Cooking Costa
The biggest swell of the year so far rolled into the Pacific side of Costa Rica! Some of the best surfers from all over the planet came to score, the longest left.
Wai Kai
Revolutionary Development Inspires Stoke and Community With Hawaii’s First Deep-Water Standing Wave, Unparalleled Aquatic Activities, Signature Dining and Innovative Events.
EWA BEACH, HI – Wai Kai will introduce a new era of experiential recreation when it opens on Saturday, March 25, 2023, in Ewa Beach. Located 35 minutes from Honolulu within Hoakalei Resort, Wai Kai is a year-round venue for active adventurers anchored by the Wai Kai Wave and the adjacent 52-acre recreational Wai Kai Lagoon. Standout elements include three exceptional restaurants, bespoke events, Nalo Kai Club with private lounge and Sessions Lifestyle & Apparel shop. The LineUp at Wai Kai sets the stage for transformative experiences by bringing together the best of the island’s activities while celebrating Hawaii’s cultural ties to water.
“Wai Kai aims to create community and connection through interactive and engaging activities, dining and events,” said Director of Retail Development Larry Caster. “We’re excited to provide a unique place for locals to gather while introducing travellers to the vibrant surf and waterman lifestyle for which Hawaii is known.”
Surfing:
Powered by citywave®, the Wai Kai Wave is Hawaii’s first deep-water standing wave, offering an unrivaled surf experience for all levels from beginner to pro. Spanning 100-feet wide and adjustable from two- to six-feet high, the wave allows up to three lanes with 10 surfers per lane and emulates famous natural standing river waves like Oahu’s legendary Waimea River. Six Surfside Cabanas adjacent to the Wai Kai Wave feature interior sofa seating, a mini refrigerator, sound system, live video feeds of the wave and additional amenities. Upcoming plans include the Wai Kai Wave Surf Academy, developed in collaboration with Wai Kai partner Shane Beschen, former world No. 2 ranked surfer, X-Games Champion and Red Bull’s high-performance surf coach.
“Our goal isn’t to replace the ocean, rather to be a valuable resource for water enthusiasts,” said Beschen. “Our custom surfing program and innovative technology enable an in-depth approach to coaching made easier by the consistent and predictable nature of the Wai Kai Wave. It’s the perfect practice arena for the sport’s best to hone their craft, and an accessible entry point for beginners to learn in a controlled environment.”
Beschen and other internationally acclaimed surfers are available for personalized instruction and training sessions. Current and former professional surfers are already flocking to the wave, including Olympic gold medalist Carissa Moore, world champion big wave surfer Kai Lenny, and “Mr. Pipeline” Gerry Lopez.
“I had the best time visiting The LineUp,” said Lenny. “It’s the perfect environment to improve surfing technique and try out different tricks because it’s a never-ending ride. I can’t wait to go back.”
Watersports:
Guests can choose from a robust program of water activities on the protected 52-acre Wai Kai Lagoon, just steps away from the Pacific Ocean. A variety of watercraft are available to rent, including kayaks, stand-up paddleboards (SUP) and pedalboards, Hydrobikes, outrigger canoes, surfskis, pedal boats, Duffy boat cruises and AquaBana floating cabanas. Rentals are bookable by the hour or through the Play Your Way package, which allows visitors to swap out different watercraft and use the floating cabanas for the same hourly rate as a kayak or paddleboard rental. Individual or double-clamshell lounge chairs are available by reservation at the waterfront.
Dining:
Three unique dining venues will bring friends and family together for a variety of epicurean experiences. The LookOut Food & Drink, a Surfrider Foundation Ocean Friendly Restaurant, provides front-row views of the surf action from its expansive lanai and wave deck, as well as unobstructed views of the adjacent Wai Kai Lagoon and sparkling Pacific Ocean. The menu is inspired by famous surf spots around the world and celebrates the island’s unique bounty with a focus on locally sourced products. At Foam Coffee & Bar, guests can sip on a variety of coffees, smoothies, fresh juices, and handcrafted cocktails along with snacks and grab-and-go food items.
Critically acclaimed Kitchen Door Napa debuts in Hawaii as Wai Kai’s signature restaurant with a dual-dining concept housed in a two-story, 7,200-square-foot venue. Presented by the trio of partners known for their hospitality and culinary expertise: Michelin-awarded Chef Todd Humphries, Maui-born restaurateur Richard Miyashiro, and Managing Partner Tim Seberson, the synergistic restaurant offers a sophisticated yet approachable menu for broad-ranging appetites. Plaza Grill, the premier restaurant on the upper Plaza Level, boasts a full-service dining room, a wrap-around bar, an open kitchen, a spacious lanai with lagoon views and a parlor for intimate gatherings and celebrations. On the Lagoon level is Boardwalk Cafe, an interactive counter-service restaurant ideal for quick-service. It features an all-day menu of eclectic yet traditional favorites, elevated and prepared a la minute by classically trained chefs.
Events and Programming:
Hawaii-based Events International has partnered with Wai Kai to curate a robust schedule of interactive and engaging events and experiences for all ages. Wai Kai will host memorable group functions and catered events ranging from intimate gatherings to full buyouts. Venues include the 61,200-square-foot Event Lawn, Fire Pit Terrace, Lagoon Promenade along the adjacent Wai Kai Lagoon, the 12,600-square-foot Surfside Lawn by the Wai Kai Wave, and a variety of other function spaces.
Set events include social paddles on the Wai Kai Lagoon; farmers markets highlighting local products and vendors; Wahine Wednesdays, a surf, paddle or yoga session followed by food and drink specials at The LookOut; and Sustainability Sundays, a monthly event featuring a locally based non-profit organizations committed to sustainable solutions. Additional future offerings will include Camp Kai, a multi-day camp for children during certain dates throughout the year.
The signature Wai Kai Show will enthrall guests every Monday evening starting April 17, 2023, and includes a family-style dinner alongside a spellbinding show featuring dancers, musicians and surfers. Hawaiian and Tahitian performers weave a story of water through song and dance and incorporate live surfing by utilizing the Wai Kai Wave – the perfect way to learn about the history of Heʻe Nalu (surfing) and Heʻe Puʻe Wai (river wave surfing).
Sustainability:
The LineUp at Wai Kai has been benchmarked by Sustainable Tourism & Outdoors Kit for Evaluation (STOKE), the only sustainability standard built for the surf park industry. The STOKE Surf Parks standard was created with input from major wave technology providers and surf parks.
In addition, The LineUp at Wai Kai is proud to be working with Sustainable Surf and its Hawaii-based SeaTrees program. For every guest activity booking on the Wai Kai Wave or the Wai Kai Lagoon, one dollar is donated to the SeaTrees program to provide support for the restoration of coral reefs, coastal watersheds, kelp forests, mangroves and educational programs. Each token purchased sequesters one ton of carbon emissions through double certified carbon credits and restores one square-foot of coastal watershed on Maui.
Wai Kai operates with a no single-use plastic policy and all disposable products must be 100 percent BPI certified compostable. Sustainable options for grab-and-go packaging include Sustainable Island Products and Mananalu Water.
Bookings and Membership:
The private Nalo Kai Lounge features a club-style locker room, showers and air-conditioned lounge with concierge services. Visitors can access the club with a day pass or monthly membership. Pricing starts at $90 for a 45-minute surf session and $45 for a one-hour watercraft rental. The LineUp Local is a monthly and annual membership program designed for Kama‘aina (local Hawaii residents) and military with price discounts and preferred access to special programming and events. LineUp Local pricing starts at $70 for a 45-minute surf session and $34 for a one-hour watercraft rental.
Bookings are available online here. For more information head here.
The Long Road To Grajagan
Three riders embark on a journey to a place away from civilisation in search of a wave that has been mystified and fanatically spoken about for decades.
The Long Road to Grajagan’ A film by James Kates starring Beau Foster, Jared Mell, Tom Morat now playing.
Caitlin Simmers & Joao Chianca claim maiden CT wins.
• Courtney Conlogue & Jack Robinson Finish in Second Place
• Jack Robinson & Molly Picklum Bring Yellow Jerseys Home to Australia
• More Available at WorldSurfLeague.com
CT rookie Caitlin Simmers (USA) and CT sophomore Joao Chianca (BRA), won the MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal Presented by Corona, the third stop on the World Surf League (WSL) 2023 Championship Tour (CT), in firing 8-to-10 foot surf at Supertubos in Peniche, Portugal.
A massive day of action in Portugal gave the CT rankings a good shake-up. Now, just two events remain before the Mid-season Cut narrows the field following Stop No. 5, the Western Australia Margaret River Pro. The stakes are even higher this year as the world’s best surfers are also eyeing Olympic qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games through the CT rankings.
Conditions were somewhat unruly at first this morning but gradually cleaned up throughout the day to provide an incredible day of high-performance surfing as well as deep and technical barrels. The wind switched offshore in the afternoon, just in time for the Semis and Finals to show the true potential of the wave at Supertubos.
When the dust settled on an epic day in the Portuguese sun, Australia’s Jack Robinson and Molly Picklum retained the rankings lead and yellow Leader jersey heading to their home country for the next two CT events. Joao Chianca (BRA) climbed up a spot up into second, and Caitlin Simmers (USA) took a giant leap from 9th to 2nd, now tied with 5X World Champion Carissa Moore (HAW) after her win today.
Caitlin Simmers Fights Rough Final Start, Claims First CT Title
In an outstanding performance, California’s Caitlin Simmers (USA, above) became the first rookie to win an event on the Women’s CT since Lakey Peterson (USA) at the 2012 Nike US Open of Surfing. The MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal was only her third event at the highest level of professional surfing. After a commendable 9th and a 5th place in the first two events of the season, the 17-year-old went all the way in Peniche, claiming her career-first CT victory and moving all the way up to 2nd on the rankings. Far from a walk in the park, Simmers had to regroup after a difficult start in the Final and showed resilience to keep fighting, turning the heat with two good scores in the later part of the matchup.
“I really can’t believe it honestly,” said Simmers. “Courtney (Conlogue) got really tubed, and I was like ok this is starting. I tried to get some away from her and paddle up and down the beach to find one and then it happened and I was really happy. This is my favorite kind of wave, I surf beach breaks pretty much everyday. I’m really grateful for everyone here, Portugal is really cool. I’m grateful for surfing, and I don’t know what else to say, thank you!”
In the Final, it was Conlogue who started with a bang, finding the excellent barrel she had been chasing all day, to post an incredible 9.00 ride early on. It took almost 30 minutes for Simmers to really get involved in the heat, but she eventually did, finding her own good barrel for a 7.17 to get right back in the battle. The young rookie wasted no time to back it up with a two-turn combination under her opponent’s priority and turned the heat with a 6.33 to apply pressure on Conlogue.
The tour veteran got a good opportunity on a solid left but unfortunately hit a foamy patch on the bottom turn that threw her off, losing a scoring opportunity and the priority which eventually cost her the win.
Courtney Conlogue Finds Her Rhythm in Pumping Portuguese Surf
After the worst possible start to her season, Courtney Conlogue (USA, above) bounced back in a big way, making her first Final appearance since Tahiti last year. Coming in ranked 16th after two Elimination Round losses in Hawaii, Conlogue was in real danger of not making the Mid-season Cut. She has made her attempt at a comeback story much easier with the runner-up finish today. Conlogue was a standout all-event at Supertubos, taking maximum risks and hunting the biggest barrels out in the lineup, true to her charger mentality. CT win No.14 may have to wait for Conlogue, but the Californian has definitely found her winning formula at the right time. The tour now heads to Bells Beach where she has won three times in the past.
“I’m honestly just so grateful to get a result finally,” Conlogue said. “Tricky conditions but I was very grateful to share the Final with Caity (Simmers), and off to Bells now. I’m just going to keep manifesting good results.”
Conlogue and Simmers made their way into the Final after overcoming defending event winner Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) and Macy Callaghan (AUS) respectively in the Semifinals.
Joao Chianca Claims Career-First CT Title, Becomes World No.2
Joao Chianca (BRA, above) could not be denied his career-first CT win today in Peniche, putting on an incredible display in four consecutive rounds of competition. The surfer from Saquarema built momentum throughout the day and eventually posted back-to-back excellent heat totals, both above 17 points (out of possible 20), in the Semis and Final to claim the title. After battling his way back on tour through the Challenger Series (CS) last season, Chianca is having a breakthrough season with two equal 3rd place finishes in Hawaii and today’s win vaulting him into the second position on the world rankings.
“Five minutes after I paddled out I just realized how good the waves were and how much I love everything about this,” an emotional Chianca said. “Perfect barrels, perfect beach break. I just told myself to enjoy the process, you’ve been doing everything you can to make it happen. I was thinking all of this in the water, I was thinking if you don’t get it now you will get it later. And it’s incredible my time came. Since I qualified for the tour I’ve been dreaming about my first win, and it’s incredible how it all came together here in Portugal.”
The Final got off to an exciting start with Robinson and Chianca threading barrels on almost all set waves, both locking in precious tube time on their forehand. The Brazilian got the upper hand on the first exchange with a 7.83 over Robinson’s 6.17. Chianca continued to build momentum with another great barrel ride punctuated by a big finishing turn for an excellent 8.50, putting Robinson against the ropes.
At the 10-minute mark, Chianca made an impossible barrel almost look easy, posting a 9.07 for a very late drop into a long tube. Never completely satisfied, he swiftly found another incredible barrel on his backhand. Robinson did not sit back to watch the Chianca show, but instead continued to roam the lineup and eventually found his own, deep, technical barrel to post an 8.97 to get back in the fight. Time ran out for Robinson unfortunately, who did not get another opportunity.
Jack Robinson Keeps Stellar Season on Track, Retains Yellow Leader Jersey
Jack Robinson (AUS, above) continued to impress at Supertubos, further cementing himself as the current best surfer in the world with the runner-up finish today. With a win, a 2nd, and a 3rd place finish so far this season, his ability to adapt to a variety of conditions and dominate his competition remains unmatched. Rising steadily through the ranks over the last couple of seasons on the CT, the Australian is making a strong case for a potential first World Title for his country since Mick Fanning (AUS) last won ten years ago.
“I’ve got a lot of gratitude right now and I’m just super grateful to be here in Portugal,” Robinson said. “I had a good event. I’m just going to try to keep the journey and the momentum going, it’s just step by step for me and I’m just super happy.”
Chianca and Robinson had previously defeated Callum Robson (AUS) and Yago Dora (BRA) respectively in epic Semifinal clashes on their way to the Final.
Past Winners, World Champions Italo Ferreira and Gabriel Medina Defeated in Round of 16
Two of the most loved and supported surfers in Portugal, World Champions Italo Ferreira (BRA, above) and Gabriel Medina (BRA) both suffered upsetting losses in the Round of 16. Ferreira found one of the best scores of the day, an incredible 9.33 for a deep barrel perfectly ridden but eventually couldn’t back it up high enough and was eliminated by Yago Dora (BRA). Medina fell to last-minute heroics from former event winner Griffin Colapinto (USA). Colapinto needed a big number to overcome the 3X World Champion and turned in a near-perfect 9.50 in the dying moments.
Molly Picklum Stopped in Quarters, Retains Rankings Lead into Australian Leg
World No.1 Molly Picklum (AUS) advanced one round ahead of her direct competition, 5x World Champion Carissa Moore (HAW), by making it into the Quarterfinals here at Supertubos. Picklum will now head to Australia as the only woman wearing the yellow Leader’s jersey. In her second season among the world’s best, Picklum has found her groove and is putting on a fantastic start with two equal 5th places and her maiden win at Sunset recently.
“Going home in the yellow jersey is everything,” Picklum said. “All my team will be there, my friends and family so that’s a pretty cool moment in itself. I feel like I’m in a good space, heat-wise and surfing, not taking any momentum really, I feel like each event has its challenges and we’ll see what Bells brings. Of course I’m super psyched and kind of feel pressure-less and free to surf and rip.”
Women’s Championship Tour Rankings following MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal:
1 – Molly Picklum (AUS) 19,490 points
2 – Carissa Moore (HAW) 17,355
2 – Caitlin Simmers (USA) 17,355
4 – Tyler Wright (AUS) 14,930
5 – Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) 13,440
5 – Gabriela Bryan (HAW) 13,440
Men’s Championship Tour Rankings following MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal:
1 – Jack Robinson (AUS) 23,885 points
2 – Joao Chianca (BRA) 22,170
3 – Filipe Toledo (BRA) 16,075
4 – Caio Ibelli (BRA) 14,150
5 – Griffin Colapinto (USA) 13,875
MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal Women’s Final Results:
HEAT 1: Caitlin Simmers (USA) 13.50 DEF. Courtney Conlogue (USA) 12.83
MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal Men’s Final Results:
HEAT 1: Joao Chianca (BRA) 17.57 DEF. Jack Robinson (AUS) 15.14
MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal Women’s Semifinal Matchups:
HEAT 1: Courtney Conlogue (USA) 12.27 DEF. Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) 11.73
HEAT 2: Caitlin Simmers (USA) 13.00 DEF. Macy Callaghan (AUS) 6.04
MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal Men’s Semifinal Results:
HEAT 1: Joao Chianca (BRA) 17.10 DEF. Callum Robson (AUS) 10.17
HEAT 2: Jack Robinson (AUS) 16.17 DEF. Yago Dora (BRA) 12.40
MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal Women’s Quarterfinal Matchups:
HEAT 1: Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) 7.80 DEF. Molly Picklum (AUS) 7.40
HEAT 2: Courtney Conlogue (USA) 12.60 DEF. Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 11.83
HEAT 3: Macy Callaghan (AUS) 9.03 DEF. Yolanda Hopkins (POR) 7.94
HEAT 4: Caitlin Simmers (USA) 9.93 DEF. Sophie McCulloch (AUS) 8.66
MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal Men’s Quarterfinal Results:
HEAT 1: Joao Chianca (BRA) 13.00 DEF. Connor O’Leary (AUS) 12.27
HEAT 2: Callum Robson (AUS) 15.40 DEF. Samuel Pupo (BRA) 14.33
HEAT 3: Jack Robinson (AUS) 13.50 DEF. Rio Waida (INA) 5.67
HEAT 4: Yago Dora (BRA) 11.33 DEF. Griffin Colapinto (USA) 7.47
MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal Men’s Round of 16 Results:
HEAT 1: Connor O’Leary (AUS) 10.90 DEF. Caio Ibelli (BRA) 6.93
HEAT 2: Joao Chianca (BRA) 13.06 DEF. Ethan Ewing (AUS) 10.17
HEAT 3: Callum Robson (AUS) 10.67 DEF. Joan Duru (FRA) 9.63
HEAT 4: Samuel Pupo (BRA) 8.53 DEF. Ian Gentil (HAW) 8.40
HEAT 5: Jack Robinson (AUS) 15.93 DEF. Ryan Callinan (AUS) 12.33
HEAT 6: Rio Waida (INA) 12.20 DEF. Barron Mamiya (HAW) 7.56
HEAT 7: Yago Dora (BRA) 14.93 DEF. Italo Ferreira (BRA) 14.73
HEAT 8: Griffin Colapinto (USA) 17.00 DEF. Gabriel Medina (BRA) 13.33
Next Stop: Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach
Rip Curl Gromsearch 2023
Created in Torquay, Australia, in 1999, the Rip Curl GromSearch is a competition exclusively for young surfers, boys and girls, under the age of 16 with its own unique character. It is held in various regions of the world at the same time: Brazil, Australia, Indonesia, South Africa, New Zealand, USA and Europe, leading to an International Final which traditionally takes place “Somewhere” in spring. The Rip Curl GromSearch is a real hotbed of young talent, having uncovered future World Champions such as Stephanie Gilmore (7 times World Champion and current world #1 in women’s surfing), the Brazilian prodigy and WSL 2014 & 2018 World Champion Gabriel Medina, and many others.
The Rip Curl Gromsearch 2023 is about to start again in Europe ! For the 2023 edition, French, English, Spanish and Portuguese Groms will go through their National event to qualify for the European Final.
The under-16, under 14 and under 12 male and female winners from those countries will battle at the beach to qualified for the European Final at the emblematic Surf Capital, ANGLET (France) on august 19th and 20th, right before the Rip Curl Pro in Anglet (august 22nd to 25th).
EUROPEAN 2023 RIP CURL GROMSEARCH SCHEDULE:
UK: March 18th-19th at Fistral Beach
PORTUGAL: April 10th-11th, Praia de Caparica
SPAIN: 21st, 22nd and 23rd at Playa de Los Locos, Suances
EUROPEAN FINAL: August 19th, 20th in Anglet (France)
PARTNERS 2023:
OAKLEY
Rip Curl is happy to announce its new partnership with OAKLEY! The cool sunglasses brand will hold products presentations onsite and offer prizes for the competitors. Oakley will also reward the highest score of each stop with a 500€ check! Last but not least, the new “OAKLEY GRAND PRIZE” for the winners with the opportunity to win a trip for two persons to Portugal WCT 2024 and a Two hours coaching session with former pro surfer Tom Whitaker.
FCS
The historical GromSearch Partner! Rip Curl is very happy to count FCS again for this new edition! On the menu, many prizes for the competitors and sets for the local shaper test center.
PURA VIDA:
Bracelets for the girls competitors
LOCAL SHAPERS:
Each stop will see a local shaper get some boards available for testing. Groms will be able to test new shapes and different FCS options.
ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS:
An non for profit in each country will be attending the event with environmental incentive & educational topics
Farewell, Parker Coffin
New video just dropped dedicated to everybody who helped and supported me @roark during the 5 years that I rode for them.
Press play to see my final edit riding for @roark titled “Farewell” filmed by @carlocoral and edited by @alohavisuals – Parker Coffin – King of the classy break up.
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