Surphang Magazine Issue 4-tography

Surphang Magazine

Issue 4-tography

Proudly presents

A Pro Show Duo

Young's Winning Yearn!

Hall On High

Can Kei Keep It Up?

T'riffic Trestles

& Nailin' the coffin! Britain's got talent

Surphang Magazine

01 - SM

'What I like about photographs is that they capture a moment that's gone forever, impossible to reproduce...' (Karl Lagerfield) With forty-nine issues to our name and nearly five whole years passed in the process, as we approach our fifth anniverary early next year, it's time to take stock and celebrate what makes what we do so momentous. So in this first of two special issues of SURPHANG, we're going to focus on the formidable form of photography...

Everybody wants a piece of the action nowadays!

Photo: John Philpotts

SM - 02

03 - SM

Surphang Magazine

Magazine Editor: Stuart Gaston Contributing Photographers: Hugo Boulenger, Tom Hall, Paul Carpenter, Mike Healy, John F Jackson, Adam Laister, Sam Lewis @ Waives.co.uk, John Philpotts, Bruno Veiga & Chuck@Surf-Shot.com Staff Photographer: Stuart Gaston

Send any photographic submissions for future issues of the magazine to: surphangmagazine@ymail.com

Cover Shot: Kei Kobayashi keeping up with things!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

Framing can quite often be the key to that captivating shot!

Photo: Adam Laister

SM - 04

ThisIssue'sFeatures

Pro Show Uno Pro Show Duo Surphalosophy

Young's Winning Yearn!

Nailin' the Coffin!

Can Kei Keep It Up?

Nat Young has been yearning to win a CT event for a while now – with surfing like this, surely it can't be too far away?

Considered by some to be one of the most stylish surfers on the CT right now, we managed to nail some shots with Conner Coffin!

Kei Kobayashi made a convincing start on the JQS series this year.

Surely he'll be soaring to victory as the season comes to its finale?

05 - SM

ThisIssue

T'riffic Trestles

Britain's got talent

All Psyched Up!

For a photographer, few spots offer as much fun as shooting the many talented surfers that pop up at Trestles every day...

Time to take another look at some home-grown talent near and far in two interviews with upcoming Brits this time round.

As summer becomes autumn, it's time to get all psyched up for some seasonal swells with the help of a decent wetsuit!

Hall On High For upcoming photographer, Tom Hall, nothing beats getting up high above the action and we think you'll soon see why...

Plus regulars, The Goss...

Fotography Frenzy and

THE GALLERY

Tom Hall takes us high over Hossegor!

SM - 06

Welcome to

Pro Show uno Young's Winning Yearn!

Photos: Chuck@Surf-shot.com & Mike Healy; Words: Stu Gaston

07 - SM Nat Young yearns for his powerful surfing to earn him that first WCT win!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

ProShowUno Nat Young has been yearning to win a CT event for a while now – with surfing like this, surely it can't be too far away?

SM - 08

Young's Winning Yearn!

09 - SM Nat Young tears up the surf at his home break!

Photo: Mike Healy

ProShowUno

A fresh faced freckled blond, now in his mid-twenties, Nat Young, is Santa Cruz's most accomplished surfer to date, with three seasons on surfing's highest level of elite competition already to his name.

To most people's surprise, Young hit the tour in 2013 with enormous success, reaching two major finals in Portugal and Australia's Bells Beach and winning the Rookie of the Year award. Yet since then, his results have been mediochre to say the least despite stating that he wanted to make a final this year.

He currently sits in a dangerous 22nd place on the rankings and will be looking to do all he can in the final event of the year to lift himself into a safer 2017 Tour qualifying position.

Certainly, looking at his surfing, he should be able to do more than enough to stay on tour and then perhaps 2017 will be Nat's year. Take a look and see what you think for yourselves...

SM - 10

Young's Winning Yearn!

11 - SM Nat Young's powerful bottom turn!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

ProShowUno

SM - 12

Young's Winning Yearn!

13 - SM Nat Young whacks out some aerial antics!

Photo: Mike Healy

ProShowUno

SM - 14

Young's Winning Yearn!

15 - SM Nat Young hits that lip for all its worth!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

ProShowUno

SM - 16

Young's Winning Yearn!

17 - SM

Nat Young works that Trestles right hander!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

ProShowUno

SM - 18

Young's Winning Yearn!

19 - SM

Nat Young looks for some more air time!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

ProShowUno

SM – 20

Welcome to

Pro Show Duo Nailin' the Coffin!

Photos: Chuck@Surf-shot.com; Words: Stu Gaston

21 - SM Conner Coffin carves up a Trestles right hander!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

ProShowDuo Considered by some to be one of the most stylish surfers on the CT right now, we thought it was about time we featured Connor Coffin in these esteemed pages. And having just reached the final of the Meo RipCurl Pro Portugal and only losing to newly crowned World Champion John John Florence, we felt there was no better excuse to nail down and share these shots of Conner Coffin for you all to see!

SM - 22

Nailin' the Coffin!

23 - SM Conner Coffin's surfing oozes style!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

ProShowDuo

SM - 24

Nailin' the Coffin!

25 - SM

Conner Coffin kicks out those fins!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

ProShowDuo

SM - 26

Nailin' the Coffin!

27 - SM

There's nothing laid back about Conner Coffin's surfing!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

ProShowDuo

SM - 28

Nailin' the Coffin!

29 - SM

Conner Coffin nailing another powerful carve!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

ProShowDuo

SM - 30

Surphalosophy Can Kei Keep It Up? Photos: Chuck@Surf-shot.com, John F Jackson; Words: Stu Gaston

31 - SM Kei Kobayashi looks like he can keep it up for sure!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

surphalosophy Kei Kobayashi made a convincing start on the JQS series this year.

Surely he'll be soaring to victory as the season comes to its finale?

SM - 32

Can Kei Keep It Up?

33 - SM Kei Kobayashi on the crest of a wave!

Photo: John F Jackson

surphalosophy

If there's one name that keeps cropping up amongst the most talented upcoming Californian surfers of the moment it has to be Kei Kobayashi. He's cemented himself in the minds of many with some stirling performances over the years and this year has begun in no different a manner.

Way back in March at the start of the season, Kei set the bar high with his first Pro Junior win when he took out the Ron Jon Vans Junior Pro at Cocoa Beach in Florida. It was a solid run too with Kei winning every one of his heats on his way to his maiden victory.

The WSL Pro Junior season in North America continued in Mexico where Kei reached the semi-finals only falling to the fact that this year's set of juniors are amongst the strongest field of surfers ever seen on the Pro Junior circuit with none other than super grom and Kei's good friend, Griffin Colapinto taking out the second event of the series.

So now with one event left, Kei finds himself in 2nd place on the rankings and just a good result from becoming the regional champion. Well with surfing like you're about to see, we think he'll have it in the bag!

SM - 34

Can Kei Keep It Up?

35 - SM

Kei Kobayashi lip caning!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

surphalosophy

SM - 36

Can Kei Keep It Up?

37 - SM

Kei Kobayashi carves up a Trestles righthander!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

surphalosophy

SM - 38

Can Kei Keep It Up?

39 - SM

Kei Kobayashi kicks out that tail!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

surphalosophy

SM - 40

Can Kei Keep It Up?

41 - SM Kei Kobayashi cooling down with a serious spray fan!

Photo: John F Jackson

surphalosophy

SM - 42

Can Kei Keep It Up?

43 - SM Kei Kobayashi grabs some more air time!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

surphalosophy

SM - 44

T'riffic Trestles Photos: Chuck@Surf-shot.com; Words: Stu Gaston

45 - SM Kevin Schulz shralping up the Californian surfers' playground that is Trestles!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

HotSpots For a photographer, few spots offer as much fun as shooting the many talented surfers that pop up at Trestles every day...

So here's our photographic ode to this legendary surfer's playground and all its talented inhabitants!

SM - 46

T'riffic Trestles

47 - SM

Eithan Osborne enjoying some air time!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

HotSpots

SM - 48

T'riffic Trestles

49 - SM Jake Marshall jamming one off the top at Trestles!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

HotSpots

SM - 50

T'riffic Trestles

51 - SM

Griffin Colapinto catapulting his tail up high!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

HotSpots

SM - 52

T'riffic Trestles

53 - SM

Kevin Schulz lays back into a Lowers left!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

HotSpots

SM - 54

T'riffic Trestles

55 - SM

Taylor Clark tears apart a Lowers left!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

HotSpots

SM - 56

T'riffic Trestles

57 - SM Crosby Colapinto cranks out a tail flick!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

HotSpots

SM - 58

T'riffic Trestles

59 - SM Hagan Johnson jams his tail out off the top!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

HotSpots

SM - 60

T'riffic Trestles

61 - SM

Jett Schilling shralps round that Lowers left!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

HotSpots

SM - 62

T'riffic Trestles

63 - SM Taylor Clark tears apart yet another Lowers left!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

HotSpots

SM - 64

Britain's got talent Photos: Paul Carpenter & Bruno Viega; Words: Stu Gaston

65 - SM George Carpenter frothing all over a fun summer surf!

Photo: Paul Carpenter

HotShots Time to take another look at some home-grown talent both near and far in two interviews with upcoming Brits and this time round, we begin with George Carpenter...

SM - 66

George Carpenter

67 - SM George Carpenter caressing one off the lip!

Photo: Paul Carpenter

HotShots

Name: George Carpenter Age: 16 Years surfing: 6 Where you live: Sennen, Cornwall Sponsors: O'Neill, BOS Surfboards, Butta Surf Wax Local break/s: Sennen and Gywnver Favourite surfer?

Filipe Toledo Favourite place to surf?

Gywnver Favourite surf movie?

Endless Summer Favourite surf trick?

Backhand snap Favourite board?

BOS Surfboard Custom F2

SM - 68

George Carpenter

69 - SM George Carpenter keeping those fins free!

Photo: Paul Carpenter

HotShots

What first got you into surfing?

My family would always go to the beach, and I just loved being in the sea!

Who in surfing inspires you most?

It would have to be Filipe Toledo.

When and how did you become sponsored?

I became sponsored about 2 years ago by O'Neill.

What do you prefer then, free surfing or competitions and why?

I like a bit of both, but mainly free surfing.

SM - 70

George Carpenter

71 - SM George Carpenter carving up a fun summer surf!

Photo: Paul Carpenter

HotShots

What moment are you most proud of in your surfing career so far?

Getting sponsored by O'Neill What's been the highlight of the year so far for you?

Getting 5th at the British Nationals When and where was your best surf session?

Sennen Cove, this summer What's the worst wipeout of your life?

Porthleven on a spring low tide

SM - 72

George Carpenter

73 - SM George Carpenter coming off another lush looking lip!

Photo: Paul Carpenter

HotShots

Where around the world have you been lucky enough to travel to and surf?

I've surfed in the Canary Islands Do you train as well as surf?

I do some boxing training in the side So what's your goal for the rest of this year?

To have a good winter with lots of waves And what about the future?

Just keep surfing and take it as it comes!

SM - 74

Sonny Perrusel

75 - SM Sonny Perrusel peering out of perfection!

Photo: Bruno Veiga

HotShots Next up we head a little further afield and hook up with one of the upcoming surfers chosen to represent Team GB at the ISA World Junior Championships, Sonny Perrusel...

SM - 76

Sonny Perrusel

77 - SM Sonny Perrusel places himself perfectly for some tube time!

Photo: Bruno Veiga

HotShots Name: Sonny Perrussel Age: 16 Nickname: Sonny boy Years surfing: 8 Where you live: Bali, Indonesia Sponsors: Oakley, Chilli Surfboards Local break/s: 'The right', Canggu ,Bali

Favourite surfer?

Julian Wilson Favourite place to surf?

Canggu beach Favourite surf movie?

Trilogy Favourite surf trick?

Barrels Favourite board?

Nevada, Chilli Surfboards

SM - 78

Sonny Perrusel

79 - SM Sonny Perrusel perched in that perfect green room!

Photo: Bruno Veiga

HotShots What first got you into surfing?

Living in Bali, it's kind of inevitable you'll end up surfing.

Who in surfing inspires you most?

My Mum. When and how did you become sponsored?

When I was 12, a surf company contacted my mum.

What do you prefer then, free surfing or competitions and why?

I love them both equally but love the adrenaline in contests.

SM - 80

Sonny Perrusel

What moment are you most proud of in your surfing career so far?

Being chosen to represent my country in the Junior World Champs.

What's been the highlight of the year so far for you?

Competing in the ISA World Junior Championships and passing my GCSE's, phew.

Where around the world have you been lucky enough to surf?

I've been to Hawaii, Australia, France, Portugal, Spain, Ecuador, UK and all around Indonesia.

When and where was your best surf session?

It was last year in the Mentawaiis, me and a couple other friends shared pumping HT's pretty much alone! It was like a dream.

What's the worst wipeout of your life?

At Desert Point in Lombok, I lost a lot of skin, bruised a couple ribs and learned a few lessons!

81 - SM Sonny Perrusel seeks perfection wherever he can find it!

Photo: Bruno Veiga

HotShots

SM - 82

Sonny Perrusel

83 - SM Sonny Perrusel stand up bazzered!

Photo: Bruno Veiga

HotShots

Do you train as well as surf?

I mix it up with stretching and gym.

What do you do when you don't surf?

School work and anything my mum tells me to do haha.

So what's your goal for the rest of this year?

Be happy!

And what about the future?

To be on tour and be happy haha.

SM - 84

Hall on High Photos: Tom Hall; Words: Stu Gaston

85 - SM Hossegor from on high!

Photo: Tom Hall

surphography For upcoming photographer, Tom Hall, nothing beats geting up high above the action. We stumbled back across Tom and his photographic talent when our paths crossed in France earlier this year. When we then saw what he was achieving, we knew we had to feature it in our photography special and we think you'll agree and soon see why...

SM - 86

Hall on High

87 - SM A glistening lip!

Photos: Tom Hall

surphography

Name: Tom Hall Age: 19 Nickname: TH Years surfing/shooting: 9 Where you live: Jersey, Channel Islands Local break/s: St Ouens Favourite surfer?

Mason Ho Favourite surf photographer?

Corey Wilson Favourite place to shoot?

Home!

Favourite shooting stance (water, land or air)?

Hard to choose between water and air but as of recently I’ve been enjoying drone shots more due to the unique perspective.

SM - 88

Hall on High

89 - SM Will Glenn in the green room!

Photo: Tom Hall

surphography What first got you into surfing?

Living close to the beach and having the opportunity to go on surf trips with school (anything to get out of the classroom)!

So when and how did you become interested in shooting surfing?

I actually initially started working with video, filming Mat Chapman, he used to drive me straight down the beach after school and we’d film. Then as I progressed I began working with stills.

SM - 90

Hall on High

91 - SM Tube time for Matt Tweedie!

Photos: Tom Hall

surphography

What do you prefer, surfing or shooting surfing and why?

Tough question! I’d like to say I prefer surfing just because I feel like I’ve missed out if I haven’t surfed, especially when the waves are pumping and all your friends are out.

On a perfect day I’ll do both shooting and surfing.

SM - 92

Hall on High

93 - SM Charlie Rio going for the re-entry!

Photo: Tom Hall

surphography

What moment are you most proud of in your surfing or shooting career so far?

I’m still really proud of my latest Jersey edit Tax Evasion which you can see on my Vimeo channel. The feedback I received from that has been epic and has inspired me to keep shooting. Over the past summer I’ve been working on some new and exciting projects The key is to constantly be progressing and learning from your mistakes.

SM - 94

Hall on High

95 - SM Hossegor from on high!

Photos: Tom Hall

surphography

You spent some time in Hossegor recently so tell us more about the experience you gained there as a photographer?

Hossegor’s great, I’ve been fortunate enough to go down a few times so I know the area fairly well. This year is the first year that I’ve taken the drone down with me...

SM - 96

Hall on High

97 - SM More from Hossegor!

Photos: Tom Hall

surphography

Overall I managed to get some cool shots that I’m really happy with but I definitely want to get back down there again some time soon when the surf’s properly pumping so I can give it another go. It'd definitely be great to score some shots looking down on those classic pumping barrels that you can score at spots like La Graviere.

SM - 98

Hall on High

99 - SM Looking our over Jersey!

Photo: Tom Hall

surphography When and where would you say you’ve snapped your best shot/s so far?

Personally I think my best shots have come from in and around Jersey in the last year. I’ve really been trying to master the whole drone platform and I’m excited to keep trying.

SM - 100

Hall on High And what projects are you working on at the moment?

Nothing in the pipeline currently, I’ve just finished and released an edit for William Alioti and Ryan Herve of Nutz Surfboards which has been fun. Now that summer's almost over I’ll be gearing back up for my second year at Uni but hopefully at some point I’ll be able to get away somewhere hot for another decent surf trip!

101 - SM

Hossegor surf check!

Photo: Tom Hall

surphography

SM - 102

Hall on High

103 - SM More from Hossegor!

Photos: Tom Hall

surphography

What do you do when you aren’t shooting or surfing?

If I’m not shooting or surfing I’m probably either chilling down the beach or playing golf (which over the summer I and a few others have got quite hooked on).

So what’s your goal for this year and the future?

My goal for the rest of this year and the next is to travel as much as possible and have as much fun as possible. I want to keep working with the Mango Tree boys as thats always a good laugh.

SM - 104

All Psyched Up! Photos: Stu Gaston; Words: Stu Gaston

105 - SM Jake Sage laying back into a late summer surf!

Photos: Stu Gaston

HotWots

If a classic wetsuit is what you want, then there's none more classic than the original wetsuit pioneers themselves, O'Neill.

Founded in California in 1952, the young Jack O'Neill pioneered the world's first neoprene surf wetsuit, and so successfully found a way to extend his surf sessions in the bonechilling breaks of North California.

While many things have changed since those humble beginnings, O'Neill's initial vision of producing functional and innovative board riding products still lives on in their current range of wetsuits, making them ideal for braving the onset of those colder but swell-drenched Autumn sessions.

We asked O'Neill rider, Jake Sage, always keen to surf especially when those swells show up, to test out O'Neill's Psycho One F.U.Z.E. 4/3 wetsuit and give us his surfer's eye review on the classic of all classic wetsuits!

SM - 106

All Psyched Up!

107 - SM Jake Sage seeks out a late summer surf session!

Photos: Stu Gaston

HotWots

O'Neill's Psycho One F.U.Z.E. 4/3 is your classic clean cut wetsuit – it's quite minimalistic with not too many panels, perfect for both contest performance and enjoying a chilled autumn surf. The first thing that standouts about the Psycho One is how light it is – you barely notice it sitting on the nose of your board as you head off for that late summer or early autumn swell session. And of course being a classic O'Neill suit, the rest speaks for itself...

SM - 108

All Psyched Up! FUNCTIONALITY With its impressive features speaking for themselves, the Psycho One boasts both minimal seam madness and O'Neill's exclusive F.U.Z.E. Closure system, making it the ultimate high-performance cold water wetsuit. Built with ultra gooey TechnoButter 2 Neoprene and ultra-minimal seam styling, it offers unrestricted mobility, enhanced durability and incredible fit. The Psycho One will raise your performance level to new heights.

The Psycho One's awesome features include: 4/3mm thickness Technobutter 2 neoprene Super Minimal Seam Design F.U.Z.E. Entry system Contortionist seamless shoulder Strategic Seamless Paddles zones Single Fluid seam weld Plasma wrist & ankle seals Krypto knee pads External key pocket with loop

109 - SM Jake Sage suited up for that late summer surf!

Photos: Stu Gaston

HotWots F.U.Z.E. ENTRY SYSTEM O'Neill's exclusive F.U.Z.E. (Front Upper Zip Entry) system offers a fresh alternative. Using the same free floating zipper technology as our patented Z.E.N. ZIP closure. The F.U.Z.E. closure keeps you dry and allows unrestricted flexibility.

STRATEGIC SEAMLESS PADDLE ZONES An ergonomic, seamless under sleeve panel that allows for unrestricted motion and eliminates rashing.

Flexible and unique design which utilizes minimal seam placement for comfort.

KRYPTO KNEE PADZ Abrasion resistant, high stretch neoprene panel with ergonomic shaping for comfortable durability.

Flexible and unique design utilizes and extended knee pad for added durability.

SINGLE FLUID SEAM WELD O'Neill's exterior fluid seam weld is a revolutionary seam construction that utilizes a non-chafing highgrade, silicone-based urethane applied in liquid form to outside of a glued and blindstitched seam completely blocking out water without restricting flexibility.

EXTERNAL KEY POCKET WITH LOOP Abrasion resistant, high stretch neoprene panel with ergonomic shaping for comfortable durability.

Located along the lower leg inseam.

Constructed with Fluid Seam Weld and UltraFlex DS neoprene, this key pocket has added strength, easy access and completely secure.

SM - 110

All Psyched Up!

111 - SM

Jake Sage's surfing oozes style!

Photos: Stu Gaston

HotWots

STYLE The style of the suit is really good, not too flashy but a bit different from the classic black – the colour on the suit will stand out in the line up yet overall it's a classic darker shade so you don't draw too much attention to youself. The panels of the suit make it both look really clean but also function really well with no unnecessary seams.

SM - 112

All Psyched Up!

113 - SM

Jake Sage looking comfortable as he carves up Sennen's surf!

Photos: Stu Gaston

HotWots

COMFORT When the suit's on, as it has so few panels, it's really comfortable and stretchy – in fact it's so light, you don't even notice it's on, making it feel just like a summer suit but keeping you that bit warmer! In my opinion, you can't get any more comfortable than the new Technobutter neoprene – the feel of the suit is silky, smooth which makes it practically rub free and super comfy when you're paddling out and waiting for that next set. As with my previous O'Neill suits, they continue to be the comfiest suits I've worn!

SM - 114

All Psyched Up!

115 - SM

Jake Sage stretching out as he hits that lip!

Photos: Stu Gaston

HotWots

STRETCHABILITY The Psycho One is such a flexible suit with the Technobutter being the key to providing the ultimate stretch!

Personally, I only wear chest zip wetsuits as for me it's easier to move in when you're out in the surf and getting the suit on and off is easy as long as you're doing it the right way.

So with the Technobutter as well as the minimum panels and it being really lightweight, you can see that O'Neill have made flexibility one of the key features of this suit!

SM - 116

All Psyched Up!

117 - SM

Jake Sage shralping in his Psycho One! Photos: Stu Gaston

HotWots

USABILITY Out in the water, the Psycho One is anything but restrictive, allowing you to push your turns harder without even noticing it's on! It's so flexible with less seams which means that you're free to push your surfing further without being held back by the suit at all. Better still, this flexibility of the suit makes moving in the suit so much easier meaning you can stay in the water longer and surf as much as you can muster.

Also as a surf instructor, I use this suit every day whether it's roasting or freezing and it still fits the bill perfectly! It's definitely my go to suit on a cold summer's morning or an autumn evening.

SM - 118

All Psyched Up!

119 - SM

Jake Sage certainly put the Pyscho One through its paces!

Photos: Stu Gaston

HotWots

THE VERDICT I found the Psycho One super stretchy so you can stay out in the water for longer as you don't get tired.The style's really good – classy but effective. So it's an all round mid season suit, suitable for high performance in that autumn contest season but also just a relaxed day down the beach surfing in the late summer sun with your mates as it dries so quick you can just whack it on and off in between surfs.

STYLE ●●●●●●●●●○

FUNCTIONALITY ●●●●●●● ●●●●●●●●●○ ●●○

COMFORT ●●●●●●●● ●●●●●●●●●●

STRETCHABILITY ●●●●●●●●● ●●●●●●●●●○

USABILITY ●●●●●●●●●● ●●●●●●●●●●

SM - 120

Fotography Frenzy Photos: Hugo Boulenger, Stu Gaston, John F Jackson, Sam Lewis @ Waives.co.uk & Chuck@Surf-shot.com; Words: Stu Gaston

121 - SM Thomas Delplace always delighted to be on the other end of a lens!

Photo: Sam Lewis @ Waives.co.uk

TheGoss As we approach a staggering five years of SURPHANG magazine, it seems like a good time to take stock and reflect on the journey that surf photography has taken during that time. And what a journey it has been, almost a revolution some might say! For in this world, two people play their roles in a special partnership, each performing their artistry to achieve that optimum outcome – of course I refer to photographer and surfer.

As with any sport, surfing has evolved during this past decade and trends for certain styles have come and gone. It is more noticeable though how the appetite for surfing photography has changed in the same period of time... Back in the day, and we're only talking a few years ago, the photographer would position himself wisely on the beach to take advantage of the best angle to capture the best of the surfer's performance out on the water. The surfer would then push the limits of their surfing until they bust that ultimate move and would then come rushing back in to see the results from the lens...

Since those days though, surf photography has seen a frenzied desire to constantly compete by pushing its own limits to discover new angles, new trends and new styles and that ultimate optimum outcome to capture the moment...

SM - 122

Fotography Frenzy

123 - SM Now that's what you call a photographer frenzy!

Photos: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

TheGoss

No doubt one of the most significant evolutions of surf photography has been the move to the centre of the action itself. In that constant attempt to capture the moment as close to the reality of surfing itself as possible, it's no longer unusual to find many a surf photographer bobbing around in the impact zone like flotsam and jetsam.

As many a surf photographer actually surf themselves, this desire to get right out in the middle of the action seeks to quell any feeling they may have that they're missing out on actually surfing themselves, though the effect of saturating the surf with even more bodies is surely not appreciated by those who are actually surfing...

And therein lies one of the biggest issues surf photography is now facing – the proliferation of cameras of every kind imaginable and the people who use them, now calling themselves 'photographers'.

SM - 124

Fotography Frenzy

125 - SM Kei Kobayashi keeps hitting new heights!

Photo: John F Jackson

TheGoss Fortunately, it's all too easy to sift out the real photographers from the wannabes. As a magazine editor, you receive thousands of shots through that online letterbox we all love to call email and as soon as you begin to check through your inbox, a selection of shots from a 'real' photographer very quickly stand heand and shoulders above the rest.

That said though, the world of surf photography is seeming to become a much more desirable way to spend your days and so it is now not uncommon to find yourself no longer the only photographer on the beach. Back in the day, you could hook up with your talented surfing comrade, go hit the surf and score some sick shots safe in the knowledge that they were a nice little exclusive pot of gold. Not so anymore. Take for example this issue's very own cover shot of Kei Kobayashi and here its alter ego...

SM - 126

Fotography Frenzy

127 - SM Kei Kobayashi grabbing more air time!

Photo: John F Jackson

TheGoss Two talented photographers each focusing their lens on the most talented surfer in the water and before you know it, you have some fascinating double angle shots. And for the surfer themselves, there can be nothing better than being able to analyse your surfing from almost every different angle...

And although one of these shots hit the online frenzy of social media within hours, thankfully the other has remained in the SURPHANG vault until now, holding with it its little bit of exclusive excitement until it too hits the world of global sharing online. For that in itself is the next foe of surf photography – the power of instant sharing...

SM - 128

Fotography Frenzy

129 - SM Taz Knight captured capturing his aerial antics!

Photo: Stu Gaston

TheGoss The explosion of instant social media sharing over the past few years has led to every surfer's desire to have material of themselves surfing which they can share instantly. Being patient and waiting for a surf photographer to send over the wonders of their wares no longer seems an option.

That coupled with the evolution of the water proof camera, most obviously in the form of the Go-Pro and without realising it, all these technological developments have all but replaced the traditional stand on the beach surf photographer. So it is now more common to find surfers with their own photographic equipment dangling somewhere on their own person than it is to find them accompanied by an actual photographer...

SM - 130

Fotography Frenzy

Your very own backstage pass to see Thomas Delplace!

Photos: Hugo Boulenger

131 - SM

TheGoss That said, surfing photographers have now managed to redress the balance with the age old premise, 'if you can't beat them, join them.'

And this is where we are right now as the trend of surfers shooting other surfers 'backstage' is only just beginning to really take off. We've seen it in the work of the Australian photographer, Leroy Bellet and it's now catching on as seen here with upcoming French photographer Hugo Boulenger nailing the shots of the talented Thomas Delplace.

SM - 132

Fotography Frenzy

133 - SM Kei Kobayashi carves a clear path... or does he?

Photos: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

TheGoss And so it seems that the future of surf photography is just beginning and I'm sure there's still much more to be seen in the form of those epic behind the barrel stance surfer shots that hit these very pages in one of our previous issues.

But what of the traditional stand on the beach surf photographer?

Well trends come and go but one things for sure, surfers will always want to see how their and others' surfing is looking and without that guy or gal who's prepared to stand for hours on end capturing every moment then that's just not going to happen. But best to keep on our good side because in this modern world of all things digital, the power that your 21st century surf photographer has at their finger tips can change what's before your very eyes. Now you see him... now you don't. And imagine what can be done with that missed air grab..

SM - 134

T H E G A L L E R Y

135 - SM

Kei Kobayashi captured catapulting himself through the sky!

Photos: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

TheGallery

SM - 136

T H E G A L L E R Y

137 - SM

Nat Young sporting the dry hair paddle out look!

Photos: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

TheGallery

SM - 138

T H E G A L L E R Y

139 - SM

Griffin Colapinto getting grips with another Trestles righthander!

Photos: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

TheGallery

SM - 140

T H E G A L L E R Y

141 - SM

Taylor Clark clips one off the top!

Photos: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

TheGallery

SM - 142

T H E G A L L E R Y

143 - SM

Crosby Colapinto carves up a Lowers left!

Photos: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

TheGallery

SM - 144

T H E G A L L E R Y

145 - SM

Eli Hanneman grabs some air time!

Photos: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

TheGallery

SM - 146

T H E G A L L E R Y

147 - SM

Noah Beschen bashes that lip!

Photos: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

TheGallery

SM - 148

Surphang Magazine

149 - SM

A John John Florence final flourish!

Photos: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

NextIssue Well he's gone and done it!

Yes John John Florence has achieved a lifelong dream to become World Champion. So our next issue will celebrate his success and the fortuity when everything fslls into place and your dreams really do come true!

SM - 150

Thanks for reading the For-tography special of

Surphang Magazine

Heading out to tame a monster...

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com