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Jim Kempton reflects on years of the Surfer Poll.
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Congratulations to the 2009 REEF Hawaiian Pro champion Alana Blanchard. In case you needed it, here's some more video proof of how hard she rips.
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By Jeff Mull
On the heels of her first win of the year, we caught up with the ever-cordial Alana Blanchard, winner of the women's Vans Hawaiian Pro, to get her take on the win, requalification, and why Sunset can be oh-so treacherous.
That’s a pretty big win. Has it sunk in yet?
It felt really good to win one…especially in Hawaii. There wasn’t any pressure out there, it really just felt like a freesurf. Me and all of the girls were talking and stuff the whole way through the contest. But yeah, first win of the year…it feels really good.
How are you looking for qualification for next year?
It’s definitely possible. I have to make a few semis or a final or something. I’m not really sure exactly what I need, but it’s definitely possible. I mean, I’ve had a pretty bad year, but I don’t really worry too much. What’s the worst case scenario? I’ll just do the QS again next year and that’s not that bad.
How are you planning on celebrating your win?
Well, it’s actually my boyfriend’s 21st birthday today and we’re gonna out downtown in Honolulu. He’ll have fun. I’m not sure exactly what I’m gonna do, cause I’m still not 21. We’ll figure something out though. We’ll have fun.
So two events left, I want to get your take on Sunset.
I feel pretty comfortable out at Sunset. Well, as comfortable as I can feel out there. Unless you’re a local, that wave is pretty tough to surf. There’s no real channel and there’s always something happening that I’m not expecting. I just surfed it yesterday and it’s fun, but it’s just a really hard wave to surf. But hopefully I’ll do good in the contest.
And how about Honolua. That’s gotta be a bit of a dream setup.
Yeah, it really is. I just hope we get waves. If there’s waves, then it’s one of the best spots around…I’m just really hoping there’s surf for the event.
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A combination of low pressure systems and Hurricane Ida combined for some nasty weather and pronounced swell on the East Coast.
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We worked so hard to find that wave and you blow it off to sell magazines for money!
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By Jeff Mull
Proof that you don't have to hail from a surfing powerhouse nation like the U.S. or Australia to throwdown these days, Chilean surfer turned Domincan Republic native Manuel Selman has shown us that he's just as adept in the water as anyone. Recently, Selman took top honors in our online Hot 100 video contest with his gem of a clip. In conjuntion with his win, Selman takes home a massive prize pack from Gorilla Grip.
When we told Selman that he had won, he replied with an enthusiastic email. "That's so cool, I never thoght I'd win that!!! I'm stoked." So are we, Manuel. To see just what Manuel sent us, check out his video below.
Keep your browser's glued to SurferHot100.com as we're dropping more prizes on you soon.
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Surfermag.com has a whole new set of 2009 wallpapers for you to download. SURFER WALLPAPERS surfing wallpapers surfing photos, top notch surf photography surfing images for desktop
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By Jeff Mull
Heard enough hype about the Modern Collective to last you a lifetime? Yeah, we didn't think so. On the heels of what is said to be one of the finest surf films to drop in years, if not decades, we got one final word in with the film's director, Kai Neville, to get his take on everything from dealing with the media blitz to what keeps him inspired in the editing bay.
It seems like I can't pick up a surf mag or go to a website without there being something on the Modern Collective lately. As your major debut, does the flood of media attention ever make you wonder if the film is being over-hyped and setting an unrealistic, golden standard for you?
The coverage has been wicked, I started the little blog on our first trip to France and we have generated a unique following. I assume the film will be very different from people’s expectations. The movie is session based so what you see is what you get. No two-minute bang of keepers. It showcases a more candid approach to the way these guys surf. I know people are expecting a lot out of this movie, the pressure is on for me to bring the goods. You can’t appeal to everyone though I’m trying to find an enjoyable medium. I religiously watched surf vids around the age 13-17 so my main focal point is to keep the younger generation psyched to go flair.
What or who do you look to for creative inspiration? I know surfing in the past hasn't been the most progressive of genres, but is there a person or a magazine or cinematographer that makes you reexamine how you do your job?
The audience for sure craves more today and I have been tapping into a few genres and music videos for ideas, taking what I like and trying to apply that technique to a surf film. Also, I draw ideas from design and culture magazines like Wonderland, Wallpaper, Dazed, etc. This style has created a really clean and minimal look to the project. More emphasis on the subject rather than applying wild motion graphics and titles across the screen. I love the look in most features and fashion ads of using small text with extravagant imagery apposed to covering the page with hideous graphics.
When the last of the editing is done and the film is released, how are you gonna unwind or are you gonna start plugging away at another film? I’m stoked right now just finished the main edit. About to embark on a wild North American tour! After that I will be ready for a little break to actually go surf and also work on the pre-production for the next movie.What's your take on mainstream style in the surf industry? Pretty lame, to tell you the truth I haven’t even thought of buying surf related items of clothing for at least five years. Seems if you try something a little different you will be ridiculed, be smart, don’t listen, wear what you want. Create your own unique style. Magazine and video produces want to see someone looking fresh and companies can then market the shit out of you. Surfers were like rock stars in the 1970s!
What was the last non-surf film you really enjoyed and why? Cedar Boys. It wasn’t the best film and you could tell they worked with a low budget. I just enjoy gangland-related subjects and this was an Australian film.
Modern Collective teaser ft: Jordy from Poor Specimen on Vimeo.
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Highlights from day two at the 2009 O'Neill Cold Water Classic Santa Cruz at Steamer Lane.
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Video highlights from Hank Gaskell's win over Pancho Sullivan, Myles Padaca, and Shane Beschen at the 2009 Xcel Pro Presented by Honolua at Sunset Beach.
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