Michael Ho surfing at 64 (now 65)

Michael Ho surfing at 64 (now 65)

One of the happiest and craziest 65 year old surfers out there! This video is a tribute to Michael Ho’s 65th year alive surfing. Aside from the 1982 flashback intro ALL clips are from this year 2022.

In this video: Starting at Backdoor, Uncle Mike shows us how its truly done by getting a wave of the day amongst the Pipeline pack. He then chases his son down to one of the most sketchiest surf spots on the island. Wrapping it all up back at his childhood surfspot in Waimanalo.

Surfers: Michael Ho & Paul Woolery
Filming: Rory Pringle & ABC.
Jams: Backdoor Man.
Location: All of Oahu.

Sweet Adventure – World Tour

Sweet Adventure – World Tour

There are those movies that come along and capture the moment, the magic, the zeitgeist and Sweet Adventure, the latest offering from multi award winning filmmaker Peter Hamblin, is one of those rare gems.

Combining jaw dropping surfing, stunning cinematography, secret spots, new discoveries, good times and more, Sweet Adventure follows ground breaking surfers Albee Layer and Matt Meola, plus skate megastar Nora Vasconcellos, from the thumping waves of Maui to the jungle point breaks and empty beaches of El Salvador in search of the perfect wave. And it’s all tied together by the grand, all-seeing, all-knowing narrator, Selema Masekela.

Innovative South African Director Peter Hamblin, who brought us Let’s Be Frank and Riss, has once again lent his trademark blend of Hollywood flair and witty irreverence to the surf film genre. At its very core this is a movie about adventure, but it’s about more than that; it’s about travel and friendship and great waves – it’s about the things we’ve been missing, the things that matter.

Sweet Adventure wears its heart on its sleeve, it has the soul of a surf-travel classic. For many Endless Summer 2 is a landmark of the genre, imprinted on their grommet-hood, and it isn’t long before legends Pat O’Connell and Wingnut appear. Their timeless chemistry sets the hook – through bowl riding, barrel riding… helicopter riding… in fact on this trip, nothing is off the table. There’s a certain sprinkling of magic dust that’s hard to describe. It’s like turning the dial up to 11. Before the end credits even roll you’ll be inspired to assemble your crew and pack your bags, ready for your own Sweet Adventure…

Sweet Adventure Dir. Peter Hamblin has scooped awards at festivals from London to Australia and is now headed off on a world tour with stops in USA, South Africa, Europe and Australia coming up… You’re not going to want to miss this!

Sweet Adventure World Premiere Tour

NEXT DATES:

14th July – Brain Dead Theatre, Los Angeles – TICKETS

21st July – Syndicated Theatre, New York – TICKETS

Stay tuned to @peter.h.hamblin for the next release of dates!

Corona Open J-Bay Opens Today

Corona Open J-Bay Opens Today

• South Africans Joshe Faulkner and Matthew McGillivray Ready for Competition Start at Home Break

• World No. 2 Johanne Defay and No. 3 Lakey Peterson Eager to Lock into WSL Final 5 at Corona Open J-Bay

• More Available at WorldSurfLeague.com

The holding period for the Corona Open J-Bay, Stop No. 9 on the World Surf League (WSL) 2022 Championship Tour (CT), will open today, Tuesday, July 12 and will run through Thursday, July 21, 2022. As the second-to-last stop before the Rip Curl WSL Finals, this competition will be pivotal in the World Title race, as only the Top 5 men and Top 5 women on the CT rankings will be eligible to compete in the Rip Curl WSL Finals.

Jeffreys Bay is revered as one of the world’s best right-hand point breaks. Supertubes will play host to the world’s best surfers throughout the next 10 days with promising swell on the way for the first half of the competition window. Additionally, the Eastern Cape boasts unspoiled picturesque coastlines, rolling hills and valleys, incredible wildlife, and the traditional Xhosa culture.

South Africans Joshe Faulkner and Matthew McGillivray Ready for Competition Start at Home Break

Joshe Faulkner (RSA, above) grew up in Pellsrus, Jeffreys Bay, a stone’s throw away from the world-class Supertubes break. After being inspired by friends coming home with trophies from local surfing competitions, Faulkner learned to surf and instantaneously fell in love with the sport. This year he is competing on the Challenger Series to try and qualify for the 2023 CT, but this week Faulkner will realise his lifelong dream to compete at his home break in front of family and friends.

“I’m over the moon, I still can’t believe I got this wildcard,” said Faulkner. “I’m feeling amazing and ready, let’s do this! I’ve watched this event every year since I started surfing. It’s been a childhood dream for me and I’m super stoked to get this opportunity to be competing in this event. The response has been amazing, there’s so much support from the local crew. I’m excited to put on a show for the locals.”

Matthew McGillivray (RSA) first competed in the Corona Open J-Bay in 2018 as a wildcard and has been dreaming of coming back ever since.

“J-Bay has always been my dream event,” said McGillivray. “My family and I would come and watch the event every year. I was always so amazed by what everyone was doing, trying to get their autographs on the beach. I don’t think I even dreamed of being in the event one day, but it slowly became a reality when I got a wildcard entry back in 2018. Now we’re back and we have an amazing forecast, the setup is amazing and so many people from around the country are so excited to come to this competition.

“The forecast is looking promising, I can’t wait. Coming from Jeffreys Bay, it’s always been a dream to compete in this event. There was a big motivation for me to make the Mid-season Cut and it meant a lot to me when I made the cut. It means so much to surf at my home break in front of my home crowd and I’m really excited for this week.”

World No. 2 Johanne Defay and No. 3 Lakey Peterson Eager to Lock into WSL Final 5 at Corona Open J-Bay

Johanne Defay (FRA, above) sits at World No. 2 on the CT rankings and could clinch her spot in the WSL Final 5 in South Africa. The 28-year-old locked in the 5th spot last year, but a favorable result at the Corona Open J-Bay could afford her a higher seed this year and give her a better opportunity to claim her maiden World Title. Despite still missing her luggage and most of her surfboard bags, Defay is staying positive ahead of opening day.

“I’m super motivated,” said Defay. “I live in Reunion Island and it’s not that far from here, so being back in the Indian Ocean, I’m hoping it will give me some good luck! I’m super happy to be here. I’ve had some luggage issues, but it’s part of the journey. I’m happy to see the forecast and I look forward to enjoying it. When you get caught up in the rankings, it doesn’t really work for me, so I’m going to focus on surfing and enjoying it. I hope everyone gets good waves and that we can put on a good show.”

World No. 3 Lakey Peterson (USA) is looking to go all the way this year and lift the coveted trophy. The Californian has been runner-up at the Corona Open J-Bay twice before and has yet to take the win. Peterson’s love for right-hand point breaks shows through her CT success and after a runner-up finish in El Salvador, Peterson demonstrated how close she is to victory in 2022, with J-Bay possibly being her event to win.

“I’d love to get a great result here and solidify my spot to get into the WSL Final 5,” said Peterson. “I love a right-hand point break and J-Bay is not easy, but it feels familiar. The pace of the wave is incredible, it’s such a big open canvas, you can create whatever you want and I love that about it. Hopefully, third time’s the charm.”

Wildcard and Injury Updates for Corona Open J-Bay

Jeffreys Bay local Faulkner has been awarded the men’s event wildcard, and Tia Blanco (USA) will be the women’s wildcard, the last of three wildcards from her Ultimate Surfer prize. The 2019 Corona Open J-Bay winner, Gabriel Medina (BRA), will not be surfing in J-Bay after he injured his knee during the Oi Rio Pro pres. by Corona in Saquarema. He will be replaced by the 2023 wildcard and 2022 injury replacement, Yago Dora (BRA). John John Florence (HAW) also withdrew from this competition following his knee injury at the Quiksilver Pro G-Land and will be replaced by Luke Thompson (RSA), the highest-ranked male South African surfer on the Challenger Series rankings.

For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

Corona Open J-Bay Women’s Opening Round 1 Matchups:
HEAT 1: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), Brisa Hennessy (CRI), Courtney Conlogue (USA)
HEAT 2: Carissa Moore (HAW), Gabriela Bryan (HAW), Tia Blanco (USA)
HEAT 3: Johanne Defay (FRA), Isabella Nichols (AUS), Caroline Marks (USA)
HEAT 4: Lakey Peterson (USA), Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA), Tyler Wright (AUS)

Corona Open J-Bay Men’s Opening Round 1 Matchups:
HEAT 1: Griffin Colapinto (USA), Matthew McGillivray (RSA), Jadson Andre (BRA)
HEAT 2: Italo Ferreira (BRA), Jordy Smith (RSA), Yago Dora (BRA)
HEAT 3: Jack Robinson (AUS), Kolohe Andino (USA), Luke Thompson (RSA)
HEAT 4: Filipe Toledo (BRA), Nat Young (USA), Joshe Faulkner (RSA)
HEAT 5: Ethan Ewing (AUS), Barron Mamiya (HAW), Jackson Baker (AUS)
HEAT 6: Kanoa Igarashi (JPN), Caio Ibelli (BRA), Seth Moniz (HAW)
HEAT 7: Callum Robson (AUS), Samuel Pupo (BRA), Jake Marshall (USA)
HEAT 8: Miguel Pupo (BRA), Connor O’Leary (AUS), Kelly Slater (USA)

Watch LIVE
The Corona Open J-Bay opens on July 12 and holds a competition waiting period through July 21, 2022. The competition will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com, the WSL app, and on WSL’s YouTube Channel. Also, check local listings for coverage from the WSL’s broadcast partners.

Watch live
Drone alone, Teahupo’o.

Drone alone, Teahupo’o.

Chopes is beauty and the beast, light and dark, yin and yang. How many boats, surfers are scrabbling around that insane spot, all jockeying for the best position, shot, or take-off. Take a moment and fully take in what it’s really like to be in the firing line at one of the most awe inspiring surf spots on the plant, Teahupo’o, end of the road.

2022 Red Bull Big Wave Award Winners

2022 Red Bull Big Wave Award Winners

The World Surf League (WSL) announced the official winners for the 2022 Red Bull Big Wave Awards. $350,000 in prize money has been awarded across three categories for men’s and women’s divisions: Ride of the Year, Biggest Tow, and Biggest Paddle. The winning photographers and videographers were also awarded prize money.

This year’s Red Bull Big Wave Awards received over 300 submissions with some of the heaviest and most amazing big waves ridden throughout April 1, 2021, to March 31, 2022 Big Wave Awards season window. All submitted waves were evaluated by a comprehensive judging panel formed by WSL judges, former pro surfers, and big wave specialists.

“Huge congratulations to this year’s Red Bull Big Wave Awards winners,” said Jessi Miley-Dyer, WSL SVP of Tours and Head of Competition. “The level of commitment we’ve seen this season has been amazing and I’ve been really impressed with all the nominated rides. Justine Dupont has to be the standout for me this season, with two award wins and nominations in every category, she’s really cemented her dominance on the big wave world!”

Ride of the Year
The Ride of the Year is awarded to the surfers who demonstrate the most advanced and committed level of big wave surfing during a successful ride, as judged by available video footage. While raw size is taken into consideration, it is ultimately the level of performance that is rewarded.

Justine Dupont (FRA), who was nominated twice in this category, won the women’s award for her ride at Teahupo’o, Tahiti on August 13, 2021. Francisco Porcella (ITA) is the men’s winner for his ride at Jaws, Hawaii on November 2, 2021.

Women’s Winners:
1 – Justine Dupont at Teahupo’o on August 13, 2021 (photo and video captured by
2 – Paige Alms at Jaws on January 9, 2022
3 – Justine Dupont at Teahupo’o on October 6, 2021
4 – Annie Reickert at Outer Reef Kahului on December 5, 2021
5 – Michelle des Bouillons at Nazaré on February 10, 2022

Men’s Winners:
1 – Francisco Porcella at Jaws on November 2, 2021
2 – Billy Kemper at Jaws on November 2, 2021
3 – Mikey Brennan at Shipstern Bluff on March 26, 2022
4 – Lucas “Chumbo” Chianca at Nazaré on February 25, 2022
5 – Pedro Scooby at Nazaré on December 13, 2021

Biggest Tow
The Biggest Tow Award goes to the surfers who, by any means available, catch and ride the biggest wave of the year.

This year’s winning rides were both from Nazaré in Portugal, where Dupontclaimed her second award this year in the Biggest Tow category for one of three waves on January 8, 2022, while Mason Barnes (USA) took the men’s award for his wave on February 26, 2022.

Women’s Winners:
1 – Justine Dupont at Nazaré on January 8, 2022
2 – Michelle des Bouillons at Nazaré on December 11, 2021
3 – Justine Dupont at Nazaré on January 8, 2022 (wave two)
4 – Justine Dupont at Nazaré on January 8, 2022 (wave three)
5 – Michelle des Bouillons at Nazaré on December 13, 2021

Men’s Winners:
1 – Mason Barnes at Nazaré on February 26, 2022
2 – João Macedo at Nazaré on February 25, 2022
3 – Pedro Scooby at Nazaré on January 8, 2022
4 – Nic Von Rupp at Nazaré on January 8, 2022
5 – Lucas “Chumbo” Chianca at Nazaré on January 8, 2022

Biggest Paddle
The Biggest Paddle Award goes to the surfers who paddle into, and successfully ride, the biggest wave of the year.

Both winning rides were from Jaws, Hawaii on November 2, 2021 and the winners were Annie Reickert (HAW) and four-time Pe’ahi Challenge Champion Billy Kemper (HAW).

Women’s Winners:
1 – Annie Reickert at Jaws on November 2, 2021
2 – Justine Dupont at Nazaré on November 19, 2021
3 – Katie Mae McConnell at Himalayas on January 22, 2022
4 – Paige Alms at Jaws on November 2, 2021
5 – Raquel Heckert at Himalayas on January 22, 2022

Men’s Winners:
1 – Billy Kemper at Jaws on November 2, 2021
2 – Lucas “Chumbo” Chianca at Nazaré on January 12, 2022
3 – Pedro Calado at Nazaré on January 12, 2022
4 – Jamie Mitchell at Nazaré on February 9, 2022
5 – Ben Andrews at Mavericks on January 11, 2022

As part of the 2022 Red Bull Big Wave Awards, the WSL officially announced the new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ Title for Men’s Largest Wave Surfed (Unlimited) for Sebastian Steudtner (GER) for his award-winning 86 feet (26.21 meters) ride at Praia do Norte in Nazaré, Portugal on October 29, 2020.

To watch all the winning rides, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com/redbullbigwaveawards.
For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

Legend of Sumner

Legend of Sumner

It’s sad to hear that local Kiwi legend Nancy Meherne passed away this week. 93 year old Nancy lived a simple life by the sea in Sumner, New Zealand, gardening and hitting the surf on a board made by Christchurch’s legendary gumboot-manufacturing Skellerup factory. The surfboard – made in the 1970s – was a little worse for wear, but Nancy – made in the 1920s – exuded an infectious amount of joy riding the waves on her vintage piece of foam.

A life well lived, RIP Nancy.