Mikey February – Sonic Souvenirs: Live Premiere

Mikey February – Sonic Souvenirs: Live Premiere

Screening 6pm BST, 13 April 2021

Mikey February goes on a spiritual journey up and down the East and West coasts of South Africa in the first episode of Sonic Souvenirs, a new series of portraits exploring the interconnectedness of art, sound, and surfing, directed by Kai Neville.

Growing up in South Africa, Mikey’s style is the result of a harmonious blend of his natural environment including the ocean, art, music, and culture. In this first episode, Mikey embarks on a visually and sonically inspiring experience as he visits his childhood home of Cape Town and the smaller villages in the surrounding area, shedding a light on the diversity that exists within the region and how it influences the people, music and overall culture.

While Sonic Souvenirs was filmed during last year’s lockdown, forcing the crew to rethink traditional methods and for Kai to direct remotely from Australia, Mikey said they are amazed and excited to share the outcome,

“Our main goal was to be as inclusive as possible, trying to capture the pure sound and vision from what we experienced on the trips, and that’s exactly what the film gives you when you watch it. Music, culture, people, surfboards, and waves— it is the sum of all these things that make a trip unique and special.”

An overarching backdrop throughout the entire series, music continues to play a pivotal role in Mikey’s life and his surfing. In the first episode of Sonic Souvenirs, set to original music by South African musician Madala Kunene and friends, Mikey recounts how music became a driving force for him at a young age. He also addresses the joys and pressures of growing up so close to South Africa’s East Cape, one of surfing’s most renowned destinations, and how this has shaped his perspective and approach.

Mikey represents a new generation of surfing in Africa, receiving global attention for his seemingly effortless approach, as much as for the new path he blazes. Growing up with J-Bay just a quick plane ride away, Mikey shaped himself into one of the most stylish surfers today. He’s also been instrumental in Vans’ philanthropic initiative to inspire at-risk youth in South Africa through surfing in partnership with Waves for Change. As a result of that work, Mikey and his wife were inspired to found their own organization, JUJU, a non-profit dedicated to highlighting and supporting emerging surf sites in Africa.

2021 British National final day crowns champs and the British team members

2021 British National final day crowns champs and the British team members

From snow to sunshine the 2021 British nationals at Thurso had it all!

“The Scottish Surfing Federation we would like to congratulate the British Surfing Champions of 2021 Lucy Campbell ENG and Stan Norman ENG whom along with fellow podium finishers 2nd place Emily Currie ENG, 3rd place Ellie Turner ENG, 2nd place Luke Dillon ENG and 3rd place Harry Cromwell WAL will lead the 2021 British Surfing Team.

“We would also like to express a warm thank you to the team in Thurso who have done an outstanding job leading the event, our sponsors, our fellow home country federations (Channel Islands Surfing Federation, Surfing England and the Welsh Surfing Federation) and all whom have supported the safe execution of the British championships during these challenging times.

“What an outstanding event – we would like to wish all athletes and their support staff a safe homeward journey and as the SSF we look forward to supporting the full British Surfing Team, as they prepare for the World Surfing Games in El Salvador and beyond”.

Sponsored by VisitScotland, EventScotland, Weret Surf Watches and Impact Sports

Cavemen

Cavemen

NVR and friends score 8-10ft slabbing Cave, the most dangerous wave in Europe…

Cave is such a gnarly wave, the length, the thickness of the wave and obviously the reef how it just sticks ou right on the line of the wave. One bad move and your straight to the hospital.

“Everyone got some sick waves, Miguel Blanco, Kiron Jabour and OG Cave Local Antonio Silva.

So good to see Antonio getting the bombs as he’s been dedicated to this wave for the last 10year and has landed himself in hospital twice out here, one of them with a broken back.”

Italo and Carissa Win Rip Curl Newcastle Cup

Italo and Carissa Win Rip Curl Newcastle Cup

NEWCASTLE, AUS – APRIL 10: WSL Champion Italo Ferreira of Brazil in Heat 3 of Quarterfinals of the Rip Curl Newcastle Cup presented by Corona on April 10, 2021 in Newcastle, Australia. (Photo by Matt Dunbar/World Surf League via Getty Images)

Italo Ferreira Claims Leader Jersey from John John Florence

Reigning WSL Champion Italo Ferreira (BRA) now moves up the men’s rankings to World No. 1 after beating two-time WSL Champion Gabriel Medina (BRA) in a heated Final. After losing to Medina at the Billabong Pipe Masters, Ferreira got one back on his compatriot to claim the event win.

“Wow what an event,” Ferriera said. “It’s been such a good few weeks competing here with all of these guys. It’s been such a good event. I love to surf heats with Gabriel (Medina). He is a machine and he pushes me so much, so it’s always fun to compete against him. I know I’m number one now but that doesn’t matter, as long as I have a spot for the Rip Curl WSL Finals at Trestles, then I have a shot at another Title.”

En route to his Final, Ferreira took down Brazilians Filipe Toledo in the Semifinals and Deivid Silva in the Quarterfinals. This victory marks the 26-year old’s seventh CT win.

Medina, who has historically struggled with his Australian leg campaign, is now one to watch in the next three events with an extended lead over current World No. 3 John John Florence (HAW). Heading into a predominantly left-hand beach break, Medina will again be in conditions that will showcase his surfing capabilities and will no doubt display the type of aerial antics that earned him a near-perfect 9.70 in the Semifinal against Morgan Cibilic (AUS).

“This was a fun event and another fun Final with Italo (Ferreira),” said Medina. “I felt good this whole event and had such a great time here in Newcastle. It was the first time I have been here and It has been great. The people are so friendly and the waves have been fun. I’m happy with my performance and can’t wait to compete again next week.”

NEWCASTLE, AUS – APRIL 10: Four-time WSL Champion Carissa Moore of Hawaii winning the final of the Rip Curl Newcastle Cup presented by Corona on April 10, 2021 in Newcastle, Australia. (Photo by Matt Dunbar/World Surf League via Getty Images)


Moore Earns 24th CT Victory, Ties Wendy Botha for Record CT Wins

Reigning four-time WSL Champion Moore built momentum through the event, most notably with her game-changing air reverse in the Quarterfinals and her event topping 17.74 heat total (out of a possible 20) in the Semifinals. Although a slower heat, Moore dominated the Final against CT rookie Isabella Nichols (AUS) to mark her 24th CT win, tying Wendy Botha for the most CT wins.

“I really want to dedicate this win to my family, and in particular, to my grandma,” Moore said “She passed away just before we came to Australia, so this one is for her. This just feels amazing to be standing number one at the end of this event. I really didn’t expect it. It was a really fun final with Isabella (Nichols). I want to congratulate her on such an awesome result in her rookie season. I’m looking forward to the next event, and hopefully, keep some momentum.”

Looking unstoppable in the first of four CT events on the Australian leg, Moore now wears the yellow Leader Jersey heading into the Rip Curl Narrabeen Classic pres. by Corona.
Rookie Isabella Nichols Kickstarts Career with Runner-up Finish

Although Nichols struggled to find a rhythm in the Final her performances all through the event were admirable and finishing second in a CT event in only her second appearance is a massive statement and a shot over the bow of the rest of the Championship Tour competitors. Nichols heads to the Rip Curl Narrabeen Classic sitting at World No. 3 on the rankings.

“This is crazy, I really didn’t expect to make it this far,” said Nichols. “Every heat I made was a bonus and to have a heat against not only Steph (Gilmore) but Carissa (Moore), my two idols, has been so surreal. This is the best job ever. I felt like I didn’t get a decent opportunity, which was a bummer, but only so many things can go your way. Carissa definitely outsmarted me tactically and it was really cool to see how she went about that heat. We were out there having a chat and a laugh so it was really fun. I’m looking forward to the next three events now.”

Rip Curl Newcastle Cup pres. by Corona Women’s Final Results:
1 – Carissa Moore (HAW) 15.73
2 – Isabella Nichols (AUS) 8.34

Rip Curl Newcastle Cup pres. by Corona Women’s Semifinals Results:
HEAT 1: Isabella Nichols (AUS) 13.20 DEF. Keely Andrew (AUS) 12.13
HEAT 2: Carissa Moore (HAW) 17.74 DEF. Caroline Marks (USA) 10.17

Rip Curl Newcastle Cup pres. by Corona Men’s Final Results:
1 – Italo Ferreira (BRA) 14.94
2 – Gabriel Medina (BRA) 13.27

Rip Curl Newcastle Cup pres. by Corona Men’s Semifinal Results:
HEAT 1: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 15.77 DEF. Morgan Cibilic (AUS) 14.07
HEAT 2: Italo Ferreira (BRA) 16.10 DEF. Filipe Toledo (BRA) 11.57

Rip Curl Newcastle Cup pres. by Corona Men’s Quarterfinals Results:
HEAT 1: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 10.27 DEF. Adriano de Souza (BRA) 10.07
HEAT 2: Morgan Cibilic (AUS) 10.37 DEF. Ryan Callinan (AUS) 10.37
HEAT 3: Italo Ferreira (BRA) 12.67 DEF. Deivid Silva (BRA) 12.40
HEAT 4: Filipe Toledo (BRA) 13.83 DEF. Conner Coffin (USA) 13.0
2021 WSL Women’s CT Leaderboard Top 5:
1 – Carissa Moore (HAW) 17,800 pts
2 – Tyler Wright (AUS) 12,610 pts
3 – Isabella Nichols (AUS) 10,410 pts
4 – Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 9,490 pts
5 – Caroline Marks (USA) 8,695 pts
5 – Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) 8,695 pts
5 – Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 8,695 pts

2021 WSL Men’s CT Leaderboard Top 5:
1 – Italo Ferreira (BRA) 16,085 pts
2 – Gabriel Medina (BRA) 15,600 pts
3 – John John Florence (HAW) 11,330 pts
4 – Jordy Smith (ZAF) 8,065 pts
4 – Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) 8,065 pts
4 – Ryan Callinan (AUS) 8,065 pts

You got to take the spills with the thrills

You got to take the spills with the thrills

Irish big wave spots take no prisoners. And if you want to surf the heaviest of them all, Mullaghmore, you have to be prepared to take a lot of cold Atlantic on the head. It’s not a case of ‘if’, and definitely a case of ‘when’.

In this episode G Man runs through the sunny big wave Instagram dream versus the reality of wearing 60 cubic tonnes of Donegals finest eight degree saltwater when the windchill is sub zero.

Produced & filmed Clem Mc Inerney

Featuring Conor Maguire

Music ‘Chez Félix’, Conor Crimmins

Claymation Loopina Creative studio

Best Kirra Ever?

Best Kirra Ever?

Some of the better Kirra barrels in a long time featuring Mitch Parko, Chris Zaffis, Nick Vasicek, Soli Bailey, Brent Dorrington and many more. And as for the politics and the odd naughty drop in, more of that here.