Ivan Florence Photo Brent Bielmann
LEVI SLAWSON
WHEN the surf is pumping & the fish are biting, and nothing else matters...
Gear matters.
FLAGSHIP BOATSHORT
FREE PARKING
In almost every single Freesurf session leading up to the WSL victory, Hawaii’s own Gabriela Bryan was a powerful and dominant standout.
Photo Mike Latronic
EDITORIAL
Editor / Publisher
Mike Latronic
Photo Director
Brian Bielmann
Art Director John Weaver
Business Administration
Cora Sanchez (808) 260-9219
Sales Associate Keola Latronic
West Coast Distribution & Sales
Chuck Hendsch (619) 227-9128
Distribution & Advertising Inquiries mlatronic808@gmail.com
Staff Shooters
Brent Bielmann, Mike Latronic, John Weaver
Contributing Writers
Tor Johnson, Rebecca Parsons, Alexandra Kahn, Daniel Ikaika Ito, Nicole Nason, Amanda Blackwell, Kaea Latronic
Contributing Photographers
Christa Funk, Dooma Photos, Dayanidhi Das, Erik Aeder, Stu Soley, Mark Rodrigues, Aaron Lynton, Kurt Steinmetz, Mike Ito,Ryan Miller, Tommy Pierucki, Ryan “Chachi” Craig, Sean Evans, Tai Vandyke, Mitch McEwen,
FREESURF MAGAZINE is distributed at most fine surf shops and select specialty stores throughout Hawai‘i and Southern California. Subscribe at freesurfmagazine.com/ shop/subscribe-to-freesurf
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Photo Beatriz Ryder/WSL
PREPARE AND REPAIR FOR SURFING
FEATURING THE
EDITOR'S NOTE
By Mike Latronic
Variety is indeed the spice of life—and in this issue of Freesurf Magazine, we’re definitely feeling pretty spicy. From fitness tips with influencer Sally Cohen to the mind-bending photography of longtime Hawai’i pilgrim Dean Wilmot, plus profiles on rising star Makana Franzmann as well as activist-surfer Dustin Barca, this issue offers an eclectic blend of editorial fun, flair and fascinating personalities.
But perhaps the biggest thrill came firsthand.
I had the privilege of being on the ground in El Salvador for the recent WSL event, and let me tell you—what a show it was. The waves delivered. Punto Roca is perhaps the most premium wave in El Salvador and it is not only long and hollow, but very prone to great progressive, surfing . The hospitality was awesome. The vibe was epic and the crowd was electric. Hawai’i’s own Gabriela Bryan put on a world-class performance that was nothing short of inspiring. Cool, composed, and razor-sharp, she surfed with the kind of confidence and power that, in my eyes, officially places her in the world title conversation for later this year. And let’s not forget the ever-dominant Jordy Smith, who at 37 years old, showed once again why he’s one of the most seasoned and respected competitors on tour. While power surfing is his trademark, he is still one of the most ultra-progressive surfers on tour. Jordy was definitely spicy!
As always, our lensmen Brian and Brent Bielmann come through with a heavy dose of stunning visuals in Aperture, and there’s plenty of industry news, field notes, and surf culture updates to keep you stoked from cover to cover.
So kick back, soak it in, and let this issue transport you—whether to the shores of El Salvador or the frontlines of the North Shore.
Enjoy the ride!
Mike Latronic
Photo Samuel Rivera
GABRIELA BRYAN AND JORDY SMITH WIN 2025 SURF CITY EL SALVADOR PRO
PUNTA ROCA, El Salvador – Gabriela Bryan (HAW) and Jordy Smith (RSA) took top honors at the Surf City El Salvador Pro, Stop No. 4 of the WSL Championship Tour. Bryan claimed her second CT win by defeating Isabella Nichols (AUS), while Smith earned his seventh CT victory, overcoming fellow South African Matthew McGillivray in a historic all-RSA Final. Competitors made the most of clean four-to-six-foot sets at Punta Roca.
Bryan Rises to World No. 2
Gabriela Bryan is now ranked World No. 2 after a strong run that included wins at Margaret River and a runner-up finish in Portugal. In the Final, a board change and late 7.83 ride secured her win over Nichols, who briefly led. Earlier, Bryan also eliminated World Champion Caity Simmers (USA) in the Semis.
Nichols Returns to the Final Stage
Nichols reached her first Final of the year, battling through tough heats and missing her sister’s wedding in the process. The 2022 Margaret River Pro champ now moves to World No. 7 and aims to carry momentum into the Aussie leg.
Caitlin Simmers
Photo Aaron Hughes / WSL
Jordy Smith
Photo Aaron Hughes / WSL
Smith Wins Emotional All-South African Final
Jordy Smith’s dominant form gave him the win over McGillivray, marking a major milestone in his 18-year CT career. His scores of 7.33 and 6.93 were enough to control the heat and claim his first win since 2021. “This means so much—especially to share the Final with a friend like Matthew,” said Smith, dedicating the win to his wife and late father.
McGillivray’s Breakthrough
McGillivray reached his first CT Final and jumps 14 spots to World No. 13. His Semifinal win over Crosby Colapinto (USA) came down to a solid 8.17 ride. “I’ve just been trying to surf smart and do my best,” he said.
Title Race Heats Up
Top contenders Italo Ferreira, Ethan Ewing, and Yago Dora made the Quarterfinals and officially cleared the Midseason Cut, remaining in the hunt for a Top 5 finish and a shot at the World Title.
Final Results Women:
Gabriela Bryan (HAW) 14.33
Isabella Nichols (AUS) 11.74
Men:
Jordy Smith (RSA) 14.26
Matthew McGillivray (RSA) 9.33
Visit WorldSurfLeague.com for full highlights.
Gabriela Bryan
Photo Aaron Hughes / WSL
Jordy Smith of South Africa and Gabriela Bryan of Hawaii after winning the Final at the Surf City El Salvador Pro on April 12, 2025 at Punta Roca, La Libertad, El Salvador. Photo Aaron Hughes / WSL
MAKANA FRANZMANN
THE NEXT GENERATION OF PROGRESSIVE SURFING
By Mike Latronic
At just 21 years old, Makana Franzmann has solidified himself as one of the most promising young surfers emerging from Hawai’i’s North Shore. Growing up at Rocky Point—one of the most high-performance waves on the planet— Franzmann has been immersed in world-class surfing since childhood. This prime location, combined with a natural talent for board sports, has given him an edge in the ever-evolving landscape of modern surfing.
Franzmann’s journey began early, influenced by his family’s deep connection to the ocean. His father introduced him to waves before he could even walk, setting the foundation for a lifelong passion. Alongside his older brother Dylan, Makana quickly became a standout in Hawai’i’s amateur surf scene, making a name for himself through the NSSA (National Scholastic Surfing Association) competitions. His breakthrough moment came at age 11 when he won the NSSA Nationals, igniting a competitive fire that continues to burn strong.
Makana Franzmann Photo Brian Bielmann
While contests have played a key role in his development, Franzmann is equally passionate about free surfing. His progressive style—marked by technical aerial maneuvers and explosive power surfing—stems from his deep-rooted background in skateboarding. Having spent years perfecting his air game at Rocky Point, he has developed a reputation for innovation and a fearless approach to pushing boundaries.
Most recently, Franzmann came agonizingly close to qualifying for the Challenger Series, narrowly missing the cut in a high-stakes semifinal against Finn McGill in Tahiti. Despite the setback, he remains determined, using the experience as fuel for future success.
MAKANA FRANZMANN
Beyond surfing, Franzmann is also pursuing a business degree, recognizing the importance of building a sustainable future alongside his surfing aspirations. With a combination of talent, drive, and intelligence, he represents a new generation of surfers who blend competitive ambition with real-world sensibilities.
Interview with Makana Franzmann FSM: What is it about surfing that is so lovable? What’s the attraction for you?
MF: It just feels like you’re free out there in the water. You don’t need to worry about much, and it’s the best way to express yourself—just pure freedom.
Sequence Mike Latronic
Photo Brent Bielmann
FSM: If you tried to explain that feeling to someone who doesn’t surf, how would you describe it?
MF: It’s the feeling of going fast, doing whatever you want. There’s no one telling you what to do. You can just surf however you feel like surfing. In a contest, you have to surf the best wave as well as you can, but even then, no one controls your style.
FSM: Outside of a contest, what are the possibilities when you paddle into a wave?
MF: The possibilities are endless, depending on what the wave is giving you. But at the same time, you can pretty much do whatever you want.
FSM: Do you remember your first wave?
MF: I don’t remember my first wave exactly, but I do remember my first time surfing in Waikiki on a big soft top. I knew I loved it, even if I don’t remember the exact feeling. Growing up, we spent a lot of time at Haleʻiwa,
MAKANA FRANZMANN
catching whitewater waves with a bunch of kids my age. It was just a super fun thing to do.
FSM: Your parents seem very supportive of your surfing. How has that helped?
MF: Yeah, for sure. My dad put us on bodyboards before we could even walk, just to get us used to the feeling of riding waves. He also built a little halfpipe before we could even walk, so I was skating by the time I was four. He got us into board sports early and kept us stoked.
FSM: Did your mom surf?
MF: Yeah, she liked to stand-up paddle and longboard. She’d come out with us at Chun’s.
FSM: Your older brother Dylan surfs well too.
MF: Yeah, we definitely push each other. He’s two years older, and growing up skating and surfing together, he inspired me a lot.
FSM: Tell me about your amateur career. You and Dylan did a ton of contests together.
MF: Dylan started doing NSSA contests when he was about nine, and I wanted to do them too. We traveled to different islands for contests, and I kept getting better. When I was 11, I won NSSA Nationals, which felt like the best thing in the world at that age. That win definitely got me hooked on competition.
FSM: You’ve had a lot of competitive success since then. Some groms burn out, but you’re still going strong. What keeps you motivated?
MF: That first win definitely fired me up, but for me, it’s more about free surfing. I love doing crazy airs and pushing the sport in new directions. Still, getting a good contest result is an amazing feeling too.
FSM: You have a very modern approach to surfing. Your make-rate for aerials is impressive.
Photo Mike Latronic
FOR THE LONG RIDE...
BILL FURY
HONOLUA BAY 1965
MAKANA FRANZMANN
MF: The air game comes from skating. I actually skated almost more than I surfed when I was younger. I was really into it, traveling for contests and even getting a couple wins. Skating is super technical, with all kinds of tricks, whereas in surfing, guys don’t do as many variations. That made me want to push my aerial game. Growing up at Rockies, with that perfect air wind every day, and watching the pros send it—it all inspired me.
FSM: Walk me through a typical air.
MF: It depends on the wave. When you take off, you can almost tell it’s a good air section. You want to race as fast as you can and just go for it. Right now, I have a few different grabs I’m working on. Sometimes, though, the wave just flicks you a certain way, and you end up doing something completely different than you planned. But when you land a perfect air—whether it’s a clean 360º with a good grab or something new—it just feels amazing.
FSM: You finished seventh in the Hawai’i-Tahiti region. That’s incredibly close to qualifying for the next level. What was that experience like?
MF: Yeah, this was my best year on the QS. I had a fourth place, then a third in Tahiti, and a quarterfinal to back it up. Normally, that should be enough to qualify, but I was just on the bubble. It all came down to my semifinal against Finn McGill in Tahiti—winner makes the Challenger Series. It was the craziest heat of my life. We both got sevens, and he had a six. I needed a six at the end, and I dropped into this crazy barrel, but barely fell and snapped my board with two minutes left. I knew it was over. But I’m still stoked on my year and can’t wait for next season.
FSM: Is there anything else you’d like to share?
MF: Yeah, I’m actually in college right now, which is something a lot of pro surfers don’t do. At 18, I realized how tough it is to make a career in surfing, so I decided to study business. My parents both own businesses and live comfortably on the North Shore, and that inspires me. A lot of people think pro surfing is the only way to surf every day, but having a solid career could actually give you more freedom to do what you love.
Makana Franzmann Photo Brent Bielmann
PELAGIC
EASTSIDE SHOOTOUT
KANEOHE BAY May 30th - 31st
- $250 General Entry for Ahi Division
- Optional $100 side bet divisions for Ono, Mahi Mahi, and Marlin
- Prizes for 1st to 3rd place for each division
- Ahi (Shibi) must be over 20lbs to qualify
- BIGGEST FISH WINS
For more details or questions, or to register, email cmoncata@gmail.com or call (808) 284-4255
MUSIC / JACK JOHNSON
It’s all about waves. Surfers are waiting for ocean waves that were created by a distant storm. When we catch one, we work with its energy and improvise before it hits the shore. It’s a type of dance. When musicians get together and jam, that is the storm. The sound waves that come out of the storm are the songs. If you’re lucky the waves reach the distant shore of someone’s ears.
Jimi Hendrix – Electric Ladyland
When I was 15, I used to fall asleep to this album with my auto-reverse Walkman headphones on. Electric Ladyland lives in my dreams.
Fugazi – 13 Songs
The first time I heard the song “Waiting Room,” I knew I had to be in a band. My friends and I got together the next day and tried to sound like Fugazi!
Country Comfort – We Are the Children
This album is such a classic. This is what friends making music together sounds like.
Otis Redding – Remember Me
This album was the soundtrack to lots of road trips when my wife and I first met.
Carole King – Tapestry
So many good songs on one album. When you put it on, it always feels like a better day.
Jack Johnson Photo Brian Bielmann
DUSTIN AIWOHI-BARCA
Competitively teaching and shaping Kauai’s youth. By Amanda Blackwell
Dustin Barca has created quite a legacy on Kauai. His pulse pounds in tune with the island, and his love for the community weaves through everything he does. There are few people who love Kauai more than Dustin. He even ran for mayor in 2018 after learning about GMOs and questionable farming practices—he’s not the type to sit back and watch things happen. If he sees a problem, he’s going to do what he can to fix it. Growing up on Kauai he knew the gritty parts of island life, and knew martial arts was a ticket to staying out of trouble. He’s now passing this wisdom along to the kids that need it most.
MAHALO MARGARITA is a give-back cocktail program where on premise accounts donate a portion of sales from their MAHALO MARGARITA, made with Tradicional 100% agave tequila, to AccesSurf. Jose Cuervo® will match the proceeds up to $25k. Together, this joint donation of $50k would go to support surf experiences and more for a full year.
OAHU
Kuhio Avenue Food Hall / Waikiki
Kelly O’Neil's / Waikiki
Jorge's / Haleiwa
El Ranchero / Kapolei
El Ranchero / Wahiawa
Mekiko Cantina / Ko’olina
Restaurant 604 / Arizona Memorial
The Beachouse by 604 / Waianae
60 Fore Bar & Grill / Barber’s Point
604 Clubhouse / Leilehua
604 Ale House / Schofield
Mangiamo’s / Navy Marine Golf
OAHU HOTELS
Sheraton Waikiki Hotel
Royal Hawaiian Hotel
Moana Surfrider Hotel
Princess Kaiulani Hotel
Marriott Waikiki Hotel
BIG ISLAND
Huggo's
Lava Lava
Kai Eats
MAUI
Sergio's Cantina
Sheraton Maui
KAUA'I HOTELS
Friendly Waves
Lava Lava Beach Club
HAND-CRAFTED ALOHA IN EVERY CUP®
3 WAIKIKI LOCATIONS!
Kai Coffee Hawaii at Alohilani Resort
2490 Kalakaua Ave, Suite #131
Honolulu, Hawai'i 96815 (808) 926-1131
Hours: 6:00AM - 5:00PM HST (UTC-10), 7 days a week
Kai Coffee Hawaii Lobby Bar at Alohilani Resort
Hours: 6:00AM-11:00AM HST, 7 days a week
Kai Coffee Hawaii Hyatt Regency Waikiki 2424 Kalakaua Avenue, #130
Honolulu, Hawai'i 96815 (808) 923-1700
Hours: 6:00AM - 5:00PM HST (UTC-10), 7 days a week
Dustin Barca (or Barca, as friends and locals call him) wasn’t always on the path to become the mentor and teacher he is now. He grew up as what he calls a “punk kid”, raised by a single mom, scraping by, navigating youth seemingly on his own. Before a stint on the CT or in the MMA arena, fighting was a way of life—and a daily occurrence. “Growing up in Kauai it was super regulated. Still to this day you can’t take a ton of pictures or video here—but growing up, almost every day we’d see someone fight. So it’s kinda like monkey-see, monkey-do for a lot of us.” When Barca was about fifteen, Kai Garcia took him under his wing and began to teach him the art of fighting and training, and for the first time, it kept him focused and out of trouble. Boxing and surfing became integral parts of who he was, complimenting each other with both mind and body conditioning. “The better I got at surfing, the better I got at boxing. They are so connected with the balance and all of that. Boxing kind of gives you a different level of confidence and aggression, especially when it comes to surfing.” By the time Barca qualified for the CT, he found himself prioritizing martial arts over surfing. After the death of his good friend Andy Irons, he decided life was too short and left the tour to fight professionally.
These days Dustin is in his gym, (formerly Boars’ Nest) the Art of Kickboxing, quietly teaching and shaping Kauai’s youth. He’s a mentor with a presence that doesn’t ask for respect but demands it—he won’t say much but can keep a scrapy teenager in line with a single glance. He preaches the importance of boys having structure and focus to keep them out of trouble, since the same formula changed his own life. “After having kids it gives you the responsibility to raise them right, to teach them to act right in the community and do good in the community. I take a lot of pride in it, and if I can give these kids a sense of security, especially from about ten to eleven years old when they need it the most. They need that positive outlet, you know?” Whether or not the boys who walk into the gym are destined for the CT or growing up to be assets to the community, Barca is molding them to be the best versions of themselves. “That’s my mission. To save as many of these kids as possible.”
DEAN WILMOT
PHOTOGRAPHY,
PIPE,
& SECOND
CHANCES
By Mike Latronic Photos Dean Wilmot
For decades, Dean Wilmot has had a front-row seat to the raw beauty and unforgiving power of surfing’s most iconic waves. A fixture in the surf photography scene since the 1980s, Wilmot’s lens has captured legends in motion, moments of stillness, and the visceral pulse of Pipeline. But beyond the frame lies a story of deep connection—to place, to purpose, and recently, to survival.
In this candid conversation, Wilmot reflects on a life shaped by both the ocean and the people who ride it. He speaks of Hawai’i as more than just a surf destination: recounting a childhood spent flying in for weekends thanks to his mother’s airline job, and the smells, sights, and feelings that still make the islands feel like a second home. From lugging twin camera housings into the surf during the film era to his recent leap into digital with a Canon R3, his evolution as a photographer is inseparable from the evolution of the surf scene itself.
Tom Carroll
Jasper Bartlett
Now a full-time paramedic and a survivor of open-heart surgery, Wilmot's return to Pipeline this season is more than a comeback—it's a celebration of resilience, passion, and a lifelong love for capturing fleeting, perfect moments in salt and light.
ML: How many years have you been coming to Hawai’i?
DW: Well, not including surfing, I've been coming since I was about 10 and I'm 56 now. So that's why I consider Hawai’i my second home really. My mom worked for Pan Am and United Airlines, so we used to come over for long weekends and holidays. Pretty much three times a year. I just absolutely fell in love with Hawai’i. People ask me, “Why do you love Hawai’i so much?” And it's like, well, yeah, Pipe is epic. It's so beautiful. The landscape's just mind blowing, the warm water, but it's also the people as well. Hawai’i is not just surfing. It's the smell of the soil, the smell of the landscape, the smell of the ocean. As soon as I get off the plane, it's just like, “oh my God.” It's like, it's so hard to explain. For me, it's pretty much heaven.
FSM How did you become a surf photographer?
DW: I sort of fell into it as probably most of us have. I changed schools and my mum and dad sent me to a nice private school in the middle of Sydney. So it was a bit of a drive from the northern beaches, but uh, they had photography and woodwork and I just chose photography 'cause it appealed to me. And living in North Arab I had access to, you know, Simon Anderson, Damien Hardman, Greg Anderson, like some of the hottest surfers in the world at the time. And Tom Carroll up the road and Martin Potter and all those guys. And I guess I just fell into it and had a bit of a natural aptitude for it. And so that's how it really started for me.
ML: How has photography evolved over the years for you?
DW: The evolution? Yeah well say for instance when I started shooting in about 1984, it was all black and white film or color transparencies, Kodachrome and such. I remember my first year that I came here (Hawai’i) to shoot properly in 1987. Back then the really good guys
had the big Canon 800mm lenses with the little manual focus dial, which I eventually got as well. And, then auto focus started coming into play sometime in the 1990’s. For me, 'cause I specialized in water shots so it didn't really hit me as much. I didn't go for the auto focus in the water for a really long time 'cause I like to be as light as I could and be as compact and not be held down with too much technology at that time.
ML: I mean, whether you had auto focus or not, you guys
were swimming out with only 24 or 36 shots back then. You had to be real discerning with your trigger finger.
DW: Yeah, well I manipulated the way I worked in that I wore two water housings. So, I would strap two water housings to a scuba belt on my back and swim out to 12-foot-plus Pipe. It worked really, really well. 'cause I didn't have to swim in and swim out so quickly, but it was very heavy to swim in and out and made things quite difficult. But it definitely paid off for me 'cause I wouldn't lose 30 or 45 minutes.
Megan Abubo
ML: Now with the advent of digital photography you can literally send thousands of images to a card!
DW: Well this is it! The digital system! The camera has evolved greatly. The rig I'm using today is the top-of-therange Canon R3, and it's the best camera that has ever been made, by far. We don't need to get more technology than what we have now.
I only made the big jump to digital last year actually. I was coming [to Hawai’i] every single season from 1987 to 2003, and then I had to start getting proper work in photography: I'd set up studios and had clients I had to look after—and then my daughter was born 12 years ago. So I actually had a 20 year break from coming here to shoot. It still blows me away that for a place that I adore and it's my second home that I had such a massive break from coming here. I decided eight months ago I had just had to come back just because it'd been on my mind for
Kelly Slater
Kala Grace
a long time. I just had to come back.
ML: Tell me about your favorite place to shoot and favorite moments.
DW: Well, Pipe is undoubtedly the spot for me personally. That stretch of beach at Backdoor and Off The Wall is irreplaceable.
ML: What's your goal now? Why do you still want to take these pictures?
DW: That's a really good question because there's no money in surfing photography anymore. I'm actually a paramedic now and I have been for eight years. I started making the move out of photography professionally about 10 years ago actually, but I still love shooting surfing, especially at Pipe. You get to see the most beautiful watercolor and the most incredible shaped waves. There's, there's nowhere like it on the planet. It's the jewel of the entire earth as far as I'm concerned. It's just breathtaking.
ML: Any danger involved?
DW: Yeah, there's heaps of danger. You risk getting bounced off the reef and hitting your head. I'm very strategic about everything I do. I'm actually very aware of where I am on the reef and try to look for and float above little cracks in the reef. I've got my little spots that I like to be at. I sort of pay attention to what other lenses people are using. Everyone's shooting similar focal lengths sometimes and sitting close to each other, so I want to use a different focal length. This means I need to sit in a slightly different part of the reef and try to get different angles. There's been a billion photos taken of Pipe so how do you get something different, especially in this day and age?
ML: Go ahead and give me a few of your favorite moments and why.
DW: Yeah. Favorite moments for me are like empty waves for me, especially at Pipe. They're timeless but you know, for surfers: that snap of Tom Carroll's at Pipe was just like, who does that? There’s also the incredible things Kelly Slater has done over the years and that generation. Betty Lou Johnson went out in a pink wetsuit last year and that was fantastic. Nice to see a bit of color again cause it's like everyone goes black on black and white boards and it's like, I dunno, being a visual person, it's just nice to have a bit of color. There's guys like Mason Ho. He’s got the most
DEAN WILMOT
amazing looking boards.
Surfing Mag photo editor, Larry Moore back in the day, like he wouldn't tolerate anyone not having a bit of color on them. Surfers just in general, they're incredible athletes but I think a lot of them really need to be tutored and taught what filmmakers and photographers look for in imagery. Yeah, like the other day I got some shots of Maikai Burdine. Good surfer but he's wearing these fantastic yellow board shorts and he's got color on the bottom of his board. He does this sick air, like one of the best I've seen, but just having that color has made it so
much better.
ML: Is there anything else you wanted to share?
DW: One of the reasons I came back this year was that I am very fortunate to actually be alive. Last year when I was swimming out at Pipe, I was getting really short of breath. Also when I was training, which I trained every day, I was getting really short of breath. I found I had an undiagnosed life-threatening heart condition in mid-August and then I had open heart surgery in the beginning of September. The recovery to be ready for Hawai’i, you know, for this January was a massive thing for me, physically and mentally. To be here this season or at all, is a gift.
Shane Dorian
Brock Little & Ross Clarke-Jones Rob Machado
Johnny Boy Gomes
APERTURE
Koa Smith
Photo Brent Bielmann
John John Florence
Photo Brian Bielmann
Koa Rothman
Photo Mike Ito
Jack Robinson
Photo Brent Bielmann
Photos Brian Bielmann
Luke Swanson
Photo Brent Bielmann
Jake Maki
Photo Brian Bielmann
Erin Brooks
Photo Brian Bielmann
Photo Brian Bielmann
Noah Beschen
Photo Brian Bielmann
Nathan Florence
Photo Brent Bielmann
PILATES
PREPARE AND REPAIR FOR SURFING
AN INTERVIEW WITH SALLY COHEN
Written by Alexandra Kahn
Photo Daniel Leigh
Most of you are familiar with Yoga and its benefits for flexibility, breathwork, balance, and mental strength. However, another similar form of exercise has been around for over 100 years, thanks to Joseph Pilates. In the early 1900s, German-born Joseph Pilates began developing a system of exercise he called Contrology. The original methodology behind what is now known as Pilates consisted of using the mind to control muscles and to focus on core muscles and breathing work to aid in balance and spinal support. While Pilates originated with only the mat method, it has evolved to include the Reformer and a variety of props to increase the difficulty and variety of exercise.
For surfers, the ability to hold one's breath and stay calm underwater is essential. There is a need to balance, control the core, and stabilize both large and small muscles, factors which directly influence surf performance. We travel the world to surf in new places and spend endless hours in the ocean because it brings a sense of peace and a connection to nature. However, we can get injured when we attempt new tricks, get hit by someone's board, or have an unfortunate freak
accident. When these injuries take us out of the water, rehabilitation through exercise and flexibility helps us to return to the ocean. If you've used physical therapy, especially for leg, foot, or ankle injuries- you've probably done Pilates exercises or something similar!
I spoke with North Shore surfing native Sally Cohen about falling in love with Pilates. Sally's sister Tina, also a surfer and fitness enthusiast, along with neighbor and owner of The Den, Chelsey, encouraged Sally to try Pilates when she was struggling with some injuries two years ago. Not keen on group workouts, she felt hesitant but reluctantly tried it. After one class, she never looked back and used Pilates to rehab her injury and get herself more fit than ever. Sally quickly saw the similarities to physical therapy but with a fun and challenging twist. She loved “the music, the supportive atmosphere, and knowing that everyone else is also working hard.” She realized she loved and needed to “have someone encouraging her to push a little further when her brain said stop.” She is now such a believer that she pursued her teaching certification to strengthen her practice and maybe one day teach at The Den, the studio she frequents.
FSM: Was it love at first class?
Sally: “Yes! I think the challenge is what makes it so addictive. You can always push yourself in class, and honestly, I don't get as sore as I used to, which is a good sign. The best part is that it never gets easier—it's always a challenge. It’s like surfing in that way: there's always something to work on and improve.”
FSM: Do you have a favorite move?
Sally: “Yes! I absolutely love doing the reverse crunches. Basically, you're pulling the Reformer in, and it creates weight resistance so that you're really getting a crunch in your abs. But I honestly just love it all!”
FSM: Have you seen a correlation between your Pilates workouts and an improvement in your surfing?
Sally: “Pilates has helped a lot with balance, especially strengthening my legs and core. Balance is key in surfing, and Pilates has improved that for me. I love doing dropknee cross-step turns, and the lunges in Pilates have helped with that.”
FSM: Which parts of Pilates specifically translate into helping your surfing the most?
Sally: “All of it! The balance, strength, and coordination you build in Pilates translate perfectly to surfing. My legs now have the strength and control to help me balance and push through more challenging moves on the wave, especially with cross-stepping.”
FSM: Has Pilates helped you identify imbalances or weaknesses in your fitness and allowed you to be more strategic with your training for surfing?
Sally: “Yeah, teaching Pilates has helped me become much more aware of how I exercise and distribute my weight. Since my foot injury, I have noticed that my body tends to compensate on one leg. I can feel my legs shaking, and that's when I know I'm working on that imbalance. My left leg will always be weaker than my right, but that motivates me to keep working harder on it.”
FSM: Are there parts of surfing that make you better at certain moves in Pilates?
Sally: “Definitely. I find it's easier for me to work with the arm straps in Pilates—especially when focusing on bicep, tricep, and rotator cuff strengthening because of the paddle power I've built through surfing. I notice other people struggle with those exercises more, but they come a lot more naturally for me.”
FSM: You practice mostly at The Den, but do you also take mat Pilates and practice in your hotel rooms or hotels while you travel?
Sally: “Yes, I definitely practice independently when traveling. Working out has been a huge part of my life, so I am motivated to do it anywhere. Sometimes, I use a foam roller or even a skateboard, which works as a prop for certain exercises! For anyone new to Pilates, I recommend having an instructor who can monitor and adjust your form so you get the most out of your workout.”
FSM: Have you tried Yoga or similar studio workouts before Pilates?
Sally: “Yes, I was already into HIIT workouts a lot, but Pilates has made me more mindful of my body and how I move. It has actually encouraged me to dive more into Yoga, which used to feel like a chore but now feels like a “practice.” I ran a lot before I broke my foot, but after the injury, I have focused more on strengthening my entire leg. Pilates is now a huge part of my weekly routine. I also attend DBACH Fitness on the North Shore for HIIT workouts.”
We discussed why HIIT classes were often a mixture of men and women and usually air on the male-dominated side, while the average Pilates class was usually all female. As a fitness modality started by a German man and used as a rehabilitation method for male soldiers, it's interesting to note how the audience has changed over time.
Sally: “I think it's female-dominated just because males undermine it. There is not one guy I've taken to class who doesn't admit it's the hardest class they've ever taken. I also think it is tailored a little more toward a woman's body because there are a lot of inner thigh and leg or glute workouts, and women often seek out these body parts as areas for improvement. It's all the workout moves that men avoid but should do. If anything, I think it's better for men!”
Pilates is for anyone and will benefit everyone. It's the type of exercise you can never master because there is always another exercise to try- more resistance, weight, flexibility, etc. One thing that makes Pilates so unique is the ability to modify exercises based on various body types, ages, injuries, handicaps, and skills. “HIIT workouts may seem more effective,” Sally said, “but it takes a toll on your body if you aren't careful. It's hard on your joints and highly impacts your body; I think lower-impact workouts are best for everyone- especially if you have any joints and weak areas.”
We all have those friends who say they do not want to go to a workout class because everyone is so fit or because they won't be good enough. However, in a class like Pilates or Yoga, everyone is there to compete physically and mentally with themselves. We each show up to the studio, shut off the noise, remove the clutter, and focus on the task. We try as hard as we can in that moment, thinking of nothing but our posture or exercise. The only person we can disappoint is ourselves when we fail to show up because our ego or insecurity gets in the way. “I always tell my friends that no one will pay attention or look at them because it's such a hard class. They're only going to focus on themselves! It might look complicated, and the equipment and moves can initially be intimidating. However, doing anything for the first time is always a little scary.”
Photo Brian Bielmann
Photo Daniel Leigh
ENVIRONMENT
WHEN THE FORECAST FADES:
A REFLECTION ON NOAA, THE OCEAN, AND THE FUTURE WE MUST PROTECT
By Kaea Latronic
There is a rhythm to life lived close to the sea, a rhythm tuned by tides and trade winds, by the push and pull of current and cloud. For the watermen, wave riders, fishermen, and saltwater kin of these islands and beyond, NOAA is not just an acronym tucked inside a government agency—it is the unseen net that catches data, patterns, and warnings before disaster finds us. It is kaula, the rope, tethering us to safety and understanding.
But now, that rope is fraying.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration— NOAA—is under threat. Budget slashes, facility closures, and mass layoffs have begun to shake its very foundation. For those of us who understand that knowledge of the sea is as vital as food or breath, this is more than bureaucratic reshuffling, it is a storm building on the horizon.
This year, more than a thousand NOAA staff were laid off, many from the National Weather Service and Environmental Modeling Center, whose forecasts guide canoe voyages, harbor alerts, fishing calendars, and surfing lives. Programs that protect coral reefs are slated for nearly half their funding to be stripped away. Research centers with roots in the land and ocean—such as those in Santa Barbara and Eureka, or the Storm Prediction Center in Oklahoma—may soon shutter their doors. These are not abstract losses. These are lifelines.
And worse still, there are whispers—no, intentions—of privatizing NOAA’s data, locking it behind paywalls per Project 2025. Imagine needing a subscription to know when a hurricane is bearing down on your home. Imagine being priced out of safety.
Here in Hawai’i, we understand that the ocean is not a backdrop—it is our ancestor, highway, provider, and protector. Our lives bend to the shape of the tides, our homes are flanked by coastline and cliff, and our culture is written into the rhythm of the waves.
When NOAA falters, so too does our capacity to prepare for flash floods coursing through our watersheds, or seasonal hurricanes shifting paths across the Pacific, even for coral bleaching threatening entire reef systems and the species—ourselves included—that depend on them.
Without NOAA, our lo‘i may flood without warning, our fisheries may dwindle unnoticed, and our keiki may grow up in a world where science bends not to the truth of observation, but to the will of policy.
The ocean teaches us resilience. A reef, broken by storm, regrows in time if left in peace, or tended to with care as we discussed in our installment of Good News about Sea
Seed. And so it is with NOAA, what is being threatened can still be saved. There is a rising tide of voices: scientists, lawmakers, ocean stewards, and citizens, who are calling attention to what’s being lost. You can be part of that swell.
Speak up. Write, post, talk story on social media. Support local science and advocacy groups: many rely on NOAA’s data to do their work protecting our oceans. Reach out to elected officials, let them know you value truth, transparency, and access to public environmental data. Hold the line. Just as our ancestors did for land, for water, for future generations.
INDUSTRY NOTES
On the golden shores of Hale'wa, where turquoise waves roll in under the watchful gaze of the Waianae Mountains, Surf N Sea celebrated its 60th anniversary—a milestone few surf shops ever reach.
Since opening its doors in 1965, Surf N Sea has stood as a beacon of surf culture on the North Shore of O'ahu. Housed in a historic yellow building just steps from the ocean, the shop has evolved from a small rental stand into an internationally recognized symbol of Aloha and adventure. Generations of surfers, travelers, and watermen have passed through its doors.
The 60th anniversary celebration brought together a community. Former employees, longtime customers, and pro surfers gathered for live music, pūpū, and storytelling.
Moku Rider
Itzy Amir
LESSONS
GREG BROWNING
(1974 – April 11, 2025)
Greg Browning, beloved surfer, filmmaker, and member of the iconic Momentum Generation, passed away on April 11, 2025, at age 50 after an 18-month battle with ALS.
Raised in Hermosa Beach, California, Greg began surfing in the mid-80s and went on to star in classic Taylor Steele surf films like Momentum II and The Show. He later stepped behind the camera to co-create the Drive Thru series, capturing the global adventures of top surfers with heart and humor.
Greg also coached some of the world’s best, including Carissa Moore and Tatiana Weston-Webb. His final film, A Marble in the Jar, told Weston-Webb’s story and was completed shortly before his passing. In every role— athlete, mentor, filmmaker, father—Greg led with humility, passion, and a deep love for the ocean and the people around him.
Even while battling ALS, Greg remained kind, curious, and full of light—never losing his ability to uplift others. He is survived by his son, Parker, and a global surf community that loved him deeply.
A celebration of life will take place in Hermosa Beach, where his legacy continues to inspire. Rest easy, Greg. Your waves live on.
Photo: Chris Miranda
Photo Brian Bielmann
STUFF WE LIKE
COSTA EYEWEAR
RINCON II
RINCON comes through the gates stacked. All Costa eyewear has 580 Lightwear lenses, patented Special C wall coating provides scratch resistance, as well as water oil and sweat resistance. Glare filtering, and perfect for days on the water, RINCON ensures your peepers are well cared for while you enjoy these upcoming long summer days on the beach. We liked the matte smoke crystal fames.
www.costadelmar.com
CLEMENTE
Light spectrum experts ensure Costa Eyewear wearers experience enhanced color, blue light absorption and the filtering out of harsh yellows, keeping your brow unfurrowed during beautiful shining beach days. We love the timeless glamour that the translucent pink frame evokes, constructed with a modern bio based material. Custom engraving options ensure your frames won’t be mixed up with anyone else’s, or show off personal flair.
SALTY CREW
Quick drying 4-way stretch, a cinch fly, and inseam allows for all terrain: swimming, cruising and surfing. Featuring the new "Lurking collection" from artist Amadeo Bachar.
www.saltycrew.com
KŌLEA HOP WATER
Natural, crisp, enjoyable and bubbly, a satisfying alternative to more intoxicating libations, perfect accompaniment to a beach picnic, a fish dinner, or just kicking up your feet on the lanai after a long day. We liked the flavor Blood Orange a lot.
www.koleahopwater.com
LAST LOOK
Maddiix Alotas, feeling the energy of a wave as it explode at Sunset time on the reef. Some times you just have to stop everything and just take it all in.
Photo Brian Bielmann
