Historic times at the back end of last year when tom butler and cotty got invited to the first nazare challenge. It was a heavy event and tom was among those that ended up in hospital...
How stoked were you to get an invite to the historic first WSL Big Wave Nazare event?
It was a dream come true. Since I first heard of the BWWT I wanted to have a crack at an event. I had an amazing 27th birthday, I was in L.A with my girlfriend Emily shortlisted for barrel of the year. I opened up my emails on the morning of my B-day and had an email from Ian Mitchinson with his shot of me on the front cover of the Irish times. The next email in the inbox was from the WSL saying Nazare had been added to the BWT! I was so amped that day. I thought I might have a slight chance at an invite after putting in four seasons at Nazare. At the awards a few of the surfers came up to me and said 'yeah you’ll be in it for sure'. I just tried my best to get back on my feet. I tore my tendon bad in my right ankle last April and was out the water until the end of June. I trained everyday to get ready for this winter season and kept hopeful that I might get my invite to Nazare, so couldn’t be happier that I got a chance to compete.
What’s the process? Does Pete Mel just give you a call to say you’ve got the nod?
I got an email through from the WSL around the end of September with an attachment showing the surfers and alternates invited for the Nazare Challenge. I was first alternate which means if someone doesn’t turn up or is injured I would drop into the main event. I was a bit bummed I didn’t get into the main event straight off but remained positive I might get my chance still.
Denne historien er fra Issue 176-utgaven av Carve Surfing Magazine.
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Denne historien er fra Issue 176-utgaven av Carve Surfing Magazine.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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2020 Wetsuit Guide
If the recent boom in wetsuits sales is anything to go by, the best bit of advice we can give you is make swift decisions and invest quickly. To help you, here’s the lowdown on the best wetsuits on the market right now.
CEYLON STORIES
SERENDIPIDITY IN THE INDIAN OCEAN.
ENGLISH NATIONALS
TOLCARNE TAILSPINS IN THE LAST COMP FOR A WHILE . . . MAYBE
THE ST VALENTINE 'S DAY MASSACRE
ROB MILES AND CALLUM DAVID THOMAS MIX IT UP WITH THE WORLD’S BEST AT ALL TIME SAFI.
BARBADOS
FAMILY FRIENDLY SURF TRIPPING TIPS
GENE GENIE
FROM PAIGNTON THROUGH VARIOUS PROFESSIONAL KITCHENS WITH A SOJOURN IN THE SCOTTISH ISLES EUGENE TOLLEMACHE NOW CALLS INDO HOME AND IS LOVING LIFE
*OCCIDENTAL DRIFT
THE BLEEDING EDGE OF SURF EXPLORATION IS A HOT, INHOSPITABLE PLACE. BUT WORTH THE MISSION.
TASMANIA ART CLUB
BRENDON GIBBENS AND DION AGIUS EXPLORE THE LITTLE CHUNK HANGING OFF THE BOTTOM OF AUSTRALIA AND GET CREATIVE
Mr Smith
THE GENIAL ED SMITH IS ONE OF THOSE SURFERS THAT HAS A TON OF ABILITY AND TOYED WITH THE COMP SCENE BUT SOON REALISED A REAL TRADE AND SURFING FOR HIMSELF WAS A WISER OPTION. WE BUMPED INTO HIM ON OUR MISSION TO SCOTLAND, AND HE WAS KILLING IT EVERY SESSION. SUPER STYLISH, ALWAYS DEEP, A PLEASURE TO SHOOT. HE 'S A GOOD BLOKE TO GO FOR A PINT WITH TOO.
SETH MOZ
SETH MORRIS IS A YOUNG PRO FROM A QUIET PART OF WALES. HE JOINED US ON OUR WINTER MISSION TO PORTUGAL, WHERE HE IMPRESSED ALL WITH HIS STYLISH ATTACK. READ ON FOR A PEEK INSIDE HIS HEAD.
