John John Takes out Toldeo, Marks ousts Gilmore.

QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA – APRIL 6: 2X World Champion John John Florence of Hawaii advances to the quarter finals of the 2019 Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast after winning Heat 1 of Round 4 at Duranbah Beach on April 6, 2019 in Queensland, Australia.

John John Florence Takes Down Filipe Toledo

One of the heats to watch so far in 2019 did not disappoint as two-time WSL Champion John John Florence (HAW) squared off against the ever-explosive Filipe Toledo (BRA). Florence’s first wave set the tone of what to expect and he did not relinquish that early lead despite a ferocious Toledo on his heels throughout the battle.

“It’s nerve-racking going up against a guy like Filipe (Toledo),” Florence said. “It’s sort of anyone’s game out there, it was just about who could be in the spot for the peak. It’s scary when there are 12 minutes to go and he only needed a 6.00. You can’t really give him any room because he could just take off on an insider and do a huge air. I felt like there were a lot of unknowns going into this year, since I only started surfing and training about a month ago, so it’s a big confidence boost.”

Florence will take on the powerful style of Conner Coffin (USA) in the Quarterfinals after the Santa Barbara native eliminated Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) today.

”I felt fired up this morning,” said Coffin. “Kanoa’s so good in these kinds of waves so I knew I had to step it up and push myself to beat him. This is our fourth year on Tour together and that was our first ever head-to-head matchup, so that was fun and great to get the win.”

Coffin’s fellow Californian Kolohe Andino (USA) showcased his prowess in hunting down scores over former event winner Owen Wright (AUS).

Reigning WSL Champion Gabriel Medina (BRA) had to fight back against fellow countryman Yago Dora (BRA) after Dora’s quick start. But Medina wasn’t to be outdone and quickly took the lead despite Dora notching the heat’s highest single-wave score of a 7.33 (out of a possible 10).
Rookie Report: Seth Moniz Still Standing

2019 CT rookie Seth Moniz (HAW) is on a tear in his debut event with yet another heat win, this time eliminating Gold Coast standout Reef Heazlewood (AUS) and now represents the sole rookie remaining after Jordy Smith (ZAF) defeated Mikey Wright (AUS) in their bout.

“I can’t believe it,” Moniz said. “This morning I had a slow start with a sore back and my board had a buckle on the tail. But, once you’re out in the water you’re just focused on the heat and whatever’s on the beach, you just leave it there. My goal was to make the Quarterfinals and on. I honestly just wanted to have a good performance in my first couple heats so I’m excited.”

2018 Rookie of the Year Wade Carmichael (AUS) laid down a brilliant showing against CT veteran Michel Bourez (PYF) to finish out Round 4 after Italo Ferreira (BRA) narrowly edged out fellow countryman Willian Cardoso (BRA) in a second all-Brasilian battle.

QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA – APRIL 6: Wade Carmichael of Australia advances to the quarter finals of the 2019 Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast after winning Heat 8 of Round 4 at Duranbah Beach on April 6, 2019 in Queensland, Australia.

“It’s pretty cool, ‘Wade’s World’ back in full force with all the support and my family here,” Carmichael said. “It just keeps getting better and better, and I’m excited to keep getting some good waves. I don’t like keeping it close, it just makes you work all the way to the last second. When you can get two good scores you can let go a little bit and do some better surfing.”
The next call for the Quiksilver Pro and Boost Mobile Pro Gold Coast will be tomorrow morning when event organizers will reassess the conditions to decide the event’s location and schedule. For updates on the call, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

The Quiksilver Pro and Boost Mobile Pro Gold Coast will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com and Facebook.com/WSL. Also check local listings for coverage from the WSL’s broadcast partners.

Boost Mobile Pro Gold Coast Quarterfinal Results:
Heat 1: Caroline Marks (USA) 16.80 DEF. Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 8.77
Heat 2: Malia Manuel (HAW) 13.16 DEF. Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) 11.27
Heat 3: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 14.27 DEF. Sage Erickson (USA) 12.50
Heat 4: Carissa Moore (HAW) 16.33 DEF. Johanne Defay (FRA) 10.83

Boost Mobile Pro Gold Coast Semifinal Matchups:
Heat 1: Caroline Marks (USA) vs. Malia Manuel (HAW)
Heat 2: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) vs. Carissa Moore (HAW)

Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast Round 4 Results:
Heat 1: John John Florence (HAW) 14.06 DEF. Filipe Toledo (BRA) 13.27
Heat 2: Conner Coffin (USA) 12.27 DEF. Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) 12.06
Heat 3: Seth Moniz (HAW) 13.37 DEF. Reef Heazlewood (AUS) 10.97
Heat 4: Kolohe Andino (USA) 12.03 DEF. Owen Wright (AUS) 11.23
Heat 5: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 13.00 DEF. Yago Dora (BRA) 12.53
Heat 6: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 13.57 DEF. Mikey Wright (AUS) 11.07
Heat 7: Italo Ferreira (BRA) 12.70 DEF. Willian Cardoso (BRA) 11.30
Heat 8: Wade Carmichael (AUS) 14.43 DEF. Michel Bourez (PYF) 10.70

Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast Quarterfinal Matchups:
Heat 1: John John Florence (HAW) vs. Conner Coffin (USA)
Heat 2: Seth Moniz (HAW) vs. Kolohe Andino (USA)
Heat 3: Gabriel Medina (BRA) vs. Jordy Smith (ZAF)
Heat 4: Italo Ferreira (BRA) vs. Wade Carmichael (AUS)

QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA – APRIL 6: Caroline Marks of USA advances to the semi finals of the 2019 Boost Mobile Pro Gold Coast after winning Quarter Final Heat 1 at Duranbah Beach on April 6, 2019 in Queensland, Australia.

Caroline Marks’ (USA) signature surfing, which earned her two major Qualifying Series wins in 2018, was on full display against the seven-time WSL Champion Stephanie Gilmore (AUS). 17-year-old Marks had Gilmore under pressure, requiring a near-perfect 9.16 (out of a possible 10) after she posted a 16.33 (out of a possible 20) heat total. Marks kept improving her lead with a third excellent ride to seal the deal and start her 2019 campaign with a guaranteed third-place finish.

“I’ve looked up to Steph (Gilmore) since I started surfing,” said Marks. “It’s incredible to get to surf against her and I’m super humbled to win that because she’s one of the best surfers in the world. I definitely wanted to win that heat and I’m feeling really fired up. I even claimed a couple of waves and I never do that [laughs]. I was going to move down the beach and try a couple of airs, but Steph’s just so good and I didn’t want to leave her on a perfect right to herself because she can easily get a nine.”

“That was really tough,” Gilmore said. “A Quarterfinal finish is still a good result, but it’s just made me hungrier. That hurt a lot, but it also reminded me how much I love doing this and how much I want to win. Caroline (Marks) has always had that fire but she’s piecing it together in heats now and shaking things up.”

Moore, Manuel, Fitzgibbons Advance to Semifinals

Hawaii surfers Carissa Moore and Malia Manuel are through to the Semifinals after big wins over Johanne Defay (FRA) and Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA), respectively. Three-time WSL Champion Moore put on a powerful and progressive display to dominate Defay in the clean D-Bah peaks. Moore posted the second highest heat total of the Boost Mobile Pro and moves one step closer to a third Gold Coast event title. The fan favorite Weston-Webb fell to fellow Kauai’s Manuel in a close battle that went to the final minute where Manuel garnered the critical score to secure her spot in the next round.

The sole Aussie progressing in the Boost Mobile Pro Gold Coast Quarterfinals is perennial title threat Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) who overcame alternate Sage Erickson (USA) with a measured performance at Duranbah. Although Fitzgibbons controlled the heat in its majority, Erickson snagged a perfect set wave in the dying seconds and posted her highest score of the matchup, but the score, unfortunately, fell short of the requirement. Fitzgibbons will move in the Semifinals and one step closer to claiming her first event win on the Gold Coast.

“Sage (Erickson) had the opportunity to put it all on the line and get the score, which makes the heat win pretty special. I know it seems really stressful but that’s the fun part and why I love it,” Fitzgibbons said. “I really love coming down here and being apart of the energy on the beach. I’ve been working hard over the summer so it’s just humbling to jump back on the board and get the jersey back on and do what you’ve been visualizing. All the waves on the Gold Coast are so dreamy, I’ll be ready to suit up and jump out wherever they say.”

Mami Wata X Waves for Change ‘Harper Sliders’ to raise funds for Liberian surf club hut

African surf brand Mami Wata has teamed up with Surf Therapy organisation Waves For Change to raise funds and build a clubhouse for their programme in Harper, Liberia.

Fronted by celebrated surf personality, journalist and musician, Sal Masekela, the initiative will provide the surf club, called the ‘Harper Sliders’, with a safe place to meet and run their surfing and skills training programmes.

To celebrate and drive fundraising for this campaign, Mami Wata has created a limited-edition ‘Harper Sliders’ capsule collection ranging from humble ‘Membership’ postcards, to exclusive apparel and hand-crafted surfboards and skateboards that can only be purchased through supporting the Kickstarter.

Mami Wata is a premium African surf lifestyle brand committed to connecting the world to The Power of African Surf. The brand works closely with organisations like Waves For Change to fulfil a promise of being a ‘force for good’ in Africa through design and creativity.

‘Harper Sliders’ is a surf club run by Waves for Change, a world-leading Surf Therapy organisation. Waves For Change works in communities affected by violence, poverty and conflict, where mental health services are often stigmatised and under-resourced, which is the situation in Harper, Liberia. Mami Wata supports Waves for Change’s efforts in improving their lives through the power of African surf.

Harper is an isolated town in the South of Liberia. Until recently, the community had never seen surfers or been exposed to surf culture. Since the introduction of surfing and Surf Therapy in 2017, surfing is now booming in Harper. The beach has become a community-owned safe space and more children and adults are getting involved every day. The Harper Sliders Surf Club House will create a focal point for this growing surf community; a shared safe space around which a community can bond, learn new skills and store their equipment.

Pledges range from £5, which can get you a collectible ‘Membership’ post card from the Harper Sliders and Mami Wata, to £5000 - which enables two lucky individuals an opportunity to join an 11 day Waves for Change trip to Harper, Liberia with Mami Wata.

Mami Wata’s Harper Sliders Club House Kickstarter launches on 04 April 2019 and their call to action is encouraging people to raise awareness and support via donations and shareable content. Homebase is their Kickstarter page, supported by a content suite of video, social media and blogs - all of it engaging and shareable.

CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT ON KICKSTARTER

The Rip Curl Story – new book you should read

In a plastic age full of fake news, fake tan, fake claims and a desperate marketing drives to create ‘brand authenticity’ through fake celebrity ‘influencers’ the stories of the founding of surf brands like RipCurl and Quiksilver, who both celebrate their 50th birthdays this year, stand out like flaming beacons of hope. From dreams and sewing shorts and wetties in the garages of Victoria to multi million dollar companies fuelled by the chase for waves these businesses and their founders invented an industry, a world tour, professions (pro surfer) and gave us all better equipment. They also inspired 1,000s of other surfers to chase the same lifestyle at various levels. From bums in shitty sand filled cars to surf execs flying around the in globe private jets and surf tripping on luxury yachts…They are remarkable stories.

So I’m really pleased that to celebrate 50 Years of Surfing, Rip Curl have announced the launch of ‘The Rip Curl Story’, written by esteemed surf writer Tim Baker.

“The Rip Curl Story is the remarkable tale of two young surfers who pursued a dream to make a living out of the pursuit of the ultimate ride. The brand that these men built not only satisfied their own surf wanderlust, but also inspired many others, riding the wave of the global youth revolution of the late ‘60s.

“When two friends in Torquay, Brian Singer and Doug “Claw” Warbrick, decided on a whim to make surfboards in 1969, they never imagined that in 2019, they would be celebrating their brand’s 50th anniversary. For the very first time, the entire true story of Rip Curl, which forms a vital part of of Australian surfing history, is revealed by bestselling surf writer Tim Baker.

“Rip Curl’s mantra quickly became “The Search”: the pursuit of new waves on distant shores, new thrills – skiing, snowboarding, windsurfing – and better equipment to elevate those experiences.

“Rip Curl has continued to invest in the surfing industry as a whole by not only by sponsoring two events on the World Surf League’s Championship Tour, The Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach and the Meo Rip Curl Pro Portugal, but also by supporting the careers of the world’s great surfers – from Midget Farrelly to Michael Peterson, Tom Curren to Damien Hardman, Pam Burridge to Stephanie Gilmore, and of course Tyler Wright, Mick Fanning and Gabriel Medina.

“The Rip Curl Story is a series of ripping yarns and is as much a smart business primer as it is a wild adventure story. It will make readers want to surf more, travel further, follow through on that business idea and pursue their own Search.”

‘”The Rip Curl Story” is on sale now. Get Your Copy Online, in Rip Curl retail, at your local surf shop or in select bookstores today.

SURFERS AGAINST SEWAGE CALLS FOR GIANT WAVE OF VOLUNTEERS TO JOIN ITS BIGGEST EVER UK SPRING CLEAN, FROM SUMMIT TO SEA!

Across the week of the 6th to the 14th of April, Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) is organising its biggest ever Big Spring Beach Clean. Encompassing the full Summit to Sea message, SAS has over 600 events taking place from mountain tops to rivers and beachfronts across the UK.

SAS is now calling for a giant wave of volunteers from across the UK with aims of over 30,000 volunteers taking to our beaches, mountains, streets and waterways to keep them clear of plastic. These include:

• Most Northerly – Skara Brae, Orkney
• Most Southerly – Le Braye, Jersey
• Most Easterly – Lowestoft, East Anglia
• Most Westerly – Enniskillen Island, Northern Ireland
• Most Rural – Arnol, Outer Hebrides
• Most Urban – Royal Docks, London
• Most Daring – Surfers Against Sewage Rep Laura Sanderson will be swimming the 26kmn Afon Glaslyn in Snowdonia from the highest point Llyn Glaslyn on Snowdon, down to the sea. Laura will be collecting plastic and water samples throughout the swim to be tested at the laboratory at Bangor University where the research will give us a greater understanding of levels of microplastics through a water catchment system.

With the effects of Storm Gareth being felt nationwide, SAS hopes this united front created by armies of volunteers will be able to urgently remove tonnes of plastic pollution and waste from our environment.

"We are just emerging from a series of heavy storms battering the UK, including Storm Gareth a few weeks back. We have to mobilise as many people as possible to take action in the face of this plastic crisis, right across the UK, from summit to sea. Collectively we can all make a difference. This is our biggest beach clean ever, and we’re seeing higher numbers of people than ever engaging in plastic pollution campaigns and wanting to take action due to the Attenborough effect and the awful scenes on television and in our newspapers" - Hugo Tagholm, CEO Surfers Against Sewage

As part of the cleans this year, Surfers Against Sewage is asking volunteers to track the brands they are finding during the cleans as part of a UK-wide Plastic Pollution Brand Audit, aimed at identifying the big businesses most responsible for plastic pollution around the UK.

Almost a decade ago, Surfers Against Sewage conducted an award-winning Plastic Pollution Brand Survey that revealed that the majority of all beach pollution (56%) was attributable to just twelve corporations, dubbed the ‘Dirty Dozen’. This included Nestle, Coca Cola, Walkers Snacks / Frito Lays, Kraft, Tesco, Mars, Unilever, PepsiCo, United Biscuits, Carlsberg, Co-Op and Asda.

10 years later, SAS is updating the survey to find out what has changed and will use the data to inform the UK Government’s current consultation on plastics.

"Every single piece of plastic we intercept is a victory for our oceans and environment, but it is vital that we concentrate on stopping pollution at source and challenge the systems responsible for its production. The evidence gathered by volunteers across the UK will be used to send a direct message to big businesses and those in power that we need to make tangible changes" 

Rudimental added to best Boardmasters line-up ever…

Rudimental

Boardmasters has today announced that Rudimental will headline the Land of Saints Stage on Saturday 10 August, with a special guest DJ set, joining the bill alongside already announced acts including headliners Wu-Tang Clan, Florence + The Machine and Foals plus The Wombats, Dizzee Rascal, Jorja Smith, Plan B and many more. Boardmasters has also revealed details of the BBC Music Introducing stage at The Netloft and announced more emerging acts for this year’s festival.

Cornwall’s own surf and music festival takes place from Wednesday 7 – Sunday 11 August 2019 across two stunning sites, Fistral Beach for exhilarating international surf action and Watergate Bay for world-class live music and simply unbeatable views. Tickets are on sale NOW via the website from £30 deposit.

Fresh from summer hit ‘These Days’, and having received widespread critical acclaim for their latest album ‘Toast To Our Differences’, Rudimental make a triumphant return to Boardmasters, riding high on the wave of enormous chart success. The group, hailing from London, have collaborated with huge names including Stefflon Don, Major Lazer, Protoje and more, and are sure to deliver their most innovate, creative and high-octane performance, jam-packed full of their biggest hits including ‘Feel The Love’ and ‘Waiting All Night’ as they headline Boardmasters’ Land of Saints stage on Saturday night with a very special DJ set.

This year, a total of twenty-four acts will perform on the BBC Music Introducing Stage located at The Netloft, at Watergate Bay. Among these talented emerging acts, Charlie Bowdery who is teetering on the edge of success will return to Boardmasters with his eclectic mix of R&B, Grime and electo pop – whilst in contrast rising fourpiece band Haunt The Woods will take to the BBC Music Introducing stage with their alternative folk and rock material. Other acts include Bonetired, Hypophora, Half Kut, Milo Gore, Moriaty and Ezmay Grace to name a few. With most of the acts hailing from or living in Cornwall and its surrounding areas, BBC Music Introducing is intent on supporting local acts, nurturing their talent through giving them a platform that allows them to be discovered nationally and internationally.

Also joining the Boardmasters line-up for 2019 are indie outfit Airways who’ve just returned from supporting Deaf Havana on their European tour, viral hitmaker Chelou, local Falmouth four-piece Holiday Ghosts who will bring bluesy rock’n’roll, ‘David At The Bar’ singer-songwriter Jerry Williams and plus fuzzy indie-pop sounds from Peaness. Plastic Mermaids are ready to take festivalgoers on a sonic adventure, with Ted Jasper providing the house-vibes, while punk five-piece The Murder Capital, along with Sunday Shift, Whenyoung and Xylaroo are also heading to Watergate Bay this summer.
This Saturday 6 April, in a continued and and longstanding partnership with Surfers Against Sewage, Boardmasters’ ‘Big Spring Beach Clean’ will take place on Watergate Bay and Fistral Beach as part of continued efforts and tremendous ongoing work to protect the oceans, beaches and coastlines in the UK and beyond. This follows the ‘Big Autumn Beach Clean’ in October last year, which saw hundreds of local volunteers join forces with Boardmasters and Surfers Against Sewage to clear plastic and general waste from two of Cornwall’s most beautiful beaches. Volunteers can register for free online to take part in the ‘Big Spring Beach Clean’ this Saturday.

Inspired by the freedom, adventure and creativity of surfing and music, Boardmasters was born in 1981. Expect parties that run late into the night and a beautiful beach to recuperate on during the day. The five-day event is situated across two stunning locations in Cornwall – UK surfing mecca, Fistral Beach, where world class International Surf Competitions take place, and the most stunning location in the country to watch live music, Watergate Bay.

Book your tickets now via the Boardmasters website,

Ginsters sponsor Luke Dillon

Luke Dillon, currently doing GB and Cornwall proud on the QS, has picked up sponsorships from Ginsters, Cornish pasty maker since 1969…

Ginsters is supporting Dillon, 24, as he continues his mission to become one of the top ten surfers in the world. Luke said:

‘I’m a proud Cornish boy, through-and-through. During my stints at home between competitions, I still get a buzz out of surfing at North Fistral, especially when you’re out with locals in the water, having fun and remembering what it’s all about.

‘That’s why Ginsters is such an outstanding company to stand alongside; they’re a Cornish business that has been in Cornwall since the beginning and always champions everything our county has to offer. It feels like a natural, down-to-earth connection and I’m excited to see where this year takes us. I reckon they’ll grant me access to an unlimited supply of pasties too!

‘Sponsorship plays an increasingly important role in surfing as a global sport. Without funding, competing on the world’s stage would be a much greater challenge. It’s amazing that Ginsters makes it possible.’

Kieran Hemsworth, Managing Director at Ginsters, said: ‘This year, we’re marking our 50th anniversary in Callington; that’s half a century of being established in the heart of Cornwall and witnessing the extraordinary talent our county has to offer the rest of the world.

‘Luke represents everything we, at Ginsters, are passionate about too; dedication, honing your craft, striving to achieve the best… and always celebrating your roots. We couldn’t be prouder to be his official sponsor for 2019 and be a part of Luke’s journey to becoming GB’s highest-ranking male. We can absolutely line-up all the pasties he can eat!’