A not so classic day in Hossegor

There are some days when everything goes well. The swell and weather forecast was initially not so good. But for some reasons, you wake up with blue sky and no wind. So why not to have a quick check at the surf. It does not look exceptional but it’s way better than expected. And for another mysterious reason, one of the most famous break line up around is empty. Nobody’s out! You text a few friends who are around. They all show up in the next 15 minutes. And that’s it. The magic happens and well, it’s a lot of fun, waves are pumping, your friends and you are ripping, even getting barreled.

 

That was a good day, at the right place, at the right moment. Here’s a result of a random day in Hossegor with Yael Peña, Erwin Bliss, Diogo Martins, and Issam Auptel.

Follow Diogo Martins, Yael Peña, Issam Auptel and Erwin Bliss on Instagram.

Classic day for Erwin in Hossegor who seems to know really well the area.

Definitively more fun than expected for Yael Peña!

Issam Auptel probably not regretting being out there…

Diogo Martins spending a few days in Hossegor and ripping not matter what.

RIDER’S FAVORITES

5 PIECE // Traction Pad

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V.2 M // Thruster fins

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SUPRA M  // Thruster Fins

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6″6 MM // Pro Tech Leash

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RANGE // Change Mat

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TOWEL

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3POD MIX video project

3POD MIX video project is the last project from Guilherme Martins and the first edition is starring some of the Deflow family finest riders aka Diogo Martins, Issam Auptel & Yael Peña “having fun in shit waves in Portugal”. Watch video below and learn more about the project by reading Guilherme’s interview.

YouTube video

. Hey Guilherme! How it’s goin’ bro?? We absolutely loved your latest video-project 3POD MIX. Tell us more about it!!

 

Thank you for the love! It was an absolute pleasure to make. The waves ended up not being ideal, but we sure had fun and got tipsy every now and then. I’d say 3Pod Mix is something we want to keep putting effort into, for the future. Film whenever it feels right and put it out for the fun of it.

 

. We can feel a really cool flow between all of you, guys. Can you talk about your friendship and the vibe ‘behind the scenes’ of your sessions and trips?

 

I’m not sure we really knew what we would end up with while filming. Everything came together so naturally thanks to our team manager, Guillaume Dartenuc, who, for some reason, decided to put us all together to film. I didn’t really know Yael and Issam at the time, but I was aware that we all had similar references. It was a fun 10 day trip staying at Diogo’s summer house, trying to find waves and making barbecues.

. Issam, Diogo and Yael… All of them are riders of Deflow and it makes us very happy to see so much camaraderie and union. It’s a kind of Dane’s Chapter11 hahaha. What’s your influences and upcoming stuff? Would you like 3POD evolve under that kind of collective essence way?

 

Guess I’d be riding Deflow gear too if I actually knew how to surf ahah. We wanna keep filming and putting videos out while we can, that’s for sure. A couple months ago, Yael built the website while we were sleeping, and we’ll be using it as a digital whiteboard to pin some fun behind the scenes and B sides moments from the trips. We all get more inspiration from what the skate and snowboarding fellas are doing. Dust box, cinquieme terrasse, rat ratz, melodi,… that’s what entertains us the most. Pretty physics and chapter11 if we want to get hyped up to surf.

. We also love your Instagram aesthetics which is full of analog photo and ‘raw’ stuff. Are you very into the analog-artie thing? Tell us about your personal interests!

 

I usually like to carry around an old point-and-shoot film camera my dad used to snap photos with, when he was my age. It’s perfect for the candid captures, and I also like to let everyone grab it and shoot whatever they want!

 

. Now talk us as filmer, photographer and surf fan please. What’s kind of content and rider are the most motivating to you?

 

I like that there are still some guys focused on the free surf only. The comps don’t really excite me. I’m more of sitting down and watching clips, and that motivates me to be standing up behind the camera for as long as it takes to get the clips. I really like everything Wade Carroll, Andrew Schoener, Hunter Martinez, Kai Neville, Dan Scott, Yentl, Guillem Cruells put out.

 

. Since we love your essence and opinion, we’d like to know what makes a Brand cool to your eyes. We’re open to your suggests!! Hahaha.

 

I really like the way Deflow communicates! Aesthetics are important for me, as you can probably tell ahah… so that would have to be the priority. Other than that, I would say, cutting the crap is pretty much the most important thing. Stay true. Fortunately, Volcom gives us total creative freedom and that’s all we could ask for.

. Back to 3POD… Could you tell us a little more about the places and the waves you’ve been to? All the locations look pretty fun!

 

We filmed mostly around Caparica, Carcavelos, Ericeira and Sintra. We weren’t that lucky with the forecast so we had to play with what we had.

 

. Well Guilherme, we’re so glad to share a Little time with you so… We hope to know more about you and to have you back at Deflow Blog!

 

3POD mix 2 is currently being filmed!!Thank you for the chat 🙂

RIDER’S FAVORITES

5 PIECE // Traction Pad

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V.2 M // Thruster fins

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SUPRA M  // Thruster Fins

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6″6 MM // Pro Tech Leash

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WATERPROOF PAG

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TOWEL

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Spellbound with Titouan Canevet

Our French Britany ambassador Titouan Canevet traveled to Ireland in order to explore its famous powerful breaks. Cold water, fun waves & friends always mean an amazing surf trip. Watch the recap video & see a few photos below. 

YouTube video

TITOUAN’S FAVORITE PICKS

Supra L // Thruster

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4 Piece Traction

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6″6 mm // Pro Tech Leash

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V.2 M Thruster

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Happy Holiday Blake Neka & Legi Alonso!

Here we are… 2022 is almost over and while it’s gonna be time for most us to go through big family dinner, chocolate and probably too much wine… we thought it was the right moment to catch up with some of our favorite riders to talk about their past year highlights! Legi & Blake are really unique characters and incredibly talented surfers, and they got kind enough to respond to the few questions below!

Legi Alonso got busy flying over 2022!

. Hey there Legi! How have you been doing? Now that 2022 is about to finish, would you highlight one best moment / surf sesh / party from this year?

 

Highlight of the year…. I think I landed a floater in March. Or maybe it was in February. Nah, I did a couple trips to some cold surfing destinations in which I really enjoyed the calm of the places. Lately, I’ve been working on a printed fanzine (BLOOOD!) that finally came out this week ☺ About party… I’m too old and too ‘grinch’ to enjoy the company of many smiling people. I don’t have any friends either.

 

. We know you’ve been riding our products for a while now. For someone that hasn’t experienced our products before which 3 products would you recommend?

 

About the new stuff… I really loved THE TOWEL. It works nice as a pillow. The NEW PAD COLLECTION (4 – 5 pieces) is rad as hell too! They’re soooo beautiful and also have a very good grip. And still using LEGI ALONSO FINS for ‘everyday sessions’. They are very functional and fun for sharp turns and rotations and also I’m obliged to say by contract. In fact, I mention them even when I go to buy bread.

Recently welcome to the Deflow family, Blake seemed to enjoy this past year!

. Hey there Blake! How have you been doing? Now that 2022 is about to Finish, would you highlight one best moment / surf sesh / party from this year?

 

Hey guys! I’ve been well thank you.

One of the best moments from 2022 would have to be getting my first double spread in a magazine, cheerin on that one cause it’s quite rare to see yourself in a magazine these days. A surf session I always look back on is actually from a heat over in Krui, Indonesia. Legit some of the biggest waves I’ve surf and for a comp to be held in those conditions is nuts haha where i’m from i’m use to surfing beachy/right-hand point breaks that stay around the 2-4ft range, to surfing a 10-14ft left-hand reef break. I enjoy surfing big waves but that definitely got the heart racing lol.

One night that stands out to me is when the Gold Coast pro finished up and heaps of the boys were still in town from the comp and we all met up later that day at the Pav which is a joint right on the beach at Burleigh Heads. Kind of a scene there but good to go to every now and then. Anyway i had good time that night and flared up with the lads.

 

. We know you’ve been riding our products for a while now. For someone that hasn’t experienced our products before which 3 products would you recommend?

 

I would recommend people to try out the 3 PIECE TRACTION VOL. 2, ROCKET L and the WATERPROOF BAGS, they are super handy and durable!

FAVORITE PICKS

Deflow Towel

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Rocket L Fins

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Legi Alonso Fins

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4 Piece Traction

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3 Piece Traction

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Waterproof Bag

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Welcome to Deflow, Blake Neka!

We are really excited to introduce Blake Neka to the Deflow family. It’s no surprise that we’ve always been supporting talented surfers with charisma, and well, a lot of style. And we’re not doing an exception with Blake.  MUST SEE video & interview below!

YouTube video

. Yeah Blake!! We’re so glad to welcome you to our team! First of all, could you tell us about yourself so that our audience knows you a little better? Home spot, roots. Blah, blah, blah…

 

Firstly, I’d like to give a thank you and to the guys at Deflow for giving me this opportunity to be apart of the family. Well… my names Blake Neka I’m 21 years of age and living in gods country (Australia). I’m half Balinese and half Australian. I was born in Australia and raised in Bali for a decent amount of my childhood living in the village of Kuta and then moved back over to Australia for schooling. I’m currently based in a little town called Casuarina just south of the iconic Gold Coast but I like to say my home/local spot would be Cabarita Beach which is where I basically started surfing and spend most of my time in the water at. It’s not the best wave, just a fat point break, but I froth it.

 

. When we look at your surf we really appreciate your rail and air game and also your barrel technique. What aspects of surfing motivate you the most?

 

Appreciate your words! I do really respect unique styles and flowy rail work in surfing and just guys/girls doing their own thing, in their own way and killing it. Having a techy air game helps too :)).

.  Art, skate… What things do you consider part of you beyond surfing?

 

I like to think I’m somewhat artsty/creative. Most of the time I enjoy editing my own stuff like grades, crops and all that fun stuff when it comes to making clip/stills. However, I use to be somewhat of a filmer/photographer for a solid year and a bit due to me injuring myself and unable to be in the water for 12-13 months, so I just toke up filming my mates surf and getting some coin on the side if others asked to do a session. From then on I’ve just had an interest in filming/editing and appreciate a lot more all the work these filmer/photographer put into their craft.

. You’re also team rider of some big brands. Talk us about your sponsors and your relationship with all those Brands!!

 

My most recent pick up was Chilli Surfboard which I’m super cheerin on, honestly best boards I’ve had in awhile and super excited to be working the crew there. I’ve been with RVCA for about 2 years or so now and they’ve been so good with me. Backing however I wanna take my surfing, if its competition or just free surfing travelling and putting out content. Which I love. Wouldn’t wanna be with another company. I joined the Nixon team 3 year ago and they’ve been none stop support and supplying me with the best surf/classic watches you can get your hands on atm. Very grateful for all my sponsors and wouldn’t be where I am today without them.

 

. So… Talking about sponsorship, what does it mean to you to become a member of the Deflow team?

 

Honestly so grateful to be giving this opportunity to be apart of such a unique brand. Love the way you guys put yourself out there and the audience you attract, definitely what I look for in a brand. Fins, traction, board covers etc are a massive part in a surfer life so to be apart of a company like Deflow and to have all of that covered with quality product is ideal for me if I want to be surfing at my full potential :)) Can’t wait to see what the future holds.

 

. Your whole content and aesthetic is pretty refined and nice. What are your next creative projects –as a surfer and on a personal level?

 

Definitely like to try and make my content somewhat interesting for people to see and not just your average sweaty surf clip/stills. I enjoy putting out what I like to see in others account like BTS stuff, quirky little edits/pics and just showing a bit more personality. For me as a surfer I really wanna start putting out a couple more proper edits and not just short 1 minute clips for insta, so hopefully next year I can travel around a bit and start stacking some clips and eventually drop a few edits. Maybe, even work on a pad with you guys in the future would be a goal.

. As we said, we’re very happy to introduce you! So, what would you like to contribute to Deflow in the next few years?

 

In the next few years i’d love to obviously get the best content out for you guys and drop some short films but to also get Deflow well known out here in Australia would be unreal, cause there’s only a select few traction companies that really put into the aesthetics side of their product and you guys are definitely up there with the best at doing so!

. Talking about the Brand/surfer relationship… What moved you to join our team and what aspects or Deflow motivate you the most?

 

Like I said before I really appreciate the aesthetics and quality you put into your product from fins to board covers everything is super nice. You guys seem to keep your team tight too and select a certain few that give off similar vibes, everyone on the team have their own thing going and killing it which is sick to see and i’m super grateful to be a part of that family.Like I said before I really appreciate the aesthetics and quality you put into your product from fins to board covers everything is super nice. You guys seem to keep your team tight too and select a certain few that give off similar vibes, everyone on the team have their own thing going and killing it which is sick to see and I’m super grateful to be a part of that family.

 

. Finally… Could you make a TOP 5 of your DEFLOW favorite products?

 

Hahahah. In no particular order I’d have to say:  Erwin Bliss Signature grip pad, L Rocket fins, Twin + 1,  6”6mm Pro Tech leash in white,  3 Piece traction VOL.2.

. Well Blake, thanks for your time and for your enthusiasm. We hope to hear more from you soon! Welcome aboard buddy!!!

 

My pleasure! Honoured to be apart of the Deflow family and excited to be working with you guys. Cheers, Blake

BLAKE’S FAVORITE PICKS

Erwin Bliss Tail Pad

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Rocket L // Thruster fins

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Twin +1

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6″6 mm // Pro Tech Leash

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3 Piece // Traction Pad

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V.2 L // Thuster Fins

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Tequila Blackout with Laura Coviella

Laura Coviella spent 3 weeks in the Mentawaii Islands, Indonesia to surf perfect waves. The result is this incredible and dreamy video edit that shows how powerful her surf is getting, and obviously still really engaged! 

YouTube video

Laura’s favorite picks

Rocket M // Thruster fins

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6″6 mm // Pro Tech Leash

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3 Piece // Traction Pad

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Supra M// Thurster Fins

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Erwin Bliss in '22:22' video

As always, you’ll find incomparable creativity combined with modern surfing in this last edit featuring the Deflow family member Erwin Bliss filmed and edited by Yentl Touboul for Wasted Talent. ’22:22′ is a true ode to Erwin’s surfing style and you’ll surely list this edit in your new faves. Watch video below and find extra pics from the talented photographer Nils Puissant

Erwin’s favorite picks

Rocket M // Thruster fins

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6″6 mm // Pro Tech Leash

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Erwin Bliss // Tail Pad 

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Erwin Bliss  // Front Pad

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Adrien Toyon and Numb collaboration

Adrien Toyon never stops looking for new epic projects that alway show his engagement and integrity with the surfing world. This is what the last Numb x Vans collaboration video for Salt Water Magazine testifies. Watch it below and learn more about Adrien’s unrivaled surf approach.

Adrien’s favorite picks

Highline M // Thruster fins

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Sea Green // Traction Pad

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6″6 mm // Pro Tech Leash

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Mid  // Twin Fins

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Deflow Welcomes Braiden Maither

Born in Maui, Braiden has always been connected to the nature and to the ocean. His style in surfing and approach for airs is unique, and it got our attention since the early beginnings. We are happy to welcome our first international ambassador with the amazing edit and interesting conversation below in order to know more about this talented surfer. 

YouTube video

. Hey Braiden! First of all, it’s a pleasure to have you around. In fact, we don’t get to sit down and chat with too many people from Maui, so why don’t you start by telling us about your surfing and living environment?

 

Thanks for having me! Growing up on Maui was amazing, its a small community on the side of the island I live (Westside) It’s a special place to learn how to surf and progress at surfing.

 

. To give us a little more insight into you as a person, what other things besides surfing are part of your routine and what are you especially passionate about? Tell us what a typical day in your life is like!

 

I own a Surf Lesson Business so half the time I am doing lessons, but if there’s waves of course I take off and try to nail some clips! Just got a puppy also so that’s been taking up some time haha. Besides that usually grab a coffee in the morning try and do some stretching to get the body going then find some waves with the least amount of people.

. It’s funny… They just published an article in Stab about how many surfers from Maui have a great level, and yet the scarce representation of the island in the CT or the highest positions of the QS. Why do you think this situation is? Are you too busy living well and surfing good waves, instead of suffering the stress of the sleeves in half a meter? hahaha

 

Haha! The stress don’t help! A big part is the cost of living here is insane. It’s the highest cost in all of America by a long shot. So making enough money to live and chase the Q is really hard to pull off. On top of the fact that home is very easy to get real comfortable in your routine.

. Another big reason for our interview is your recent signing with us, DEFLOW. It’s true that nowadays we live in a global world where borders, as we understood them, have practically disappeared. Nevertheless, tell us what it means for you, from Maui, to sign for a European brand like Deflow. How was the contact and communication?

 

So stoked! Thanks for having me guys. It’s been awesome, for me im really passionate about all kinds of equipment in surfing. Especially traction. I love a good front grip/tail pad. So its really important to have the best stuff under my feet! Got to stick as many airs as possible before im to old haha. Hopefully get on a trip to Europe soon to meet up and get some clips!

 

. In fact, you have launched a ‘welcome to the team’ video… WOW, waves are amazing! Tremendous waves and aerials, that wave brings back memories of Clay Marzo or the mythical Volcom ‘BS’ section, with Coleborn and Dusty Payne. Tell us about that iconic spot and also about the big names that ride it or have ridden it!

 

Well Clay is the number one person you think of out there. He’s the king and makes it look way easier to surf then it is. It’s such a tricky spot with a lot of variables. Maui gets insanely blocked by swell most of the winter because of the islands around us. So when you see videos of it, usually it’s from a handful of days all year. But it holds a dear place in my heart and is by far my favorite wave in the world.

 

. Would you dare to give us an honest feedback on Deflow’s material and its brand identity?

 

You can’t always count on Hawaii as a testing ground ;).  So good! I tested it for most of the winter which of course is our peak season. No broken leashes, loving the front grips! The new Erwin grips are sick in general! So many fin options, and the aesthetic of everything is perfect! I just need to design a grip now! Haha

. Going back to the Maui scene… We imagine that for you it must be an inspiration to grow up and surf with surfers like Meola, Layer, Payne, Marzo… Very versatile people that you can get an incredible aerial or a massive Jaws… What has it meant to be part of that scene?

 

Man its so cool. All the guys I’ve looked up to since I was a little kid our my friends now. Marzo for me was always number one hero status as far as how I wanted to surf. Now days surfing around guys like Dusty, Kai Barger, and Meola all the time is so fun to push my surfing!

. In relation to that contact with the ocean provides a place like Maui, which goes from the acrobatic of the new school to the purest and most extreme roots of XXL surfing, how would you define your way of living surfing and your experience in the sea, in contrast to other continental surfers from California or Europe, for example?

 

You learn to love it all! Maui is a fickle place but you get a little bit of every condition. Its the windy island, so that’s why we have the best Air surfers in the world! It’s fun to draw off what the ocean gives you everyday! I have a few to many boards trying to keep up with the conditions though haha.

 

. By the way, do you know Europe, is there any spot that especially motivates you? What is it that most strikes you about our culture? We hope to see you here soon ;)!

 

I went to France two years ago and loved it! Me and my girlfriend spent a little over two weeks adventuring around and having the time of our lives. The waves were insane and I need to check off some more spots over there. Ireland, Portugal, Spain all sound amazing!

 

. Regarding content and projects for this year, do you have anything planned? Any destination in your mind? Now that the COVID restrictions finally seem to give us a break, what would you like to be able to do after a few years with such a reduced mobility?

 

Man just came back from a knee injury so super excited to get some things going. I really want to focus on 1 or 2 big projects with some more traveling involved. I’m going to Kandui in September which will be my first time there! So excited to score. Also planning a trip to Europe for either August or October also. Hoping to check off one or two more spots if I can manage it! Just know more films are coming!! I’m hungry for clips.

. Apart from specific projects, but continuing with your projection for the future, how would you like to focus your professional career? CT or QS are acronyms that motivate you or do you prefer to go on your own?

 

All my own lane! I did the Q for a year two awhile ago, not serious just a few events but it just doesn’t fit my style. I prefer creating art with surfing. My own vision for the year, from editing to song choices to what clip goes where. It’s really important to me. Oh and land a 540 in the next year or two. I got to do one!

 

. Well Braiden, it has been a pleasure to share this little while with you and, above all, we hope to see you soon in our lands! If you want to close the interview saying something… Here you go!

 

Cheers guys! Glad to have some support and be able to make cool shit!

BRAIDEN’S FAVORITE PICKS

Supra Medium // Thruster fins

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Arcco Medium // Thruster fins

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6″6 mm // Pro Tech Leash

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2 Piece  // Traction Pad

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Waterproof Bag

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Duette // Twins

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Spring Dance

Winter is long and cold here around Biarritz. Dark and rainy, it’s hard to keep the stoke for surfing when the water gets cold and the onshore winds arrive. However, and luckily, this season is not forever, and spring arrives with warmer and longer days. We spent few days around Biarritz with Clovis and Eliza, just before Spring started. Conditions looked perfect for early morning surf and with the help of the talented Nil Puissant we were able to capture some magic sessions. 

Even in cities (or big town as they like to call Biarritz), if you wake up early sometimes you can find yourself alone in the line up with just few of your friends.

 

They got advantage of the perfect conditions to try different fins and placements. The ability of both Clovis and Eliza to change fin templates and adapt to the rhythm and inertia of them is simply amazing.
 

Eliza’s words:

 

I surfed the Clovis Dnd fin on my 8’6″! It was quite fun because it allowed me to surf my board a little more classic while being able to turn easily. Then we exchange the boards and tried the Cream in 9,75” on my longboard. It’s amazing how responsive it is for turns and how at the same time holds the nose while I’m doing hang fives 🙂

Hope spring comes with clean swells and warm days, just before summer arrives and everything gets packed. This is how it works in most of the places. Oh, we already miss the lonely surf from winter days

Follow @elizasista and  @clovisdonizetti on Instagram / Photos by: @nilpuissant

ELIZA & CLOVIS’ FAVORITE PICKS

Cream 9″75 // Single fin

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Thomas Lodin // D fin

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D’nD 8,75″ // Single Fin

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Rouge 9,5″ // Single Fin

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