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THIS

05

AMERICAN
LIFE

2 0 1 6

VO L . 52

I S S U E

AMERICA IS SURFING

#5

A MODERN SNAPSHOT OF SURFING


IN THE UNITED STATES

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A L O H A
S T A T E
DEBATE

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PA G E

UNION
A

S H O U L D
HAWAIIAN
S U R F E R S
COMPETE FOR
THE
USA?

A R
E
OUNDTABL

58
M A D E
I
N
AMERICA
THE DREAM
AND REALITY
OF
KANOA
IGARASHI

PA G E

66
N E W A G E , O L D G LO RY. PA T R I O T

KO LO H E A N D I N O

PLEDGES

H I S A L L E G I A N C E I N S U R F C I T Y,
U S A . P H O T O : P E T E R TA R A S

F E A T U R I N G

ONEILL INC. 2016 US.ONEILL.COM BRETT BARLEY

U N R E A S O N A B LY D RY
U N R E A S O N A B LY L I G H T

PHOTO: NELLY/SPL

What is it that makes us explore?


The restless urge to pack up and go.
When the rumor of a perfect wave wont leave your mind.
The anticipation, the laughs, the disasters, the surf.
It defines who we are...

NF R ISING SWE LL BO A R D SH O R T

VANS.COM/BOARDSHORTS
Vans Inc. 2016

I PLEDGE
F O R E WO R D
1/2

ALLENat Young makes like the American flag and proudly hangs in Huntington. PHOTO: JIMMICANE

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S u r f in g M a g a zin e
11

F O R E WO R D
2/ 2

Last year Courtney Conlogue finished a few heats short of becoming the first American to win a world title since Kelly Slater in 2011, and the first female since Lisa Andersen in 1997. (Excluding Carissa Moore,
but thats a whole nother topic we tackle in this issue.) Is Courtney our brightest hope for a title in 2016? PHOTO: JIMMICANE

Its a brisk January morning in Huntington


Beach, California. The surf is 3 to 4 feet and
peaky, a playful respite from a month of
nonstop El Nio swells. As the sun rises over my left
shoulder it lights up the two 30 x 60 foot American flags weve
draped over the south side of the infamous HB pylons.
Here today are Kolohe Andino, Nat Young, Brett Simpson,
Courtney Conlogue and Kanoa Igarashi. Four CT staples along
with Kanoa the countrys youngest qualifier since Kolohe in 2011.
This is the first time theyve all gathered together in Huntington
since the US Open of Surfing back in July, but today they arent
here for points. Instead theyre here to smash the shit out of the
punchy pier bowl right flanked by the Stars and Stripes.And

the goal? To nail photos like the one you see on this page (and the
cover). For the America Issue. Our first in two years.
The five paddle out just after 8 a.m., with six photographers
and two videographers strategically placed to capture their every
move with the red, white and blue prominently displayed in the
background. I take a seat on the cool sand next to Kolohes dad,
Dino Andino, and we spark up a conversation.
What do you think of this concept? I ask.
I love seeing American media pushing America. I really do, Dino
answers. Whats going on with competitive surfing right now,
with back-to-back Brazilian world champs and all of the talent
coming out of that country, it reminds me a little bit of Jackie
Robinson bursting onto the baseball scene back in the late 40s.
And I mean that in the best possible way. Its lighting a fire under
these American guys asses.
I think about what he means. About Jackie Robinson. About
how the comparison hes making is in respect to the hunger and
drive surfers like Adriano are using to springboard themselves to
the top. When Jackie came into the MLB he inherently wanted
it more than anyone who had ever preceded him, and when he

started dominating the sport it made every other baseball player

take a long, hard look in the mirror. Gabriel and Adrianos world
titles are having a similar effect: Theyre forcing American surfers
and everyone, really to work harder. Because as it relates
to the CT, its time to be honest: America is no longer the alpha.
Of course, the current state of American surfing shouldnt be
judged strictly by wins and losses on the WSL, and thats the
point Leo Maxam makes in America Is Surfing on Pg. 26. In it, he
writes: [In America] we are the culture makers, the trailblazers,
the benchmark for the rest of the surfing world. So pay no mind to
the make America great again doom and gloom noise from those
who would hijack American surfing and sell us exactly what we
dont need: fear, xenophobia and self-doubt. And hes right: What
America might lack in wave quality and world title contenders (at
least right now), it makes up for tenfold in opportunity.
Kolohe takes off on a chest-high right, spins a full-rotation air
reverse and rides it to shore. He sprints up the beach giving
Dino knuckles never losing stride all the way to the parking lot.
According to Dino hes trained once already this morning and hes
off to work out again right now. This is a big year for Brother,
Dino tells me. And doing well on tour is all he cares about.
I leave Dino and walk to the end of the pier. With the guys done
surfing I clip the zip ties holding the massive flags and carefully
fold each one into a 3-foot triangle. A pair of middle-aged women
greet me. One of them is wearing a white hat with the emblem
of an American flag.
That was a beautiful display, the one with the hat tells me.
We watched all morning and as US Navy vets were really happy
to see you surfers representing our flag.
And isnt this just the greatest country on earth? The other
one adds, with a warm smile.
It is, I think to myself, my arms filled with red, white and blue.
Zander Morton

2 0 1 6

I S S U E

#5

M AY
E D I TO R I A L
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TRANSITION PRODUCTIONS
When we decided to sit down with Kelly Slater, CJ
Hobgood, Brett Simpson, Kolohe Andino and Nat
Young to discuss the State (err, Fate) of the Union
for this America Issue; we enlisted the fine folks at
Transition Productions to capture the conversation
from every possible angle. The day of the shoot, over
on Oahus North Shore, they had everything all set
up location, lighting, cameras and sound, and it
went off without even the slightest hitch. You can
find the results of our collaboration starting on
Pg. 42, and also playing in a beautifully captured
video series live on surfingmagazine.com right
now. So thanks, Transition. We couldnt have done
it without you.

R e c

n s

e
c l

CREW

e e r

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ALWAYS GETTIN LOOSE

TORREY MEISTER | SANUK.COM

TKO

RANGE TX

STAPLE

TANNER ROZUNKO
BARGE TRUNK

Conner

ITS JUST LIKE THE PHIL COLLINS SONG. Ive been waiting for this
momentfor all my lifeOh, Lo-orrd. Minus something about Phil
witnessing a murder when he was young and then outing the guy
at a packed concertor whatever that songs about. Im talking
about the chorus. Cause Santa Barbaras 22-year-old Conner
Coffin has been waiting for this moment CT qualification for
all his lifeOh, Lord. A moment that, for hundreds of other QS
grinders, does not come easily. But after a little adapting to
some crummy Brazilian and Portuguese beachies, Conners excited
to surf the waves we all dream [tour] about. With one or two
other guys outOh, Lord. Its a little like that Phil Collins
song. Beau Flemister

Coffin
PHOTO: SHERMAN

SPEAKEASY
1 /3

SURFING: So youve made it! What are


your expectations for the 2016 season?
CONNER: Im feeling super fired up.
Doing the QS youre continually
focusing on getting better in shittier
waves. So now Im really excited to
switch that up, to transition out
of that and focus on surfing a lot
of the waves that I actually enjoy.
It gives me more time to dial in my
surfboards in better waves and
luckily the waves have been so good
Ma y, 2 01 6
20

SPEAKEASY
2/ 3

Now that hes qualified, Conner no longer has to feel guilty drawing perfect lines in his backyard. PHOTO: SETH DE ROULET

lately that Ive been able to practice in better surf and not feel guilty since I was a kid. Its like, you get to surf Pipeline or Cloudbreak with
about it. Really, Im just excited to surf against the guys on tour and one or two guys out?! Thats been my motivation and drive forever.
see how they approach all these good spots.
Do you feel any pressure to stay on tour after your rookie year, or do
And youve probably already competed against most guys on tour you kind of have nothing to lose at this point? Mmm, I dont really have

at the QS10000 events, right? Yeah, Ive competed with probably


every guy on tour at one event or another. At the Hurley Lowers
Pro a couple times and the QS at Lowers too. Its definitely super
motivating and inspiring.

any expectations for myself. I do have goals, such as being rookie of


the year or to even win an event. Those are two things Id love to do.
But definitely the Dream Tour always felt a little far-fetched and Id
always put it up on a pedestal.

Back to what you said about feeling guilty surfing good waves I
never looked at it that way. Sure, back when I was on the QS and I
was at home, it was almost a disservice to surf Rincon for two days
straight, if I was going to Brazil the following week. You always had
to keep up your bad-wave game.

And why is that? Why would it feel far-fetched for you when youre
one of the best kids your age in America? You didnt just plan on
qualifying? I think I had a good year in 2013 where I came fairly close
to qualifying, but then the next year I could barely even make a heat,
so I kind of lost that mojo. Like, going into Hawaii in 2013, I saw how
it was actually attainable. But thats a pretty common problem
Would you say that a lot of the waves on tour suit your style? The first with people on the QS. You could be trying for over five years and it
three waves are potentially great, if not longer rights. And, yeah, I can be really up and down. One year youre really close and the next
love surfing those types of waves, but The Box or North Point or even you feel like youre surfing the same way but you cant make a heat.
Cloudbreak are my favorite waves in the world to surf regardless, so And you watch the other guys get their mojo and you wonder what
an opportunity to compete in them thats what Ive dreamed about youre doing wrong.
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22

SPEAKEASY
3/ 3

PHOTO: SHERMAN

And how does one get their mojo back on the QS and make things guy or that guy; when the waves are good its more of a strategic
click? I think when it comes down to it, thats just the way surfing game that is really fun to play.

goes. Youre dealing with Mother Nature and elements that are
out of your control. So finding that rhythm can be really difficult
in a 30-minute heat. But at the same time that unpredictability is
what keeps us coming back for more. You can definitely lose so many
heats that it can affect your attitude and the reasons why you surf
in the first place.

Do you have a nemesis on tour that you competed with in the Primes?
No, not really. I guess I grew up competing against Keanu Asing, but
its not like we are nemeses. I guess Ive had a lot of battles with
Kolohe when we were younger, but hes definitely beat me more than
Ive beat him. [laughs]

Does anyone intimidate you on the tour? Mick, KellyAdriano.


Theyre all such solid competitors. They seem very mentally tough.
So in that sense, they seem like very hard guys to beat. But the cool
thing about surfing that I always remind myself is its not always
the guy whos necessarily a better surfer who automatically
wins. You could be surfing against a world champion, and if things
arent going their way, theyre beatable. Its actually a very level
playing field on tour.
Why do you think so few Americans are qualifying these days?

Thats a good question. I think growing up in America, we have a lot


more privileges than kids growing up in, say, Brazil. We have quite
Who are you just dying to go head-to-head with in a heat? Thats a few other opportunities or outlets to be successful while their
a hard question. Filipe Toledo, John John, Kelly, Mick, Parko, Julian, opportunities are limited and surfing might be their only way to break
Gabriel: Those guys are pushing the level of the sport so much higher, out. But I also think that the Brazilians are really hungry and have a
so to have an opportunity to surf with them and compete against lot of drive to get to the top. And maybe Americans dont have that
themits amazing. For me, I dont look at it like I want to beat this same drive that they do.

UP
F R ON T B U RN E R
RE N T R O U L ET T E
S AIL I NG T O T H E AI RP O RT
B U MB L E DY NA S TY
H IT H E R O N T H E D M
B AL D E A GL E S
JO I N T D O G C U ST O DY
MA SS D IVO R C E E MA IL S
F R E E DO M
PLEDGING ALLEGIANCE
N O N C O N T IG U O U S STAT ES
E X IT S TR A TE GY
F E E L IN G T H E B E RN

DOWN
SA YI N G M U R I C A
B A C K U P NU T
TRUMPING
F EL LO W SHI P SE SS I O NS
P O LI TI C S A S U SU A L
LO S T I T S LU S T R E
TR U TH BE TO LD
P O LI C I NG I N STA G R A M
T HR O WI NG C U P S
SI C K F O R A M O NT H
NO T V OT I N G
GOOGLE IT
F I SC A L N EW Y EA R

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1 /6

A M O D E R N S N A P S H O T O F S U R F I N G I N T H E U N I T E D S TAT E S

BY LEO
MAXAM

ou can hear the murmurs growing

louder. Winter is coming, they warn.


From the surf brand fortresses
of Orange County to the vitriolic
message boards of the American surf media, the
panic is palpable.
Its been an eternity (four years!) since an
American (i.e., Kelly Slater) won the world title,
and no one can remember ever having so few
of our boys representing the Stars and Stripes
on surfings biggest stage. The earth must be
spinning off its axis.

Ma y, 2 01 6
26

Parker Coffin. PHOTO:SETH DE ROULET

S u r f in g M a g a zin e
27

2 /6

Though it was by accident, the army corps of engineers created a version of Kellys wave way back in 1929 when constructing a breakwater to
protect the Santa Barbara harbor. Its not as consistent, but its every bit as perfect. Sandspit. PHOTO: SETH DE ROULET

SLATERS MAN-MADE WAVE IS THE

BIGGEST OF GAME-CHANGERS.
HE MADE FANTASY A REALITY,
AND PLANTED IT IN THE HEART OF
AMERICAS AGRICULTURAL ENGINE,

CALIFORNIAS CENTRAL VALLEY.

Slaters roaring competitive inferno has finally cooled and the rest of the world has
pounced with a vengeance. We were foolish to be so complacent. Wed be smart to start
stocking up on Twinkies and ammunition and seal the underground bunker until the
Brazilian Cataclysm blows over. If were lucky, well be able to survive American surfings
nuclear winter and eventually scurry out from our tunnels like small mammals after
the asteroid strike and rebuild after the lizards go extinct. The universe is collapsing.
Or is it? If you ask us, American surfing is doing just fine, thank you. First off, we can
proudly claim the current world champion. Her name is Carissa Moore, she holds a US
passport and she has better style than most. In fact, shes hoisted three world title
trophies in the past five years. Thats dynasty status. And in 2015 there was a fiery,
freckled regularfoot from Huntington named Courtney Conlogue giving her a good
run all the way to Honolua.
But surfing is bigger than world titles, and the number of Americans competing on
the CT is but one myopic estimate of our countrys surfing health. When we take a
Ma y, 2 01 6
28

SUPER COMFY

THE WORLD IS SUPER


IN THE TOY BOARDSHORTS.
SURFBOARDS & APPAREL
superbranded.com
@super_brand
facebook.com/SUPERbrand

3 /6

From buoyweather.com to barreled in under 24-hours. Michael Dunphy, using American technology to strike in the Caribbean . PHOTO: NICOLA LUGO

Ma y, 2 01 6
30

step back from all the dust kicked up by the alarmists


grabbing their guns and running for the hills, we begin
to appreciate a much different scene.
Kelly Slater didnt win a world title in 2015, but what
he did do will have a far greater impact than 11 more
shiny trophies ever could. Slaters man-made wave
is the biggest of game-changers. He made fantasy
a reality, and planted it in the heart of Americas
agricultural engine, Californias Central Valley. Its only
a matter of time before surfings next world champion
and now, potentially, Olympian emerges from the
Arizona desert or the snowcapped Rocky Mountains or
the Great Plains of Kansas or the streets of Chicagos
South Side. If a wave that perfect can be manufactured
east of I-5, anything is possible.

YOUR GLOBAL SURF FORECASTS


COME FROM DATA GATHERED BY
AMERICAN BUOYS AND SATELLITES
AND CRUNCHED BY AMERICAN
TECHNOLOGY. FROM PERFORMANCE

TO

C U LT U R E

TO

D I S C O V E R Y,

A M E R I C A N S U R F I N G K N O W- H O W
C O N T I N U E S TO R E I G N S U P R E M E .

On the big screen, John John and Blake Kuenys


two-years-in-the-making visual orgasm, View From
a Blue Moon, has taken surf cinema to heights Taylor
Steele never could have imagined when he was cutting
together Momentum. And Dane Reynolds continues
to hold court as Worlds Best Freesurfer, with each
new indie web edit inspiring legions of groms to take
alternative routes in surfing. Sampler was both the web
short of 2015 and the ultimate freesurfer manifesto for
riding what you want, where you want and how you
want, regardless of the expectations of everyone else.
Meanwhile, the big-wave realm hasnt been more
thoroughly dominated by the red, white and blue since
the days of Da Bull. We can claim both the defending
Big Wave World Champion (Makua Rothman) and the
current world No. 1 (Greg Long). And when you look at
the two longest-running, most prestigious big-wave
events, 19 of the 24 Mavericks invitees and 21 of the 28
Eddie invitees hold a US passport. Whats more, two
of the three current CT surfers who received invites to
surf the Eddie are Americans: Slater and John John

S u r f in g M a g a zin e
31

4 /6

A scene like this. Outer Banks, North Carolina. PHOTO: MATT LUSK

WHEN WE TAKE A STEP BACK FROM

ALL THE DUST KICKED UP BY THE


ALARMISTS GRABBING THEIR
GUNS AND RUNNING FOR THE
HILLS, WE BEGIN TO APPRECIATE
A

MUCH

DIFFERENT

SCENE.

(Jeremy Flores held it down for France).


At this point we should probably address the elephant wearing a grass skirt in the
room: Yes, Hawaii, youre part of the USA. The POTUS was born on your home turf,
and in spite of what Fox News would have you believe, that makes him a natural-born
American citizen. Hawaiian surfers compete at Nationals, commute to the mainland,
and pay their taxes to the IRS (ask Sunny Garcia). So by all means, keep waving that
Hawaiian flag with pride, but youre part of this dysfunctional family whether you like
it or not. And we take a further look at this topic on Pg. 58.
The lesson here is you cant do anything in surfing without encountering shining
examples of American surfers at the forefront of our sports cultural and performance
evolution. The soul of the surf industrial complex calls Southern California home, even
if that is an oxymoron. Your GoPro was designed in California (made in China, sure,
but what isnt these days?). And your trusty Mayhem was actually made in America.
Your global surf forecasts come from data gathered by American buoys and satellites
Ma y, 2 01 6
32

SURFER

OF

THE

MONTH:

PHOTO: DJ STRUNTZ

GABE MORVIL
AGE: 16
HOMETOWN: WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA
SCHOOL: SWITCHED ON SCHOOLHOUSE
SPONSORS: QUIKSILVER, SURF CITY SURF SHOP, FREAK TRACTION, ORION SURFBOARDS
When it comes to surfing in slop on the East Coast, being tall isnt generally a good thing. Its no coincidence the best from
the East Slater, the Hobgoods, the Lopezes and Benny Bourgeois are all in the sub-6-foot club. Gabe Morvil, however, is
ready to be an exception to that rule. The 16-year-old recently encountered a growth spurt that shot him skyward, but it hasnt
slowed him down a bit. In fact, he recently won three divisions Open Mens, Explorer Mens and Explorer Juniors in one
event at Carolina Beach and you better believe hes ready to tower over his competitors at Nationals this summer. From the
top of the podium, of course with two hands grasped around his first national title. Michael Ciaramella

5 /6

Britt Merrick and Dane Reynolds. PHOTO: SHERMAN

and crunched by American technology. From performance to culture to discovery,

SURFING IS BIGGER THAN WORLD


TITLES, AND THE NUMBER OF
AMERICANS COMPETING ON THE CT

IS BUT ONE MYOPIC ESTIMATE OF


OUR COUNTRYS SURFING HEALTH.

American surfing know-how continues to reign supreme.


But perhaps Americas greatest contribution to surfing is our role as global melting
pot. Its no coincidence that so many great international surfers end up moving
stateside. If youre an Aussie who really likes big barrels, like Anthony Walsh, you move
to Hawaii and marry a local girl. If youre a young Brazilian surfer with big dreams, like
Filipe Toledo (or Yago Dora, or Mateus Herdy, et al), you get out of Dodge and move
to San Clemente. And best of all, your world-class Brazilian-American shaper, Marcio
Zouvi, is already here making your boards.
From former world champs Shaun Tomson (ZAF) and SURFINGs very own Peter
PT Townend (AUS), to modern Aussie transplants like Josh Kerr and Yadin Nicol who
now finally understand what Mexican food is supposed to taste like, Lady Liberty has
always welcomed surfings huddled masses yearning to bust their fins free. They come
here from foreign shores because this country and its vibrant surfing milieu gives
Ma y, 2 01 6
34

6 /6

And Pipeline is, and always will be, the gold standard of surfing. Balaram Stack. PHOTO: BRENT BIELMANN

AMERICA IS SURFING. WE ARE


THE

C U LT U R E

MAKERS,

THE

TRAILBLAZERS, THE BENCHMARK

FOR THE REST OF THE WORLD.

them the best opportunity to succeed. And theres nothing more American than that.
In this way America is surfing. We are the culture makers, the trailblazers, the
benchmark for the rest of the world. And as the standard bearer, American surfing
faces some tough questions in 2016: Where do we go in the post-Slater era? Should
Hawaiian surfers finally represent the US in competition? Just who are Conner Coffin
and Kanoa Igarashi, our countrys newest additions to the CT, and are they up to
the challenge? In this issue, we explore those questions and more, and arrive at one
overarching conclusion: Theres still work to be done, but America is the one for the job.
So pay no mind to the make America great again doom-and-gloom noise from
those who would hijack US surfing and sell us exactly what we dont need: fear,
xenophobia and self-doubt. And next time you paddle out, from sea to shining sea
or a wave pool somewhere in between remember how many surfers around the
world would love to be where you are. Chin up, America. Youre already great.

Ma y, 2 01 6
36

Tatiana Weston-Webb

#GoTati

Caroline

T H R E AT
1/ 2

Marks
PHOTOS: NATE LAWRENCE

FULL NAME: Caroline Marks


AGE: 13
HOMETOWN: Melbourne Beach, FL, but living in San
Clemente, CA
SPONSORS: Roxy, Red Bull, Gromsocial.com, Chemisty
Surfboards, Ron Jon, FCS, Tonic

HOMEBREAK: Sebastian Inlet, Florida


FAVORITE SURFERS: Carissa Moore and Gabriel Medina

What inspires you the most? Kelly Slater


What is your greatest fear? Drowning
What song do you want to hear before you paddle
out? Sorry by Justin Bieber
Best surf video segment of all time? Kelly Slater in
Black & White
Worst enemy? Myself

Ma y, 2 01 6
38

Whats something you do every


single day, without exception?
Pray
Your proudest moment in life?
Winning the US Open Junior
title
Favorite world champions? Occy
and Carissa

Worst tattoo youve ever seen?


Leg tattoos on girls
Best text message ever
received? Ross Williams texted
me a super encouraging
message about being injured
and how to deal with it after I
broke my ankle in two places
Favorite actor? Adam Sandler

Outside of surfing, what do you


love? Fishing
Most underrated surfer? Eric
Geiselman

Best book youve ever read? The


Bible
Describe yourself in fewer than
five words: A chocolate lover

What annoys you about surfing?


Wet, sandy and stinky booties
(the ones on your feet)
Best gift youve ever given
someone? I like trying to give
boards away when I can to
inspire other girls to surf
Does Instagram matter? Yes! Of
course
Dumbest purchase? We bought
a hog one time and it grew into
this huge monster and tried to
eat one of my little brothers

If you were to start a business,


what would you sell? I wouldbe

What is the meaning of life? Take

Would you rather eat a donut or


a kale smoothie for breakfast?

a dog breeder; I love dogs

nothing for granted

Donut

Whats your favorite emoticon?


American Flag
Secret to catching a lot of
waves? Being a girl and
paddling hard
Whos the most beautiful male
surfer? Julian Wilson
Favorite Taylor Swift song?
Shake It off
Best city in the world? New York
City
Kanye West yes or no? No

T H R E AT
2 /2

We bought a
hog one time
and it grew
into this huge
monster and
tried to eat
one of my little
brothers
Its not a question of if but rather, a question of
when Caroline Marks wins her first world title.
Eyeing a big future in Indonesia. PHOTO: LAWRENCE

Ma y, 2 01 6
40

cam richards uses micro-dot

photo corban

premium surf equipment, est. 1982

thinner for better board feel


absorbs less water
Grippier when wet
30% lighter

TM

dr. dot says,

See what the bumps all about at prolite.com/microdot

@PROLITEINT

INTERVIEW BY SAXON BOUCHER

S u r fi n g M ag a z in e
42

PORTRAITS BY PETER TARAS

FATE

UNI N

OF THE

KOLOHE ANDINO

CJ HOBGOOD

BRETT SIMPSON

KELLY SLATER

NAT YOUNG

DISCUSS THE PLIGHT


OF AMERICAN PRO

SURFING

IM SWEATING.
Partly because Im sitting on an outdoor porch under a 1,000-watt strobe light on a humid evening on Oahus North
Shore, but mostly because Kelly Slater, CJ Hobgood, Kolohe Andino, Brett Simpson and Nat Young are 20 minutes
late. I wipe my forehead. Soaked.
With lights and cameras and a 12-person production team all ready to go, I frantically start texting the group.
Where are you guys?
One minute later, with my anxiety peaking, Kelly arrives. Moments later so do Nat, Kolohe, CJ and finally Brett.
Everyone exchanges pleasantries and takes their seat. I step into the background and relax.
With the Pipe Masters set to start tomorrow, in many years past wed be excitedly awaiting the potential crowning
of an American world champ (if he hadnt already been crowned before Hawaii). But times have changed. No American
is in the title race in Hawaii. CJ is retiring. Brett is falling off tour. Kelly is in the twilight of his glorious
career and only he and Nat are ranked in the top 10 on the CT (9th and 10th, respectively).
So, where do we go from here? What is next for American pro surfing? Saxon Boucher starts the
conversation. Zander Morton

SURFING: SO, AS WE KNOW, THERE ARENT


AS MANY AMERICANS ON TOUR AS THERE
ONCE WERE, AND THERES BEEN A GAP
SINCE NAT AND KOLOHE QUALIFIED. KANOA
[IGARASHI]AND CONNER [COFFIN] ARE
COMING ON NOW, BUT...
CJ: Are we saying there is a problem with
American surfing?
Kelly: We had seven East Coasterson tour
at one point:The Hobgood brothers, the
Lopez brothers, Gabe Kling, myself and
Benny Bourgeois. Thats seven just from the
East Coast. Then if you added up Hawaii
and California, it washalf the tour at one
point.That is, if were including Hawaii.
CJ:I just feel like things naturally evolve and
expand and contract in the world. Weve seen
these surfing movements from different
countries throughout history: The Bronzed
Aussies, The Momentum Generation, Euro

Huntington and hes done it; he made the

still making six figures.

tour. And there are quite a few kids his age Kelly: Dane never won it and hes getting
and younger who are on that same track seven figures [laughter].

from our area.


Kolohe: There is a solid pack of 11-and-unders
at T-Street every day that are shredding
super hard. Twenty of them could be top-level
pro surfers.

CJ: Hes turning down seven figures [more

laughter].
SURFING: DO YOU THINKTHE HIGH PAY

GRADE THAT MANY OF THESE YOUNG SURFERS


ARE GETTING AT SUCH A YOUNG AGEIS
SURFING: LETS START AT THE AMATEUR AFFECTINGHOW THEY DEVELOP IN THEIR
LEVEL. IS THERE ANYTHING THE NSSA AND/ COMPETITIVE CAREERS?
OR SURFING AMERICA COULD OR SHOULD Brett:I always felt it was.
BE DOING DIFFERENTLY TO IMPROVE THE Kelly: When I was 15 years oldI made a
SITUATION?
hundred bucks a week from surfing.I think
CJ: Lets put it in perspective. Its notlike I got 110 bucks a week under the tablefrom
the ESA was firing on all cylinders when we Sun Deck.I was stoked.I went from having
were kids. It was just like, Yay, we made no money to having an extra hundred bucks
it to Hatteras. Honestly, its an amateur a weekto pay for my lunches and stuff.I
organization and its about bringing your kids was making 20 bucks a dayfor nothing.And
to the beach and having a good time. I never when you got nothing,thats great. I think

Force, Coolie Kids and now the Brazilian Storm. saw Freddy [Patacchia]; I never saw Andy another factor is that theres more of an

[Irons]; I never saw any of these guys until


I first came to Hawaii; until I first came to
California. With social media these days, we
pretty much already know who every grom
is and how they surf, and thats just a result
of technology.
Nat: When I was doing Lowers [NSSA
Nationals] there were tentsfrom where
you walkout to the beach all the way up to
the point,and every single kid that surfed
[competitively]in Americawas there.
SURFING: DO YOU FEEL THAT SURFING IS Brett:I feel likethat prestigeis gone a
LESS POPULAR AMONG AMERICAN KIDS TODAY little bit. Nationals still means a lot,but
THAN WHEN YOU WERE GROWING UP?
I feel like when I did itwhoever wonwas
Brett: No way. Its as hot as its ever been. getting a six-figure contract. Now kids
Kanoa is only 18. He was our hope in dont have to win Nationalsand theyre
Maybe next well see the Japanese Typhoon.
Kelly: I wonder how long until a surfer from
Japan makes the tour?
CJ: I was pretty amazed at Surfer Poll this
year. That was thefirsttime that a couple of
Braziliansmade itonto the American Surfer
Poll [Gabriel Medina and Filipe Toledo]. And
had Gabriel thrown out a tweethe would
have won easily.Someone tap into that guys
Instagram and win that thing! [laughs]

outlet for freesurfing today.You can be a

professional freesurfer and make millions


of dollars literally.When I was a kid, I only
saw success through one path: competition.
That washow I could make a livingthrough
surfing.And today thats not the only route.
SURFING: SO SHOULD A PROFESSIONAL
SURFER BE SOMEONE WHO IS COMPETING

AND WINNING EVENTS?


Kelly: Is money the only motivating factor?
Do you want success in your life? And what
is success? Is it financial, is it accolades, is it
progression in how well you do something,
your expertise and how you can push your
body? Its different for each person.

S ur fi n g M aga z i n e
45

United we prosper, divided we fall. As it relates to professional surfing, is America


actually the land of too much opportunity? Nat Young. PHOTO: TIM RIDENOUR

IN AMERICA THERE ARE ALL KINDS OF DIFFERENT PATHS YOU CAN

TAKE, AND YOU CAN DO WHAT YOU WANT AND HAVE A LOT OF FUN
AND MAKE A GOOD LIVING WITHOUT NECESSARILY COMPETING.
NAT YOUNG

Ma y, 201 6
46

S ur fi n g M aga z i n e
47

SURFING: THAT BRINGS US TO MOTIVATION. jealous; they get motivated, whereas a lot of bad thing. I feel like insecurity can be a huge

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE WITH THE KIDS


FROM AMERICA AND THE KIDS COMING FROM
DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE WORLD?
Brett: In Brazil they treat surfing as a sport.
At home it can be a lifestyle; its what you
do. But they go down to the beach and tell
themselves, Im gonna catch 36 waves and
ride them to the beach. And Im gonna catch
more than my friend.
Kelly: For some reasonthere always seems
to be more prideif youre fromHawaii,
Australiaor Brazil.The Europeans kind of
had it going for a little while with their crew
the Euro Force thing but the Brazilian
Storm took them out.
Brett: The Brazilians are obviously all
driven, but Adriano seems like hes the
one who has come from the least. I dont

know if theyre actually more driven than


us though. I think that idea is more a media
creation than reality.
Kelly: Are you serious, bro? Do you see how
early [Adriano]shows up at contests? He
literally goes to places two weeks beforethe
start of the event. Its just human nature: The
less you have growing up, the more drive you
have to succeed.
SURFING: IS THE ISSUE OF AMERICANS

BEING ON TOUR SOMETHING YOU GUYS TALK


ABOUT?
Kolohe: Im just friends with all these guys so
banding together just comes naturally.
Brett: Its an individual sport. Were not a
team. We end up surfing against each other
100 times a year. There is a good American
camaraderie though. Were definitely not out
there shaking pompoms for each other, but

young Americans will get jealous.


Kelly: I dont know. I didnt see Medina
carrying Filipe up the beach this year.
CJ: When you feel like youre a minority in a
situation, you want to stick together with
your brother. Those guys arent a minority
on tour anymore, but they still have that
mentality. Ive noticed on social media
especially and I think Brother is the biggest
advocate of it and its the raddest thing
shouting out all the upcoming American
groms, always hitting the American flag.
Because at a certain point, his generation
will start to feel like a minority and they will
start to feel that camaraderie more than
Kelly and I did.

motivator to achieve good things. And I feel


like thats a big part of why those guys are
doing so well right now. So you young guys,
Natty and Brother, need to get real insecure.
Kelly: Dont worry, Brother, Ive been insecure
my whole life [laughs].
Kolohe: Is that your secret?
SURFING: DO YOU THINK HAWAIIAN SURFERS

SHOULD BE CONSIDERED SEPARATE FROM


THE USA?
Kelly: Im fine with Hawaiian sovereignty. I
think it would be cool if they were their own
country. Hawaii is seen as the birthplace of
surfing. Its been seen as its own country all
these years in so many ways. Put it this way:
Kelly: Well, I had that same minority Hawaii has beaten the US at the amateur
mentality because East Coasters were a world titles more times than the US team
minority. I think thats a huge driving force, has beaten the Hawaiian team. So if they
when you feel like youre an outcast from the have that dense of a talent pool, it validates
group and you have to work to get your way them being their own entity.
in there to be accepted.
Brett: Thats just the way its been forever,
CJ: When I was growing up, you werent even separating Hawaii and USA. But they
on the map if you were from Florida. And it shouldnt be able to come out to the
was like, Oh my god, Kellys putting us on mainland if they dont make the Hawaiian
the map! We felt like a minority. And you amateur team and try and get a spot on the
felt like that, Kelly.
mainland USA team.
Kelly: I was the only East Coaster on the
world team. No, I think we had a kneeboarder SURFING: DO YOU THINK IF HAWAIIAN
on there. I remember we went to England SURFERS WERE INCLUDED UNDER THE
in 86 and I was the only ESA guy. It was all UMBRELLA OF THE USA IT WOULD CHANGE
NSSA guys, the whole rest of the team. Lisa ANYTHING? WOULD IT HELP BOTH HAWAIIAN
Andersen made it on the womens team; I AND MAINLAND SURFERS IF THEY FELT LIKE
think she had been living in California for a THEY WERE MORE ON THE SAME TEAM?
few years at that point. But I think Brazil Nat: I dont think that would change
is doing so well because they want it more. anything. Do you guys?
Those guys are so driven. I think they go to the CJ: I wonder how surfers from other countries
beach dreaming about a bigger life. I mean, perceive it? I dont know if surfers from other

when theyre deep in the contest, Im rooting have you seen those guys paddle for a wave? countries even see a difference between

for them.
Kelly: When you have your crew of friends,
you definitely can feed off of that. I know
with our group of friends when we traveled
together me, Shane [Dorian] and Rob
[Machado], Conan [Hayes] and Kalani [Robb]
and everybody I feel like we really fed off
each other in contests.
Brett: And thats what you see with the
Brazilians a lot more these days.
Kelly: They support each other for the most
part, but they also have a really competitive
thing amongst themselves at the same time,
like, Oh, I want to outdo this guy.
Kolohe: I think the difference is they dont get

They triple my wave count on a lot of days.


Brett: They catch a lot of waves.
CJ: I feel like being a minority or an outsider
can also make you really insecure. I had this
conversation with this Brazilian guy in So
Paolo. I told him, You have the biggest
athletes now. Gabriel Medina won the world
title, he has the most social media followers
of anyone on tour, so why are Brazilian
surfers so insecure that they still have to go
on every single website and defend Brazilian
surfing? Why are you so insecure? But I
think that same insecurity drives those guys
because, gosh forbid, If I dont make my heat
no ones gonna like me. I dont think thats a

S ur fi n g M aga z i n e
49

surfers from Hawaii and the mainland.


Kelly: I think its just tradition.
SURFING: IT DOESNT FEEL LIKE THERES
BEEN A LACK OF SURFING TALENT IN
AMERICA. WE HAVE AMAZING SURFERS. I
THINK THE PROBLEM IS MORE THE DRIVE

AND WHERE THAT COMES FROM. WHY DONT


THEY HAVE THAT DOG-EAT-DOG MENTALITY?
Kelly: We do. It trips me out though. But Eric
[Geiselman] is hurt all the time. And then
Evan hasnt made it on. He kinda got some
points this year. But those guys frickin shred.
Their air game is a joke.
Nat: Theres so many different routes

Ma y, 201 6
50

Drive, defined. Kelly Slater at Pipeline. PHOTO: BRENT BIELMANN

ITS JUST HUMAN NATURE: THE LESS

YOU HAVE GROWING UP, THE MORE


DRIVE YOU HAVE TO SUCCEED.
KELLY SLATER

S ur fi n g M aga z i n e
51

down at the contests now and thats part

above]. The Shoe City Pro-Am in HB just aint

competition. It all depends on what kind of of the pressure. And some kids know how to

cutting it. [laughs]


CJ: And the American feeder system to the
tour is the most sketchy that Ive seen since
Ive been on tour.
Nat: Theres guys that can make the tour
without ever leaving Brazil. They have
enough big events to where they only have
to compete at home.

you can take now in surfing, not just

handle it and can do it. But some obviously


thats not gonna matter, and youll want to turn the other way and are turned off by it.
win at the highest level.
Kolohe: Some people react to losing
Kelly: What are your goals? If youre Dane differently. I feel like a lot of Americans shun
wouldnt you rather stay at home and make competition after theyve had a bad run.
a great paycheck, surf your local spots all the Kelly: Its so cool to see families supporting
time, put fun clips together? It would take kids who want to go surf, I think its
him way more time away from the things awesome, but I hate the soccer moms and
he likes to do and places he likes to be and dads thing. Competition is healthy, but
commitment of time and his mind to surf when you take it too seriously, especially in
contests. And it wouldnt make him any more the amateur ranks, you need to pull back.
money. It would just cost him a lot more time.
Hes created the perfect little environment SURFING: LETS TALK ABOUT WHERE THE
for himself.
BIG QUALIFICATION EVENTS ARE HELD
person you are. If youre really competitive,

CJ: So Americas got the best freesurfer. FOR AMERICANS TRYING TO GET ONTO THE

Heyooo!
Kelly: You could easily argue that Dane is the
most influential surfer in the world in the last
eight, 10 years. And his whole thing has been
based on a website, freesurf clips, making
movies and whats fun for him.
SURFING: BUT AS FAR AS SURF FANS GO,
THERES A LARGE FAN BASE THAT WANTS
TO GET HIM IN A JERSEY.
Brett: I think a lot of Americans dont like
losing. I mean, nobody likes to lose, but I knew
guys on the QS that would get a good result,
then lose twice and theyd say, Im not gonna
do the rest of the contests.
Kolohe: Theyre scared.
Brett: Its like, dude, youre gonna lose. Thats
part of it. You win a lot as an amateur. I
remember winning a lot in NSSA. Then you
get on the QS and youre just getting smoked
by Brazilians and guys you dont even know.
Its a harsh reality check.
Kelly: David Eggers is a classic case of that.
He had one of the greatest-ever amateur
careers. He turned pro and fell off the
map within a year. I think he turned pro at
16 and he was winning everything to that
point, even pro contests he was surfing
in when he was 12. And when he turned
pro, for whatever reason, all the pressure,
expectations, he just fell apart. But he
was a true contest machine, that guy. As
a kid everything was about contests and
everything in their familys life was all about
Dave going to contests, winning, and he was
gonna win everything.
Brett: You see these soccer moms and dads

WORLD TOUR AND WHETHER THAT MATTERS.


[*Editors note: In 2016 there will
be four QS events held in Brazil: two
10,000s and two 6,000s; there will be
seven QS events held in Australia:
five 1,000s and two 6,000s; there will
be six QS events held in Hawaii: two
1000s, two 3000s and two 10,000s; and
there will be seven QS events held in
mainland USA: four 1,000s, one 1,500,
one 3,000 and one 10,000.]
Kelly: I think the biggest problem that
we have is that our national tour sucks.
Australias is great. They have the whole pro
junior tour across the country feeding them
young talent. We had the PSAA when I was
coming up and I think its no coincidence we
had so many guys on tour that came straight
out of the PSAA.
Brett: Does the pro junior series even exist in

SURFING: AND THAT USED TO BE THE

CASE WHEN WE HAD THE BUD PRO TOUR IN


AMERICA.
Kolohe: The timing of the contests in
Brazil also makes it so that a lot of the top
international guys dont want to go to those

events. There are two 6-Stars in Brazil during


CT events. And theres a Prime in Saquarema
right before Hawaii.
Kelly: You think its the timing? Youre bound
to get Florida-quality waves when you go to
those events. Thats why the top guys dont
go to those events. If we had contests in
Florida I wouldnt blame the timing for why
no one shows up. [laughter]
CJ: In general the WSL has been working on
improving its top tier. And obviously what
has been neglected is the QS. I dont think
theres a person on tour QS or CT that
wouldnt agree that its not the best system
in place right now.
Kelly: Well, there are no man-on-man heats
in QS events, except in the Primes. And then
theres the locations...
Brett: Even the Primes this year they were
doing that stupid three-man heat, even at
Trestles. I would have won that thing.

America anymore? When I came out of NSSA Kelly: No, if they moved the Trestles contest to

there was practically no junior series. There


were, like, two events. You pretty much went
straight onto the QS and got lost for a while.
Kolohe: Well, its hard when youve got the
best guys like Filipe qualifying at 18 years old
and then other guys who are 19 still doing
the juniors.
Nat: I think there are tons of opportunities
for kids in America through NSSA and WSA
and we still have our junior events, but with
the QS we have nothing there. There are very
few domestic QS events even small events
for guys to get points so they can start to
climb the ranks.
Brett: There are four major events in Brazil
[*Editors note: See list of QS events by country

Huntington you would have won. [laughter]


SURFING: KOLOHE, YOURE POSTING
AMERICAN FLAGS ON EVERY INSTAGRAM

POST. AND WHEN YOU WIN AN EVENT, YOU


HAVE THE STARS AND STRIPES DRAPED ON
YOUR BACK. WAS THAT INSPIRED BY WHAT
THE BRAZILIAN STORM WAS DOING, OR HAVE
YOU ALWAYS BEEN PATRIOTIC?
Kolohe: Kelly and all these guys have been
getting crazy with the American flag forever.
Kelly: Im not very patriotic.
Kolohe: But you have the flag on your back.
Kelly: Occasionally. I actually want to take a
Florida flag. Not as a joke, I would be stoked
to have a Florida flag after a win.

Brett Simpson has spent the last six years on the CT and has won the US Open of
Surfing twice during that span in his Huntington Beach backyard. For Brett, the
tour, and competition, has always been it. PHOTO: JIMMICANE

IN AMERICA, THE TOUR IS BECOMING THE IT THING AND SPONSORS


ARE STARTING TO PUSH GUYS TOWARD THE TOUR IF THEY WANT THAT
BIG CONTRACT. I THINK WELL SEE THE RESULTS OF THAT HERE IN THE
COMING YEARS.
BRETT SIMPSON

S ur fi n g M aga z i n e
53

SURFING: DO YOU THINK PATRIOTISM IS

Nat: I dont ever look at the nationality of who

at a skate camp. The woman was asking

IMPORTANT TO THE SUCCESS OF THE WSL?


CJ: I think the Brazilian Storm is a good
thing. I think its great that everything keeps
evolving. Brazil won last year and they have
three people in the running to win this year.
Thats the truth. They are the powerhouse
right now. Its already happened. And
eventually there will be another shift and it
will go back the other way. And I think thats
rad. Because if America was the powerhouse
the whole time, that would stink. I think it
would be better for our country if we got
knocked down a few pegs. I like rooting for
the underdog.
Brett: It gives us something to strive for.

Im surfing against or where theyre from. It


sucks when one of us [Americans] ends up in
the same heat, but thats how it goes. Those
guys from Brazil end up in the same heats
too. It doesnt really happen too often for us
because there arent too many of us on tour.
Kelly: But you guys just said you had 100
heats together this year.
Brett: No, we didnt have that many, but he
kicked me off tour pretty much. [laughter]
CJ: How many people here do better in a heat
when theyre pissed off? I for sure do better.
I know Brett does better when hes pissed
off. You gotta find a way to have a chip on
your shoulder.

him about winning contests, and he said,

around you as much. Youre selfish, and you


kind of need some of that to win. And I feel
like Ive lost a little bit of that. You get married
and have a kid, and its like, Dude, these
donuts are good. [laughter] But, honestly,
my favorite thing to watch is competitive
surfing. These days I think its a lot harder to
get a big contract just getting photos and
videos.
Kelly: The freesurfing thing seems like it had
a huge focus three to five years ago.
Kolohe: Well, now Filipe is doing the best airs
in heats.

you jump from the pond to the ocean and


start competing against a lot bigger fish. I
also think we need a few more QS contest
opportunities in our areas so they can climb
the ranks.
Kelly: The feeder system could definitely
be stronger. But to CJs point, itll just
take some time. Theres an ebb and flow
of surfing power. Everyone talks about
the Brazilian Storm, but its nothing new.
Theyve had a lot of good surfers for a long
time. They were always a force, even when I
was an amateur. Theres been a lot of great
Brazilian surfers over the years. Its new
that theyre at the top now. Its new that
theyre going for world titles. They have
the desire. Its a cultural thing and its also

Hopefully for the younger generation it lights


a fire under their ass.
Kelly: I think it would be embarrassing if
there were only one or two American guys
barely staying on tour. We should be leading
because weve had the most guys for the
longest amount of time pushing the sport.
We should have an edge. Being in Brazil this
year showed me that we have a lot of work to
do. Everyone else has a lot of work to do. The
energy over there is huge and its not what
people in the surf industry expected. When I
first got on tour I looked at everyone else on
there and the only person I thought could kick
my ass was Tom Curren. I looked around and
thought, The levels not that good. I want
to see a kid come on tour today and say, The
levels not that good. I want to see where
hes aspiring to go.
Kolohe: It seems like thats what Gabriel did.
CJ: I think you have to be cold-blooded in your
confidence and thats what Gabriel has.
Kolohe: Insecure confidence? [laughter]
Kelly: I think the two can go hand in hand.
People get so attached to their sport because
of that insecurity. You gain confidence
through your performance and success, and
then you attach so much to that one thing
that you cant separate who you are from
that thing. It makes you one-dimensional in
a way. Your whole confidence is attached to
this one thing and if you let that thing go,
youre back to square one.

Progressing is way better than winning.


And I thought that was a great statement.
To push your level, wherever its at.
Brett: Ive watched those street park events
at Dew Tour, and P Rod [Paul Rodriguez] will
need, like, a 6.7. And he knows he can just do
something in his sleep to get it. But he has
this huge trick that he couldnt pull his first
two runs, and hell always go for it again, even
if he only needs a small score. Skaters will
never go just to get the score. Its a different
side of it.
Kelly: I wish contests were more geared
toward the spirit of that, like a skate jam,
Kelly: We keep talking about these negative where guys are just pushing for the fun and
things in sport that drive you insecurity, enjoyment of progressing. Some people
anger and it makes me wonder: Is see contests as just a corporate sellout. I
competition good for you spiritually?
think if contests could capture that spirit
Brett: Oh, I think its terrible... but its great. of enjoyment and people coming together
Kolohe: Its terrible but its great?[laughing to advance surfing as opposed to strict
hysterically]
competition, that might attract more people.
CJ: Well its great at a certain time in your Skaters dont claim whos world champ or
life because as kids were naturally the most whos won this or that. For them its all about
selfish people we can be. But once you get whos pushing the level.
older and youre on to the next chapter, you
dont want to be that same kid. Its gonna be SURFING: LETS COME FULL CIRCLE. IS
a negative. But I think it can be a good thing THERE A PROBLEM WITH AMERICAN SURFING?
at a time in your life when youre trying to IF SO, WHAT CHANGES DO WE NEED TO MAKE?
achieve your goals.
CJ: It could be stronger. But let time sort
Kelly: I think its challenging to grow as a itself out and well be back on top.
person and compete heavily. I think its a Brett: The format at the amateur ranks
difficult task to achieve.
could be fitted better to help the kids as
Brett: I feel like when I was younger I was they get toward that stage of wanting to
dumber to that. When you have that get on tour. Get these kids prepared for what
confidence, you dont think about anyone theyre gonna deal with on the QS, where

SURFING: WHEN YOURE IN A CONTEST AND


YOU DRAW A SURFER FROM ANOTHER COUNTRY, SURFING: YOU ALL ARE. THE LEVEL ON
DO YOU THINK ABOUT WHERE THEYRE FROM? TOUR HAS GONE THROUGH THE ROOF.
IS THAT EVER A MOTIVATING FACTOR?
Kelly: My godson recently did an interview

S ur fi n g M aga z i n e
55

Kolohe Andino: Pro surfings patriarch for patriotism. Lower Trestles. PHOTO: JIMMICANE

I DONT THINK ENOUGH YOUNG


A M E R I C A N S U R F E R S D E D I C AT E

THEIR WHOLE ENTIRE LIFE TO BEING


SUCCESSFUL ON THE WORLD TOUR.

ITS EASIER TO LIVE IN AMERICA


THAN IN BRAZIL. IN BRAZIL, THATS
THEIR WHOLE LIFE, TO SUCCEED.
KOLOHE ANDINO

a personal thing for each individual.Right now I think we have a


number of really good surfers that Im surprised havent made it on
tour yet. So Id like to see that happen.
Kolohe: I dont think enough young American surfers dedicate their
whole entire life to being successful on the world tour. Its easier to live
in America than in Brazil. In Brazil, thats their whole life, to succeed.
Nat: In Brazil, qualifying for the tour is their only option. And their
heroes are guys like Gabriel who are doing well in contests. Thats
what everyone wants to do. They want to qualify and be that guy. In
America there are all kinds of different paths you can take, and you can
do what you want and have a lot of fun and make a good living without
necessarily competing. For the Brazilians, they have a very clear path
and they know exactly what they need to do.
Brett: But I think that is slowly starting to slide away. Years ago
regional guys were making a lot of money. A couple guys from
Huntington, a couple guys from here, a couple guys from there.
Some would do the QS, some didnt, but they were all making decent
money doing what they were doing, going to Mexico or doing these
little trips. As I was saying now, in America, the tour is becoming the
it thing and sponsors are starting to push guys toward the tour
if they want that big contract. I think well see the results of that
here in the coming years.

Pipeline. PHOTO: JOSH BERNARD

A
E

S ur fi n g Ma g az i n e
58

D U E T O A 6 0 - Y E A R - O L D T E C H N I C A L I T Y,

THE
IN

50TH

D
A

STATE

PROFESSIONAL

OF

AMERICA,

SURFING.

HAWAII,

BUT

IS

HAS
IT

BEEN

PERHAPS

DELINEATED
TIME

TO

AS

ITS

RETHINK

OWN
THIS

NATION

(HAW)

S E PA R AT I O N ?

Soif HAW got changed to USAare all


the past-champs (and current, ahem,
Carissa Moore!) still Hawaiian? Mauiboy, Kai Barger, already spinning out
over it. PHOTO: BRENT BIELMANN

BEAU FLEMISTER, SURFINGs Hawaii-born editor-atlarge, and CHAS SMITH, former SURFING editor-atlarge and author of Welcome to Paradise, Now Go to
Hell, sit down at a Starbucks in Carlsbad, California,
to debate:

BEAU: Hi Chas, have a seat. You want a coffee?


CHAS: Aloha aina, Beau. A coffee from here? Hell no!
B: [laughs] Mines delicious. Kona coffee, obviously. Best stuff in the world.
Speaking of which, lets get into it: I believe Hawaii should stay its own
sovereign surfing nation. The HAW abbreviation should stay.
C: Of course youre on the side of Hawaii. Youre Hawaiian, right? Flemister
thats the ancient Hawaiian term forlost Flemish tribe of Niihau. Just
kidding, so on what basis?
B: The original reasoning behind the HAW distinction stems from the
Makaha International Surfing Championships, the first surfing world
championship, so to speak. And the first Makaha contest ran in 1954, before
Hawaii was an official state of the Union, so Hawaiians classified themselves
as such a different entity than the Mainland and then it just carried
over to now.
C: So, is that really true, though? Is that really a fact?
B: Absolutely, it is. You disagree with the oracle and sage Matt Warshaw and
his sacred electronic text, The Encyclopedia of Surfingdot com?
C: Well, I think that the HAW is how Rabbit Bartholomew first delineated it. I
think that he gave Hawaii its own slot in the contest and it was just accepted.
Thats what I heard. But you or Matt Warshaw could be right.
B: So you dont buy the before it was a state theory? You think that Rabbit
just did it to kiss up to Hawaiians?

S ur fi n g Ma g az i n e
61

C: Yes, to appease them. I think that Rabbit


had a little Stockholm syndrome. I honestly
think that he came to love the oppressor
[Hawaiians] after taking so much shit for so
long. When I say shit, I mean almost getting
killed by Da Hui like in Bustin Down the Doors.
But I also think Rabbits relationship with
Hawaii is too tangled to ever really know
whats going on or how he feels or why the
HAW delineation happened. Im sure that
he loves Hawaii but theres probably a fine
line between whats appeasement and
whats respect. But I would say that its
appeasement.
B: Well, despite the dubious origin story,
Id say that Hawaii has and always has had
enough good surfers to sustain itself as a

more Hawaiian than John John even though

separated surfing superpower. Hawaiians


created the damn sport and were practicing
it for centuries before it was spread globally.
One could maybe say that surfing existed in
Hawaii before the United States was even
a country. But Id have to consult with Matt
Warshaw on that.
C: Lets look at it this way: If Hawaii wanted
to secede and become a sovereign nation,
theyd have good reason to, what with the
overthrow of their monarchy and the division
of land by missionary families, but as long
as theyre a state, then Hawaii is a part of
America as far as Im concerned. I think the
surf worlds artificial respect for their nation
is silly. Especially when Hawaiis current guys
on tour were mostly Caucasian. John John,
Dusty Payne, Seabass. Its not like giving
Hawaii its own delineation is helping actual
Hawaiians or guys with Hawaiian blood to
get on tour. If anyone is prospering its just
the haoles from that artificial delineation.

see how theyd just want to fly the Hawaiian


flag as opposed to the American one next to
their name. But again, its kind of tough luck.
I may dislike Americas policies from time to
time, but when I travel Im stuck claiming Im
an American. What passports do John and
Keanu carry?
B: USA, but Im fairly certain Fox makes
a pretty mean Rasta-centric Hawaiian
passport wallet that Keanu keeps his in for
traveling. But you do see this phenomenon
with other countries within the WSL trying to
be their own sovereign nations. The Basque
-BEAU FLEMISTER
Country has its own abbreviation and the
Canary Islands do as well, when theyre clearly
then well take it. God, I feel dirty, or like a both under Spanish rule. Puerto Rico has its
politician, discussing whats good for actual own and they have American passports, too.
Whats the sense in this? If Hawaii were to
Hawaiians. But what about Sunny Garcia
and Derek Ho? Those guys were Hawaiian- join the USA within surfing, does that mean
blooded Hawaiian world champions. How all the separate spin-off nation states join
their motherlands? Perhaps the WSL is a
can you discount them and say Andy was the
strong supporter of autonomous territories
first beloved one?
C: Aw, they won it pre-Dream Tour. Those and cultures?
C: I wishbut its probably completely and
guys won theirs dominating the Triple Crown
when all three events were on the CT. [laughs] utterly haphazard. Its funny because I
Juuuust kidding. But listen. Even if I were to remember when I lived in Australia, West Oz
often had a robust secessionist movement
argue that we should combine HAW with
USA to bolster American pro surfingwould because they sent all their mining dollars
east. I wonder if Taj Burrow or Yadin Nicol
it? Besides John John in 2016, who else do
would want to secede. The WSL has set such
you really have? Keanu Asing andKanoa
Igarashi? [laughs] There are great Hawaiian a precedent that they would have to let them
surfers right now, dont get me wrong, but I do it. Which is totally silly and arbitrary. If it
werent so arbitrary and they had real reason
dont see anybody in the near future thats
behind it, I could see. But its more like the
going to come out and shine on tour like
John besides maybe Zeke Lau. Am I missing WSL is too afraid to stand up to Hawaii to
switch them over to the USA. Either nobodys
somebody?
Really, this argument matters if surfing is made a stink about it or people have, but the
going to be in the Olympics which seems WSL is chicken. I am making a stink about it.

Like, I could see how if a Duke


Kahanamoku-type surfer got on tour again,
Hawaii would want to claim him as a figure.
Or, some Hawaiian with a Hawaiian name
and Hawaiian blood. But to see the Hawaiian
flag next to John John Florences facedoes
that make actual Hawaiians proud?
B: Aw, I think Hawaii will take what it can
get as far as qualifiers. But I also disagree
with that sentiment. I bring to the stand
Exhibit: Andy Irons. A beloved non-Hawaiian
Hawaiian world champion.
C: I think that Hawaiians really liked how
Andy Irons surfed and lived. There was
something about Andys persona that was
very Hawaiian. I almost feel like Andy was

pretty inevitable. Hawaii will have to get

theyre both haoles, or at least is more added to the American team. How, on a

embraced than John. Andy had the whole


Wolf Pak behind him he had a crew. John
John has his close friends and brothers but he
doesnt have a bad-ass posse like Andy did.
But they also have different personalities,
however, I dont think Johns personality
resonates with the same people that cheered
for Andy.
Let me put it this way: I think that Andy
Irons is a Hawaiian champion in the same
way that Bill Clinton was the first black
president.
B: [Laughs] Right, like if we finally get one

One could
maybe say that
surng existed
in Hawaii
before the
United States
was even a
country.

Ma y, 201 6
62

world scale like the Olympics, are you going


to convince the committee that Hawaii is its
own entity? Id say as long as the American
flag is flying over their flag its tough luck and
if Hawaii wants to be its own surfing nation,
then it should rise up against the American
government and make itself its own nationnation.
B: Fair nuff. But if you were to ask John John
or any of the other Hawaiians on tour if
they should be part of the USA, what would
they say?
C: Theyd say no. And its true, I think guys like
John John dont identify with the Mainland
and their whole world is Hawaii so I could

Mason Ho, alii-bred enjoying the Sport of Kings. PHOTO: BRENT BIELMANN

B: Dont you feel, though, that if the WSL also think that after 20 titles, its gonna wear that card. I understand that its a reason to
played into being more nationalistic and off and the patriotism will fade and they will

focus on the individual like weve done for


help some countries get more guys on tour? the past 15 years. Im sure right now its more
Like, give the fans in that country something than that, though. Brazil is kind of a Third
to rally behind in surfing?
World country, so to finally beat the, well,
C: I think that with the Brazilian surf fans, whiter countries is a big deal. I get that.
for instance, the whole title thing is so new B: Right. Its new for them. Id say any country
to them, so I can understand why theyre who hasnt had a world champion after 50
so passionate and rabid. I think thats cool years, theyre gonna rally as a nation.
and theyve got this huge presence on the C: But as far as nationalism in surfing goes,
beach and its very patriotic and cute, but I I dont know how much the WSL really plays
rooting for the home flag, it could maybe

S ur fi n g M aga z i n e
63

watch and a reason for non-fans to be a part


of it. Especially with Brazilians finally winning
world titles, which took a long time. Maybe
they keep Hawaii HAW so that each nation
that they have the events in, its like come to
Brazil and cheer for Brazil, or come to Hawaii
and cheer for Hawaii. Like a travel agency.
B: It probably serves the WSL well for
multiple cheering interests. People cheering
for America, people cheering for Hawaii
maybe they can go to Hawaii and sell a

Haole-Hawaiian, Hawaiian-Hawaiian, Hawaiian-American...who gives a shit? When it comes down to it, are we rooting for the man or his
nation? John Florence, a man adored by men of all nations,. Outer Reef, Hawaii. PHOTO: HANK

different package and the WSL-Hawaii can get

Hawaiian surfers involved in a different way for


contests that have a lot of local contestants.
Like the Xcel Pro, the Pipe Trials, the Volcom
Pipe Pro or the Triple Crown?
C: Sure, but I bet that if every last American
fell off tour and there were no more Americans
on, that the WSL would change Hawaii to USA
because then who would non-surfing fans in
America cheer for?
B: Baseballs still popular and arent they all
just Dominicans?
C: [laughs] When it comes down to it, who
really gives a shit? Maybe Brazilian surfers cheer
for Brazilians, but whether John John is under
HAW or USA, American surfers dont care, they

Let me put it this


way: I think that
Andy Irons is a
Hawaiian champion
in the same way
that Bill Clinton
was the first black
president.
-CHAS SMITH

just care about John John, the individual. I dont


think American surfers care what country the
best surfers are from, I think they just have their
favorite surfer, not a favorite national team,
right? I mean, do you give a shit?
B: About what surfer is under which country?
Absolutely not.
C: I mean, do you even care within a heat? Do
you have your heart pulled slightly one way or
another based on the nationality?
B: Nah. Im always just hoping John John
the individual advances. Even when hes
blown it in Round 3 and isnt in the comp
anymoreIm still hoping his night goes well
and he advanceslike, socially, at least.

S ur fi n g Ma g az i n e
65

Made in the USA


BY

BRENDAN

KANOA

BUCKLEY

IGARASHI

BLURRING DREAM AND REALITY DURING A WEEK IN


P O R T U G A L W I T H A M E R I C A S L AT E S T C T Q U A L I F I E R
P H O TO G R A P H Y B Y R I C A R D O B R AV O

S ur fi n g M aga z i n e
67

Ma y, 201 6
68

Turn by turn, wall by wall. Kanoa is quickly


learning the way of the lightweight power surfer.

ITS 11 A.M. IN PORTUGAL . THE BOYS ARE JUST WAKING UP.


The boys, in this case, are Kanoa Igarashi, Leonardo Fioravanti and Matt Passaquindici.
They went out last night and didnt come home until late. Or early, depending on how
you look at it. It was 6 a.m. when they finally laid their heads to rest. And now, bedroom
doors are locked, windows are closed, waves are going without suitors and the whole
world is being ignored.
You cant really blame them.
Theyre young. And pro surfers. They have a decent amount of money, a relative amount
of fame. Everybody wants to be their friend. Plus, theres a casino nearby, right in the
middle of some ancient street thats now lined with modern clubs. Musics loud. Drinks
are cheap. 6 a.m. always comes too soon.
After some prodding, the boys awaken from their linen tombs. And suddenly, Im
caught off guard.
Their eyes arent glassed over. None of them complain of a headache. They arent
even limping? Im confused. Where I come from, a night that stretches until that hour
leaves a man looking and feeling like hed just left war. But Kanoa and his friends are
shockinglyfine.
We load up the car to the beach, finally and I wonder how theyre not hungover.
Turns out they didnt drink very much. The girls were standoffish so they only danced a
little. Maybe they played a few hands of blackjack, but it was all pretty mellow.
This is a normal night out, they explain. Partying, for them, rarely involves excessive
indulgence. I cant tell if theyre innocent or responsible, but it doesnt feel like both.
We arrive at a little beachbreak. It looks fun, so wetsuits are thrown on in a zipper-free
frenzy the Portuguese winter has a way of reminding you to change as efficiently as
possible. They surf long and they surf well.
Im beginning to realize that Kanoa isnt the type of 18-year-old Im familiar with.

YOU LOOK AT A GUY


LIKE ADRIANO DE
SOUZA . HE WEIGHS
LESS THAN ME AND
HE FIGURED IT OUT.
HIS PARENTS WERE YOUNG WHEN THEY MOVED.
His mother, Misa, was a popular yoga teacher back in Tokyo and was offered a job in
California. Pops, Tomatsuri, is the owner of a very fine cutback and came along for the
ride. They decided to give the USA a shot and never looked back. Some years later, out
came Kanoa. Turns out America is a great place to raise a surfer.
My first memories of surfing all revolve around my dad, Kanoa says. I actually
remember him brushing me when I was super young. [laughs] Surfing was something
that he liked to do with his friends for fun and I dont think he wanted the responsibility
of taking a little kid out there. That fired me up so much. He finally taught me once I was
old enough to learn, and I remember wanting to get really good at it and prove to him
that I could hang.

S ur fi n g Ma g az i n e
69

Kanoa speaks three languages and has two citizenships, but he only has one
home (and no, its not the tube).

S ur fi n g M aga z i n e
71

He could. Kanoa quickly became one of the best amateur surfers


in America. What he lacked in stature he made up for in style, and
he had perfect technique by the time most kids are still figuring out
how to not pull each others hair or have arguments with inanimate
objects. This led to trophies and stickers and trophies and stickers
and trophies and stickers and eventually income.
Matty, who grew up with Kanoa, recalls the perks of paychecks.
We had this little rat pack of kids who were having fun with it, and I
felt like our whole friend group was pretty much surfing at the same
level. But then he started getting better than all of us. And once he
started traveling, hed come back from trips and completely blow us
out of the water. Thats when I knew he was different.
Different indeed.
Kanoas surfing is, in a word, precise. Hes the type that looks like
hes never going to fall, like his surfboard is just a flesh and fiberglass
extension of his body. His timing is perfect, his form even better. Hes
more likely to do three turns and a finisher than he is to fifth-gear
his way down the line and try a full rotation. His approach may not
be the flashiest, but a wise palate would appreciate it for its perfect

the top five guys were really powerful and everyone else was just
happy to occasionally make the quarters. Anybody can win now.
He pauses.
But I think Kanoa will get smoked in 6- to- 8- foot waves, he says.
Flaws. We all have them. Mine is limping for a week after I come
home at 6 a.m.
I talk to Kanoa about this later that day. I know that my weak
point is in bigger, heavier waves. As soon as it gets over 4 feet, Ill
feel like Im surfing really well and then Ill watch the footage and
realize that I look like a little kid. Even when its 3 feet at a place like
Margaret River, Im going to be going against guys like Jordy and
looking really weak.
He pauses.
But then you look at a guy like Adriano de Souza. He weighs less
than me and he figured it out.
He did. His trophy says so.
Figuring it out means attacking your weaknesses. Figuring it out
means treating it like a real job. Figuring it out, apparently, means
spending a few weeks in Portugal.

I GREW UP AS AN AMERICAN , SO

expression of fundamentals the surprises are almost masked by


his smoothness.
In a way, his surfing is built for the tour. But maybe just not yet.
Were in the car again, passing farms, cattle, castles, homes, hills.
All ancient and lonely and blurring into vague memories almost
instantly.
Im not riding with Kanoa this time. Im riding with Steven Belly
Bell. Bellys the team manager for Quiksilver and has worked with
Kanoa since he signed with the brand seven years ago. Hes a hardnosed kind of guy, this Belly. He loves surfing Sunset Beach. He owns
more Dick Brewers than I own T-Shirts. Hes truly passionate about
surfing, so he dedicated his life to it and now hes got the stories and
sun marks to prove it.
Belly was a little bit surprised by Kanoas sudden rise to the CT.
He could get 12th or he could get 25th Belly belts. And hes right.
The tour is weird like that a slight change in rhythm can not only
change the song, but the entire album. Its not like the old days when

At first, it seemed like a strange destination. Sure, the waves are


fun, and yeah, the people are friendly but there are thousands of
islands with white sand and blue water and palm trees that check
those boxes, too.
But then again, the Atlantic Ocean has a lot of energy to dispose
of, and it aims a whole lot of it here. There are points that mimic
a moody J-Bay. Beachbreaks that can/will harm you. The waves
here are hard to surf and they expose your flaws. In other words,
its perfect.
I came here because I wanted to surf difficult waves. Its different
over here. Its different from what I grew up with in Huntington Beach
and different from the waves on the QS. Its great for training.
Great for figuring it out. Especially when you feel like you have
something to prove.
I hate when people say Ill only get results when its 2-foot, but its
true. I have a better chance at 2-foot Snapper than I do at 15-foot
Teahupoo. I hope its bombing at that event. I dont want to go there

Ma y, 201 6
72

and have it be small. Id rather have it be 10-foot and lose in Round


2 with a 9 than make the quarters when its small. I want to prove
to people that I can get results when its like that. I want to prove
it to myself, too.
Igarashi, in Japanese, translates to the 50-year storm, so
Kanoas WSL jersey next year will feature the number 50 directly
below his name. However, its still unclear which flag hell represent.
At dinner one night, Kanoa mentioned that he could make more
money if he chose to surf for Japan. The decision really means
nothing more than that. It has no influence on his passport or
citizenship its just as easy as an email to the WSL. He explained
his feelings over a steak.
I grew up as an American, so why would I change that now? I mean,
thats where Im from. Ive had people from the USA supporting me
my whole career, so I dont want to switch to Japan just because I
qualified.
But on the other hand, Im 100 percent Japanese. Ive always
been able to speak Japanese and I have a lot of family and really

for your country. So Im just going to go with whatever I feel more


comfortable representing.
Its easy to sense that hes torn. Its even easier to sense tugging
from different directions. His eyes see the perks of both sides and his
ears are a battleground of suggestive whispers. Its a decision that
can be made in a split second, but there will be a colorful emblem
to remind him, and the world, of which side he chose for the next
20 years.
Kanoas goal one day is to win a world title. As of press time, one
month before the beginning of the WSLs 2016 CT season, Kanoa
still cant envision which flag hell be wrapped in should he achieve it.

close friends who still live there. Plus Id be the first Japanese to ever

surfer alive today than 14-year-old Kanoa Igarashi. Its a seven

PHOTOS: TARAS

ITS LATE IN THE AFTERNOON.


The waves are small. The wind is up. We already surfed and now
were huddled around a computer screen, binge-watching videos
on YouTube. Soon enough, we stumble upon one of Kanoa.
The video description reads: There is no more promising young

WHY WOULD I CHANGE THAT NOW?


qualify for the tour. Its a hard one for me right now.
Harder too because Kanoa didnt necessarily grow up as the
darling of American media. You show me any other Americans
path to the CT and Ill show you covers, spreads, profiles, projects,
Instagram posts, etc. But while the American media is well aware of
how talented Kanoa is, his rise to the elite has been strangely silent.
Sometimes I wonder if its because Im not 100 percent American.
Or maybe people just think Im too focused on competition to
care about all of that. But then again, Ive had my fair share of
opportunities maybe I just didnt do too well with them? he laughs.
Japan has been a different story.
Ive had four TV shows in Japan. The earliest was when I was 9,
and the most recent was just this past year. Its a cool fan base over
there, definitely bigger than my US fan base.
But will it affect his decision of which flag to fly?
I dont want to go into Snapper surfing for a country feeling like
I shouldnt be. Because at the end of the day, you want to do good

minute look into his adolescent life, in which we explore his surfing,
his personality and his ambitions. Its cheesy. And amazing.
But it also serves as an overdose of reality.
I still cant believe it. Its been three months and it still hasnt sunk
in. I think its only going to feel real when I get to Snapper.
Snapper will be the first CT Kanoa ever surfs in unlike a lot of
kids in his position, hes never had a wildcard.
Im used to going to CT events as a spectator and being so excited
to surf with those guys. I would always trip on how good they surf
and how focused they are. Its going to be such a weird transition to
actually be one of them. Im worried that Ill forget what Im doing
and find myself asking for Micks autograph before our heat. [laughs]
It all happened so fast.
Kanoas goal for the 2015 QS season was to finish in the top 100.
Halfway through the year, he needed a decent result at the Mr. Price
Pro in Ballito, South Africa, to keep that dream alive.
I had lost first or second round at every event before that and I

S ur fi n g M aga z i n e
73

IM WORRIED
THAT ILL
FORGET WHAT
IM DOING
AND FIND
MYSELF ASKING
FOR MICKS
AUTOGRAPH
BEFORE OUR
HEAT.
went into that one with the goal of making two
heats.
He made the quarters and it gave him a boost
of confidence that changed his life. A few big
results followed and before long, he found himself
on the podium at the Mahalo Surf Eco Festival in
Itacare, Brazil, with a trophy in his hand. And just
like that, it was official.
I didnt feel the same happiness as a normal
win. I went into shock.
Since then, Ive had days when I cant stop
thinking about it. Ill find myself spending hours
watching heats from last year and imagining
myself there and I can really feel it. Then Ill have
moments when it doesnt even feel real.
In Portugal, I witnessed both.
What I saw was a kid just a kid in the midst
of a profound transition. He realized his dream,

even though he sometimes doesnt even realize

that, and now his life is about to change. Whether

2016 is a banner year for him or not, hes talented

enough to stick around on tour for quite a while.


Starting at Snapper and lasting indefinitely, hes
going to have new travel partners, new peers, new
pressures, new challenges and new temptations.
Hes going to experience things that reshape his
idea of both depression and elation. But there,
in Portugal, he was in a strange and fragile time
warp between then and now, between childhood
dream and adult reality.
So. How does he feel about all that?
I could end up homeless at the end of all this
and still be happy. I just want to enjoy every
moment.

S ur fi n g M aga z i n e
75

Excuse me sir, could you sign my 8.17?

2 0 1 6

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OURCASTE

SURFING MAGAZINE _ISSN # 0194_9314_USPS # 510_770_MAY 2016, VOLUME 52 ISSUE 5, published monthly by TEN: The Enthusiast Network, LLC, 261 Madison Ave, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10016. Copyright 2016 by TEN: The Enthusiast Network Magazines, LLC. All rights reserved. Periodicals Postage Paid at New York, NY and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send all UAA to
CFS. (See DMM 707.4.12.5); NON -POSTAL AND MILITARY FACILITIES: send address corrections to SURFING MAGAZINE, P.O. Box 420235, Palm Coast, FL 32142-0235. surfing@emailcustomerservice.com. Subscriptions: US Possessions $21.95 for 12 issues. Canadian orders $33.95: $45.95 for International orders (including surface mail postage). Payment in advance. US funds only.

01.
02.

03.
04.

05.

O U T TA K E S
1/1

A
QU OT E
WE
C U T:

06.

ALL I KNOW IS CJ
IS GONNA COP
SO MUCH SHIT
FOR CALLING
BRAZILIANS
INSECURE.
KELLY SLATER

07.

01. Dont look so happy, guys. CJ HOBGOOD, KOLOHE ANDINO,


KELLY SLATER, BRETT SIMPSON AND NAT YOUNG say
cheese. PHOTO: TARAS
02. Were not entirely sure how a Hawaiian would measure
this wave. YADIN NICOL. PHOTO: SETH DE ROULET
03. Yet another XXM AWARD NOMINATION from El Nino.
PHOTO: BRENT BIELMANN
04. In 2016, vote DANE GUDAUSKAS for president (of the
Positive Vibe Warriors). PHOTO: SETH DE ROULET
05. For the record, ladies, IAN CRANE is available.
PHOTO: TARAS

09.

10.

06. Online editor BRENDAN BUCKLEY takes his lunch breaks


seriously. PHOTO: TARAS
08.

07. AMERICA! Land of the free, home of the brave. WILL


HUNT. PHOTO: BRENT BIELMANN
08. If KANOA IGARASHI wants to succeed on the CT, hes
really going to have to work on his claims. PHOTO:
JIMMICANE
09. Yeah, no, you should probably go in. YADIN NICOL.
Photo: PHOTO: SETH DE ROULET
10. How close is too close? This close. MICHAEL DUNPHY,
breaking boundaries. (And photographer Nicola Lugos
port.) PHOTO: LUGO

Ma y, 2 01 6
112

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