VANS DUCT TAPE
The Vans Duct Tape just concluded its European edition in Ericeira, Portugal crowning the young and talented Hawaiian Kaniela Stewart and Chloé Calmon. We were lucky enough to spend few days in Portugal to cover the event. Here are some pics from what happened there…
The Duct Tape is clearly one of the best surfing events, if not the best, because it’s not only about surfing. It’s about surfing and everything else: good vibes, good food, skateboarding, long and sunny days, happy faces, good music. Competing is just part of the something bigger. Riders and people watching the event are not there for the performance itself. They are there to be together, to enjoy together.
What else to say? The location was perfect. The small fishermen town of Ericeira offers a unique scenery for an event. The cobblestone streets, the white and blue houses, the fish restaurants and dozen of world class surfing breaks around. Great choice Mister Tudor!
And what a show the 32 riders invited by Joel Tudor gave us. First the groms, Joel’s son Tosh and French Jules Lepecheux were absolutely ripping (both in and out of the water on their skateboards and on the dance floor).
Girls were having the greatest time in the water. Ivy Thomas, Karina Ronzuko, Justine Mauvin, Lola Mignot, what a casting! It was an absolute blast to watch these talented riders in Europe to surf and have a good time. Chloé Calmon impressed the judges with her creativity, style and skills on the nose, winning the title and the $8000 prize money.
On men’s side, Alex Knost did what he does best, entertaining the crowds on every waves he caught. Andy Nieblas is still an alien on a log. Watching him doing his crazy shit is just another level. But the judges crowned Kaniela Stewart, rewarding is unique performance on the nose in difficult conditions. Well done for the young Hawaiian.
After the surf, everyone just wanted to have fun and enjoy a couple of beers together. Lee Ann Curren played her music in front of the best crowd ever and it was awesome. The event concluded with an epic party, which lasted until dawn.
A barbecue and a DJ set by Bonatella Versace kept the crowd of surfers and skaters entertained until the next morning. Jules Lepecheux jumping in the pool was the apotheosis of the night…
Can’t want for next year’s event !
Mikey February, the talented Vans Surf team rider, lives a life driven by purpose and determination, both on and off his surfboard. His commitment and focus on the waves parallel the mindset he carries in his everyday life. This mindset has propelled him to become one of the world's most accomplished surfers, while still remaining the down-to-earth and approachable individual he has always been. As a hometown hero, Mikey, together with his wife, founded a non-profit organization, and he made history as the first Black African surfer to qualify for the WSL Championship Tour.
"Following the Fall Line" is a captivating portrait that delves into the remarkable journey of Bryce Young and the inspiring individuals who have shaped his path. Produced by needessentials and masterfully edited by Milo Inglis, this film beautifully showcases Bryce's extraordinary talents in surfing and skateboarding, while providing a profound insight into the influences that have shaped his unique creative approach to waves and terrain.
Introducing an extraordinary surf collection that draws its inspiration from the remarkable Lisa Andersen, a true icon of the early days of ROXY. This collection embodies the spirit of adventure and innovation, capturing the essence of Andersen's pioneering presence in the world of women's surfing.
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Surf Ghana is a collective who’s supporting development of surfing & skateboarding in Ghana, Justice Kwofi is part of the collective as a surf teacher & surf mentor. He came in France with the goal to learn how to shape & repair boards and share this knowledge back in Ghana.
We were fortunate enough to have a sit-down session with the iconic surfer, Lisa Andersen, delving deep into the vast expanse of life's wisdom and experiences.
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Patagonia’s new film, Foam Dust – 25 Years of FCD, thumbs through the archives of FCD Surfboards. It looks back at the characters who embarked on an experimental journey in surfboard material and design—building boards that leave the least amount of environmental harm.
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