By Jeff Mull

Surfing has always played host to a cast of colorful characters. In the ’60s and ’70s, Miki Dora swindled and swaggered his way into our hearts. In the ’80s, the likes of Gerr and Occy hamming it up as they trekked their way across the globe became the stuff of legends. And the ’90s, with the derelicts at …Lost led by Crazy Randall and Chicken Willy, the envelope was further pushed with every scalp-torching San Clemente moment. Today, lucky for us, the 21st-century surf scene has Kauai’s Sebastian Zietz at the helm.

Growing up on the outer island of Kauai, Seabass is the latest heir to uphold the Zietz family prowess in the water. His older brothers are the stuff of legends on the Garden Island, the kind of surfers that people whisper about and say surf as good as most of the guys on Tour (in most cases, we realize that’s BS, but in this case it just so happens to be true). For Seabass, with his older brothers to emulate in the water, his future as a top-shelf surfer was predestined. That is, until the family packed up and moved to Florida for a few years, nearly dry-docking Seabass in the process. But like a wayward hound that lost it’s way, Seabass found his way home to an outer-island abode and had a thruster tucked under his arm again in no time. Things were back to the way that they should be and young Seabass was progressing at mind-numbing levels.

As someone who had the fortune of watching Seabass develop from the kid with the extra thumb* that sat next to you on the bus to one of smoothest surfers on the island, I can attest to the fact that time in the water will always play a role, but the accelerated nature of Seabass’ development in the water was so ridiculous, it should be studied. One day it was smooth-as-butter turns, the next it was airs—it was as if there was no cap on his learning curve. He would see a punt or a hack, and in one fell swoop or lofty air, he would pull it.

With the likes of Dustin Barca, Roy Powers, and the Irons Bros. paving a path before him, Seabass began gaining the attention of the industry. Heats were won and team managers took note. As Seabass progressed through the amateur ranks, his story seemed to be one of upward mobility. Only one problem: no passport. Born without a live birth certificate (it’s actually quite common on Kauai) traveling the world sans passport can become a difficult endeavor, and without travel, the whole pro surf thing can be a bit difficult. As the kinks surrounding Seabass’ passage into this world were ironed out, Seabass demolished the domestic contest scene, laying waste to his travel-seasoned counterparts with reckless abandon.

When the day came that the final “t” was crossed the last “i” dotted on his passport, it was open season for Seabass. His mug, topped with a mane of wild blonde hair, was—and continues to be—spread across every major American surf magazine. Profiles, video segments, photo shoots, and his prowess as a dancer (see link below) became evident to the public. Seabass was here, bringing some much needed life and flare back to the surf world. Here’s hoping he continues his rise in the Hot 100 and shatters some ego on the dance floor.

*It’s been mentioned time and again that Seabass was born with an extra digit—a small thumb complete with the tiniest of nails—protruding from his regular thumb. What would be a source of embarrassment for many has become a spectacle of pride for Seabass—a move that says wonders about his personality.
 

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Photo Credit: Mike Stephen

It looks like Hawaii ripper Nakoa DeCoite just earned himself all of the gear he needs to nail his next photo courtesy of Go Pro. One quick look through this lad's profile and photos and it's clear as crystal that he's a legit rising star. Want to get hooked up with camera gear, clothes, or God knows what we'll be throwing at next month's winner? Keep your profile pages uploaded with your top shots, cause we're giving away huge prize packages every month to the photo on the site that catches our eye the most.

By Jeff Mull

It was s a risky maneuver, going head-to-head with a 12-year-old on national television in a battle of wits. But then again, Bethany Hamilton has never been one to shy away from risk. Last week, the 19-year-old Kauai surfer who became a source of inspiration across the globe when she survived a shark attack and was back in the water a mere three weeks later, appeared on Fox’s hit television show, "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader." In the wake of her big network debut, we sat down with Hamilton, minus a 5th grader, to talk game shows.

First off, can you tell us how the show works?

Basically, with every question you answer right, you make more money, and a 5th grader is there to help you out the whole time.

How’d you do?

Yeah, I was pretty stoked on how I did I guess. The question I got wrong, I diverted to my 5th-grade partner and went with her answer. She was pretty bummed and she was crying after we found out we were wrong. But yeah, I reached my goal for the show. I knew I wouldn't get near a million dollars. So I was stoked. [Bethany took home a cool $25K.]

Were you nervous being on the show?

Yeah, at first I was pretty much over it. And then I was sort of getting into it more towards the end. But for the most part, I was really nervous the whole time.

When was the show filmed?

The show was actually filmed this time last year. So we had to wait a while for it to come out.

Were there any moments that you regretted being on the show and thought Why did I sign up for this?

Yeah, pretty much after every question.

What’s your take on the show’s host, Jeff Foxworthy?

I liked him. I didn't know who he was before the show. But yeah, he's cool. He was really nice. Even between commercials he would talk to everybody. Nice guy.

What are you going to do with your money?

I haven't done anything with it yet, but I'm planning on donating most of it to charity.

What advice would you have for other game show contestants?

I don't know, you can't really study for the show, because they ask some really diverse questions. I'm probably not a good person to ask about that one. It was a good time though, for sure.

By Jeff Mull

Japan. The land of Godzilla, sushi, and ninjas—three things that we deeply adore—and the next stop for the Oakley Pro Junior series. You read it right, dear reader, so say konichiwa (that’s hello in Japanese) to the city of Chiba and Shidishata Point and the second-to-last qualifying leg of the ASP Pro Junior series. Starting August 7, the elite lads of surfing’s tomorrow will make ready for battle in the land of the rising sun.

Heading east to Japan and there’s a number of Yankee surfers on the hunt for points and a coveted invite for the final event in Bali. Among those grinding their teeth and sharpening their fins is Malibu’s (you read that right…Malibu) own Dillon Perillo, the greatest thing to come out of that area since a shirtless Mcconaughey and before that, Miki Dora himself. As one of the most promising surfers calling LA County home, Perillo has cemented himself as a savvy competitor and humble individual. Chasing the ratings to Japan, Perillo remains steadfast in his commitment to qualify for the final leg and the cumulative $165,000 purse.

"Qualifying for the Oakley Pro Junior Global Challenge Final is really important to me as a junior," says Perillo. "Since I missed the spot at Lowers by one ranking, I thought it would be nice if I could qualify in Japan." Although Japan may not be the most sought after surf locales in the world, the place does fire on all cylinders when conditions turn on. Look for Perillo and a few other American counterparts to take on the Japanese locals.

Only in its second year, the Oakley Pro Junior Global Challenge has already become the event to compete in for up-and-coming pro juniors. Thus far, the series has stopped in Australia, California, South Africa, and Brazil. The format leaves the top two finishers in each event with a coveted spot in the finals in Bali. Six additional surfers will also be used as wildcards in the event, ensuring the cream of junior surfing will be competing in Bali in October.

Currently, the following surfers have secured positions for the Oakley Pro Junior Global Challenge in Bali:

Owen Wright
Kai Barger
Shaun Joubert
Alejo Muniz
Jadson Andre
Davey Cathels
Brendon Gibbens
Jesse Mendes

For more info on the roaming series, check out Oakleyprojunior.com

By Jeff Mull

Department mogul Target made its first strides into the surf world recently by officially signing one of surfing’s most publicized female upstarts, Hawaiian Carissa Moore, to their brand last week. The deal opens up the Minnesota-based company that posted a net income of $2.2 billion in profits in 2008, to the surf industry for the first time. Although the company’s entrance to the sport will inevitably raise a number of eyebrows, Target has been a player in the action-sports industry for nearly a decade, supporting snowboarding giant Shaun White for eight years.

By signing Moore, who at 16 years old is an 11-time NSSA National champ and is currently leading the WQS, Target is making a relatively understated entrance to the game. The details of Moore’s contract have not yet been released.

“We’ve been looking at Carissa for a few years now…after meeting with her and her family, we feel that she’s a perfect fit for our company and represents us well,” said Target Lifestyle Manager, Troy Michels. “Right now we’re not looking at doing anything but supporting Carissa and making sure that she gets all of the best opportunities out there."

Currently, Target is keeping their role in the surf world low-key, opting to keep their marketing team restrained in the coming years. “We’re currently not going to do any advertisements in the magazines or sponsor any events,” said Michels.

When asked if Target will be pursuing any other surfers to add to their bulls-eye logo, Michels did not discount the idea but remained adamant that they are currently only supporting Moore. “I can’t say if we’re going to be sponsoring anyone else or not in the surf industry just yet. But right now, we’re putting our support behind Carissa.”

Moore, who is poised to make her debut at the elite level come next year, effervescently stated that, “I love Target and I am honored to make my relationship with them official. Target opened two stores in Hawaii this year and it’s been great to have one so close to home. I’m really excited and am looking forward to working together. I know we’ll have a lot of fun.”