Updates from Surfer Mag

Alana Blanchard Rips

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:31:05 GMT

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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SURFER Talks with Vans Hawaiian Pro Winner Alana B...

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:31:36 GMT

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.

Ida and Low Pressure Systems Storm East Coast

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:31:35 GMT

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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Surf Travel and the First Big Secret Blown

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 23:31:20 GMT

We worked so hard to find that wave and you blow it off to sell magazines for money!

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Manuel Selman Wins the Hot 100 Video Contest

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:22:34 GMT

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.

NEW SURFER WALLPAPERS

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 23:31:28 GMT

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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The Final Interview: Kai Neville Talks About the M...

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:59:15 GMT

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.

Cold Water Classic Santa Cruz Day Two

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:30:29 GMT

Highlights from day two at the 2009 O'Neill Cold Water Classic Santa Cruz at Steamer Lane.

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2009 Xcel Pro Finals

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 23:30:44 GMT

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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The Cold War: 2009 Cold Water Classic Canada Day 6

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 22:30:35 GMT

The Cold War: 2009 Cold Water Classic Canada Day 6

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Previewing Sunset's Debut and the 2009 Xcel Pro

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 23:30:38 GMT

On the eve of the first day of the holding period of the Xcel Sunset Pro, historically the opening course of the North Shore winter, we caught up with Evan Valiere winner of the event in 2006.

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Rip Curl Pro Search Portugal Finals

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 23:30:44 GMT

Highlights from Mick Fanning's win over Bede Durbidge on the final day of competition at Supertubos for the 2009 Rip Curl Pro Search Portugal.

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Shipsterns Bluff Shifts Into Overdrive; Photos by ...

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 23:30:57 GMT

Quite possibly the biggest day ever ridden at Tasmania's mutant wave, Shipsterns Bluff.

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Frozen in Sight: Nat Young Talks Cold Weather Cond...

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:22:22 GMT

By Jeff Mull

Santa Cruz surfers pride themselves on their tolerance for the cold. Four/three, booties, and some frozen fingers are a badge of honor for the NorCal boys. Of the Santa Cruz upstarts, Nat Young has moved himself into the vanguard, winning events left and right and spending plenty of time in front of the lens. Chasing the O'Neill Cold Water Classic series north to Canada, we caught up with the cold-blooded Young to see how he's faring in what has been deemed "The Coldest Contest of the Season." It's pouring rain outside, and Nat is fighting back an onlsaught of shivers as we get to talking.

So we're in Canada, it's pretty miserable outside, but let's hear your take on Canada so far.

Yeah, it's pretty sick over here. It's really foresty. I'm stoked to be out here but it's really cold.

How would you say it compares to Santa Cruz?

It's way colder. We'll only have like, one day a year that's this cold. I don't know man...this is really, really cold.

How's the water?

Cold. Back home, I don't really wear booties or gloves ever. But over here, it's pretty much mandatory. I'm trying not to get in the water unless I have to.

How's the Canadian nightlife?

Ha! I don't even know. I just sit at home at night in front of the fire and try and keep warm. It's too cold to really do anything, so I'm just keeping mellow while I'm here.

How are you getting prepared for your heats out here?

Just trying to stay warm before my heats. Maybe listen to my iPod. I don't think I'm gonna be freesurfing too much though.

Supertubos Pumps at 2009 Rip Curl Pro Search Portu...

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:30:38 GMT

Supertubos gets massive as Mick Fanning and Joel Parkinson advance through to the semifinals.

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Rip Curl Pro Search Portugal Day Three: Photos By ...

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 23:30:47 GMT

Rip Curl Pro Search Portugal Day Three: Photos By Joli

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Day 2 of the 2009 Rip Curl Pro Search Portugal

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 23:30:57 GMT

Surfers can be an uncharitable bunch. Today, the world's top 45 surfers were presented with the best waves they'd seen since Jeffreys Bay. Jeffreys Bay was a long time ago. Four whole events, in fact. But even though it was offshore and solid, the surfers were not stoked. To be fair, the backup wave, Lagido, is not exactly A+. You wouldn't even give it a B. It's a "must try harder", a fat left wall, and the early free-surf session was full of three stage cutbacks. If the best surfers in the world are doing three stage cutbacks, you know you are not looking at a good wave.

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Super Sessions from Outer Banks to New Jersey

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 23:30:48 GMT

Andrew Gesler, Zach Humphries, and a crew of East Coasters journey from the Outer Banks of North Carolina to New Jersey scoring quintessential fall swell along the way. Video: Carmen Vicari

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Storms Pound Peniche; Surfers Lose Their Breakfast...

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 23:30:53 GMT

Imagine you are a Portuguese contractor tasked with building the temporary surf mecca at Peniche. Now imagine you're woken at 4 am by a phone call just one day into the waiting period describing the sound of metal being twisted by whitewater.

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Filling the Ranks: The New Guard on the Women's Wo...

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:30:59 GMT

By Jeff Mull

With all of the media hype focusing in on the men’s World Tour and their last-mile sprint to a title, nary an eye noticed that the women’s WQS came to a premature finish this year with Coco Ho winning the season outright. On the heels of Coco, Australia’s Jessi Miley-Dyer and the ever-heralded Carissa Moore finished a close second and third respectively. With Moore’s spot on next year’s World Tour solidified, coupled with a dynamic Steph Gilmore and a rising Coco Ho, you can rest assured that the surf world will be awaiting the womens’ appearance in 2010 with baited breath.

“I’m really excited to be doing the tour next year and I’m so excited that I qualified. I didn’t feel like I had that great of a year…I didn’t go to Brazil…but I’m just really, really excited, ”said Moore when asked about her run on the ’QS.

In the past, Moore has said that she has every intention of finishing her senior year of high school in Honolulu, (Moore attends with one of the most esteemed private schools in the nation, Punahou. The school is the alma matter of President Obama) a fact that seemed to clash with her 2010 World Tour qualification.

“My dad and I just talked with the school, and we’re going to be able to work something out where I do the tour and finish my senior year up at the same time. It’s gonna be a little scary, but I’m gonna get it done somehow.”

Moore’s appointment to the Big Leagues bodes well for Coco Ho, a close friend since childhood. As a rookie on the World Tour, Ho has made a solid showing as a full-time professional and is currently rated fifth on the World Tour. Couple that with her win on the ’QS, and the pair may indeed prove unstoppable next year. Between Ho and Moore and Steph Gilmore’s hold on the rating, we’re left with the dying revelation that there is a new guard taking hold of the women’s elite circuit.

“Well this year, we had a big break between events on the CT and there was plenty of time to do the QS. I wanted to stay on the tour, so I decided to do the QS too,” said Ho when asked her winning season. “I wasn’t really trying or planning on winning the WQS, it just happened.

“With Carissa on tour next year, it’s gonna be great with her. She’s one of my best friends and I think we’re gonna have a blast next year. It’s gonna be a really exciting year. That’s for sure.”

Jesse Hines Snaps His Tibia and Fibula; Undergoes ...

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 23:30:53 GMT

Just as the weather began to subside with clear skies approaching, Jesse Hines, the area's brightest surf star, snapped his tibia and fibula while surfing the shallow sandbars of Avon.

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What's it Going to Take for Joel Parkinson to Win ...

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 23:30:50 GMT

It's a week before the race for the 2009 ASP World Title season is due to kick off, Luke Egan and Joel Parkinson have bolted two hours down the New South Wales coast to escape the human flotsam of Coolangatta.

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2009 Oakley Pro Junior Global Challenge Finals

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 23:31:05 GMT

Video highlights from Sam Wrench's win at the 2009 Oakley Pro Junior Global Challenge.

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Sam Wrench Claims Oakley Pro Junior; Photos by Jas...

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 23:31:01 GMT

Unsponsored Sam Wrench defeats Marc Lacomare to claim the 2009 Oakley Pro Junior Global Challenge.

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Billabong's Still Filthy Honolulu Premiere

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 17:09:24 GMT

By Jeff Mull

Friday night. Downtown Honolulu. The boys in blue are out in force, patrolling the city’s Chinatown district, trying to keep the peace amid the hundreds of meandering hipsters crawling through the streets. The first Friday of every month always draws a hefty crowd to the historic streets of the city. Bars and shops keep their doors open late, people mingle, wear tight jeans and plaid shirts, and don asymmetrical haircuts.

A few blocks north of the art crawl and a crowd of surfers are standing affront a dimly lit pair of goliath bouncers, having their hands stamped and birthdates checked before they enter the club. Once in, they’ll join their aquatic brethren for the premiere of one of the most anticipated and progressive surf films to make it to the islands in years. It’s the debut of Billabong’s Still Filthy and from the looks of the crowd inside the club, it’s gonna be a hell of a night.

With $3 dollar Primos and a steady drip of thirsty customers crowding the bar, the vibe inside the building was flowing well before the flick even started. Once the lights dimmed and the unforgettable Billabong logo tattooed itself on the projector, the club erupted in a fit of whistles and pidgen-tinted “chheee-hoooos.”

From the opening wave to Parko’s closing segment, Still Filthy did not disappoint. With a soundtrack that will survive the ages, the movie will prove to be as watchable in 2019 as it was in 2009. But more than just good edits and a head-bobbing set of beats, the film’s most solid aspect was the surfing itself, earning yells of approval from the Hawaii crowd whenever a standout punt was stomped or someone weaved their way through a heaver.

That being said, no one seemed to make more of an impression on the audience than Torrey Meister, who had one of the more memorable segments of the movie, showcasing his lightning-fast repertoire.

“That was amazing; the bar is officially raised,” said Billabong frontman and team guru Rainos Hayes at the conclusion of the movie.

Rainos said it right. Taking nothing away from the effervescent club and crowd, but the surfing in Still Filthy goes above and beyond and proved itself the highlight of the evening. With the entire cast of the film having full, head-whipping rotations seemingly on lockdown, it’s unimaginable to see what’s next.

Here’s to a crazy night in Chinatown, and the bar, both literally and figuratively, being raised.