Marks and Robinson Win Tahiti Pro

Jack Robinson (AUS) and Caroline Marks (USA) won the SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro Presented by Outerknown, the penultimate event of the World Surf League (WSL) 2023 Championship Tour (CT). The pair overcame Gabriel Medina (BRA) and Caitlin Simmers (USA), who finished runners-up, as Teahupo’o delivered windy four-to-six foot surf on Finals Day.

With the completion of the SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro Presented by Outerknown, all the spots in the WSL Final 5 have been clinched. The final Olympic qualification spot for the women representing the United States will be against winner Marks and runner-up Simmers, and will decided at the Rip Curl WSL Finals. The last spot in the men’s Final 5 came down to a surf-off between Medina and Robinson with Robinson emerging victorious.

Jack Robinson Claims Famous Victory in Tahiti to Clinch Spot in WSL Final 5

Ahead of the men’s Final, the equation for Jack Robinson (AUS) and Gabriel Medina (BRA) was simple: win the event and and clinch a spot in the Rip Curl WSL Finals. The pair were the last two still in contention after Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA), John John Florence (HAW), and Yago Dora (BRA) were all eliminated in the Semifinals and Quarterfinals, respectively. Both Robinson and Medina were the men to beat on Finals Day and seemed destined to meet in the Final.

In true Medina fashion, the two-time Teahupo’o winner got off to a busy start, catching multiple waves to take a solid lead with a 15.00 point (out of a possible 20) heat total. Robinson opted for a more patient approach, waiting for particular waves that eventually came, giving him long hollow tube rides for a pair of 7.83s (out of a possible 10) which gave him a slim win with a two-wave combination of 15.66.

“I was so in ‘it’ coming into this event and so focused – but I was still enjoying myself, it’s so hard to describe the feeling. I don’t know what it is but I feel like It was meant to be,” Robinson said. “I just never stopped, when it was down through the year I pulled it back up and with the help of the people around me who know who they are – it’s a small crew but it has a lot of ‘mana’ (good energy) like this place (Tahiti). I felt like it was my time. You never know when it’s your time, but I felt like I envisaged it was my time now and I’m so happy. After starting this year the way I did then dropping off then coming back and all of that stuff I feel like this was my time. I always said that the Finals would be my last event for the year and I can’t wait for it. I’m excited.”

After winning the first event of the year, then claiming a third and a second-place finish to back it up and head towards the mid-season cut wearing the yellow Leader’s Jersey, Robinson suffered multiple injuries through the middle of the year and came into the SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro in 8th place on the rankings. Robinson needed to win the event to secure his spot in the WSL Final 5 and that is what he did, overcoming fellow Final 5 contenders Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) and Yago Dora (BRA) in the Semifinal and Quarterfinal to set up his matchup with Medina. Robinson will finish the season in 5th on the rankings, having already provisionally qualified for the Olympic Games Paris 2024.

Today saw Gabriel Medina (BRA) contest his sixth Final in Tahiti having won the event in 2014 and 2018. The three-time WSL Champion was fresh off a third-place finish at the Corona J-Bay Open last month and was looking to add another victory to his Western Australia Margaret River Pro title from earlier this year. The exciting goofy-footer was on fire all event, posting some of the highest scores for his deep technical tube rides but his runner-up finish wasn’t enough to see him move out of 6th place on the rankings.

“This is a special place to me and a place I love to come to,” Medina said. “I love my time here and love the people here so it’s nice to make another Final in Tahiti. Teahupo’o has given so much to me over the years so it’s great to be here and just enjoy the place and getting barrelled. I did everything I could to make it tough for everyone but in the end, it wasn’t enough but that’s life – I’m happy.”

Caroline Marks Wins All-American Final For Second CT Victroy of The Year

Caroline Marks (USA) claimed her second event win of the season today at Teahupo’o. Marks finished 5th here last year and today she demonstrated an increased level of confidence and dominance in waves of consequence. Marks’ road to the Final was not easy as she had to take down two Tour veterans, Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) and Tyler Wright (AUS), along the way. After taking time away from the Tour at times in 2021 and 2022, this is Marks’ first full season back and her most successful to date with two CT victories from three Finals in 2023.

“I’m stoked – this is like a dream event to win so I’m super pumped,” Marks said. “The waves got a little weird with that wind and after I fell on that barrel I had to go to turns on my second to last wave. It was good to be able to change the plan and see it work out. To win this event as a goofy footer is a real feather in your cap.”

In the Final, Marks came up against 2023 CT rookie Caitlin Simmers (USA) in an all-American match-up. With both surfers having already locked in spots at the Rip Curl WSL Finals all that was on the line was a prestigious Teahupo’o title. As a rain squall came through the lineup it, was Marks who successfully changed tact and posted her winning score with turns on the face rather than in the tubes Teahupo’o is known for.

“Surfing against Caity in the Final was super cool, she had a really good Semifinal heat so I knew it was going to be a tough match-up with her. She’s had such a stellar year and has that real rookie energy with no pressure and nothing to lose which is really cool. To have an all-American final was really fun. I’m super grateful to have Luke (Egan) in my corner. I think he made a Final out here with Andy (Irons) so it’s amazing to have all of his knowledge. It’s been such a rad year and I’ve got more to look forward to at the Rip Curl WSL Finals at Lowers.”

Rookie Caitlin Simmers Clinches Last Spot in Women’s WSL Final 5 With Runner-Up Finish

Rookie Caitlin Simmers (USA) clinched the last spot in the women’s WSL Final 5 today with her runner-up result. The 17-year-old put the Tour on notice this year, winning the CT events in Portugal and Brazil. This week was Simmer’s first event at Teahupo’o and she was a clear standout, taking down chargers Molly Picklum (AUS) and Vahine Fierro (FRA) on her way to the Final as well as posting a 9.23 (out of a possible 10) for a late, deep, critical tube ride, the highest single-wave score of the women’s event. Simmer’s home of Oceanside, California is just up the road from Lower Trestles and she is sure to be a threat at the Rip Curl WSL Finals.

“There were a bunch of implications in that heat,” said Simmers. “I was watching Steph (Gilmore), she’s my favourite surfer so I wanted her to win but If she didn’t win I would make it to Lowers so it was weird. My heart was racing watching that heat. Lowers is pretty close to where I live so I’m excited. This has been a rad event. Getting barreled and tested by such an intimidating wave has been enjoyable and I’m looking forward to coming back here next year.”

WSL Final 5 Set for World-Title Deciding Rip Curl WSL Finals

Following the completion of the SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro Presented by Outerknown, the WSL Final 5 have been determined and are ready to compete at Lower Trestles in San Clemente, California for the Rip Curl WSL Finals. The one-day winner-take-all event will crown the 2023 World Champions. The competition will run on the best day of waves determined by the WSL Tours and Competition team between September 8 – 16, 2023.

WSL Final 5 Women
1 – Carissa Moore (HAW)
2 – Tyler Wright (AUS)
3 – Caroline Marks (USA)
4 – Molly Picklum (AUS)
5 – Caitlin Simmers (USA)

WSL Final 5 Men
1 – Filipe Toledo (BRA)
2 – Griffin Colapinto (USA)
3 – Ethan Ewing (AUS)
4 – Joao Chianca (BRA)
5 – Jack Robinson (AUS)

Crowdfunder set up for Ben Selway

As followers may know legendary British surf photog Ben Selway has been battling brain cancer for some years, unfortunately it has returned meaning more ops and treatment.
Obviously as bread winner for his fam his finances are going otbne hit this winter. To help him his mate Dan Fine is running three half marathons and has set up Crowdfunder that you can donate to.

Dan posted
” Anyone that’s met Ben has positive things to say about him and his reputation as a photographer is second to none.
Life was in full swing for this family until a brain tumour returned after eight years needing further treatment.
As a self employed photographer/small business owner Ben & Kelly are working hard to keep things together.

“I am running 3 half marathons, St Agnes, Truro and The Eden Project in August, September & October to raise some money for this awesome family.

“Finances are always hit hard in these horrible situations so let’s show the love!”

Ben told Carve
“You might be wondering why you haven’t seen any content from me – that’s because since we last spoke I’ve been battling with brain cancer again. It was picked up on routine MRI and started as a 3mm nodule and seemingly was kept at bay for a while but it started developing into a tumour which initially they kept monitoring. I was then delivered the news that I needed a biopsy to test for grade 4 meaning I wouldn’t be with us for much longer, fortunately it was still grade 3 and, while still aggressive, it means I could have 8-10 years to live (I hope to God more).

“I had craniotomy in April to remove it which left me with mild weakness down my right side, particularly in my right hand which is something I can live with. I was hoping that was it but I’ve been told to undergo a course of radiotherapy which I’m now going through as we speak. This is majorly shit because with the brain you can only have radiation only once as opposed to other areas of the body. So I feel as if I’ve used up a powerful weapon for when it returns.

“I’m due to undergo a course of chemo in October for seven months. Our friend, Dan, is running three half marathons to raise money for us to give us a chance to get through all of this uncertainty and the winter months.

“I’m gonna get through all of this in the end, I’ll make damn sure I will!”

Good Hope

A Vignette of Mikey February.

Or 3000kms across South Africa in a Hilux with one working door.

Oh Cape Town! The traditional begin and end spot for any South African adventure, the last stop in Africa before Antarctica and what a fabulous stop it is! Where to begin! Effortlessly stylish. The most glorious of settings. An Atlantic coast for swell and wind, and an Indian ocean to sedate it. The most friendly of locals, all the conveniences of a capital city with the greenery and situation of the Garden of Africa. Incredibly multicultural, with a plethora of people, food, drinks, art and all the good times that that brings. The beaches, the waterfront, the gardens, the mountain and the center. Penguins, whales, baboons. A very questionable bar called Van Hunks. Oh cape town how you have it all and me. In terms of Cities, I can’t think of a better one.

It is here we meet Mikey Feb, a man who needs little introduction. The man over the past years who stole surfing’s collective heart. Equally stylish in and out of the water, M Feb as he is affectionately known has long been a friend of WT, and when the opportunity presented itself to spend some time in ZAF in celebration of Mikey and his new Vans capsule we were on the next flight.

Now South African swell chases in season are quite the affair, namely because there are too many, a true plethora of options to choose from. Leaving Cape Town in the rain, which short circuited the car’s central locking and left us with one operational door (read, inconvenient) we roped in AVG, Alan Van Gysen to guide our adventure, pointed the nose towards J Bay and the rest, as they say is History!

And 2 weeks later we’re back in Cape Town. What have we learnt? We’ve driven 3000 kms in a Hilux with one working door and returned it to the wrong airport, 16 hours away. We’ve learnt that honey badgers will chew off their own feet to escape bear traps and that wind forecasts will always shit themselves. We’ve learnt that Castle Lite is the best beer in the world and after 5 days of drinking them, they have screw tops. We’ve learnt that the techno scene in Cape Town is alive and well, and in a word, terrifying. We also learnt that Mikey Feb is a very nice bloke and quite good at surfing, and if you ever happen to be anywhere in Africa, AVG is your man and takes lovely photos.

Thank you SA, we love you.

Final three announced for Champions Trophy

As the Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy (SCT) readies to launch for the eleventh time, event organisers are thrilled to add three final names to this year’s star-studded lineup.

Joining Brazilian world champion Adriano de Souza and Hawaiian super siblings Mason and Coco Ho at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa will be 2012 World Champion Joel Parkinson, Californian style master, Conner Coffin, and local wildcard and 2021 Maldives national champion Hood “Hoobs” Ahmed.

Parkinson first competed in the Surfing Champions Trophy in 2019 – where he reached the Grand Final head-to-head against Josh Kerr – and can’t wait to bring his family back to create more memories at Four Seasons Resort Kuda Huraa in 2023.

“My last time in the Surfing Champions Trophy was so much fun,” comments Parko. The surfing was amazing and I loved competing on all the different kinds of boards. I only hope I can drag my family away from all of the activities at Kuda Huraa for long enough to watch my heats!”

“Reconnecting with Adriano will be awesome, we spent so much time competing against each other at the highest level that I’m really looking forward to hanging out in a more relaxed setting, in paradise with our families. I’ve always loved Mason and Coco’s surfing and seeing them on single and twin fins is going to be insane. I can’t wait to come up against Conner again too. He’s a bit younger than me but we’ve been friends for a long time and now that we’re off tour we haven’t seen each other as much, so to have him in a heat at pumping Sultans will be very, very fun.”

“Parko is the man!” says 30-year-old natural footer Coffin, who competed on the championship tour for six years and finished fourth in the world in 2021. “His style is amazing, and even though I grew up in Santa Barbara, where Tom Curren is king, I always watched Joel’s surfing closely too. The last time we surfed against each other was at J-Bay the year that Joel retired, so it will be really fun to have some heats together again.”

“I travelled with Mason for years” says Coffin, “so to come up against him on a single fin would be insane! Obviously Coco rips too, and Adriano is a world champion so his record speaks for itself. He’s such a nice guy out of the water and I can’t wait to hang, it might be a different story in a jersey though! I’ve always seen the Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy and thought it looked like a dream to compete in so I’m super appreciative that I’ve been invited. I can’t wait to soak up all the sights and see what the level of local surfing is like too.”

On that front, the event will also showcase the incredible wave-riding talents of local wildcard, Hood “Hoobs” Ahmed, in his first appearance at the Surfing Champions Trophy. “I’m a very happy, proud Maldivian,” says the 32-year-old goofyfooter and surf guide, who was the Maldivian national champion in 2021. “To compete in the Surfing Champions Trophy is a dream, one I never really thought would come true. Having the chance to represent my country in the biggest event in the Maldives is a huge honour for me and my family.”

“I’m really looking forward to surfing with Joel Parkinson, who has always been a favourite, as well as Mason Ho, whose surfing I find very inspiring. My good friend Hussain “Iboo” Areef competed last year and told me it was one of the best experiences of his life so I’m very excited to be involved, and can’t wait to welcome everyone to the Maldives in August!”

This year the Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy will run from 21-28 August at the surfer’s paradise of Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa. Surfers will square off in three divisions, riding single, twin and (thruster) tri fin surfboards before the two top ranked competitors surf off to hoist the Surfing Champions Trophy. Heat times are staggered by age and though vibes will be high at all times, with $25,000 in prize money up for grabs the surfers will be going hard in their heats from start to finish. Stay tuned for more updates from paradise as the excitement levels build leading into August.

To catch all the exhilarating action, surf fans can book the Surf & Spa package, available for the entire month of August.

The offer includes a session for two with expert Tropicsurf coaches, a two-for-one offer at The Island Spa, 15 percent off non-suite rooms, in-villa welcome refreshments, round-trip airport transfers, and daily buffet breakfast at Café Huraa. To reserve your stay in this surfer’s paradise, book online, email: [email protected] or call the central reservations department of Four Seasons Resorts Maldives at tel: (960) 66 00 888.

Carve 2024 British and Irish Surf Photography Comp

Last years winning shot by Sean Pritchard

THE 2023 CARVE SURF PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION

Our favourite time year when we celebrate Britains and Irelands best photographers and their photos. You don’t have to be pro, you don’t have to have the best gear, you just have to have an eye for the moment. Every one is in with a chance and we will be running a full a gallery of the top contenders next issue. Lineups, action, portraits, show us what you got! Ever wanted your shots in print? Send them in! Know someone has super talented but a bit shy? Send their shots in!
The closing date for entry is August 21st, 2023. 

The Carve editorial team will select top 10-15 photos and a final winner. To Enter: Send a maximum of 5 low res photos to [email protected]

The finalists will have their shots printed in Carve  and we will be picking the best photos to be printed in a full feature.

Have your cameras/shots at the ready, we can’t wait to see your creative work.

Team Carve.

The deal:

Anyone can enter a shot as long as:

• You’re a British or Irish photographer, although the location of photos does not matter.
• You can supply us with your best action or lifestyle shots which have been taken in the last year and are unpublished.
• Finalists will need to send original files, provide proof of ownership and date taken using the RAW file information. Uncropped full frame files with your colour corrected/edited version.
• The photos will need to be printed A3 with no loss of quality, so please do not crop the image.

The closing date for entry is August 21st, 2023.
The Carve editorial team will select top 10-15  photos and a final winner.

To Enter:

SEND A MAXIMUM OF 5 LOW RES PHOTOS TO  [email protected]

The prize bundle: dryrobe advance of the winner’s choice worth £160 and a dry robe Compression Backpack worth £95, choice of: Rip Curl Journey Fleece Buclet Hat £34.99, Rip Curl Anti Series Journey Rip Crew £119.99, Rip Curl Wetty Crew Sock £19.99, Rip Curl Anti series shore break jacket £219.99, Rip Curl Cord surf bucket hat £34.99, Rip Curl icons of surf sock £19.99, three limited edition Carve X Town and Country Car seat covers for the runners up.
Town & Country Covers townandcountrycovers.com + more to come.

Above: Secret reef, South West Photo: Lee Griffin