By Jeff Mull


Amid a legitimate 6-foot-plus Sunset lineup at the Gidget Pro, Steph Gilmore secured her third World Tour title at the young age of 21. A mammoth feat to say the least. And although she didn't win the event—that accolade would go to young blood Carissa Moore—Steph took her place in the history of the sport. Once the dust settled, we sat down with Steph to talk story about the title, how she thinks she stacks up against Slater, and dating guys that don't surf.

So one more world title to your belt. You've got to be feeling pretty comfortable in your own skin  right about now. How did this title compare to others?
This year was really different to the last two, where during the time between competiton I was surfing my brains out and basically being consumed by the ASP womens World Tour and winning events. This year, I really took a different track and was travelling mainly to places that don't even have waves. I wanted to see all the incredible things in the world that I enjoy away from the beach, and I guess it was  also a little challenge with myself to see if I could still pull it off and win without being completely absorbed in the surfing world. I think it felt harder because although I was consistent, I wasn't winning events like last year, and there were way more girls in contention all the way until the end. All three wins are different in their little ways but so freakin' rad all the same.

I'm gonna venture out on a limb here, but I think you might be one of the most dominant surfers in the sport at such a young age, winning three titles by the time you were 21. Do you ever sit back and think, wow, I've got at least 10 more years in me competing. There's a good chance I could overshadow Slater's 9 titles by the time I retire?
I don't really think about it that way but it's probably the most popular question I get asked by the media lately—about either Layne's or Kelly's record. They're both such incredible athletes and that's some serious focus/determination/competitive hunger over such a long period of time...I really struggle to see how long I'll be on tour for, retirement is a pretty gross word, but I love competitive surfing and travelling on tour so who knows. I'd love to win a few more.

Can you talk about what goes on in your mind when you hear that you've officially won a World Title?
That moment, oh my gosh. A thousand different things start going through your head and then there's nothing. You just start floating. It's an amazing feeling, like nothing I can put into words too well. You're just so light and happy.

It's no secret that the Women's Tour has had a tough go this year, what do you think needs to happen to get the Tour to a level that you think it deserves? Would it be more money? Better waves?
Well i guess there are the obvious things that would improve our tour. Now that the women have a vote on the ASP board next year and the WQS is looking healthier, I think things are progressing nicely but I think the support from the companies, not just as personal sponsorship, but for events as a whole could really showcase the girls and then we'll be on our way.

One last random question: Would you date a guy that doesn't surf?
Would that make him a towel rack? [laughs]  I think i would.

Joel Centeio recounts his win at the first jewel of the 2009 Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, the REEF Hawaiian Pro, on episode two of SURFER'S Inside the North Shore.

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Sponsor Me presents Escape from Cannibal Island, a surf spoof chronicling Makua Rothman's Bali adventures.

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Joel Centeio claims top honors at the first jewel of the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing at Haleiwa on the North Shore.

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By Jeff Mull

Want to know who the best surfer is that you've never heard of? Take a glance at Australia's often unsung hero, Sam Wrench.

You made a bit of a name for yourself within the American media by winning the OPJ event. First off, can you talk about winning that event?
I was already so stoked to just be going to the event so I was going there really happy with no pressure and when my heats came along, I just wanted to surf to my best...so that's all I did and I ended up just getting through every heat. I still can't believe that I actually beat all those guys and won.

Has winning the event had any change on your situation? As in have you picked up a sponsor?
Yeah, it has changed my life heaps. When I came home every person I saw told me how stoked they are for me and it just makes the win so special...but I haven't had any luck yet with a sponsor. I don't know why. I just don't understand what more I could have done to get one. But all is well and everything happens for a reason...something will come up and it will be sweet.

Are you going to be doing a stint in Hawaii this year?
Nah, I'm not going to go to Hawaii this season. I really wanted to but it is just too hard when you have to do it by yourself. I've been there four times already but it is so much easier when you're with a team and you have accommodations.

In the past, how'd you prep yourself for the North Shore?
I was never worried about going there. I was always exited so i guess that was my preparation. We have some pretty heavy reefs here at home which helps me prepare for any big barrels.

On a different note, who do you look to in the surf world for inspiration?
I really look up to Dane Reynolds at the moment. I've been looking at his blog every day and his whole approach to everything is so cool. I really think that's why he surfs so good.

Last question: What's something random that most people don't know about you?
I'm addicted to the Internet.

Parkinson, Garcia, and Others Shine on Day Four of the Reef Hawaiian Pro

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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.

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.

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? 

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?

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!

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.

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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