Thanks to Le Boogie magazine for this interview - check out the Le Boogie website at:
www.leboogie.com
and grab a copy of their latest issue online right here!

Winny and the Beast

by Staff on MAY 17, 2012 | Comments

Guilherme Tamega

^{Photo: Andy Lawrence}

Arica is basically, like, one day away. Have you converted into beast mode? Ha! The beast comes out when I least expect it. He should come though…I hope so.

Things got out of control last year. People were scared of you. I just got tired of being just another competitor and not being myself. On the last day I said to myself…’that’s it, it’s going to be a yes today.’ And it was, thank God.

How important is it to intimidate your opponent when competing? If my rival wants to see my eyes burning when I’m on, well, that’s their problem….

The start of your 2012 campaign has not been ideal. Have you lost motivation or confidence? Yeah, sort of…I just need more time to recharge my batteries. The Pipe event was a big disappointment for me, and I had a back injury around the time of the Box comp so I decided not to go. But I’m ready for the next challenge.

Who has the best chance of beating you at Arica? Myself.

Dave Winchester

Photo: Gallagher

This time last year you were insignificant on the tour, now you are all that matters. From Zero to hero. I haven’t done anything extremely different. I think last year I put way too much pressure on myself and wanted to win every heat, but you don’t really need to do that. I watched a lot of Kelly Slater’s heats last year…if the guy in his heat gets a 14 heat total, he will get a 15. If they get a 18, he gets a 19. I think surfing to your opposition can work, I feel my surfing is even better now and I’m more relaxed this year.

What lessons have you learnt about the tour over the past twelve months? You can’t give an inch, ’cause the guy next to you will take it. And the last minute is the most important…so many heats are won or lost in that time.

First impressions of France? It’s cool. The waves have been fun, I’ve been surfing until ten at night. Loving the lifestyle - the food…duck, wine and cheese, it’s all amazing. But it can work against you, it’s so easy to just keep eating it. There isn’t much I don’t like so far…maybe how fast the swell leaves. When there’s waves you have to pounce ’cause it won’t be there the next day.

Do you avoid eye contact with Tamega in the water? No. But he always tries to do this wolf whistle thing when he paddles out. It used to intimidate me when I was younger but now I do it back. I think that rattles him more.

Who’s your biggest threat going into this comp, based purely on form? Jeff.

Hola amigos!

I just arrived in Arica about 2 days ago and so far has been sick!
I traveled all the way here by myself and took 32 hours to get here with less than 2 hours sleep whilst being bored yet anxious the whole time.

I happened to bump into Joe Clarke, Novy and Sam Strachan on a connecting flight in Chile and got a sick place to stay that practically looks into El Gringo when you step out the front door.

We went out there today and to realise it’s more intimidating than I’d imagined it to be and a massive swell is on the way for the start of the comp which is looking pretty gnarly.

Apart from that I’m having such a sick time experiencing heaps of new things, speaking a bit of basic spanish here and there and on our down time after waves just been trying to stay positive and keep in shape after eating at countless amounts of buffets haha!

I’ve attached a couple of flicks from this arvo of joe teaching me a few tricks on the yoga ball while the sun was setting. Enjoy!

There will definitely be a lot more to come from the comp which is to start on the 18th so stay tuned everyone!!

Adios. Eric

Tom Rigby boosting at home on the Goldy.. he’ll be leaving the springy behind when he travels to Arica in 10 days to do battle with the infamous ‘El Gringo’.

Photo: Mike Egan

The man of the moment.. Ewan Donnachie popping a solid revo at straddie on his recent ‘6 Months’ promo tour.
Pic: Mike Egan

BSC’s Gold Coast young gun and Coolangatta store employee Eric Roy has just landed himself the opportunity of a lifetime. The man has been handed a wildcard to the last round of the 2012 Stealth Arica Chile Challenge Trials presented by BSC.. check out this clip to get an insight into Eric’s personality and his expectations for Arica.. once you’re done watching the video, check out NAW’s interview with Eric in our previous post below!

Eric’s Arica Adventure

You’re still in your teens. Riding a boogie is your life, but at the same time it’s not yet your LIFE. You’ve got a bit of sponsorship here and there and riding waves consumes your every waking thought. You’ve done an obligatory season in Hawaii, but that’s all the stamps your passport’s garnered so far. Then – in an instant – it all changes. Your employer/sponsor locks you in a wild card spot at the 2012 Arica Pro. HO-LY SHIT! Welcome to the life of Eric Roy; a life we’ll be following daily over the coming few weeks. Here’s where he’s at in the lead-up to departure for Chile.

Tell us the first five things that come to mind when you think of South America?

A mind-blowingly beautiful continent, very mountainous, icy waters, heavy waves and possibly the coolest place to ever travel.

What was your initial reaction when you found out about your wildcard into the Arica Pro?

I was absolutely stoked! It’s an opportunity I would have never imagined to happen to me. It’s really changed what I originally had planned for the year and definitely for the better. I’m just so appreciative that I’ve been given a chance to gain so much more knowledge and experience at such a young age; a totally different culture and some big, scary waves.

How many stamps does your current passport have on it?

My passport currently just has the one stamp from Hawaii this year. This will be my second trip overseas.

How’s your riding symmetry? Do you see yourself favouring the El Gringo rights or lefts?

To be honest I feel more comfortable on rights. Though I’d love to give a good left a crack in my heat, just to generally boost my confidence and grow some balls when I’m under pressure (laughs).

When was the last time you surfed against one of the tour bigwigs? How did it go down?

I have had a few heats here and there. I don’t usually make enough rounds to end up against ’em. The ones I have done well in have definitely stepped up my confidence, but all have mostly been in small, horrible wave conditions so it’s nothing to fuss about.

On return to Australia, you’re filling your mates in on the trip. What do you hope to be telling ’em?

I’m not expecting much competition-wise – obviously because it’s a wave like I’ve never experienced ­– but I would love to say I made it through a heat or two and that I scored a few sick waves throughout my time over there. I’m sure I will have endless stories of how amazing everybody surfed and also some photos of the incredible landscape. All my mates have been so supportive about this and I can’t wait to get home to see them after. Lastly, I would like to thank Mick Parkhill from BSC, this couldn’t have happened without him. Stealth Bodyboards, Ryan Mattick from Zion Wetsuits and my good mate Jimmy Williamson and my girlfriend Louise for all their help!

Winny’s just emailed a few photos through from his new home in France - looks like he’s doing it tough…..

“Hey Guys,
All good over here, So stoked living right on the beach, surf checks are so easy. And look whats out the front of my house.” - Winny

Here is the BSC contingent making the trek to the icy waters of Chile for the 2012 Stealth IBA Arica Chile Challenge presented by BSC.. the event kicks off in just over 2 weeks.. who will be there on the final day - will Winny be on the podium once again?

Spencer Frost has been the busiest grom on the East Coast by the sounds of things.. check out what he has to say about the last few weeks:

“hey boys
the last 3 weeks has been crazy
worked over 50 hours over the 4 day easter weekend,
then pretty much travelled the rest
went up to port mac for the pro and did 3 separate drips down the south coast
port was pretty sick! teams was wild, the pro was good… made it to round 3
i kinda wanted to do a little better
south coast everytime i went down was so amazing aswell, scored waves every trip
sending through 3 shots
2 from down the coast, heaps more coming just need to see what i want to do with them
shot by JP Slupik
then one classic LA photo
shot by Liquid Visions
thats all for now, im back at school and just chilling round home
talk soon
spenny”

Our boy Dave Winchester talks you through his expectations for the 2012 Stealth Arica Chile Challenge presented by BSC. With Winny currently leading the world tour, this event is shaping up to be pivotal for a man who’s never been hungrier for a world title… check out the clip!

Mick Parkhill from BSC stated “BSC are proud to be the Presenting sponsor of such a prestigious competition. Arica has ‘Waves of consequence’ written all over the event and the riders always put on a nail biting display. BSC Team Dave Winchester (Finalist 2008/2009/2010/2011), Tom Rigby, Joe Clarke and Wild Card rookie Eric Roy are all eager to take down El Gringo with the BSC Flag flying high.”
Check out the full press release on the IBA website here.

Movement TV quizzes our top freesurfer on his childhood and upbringing - some interesting insights into the man they know as Griz. Check it out -
http://movementmag.tv/2012/04/chris-james/

We’re stoked to be on board as the official presenting sponsor of the 2012 IBA Arica Chile Challenge! This is always one of the most exciting and high performance events on the world tour and we’re all looking forward to the action! Click through to the IBA site to check out the official trailer here!

BSC are stoked to be supporting the 2012 IBA Arica Challenge.. one glimpse at this trailer and you’ll be pumped for what’s always one of the most exciting events on tour. Check it out:

The much anticipated new release from the creators of ‘Grow Up’ and ‘Blow Up’ has arrived at BSC.. get your hands on this epic new DVD from Chris White and Jake Stone today! Click here.

Throwdown Bodyboard Preview from Slicks and Decks on Vimeo.

BSC boy Matt Lackey talks you through the features of Attica’s new Omega series.. all available now at BSC - http://www.bodyboarders.com.au/attica/

ATTICA WETSUITS WINTER 2012 - OMEGA SERIES from Limited Edition on Vimeo.

Lackey talking you through the new Attica Alpha series.. all available now at BSC - http://www.bodyboarders.com.au/attica/

ATTICA WETSUITS WINTER 2012 - ALPHA SERIES from Limited Edition on Vimeo.

Conor Nelson just sent through these shots of him enjoying a few fun little onshore Dbah peaks recently. Kid’s got tech skill sin the small stuff!
All photos: Alex Gibson

Our boy Lewy Finnegan and the rest of the Pride grom team dominating the 11/12 hawaii season.. this series looks like it’ll be epic!

Y*A*T*R - SE01EP01 - ALOHA FROM OAHU from NΛPCO on Vimeo.

Spenny, Guy and Tom on the shralp at home…
The boys are currently putting these skills to work at the Port Macquarie festival of bodyboarding.

Whale Beach from Kieran Shields on Vimeo.

Zion have just dropped their Winter 2012 range on us. The suits look better than ever and utilise new cuts, new colourways and new and improved features - all with the same quality, warmth and flex you’ve come to expect from Zion. Boasting arguably the best team in bodyboarding, the boys have given you a ton of new suits to choose from this year - check them all out here - arriving at BSC late April.

“Today is the big day, Im heading off to Europe with my family for a few months. We will travel far and beyond to get some amazing waves and experience different lifestyles .Ill be keeping you updated on the highs and lows of this family adventure, waves , food and culture included.And yes I will be making a movie on this trip, something i’ve always wanted to make, and nows the time. I will be concentrating on the IBA World Tour but will be focusing hard on a movie about bodyboarding, It will be fun and keep you entertained. This is an Idea in the making, come and follow our journey, http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dave-Winchester/262535390449620

With the help from NMD, BSC, Grand Flavour, Reeflex, Stealth fins, Sun Zapper and Dragon. Bon voyage.”
- Dave Winchester

40% OFF All In-stock Science Rigby models.. all of Riggaz’s 2012 models have been added to our SALE page - check it out and get your hands on the grom sensations craft of choice! http://www.bodyboarders.com.au/clearancesale/

THE 8 // BP HAWAII TEASE from Will Hodgett on Vimeo.

‘THE 8′
A second full length film by Will Hodgett
Follow 8 of the best riders in the world on 8 individual trips around the globe
First rider revealed, Ben Player in Hawaii
The project is due to be released in 2012.. but if you can’t wait that long to get your hands on a quality DVD then don’t forget to check out WIll’s epic debut - the MEGA movie. Click here to buy!

BSC latest recruit - Will Nepia-Murray from the Gold Coast. This young shredder has been turning heads for some time now, dominating local comps and free surfing sessions - we’re stoked to throw our support behind Will and see where the future takes him!

Sick little edit of our boy Lewy Finnegan and buddy George Humphreys shredding in the West. After his epic performance in the 2012 IBA Box pro, Lewy is certain to be destined for big things!

Lewy & George Leftovers from FOR THOSE WHO on Vimeo.

GCBC Round #2, Kingscliff Beach
Sunday 1st 2012

The second event of the GCBC Calendar took place on Sunday in near perfect conditions. With light offshore winds, scorching hot temperatures & a small yet groomed swell pushing in from the south-Kingscliff Beach was for the second year running, a smart investment in terms of event location.
With the event pushed forward one week due to the Easter Holiday Period, the atmosphere was still fresh from Round #1 at Duranbah Beach. The first division to hit the water for the day were the Juniors: and let’s just say they didn’t disappoint. From the moment the first hooter sounded, the clubs judges barely had time to get comfortable before the high scores were being punched in.
Throughout the day, as the tide began to drop-more and more impressive rides became apparent. Some of the days stands out came from some of the clubs youngest members. With conditions not really breaching the 3ft mark, Cadet Competitors Jasper Hinchliffe & Nat Russell posted close to the highest scores from the entire event. Another young competitor making his mark in 2012 is Kingscliff resident, Jarrah Hamlin. The reigning 2011 Grommets National Champion has seeded himself against the Opens Mens & already made an impression with a Finals Performance against 2011 Champion Elliot Williams & Round #1 Winner Shane Griffiths.
Round #2 also saw the club select and announce its team to represent the club at the 2012 Port Macquarie Teams Challenge. The event now in its 25th Anniversary Year plays hosts to dozens of Bodyboard Clubs from all over Australia, all competing for the Title of Australia’s Most Competitive Club. To add even more fuel to the fire, PMBA have put up a $5000 Winner Takes All Prize Purse to put back into their club. We wish the Team all the best: and look forward to shining the silverware upon your return.
A very big thank you as usual to the entire club committee, without you-our club would never reach the level of professionalism that it currently portrays. Also need to thank our clubs sponsors for their continuous support:
-Bodyboarders Surf Co.
- The Perfect Wave, Travel Company
- Hogs Breath Cafe
- Bakers Delight
- Genesis Fitness
- The Mad Butcher
- Tweed Shire Council
- www.surfphotos.com.au
Plus all the Industry Labels

GROMMETS
1st Santo Van Der Wall
2nd Owen Van Der Driest
3rd Buzz Van Der Wall
4th Ryan Casey

CADETS
1st Nat Russell
2nd Jasper Hinchliffe
3rd Tyler Lock
4th Zane Breen
5th Michael Arnold
6th Charlie Morton

JUNIORS
1st Sam Judd
2nd Theo Hichliffe
3rd Kyle King
4th Josh Springfield

MENS
1st Jellan Merlant
2nd Tony Charteris
3rd Lachie Hough
4th Mick Parkhill

MASTERS
1st Tony Charteris
2nd Mick Parkhill
3rd Martin Schmidt
4th Brett McAskill

DROPKNEE
1st Shane Griffiths
2nd Jeremy Lynch
3rd Jasper Hinchliffe
4th Joe Smith
5th Mitch Booth
6th Martin Schmidt

OPENS
1st Jared Weppner
2nd Silas Ganciar
3rd Nick Gibbs
4th Jordan Putland
5th Eric Roy
6th Jarrah Hamlin

Stay tuned for all the info on Round #3, and the Club Development Day.
For further information or membership queries: please call Ben Oborne on 0420 400 067

Look what’s landed at BSC - the NEW RIPTIDE #187 with Ewan Donnachie’s ‘6 Months’ DVD on the cover.. an epic mag and an epic DVD, all yours for just $12.95.. get shopping below!
http://www.bodyboarders.com.au/magazines-books/riptide-187-6-months-dvd/

Hey guys,
So here are the details of the Gold Coast Premiere of ‘6MONTHS’…
www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9L6C7AAINk

SUNDAY, 8th April - Surfers Paradise Foreshore
… 6pm – 7:35pm “Hop” presented by Surfers Paradise Alliance
Doors open 6.00pm for 7.35 start.
8.30pm giveaways and fireworks

Come meet your favourite Pro Rider and possibly score a bunch of free Giveaways, including boards, fins, wetsuits, clothing, accessories, magazines and stickers!!

www.facebook.com/6monthsfilm
for further details.

‘6MONTHS’ is proudly supported by -
Custom X www.custom-x.com.au
Attica www.atticawetsuits.com
Limited Edition www.limited-edition.net.au
Flipmode www.flipmode.com.au
Bodyboarders Surf Co. www.bodyboarders.com.au
Riptide www.riptidemag.com.au

See you there!!
Ewan

Spencer Frost has been loving the epic start to Autumn, making the most of the consistent swells we’ve been handed.. here’s what he has to say about the last few weeks:
“hey guys
hows everything been going up on the goldy and in the shops?
waves have been pretty sick!

ive been pretty much trying to get as much footage possible of home recently
so ive been surfing everyday
a few mates and filmers have been super committed, so ive been clocking up a few hours of footage

this is all going towards a little project im working on, which you’ll hear more about
later in the year when i figure out what im doing with it.

SBC was this sunday, waves were so average but its always so fun hanging out with all the northern beaches boys
all at once in the same place

i placed 4th in opens and 3rd in DK, not the best results but im not complaining because
its just SBC ahah

This week im working flat out trying to save up some coin for the holidays.
im hopefully heading down the coast for a few days next week before
i head up to port mac for teams and the pro event, so keen to get away!!!

after that if i get a good result at port ill see you guys up on the goldy the
following week for the Event up there

Talk soon boys

Spenny x”