Surphang Magazine Issue 4-tuity

Surphang Magazine

Issue 4-tuity

Proudly presents

A Pro Show Duo

Dreaming De Santis

The Fortunate Photographer

Flawless Florence! Southern Promise & Albino Andino! Twenty 16 Talent

Surphang Magazine

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'It's hard to believe in coincidence, but it's even harder to believe in anything else.'

Having been a surf photographer for over 10 years and now run a surfing magazine for nearly 5 years, it's become apparent during those years that all the most momentous experiences of the surfing world are based in pure chance. So many factors have to come together – surf conditions, weather, surfing talent to mention just a few – that is is impossible to plan for these things and so that is why when you score, it's all the more special. So 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 second of two special issues of SURPHANG, we're going to focus on the fortuitous nature of surfers and surf photographers alike...

Being in the right place at the right time!

Photo: Damian Davila

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Surphang Magazine

Magazine Editor: Stuart Gaston Contributing Photographers: Alan Burke, Hugh Brockman, Damian Davila, Mario Entero, Sean Evans, Everton Luis, Warwick Martin, Colin Mckenney, Sam Moody, Rubin Morris, Miguel Rezendes, Dan Sedgwick, Lourens de Villiers, Fernando del Barrio, Lucille Thamo & Chuck@Surf-Shot.com Staff Photographer: Stuart Gaston

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

Cover Shot: John John goes with the flow!

Photo: Damian Davila

Leo Fioravanti's certainly had luck on his side this year!

Photo: Lucille Thami

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ThisIssue'sFeatures

Pro Show Uno Pro Show Duo Surphalosophy

Flawless Florence!

Albino Andino!

John John Florence's flawless performance has finally earnt him the title he was destined to win - World Surfing Champion!

After a oouple of years of being as illusive as an albino young buck, Kolohe Andino more than made his mark on Tour this year!

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Dreaming De Santis

For many surfers, living the dream means sun soaked surf all day every day–so Max De Santis is definitely living the dream!

ThisIssue

Southern Promise

Twenty 16 Talent

Next let's look at some talent from the southern hemisphere so here's an upcoming surfer from down under, Gabe Ley.

And here's our review of all this year's upcoming talent who have caught our attention from all four corners of the globe!

PumpingION Whether it's braving the British seasons or enjoying what the rest of the world has to offer, if it's pumping, ION has a suit for you!

The Fortunate Photographer Being a surf photographer can sometimes put you right in the middle of the action zone of the best breaks in the world...

John John Florence flows with fortune!

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Welcome to

Pro Show uno Flawless Florence!

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

07 - SM John John Florence's flawless performances have seen him soar to the top this year!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

ProShowUno John John Florence's flawless performance has finally earnt him the title he was destined to win - World Surfing Champion!

So here's our photographic celebration of what makes John John's style so worthy of what he has achieved!

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Flawless Florence!

09 - SM John John Florence flourishes through a righthander!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

ProShowUno

John John Florence clinched the 2016 World Surf League Title in dramatic fashion with a victory at the MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal in Peniche, marking the first time a Hawaiian has held the men's world surfing crown since the late Andy Irons in 2004.

Florence's season started out slowly with mediocre results across the Australian leg before posting a victory in Brazil in May. The Hawaiian carried the momentum of his Rio de Janeiro win to strong showings in Jeffreys Bay (2nd), Tahiti (2nd) and France (3rd) while challengers Gabriel Medina, Matt Wilkinson, Jordy Smith and 11-time WSL Champion Kelly Slater failed to maintain consistency, eventually falling out of reach in Portugal.

A six-year competitor on the elite WSL Championship Tour, the Hawaiian had been threatening the world surfing throne since his inception in 2011 having previously finished 4th (2012) and 3rd (2014). Seemingly destined for surfing excellence since stepping foot on board at two years young, Florence has spent the last two decades evolving into one of the most dynamic talents the sport has ever seen.

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Flawless Florence!

11 - SM John John Florence has been carving almost as long as he's been crawling!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

ProShowUno

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Flawless Florence!

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John John Florence flies pretty well too!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

ProShowUno

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Flawless Florence!

15 - SM John John Florence throws out some more spray!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

ProShowUno

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Flawless Florence!

17 - SM John John Florence finds time to layback!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

ProShowUno

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Flawless Florence!

19 - SM John John Florence with a final flourish... for now!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

ProShowUno

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Welcome to

Pro Show Duo Albino Andino!

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

21 - SM Kolohe Andino keeping up with the times!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

ProShowDuo After a oouple of years of being as illusive as an albino young buck, Kolohe Andino more than made his mark on Tour this year! So here's our tribute to the young Californian's renaissance...

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Albino Andino!

23 - SM Kolohe Andino had become the air busting albino of the surfing world...

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

ProShowDuo

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Albino Andino!

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Kolohe Andino kept taking his aerial antics to new heights!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

ProShowDuo

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Albino Andino!

27 - SM Kolohe Andino also kept his carving skills up to scratch!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

ProShowDuo

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Albino Andino!

29 - SM Kolohe Andino's airs still caught people's attention!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

ProShowDuo

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Albino Andino!

31 - SM Kolohe Andino even began to make laybacks look more stylish!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

ProShowDuo

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Albino Andino!

33 - SM Kolohe Andino will always cane the air game though!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

ProShowDuo

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Surphalosophy Dreaming De Santis Photos: Everton Luis; Words: Stu Gaston

35 - SM Max De Santis making the most of the dreamiest surf you've ever seen!

Photo: Everton Luis

surphalosophy For many surfers, living the dream means sun soaked surf all day every day–so Max De Santis is definitely living the dream!

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Dreaming De Santis

37 - SM Max De Santis driving through a glassy lefthander!

Photo: Everton Luis

surphalosophy

Name: Max De Santis Age: 17 Years surfing: 15 Where you live: Bali, Indonesia Sponsors: Ripcurl, Channel Islands Surfboards, Stance, Liive, Farking, Reckon Headware Local break/s: Uluwatu and Padang Padang Favourite surfer?

John John Favourite place to surf?

Padang Padang Favourite surf movie?

Cluster Favourite surf trick?

Big barrels Favourite board?

5,10 CI Girabbit

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Dreaming De Santis

39 - SM Max De Santis keeping the dream real in the green room!

Photo: Everton Luis

surphalosophy

What first got you into surfing?

My dad and being from Hawaii When and how did you become sponsored?

When I was 10 for catching a 12 foot wave at Padang What do you prefer then, free surfing or competitions and why?

Free surfing because there's no stress or time limit, you just surf and have fun. That's what's important.

And how big a part does surfing play in your life?

Surfing is everything to me. If I wasn't surfing, I don't know what I'd be doing.

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Dreaming De Santis

41 - SM Max De Santis spraying the line up off this lush looking left!

Photo: Everton Luis

surphalosophy So two years ago, that part of your life took a major blow when you became injured. What happened to cause the injury then?

I did a backside air landed in the flats and broke my leg. I was out of the water for 5 months. It sucked.

So what did you do to stay sane?

Took a bunch of photos. I'm really into photography So can you remember when you finally got back in the ocean? What was that like?

It was scary at first but after a few months it was just great.

Now from what we've seen of recent edits, you're now ripping harder than ever! How long did it take you to get fully back on your game?

About 4 months So now you're back on form, what's your goal for this year?

Just surf good and put out some sick edits.

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Dreaming De Santis

43 - SM Max De Santis more than living the dream!

Photo: Everton Luis

surphalosophy

Now you're from Hawaii but now live in Bali and have no doubt surfed some epic breaks over in both.

How would you compare those classic spots then?

Well you can't really compare pipe to anywhere else because it's just so intense. I guess Padang is like the Bali Pipeline, if you were to compare the crowds and hype.

So where else around the world have you been lucky enough to surf so far?

The Mentawaiis, all over Indo, Africa (north and south), the UK, California, France, all around quite a few places really.

And when and where has your best surf session been then?

At Telescopes in the Mentawaiis, I surfed alone for 3 hours and it was 6 foot perfect barreling lefts.

So where do you still want to travel to and surf?

Jamaica, Barbados or Peru Finally then, where do you see yourself in five to ten years time?

I can't see in the future but I know I'll be happy.

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The Fortunate Photographer Photos: Damian Davila; Words: Stu Gaston

45 - SM Coming face to face with John John Florence!

Photo: Damian Davila

surphography Being a surf photographer can sometimes put you right in the middle of the action zone of the best breaks in the world... For Damian Davila, that's what makes it all worth it...

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The Fortunate Photographer

47 - SM Right in the middle of a Mexican washing machine!

Photo: Damian Davila

surphography

Name: Damian Davila Age: 35 Nickname: Some people call me DD hehe Years surfing/shooting: Surfing I guess since I was 8 years old and shooting for almost 5 years Where you live: I'm from Baja, Mexico, but i live in Belgium.

Local break/s: Rosario Beach in Mexico and Ostende here in Belgium Favourite surfer?

I think all of them, I don’t have a specific one. Anyone that is stoked about surfing and having a good time.

Favourite surf photographer?

I guess anyone that loves to create and has passion about it.

Favourite place to shoot?

Any beach break with heavy barrels Favourite shooting equipment?

I have SPL housings, a fast Canon camera and of course my viper fins for swimming faster.

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The Fortunate Photographer

49 - SM Big rollers in Rosarito!

Photo: Damian Davila

surphography

What first got you into surfing?

I guess just growing up on the beach and ever since I was really young, I felt connected with the ocean and the lifestyle.

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

I think when I was a teenager, I remember seeing my friends geting barreled and I was really excited and would just say, “Dude I wish I had a camera at that moment to have taken a photo of you in the barrel!”

But in my teen years, there was no technology like now a days. Until just under 5 years ago when I purchased a real camera and then I got a loan from the bank to buy a housing. And now I can’t stop shooting, it's so addictive hehe.

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The Fortunate Photographer

51 - SM Keeping an eye on Kolohe Andino getting kegged!

Photo: Damian Davila

surphography

So what is it about surf photography inspires you most?

I think the adrenaline to capture that awesome moment and intimate perspective of the wave breaking. I want to freeze those moments to appreciate them for a longer time.

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The Fortunate Photographer

53 - SM Josh Kerr keeping it cool!

Photo: Damian Davila

surphography

What do you prefer, shooting from land or water and why?

Water of course! I like to be in the action zone and feel the same thing that surfers are experiencing.

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The Fortunate Photographer

55 - SM Jordy Smith in deep!

Photo: Damian Davila

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

I think just everyday it's a new moment, it's quite a challenge to pursue this career everyday. If there weren’t any obstacles in this career and everything was really easy, I think it would be kinda boring for me.

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The Fortunate Photographer

57 - SM Hossegor, home to baguettes and barrels!

Photo: Damian Davila

surphography

You spent some time in Hossegor recently so tell us more about the experiences you had while shooting there?

Yea! Like a year ago, I was there a few days before the Quik Pro but didn’t have the chance to actually shoot there. It was a dream to shoot at that beach break before I came over to Europe so when I had the chance this Autumn to be there again and this time for the contest itself, it was like a dream come true!

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The Fortunate Photographer

59 - SM Cam Richards up close and personal in Nicaragua!

Photo: Damian Davila

surphography

Where else have you been fortunate enough to travel to and shoot?

Yes I’ve been really fortunate to travel with my camera to some really beautiful places. I've been to Mexico, US, Central America, France, Portugal, Spain, Belgium, Morocco and the UK and I'm looking forward to some Nordic places in the future.

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The Fortunate Photographer

61 - SM Inside some morning glass!

Photo: Damian Davila

surphography

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

I think from all the places I’ve been there's at least one shot I consider to be a good one. I like the ones with big barrels because as I see it, it takes me back to that heavy moment.

And what projects are you working on at the moment?

I think to just keep shooting and try to keep doing this for as long as I can.

I don’t really make money out of this and I think my new project is to look for a job soon so I can keep doing this hehe.

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The Fortunate Photographer

63 - SM Home's where the heart is.... and good surf!

Photo: Damian Davila

surphography

So what’s your goal for next year?

In January I'm going back to my country to visit my family and shoot there at my home break. It gets really good around winter. And then come back to Belgium and look for a job and try to save money until Autumn when I'll try to go back to France and do it all over again!

And what about the future?

I would like to keep shooting forever I guess but being realistic, I don’t think I can swim in heavy waves forever but I would like to work in something related to the industry and if not well I guess buy a big lens and sit on the shore to shoot hehe.

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Southern Promise Photos: Warwick Martin; Words: Stu Gaston

65 - SM Gabe Ley lets rip on a Gold Coast righthander!

Photo: Warwick Martin

HotShots Next let's look at some talent from the southern hemisphere so here's an upcoming surfer from down under, Gabe Ley.

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Gabe Ley

67 - SM Gabe Ley lets his tail loose!

Photo: Warwick Martin

HotShots

Name: Gabriel Ley Age: 15 Nicknames: Gabe and Gabby Years Surfing: 10 Where I live: Kirra, Australia Sponsors: Darcy Surfboards and Balin Surf Hardware Local Breaks: D'bah, Kirra and Snapper Favourite surfer?

Matt Wilkinson Favourite place to surf?

D'bah (Off the wall and Lovers) Favourite surf movie?

Lightning Strikes Favourite surf trick?

Backhand tail slides Favourite board?

Darcy Slingshot model

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Gabe Ley

69 - SM Gabe Ley floats off a righthander!

Photo: Warwick Martin

HotShots

What first got you into surfing?

Watching my Dad surf when I was younger and always being in and around the water. That's what got me into surfing.

Who in surfing inspires you most?

Well I would have to say Kelly Slater inspires me the most. He is just a freak at the sport! I love watching his approach to the surf and just with his life in general.

When and how did you become sponsored?

Well I became sponsored by Darcy at last year's event in the Junior Kirra Teams challenge. That heat I surfed was the best heat of my life!

I dropped a 9 on my first wave and a high 8 on my second wave.

Do you train as well as surf?

Yeah I do train as well as surf because it helps getting a different view from a surfer with more experience to help me improve. I also do fitness training with a mad instructor, his name is Marcos and he runs Salt Performance Surf Fitness in Coolangatta!

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Gabe Ley

71 - SM Gabe Ley lets rip off another righthander!

Photo: Warwick Martin

HotShots

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

I don't really prefer one over the other because they both give you different thrills. I like comp surfing because you have that pressure and it shows you how you can surf against the best surfers in the country and I like free surfing because it gives you the opportunity to either perfect a manoeuvre or practice a new one.

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

Well to be honest, my most proud moment in my surfing journey has been meeting new people, travelling with them and to surf my best with and against them in comps and just surfing in general.

What's been the highlight of this past year for you then?

My highlight of this year was going to Macaronis in the Mentawaiis with a great crew! We scored some hectic waves and just surfed all day. It was my first time going there so it was a really cool new experience!

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Gabe Ley

73 - SM Gabe Ley looking like life down under is paying off!

Photo: Warwick Martin

HotShots

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

Well I've been lucky enough to surf places such as: Portugal, France, The Canary Islands (favourite break there was Los Lobos), Mentawaii Islands, Barbados and Australia And when's been your best surf?

Wow that's a hard one to choose from! I feel like I have had so many good ones but I have so many more years a head of me to have my best!

What's been your worst wipeout?

A big low tide day out at Snapper!

I air dropped, missed my board, hit the sand and the rock a couple of times!

What about when you don't surf?

I just chill with my mates, do school work, watch movies and play with my dog.

So what's your goal for next year?

My goal for next year is to go to Nationals to surf in the ISA World Games And what about the future?

Well hopefully in the future, I can get my License to drive and to hopefully win some Pro Junior events.

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Twenty 16 Talent Photos: Chuck@Surf-shot.com, Lourens de Villiers, Sean Evans, Stu Gaston, Warwick Martin, Sam Moody, Colin Mckenny, Rubin Morris, Miguel Rezendes & Dan Sedgwick; Words: Stu Gaston

75 - SM Ruben Vitoria working a lefthander for all its worth!

Photo: Courtesy of ISA

TheGoss

And here's our review of all this year's upcoming talent who have caught our attention from all four corners of the globe!

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AdinMasencamp

77 - SM Adin Masencamp making the most of perfect surf off the Azores!

Photo: Sean Evans

TheGoss

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ArranStrong

79 - SM Arran Strong punting off a Fistral peak!

Photo: Dan Sedgwick

TheGoss

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CheAllan

81 - SM Che Allan nailing the grab!

Photo: Sam Moody

TheGoss

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ColeHoushmand

83 - SM Cole Houshmand canes a Lowers lefthander!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

TheGoss

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CrosbyColapinto

85 - SM Crosby Colapinto coming off the bottom!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

TheGoss

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EnoJames

87 - SM Eno James jamming one off this lefthander!

Photo: Miguel Rezendes

TheGoss

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EthanEwing

89 - SM Ethan Ewing working small Californian summer surf!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

TheGoss

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FinnMcGill

91 - SM Finn McGill making the most of those green rooms!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

TheGoss

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GriffinColapinto

93 - SM Griffin Colapinto clawing one off the top!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

TheGoss

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JakeElkington

95 - SM Jake Elkington also jamming off a lush lefthander!

Photo: Miguel Rezendes

TheGoss

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JakeMarshall

97 - SM Jake Marshall makes the most of a Lowers lefthander!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

TheGoss

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JhonyCorzo

99 - SM Jhony Corzo also canes a Lowers lefthander!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

TheGoss

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JohnMel

101 - SM John Mel jamming off a Lowers lefthander!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

TheGoss

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JoshBurke

103 - SM Josh Burke's been pointing in the right direction!

Photo: Alan Burke

TheGoss

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KadeMatson

105 - SM Kade Matson caning a righthander!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

TheGoss

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KehuButler

107 - SM Kehu Butler brings it tail high!

Photo: Colin Mckenney

TheGoss

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LeoEtienne

109 - SM Leo Etienne looking strong at Oceanside!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

TheGoss

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LettyMortensen

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Letty Mortensen letting his tail loose in Lacanau!

Photo: Stu Gaston

TheGoss

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LiamDeVilliers

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Liam de Villiers grabbing some air time!

Photo: Lourens de Villiers

TheGoss

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MichaCantor

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Micha Cantor looking for that green room!

Photo: Sean Evans

TheGoss

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ReefHeazlewood

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Reef Heazlewood standing tall!

Photo: Rubin Morris

TheGoss

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RubenVitoria

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Ruben Vitoria drives off the top!

Photo: Courtesy of ISA

TheGoss

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RylandRubens

121 - SM Ryland Rubens rising high above that lip!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

TheGoss

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SageBurke

123 - SM Sage Burke bashing that Lowers lefthand lip!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

TheGoss

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SpencerBridges

125 - SM Spencer Bridges' backhand attack!

Photo: Miguel Rezendes

TheGoss

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TaneBowden

127 - SM Tane Bowden brings his tail right round!

Photo: Warwick Martin

TheGoss

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TylerGunter

129 - SM Tyler Gunter aiming high off a Lowers lefthander!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

TheGoss

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Pumping ION Photos: Hugh Brockman, Mario Entero & Stu Gaston; Words: Stu Gaston & Ryan Riley

131 - SM Ryan Riley revelling in his ION wetsuit in pumping surf!

Photo: Hugh Brockman

HotWots

ION launched themselves into the surf scene, a couple of years ago now, having been a key watersports giant before that. Since then they have become known as a quality product brand, almost the Audi equivalent of the water-based world, with a range of different wetsuits available to meet every different watersports enthusiast's needs. So this time around we're focusing on ION's Onyx series of chest zip and zipperless wetsuits which ION themselves have tagged as for those who want a 'versatile front-zip or maximum flex experience.'

With this in mind, we asked ION's own team riders, Ryan Riley, who spends all day, every day in the water as a surf instructor and former French Junior Champion, Andy Criere, to take on the challenge of testing out the front-zip and zipperless suits in a range of conditions from small summer surf to pumping reef breaks and before we knew it, they were all suited up and ready to get Pumping ION!

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PumpingION

133 - SM Andy Criere airing in his Onyx Amp off a Lanzarote lefthander!

Photo: Mario Entero

HotWots

Starting with the ever popular Onyx, this suit makes a bold statement with its top-notch design and flex boosting features. Indeed ION themselves have tagged the Onyx as for 'Front zip fanatics looking for outstanding performance to enhance their on-the-water experience.' They go on to say that 'prime protection is given to those riders looking to get their first airs with the L-Tex knee protection and durable Nylon material, which make this suit incredibly robust. Match your personality with one of our two colourways and get ready to look good and feel great!'

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PumpingION

135 - SM Andy Criere surf searching in his Onyx Select!

HotWots

At the other end of the spectrum is the Onyx Select. The main purpose of the Select level suits is warmth!

ION have perfectly accomplished this with upper body windchill protection for the torso and warm, quick drying Plasma_Plush lining. They sacrificed the Ninja_Knee and Ninja_Spine features for more heat retention. The red coloured legs combined with the red Power_Seam make this suit very unique, but not overdone. Riders who push the boundaries rely on ultimate freedom of movement and high-tech performance to support their ambitious style and the Onyx Select delivers this on all levels!

Photos: Mario Entero

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PumpingION Finally the Onyx Amp represents an exceptional performance level especially in terms of stretch.

The Ninja_Knee construction is primarily supported by the famous Maki_Tape. ION have enlarged the back panel which saves some weight and increases the area of plushy lining. For those striving hot shots who demand stretch rather than warmth, the zipless option features more stretch material and with additional tape sealing on the inside, this is a suit with so much swagger, it's up to the surfer to do the performing.

MAKI TAPE Maki_Tape is made out of Cyber_Stretch 130% Neoprene and thus not limiting at all. At Amp Level suits, it seals every inch of each seam for incredible sealing against water without limiting the stretch.

SINGLE PANEL BACK Reduced seam panel layout at the back to save weight and enhance stretch.

NINJA KNEES When buying a wetsuit, the first thing a surfer will do is pull the arms to see how stretchy they are. Well ION believes the legs deserve the same attention, so the new Ninja_Knees feature uses the same highly elastic materials as used in the arm panels. The result is astonishing with awesome freedom of movement, especially when bending the knees.

137 - SM Ryan Riley revels in the Onyx Amp zipless wetsuit!

Photo: Stu Gaston

HotWots ZIPLESS A performance orientated zipless construction for slick style, light weight and sublime stretch.

DRAIN HOLES Whenever two flaps overlap there is a chance that water can accumulate. In order to combat this, the design ensures that quick water release is provided when needed, so Drain_Holes are secured in place from the inside and won't expand.

SEAM PROTECTION All stress points that come under a lot of force are reinforced with either Melco Tape on the inside seams, or rubber logo patches on the outside of the suit to prevent ripping.

SEAL TITE A rubber like stripe print is provided around the inside of the wrists and ankles. This results in a tighter sealed fit which stops water from rushing into your suit and loosening of material around these areas.

CONTOUR CUT To improve flexibility and comfort, all ION wetsuits come with the ION Contour Cut. It greatly enhances flex in the collar, wrists, elbows, insteps and the back of the knees.

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PumpingION

139 - SM Andy Criere hitting the surf in his Onyx Amp! Photo: Mario Entero

HotWots

STYLE The range of Onyx suits each have a different style to suit various tastes from the split personalities of the Onyx Select and the Onyx itself with half black and half red to the dark shade of the Onyx Amp front-zip or the brighter blue of the zipless version, there's enough choice in style there to meet every surfers needs with nothing too in your face!

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PumpingION

141 - SM Andy Criere seeking some shelter in his ION Onyx!

Photo: Mario Entero

HotWots

FUNCTIONALITY The Onyx series of suits is loaded with a whole host of innovative features. As well as the obvious drain holes and key pocket, the suits all have fully taped and liquid seamed seals. Less obvious are the extra stretchy neoprene sections at key panels of the torso and back and around the knees, though these certainly add to the flex of the suit!

The Hot Stuff lining in all but the zipless Amp more than give the extra warmth needed to keep you positive about those early morning dawnies.

The suit also feels like an Italian tailored jacket with bodily contour cut wrists and ankles which improve the overall fit.

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PumpingION

143 - SM Andy Criere setting his line in his Onyx Amp! Photo: Mario Entero

HotWots

COMFORT The Onyx suits I've used are always super comfy! The zipless system in the Onyx Amp is very comfortable as you have no zip digging into your chest or back when you are paddling etc. For me, the use of a no zip system is also better as the suit looks seamless and less cluttered in the chest region. The neoprene in the suit seemed to be one of the softest I have ever experienced! The warmth of the suit was equally unbelievable.

I rarely find myself being too hot in the waters around Cornwall but wearing the Onyx Amp, I did actually feel really warm, so I can imagine in the depths of the cold wintery swells, it has the capability of keeping you very toasty indeed!

And with the full range of Onyx suits, there's always the front-zip to resort to for those frigid wintry days!

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PumpingION

145 - SM Ryan Riley reeling off a lush lefthander!

Photo: Hugh Brockman

HotWots

STRETCHABILITY The Onyx Amp, both in the front zip and zipless version, is a surprisingly stretchy suit, meaning it does fit like a glove. At first, I was wondering quite how easy it was going to be putting on this new zipless style of suit but I needn't have worried.

Getting in and out of the suit was actually very easy. Even without the help of a zip, I found myself in no struggle getting the suit on and off so in that sense, I was pleasantly surprised by the stretch of the neoprene.

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PumpingION

147 - SM Ryan Riley putting his ION Onyx Amp through its paces!

Photo: Stu Gaston

HotWots

USABILITY Out in the surf, you really do notice how flexible the Onyx suits are!

They're always very easy to paddle in and when you're popping up and on a wave, you don't feel like you're wearing a wetsuit at all. And despite the Onyx Amp zipless version being made of thin neoprene, it still kept me warm the whole time I was out surfing. And being so thin, it makes it really easy to bust all those moves without feeling at all restrictive.

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PumpingION

149 - SM Andy Criere getting creative in his ION Onyx!

Photo: Mario Entero

HotWots

THE VERDICT All in all, the range of Onyx wetsuits perform very well across the board.

In terms of warmth and comfort of the neoprene they deliver in all conditions. Overall, ION have developed a series of suits that can be used whether it's braving the British seasons or enjoying what the rest of the world has to offer.

Whatever your needs from a wetsuit, if the surf's pumping, then ION has a suit for you!

STYLE ●●●●●●●●●● ●●●●●●●●●●

FUNCTIONALITY ●●●●●●●●○○ ●●●●●●●●○○

COMFORT ●●●●●●●●○ ●●●●●●●●○○

USABILITY ●●●●●●●●● ●●●●●●●●●○

STRETCHABILITY ●●●●●●●●●○

Ryan Riley working his Onyx Amp!

Photos: Stu Gaston

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T H E G A L L E R Y

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Kolohe Andino, king of the airs!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

TheGallery

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T H E G A L L E R Y

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John John Florence flourishes in the air too!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

TheGallery

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T H E G A L L E R Y

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Kolohe Andino grabbing more air time!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

TheGallery

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T H E G A L L E R Y

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Kolohe Andino always aiming high!

Photo: Chuck@Surf-shot.com

TheGallery

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Surphang Magazine

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Alex Bauduin loving his Indo winter getaway!

Photo: Fernando del Barrio

NextIssue Well we're nearly there... nearly up to celebrating five whole years of producing SURPHANG Magazine!

And so to mark the austere occasion we'll be bringing together an impressive gathering of friends old and new to help us showcase all that is exciting about the upcoming talent filling the surfing world's future!

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Thanks for reading the For-tuity special of

Surphang Magazine

Making the most of every moment...

Photo: Coutersy of ISA