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Landon McNamara Photo Mike Latronic

Inspired by a True Hawaiian Hero

Born from Eddie Aikau’s iconic red-and-white boardshorts, this limited-edition sandal carries the legacy of Hawai‘i’s greatest waterman. Built for those who go, the design blends water-ready performance with signature comfort. A portion of every sale supports both the event prize purse and The Eddie Aikau Foundation.

Shop online at OluKai.com or exclusively at retail locations in Hawai‘i.

or The fish are biting.

WHEN the surf is pumping.

and nothing else matters...

Gear matters.

Trevor Sven Carlson
Photo Fred Pompermayer
DARRICK DOERNER PIPELINE, NORTH SHORE

REPAIR REUSE RECYCLE

In 1974, after finding yet another broken sandal on the sand, I decided to create something better—comfortable, durable, and built to last. Rainbow® Sandals was born with a mission to make quality products that don’t end up in landfills. Our commitment extends beyond the sale: if your sandals are beyond warranty but still wearable, please return them. We’ll repair and donate them to those in need, from the unhoused to disaster victims. Our philosophy is simple: Repair • Reuse • Recycle and we hope you’ll join us in it.”

FREE PARKING

Eddie Aikau conditions. Photo Mike Latronic

EDITORIAL

Editor / Publisher

Mike Latronic

Photo Director

Brian Bielmann

Art Director

John Weaver

Staff Shooters

Brent Bielmann, Mike Latronic, Keale Lemos, John Weaver

Staff Writer

Kaea Latronic

Contributing Writers

Tor Johnson, Alexandra Kahn, Daniel Ikaika Ito, Nicole Nason, Amanda Blackwell

Contributing Photographers

Christa Funk, Ryan “Chachi” Craig, Dooma Photos, Dayanidhi Das, Erik Aeder, Mark Rodrigues, Aaron Lynton, Kurt Steinmetz, Mike Ito, Tommy Pierucki, Sean Evans, Stu Soley, Tai Vandyke, Mitch McEwen, Sivar Films, Humanocine, Feistan Rivera, Samuel Rivera

Distribution & Advertising Inquiries

Mike Latronic mlatronic808@gmail.com

Sales & Marketing

Randall Paulson

Business Administration

Cora Sanchez corabooks@freesurfmagazine.com

Hawaii Distribution & Sales

Keola Latronic keolalatronic808@gmail.com

West Coast Distribution & Sales

Chuck Hendsch (619) 227-9128

FREESURF MAGAZINE is distributed at most fine surf shops and select specialty stores throughout Hawai‘i and Southern California.

We do not accept unsolicited editorial submissions without first establishing contact with the editor. FreeSurf, Manulele Inc. and its associates are not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged submissions or their return.

One-way correspondence can be sent to P.O. Box 1161, Hale‘iwa, HI 96712 E-mail editorial inquiries to info@freesurfmagazine.com

A product of Manulele, Inc. 2025

Mason Ho Photo Brent Bielmann
DAVID ELECTRIC

EDITOR'S NOTE

It’s hard to ignore the intensity of the times we live in. Every day the headlines are flashing reminders of just how complex and diverse the human experience really is. Politics and science clash, social debates rage, and the pace of change seems to accelerate faster than the waves we chase. And the waves we chase are pretty freaking fast!

As surfers, with a vested interest in the health of our planet it's best not to completely shy away from paying attention to that world. We urge our readers to stay awake, stay curious, and stay connected to the larger conversations that shape our collective future. But we also recognize that surfing, in its purest form, is the antidote to cortisol. Waves don’t ask or care about politics or party lines. The ocean strips life down to the essentials: breath, movement, balance, flow. A single ride can remind us of what matters most and, perhaps, provide the clarity and recharge needed to re-engage with the world on shore.

That balance is what guides this issue. You’ll find stories that both celebrate the joy of wave riding and honor the deeper narratives that tie our community together.

The ocean calls and out there the blue horizon tells a different story. To paddle into the sea is to enter a place where life’s noise is stripped away, where balance and flow carry more weight than division or distraction. Surfing is our happy place and that escape can also be a form of clarity.

This issue of Freesurf Magazine is built on that contrast—the gravity of the world we live in, and the lightness of the ocean we turn to. We invite you to think deeply, to stay connected, but also to celebrate the sanctuary that surfing provides. Within these pages, we revisit the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational—a contest, yes, but more than that, a cultural beacon of courage and aloha. Alongside its storied history, we present the newest list of invitees, each of them ready to test their limits at Waimea Bay.

We also honor Clyde Aikau, who recently passed. Clyde was not just Eddie’s brother—he was the guardian of the invitational, the man who carried its authenticity through the decades, ensuring it remained more than just a spectacle. His passing marks the end of an era, but his spirit will forever be woven into the DNA of the event and the annals of surfing.

Landon McNamara, last year’s Eddie champion, steps into focus. A musician and surfer, Landon embodies the ways in which passion can cross boundaries, and how fearlessness in art and ocean can lead to greatness.

We also introduce another artist who lets rhythm flow both on stage and in the surf: David Elecciri, known to many as David Electric, the lead guitarist of Steel Pulse. His new single, Pulling Up for the Champions, has become a soundtrack of sorts for the surf scene, paying homage to his San Clemente hometown crew. For David, music and surfing are parallel languages. His devotion to inspiring stoke is noteworthy.

Looking at top prospects, we spotlight Skai Suitt, a young woman raised on the North Shore, whose dedication and emerging style remind us of surfing’s future.

As always, we balance these features with our regular columns—environmental insights, industry notes, and the news and events that shape the broader surf world.

Our hope is that you find in these pages both reflection and release—that you leave them thinking a little deeper, but also feeling the sun and salt on your skin.

Surfing is our escape, yes. But it’s also our lens on life. And in times like these, we need both more than ever.

Mike Latronic Photo Noa Napoleon

THE CALL RETURNS

When Waimea Bay starts to move, the North Shore holds its breath.

Nathan Florence Photo Brian Bielmann

Aaron Gold

Annie Reickert

Bianca Valenti

Billy Kemper

Chad Keaulana

Eala Stewart

Eli Olson

Emily Erickson

Ezekiel Lau

Grant Twiggy Baker

Ha'a Aikau

2025-2026 INVITEES

Jake Maki

Jamie Mitchell

Jamie O’Brien

Joey Cadiz

John John Florence

Justine Dupont

Kai Lenny

Kelly Slater

Koa Rothman

Landon McNamara

Lucas “Chumbo” Chianca

Luke Shepardson

Makua Rothman

Mark Healey

Mason Ho

Matahi Drollet

Nathan Florence

Nic von Rupp

Ross Clarke-Jones

Russell Bierke

Torrey Meister

Photo Brian Bielmann

EDDIE WOULD GO

"Eddie Would Go," represents Eddie Aikau’s fearless attitude in both surfing and life-saving, setting the tone for the competition.

Wave Size: The Eddie only runs under extreme conditions, contributing to its legendary status. The decision to hold or cancel is often debated until the last minute.

The phrase was actually spoken by the late great Mark Foo, another big wave surfing icon who passed away chasing his passions in giant Waves at Mavericks.

The story goes that Foo was being interviewed and was asked to comment about the wave conditions at Waimea Bay. It was big, and Foo simply stated the obvious. "Eddie Would Go."

THE SPIRIT OF THE BAY

Waimea Bay isn’t a wave. It’s a living force.

It moves mountains of water toward the shore, then folds them back on themselves in violent grace. On the right swell, you can hear it from Pupukea. The lineup feels alive.

“Waimea humbles everyone,” says veteran lifeguard Bruce Blankenfeld. “It doesn’t care who you are. It’ll test you the same.”

That’s why the Eddie doesn’t chase hype. It waits. When it breaks, it’s not a contest. It’s a ceremony.

Ezekiel Lau
Photo Mike Latronic

OPENING CEREMONY

The Eddie begins long before the waves arrive. Each December, the Aikau family gathers at Waimea Bay to bless the season. Surfers, lifeguards, and fans stand shoulder to shoulder in the sand. Leis drape over the memorial stone. The family chants in Hawaiian, honoring Eddie’s legacy of courage and service.

Invited surfers are introduced one by one, each receiving a lei from the family. Tears mix with smiles as generations of watermen and women unite in respect.

Photo Christa Funk
THERE IS GOOD TO BE DONE.

The Eddie Aikau Foundation stands as one of Hawai‘i’s most respected organizations, dedicated to carrying forward the values of a man who embodied courage, compassion, and community. Eddie Aikau was not only a world-class big wave surfer and Waimea Bay’s first lifeguard, but also a symbol of selflessness. His famous act of paddling into the open ocean to seek help for his crewmates aboard the voyaging canoe Hōkūleʻa in 1978 remains a defining moment in Hawaiian history. The foundation preserves that spirit through education, culture, and service.

Founded by the Aikau family, the organization exists to honor Eddie’s legacy through programs that support youth, promote Hawaiian values, and strengthen community ties. Its mission goes beyond surfing. It encourages young people to live with integrity, courage, and respect for the ocean and the ‘āina. Every event, scholarship, and outreach project under the foundation’s name carries that same message—**“**Eddie Would Go.”

Education is a core part of the foundation’s work. The Eddie Aikau Essay Contest, now running for more than two decades, invites thousands of students across Hawai‘i to reflect on themes of perseverance, aloha, and cultural pride. The essays often reveal deep awareness among students of how Eddie’s example still shapes their lives today. The foundation awards

scholarships to winners, helping young people further their education and continue their commitment to the community.

Through its programs, community partnerships, and ongoing cultural events, the Eddie Aikau Foundation keeps Eddie’s legacy alive for future generations. It reminds everyone that aloha is an action, courage is a choice, and giving back is a duty. Supporting the foundation means supporting Hawai‘i’s youth, its traditions, and the enduring message of Eddie’s life—go when others hold back, and always do it with aloha.

For information to support the Eddie Aikau Foundation, visit their website www.eddieaikaufoundation.org

2025 ESSAY CONTEST WINNERS

The Directors of the Eddie Aikau Foundation and the Aikau Family would like to congratulate the 30 Students who were selected as winners of the 2025 Eddie Would Go Essay Contest.

400 essays were submitted (333 English & 67 Olelo Hawaii).

Mahalo to the 60 judges for the English and 14 judges for the Hawaiian Language essays.

7th Grade Winners

1st: Kenzie Nottage 2nd: Penelope Pearce 3rd: Fiona Wellman 4th: Khenzie AyauPaulos 5th: Tymofii Babinskyi

8th Grade Winners

1st: Marc Jerome Tactac 2nd: Vaiana Kelilah Lussiaa 3rd: Ada Olbrych 4th: Edmar Castillo

9th Grade Winners

1st: Luke Kahoohanohano 2nd tie: Summer Cheung 2nd tie: Ava Uekawa 3rd: Kyriella Strawser 4th: Malie Yojo 5th: Dakarai Rogers

10th Grade Winners

1st: Jade Esparsen 2nd: Miliani BunghanoyAiu 3rd: Lisa Vila Leonard 4th: Kayla Baptist 5th: Hera Villegas

ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi Winners

High School

1st: Hokuahonui Kalama 2nd: Stella Raye 3rd: Kaaina Palis 4th: Nalei Kaapana-Suzui 5th: Kuupualei Atay

Middle School

1st: Keani Rabang 2nd: Kahalehulu LindseyAsing 3rd: Awaiulu Alvarez-Clarke 4th: Kawehinani Augafa 5th: Ululani Lyons

Photo Brian Bielmann

WOMEN OF THE EDDIE

Their presence reshapes what the Eddie means. Young girls on the beach see the same courage Eddie showed, lived again through new eyes.

At Waimea, there’s no gender. Only commitment.

Shown here, Bianca Valenti. They call her big wave Bianca for good reason.

LANDON MCNAMARA

Musician, Waterman, and Eddie Champion

If the rhythm and melody of music were indeed connected to the natural currents of the ocean, then on December 22, 2024, Landon McNamara played the biggest concert of his life.

When Landon McNamara stroked into some of the most massive waves ridden at Waimea Bay at the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational presented by Rip Curl, the crowd on the bluff erupted. It wasn’t just another surfer threading nearly impossible drops; it was the arrival of a North Shore son, born and bred, whose life has always been intertwined with music, family, and the ocean. Landon won the contest and by doing so etched his name among an elite group of champions who have conquered one of surfing’s most storied events.

A

Legacy Written at Pipeline Born and raised on Oʻahu’s North Shore, Landon is the son of legendary Pipeline charger Liam McNamara. Surfing isn’t just a pastime in the McNamara household— it’s a family tradition, a way of life that shaped Landon from his earliest memories. Watching his father and uncle, Garrett McNamara (famous for his recordsetting Nazaré rides), Landon grew up surrounded by surfers who defined what it means to push the limits of commitment. It’s noteworthy that his younger brother Makai is also a serious performer.

Landon forged his own path,

blending DNA-infused wave-riding instincts with a soulful personality that soon found expression beyond the ocean. While Landon was well on his way to following in his father’s footsteps charging on the North Shore, his talent as a musician and ensuing music career emerged front and center. Music became his second language, and his career as a singer-songwriter quickly earned him recognition across Hawai‘i and far beyond. Songs like "A Dollar Short & a Minute Late" struck a chord with audiences, grounding him as more than just “Liam’s kid.” He was carving out a voice of his own.

Challenges, Setbacks, and Growth Landon’s journey has not been without turbulence. Like many young men growing up under the bright lights of fame and expectation, he’s faced challenges on both personal and professional fronts. The pressures of carrying a family name, the temptation of distraction, and the difficulty of balancing two demanding passions—surfing and music—have tested him. But in those struggles, Landon found resilience.

His music often reflects themes of honesty, redemption, and connection, giving listeners a glimpse into the personal battles behind the public persona. That duality—singer on the stage, surfer in the sea—has made Landon relatable to fans who admire not only his talent but also his willingness to show vulnerability.

LANDON MCNAMARA

The Eddie: Where Legends Rise The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational is unlike any other contest in surfing. It is not an annual spectacle, but a rare gathering when nature allows. To win the Eddie is to enter surfing immortality. Past champions— Clyde Aikau, Bruce Irons, Kelly Slater, Keone Downing, John John Florence—represent the pinnacle of courage and mastery. In 2025, it was Landon’s turn.

With composure well beyond his years, Landon put on a masterclass in Waimea’s mountainous walls. He drew deep lines and maintained an almost spiritual calm as the crowd gasped from the shore. Each ride seemed to build on the last until it became clear: this was his day.

Family, Community, and Focus For Landon, victory at Waimea was more than personal—it was a gift to his family and community. The McNamaras have always carried a deep respect for Hawaiian surf culture and its traditions, and Landon’s triumph added another proud chapter to their story.

Friends and family describe him as loyal, humble, and quietly determined. In his music, he preaches aloha and resilience; in his surfing, he demonstrates those values with every commitment over the ledge. That combination of artistry and athleticism makes him one of the most unique figures in the surf world today.

Looking Ahead As the Eddie looms on the horizon once again, all eyes will be on Landon. Winning once is monumental; contending again cements a surfer’s place in history. Having faced down some of the largest surf ever contested at Waimea, Landon knows what it takes—not just skill, but heart, patience, and a willingness to risk it all in the name of surfing’s purest tradition.

Whether behind a guitar or under the lip of a 40-foot Waimea bomb, Landon McNamara embodies the soul of the North Shore. His victory was not simply a single day’s triumph, but a culmination of years of family legacy, personal growth, and fearless love for the sea.

Landon McNamara Photo Mike Latronic

One of the first glimpses I ever had of Clyde Aikau was watching him ride Waimea Bay to victory in the 1986 Eddie Aikau Memorial. Clyde was so solid, majestic is how I would best describe it. People may write and talk about ocean knowledge and classic Hawaiian style, but I was lucky to have witnessed him in action. I have also come to understand that he was quite the slack key guitar player and as a totally backyard guitar rookie myself, I can only imagine how awesome it might have been to hear him and his brother jam. But of course I feel grateful for witnessing and in some cases being in the water with Clyde at the same time. For this I feel blessed. Mahalo and Aloha Clyde. You are jamming once again with your brother.

BROTHER, WATERMAN, GUARDIAN OF WAIMEA

CLYDE AIKAU

A BOND OF BLOOD AND SALTWATER

Patriarch of the Aikau ‘ohana, Clyde Aikau spent a lifetime turning personal devotion— to the ocean, to family, and to his brother Eddie— into a cultural institution. Clyde safeguarded Hawai‘i’s most sacred surf gathering and the values it stands for. Clyde lived with Eddie in his blood and in his bones. While Clyde was the youngest of 6 siblings, he was said to be closest to Eddie in their love and pursuit of surfing. Together they created a legend that transcended surf. With Clyde’s passing, the story becomes even more about the brotherhood, the authenticity, and the values they carried into The Eddie.

Clyde and Eddie weren’t just siblings—they were inseparable forces bound by the ocean. Some would say, to watch them at Waimea Bay or Sunset Beach in the 1970s was to witness two halves of the same spirit: Eddie charging with unflinching bravery, Clyde drawing elegant lines with quiet confidence. Their connection was strong, almost mythic. Clyde often said that when Eddie disappeared on the Hōkūle‘a, he still felt him in the water, guiding his board, whispering courage when the sets marched in dark and heavy.

Photo Brian Bielmann

LEGACY IN MOTION

“I draw inspiration from being my dad’s son. With my uncle Eddie, I feel a big weight on my shoulders. That all disappears when I hit the shorebreak and paddle out to the Holy Grail of big-wave surfing, where it all started. It’s where my uncle and father made their names and saved hundreds of lives together. My great-great-great-grandfather ruled this valley in the early 1800s during Kamehameha’s reign, so there’s a lot of family history here.”

Photo Brent Bielmann

CLYDE AIKAU

That brotherly DNA wasn’t only physical—it was spiritual. Eddie was the lifeguard who would risk everything for a stranger. While it was Solomon “Pops” Aikau and Eddie Rotherman who were said to be integral in the early negotiations and formation of the event with Quiksilver, establishing the event in 1984, Clyde would become involved intimately as the caretaker of Eddie’s memory, turning personal grief into a living monument: the Big Wave Invitational at Waimea Bay. Clyde once confided: “When I won The Eddie in 1986, I felt Eddie in every wave. He was there leading me to victory.” That kind of connection—the belief that the ocean could carry Eddie’s spirit—gave the Invitational a depth no corporate contest could match. It wasn’t just a heat draw. It was “mana” between brothers, and Clyde made sure the world felt that.

The Authentic Voice Clyde was commanding yet approachable, he had a warmth that instantly disarmed. He carried himself like Waimea itself: calm until the swell rose, then all power and presence. While Freesurf has covered this special event for decades it was just a few short years ago that Clyde himself called me to create an “event program” of sorts. This honor couldn't be more meaningful to me as a publisher and a surfer.

Competitors described him as the uncle who reminded everyone why they were there. He wasn’t interested in hype. When Clyde spoke at the opening ceremonies, you believed him because he believed it himself. He spoke about Eddie, about respect, about aloha, about Waimea as a temple.

Clyde had a sincere yet semi mischievous smile and a storyteller’s gift. He would be heard cracking jokes backstage minutes

Photo Brian Bielmann

CLYDE AIKAU

before delivering a deeply spiritual opening prayer. He was fiercely proud but hardly arrogant. Clyde was generous with his time, and open to everyone from school kids to world champions.

With family, he was tender. His son Ha‘a often heard advice not shouted but spoken softly: “Listen to the ocean. She’ll tell you what to do.” That was Clyde—the patriarch who raised his family the same way he tended The Eddie: with patience, reverence, and heart.

And there was intrigue too: Clyde never lost his edge. Even in his seventies, he would paddle out on Waimea swells that intimidated men half his age. His presence in the lineup was real, a living reminder that courage doesn’t age.

The Keeper of Eddie’s Flame Every culture has a guardian of its myths. For Hawaiian surfing, Clyde was that guardian. He didn’t just organize a contest; he kept Eddie’s flame alive for nearly half a century. His words, his laughter, his silences, and his mana gave The Eddie its soul.

Now that he has joined his brother, the rest of us are left to feel that same DNA in the waves of Waimea. The Invitational will live on, but it will always carry Clyde’s voice in the trade winds: steady, strong, and full of love. Aloha.

Photo Brian Bielmann
JOHN JOHN FLORENCE, PIPE
Photo Brent Bielmann
LUKE SWANSON, ROCKY POINT
Photo Brian Bielmann
ZEKE LAU, ROCKY POINT
Photo Brian Bielmann
Sky Suitt

Suitt

BARRON MAMIYA, BACKDOOR
Photo Brent Bielmann
MAKANA PANG , EHUKAI
Photo Brian Bielmann
JACK ROBINSON, HALEIWA
Photo Brian Bielmann
FILIPE TOLEDO, FREDDIELAND
Photo Brian Bielmann
ERIN BROOKS , ROCKY POINT
Photo Brian Bielmann
KALANI RIVERO, SUNSET BEACH
Photo Brian Bielmann
BILLY KEMPER, PIPE
Photo Brent Bielmann
LAURA ENEVER, WAIMEA BAY
Photo Mike Latronic
MIKE ITO AND CHRISTA FUNK
Photo Brent Bielmann
Photo Brent Bielmann
Photo Brian Bielmann
JOHN FLORENCE, PIPE
Photo Brent Bielmann

Skai Suitt

Skai Suitt

Eight years ago, FreeSurf introduced the world to a pair of bright-eyed and bushy-tailed North Shore siblings, Stone and Skai Suitt. Two keiki with saltwater in their veins, likely some sand still in their ears, but most definitely, big dreams growing and thriving under the Hawai’ian sun. Back then, Skai was sprinting across the street from Sunset Beach Elementary to catch one more wave before dark. Even then she carried a playful, determined cheek, a flint strike of ambition- and unafraid to fly.

Fast forward to today: Skai Suitt is fifteen, and that spark has bloomed to a steady flame. She absolutely claimed the Stab High Ladybirds title, a career milestone that bridges her island roots to a future of limitless progression. What’s striking about Skai isn’t just her skill…her curiosity, clarity of mind and the sense that she’s still surfing for the same reason she did at eight years old: because it feels like home.

In conversation, she’s part humility, part mischief. Laughing about tardy passes and dawn patrols, then slipping seamlessly into susurration about the deeper call of the ocean, about giving back, doing things from the heart. Her vision of surfing stretches far beyond the lineup.

FSM: Skai! It’s great to meet you. You were eight the last time FreeSurf spoke with you. Now you’re fifteen, fresh off your Stab High win. How does it feel to look back at those early North Shore grom days?

SS: It feels good to be back! Those early north shore grom days were the days I lived for, haha. Going to the beach right after school and staying til dark were my favorite.

FSM: Last time, you told us you loved “Paint It Black.” I’ve gotta ask — do you still listen to classic rock? I used to ritualistically play “Kashmir” by Led Zep before surf sessions with my dad. What’s on your playlist these days?

SS: I know a lot of the classic rock songs from my parents playing it- but it’s not on my playlist, ha! Lately I’ve been listening to a mix of everything, From island reggae - maoli, jboog, rebelution, kanaka fyah, to rap- shoreline mafia, future, travis scott, drake and some house music like fisher, disco lines, PRODBYAZ

FSM: Seven years ago, you were a fearless eight-year-old from Sunset Beach Elementary, launching airs and collecting contest trophies. Looking back, what do you remember most vividly?

SS: Haha thanks, I wasn’t really stomping airs at eight but it was always good dawn patrolling before school eating egg burritos with dripping wet hair running across the street going straight into the classroom— sometimes getting a tardy pass haha. When I was 6 years old I won my first ever Haleiwa Menehune contest and somehow won the next 5 years until I aged out. The Menehune is such a special surf contest for our community, it’s like a 4-day beach gathering for all the families. Auntie Ivy and Uncle Kawika, along with all the volunteers always do a great job putting it all together. For the past few years, I’ve been helping out the comp and giving back to the kids that are competing and sharing the stoke to the next generation.

FSM: That’s fantastic! I love to hear that you’re passing the verve for surf to younger groms. Do you remember the first time you landed an air cleanly? What did that feel like? Fireworks? Freedom?

SS: I think I was 11, but I was surfing at Rocky lefts trying chop hops every wave and I wasn’t going in till I landed one. When I finally made one I came straight in. I remember feeling like I accomplished something big and was super stoked.

FSM: You’ve spent most of your life surrounded by waves, cameras, competition. Tell me something about you, something people might not see right away.

Skai Suitt

SS: Hmmm, you might not see it but I am half Japanese and can speak Japanese.

FSM: When you watch yourself surf on video, what’s one thing you always notice, something you’re still working to perfect?

SS: No one is perfect at surfing and everyone probably has something they wanna get better at. But for me I just wanna get more comfortable in bigger waves, perfect my style, launch some big airs, and get some sick barrels.

FSM: You went from grom contests, to swooping in Stab High. What was going through your head when you realized you’d won the Ladybirds division?

SS: I couldn’t believe it, honestly. It’s been a dream of mine to win the Stab High event and for it to be my last year competing in the Ladybirds division was a cherry on top. For it to be my first time in Australia and trying the URBN wave pool for the first time. We only got like 7 attempts on the air wave the day before the comp, so I was definitely nervous since you only get a certain amount of waves and you have to complete your wave. But I’m super happy I put it together during my heats and showcased my surfing. My first trip to Australia is something I’ll never forget.

FSM: You’ve surfed both ocean breaks and wave pools. What can a wave pool teach you that the ocean can’t? And vice versa?

SS: At the wave pool you know what the wave is gonna do so you can visualize what you already want to do on the wave— but in the ocean you have no idea what it has in store for you, so you kinda just have to go with the flow. Wavepools can definitely help your surfing but it’s a different thing. Being able to read the ocean, currents etc is a skill in itself. But probably the best thing in a wave pool is that you don’t have to battle people for waves. Everyone has to take turns. Ha!

FSM: Aerial surfing is a blend of athleticism and artistry. When you’re mid-flight, what’s going through your mind?

SS: Lots of things are going through my mind, when and where to hit the section, making sure I grab if I’m trying to grab, hoping my board doesn’t flip over, spot my landing and try to stick it and ride out clean.

FSM: That really shows both precision and artistic awareness. What’s your pre-heat ritual? Any lucky charm or food you won’t compete without?

SS: It depends, normally I get there like an hour before my heat and watch the waves and heats before mine. Do a little warm up. I used to listen to music but lately I haven’t been. Really trying to get away from the crowd and be in a quiet place— to be in the present moment and to visualize what I’m doing. I usually try to eat a banana or something that will give me energy so I’m not full in my heat— and drink lots of water.

FSM: You and your brother Stone were doing beach cleanups long before most kids -or adults- were thinking about microplastics. How has that sense of responsibility shaped the way you see your role in the surf community now?

SS: It’s something we started at an early age with our parents. We made these sand sifters to clean up micro plastics and nails in the sand from people burning pallets on the beach. It's definitely shaped me to be more aware about the importance of protecting the ocean. And yeah, if people have seen that I hope it encourages them to be mindful of their actions and take care of our environment. We volunteer with 808cleanups when they do clean ups on the North Shore. Volunteering with a group is an easy way for people to get involved, it makes you feel like you get a lot done.

FSM: How do you see your role as an ocean ambassador evolving — especially with social media giving you a platform?

SS: It’s just something I’ve grown up doing and actually I haven’t posted much about it on social media lately— but we are still out there doing it. I understand the influence on social media and that allows the possibility for more people to see what you are doing. It can be used in so many positive ways and if I were able to get just one person to change or do something beneficial that would be awesome.

FSM: The North Shore is home to so many stories. How do you stay grounded as your career expands beyond Hawaiʻi?

SS: Just showing respect and gratitude. I try not to take

anything for granted. I'm proud to represent the Hawai’ian flag around the world and to represent my family, my friends, my community. Definitely being from Hawai’i means the world to me.

FSM: Outside of surfing, what fills your cup when the ocean goes flat?

SS: When it’s flat I love to go hiking, doing pilates at The Den, diving for shells with my friends, and obviously gotta do some schoolwork.

FSM: Stand on that business with all ten toes! Education is important. So are friends. You once said your goal was simply to “share the stoke of surfing.” Has that goal evolved?

Skai Suitt

SS: It hasn’t really evolved more from that, I just try to give back as much as I can, especially to those younger than me. Everyone should be happy while surfing, it’s not all about just going out surfing and catching waves and going home. Surfing is a sport but also a lifestyle that brings people and communities together.

FSM: What do you hope young girls watching you now take away from your journey? Not just your results, but your attitude?

SS: I hope they know one day they can achieve something big if they work hard and keep focus on their dream. Always make sure you’re nice to people in and out of the water so people will treat you the way you want to be treated. And I hope younger and older girls out there can just go out there have fun, push themselves, and do it because they love it.

FSM: I love that, so many people can benefit from adopting that frame of mind. Now, lets say your surfboard could write a haiku, what would it say?

SS: salty spray on deck carving lines with grace and speed

oceans rhythm calls

FSM: And finally — eight years from now, what do you hope people will think when they hear the name Skai Suitt?

SS: I’ll be 23. Hopefully I will have accomplished some of my competitive goals …but I just want to be known as a nice person who is passionate about the lifestyle and community of surfing. Girls’ surfing has really progressed lately and is in a really good place. I hope to continue my own progression and

be known as someone who pushes the sport forward. Skai Suitt returns to the pages of FSM as one of Hawaiʻi’s brightest young women — thoughtful, articulate, and still brimming with the stoke that carried her from Sunset Beach to the global stage. Though she downplays social media activism, she puts it into practice. Equipped with a pragmatic environmental ethic, she’s less interested in optics and more in ongoing stewardship... Ocean guardianship captained not by self-promotion, but in leading by example. The quiet consistency of her actions says more than any instagram caption could. A real ambassador doesn’t need to announce her role — she just keeps showing up.

Her pride in being from Hawai’i has nothing to do with status, and everything to do with responsibility. She embodies valuable aspects of aloha and kuleana, connecting Hawaiʻi’s surf heritage with global surf culture. Goals that underline an evolution of form, of flow, of spirit. She speaks of chasing comfort in bigger surf, perfecting the details that rule grace and gravity. She wants to push the boundaries of women’s performance, yes. However, it seems to me that she wants to do it beautifully.

Finally, Skai’s comment on her legacy is simple and powerful: “I just want to be known as a nice person who is passionate about the lifestyle and community of surfing.” This is striking to me. It frames kindness as a legacy goal.

This young woman is carving her own path with equal parts humility and hunger. For Skai Suitt, the future of surfing isn’t just about how high you can soar, but how you stay connected to the ocean that propels you.

EcoClean Hawaii

DAVID ELECTRIC

Pulling up for the Champions

In today’s world, most human hands are busy scrolling a phone screen or hovering over a computer keyboard. Surfermusician David Elecciri most often spends his energy with his hands strumming a guitar or duck diving on the rail of a surfboard. As the lead guitarist for the legendary reggae band Steel Pulse, David’s connection to rhythm goes far beyond music. It’s a way of life—an unbroken line between stage and shoreline, between sound waves, ocean waves, melodic vibrations and the currents of the sea.

David grew up in San Clemente, California, where his first surf sessions at San Onofre taught him about glide, balance, and energy. He’s now a regular fixture at Trestles, T-Street and other locales and sees no separation between those early lessons and the music that now carries him across the world. To him, surfing and music are parallel languages: both demand timing, patience, improvisation, and the ability to surrender to forces larger than yourself. On stage, he feels the vibration of thousands moving to a beat; in the water, he feels the pull of the tide and wind. Different settings, same frequency.

This blend of influences shows up in his songwriting as much as his surfing. His recent release, “Pulling Up for the Champions,” is born out of his homegrown surf tribe in San Clemente—friends and fellow surfers whose passion, drive, and authentic stoke inspired him to put their spirit into song. These “friends” just so happen to be some of the greatest athletes to ever lay on a surfboard. The track is both a celebration of their victories and a reminder of the deeper joy of showing up for each other. It’s music as community, a rhythm that mirrors the lineup and friendship itself.

For David, authenticity is everything. I had the good fortune of gathering insights, hanging out and traveling with him for several weeks at a time a half dozen times in the past few years. Where others chase static, he chases flow. His hands prefer strings to screens, waves to wires. Surfing and music aren’t separate chapters of his life; they are one continuous groove, looping endlessly between water and sound, tides and concert dates. And in both arenas—whether dropping into a head-high set at Trestles or stepping into the spotlight with Steel Pulse—the feeling is the same: rhythm, energy, connection.

Photo courtesy David Elecciri

DAVID ELECTRIC

It’s that connection that defines David. His friends call him” David Electric,” for good reason. Not just as a musician, not just as a surfer, but as someone who sees life itself as one long wave to catch, one endless song to play.

ML: What is it about surfing that's so interesting to you? Or is surfing interesting?

DE: Surfing is a a way of life that I've known since I was pretty much born. My parents, my family, both sides of our family surf. We're surfers. So the ocean-that was our life growing up.

ML: Where did your first experiences with the ocean take place?

DE: We grew up in San Clement, California, and San Onofre was where I learned how to surf. I just remember the first time actually surfing by myself on my board. I was eight years old. And paddling into my own waves out there in San-O, little one-footers, two-footers, and just getting up and all by myself and standing and felt that glide, that ride, and you're looking down, and the water's so clear.

Photo Samuel Rivera

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

ML: It's a special feeling for sure, how would you explain surfing to somebody?

DE: It's just the best feeling on the planet other than music and the vibes, it's the greatest feeling. You're gliding on top of water, you know, this magnificent source of energy, the most powerful source of energy on our planet. And you get to ride it.

ML: Talking about energy, it seems like you're very connected to rhythm and energy. You write about it, you sing about it, you play music around it. How does rhythm translate in the ocean? Or does it?

DE: Obviously yeah. The timing, the togetherness of you and that energy coming together and being in sync throughout the music, throughout your ride in the surf. There's a certain rhythm, there's a certain frequency, a vibration that you sync up with and you can really feel and connect. Once you get that connection, there's no feeling like it. Whether you're on stage in front of thousands of people or if it's just you solely on a wave, The rhythm, the frequency, the vibration is very much the same. You have sound waves, you have ocean waves. It's all kinds of waves.

ML: How important is rhythm and is that something that connects us as humans?

DE: Rhythm is all in us. Everyone has rhythm in them. Music is a source of energy, the syncing of life in itself. So yes, rhythm is very important in everyone's life.

And everybody's got it, it’s how you connect with certain things using that rhythm. So absolutely, rhythm is everything in our life I believe.

Photo courtesy David Elecciri

DAVID ELECTRIC

ML: Can a good surf session have an influence on a good song and vice versa?

DE: Absolutely, I would think it's probably my biggest inspiration in writing for myself, connecting with the ocean, the most powerful source of energy we have on this planet. And, you know, putting that into my music, they are definitely cohesive. The rhythm of life really is what I call it. When you're gliding on the ocean in sync with the ocean and with music, when you're playing your songs and you're in sync in tune with what you're doing and the inspiration that it draws from. Absolutely.

ML: You're touring with Steel Pulse. Tell me a little bit about that history and then tell me a little bit about some of your original work.

DE Music has been my life for as long as I can remember. I started right out of the mama's womb crying and all the way to the big stage. Now I get to play alongside my heroes growing up Steel Pulse David Hinds and Selwyn Brown and it's still surreal to this day. It's an incredible feeling. There's no feeling like it, just like surfing, there's no feeling like it. That energy, the vibration that you get from the music and that you get from the ocean is very similar

ML: Tell me about your new song “Pulling Up for the Champions.”

DE: It’s inspired by our home crew and friends who have been winning surf contests, the champions. And we're all there for them. We're all pulling up for them and we want them just to succeed and just be as best as they can possibly be and watching that go down. It's really inspired that song and what all goes into being a champion.

Micheal Dunphy, Gabe Garcia, Andy Carr, Jett Schilling, Josh Moniz, Cole Houshmand, Griffin Colapinto, Mitch Colapinto, Malik Schilling, Crosby Colapinto, Kade Matson, Brodi Sale, Mike Latronic

DAVID ELECTRIC

ML: Tell me a little bit about the evolution of your friendships and relationship with the San Clemente crew.

DE: Yeah the relationship just comes from being a local boy myself. I was a young kid growing up in San Clemente and had roots with good friends that were surfers like the McPhillips and the Beschens and my father being a coach and teacher at San Clement High School really put me within that community of surfing. My dad was a surfer and just grew up with all the surfers that were in our town at the time. Guys like Chris Ward and a few others just happened to be my best friends. It's been really special, and I just feel really blessed to be there and actually be there for them, rooting them on.

ML: What's next for you?

DE: Well I just dislocated my shoulder getting shacked then obliterated at Punta Roca last month so just rest and recovery and all positive. People asked me was it worth it I'm like yes absolutely and anything that we do there's sacrifices that we must make and we know sometimes there could be some consequences and we live for that and no matter what it takes to do that and that's what we do. It's a part of our life. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger in the end and the music will always keep going on just like these waves, endless waves. Surfing is my life. Music is my life. And there's no stopping.

Photo Mike Latronic

DAVID ELECCIRI IS PULLING UP FOR THE CHAMPIONS

David Elecciri isn’t just dropping a new single—he’s launching an anthem. Pulling Up for the Champions hits like being spun through a saltwater blender charged with stoke, grit, and a full-throttle love of life.

The track pulses with natural rhythm and musical chops, while the video layers in world-class surfing, giving it an unmistakable hometown feel. Rooted in the iconic surf town of San Clemente, it’s less about gloss and more about heart. Elecciri doesn’t posture—he radiates pride, support, and genuine connection to his community.

That authenticity is the magic. Elecciri’s love for his friends, his family, and the San Clemente crew comes through in every note, every frame. The video isn’t just a backdrop for a song—it’s a love letter to a lifestyle, sun-soaked and alive with possibility.

You can’t fake this kind of energy, and you can’t buy it either. David Elecciri has bottled it, blending his two worlds—surfer and musician—into something that feels both personal and universal. Pulling Up for the Champions doesn’t just play; it celebrates. It rides. It lives

Crosby Colapinto
Photo Brian Bielmann
“There’s

a certain rhythm, a certain frequency, a vibration that you sync up with, and you can really feel and connect. Whether you're on stage in front of thousands or just you on a wave, the rhythm is the same.”

- David Elecciri
Kade Matson
Photo Mike Latronic
Griffin Colapinto
Photo Brent Bielmann

“You're gliding on top of water, this magnificent source of energy, the most powerful source of energy on our planet. And you get to ride it.”

Cole Houshmand
Photo Mike Latronic

“Surfing is a way of life that I've known since I was pretty much born. My parents, my family, both sides of our family surf. We're surfers. So the ocean—that was our life growing up.”- David Elecciri

“Surfing is my life. Music is my life. And there's no stopping. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger in the end, and the music will always keep going on—just like these waves, endless waves.”

Jett Schilling

Photo Mike Latronic

Ride the Wave to

Waves of Healing

"Surfing has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Being out on the water keeps me grounded and reminds me why I fell in love with the ocean in the first place. Over the years, I've faced my share of injuries and setbacks, but thanks to the team at Kahuku Medical Center, I've been able to recover, rebuild, and get back to doing what I love most. From physical therapy to rehab, the care and support I received helped me come back stronger— both in body and mind. I'm grateful to have a place like KMC right here in our North Shore community, helping surfers like me stay healthy and ready for the next wave."

THE 48TH NORTH SHORE MENEHUNE SURF CONTEST HALE'IWA’S YOUNGEST WAVE OF TALENT

The lineup at Aliʻi Beach Park filled with small boards, big smiles, and an energy that could only come from the next generation of Hawaiʻi surfers. The 2025 North Shore Menehune Surf Contest once again turned Haleʻiwa into the epicenter of youth surfing, with hundreds of kids charging through clean North Shore peaks and parents cheering from the sand.

For nearly five decades, the Menehune has been the proving ground for Hawaiʻi’s young surfers. It’s where names like Carissa Moore, John John Florence, and Bettylou Sakura-Johnson first showed their spark. This year’s event, held over two October weekends, carried that same tradition with perfect head-high surf and light offshore winds.

Each heat told a story. Groms as young as four years old paddled out with focus, chasing their first contest waves, while older divisions showed polished turns and powerful style. The girls’ finals drew loud applause as the next generation of wahine surfers matched the boys move for move. The beach buzzed with ʻohana, coaches, and surf legends passing on advice between heats.

Beyond trophies, the Menehune is about community. Families camped at the park, local shapers donated boards, and Haleʻiwa businesses kept everyone fueled with food and aloha. For many keiki, this was their first taste of competitive surfing, and for others, it was the next step toward a future on the world stage.

A huge mahalo goes out to Director Ivy Blomfield and the volunteers who make this memorable event happen.

NEWS & EVENTS

INDUSTRY NOTES

VOLCOM CO-FOUNDER INVESTS IN FLORENCE

In notable business news, Volcom co-founder Richard Woolcott has publicly revealed his investment in the brand owned by two-time World Champion John John Florence. This move signals a significant financial vote of confidence from an industry veteran in one of the sport's most marketable and influential figures, blending legacy brand experience with a new generation of surf commerce.

LIFEGUARD SERIOUSLY INJURED IN TIGER SHARK ATTACK AT HANALEI BAY

Chance Swanson, sustained serious injuries to his left leg after being attacked by a tiger shark Wednesday afternoon at Pine Trees, Hanalei Bay. The incident occurred around 3:10 p.m. while Swanson was surfing. First responders on the scene provided critical emergency care, credited with saving his life. Swanson was subsequently transported to Queen’s Medical Hospital on Oahu for specialized treatment. His family confirmed a long recovery is expected and has launched a community fundraiser to assist with medical expenses, praising the "true spirit of Aloha" shown by supporters. A GoFundMe has been established by his Mom.

ALASKA AND HAWAIIAN AIRLINES UPDATE SURFBOARD POLICY:

In early November, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines announced a new, more generous surfboard policy. The change, designed to attract traveling surfers, allows passengers to check multiple surfboards in a single bag up to 10 feet, 5 inches long.

STUDY SUGGESTS VINI DOS SANTOS MAY HAVE RIDDEN A 100-FOOT WAVE IN NAZARÉ

On February 25, 2022, Vini dos Santos stared down a behemoth at Nazaré. Despite a traumatic head injury days prior, the Brazilian volunteered for the colossal swell, guided by Lucas Chumbo. Vini successfully dropped in, completing a ride he immediately knew was the largest of his life.

The wave’s immense scale sparked an investigation by oceanographer Douglas Nemes. Using a method refined over 20 years, Nemes's team employed sophisticated topography and instrumentation techniques, including GPS and analyzing Vini’s posture relative to a metric scale in photographs. By converting the surfer into a spatial mathematical model, the study calculated that this iconic wave surpassed the 100-foot mark, potentially setting a new world record.

BOARD DRIFTS 2,400KM AND FINDS OWNER

An incredible human-interest story emerged when a surfboard lost near Tasmania was found covered in barnacles in New Zealand, some 2,400km away, and was successfully reunited with its owner. This story resonated as a testament to the ocean's power and the bonds within the global surfing community.

WORLD SURF LEAGUE APPOINTS NEW CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER:

The World Surf League (WSL) appointed Brooke Farris as Chief Marketing Officer and President of North America in early August. Returning to the WSL, the former Rip Curl CEO will lead global marketing strategy and North American operations. in partnership with the WSL and Conservation International, showcased solutions ranging from seaweed products to ecocertified apparel.

RACHAEL TILLY AND KAI ELLICE-FLINT WIN WORLD LONGBOARD TITLES AT 2025 SURF CITY EL SALVADOR LONGBOARD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Rachael Tilly (USA) and Kai Ellice-Flint (AUS) etched their names in the history books, winning the Surf City El Salvador Longboard Championships and being crowned the 2025 World Longboard Champions. It was a momentous day at El Sunzal that witnessed Tilly’s unrivaled form claim a historic, third World Longboard Title in back-to-back fashion, while 2025 breakout contender-turned-Longboard Champ, Ellice-Flint, earned his maiden Longboard Title in dominant fashion.

The single-day competition featured a challenging format where the higher seeds awaited their matches in a head-tohead bracket. The No. 1 seeds, Edouard Delpero (FRA) and Avalon Gall (USA), met Tilly and Ellice-Flint in the final Title Matches. Both Tilly and Ellice-Flint defeated their respective opponents in a best-of-three battle to claim the ultimate prize.

RACHAEL TILLY’S INCREDIBLE RUN TO BACK-TO-BACK WORLD LONGBOARD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Rachael Tilly (USA) achieved her third World Longboard Title, successfully defending her 2024 World Longboard Championship in El Sunzal. The 27-year-old had earned her first title in 2015 at just 17 years old.

Despite being seeded No. 7 out of eight places, Tilly embarked on an impressively dominant run, battling through six straight heats, working her way up from Match 1 through to the Title Matches 1 and 2 to secure the 2025 championship.

“It feels unreal. I feel really tired and in that heat, I just thought, please just get it done in this heat, because now all of the work today is really catching up,” said Tilly. “Obviously, it was well worth it. I have no words. Honolua [Blomfield] and Soleil [Errico] have had three World Titles forever, and I’ve always been so inspired by them, and they set that bar. I’ve just been reaching for that bar. I walked into today with no expectations, and no part of me thought that this was possible.”

Tilly’s surge began in Match 1, where she posted an 8.33 (out of a possible 10), needing a 7.78, after perennial World Longboard Title threat Kelis Kaleopa’a (USA) had laid down a brilliant showing to post a 15.27 heat total. Tilly’s impeccable footwork and smooth style continued into Match 2 against Longboard Tour veteran Chloe Calmon (BRA) and 2025 breakout talent Hiroka Yoshikawa (JPN). The defending World Longboard Champion posted another excellent score of 8.17 to take a commanding lead heading into Match 3.

A clash of the sport’s best unfolded with Tilly facing threetime Longboard Champion Honolua Blomfield (HAW). A narrow lead from Blomfield left Tilly within striking distance, but Tilly posted a 7.50 and a marquee 7.60, taking control and feeding off the momentum into Match 4 for a rematch of the 2024 World Longboard Title showdown. Tilly’s dream run matched up against another three-time WSL Longboard champion, Soleil Errico (USA). Tilly’s form continued, taking the lead off

Kai Ellice-Flint
Photo Emma Sharon/WSL
Rachael Tilly
Photo Thiago Diz/WSL

NEWS & EVENTS

Errico with a 7.83 before Errico's 7.17 put her back in the mix. Ultimately, Tilly’s buzzer-beater magic catapulted her back to the Title Match over Errico.

In the first Title Match against No. 1 Avalon Gall (USA), Tilly opened with a 7.00. More excellence from Tilly tipped the scale with an 8.00, leaving Gall in a combination situation. Though Gall answered back with a 7.77, Tilly earned a 7.20 to increase the requirement for Gall and claim the first Title Match. In Title Match 2, Tilly capitalized on an opportunity to showcase her world-class form with a 7.50 to Gall’s 4.67. A slower heat unfolded with the rising tide, but when the opportunity presented itself, Gall struck back with a 7.17 to overtake the lead. However, Tilly responded with a 6.00 to regain the lead once more, claiming the 2025 World Longboard Title.

KAI ELLICE-FLINT WINS MAIDEN WORLD LONGBOARD TITLE IN DOMINANT FORM

Known as one of the WSL Longboard Tour’s most dedicated to his craft, Kai Ellice-Flint’s (AUS) run to a maiden Longboard Title was one for the history books. The Australian had to overcome No. 1 seed Edouard Delpero (FRA) in the Title Matches. After putting on a dominant display of control, style, and flow in Title Match 1 to post a 9.50 and 17.67 (out of a possible 20) heat total, Ellice-Flint then did it again in Title Match 2, leaving Delpero needing a 10-point ride to overtake him.

This marks Australia’s eighth World Longboard Title courtesy of Ellice-Flint. Surfing on his own shapes, Ellice-Flint showed his world-class ability from the start, beginning his World Longboard Title run in Match 4 against 2024 World Longboard Champion, Taylor Jensen (USA), where he made his stand with a 7.10 and then put the pressure on with an excellent 8.17.

Rachael Tilly and Kai Ellice-Flint Photo Emma Sharon/WSL
Moku Rider Sunny Drill

STUFF WE LIKE

LOCAL MOTION HAWAII

CLASSIC STRIPE TANK TOP

Embrace effortless, relaxed style with the Classic Stripe Tank Top from Local Motion Hawaii. Perfect for warm days and coastal adventures, this rib crop tank top delivers both comfort and a timeless look.

localmotionhawaii.com

T&C SURF 32 OZ KOKO'I BAND OWALA

Stay hydrated with style. The 32 oz Koko‘i Band Owala from T&C Surf blends standout design with high performance.

tcsurf.com

ALOHA COLLECTION X HIC HONEY GIRL BACKPACK

Take your look from the beach to the street with this classic, collaborative backpack from ALOHA Collection and Hawaiian Island Creations (HIC). The Honey Girl Backpack is designed to elevate your style while offering exceptional functionality for travel and daily use.

hicsurf.com

DB SURF COFFIN

A fully compressible, rib-protected travel coffin. Features award-winning Db technology like the Hook-Up System™; connecting your board bag to your Db Hugger Roller. The Hook-Up System™ allows bags to be hooked onto one another using external webbing and integrated hooks. This system relieves the burden of carrying several bags by simply attaching them. The Db Surf Coffin is also roll compressible for storage at home or destination. Perfect for overseas trips.

dbjourney.com

STUFF WE LIKE

SURF N SEA DISTANT LOCAL LONG SLEEVE

Perfect for dawn patrols and cool Hawaiʻi mornings, this North Shore map tee highlights the coastline we call home. Made for those who know where it all began — Surf N Sea, holding it down in the heart of Haleʻiwa since 1965. Also available in tanks, tees, kids’ and women’s styles.

surfnsea.com

OVER UNDER - THE PAPIO EXPLORER SET

Be ready for your next underwater journey with a refined adult-fit mask and matching snorkel proven through years of feedback. Coupled with the Explorer snorkel, you’ll find yourself exploring reefs and shallows with ease and style.

overunder.fun

HI-TECH

Tag Aloha pareos are here! 00% cotton and complete with ties for easy wear. Buttery-soft pareos + conscious beachwear accessories like hats, bags & towels!

hitechsurf.com

The ‘Ohana men’s beach sandals by OluKai bring island-inspired comfort to your every step. They feature water-friendly synthetic straps and a quickdry jersey knit lining that support wet-and-wild beach days as well as backyard barbecues. The footbed is contoured and supportive, designed to mimic the feel of resting on sand while delivering reliable arch support and all-day ease. Underfoot, the coral-reef inspired rubber outsole grips slick pool decks and slippery docks, offering confident traction wherever you roam.

olukai.com

OLUKAI ‘OHANA

LAST LOOK

Only those who have felt the ocean's pull know the skill and sheer dedication poured into a single, perfect frame like this. The surfer's talent. The photographer's vision.

Josh Moniz

Photo Brent Bielmann

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