The Wild One

The Wild One

Hawaii's Moana Jones Wong Defeats 5X World Champion Carissa Moore in Final, Jumps to World No. 1 on WSL Rankings.

Moana Jones Wong (HAW) made surfing history today by winning the Billabong Pro Pipeline in an all-Hawaiian Final against five-time World Champion Carissa Moore (HAW). The first-ever full women’s event on the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT) at the iconic North Shore break culminated in fantastic fashion with Wong’s statement-making victory.

“I can’t believe it, I’m just losing it right now,” Wong said. “This is the best moment of my life and I’m so baffled. I never thought I was ever going to accomplish this. Carissa Moore is my favorite surfer and my hero, I always wanted to have a Final at Pipeline with her."

The 22-year-old local surfer that has committed her time to the Pipeline lineup has already proven herself at one of the most challenging waves in the world, and now has put the CT on alert with her performance in competition today. A five-time finalist on the Qualifying Series at Pipeline, she won the HIC Pipe Pro last December and stepped up her game against the world’s best athletes to claim her first CT win. She is the first wildcard to do so since two-time World Champion Tyler Wright (AUS) in 2010 just up the road at Sunset Beach.

In the Final, Wong picked up right where she left off with two back-to-back rides on Banzai Pipeline to post an early lead of 12 points. The crowds erupted every time the local hero got up to her feet and as she made every wave she paddled for in the opening half, the momentum seemed to be on her side. Another successful ride on at Pipeline pushed the requirement for Moore further up and the World Champion was against the ropes with 10 minutes remaining on the clock.

As time ran out, Wong got a final opportunity when she started super deep, counter-peak on a left, and got a clean exit for a 7.67 (out of a possible 10) and a victory lap on home turf as Moore (above) admitted defeat and congratulated her opponent. Now sitting as World No. 1, Wong will also receive a wildcard slot into the next stop on the 2022 Championship Tour, the Hurley Pro Sunset Beach, which opens next week.

Now a two-time runner-up at Pipeline, Moore added another stellar result on her resume to kick-start her defending campaign on the 2022 CT. Unable to find the exit door on a few big waves in the Final, Moore was humbled by the performance of her young opponent and gracious in defeat.

“I feel like I’m constantly learning,” Moore said. “Today was a little bit outside of my comfort zone, there was a lot of water moving and for me, it was just about putting in some more time with only another surfer out. Congratulations Moana, there’s no one more deserving, she’s put in years and years out here and you could tell she did a great job.”

Australia’s Wright (below) put up a great fight in the first Semifinal against Wong, locking into a Backdoor bomb for an 8.83, the best single score of their heat. However, the former World Champion failed to back up her main score and a priority mistake in the dying moments of the heat ended her run at the inaugural women’s Billabong Pro Pipeline in equal third place.

“It feels amazing to have this opportunity,” Wright said. “We’re in the pioneering stage, Moana is literally the best of us, she’s trained so hard out here and was always going to be the number one to beat. I was scared but by the end of the heat, you’re starting to figure out where your lines are. None of us have been out there when it’s this big and nowhere close to being in the position. Overall I’m absolutely thrilled, we do deserve to be out there and to have a position in the lineup and I think we’re really showing that right now and it’s really exciting for the future.”

In the second Semifinal, Lakey Peterson (USA) did not find any opportunities to score and fell short against Moore. But the perennial title contender posts a strong start to her 2022 campaign with an equal third place.

For highlights from the Billabong Pro Pipeline, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

Billabong Pro Pipeline Women’s Final Results:
1 - Moana Jones Wong (HAW) 14.34
2 - Carissa Moore (HAW) 3.73

Billabong Pro Pipeline Women’s Semifinals Results:
HEAT 1: Moana Jones Wong (HAW) 14.00 def. Tyler Wright (AUS) 9.76
HEAT 2: Carissa Moore (HAW) 7.84 def. Lakey Peterson (USA) 1.26

Win a 4/3 Modulator Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit.

Win a 4/3 Modulator Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit.

Volcoms wetsuits have just landed in the UK and to celebrate we had a 4/3 Modulator to give way!

This 4/3mm premium hooded chest zip wetsuit has been designed and tested in the harshest conditions. It features

• Internal rapid-dry thermal lining for ultimate warmth and comfort.
• The entire wetsuit is made from the highest grade limestone-based neoprene.
• The ergonomic hood features 2.5mm thick neoprene for warmth and flexibility.
• All seams are glued, taped and blind stitched for maximum strength and seal.

Featuring:
● Quick-dry thermal lining in critical areas
● Glued, taped and blind stitched seams
● 100% internally taped
● Chest zip closure with YKK metal zip pull
● Highest grade, 4-way stretch, limestone-based neoprene
● Adjustable ergonomic hood and visor
● Sealed cuffs on wrists and ankles
● Internal key loop
● Durable 4-way stretch stone knee pads
● Chest panel shock cord to keep the fit snug.

It retails for £320 and is available from

Madhatters, Jersey and online here.

Hiatus, Swansea and online here.

Secret Spot, Scarborough and online here.

Bude Surf Cabin, Bude

Tiki, North Devon

Surfing Life, Newquay

Team rider Will Bailey said

“I love my Modulator wetsuits - they are everything I need in a suit - maximum comfort, warmth flexibility and durability. Stoked to be repping the volcom stone on my chest too. True to this!”

To win hit up our Insta post and follow the instructions!

Mason Ho Hosed

Mason Ho Hosed

It seems like the waves have been non stop on the North Shore of Oahu! Who better to watch knifing his way through them, than the always amped and positronically charged Mason Ho. There is no one having more fun surfing than Mason, a joy to watch, hit play.

Iain Masson Remembered

Iain Masson Remembered

It is with heavy hearts that we share the sad news that Broch Surf Club member and local surfing legend Iain Masson passed away yesterday 03.02.22 at home in St. Combs after a long battle with illness.

Iain’s passing will be felt heavily amongst the local community here in Fraserburgh and across the globe where he touched so many people’s lives and gained many friendships through his many surfing travels.   

The unprecedented 7 x Scottish National Surfing Champion from Fraserburgh was a true surfing great, a real ambassador for the sport of Scottish surfing.

A Legend, a pioneer, an inspiration, a champ, a gentleman, a coach, a hero and to most within the surf club, a respected and loyal friend.

The most humble man of few words, when Iain spoke it was worth listening, his surf related knowledge was second to none, the surfing oracle.

Academically, Iain was an artist, a trait that was reflected on his surfing style and ability. His smooth, somewhat effortless nature on the wave face mirrored that of the lines drawn on an artist’s canvas, so rarely making mistakes.

Surfing was Iain’s life, the local surf shop Point North East and more recent employment at Score allowing “nightshift working for dayshift surfing” a testimony to his dedication and his love of the sport.     

Both Broch Surf Club and the Scottish Surfing Federation currently stand strong, built on the foundations and efforts supported by Iain over the decades. The European surf trips for the juniors,  “SSF Hardcore” editorials and publications, the Broch winter League events to name just a few of the personal background efforts undertaken by Iain.

The Broch Surf Club and surfing within the town of Fraserburgh continues to grow, Iain has set the standards, it’s up to us all to follow his ethos and continue his legacy.            

It is a sad time for all that knew and were close to Iain, but we can all take great comfort for the good times and memories we can all cherish and how he has made all our own lives better in some way or form.     

We have attached a short video clip of Iain surfing at an empty Thurso East somewhat 14 years ago, it’s a fitting tribute to Iain in his best place doing what he did best.

Please take the time to watch this short clip and take a moment to reflect on Iain’s life.

From your Broch Surf Club family,     

Show Reel – Tai Jennison

Show Reel – Tai Jennison

Featuring John Florence, Julian Wilson, Mitch Coleborn, Harry Bryant, Harrison Roach, Reef Heazlewood, Jack Robinson, Jai Glinderman, Alister Reginato and stacks more. A compilation of 2021's best surfing clips as seen through the lens of one of Australia’s best up and coming photographers Tai Jennison.

Reef

Reef

Glastonbury rockers REEF have released their new double A-side single ‘Wolfman’ / 'Right On', with both tracks taken from their eagerly anticipated new album Shoot Me Your Ace, which will be released on April 15th.

The two songs illustrate both sides of the acclaimed British band. ‘Wolfman’ is a huge groove laden track, as heavy as it is funky. Gary Stringer’s raw vocals lead the charge alongside screaming guitar lines and a rhythm section more solid than a slab of granite. It’s set to explode across live stages later this spring.

“When I see sweat dripping from a ceiling, speakers bouncing, crowds moving, that’s when I know that what we do is relevant no matter what else is going on around us,” says Gary. “Without that big heartbeat and that primal urge, the rest of it doesn’t mean anything. The one job a band has to do is excite people, and we know we excite people.”

Meanwhile ‘Right On’ is a beautiful and uplifting anthem, a burst of pure positivity written by Jack Bessant. “It’s about being the best person you can be, doing the right things, making the right decisions,” says the bassist. “You’ve got to be right on for yourself, for your friends, for the planet, for rock’n’roll.”

The double A-side single follows the release of the album’s debut single and title track ‘Shoot Me Your Ace’, which is a no-holds-barred, uptempo rock’n’rollacoaster that premiered on Chris Evans’ breakfast show on Virgin Radio. Watch the death defying-video shot inside a motorcycle wall of death above

The album was produced by former Duran Duran/ Power Station guitarist Andy Taylor whose playing on the record joins Gary Stringer on vocals, Jack Bessant on bass, Jesse Wood (son of Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood) on guitars, and Luke Bessant, (ex-Bryan Ferry / KT Tunstall / Joe Strummer) on drums. Collectively they are remarkable array of talents who together can justly lay claim to being a national rock’n’roll treasure.

And Shoot Me Your Ace showcases their power in one of the most thrilling rock albums of recent years. From the title track’s swaggering opening salvo all the way through to album closer ‘Strangelove’, Shoot Me Your Ace is a thrilling blast of unadulterated rock’n’roll joy.

Producer Andy Taylor says, “I’ve been looking to make a record like this for a long time. I can’t love it enough. The chances you get in life to do something as great as this album don't come along very often, so when they do you just grab them.”

“The universe has put all the pieces into place for us,” continues Bessant. “This line-up, these four guys, along with Andy’s extra guitar and production, is just one big ball of energy that we managed to bottle. It feels like the start of a new chapter for us - Reef Mk II.”

This cosmic alchemy has resulted in a record that doesn’t just match such classic Reef albums as 1995 breakout debut Replenish or 1997’s transcendent Glow but exceeds them.
After two years of uncertainty, despondency and gloom, it feels like an outpouring of positivity. As Gary Stringer puts it: “It’s the sound the world needs right now.”

Shoot Me Your Ace will be released on a variety of formats including CD, black vinyl, coloured vinyl, cassette and digital. Pre-order the album, along with brand new Shoot Me Your Ace merchandise here:

REEF – Shoot Me Your Ace Tour
April 2022
7th Newcastle University
8th Glasgow QMU
9th Manchester – O2 Ritz
14th Exeter – Phoenix
15th Cardiff – Tramshed
16th London – O2 Forum Kentish Town
21st Leeds – University Stylus
22nd Bristol – O2 Academy
23rd Birmingham – O2 Institute
28th Brighton – Chalk
29th – Southampton – Engine Rooms
30th – Norwich – UEA

To pre-order the album or to buy ticket for the band’s forthcoming tour go to reeftheband.com