Gaston

HotWots

Our series of 'Hot Wots' features, in which we've been taking an in depth look at What's Hot in the world of wetsuits, have often focused on one upcoming brand in particular and there's a very good reason for that.

Vissla didn't exist 5 years ago and yet since the brand's inception in November 2013, they've grown to become a major player amongst surf labels thanks to their creative and forward-thinking philosophy, taking all the classic elements of the humble wetsuit and bringing it bang up-to-date in their 7 Seas suits.

So once again we've asked Vissla team rider, Connor Stratton-Darling to help give us that actual surfer's eye review of Vissla's most popular 'stealth' version of the 7 Seas suit.

Not only creative behind a lens but equally stylish on any board, Connor's also a surf instructor so no stranger to hours in a wetsuit. Time then for Connor to surf the 7 Seas!

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BACK TO BLACK

157 - SM Connor Stratton-Darling puts the 7 Seas through its paces!

Photo: Stu Gaston

HotWots

STYLE The first thing you notice about the suit is that it's a classic black wetsuit with just a few subtle logos that are only visible close up. For me, a plain black wetsuit which is quietly embellished with the brand's logos in tastefully small quantities is much more pleasing on the eyes. It's catchy and stylish at the same time - in fact it gains style through its lack of colour. This minimalist look says a lot about the brand in allowing the quality of the suit to speak for itself.

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BACK TO BLACK

FEATURES 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

159 - SM Connor Stratton-Darling 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

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BACK TO BLACK

161 - SM Connor Stratton-Darling grabs some air time!

Photo: Sam Breeze

HotWots

FUNCTIONALITY The Vissla 7 Seas wetsuit is packed with really practical features. The chest zip entry system prevented any flushing with its minimum bulk and contoured water tight design, though the placing of the key cord just inside the chest zip could well add some bulk if you did use it to stash your key away and might be uncomfortable when paddling out.

The seals on the cuffs and ankles however were super tight so not only did that stop them rolling up but no water went up them at all either.

The 100% super stretch, super light limestone based neoprene was really well balanced across the suit with it thinner on the arms and calves and then the thicker panels placed 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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BACK TO BLACK

163 - SM Connor Stratton-Darling surfs the 7 Seas!

Photo: Felix Rome

HotWots

COMFORT Vissla's 7 Seas wetsuit is for me the perfect fitting wetsuit. Because of it's anatomically correct engineered body lines, it fitted like you'd want a wetsuit to fit! As a result, it had minimal rub, no irritation and no flush either. That said, it was quite tight indeed and felt a bit restrictive, although I think that's because I've not worn a winter suit in 8 months!

Nonetheless, the thermal hollow fibre lining kept it all warm while the inside of the chest panel supported your upper body really well but not so tight that it was uncomfortable. 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 5/4 coupled with the lightness of a 4/3 – practical yet comfortable!

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BACK TO BLACK

165 - SM Connor Stratton-Darling carving up the 7 Seas!

Photo: 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. Under the arms and on the shoulders, the suit was super flexible which really helped with paddling and I could have happily spent hours out in the surf without getting too tired and with this in mind, you could easily surf in this suit through those cold winter days as its flexibility would mean you wouldn't tire too quickly paddling against a constrictive rubber wetsuit which so often happened with previous winter suits I've had. All in all the perfect fit of the suit coupled with its flexibility made this my new suit of choice for any surf whatever the weather!

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BACK TO BLACK

167 - SM Connor Stratton-Darling making good use of his 7 Seas suit!

Photo: Stu Gaston

HotWots

STRETCHABILITY The 7 Seas wetsuit is surprisingly stretchy, 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 a solid bottom turn, because the suit is such a good fit, it's fairly tricky to get it on and off – the chest zip neck panel fits so well that it's very snug when pulling it over your head so you have to be quite flexible yourself! It's stretchy enough though and not so stretchy that it will lose its shape after a lot of use which once again would stand this suit apart from many others.

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BACK TO BLACK

169 - SM Connor Stratton-Darling digs his Vissla 7 Seas suit!

Photo: Stu Gaston

HotWots

THE VERDICT Personally I found the suit was just what I want from a suit! Its minimalist look and lack of colour and brash logos draws you in so you stand out by being understated. It's better to have a suit that allows you to blend into the lineup when a surf's not going your way, but with enough style that you stand out when your surfing speaks for itself.

The suit is great in the sense that it is tight fitting but for me that works as I spend so much time in a suit! I'd certainly be happy to spend many an hour in the 7 Seas wetsuit finally getting a few good waves for myself!

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All Psyched Up! BACK TO BLACK Photos: Stu Gaston; Words: Stu Gaston

171 - SM Jake Sage all psyched up for a surf!

Photo: Stu Gaston

HotWots

Of course, if a classic wetsuit is what you want, then there's none more classic than the original wetsuit pioneers themselves, O'Neill.

Founded in California in 1952, making this their 65th anniversary, it was the young Jack O'Neill who pioneered the world's first neoprene surf wetsuit, and so successfully found a way to extend his surf sessions in the bone-chilling breaks of North California. While many things have changed since those humble beginnings, O'Neill's initial vision of producing functional and innovative board riding products still lives on in their current range of wetsuits, making them ideal for braving those coldest of swelldrenched winter sessions.

We asked O'Neill rider, Jake Sage, to test out O'Neill's PsychoTech F.U.Z.E. 5/4 wetsuit and give us his surfer's eye review on the classic of all classic wetsuits!

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AllPsychedUp! BACK TO BLACK

FUNCTIONALITY With its impressive features speaking for themselves, O'Neill's PsychoTech combines the exclusive TechnoButter 2 neoprene with TechnoButter 2Air Firewall insulation, Single Fluid Seam Weld and a F.U.Z.E. Closure System. The PyschoTech is also lighter, warmer, more insulating and quicker drying with improved ease of entry.

This wetsuit really is the latest advancement in cold water wetsuit technology from the leaders in innovation for over 60 years.

The PsychoTech's awesome features include: 5/4mm thickness Technobutter 2 neoprene Technobutter 2-Air Firewall Super Minimal Seam Design Double Superseal Neck F.U.Z.E. Entry system Lumbar seamless design Strategic Seamless Paddles zones Single Fluid seam weld Superseal Cuffs Plasma wrist & ankle seals Krypto knee pads External key pocket with loop

173 - SM Jake Sage suited up for that early winter surf!

Photos: Stu Gaston

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

STRATEGIC SEAMLESS PADDLE ZONES An ergonomic, seamless under sleeve panel that allows for unrestricted motion and eliminates rashing.

Flexible and unique design which utilizes minimal seam placement for comfort.

KRYPTO KNEE PADZ Abrasion resistant, high stretch neoprene panel with ergonomic shaping for comfortable durability.

Flexible and unique design utilizes and extended knee pad for added durability.

SINGLE FLUID SEAM WELD O'Neill's exterior fluid seam weld is a revolutionary seam construction that utilizes a non-chafing highgrade, silicone-based urethane applied in liquid form to outside of a glued and blindstitched seam completely blocking out water without restricting flexibility.

EXTERNAL KEY POCKET WITH LOOP Abrasion resistant, high stretch neoprene panel with ergonomic shaping for comfortable durability.

Located along the lower leg inseam.

Constructed with Fluid Seam Weld and UltraFlex DS neoprene, this key pocket has added strength, easy access and completely secure.

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AllPsychedUp! BACK TO BLACK

175 - SM Jake Sage carving it up in his PsychoTech!

Photo: Stu Gaston

HotWots

STYLE The style of the suit is just right and really comtemporary. It's not too flashy with just a splash of colour on a classic black suit – the colour on the back is enough to stand out in the line up yet overall it's still just the classic black so you don't draw too much attention to youself. The panels of the suit make it both look really clean but also function really well with no unnecessary seams.

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AllPsychedUp! BACK TO BLACK

177 - SM Jake Sage putting his PsychoTech through its paces!

HotWots

COMFORT When the suit's on, as it has so few panels, it's really comfortable and stretchy – in fact it's so light, you don't even notice it's on, making it feel more like a summer suit but keeping you that bit warmer! In my opinion, you can't get any more comfortable than the new Technobutter neoprene – the feel of the suit is silky, smooth which makes it practically rub free and super comfy when you're paddling out and waiting for that next set. As with my previous O'Neill suits, they continue to be the comfiest suits I've worn!

Photos: Stu Gaston

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AllPsychedUp! BACK TO BLACK

179 - SM Jake Sage punches one off the top in his PsychoTech!

Photo: Stu Gaston

HotWots

STRETCHABILITY The PsychoTech is such a flexible suit with the Technobutter being the key to providing the ultimate stretch!

Personally, I prefer chest zip wetsuits as for me it's easier to move in when you're out in the surf and getting the suit on and off is fine due to the stretch. So with the Technobutter as well as the minimum panels and it being really lightweight, you can see that O'Neill have made flexibility one of the key features of this suit!

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AllPsychedUp! BACK TO BLACK

181 - SM Jake Sage sets his backhand line!

Photo: Stu Gaston

HotWots

USABILITY Out in the water, the PsychoTech is anything but restrictive, allowing you to push your turns harder without even noticing it's on! It's so flexible with less seams which means that you're free to push your surfing further without being held back by the suit at all. Better still, this flexibility of the suit makes moving in the suit so much easier meaning you can stay in the water longer and surf as much as you can muster. It's definitely my go to suit on a cold winter's morning.

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AllPsychedUp! BACK TO BLACK

183 - SM Jake Sage sends out quite some spray!

Photo: Stu Gaston

HotWots

THE VERDICT I found the PsychoTech super stretchy so you can stay out in the water for longer as you don't get tired. The style's really good – classy but effective. So it's an all round winter suit, suitable for high performance in that early spring contest season but also for when those pumping swells hit during the depths of winter and as it dries so quickly, you can even be ready to hit that pumping surf for a second time!

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T H E G A L L E R Y

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Dorian Gomez takes to the air!

Photo: Courtesy of the Gomez

TheGallery

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T H E G A L L E R Y

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Gabriel Medina always making the most of it!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

TheGallery

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T H E G A L L E R Y

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Ilyas Gougali grabs some air time!

Photo: Martin Reid

TheGallery

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T H E G A L L E R Y

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Isaac Marshall making the most of a fun autumn session!

Photo: Felix Rome

TheGallery

Connor Stratton-Darling delighting in those late autumn sessions!

Photo: Felix Rome

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T H E G A L L E R Y

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Jake Marshall making airs look easy!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

TheGallery

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T H E G A L L E R Y

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John John Florence flying!

Photo: Will Basil

TheGallery

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T H E G A L L E R Y

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Josh Burke basking in a sunset surf!

Photo: Alan Burke

TheGallery

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Surphang Magazine

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The last wave of that sunset session...

Photo: Marcus Paladino

NextIssue So that's a major milestone reached! And now it's time to take a short SURPHANG sabbatical as we uproot and head due west.

We'll be back though, ready for a summer of SURPHANG and doing what we do best!

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Thanks for reading the Fiftieth issue of

Surphang Magazine

Heading home after a satisfying session...

Photo: Marcus Paladino