GIRLS WHO RIDE MAG #06 (English)

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GIRLS WHO RIDE #06 I OCT - DEC 15

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THE cover

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isabela sousa

Madeira Bodyboard Girls Experience Isabela Sousa, Brazilian athlete three-time champion of the world, visits Madeira Island for the Bodyboard Girls Experience, after competing on the two stops of the World Championship in Portugal, Praia Grande and NazarĂŠ. Photography by Joana Sousa

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THIS issue #06

06 16 36 50

WWA supra wakeboard world championship

MaryHill SheRide

Madeira Bodyboard Girls Experience

Katherine Folsom

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60 66 76 88 Fashion by XS

Photography by Lorrie Palmos

Arts - Inês Ambrósio

Joana Gonçalves


EDIT Summer is gone, and with it a number of important events that place Portugal on the world tour of extreme sports. Starting with the WWA - Supra Wakeboard World Championships, where we had the opportunity to speak with some of the best athletes we have seen to date, and the current world champion - Meagan Ethell - followed by the European Bodyboard that was held along with the Madeira Bodyboard Girls Experience event, where athletes like Isabela Sousa, Jessica Becker, Teresa Almeida, and the current European champion, Joana Shenker participated and showed the best that is being done in bodyboard world wide On the other side of the world, we talked with The Maryhill Ratz, who told us a little bit about the concept behind the biggest longboard downhill event for women. Also in California, Katherine Folsom, a 34 years old skater, shows us that age is no excuse and Lorrie Palmos tells us about her passion for skateboarding photography. In the arts section, Inês Ambrósio, show us her work and how surf balances her life. We also highlight Joana Gonçalves, the only woman to compete in the Motocross National Championship, and whose love for bikes has led her to other flights and to compete in world competitions. We are excited to see that women are starting more and more to stand out in extreme sports and everyday we are one step closer to gender equality, though there is still a long way to go.

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WWA SUPRA WAKEBOARD WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

© Nuno Riboira GWR MAG 7 |


The WWA Wakeboard World Championships 2015 Supra took place between September 16th and 19th in Lago Azul (Blue Lake) in Ferreira do Zêzere. The most emblematic event of the World Wakeboard Association (WWA) met the elite of the sport, with 151 athletes from 18 different nationalities and an audience level much higher than expected by the organization. “The feedback from the athletes and visitors was very positive, and it was considered both by the WWA and the participants as the best event this year worldwide. We fulfilled our mission: put Castelo do Bode Lake on the map of wakeboarders all over the world! We will have the world’s best in Portugal for three consecutive years, which is clearly a milestone for the country and for the sport! This event was a success and we will start working right away to make sure that the 2016 is even better! “ explains André Matos, President of APWW Portuguese Association of Wakeboard and Wakeskate

- Boat Wakeboard World Series, that is coming this year to the US, Brazil, Canada and Japan. In the Portuguese rider participation we shout out Joana Leitão as world champion on women amateur wakeskate and Tiago Miguel, world champion on men amateur wakeskate. Ana Cunha, the current Wakeboard National champion won in the category Masters Women amateur. Bernard Branco, the current national champion wakeboard, ranked second in the Men’s category 1. The WWA Wakeboard World Championships Supra is part of the promotion strategy of the project Wakeboard Portugal, to be installed in the lake of Castelo do Bode the world’s first wakeboard resort in the world, with five cable systems instaled in five different municipalities.

This event also counts for the overall score of WBWS

© Nuno Riboira GWR MAG 8 |


© Nuno Riboira

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PRO Wakeboard Women: 1ST PLACE : Meagan Ethell 2ND PLACE: Raimi Merritt 3RD PLACE: Dallas Friday

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© Nuno Riboira GWR GWRMAG MAG1111| |


© Nuno Riboira

3º Dallas friday

What did you think about the WWA Supra Can you leave some motivational words Wakeboard World Championship here in for the girls reading our magazine? Portugal? It was incredible, it was awsome to come here at such an unique location. and go out there and do what you love - wakeboarding!

So we can count on you coming back next year? Definitly! The conditions where great, the fans where great, great crowd, some great ridding we saw this weekend, and I look forward to next year.

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Its all about having fun, and a lot of people are not confident or intimidated by men, and that’s not what its about, its about just going out and having fun with your friends, and dong what you love. If its something you like, than you should do it, and do it with passion!


Is this your first time in Portugal?

So we can count on you coming back next year?

Yes, its my first time in Portugal, and its absolutly beautifull here. I came in a day early to go exploring Yes, definitly! Sintra and I get to see the castle and the palace and its so beautifull! Its even more beautifull over here, Can you leave some motivation words for riding here, its so awsome. the girls reading our magazine?

What did you think about the WWA Supra just don´t hold back, and have fun! Wakeboard World Championship here in Portugal? I think it was awsome, i think it was an awesome turn out with the crowd and the fans and everyones riding was awasome, the water was beautifull, the wake was great, and it was just overall amazing.

2º Raimee merritt

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What did you think about the WWA Supra Can you leave some motivation words for Wakeboard World Championship here in the girls reading our magazine? Portugal? This is a really fun contest, II’m so happy to come here, and ride in Portugal, really beautifull and just amazing.

If you like to wakeboard just keep it up and have fun, and just keep running the sport here in Portugal

So we can count on you coming back next year? Yes, definitly

1º meagan ethell

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About Wakeboard Portugal Project The mission of the Wakeboard Portugal project is to make the practice of the sport more accessible to everyone, while building an excellent international tourist destination. A Wakeboard concept more affordable, greener and more challenging.

Community of the Middle Tagus, the Tourism Centre and the Portuguese Association of Wakeboard and Wakeskate (APWW) in consortium with EIPWU (creators of projects 7 Wonders ) teamed up to promote this new destination on wakeboarding, a sport that is on the rise worldwide, surpassing surf in number of practitioners in the US

The Castelo do Bode lake will implement the world’s first resort with cable systems in five different locations, all with unique characteristics, linked together in a water mirror with about 30km, connected by rafts.

In the river beaches of Aldeia do Mato, Blue Lake, Trízio, Montes and Fernandaires, cable systems will be implemented, in what is the world’s first wakeboard resort.

Our climate and surrounding landscape make it the perfect place for the sport and this region is a destination of excellence for practitioners, followers and fans around the world.

This is a pioneering vision about the potential of sport in our country. It is a strategic project to position Portugal as a European cluster mode and highlight the Castelo do Bode on the map of world wakeboard.

The municipalities of Abrantes, Ferreira do Zêzere, Serta, Tomar and Vila de Rei, the Intermunicipal

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Š Ian Logan | Rider: Carly Bizama GWR MAG 16 |


MARYHILL SHERIDE 2015 GWR MAG 17 |


Who are the Maryhill Ratz?/ Why the location – Maryhill Loops Road? The Ratz are a loose knit skateboard gang who like to go fast and love the sweet curves of the Maryhill Loops Road. We have been riding the road for about 15 years and as downhill skateboarding grew in popularity, so did the mystic of Maryhill. The road was completed in 1912 and is owned by the Maryhill Museum of Art. It was repaved in 1998 as a historical site, it is closed to cars but open to pedestrians, bicycles and of course skateboards. This has become a mecca for longboarding not only because of the perfect grade and corners but because it was a safe place to practice our sport. The Museum now embraces the skateboarders and makes it easy to secure the road for organized events.

How did the Maryhill SheRide come up? While racing with some of the women and getting to know them, the idea of a ladies only event to help encourage more women to get into the sport was talked about. As the sport was growing, it took a few years before there were enough women to be able to afford the venue and in 2012 was finally able to come to reality. What is the gold of Maryhill SheRide? To spread the stoke of skateboarding, introduce more women to all forms of skateboarding. Before this years event was altered due to the forces of nature, we were in talks with Skate Like A Girl out of Portland, a group working mainly with park and street skaters, to help show the girls different styles of skating to which they have not been exposed.

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© Ian Logan

What is the youngest participant you’ve ever had? And the oldest one?

Can you describe a day in Maryhill Sheride?

Freerides and SheRides at Maryhill are not a For a Sheride the youngest we had was 11 years old competition, there is no race and there are no prizes. and although Mom taught me never to ask, the oldest We provide EMT’s, a crew of safety workers, lunch and a lift to the top of the hill from 9 am to 5 pm, riders was in her mid 50’s. make as many or as few runs as they want. We like Tell us a funny story that took place at the event to of this as a ski area for skateboards. We try to create a fun, atmosphere and riders have had fake over the years. weddings, adorned costumes and shed everything Putting on this event takes the help of a lot of people for the naked runs. who are willing to drive to the middle of nowhere to sweat in the hot sun so the girls can ride the hill. Most Can everyone join the event or is it pro athletes of these being boys, or man-bitches as they were later only? named, we allow them to skate the hill after 3 pm for their efforts. We allowed them to start skating an hour These events are not only open to everyone they are or so earlier if they wore a dress. A photographer, Jon open to all gravity powered vehicles, skateboards, Huey, who is quite the hairy beast wore a beautiful luge, inline, scooters, trikes and gravity bicycles. We red number with his big beard blowing in the wind. provide coaching and allow riders to start at various This started the tradition of boys wearing dresses, points on the hill to help the less experienced riders gain the confidence to start from the top. when allowed to ride, at the Sherides.

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What differentiates Downhill Longboarding from other action sports? Most action sports are centered around an individual competing against themselves, downhill skateboarding not only challenges the riders against themselves but does this inches apart from other riders. There is a connection, an unspoken bond you have with someone when you are looking into their eyes, which are only inches apart, at 40+ miles an hour. Not many other actions sports have such a personal connection between the participants while engaged in the activity. You had your 3rd edition this year, what has changed since edition #1 in 2012? Unfortunately we cannot make this an annual event as it is a very expensive venue and with other events and the commitment required for people to get to Maryhill, we have seen registration for this event decline. Not much has changed over the years, we have tried to follow our proven formula, to allow the

riders to get as many runs in as possible. Women have been very well accepted by the longboard community. Do you think there is still a long road to go for equality? I think the downhill family has a pretty good track record when it comes to accepting women into the sport. For example Nora Manger the 13 year old at this event lives in the East Bay and her only skating partner was an 11 year old neighbor. After the Sheride she has now made connections with some women in her area that skate but has also had a flood of support from the local guys who have shown her some safe local hills and events. In our family if you like to go fast, you are one of us no matter what your anatomy. That being said, it is difficult to find girls who love to go fast and are willing to sacrifice their skin for that pleasure (The Pike Peak race in a couple of weeks only had 3 women registered at this time). I think there is a long road to equality in our family, not because of gender bias but because of the lack of women participants.

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CANDICE DUNGAN

© Ian Logan

Years at Maryhill? First year! How was it to participate in this event? SO MUCH FUN! I don’t know how else to describe it - there were so many stoked women there shredding it up at all levels and just having fun. What did you enjoy the most? The vibes :) What do you feel when downhilling? Excitement and adrenaline - there’s just nothing else that matters in that moment. What does Longboarding mean to you and how does it affect your life? Longboarding, along with skateboarding and snowboarding, is my life. I live for the challenge and excitement that those sports bring, and I have absolutely no idea what I would do with myself if I couldn’t skate or ride.

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© Ian Logan

Years at Maryhill? Since the very first one in 2013! How was it to participate in this event? It was so amazing to see and skate with so many girls and girls only. It’s a whole different feeling to skate with females because girls just seem to be more supportive and gentle with one another. I love feeding off of other girls’ stoke.

MARISA ~ NUNES in the world when I got to the bottom for the first time. Wow. Such a crazy feeling. What do you feel when downhilling? When downhilling, I feel like my board is just an extension of my body, and essentially I’m gliding. I love the zone it puts you in, where you’re so focused on the road and what’s coming up next. Nothing else exists for that moment.

What did you enjoy the most? I think I enjoyed the moment at the end of the run with someone who’s What does Longboarding mean to you and how skated it for their first time and seeing the love and does it affect your life? Longboarding is my most passion in their eyes. It brings me back to the first effective release of all sorts for me. time I ever skated it in 2010. I was the happiest girl

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What did you enjoy the most at the Maryhill SheRide?The speed. The length of the hill. The turns. The relaxed feeling I get going down the hill. Improving my riding skills. It was a pretty magical weekend for me. I didn’t know what to expect. I was instantly intimidated when I first saw the hill. From the parking area I couldn’t even see the top of the run. My original intent was to start just part way up the hill. And, that’s what I did. But, I got sooooo much encouragement that I eventually went all the way to the top. (My first trip to the top was actually an accident due in part to the fact that the driver didn’t hear me banging on the truck wall to stop. So, up to the top we went… ) I only buttboarded from the top. But, I’m coming back every chance I get. So, I’ll eventually get to the point where I’m standing up the whole way down. And, just as my dad was trying to get me in the car to drive home, I got presented with an offer to join the Maryhill Ratz Racing Team! Sooooo unexpected. Joy. Joy. Happy. Happy. It makes me want to ride that much more! And, I’m gonna! What do you feel when downhilling? Relaxed & Nervous. I love bombing down the hill. It is such a

© Ian Logan

great sensation. But, as a newbie I’m nervous when I come up to the sharper turns. And, when I’m coming to the end of the hill I get a tiny panic attack thinking that I won’t be able to stop. The thought of turning into a human bowling ball and knocking down all the people standing around makes me cringe. But, I’m getting better and slowly overcoming these fears. What does Longboarding mean to you and how does it affect your life? Think. Dream. Do. Repeat. ’m a relative newbie. But, I’ve got the bug. I think about longboarding on & off all throughout the day. I think about it as I’m falling asleep. I dream about it throughout the night. I get on my board as often as I can. Then, I do it all over again. My dad is a science geek and thinks of my activities as handson science labs. He says that is why he’s willing to spend time & money on gear and travel. (Part of my STEM education.) He makes me research the gear and parts before we make any purchases. He likes that I experiment with different tires, bushings, trucks & decks so I learn about the different performance characteristics & design trade offs. So, I guess I’m learning & having fun. Can’t beat that!

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AMIE SHEPPARD

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How was it like to participate in this event?This is a unique event that gathers women from all over North America and some even make the trip from overseas to ride together down the infamous Maryhill Loops Road. The Maryhill Ratz work hard to put on epic freeride events throughout the skate season. No competition, no racing, just countless pack runs with your friends. Every freeride now has a large ladies presence due to the SheRides which welcome new girls to this incredible sport/activity/pastime. Whatever you want to call it, longboarding is awesome. What does Longboarding mean to you and how does it affect your life? It has enhanced my life in the best way. I was super stressed out during Univeristy and had to take a break in my third year to re-center myself. Stress can be very over looked and I was really sick and bulimic for a while, totally not on purpose. I’ve been a varsity athlete my whole life and couldn’t understand why I was so ill. My doctor prescribed me Xanax and I asked him what it did. He said it was like smoking a joint. So I decided to keep doing that, not take any pills and talk to someone about the things stressing me out. I worked through it and that’s also when I began longboarding more. GWR MAG 24 |

Taking time for myself allowed me to re-enter school with purpose and passion. For my University thesis I produced a documentary, Spread the Stoke, about the development of the international female skate community and the Longboard Girls Crew. I won the Multimedia Senior Thesis award for it! This hurled me into a world of amazing friends, epic travels and downhill longboarding. As awesome as longboarding is, it’s easy to feel frustrated sometimes. I’ve found that when I put pressure on myself to “do it right” I end up having no fun. Which is silly because the whole reason I skate is for fun. My moto in my first year of racing was Have Fun & Don’t Get Hurt - and now in my second season my competive athletic side has taken over a bit. Ending up situations where I’m having no fun and getting hurt, it sucked. Stepping back and reminding myself to enjoy every moment of skating has made me a better skater. I’m hard on myself athletically and just want to skate the sick fast lines that the boys do! But time and patience will bring me to that point! There is no hurry, just enjoy the ride. Longboarding means joy and has the most positive effect on my life.


Years at Maryhill? I’m very happy to be able to say that I’ve been to all the she rides since the beginning! This was a life changing event that I had to go again and again!! As well as any freeride I could attend! Not only did the road bring me back every time but the people did too! How was it to participate in this event? I just started getting into downhill when I heard about this event. I watched a YouTube video of Katie Neilson skating this road and from that moment on I wanted to longboard! Participating in this event was the gateway to my life and confidence skateboarding! I came back a whole new skater, and every time since then too! What did you enjoy the most? My list of enjoyable moments at maryhill has no ending. But my favorite part about these trips are the level of experience I come back with every time! Everyone is always

smiling and the level of stoke you can literally feel it in the air! Everyone is just ready to skate and have a good time!! What do you feel when downhilling? The feeling I get when I’m about to drop in is nothing less than how a gangsta feels cruising down the street in my ‘64. I step on that board and I’m stepping into my sports car! Leaning through such perfectly engineered corners with your friends is an incredible feeling! What does Longboarding mean to you and how does it affect your life? I can’t even put into words how longboarding had changed my life. One valuable lesson it’s taught me is how to dive into uncomfortable situations full force and over coming fears! The confidence skating has given me had transcended into my everyday life. I wouldn’t be who I am today without skateboarding!

diane hiebert

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Colleen Daugherty

Š Ian Logan

Years at Maryhill? I first went to Maryhill in June 2015 for Festival of Speed and the SheRide this year was my first time at a freeride. How was it to participate in this event? It was beyond amazing! A blast getting to skate with so many ladies from all over the world. We all bonded over a common thing, skateboarding. Laughing during and after every run about how sketchy/fun it was. What did you enjoy the most? I enjoyed skating with, meeting and getting to know these ladies who before I had only talked with them over social media. What do you feel when downhilling? I feel like I’m flying! The adrenaline I get when I take a run is so powerful that I have to chew gum because I forget

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to breath. There’s nothing I have done in my life that comes close to that feeling. What does Longboarding mean to you and how does it affect your life? Longboarding has showed me so much over the last few years. I love getting involved and helping any way. I was blessed to live in a town that has a longboarding for peace program and a huge Texas scene that throws many races. I help as an instructor for lb4p and with some of the preparation for the races. I love being apart of the skate community and so happy that I can enjoy something that makes the world disappear when I step on a board. the ride. Longboarding means joy and has the most positive effect on my life.


How was it to participate in this event? This event was so amazing to be part of! Maryhill is such a fun hill to ride and the views are always amazing. It’s so awesome to come down to skate it because Maryhill is like nothing you will find in Vancouver. Friday night when we arrived in the Landyachtz Van I definitely felt a bit of nerves after rushing to the hill to JUST catch the last run. The tail wind was so strong so you were hauling it down the hill! Luckily, my best skate girl friends (you know who you ladies are) were there to push me and give that extra nudge I needed to boost some confidence. It turned out to be the most amazing weekend at Maryhill and I can’t wait to go back. It was great to support a good cause this year and help the Wolfe family rebuild their home. Overall, I definitely made some progress in my skating abilities and realized that I have to not be so hard on myself when I skate! It’s all about having a good time! Maryhill is the perfect hill to either take it easy or tuck it the whole way down!

What do you feel when downhilling? I feel really proud that I’m able to say I actually invest time in doing this! Downhill has made me overcome some of my fears and surprise myself as I overcome personal gains. It’s a totally rewarding feeling. But honestly, when I’m actually downhilling I just feel super cool (just kidding…kind of). What does Longboarding mean to you and how does it affect your life? I’m a 1st grade teacher so I’m not your typical skateboarder. Skateboarding helps create a balance in my life. It also sets an example to conquer some of the negative connotations around skateboarding and change the stereotypes that can come along from the sport. My classroom is full of skateboard posters and good vibes. My student’s look up to me and I’ve surprised many of them because I am a female skateboarder. To them this didn’t exist prior to knowing me. Longboarding reminds me of how much I appreciate my skate friends and how it’s brought us closer together. If you have a good skate crew there are always good vibes and tons of smiles.

Valerie Miller

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© Ian Logan

Daisy Johannes

Years at Maryhill? I came to the first Maryhill She ride in 2012, and not til this one in 2015. To be honest, I thought for a good while that I wouldn’t be going to this one either. It takes a mission to go, I’ve found. And a Van full of girls helps heaps.. #girlsgonefast

technically difficult. So come ride with us

How was it to participate in this event? It was mellow mania.. I came in a van full of 10 skater girls that were mostly skating Mary for their first time and we met another group of skater girls from Canada that got a road trip together also and there were about 20 other girls there at the hill. It was a radical bonding experience for the American girls and we’re hoping our energy expands outward through our media. Injuries were minimal and we’re ready for next year. The freeride atmosphere is much more relaxing than a race and by that designation, it in inviting to ladies at a more beginner level. And even though there is a very popular downhill race on this road, it’s not

What do you feel when downhilling? Nothing, really. Mostly my breath. When I’m done, I’m overcome with the feeling those recent moments I spent on-board was time well-spent. Hmmm, and sometimes I feel the wind in my fur or a bug on my face or asphalt on my skin

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What did you enjoy the most? The progression of the girls, skating with so many ladies and a selfie couples run with boo at the end of the weekend

What does Longboarding mean to you and how does it affect your life? Longboarding made all the fragments of my life and being fit into a cohesive whole and gave me something to remain inspired by whether I am happy or sad at the time.


For how long have you been coming to the Maryhill SheRide? This was my first year!!! How was it like to participate in this event? To be honest, exciting, scary, stoked, and FAST. What did you enjoy the most? The best part about being at the Maryhill SheRide was being surrounded by a group of amazing ladies from all over the country that were there to ride, encourage, and most of all have fun! Another amazing part was getting to meet pros like Marissa Nunez and Cindy Zhou at the LGC movie premier at Daddies skate shop. The film was inspiring down to the core and made me feel so excited to be a female down hill skater! To see these girls videos and then be skating the same road as them was a really cool experience! #FANGIRL

The stoke was REAL! There were so many girls!! What do you feel when downhilling? I feel a great rush of excitement, going fast is something I’ve never felt in my life before and I can’t get enough of it. When I downhill I feel like I’m free! What does Longboarding mean to you and how does it affect your life? Long boarding means having fun, going fast, camping, and meeting new people all over the country! It has totally changed my life in less than one year. Now I love and spend all my time long barding, traveling,and camping with friends and I can’t get enough of it! It truly makes me so happy! I wish I had only discovered it earlier.

Marissa Kall

© Ian Logan

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© Ian Logan

Lynn Kramer

For how long have you been coming to the own pace. It was also rad to see 60 girls who rip! Maryhill SheRide? Since the first one. What do you feel when downhilling? Sometimes How was it to participate in this event? It was I’m scared that my board will hit a terminal velocity amazing. I had actually signed up for a freeride before and start wobbling all over. After learning how fast a that but was really nervous about riding in the crowd hill is, I think about passing. of amateurs. When they came out with the She-Ride, I jumped at it. What does Longboarding mean to you and how does it affect your life? I don’t actually like the word What did you enjoy the most? There was no “longboarding. “ I prefer the word “skateboarding.” intimidation. You could work on your skills at your Ride everything!

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Kristina Gunder

For how long have you been coming to the Maryhill SheRide? This was my third year coming to these events, normally just hanging out with the guys. This is the first one I attempted skating Maryhill.

fam from all over. They are all so awesome!! What do you feel when downhilling? Free, and then freaked and f*****‌.I need to practice foot breaking hahaha got some road rash to prove it

How was it like to participate in this event? ALL the ladies from this event are purely awesome. The What does Longboarding mean to you and how vibe you get from the group/atmosphere is definitely does it affect your life? I think of the awesome like no other. open arms and ready to have fun. people and kick-ass friends. Longboarding has effected my life in many positive ways; I get to travel What did you enjoy the most? Im no where near with friends, learn to skate better, and I get to meet the level of skating of these others girls, so I would people from literally everywhere. People travel from have to say the people. Skating was really awesome all over just to shred on pavement! ITS EPIC!!!! too, but I really enjoy seeing all my friends and skate

Š Ian Logan GWR MAG 31 |


Š Ian Logan

For how long have you been coming to the Maryhill SheRide? This was my very first time! As a OG vert and pool skater this was SO different than any skating I have ever done in my life. Sure we bombed hills here at the beach back in the day, but not like what these girls do!

cindy whitehead

with via instagram and FB - seeing them skate Maryhill in person was awesome! These girls are THE best at what they do, but they are also some of the most humble people in skateboarding. I also like learning a new sport - yes it’s skateboarding but stance, boards, gear is so very different than anything I am used to - it was exciting to learn it all. At the end How was it to participate in this event? It was so of each day I was tired & happy & it felt so awesome well run, and everyone was so friendly. You have being around new friends. veteran skaters who have been doing downhill for years right along side of newbies like me who are What do you feel when downhilling? Excited. just starting. When I received the invitation I originally Scared. Alive. was just going to go, meet the girls, and work on a story about Maryhill. After speaking with (organizer) What does Longboarding mean to you and how Dean, a few times, (and with his encouragement), I does it affect your life? I think I have the bug - I will decided I needed to get out there and try downhill. definitely be doing it again, and I have the Maryhill Sheride and all the people there (huge shout out to What did you enjoy the most? I really enjoyed Dean and Ali!) to thank for that! meeting all the girls in person that I have connected

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© Ian Logan | Rider: Jamie Cai

© Ian Logan | Rider: Carly Bizama

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12

Š Ian Logan GWR MAG 34 |

things only a downhill longboarder will understand


1. Longboarding is relaxing. You get up to speed and everything else disappears. You’re in the moment. You have the wind in your face. You’re happy. 2. Set ups for courses by bushing/wheel duras, wedging/dew edging trucks and the way to use all these things together 3. The risk is worth the reward. 4. The most important thing about skateboarding is looking good. 5. Accepting friend requests judging by their skateboarding profile picture. Having friends in many different cities some you’ve only met online but you feel you already know them! Last but not least, the experiences and doors it has opened for you! 6. FACE DOWN, ASS UP, THAT’S THE WAY I LIKE TO TUCK. 7. Bambi legs 8. The bridge is always wet and there’s spiders on the course. 9. Bridge is wet. 10. I wish every day was Maryhill. 11. Using Neosporin like lotion. Haha!! 12. Pucks.

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© Joana Sousa GWR MAG 36 |


DIARY

Madeira Bodyboard Girls Experience

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day #01

The first day of Madeira Bodyboard Girls Experience had 15 athletes from all over the world competing, including Brazil, Chile, the Canary Islands and the Basque Country. A day devoted entirely to Bodyboard, where the athletes were able to surf on the south coast, at “Lugar de Baixo”, and also to enjoy the waves of “Ribeira da Janela”, that presented them with long lefts and a breathtaking scenery that left no one indifferent.

Also with an impressive pace in the water, the Brazilian Isabela Sousa, triple world champion, made the most of the waves of this first day and confesses to be infected by the spirit of Bodyboard Girls Experience: “I loved the different energy that I felt to be with so many girls together in a very positive vibe. This spirit along with the natural beauty of the island is turning to be a great experience. “

With a mission ahead, the current European champion and leader of the European circuit, Joana With an excellent performances in the water, the Schenker took the opportunity to enjoy the island of current world bi-champion Alexanda Rinder, from the Madeira before the European competition, which Canary Islands, was the first to enter the sea on her started on following Saturday, on the beach of Fajã d’Areia. first visit to the island of Madeira. “I really enjoyed the island, is very similar to my “I didn’t knew Madeira before and I love it, the island island, Tenerife, and I believe that this event is an is beautiful and the atmosphere shared between the excellent idea to join the competitors who are fighting athletes is outstanding. It feels good to be able to for the European title with the best athletes in the relax a bit before the competition and be able to train world. I hope that we continue to enjoy ourselves a before the championship. “ lot and it is an event to repeat. “ GWR MAG 38 |


© Nuno Cardoso / Wave Solutions / Oceanus Imago / PasseioEstrada e Ciclovia

© Joana Sousa

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© Nuno Cardoso / Wave Solutions / Oceanus Imago / PasseioEstrada e Ciclovia

© Joana Sousa

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day #02

The Bodyboard Girls Experience continued with the discovery of new experiences on Madeira Island. The drive to whale watching was one of the highlights of the day! A sunny morning in Funchal, the crystal clear water and being with dozens of dolphins delighted the bodyboarders. On this boat ride organized by the Route of Cetaceans, dolphins weren’t shy and dazzled the athletes with their grace, allowing excellent photographs. In the afternoon, the search for the best waves continued and the peak chosen was again on the north coast of the island, where the surrounding natural beauty creates a unique backdrop ... “Hot water, crystal blue, and the green surroundings make an amazing setting , only those who are here can tell, “comments Catarina Sousa, former national champion, upon visiting Madeira for the seventh time.

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Day #03

And in the third day, “Fajã d’Areia”, the wave where the European Championship will take place during the weekend, offered good waves and excellent preparation & training for the riders. It was only on the third day of Bodyboard Girls Experience that the conditions were favorable on the beach of Fajã d’Areia, and the athletes did not hesitate to take their practice session on the waves where the European Champion Bodyboard will be set.

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In the afternoon, the group headed south and had the opportunity to surf in the mythical waves of the island, Paul do Mar, where the hollow waves and the crystal clear water were very inviting, a surf day that lived up to the athletes expectations. After the Bodyboard sessions, a walk through one of Madeira mandatory stops and place of unparalleled natural beauty, the Counters (“Balcões”) And to finalize this day full of sporting and tourist activities, the athletes traveled to the city of Funchal for dinner gathering at 29 Madeira Hostel


© Joana Sousa

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© Joana Sousa

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day #04

On the last day reserved for the bodyboard trip, the morning began with a good wave session in Faja d’Areia. In the afternoon, the Bodyboard Girls Experience headed to Alagoa for a mega boogie lesson on the beach of Porto da Cruz.

In the afternoon a mega bodyboarding class took place on the beach of Porto da Cruz that despite the bad weather towards the south coast of the island, had excellent waves for initiation to the sport. Among the participants, Ludens Bodyboard School students and some Mother Center of rookies had the The last day before the start of the European opportunity to learn from the best riders in the world at Bodyboard Championship offered up another day of a time of sharing experiences and great camaraderie good waves in Fajã d ‘Areia, with off shore wind and and fun between athletes and beginners. This was sets of up to meter and a half, the athletes showed also a sympathetic moment of collecting funds for the excellent technical levels. “Today we can well realize Mother Center, an association of social solidarity that the potential of the wave. It’s a wave with strength supports adolescents and young mothers at risk. and I really enjoyed surfing today and I hope we have similar conditions to those of today in the Tomorrow starts the competition in the Faja d’Areia championship”, summarizes Teresa Almeida, world .Check in scheduled for 8 am. champion ISA 2014 and one of the athletes that also disputed the European title.

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day #05

Competition Day!!! Joana Schenker revalidates the title of European Champion of Bodyboard Women in Faja D’Areia beach in Sao Vicente, by passing to the semi-finals of the third and final stage of the European Tour of Bodyboard (ETB 2015). The 28 years old bodyboarder, native from Algarve and of Portuguese-German origin, was the European Champion in 2014 and revalidated the title this morning when she qualified for the semi-finals of the third and final stage of European bodyboarding circuit, which runs the first time in Madeira under the MBBGE 2015. Joana Schenker had already won the first two stages of the circuit, respectively in April at La Salie Pro Bodyboarding Festival in France, and has won the Miss Sumol Cup 2015 last month of September in Ilhavo, achievements that earned her

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the direct conquest of the title with the qualification for the semi-finals of the last stage. The Madeira athlete showed that she knows well the Fajã d’Areia peak, and managed to find the two waves that would give her access to the next ETB stage together with the 2013 world champion, the Brazilian Isabela Sousa, leaving Ana Adão back (3rd) and Cristina Teixeira (4th). To the these semi-finalists 6 more have joined, Jessica Becker (BR) who won the world stage in Sintra in September, Teresa Almeida (PT) that was champion of the ISA World Games 2014, Giselle Caseli of Chile and the Basque youth hope , Maddi Fernandez. Carina is in the 1st semi-final, precisely with the world champions athletes, Isabela Sousa, Teresa Almeida and Jessica Becker, so it will not be easy to achieve a place in the grand final


Joana GWR © MAG 47 | Sousa


© Joana Sousa

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day #06

The third and final stage of the European Tour of Bodyboard (ETB 2015) is finished, that took place within the 2015 MBBGE held on the beach of Fajã d’Areia in Saint Vincent. Jessica Becker, from Brazil was the winner, leaving behind Isabela Sousa (2), the Portuguese Joana Shencker (3rd) and the Chilean Giselle Caselle (4). Joana Shencker was also crowned today in 2015 Madeira European Bodyboard Champion, and on the podium was awarded the prizes of MBBGE 2015. The day began early in “Baía dos Juncos” with the semi-finals of the competition where Carina Carvalho also competed but failed to win the heat confronting the winner of this competition, and the world’s best athletes as Isabela Sousa (Brazil) and the Portuguese Teresa Almeida, thus ending with a 7th place overall.

the organizers Asram and Ludens Clube Machico that made this whole event possible. Carina, after the presentations and thanks to all the support and present athletes, began by explaining a little of what had happened in these six days of the event. Many sessions of free-surfing looking for the best spots of the island in order to capture the best moments of the excellent performances of the best athletes of the world, tourist activities that showed the cultural and culinary wealth of the island, convivial moments, the mega bodyboard class looking to collect funds for the Mother Centre and European competition made “the hosts of the house” and showed all the true concept of Bodyboard Girls Experience, a promotional event, competitive and solidarity in a full program, and received wide praise from all participants and representatives of the various institutional entities.

Overall, the feedback was very positive, so we can At 15h the Ceremony Official Awards Ceremony say that MBBGE is an event to repeat and to show was held, which was attended by representatives of the diversity of Madeira Waves on an international institutional partners, and where a small swing of the scale. event was made by Carina Carvalho, representative GWR MAG 49 |


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KATHERINE FOLSOM © Todd Fuller GWR MAG 51 |


Katherine Folsom is a 34 year old rad skateboarder. She lives in Sacramento, California, but was born in San Jose, California. Besides skateboarding, she is a talented tap, ballet and jazz dancer, and she has been a dance teacher for over 20 years! Her sponsors list include Embassy Skateboards, Chivazwear, Kung Fu Griptape, Surf and Skate Bikinis, Girl is Not a 4 Letter Word, and Baddass Skatemom. Most important competitions and titles: 1st place Skidmark Skatemag’s Barge the Lake 2012, 2nd place Chilli Bowl 2012, 2nd place 28 and over division Girls Combi Classic 2013, 1st place girls division Hangtown Massacre 2013, Ranked #1 in the 28 and over division by The World Cup of Skateboarding for 2013, 5th place Pro division Tim Brauch Memorial contest 2015

Š Michael Chantry GWR MAG 52 |


Š Spencer Hanscom

We know you started skateboarding around 5 years ago. What motivated you to start skateboarding, and what took you so long to get in to skateboarding? My husband and I have been maried 15 years this April. Skateboarding is his life and over the years, much to my surprise, I ended up learning to skate and loving it, also. You usually ride with the N-Men, how does it feel to ride with this legendary crew? It´s very cool to be part of something that has been kept alive throughout the years by some amazing people. My husband was part of one of the original N Men crew. In 2013 they inducted me offically into the group by awarding me with their N men of the year award (NOTY) It was very special to me, and I was escpecially honored to be the very first woman to be given the award.

of time and commitment and I find it very fulfilling and personally rewarding. It seems as much an art to me as it does a sport Skateboard contests are very fun and exciting, but are not what I love most. I find skateboarding daily relieves the stress and tension from life by letting me be agressive, yet in control. My weekly trips to the skatepark keep me balanced. Besides skateboarding, do you practice or have practiced any other sports? I love yoga, and I find as I get older, it really compliments my skating by keeping me flexible. What is your favorite place to skate and why? My house, or the Sacramento City skateparks with the local crew. I guess I am mostly a vert skater, but I really enjoy skating everything. I do also love to skate a newfound backyard pool with friends.

What do you feel when skating, and what is the What was the biggest challenge that you have best part of riding in your skateboard? found in this sport? I really love learning new tricks on my skateboard, and acheiving my goals. It takes such a great amout

Working around injuries, dealing with fear, and sometimes dealing with negativity from others. But I GWR MAG 53 |


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don’t let it stop me, I just keep skating.

house, which was quite a challenge for our family, but we are in the process of building a vert ramp on What advice would you give to girls that are our new property, which is very exciting. starting to skate? How has motherhood influenced your life? Do it because you love it, and have fun! Don´t do it for anyone else, when you get frustrated just breathe, Completely, I really didnt get into skateboarding until my daughter was seven our eight. So I am definitely then keep skating, SKATE FOR FUN! a skateMOM! What are your favorite and best tricks? How is skateboarding influencing the way you Frontside air, sweeper, boneless one, any king of raise your children? grind. I definitely hang out with young people through We know that besides skateboarding you also skating and I believe I can understand their issues have an active family role. Tell us a little bit about better. Sometimes I think my daughter freaks out a bit your family. because her Mom wants to go to the skatepark all the time. It is just such a big part of our lives, I try to make My husband Roger, my daughter, Sam and I are a sure we do other stuff too, and stay well rounded, go pretty nice little trio. I also have two step-daughters on non skateboard vacations sometimes! that I have raised. All our children have skated with us throughout the years. We just bought our first

Š Todd Fuller GWR MAG 56 |


© Todd Fuller

© Todd Fuller GWR MAG 57 |


© Spencer Hanscom

Do your kids already skateboard as well? Will You have also built a ½ pipe on your own backyard you guide them trough the skateboarding way? from Scratch. How was this experience? All our daughters know how to skate, but I think they It has been a lot of sacrifice and commitment for think skateboarding is our thing, not theirs, they are us, we are working people, of modest means, so it usually ready to leave the park way before we are. took careful planning. We have had a lot of help from sponsors and friends. Besides your family, you also share your time between your skating and your daily job. What do If you could choose someone to ride with, who you do, and how do you conciliate these aspects would it be, and why? in your life? Easy, my husband! and Steve Caballero, he´s also I am a dance teacher. I find that dancing and skating a really cool guy to skate with, and maybe Rick work congruently and are actually very simular, very Blackheart Minna Stess, Pat Black... and Julz Lynn, athletic art forms. I am very lucky to do so much of and Jeff Hedges, you know what, I could go on what I love in life, and to have so much fun all the forever, so fun to skate with good friends! time. It is however very difficult when I am dealing with injury. All aspects of my life are so active. I have Message to the girls? had to teach tap class with a cane, when I rolled my ankle, and I cannot compete as much as others when If you love it, dont let what people do or say get in my work season is busy. I try to keep my family time your way! a priority also. This is a difficult ballance at times. Life is quite an adventure in our household! GWR MAG 58 |


be posITIVe, creative, and just skate!

Š Michael Chanrty

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FASHION

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“LIVE LIFE BALLS TO THE WALL. DO EPIC SHIT. TAKE EVERY DARE THAT COMES YOUR WAY. YOU CAN SLEEP WHEN YOU’RE DEAD.”

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9/14/15 2:51 PM


photography

lorrie palmos

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Rider: Amanda Hays

Lorrie Palmos is passionate about photography. She received her first camera at age eighteen - a camera that belonged to her father! Raised in Santa Cruz, where she also currently lives, she began her journey in photography with surf shots, and in April 2012, she receives an invitation to shot her first skateboarder - Scott Foss. She worked with skaters one on one in a variety of settings, but her favourite arenas are bowls and vert. We talked a little bit with her to find out more about her amazing work! GWR MAG 67 |


Name: Lorrie Palmos Place of Birth: Santa Cruz, California Age: Is just a number :) Place where you live: Santa Cruz, California

For how long have you been an action sports photographer?

I’ve been involved in skateboard photography for 3 years.

Why this professional choice, and how did it all started?

Most important events you have photographed up to now: There are photographers out there that have been doing this for over 30 years like William Sharp, Van’s Pool Party (Pro’s, Girls, Amateurs), Exposure, James Cassimus, Madison Ray Zimmerman, Grant Clash at Clairmont, El Gato Classic, Stevie Brittain and Glen Friedman to name a few. They’re Caballero’s and Eddie Elguera’s 50th Birthday true professionals. I’m very knowledgeable about Celebrations at Van’s, Bucky’s Boo-BQ skateboard photography, and I’m passionate about it, but I feel it would be disrespectful and misleading to call myself a professional. I developed a love of photography while shooting surfing in the late 1980’s. My boyfriend, now my husband, was an avid surfer. He often paddled out in conditions and locations that were too advanced and dangerous for me. I’d opt to perch on the nearest cliff and take photos of him and his friends. GWR MAG 68 |


Rider: Amy Treadway

Although I would have loved to choose photography as my profession, I chose a path in health care. A career in health care seemed like a smarter decision, as I wanted to start a family. So I tucked my camera away to focus on my education. I work as a dental hygienist, and I have a photography business on the side. One thing I never gave up was surfing. I surfed all over Santa Cruz, but ended up falling in love with one amazing spot up the coast. I became close friends with others who called that spot home. On days that were too big for me to surf, I’d hang out with my camera and shoot the crew.

and the action never stopped. In addition, all the people I met were very welcoming. Within a couple months I started shooting contests and private sessions. Some doors swung open for me, some I had to break down to get in. It was difficult at times, but I was passionate about what I was doing so I found ways to stay involved. Besides skateboard, what other type of photography do you usually shoot? I shoot surfing, portraits, lifestyle and I’m learning landscape photography. I love long exposure night shots.

One of my favorite friends was Scott Foss. I didn’t learn this for years, as he never spoke of it, but Scott was a member of the Bones Brigade in the late 70’s How do you see Women in Action Sport in current early 80’s. He hadn’t skated in 3 decades when we days? met. I think it was summer 2011, he attended a Bones Brigade reunion organized by Stevie Caballero. Long Women have come a long way in action sports, but story short, he started skating again. Correction. He they have a long way to go. They still aren’t taken started ripping again. On April 1st, 2012 Scott invited as seriously as the guys. Models are most often me to take pictures of him skateboarding. I was used to sell equipment like running shoes and hooked from the get go. It was exciting, challenging clothing apparel rather far more often than actual GWR MAG 69 |


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athletes. Change needs to come from the industry. Simple example: on their website, Nike has one pro female team rider, Leticia Bufoni, pictured among 26 male team riders. Van’s has one among 24, Lizzie Armanto. It’s nice that both Nike and Van’s support these ladies, but it would be awesome to see even more female riders pictured.

required schools to offer the same level of coaching, equipment, facilities, etc. to girls as offered to boys. This prompted more girls to get involved in sports and resulted in a higher number of well trained, competitive women athletes. I’ve seen an increase in salaries. In 1969, Margo Oberg was the first female surfer to ever earn a paycheck. It was for $150. I just learned today, for the first time in history, the prize Since the day you started until today, what purse for the women is equal to that of the men for the changes have you witnessed in women’s sports? World Surf League Samsung Galaxy Championship. This is phenomenal news. It’s a huge step forward for Starting from the late seventies, I’ve seen the all women in action sports. Let’s hope skateboarding number of women participating in action sports and other sports follow suit. increase dramatically. The overall attitude about women’s involvement in sports has improved in some countries but is still very oppressive in others. In the early ‘70’s, a law was passed in America that

Rider: Kim Contreras GWR MAG 72 |


Rider: Demarcus James

You are one of the few photographers that a female skate photographer, a big challenge is

reveals a lot of work with women riders. What is that it’s a male dominated arena. Initially, it’s difficult to gain acceptance and be taken seriously. I’ve the best part of working with the girls? received tremendous support from a few of my male The energy is light and fun. There’s more laughing counterparts (photographers) behind the scenes, but not so much publicly. and smiling. It makes for an entertaining session.

What is your favorite picture? The best picture I’ve ever shot is of Demarcus James at Buena Vista. (above)

Generally, the skaters are supportive and encouraging. There’s a core group of guys that have gone above and beyond to encourage me. I’ll always be thankful for their support.

What are the biggest challenges for a skate What female skaters do you like more to work

photographer?

with?

Skateboard photography is not a glamorous thing. It’s grueling work. After traveling, shooting an event, downloading the photos and the post processing, I’m underslept and feel pretty beat up. It’s surprisingly hard on the body. It’s also very expensive, and the pay is too meager to count as income. My job as a dental hygienist pays for my photography addiction. Equipment gets damaged by flying skateboards. It frequently has to be maintained and replaced. For

My favorite group of girls is from my hometown. They’re known as the Santa Cruz Lady Lurkers. The Lady Lurkers are a group of girls, not in it for the competition, but dedicated to keeping it fun. Positive attitude and camaraderie is their focus. Their level of skateboarding varies and doesn’t seem to matter among them. They treat each other with equal respect independent of how well each of them skate. It’s amazing how quickly the girls advance with GWR MAG 73 |


consistent encouragement from the other members. Attitude is what gets me excited about shooting. I don’t care who I’m working with as long as everyone’s having fun and being supportive of each other. I hope that my photos translate that and will encourage other girls to practice a positive, supportive attitude.

What is for you, the “perfect photo”? A photo that conveys it all; the action, the environment, the excitement or general mood of the skater and bystanders.

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Any projects you are involved at the moment that you would like to share?

I have some short and long term projects planned with the Lady Lurkers, and I hope to make it down to San Diego in November to shoot Exposure, the all-girls skate contest that Amelia Brodka organizes. Other than that I’m just looking forward to shooting some low-key backyard bowl sessions.


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Š Filipe Neto GWR MAG 76 |


^

INeS ´ AMBRoSIO GWR MAG 77 |


ART When did your interest in art begin?

Early work

Art is something that has always been quite naturally present in my life since I can remember to exist. Maybe due to my family influences, or my need and my taste to express myself creatively. I have been trough the most diverse art forms. I always liked to try everything and feel everything. From painting, drawing, sculpture, the music and the theater that accompanied me for many years and influenced me a lot. The sensations are the basis of everything. Contact taste, I always preferred to speak to someone over reading a book, but writing is an area that also attracts me a lot.

This past year I was in a project to develop and recover a space where now I hold my loft. Otherwise, as one of my biggest interests are traveling and surfing, I usually draw more in my graphics and travel journal. Apart from drawing, I also photograph and write.

I don’t like labels. Being an artist for me is to be free. And although I think I can focus more in one area than another at a time, knowing me as I know, I know that I will be into surf as quickly as in drawing, photography or writing.

I love to draw bodies, I am fascinated by faces and mostly looks. The nature and the sea usually are always connected to my work. Some mythology figures like mermaids, fascinate me and will always belong to my art. Animals and sea shells, which for me symbolize the path of life, are also very present.

Š Filipe Neto GWR MAG 78 |


© Filipe Neto

© Filipe Neto

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your dash I have phases, sometimes more loose and relaxed others more defined and graphic. Drawing is the things that makes me relax more, it messes with my emotions, so my stroke depends a lot on my mood. Like using Mixed Media, black pen, collages, Chinese ink, watercolors .. among others. Lately I’ve designed a lot with color pen on black background. Influences and inspirations Among others, Kassia Meador is a big influence, not only for her surf style, very feminine and classic Longboard, as well as her lifestyle, artwork and photography. I am mostly influenced by the people around me, I’m capturing the details that attract me in who ever crosses my life, whether for an hour or for years. I like deep and sincere conversations, I like to meet other people and get carried away by their stories and experiences. For me there is no better inspiration than this. The music is always present in my day, it’s another of my passions. One of the artists that inspired me most in music is Frankie Chavez, a bit of Blues and Folk. “The Search” is one of my favorites to listen to while drawing. Before surfing I listen to a lot Rudimental, Chet Faker or Flume. What does surfing mean to you? Surfing is my life. It is the balance of my passions. It is the most important thing and it guides me. I have an unexplainable connection to the sea, I feel that I miss saltwater more then I could ever miss a person. When I’m away from the sea, it seems it seems like I’m away from myself. It’s not me, I lack a portion of my heart.

© Filipe Neto

I have surfed for 5/6 years and since childhood sea and art were linked. Nowadays, it’s funny taking on my old work and to always see symbols of the sea, either the mermaids, seashell, fishes or hooks. Recently I was cleaning up my work space, and I found my first Barbie “Diver”. GWR MAG 81 |


It’s really funny to interpret my choices in childhood memories for a lifetime. On the other hand, it’s good and as a young adult. I feel I am on the right track, I to have a place where you have good memories and manage to stay true to myself and to what my heart friendships or where you will make new friends. tells me. The sea is everything to me. We, surfers, never find a perfect wave, there is always a better one. Traveling in search of waves Your favorite work and our constant dissatisfaction are an analogy to The travels. I like feeling alive and free. Pick up a life. We are an unhappy being, we seek perfection backpack, stick on it a half a dozen of things, my even though we know that we will never achieve it. photographic machine, the board and go into the The sea has taught me to look at the little things and give them value. unknown. That’s what makes me happy. Traveling, being on the road, alone or accompanied .. is something that makes me feel accomplished. I like to get out of the comfort zone, so I always look for new things and different places. Every time I travel, I fill my soul with new sensations and I pass them into paper, either in drawing or in photography, another great passion which I have been dedicating more time lately. Who travels a lot, is someone who has to deal with much nostalgia .. A few days I was talking about it with someone I met on the beach. Whenever you go in a new journey, is a mixture of feelings. On one side you leave a lot behind, people, amazing places,

Life is looking for happiness and I love to do it. The more difficult is the way the more it captivates me. The way is only fun if troubled, and if we have to work to achieve our goals, otherwise it is a straight line .. and I like waves! I am a dreamer, my head always has a new objective thus conquering the last. Above it all is the sea that guides me. We have to learn to love. Love ourselves, only then we can love others. And for us to be in equilibrium with us and life, we need to find ourselves. And there is no better way for that than geting “lost” travelling first.

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Š Filipe Neto

Works

quickly made friends on the island. In the midst of work, surf sessions at sunset, the festivals of the smaller towns, and dinners with friends, I quickly The journey that marked me. My last trip was alone to Azores and lasted six weeks. fell completely in love for everything. Many stories I was invited by my good friend and an inspiration to to tell, many friends for life, and no doubt a second home which I miss. I was welcomed in the best way life, David Prescott, to help with the Surf School. I could have been. I miss driving and only seeing I arrived there without knowing anyone, (David was nature green or blue sea around me. The natural not in) ready for what would become one of my first spa, the hot water boilers, the bathing suit and no adventures, this time on my own. In the beginning, doubt the Azorean accent. it was strange to me, all this calm of the island of Sao Miguel. Coming from the capital to the island, Some say I’ve brought back some typical island it should be good, but for me it was strange getting expressions, and honestly, I’m glad. All I want is to used to the Azorean calm and serenity, which get back there as soon as possible, see if this time I however, fascinated me. Alone. me, the island, and dont have to wait two weeks for my board because a lot of new people for a month. Anyone who knows it comes from boat, and next time try not to be bitten me, knows that I make friends with enormous ease by Living Waters. and love to communicate and talk to new people. I

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© Filipe Neto

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Dreams

Role of the artist in today’s society - your role

To this day, I can say that almost all my dreams came true. I’m really dreamy, sleeping and mostly awake! I dream so much, I feel I have to learn to prioritize the more important, those who make me happier. There are always many ways to reach our destination, but more importante is really the journey.

My role as a surfer and artist is to bring culture to Portuguese surfing and inspire the next generation of surfers. To show that doing what you love most, makes me happy. If we want something a lot we can do do it, I’m taking my first steps of a long journey as Longboarder and Artist. I really want to, not only inspire others to follow their dreams and listen to what their heart says, but to open closed minds.

I live my dream, yes. But I’m very ambitious in the best sense. I still have many dreams and projects to be implemented, and with time they will arrive. Traveling is one of them. I want to see the world, I want to fill myself with sea, waves, stories, memories and experience different cultures. If you ask me where I see myself in 5 years, it would be to walk with my board under my arm, from country to country, continent to continent. This year, I have some projects planned that will soon came to life.

We are all born artists, the problem is keeping ourselves artists. We are bathed in prejudices and prior ideas. The artist must undress himself of all these preconceptions looking for pure and genuine. I look for it in the surf culture, hence my passion for longboard and the classic. Seeking the essence of the good things of life.

© Filipe Neto

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“All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up” Pablo Picasso

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JOANA GONcALVES ,

motocross

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© BFelix

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You’re the only girl to compete in national by the paddock and the people are friendly and motocross, what motivated you to take part in the championship without female companionship?

always respected me.

Yes it is true, in our country there are not many girls in mx but the reason I participated in the championship was the taste of the sport and also I like to ride a bike.

prepare?

How do you feel?

It’s a very violent, aggressive sport. How do you The preparation is basically riding a motorcycle that is enough to establish the technical and then make an addition with physical workout. The physical part is very important in this sport because being well prepared often helps to avoid injuries.

I feel better and better, because I have evolved each season and ended up being an increasingly strong competitor and this causes them to respect me more Where did your taste for motorbikes cames as an adversary which brings me more confidence from? when I’m running against them. The taste for bikes came under the influence of my father since he has a shop for motorbikes and I’ve How is the environment? always enjoyed bike riding. It was from there that it The atmosphere is great never had any problem with all began. my opponents, I can say that it is a peaceful setting. Do you remember when you first rode on a motorcycle? How are you received? I can not complain, I have always been well received

No, my parents say that I started riding for the first

© Luis Andrade Films

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© Luis Andrade Films

© Luis Andrade Films

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© Luis Andrade Films

time when he was 4 or 5 years.

And when you had your first bike?

When did you start to compete? How old were

you? In wich categories have you competed and what were your best results?

I started competing when he was 11 in the 85cc motorcycle, my best result in this class was a third Could you imagine at the time you started, that place in the national supercross championship and fifth place in the National Motocross Championship. bikes would be your future? At 6 or 7 years.

I had never imagined or thought of such a thing, Other girls that you look upon and serve you as because it was just for fun occasionally, but later inspiration I realized this was what I wanted to do and I started I have to refer to Livia Lancelot and Steffi Laier, they training and taking things more seriously. were already world champions, when I was little I got Why the bikes? Motocross is a dangerous sport to go see them compete and they were like idols for me, and now we are opponents.. .. what made you want to bet on mx? First of all because it is a sport that I really like and it´s also a very complex sport where we have to be very well prepared because it is a dangerous sport and the slightest mistake could end in injury.

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Experience in the world championship differences for the national championship

Experiencing the world championship was spectacular, I really liked it because I had the opportunity to ride on the best tracks and even share them with the world’s best. Differences for the


national championship, I think we can not compare an international competition with a national, the different environment, the number of people is also different, the tracks and their treatment is different , everything is different.

women. It was so different that I even went to the Spanish women’s championship to get to it.

Highlights of the season and plans for 2016? I think I had a positive balance this season, and I

How did the opportunity for the world fulfilled my goals for the year., so I’m very happy. championship came up?

With the help of the Federation, Yamaha and BRC team that were essential parts for completing this season project..

Global events in which you participated so far

and results?

For 2016, I will try to get more financial support to do the full championship. Then I will continue to work to evolve and get better results on the World Championship, and other competitions. For now, I can tell you that next year my main sponsors will be Yamaha and the Federation.

Getting into top 10 in the last race was my best result this season, which exceeded my expectations. Since it was all new to me, even competing against

© Luis Andrade Films

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PRODUCT TESTING

JOBE"SOFIA" WETSUIT

The wetsuit is essential for those who practice water We should also mention the stitching, something that sports all year round. We had the opportunity to test caught our attention, for its quality and the comfort it one of the new products from JOBE - The “Sofia” provides. wetsuit is suitable for a huge range of water sports. The backzipper is the traditional zipermode, that we When choosing a wetsuit, we must take into account are used to, easy to put on and to take off! several factors, starting with size and thickness. In the case of the “Sofia”, it is available in various sizes and is a shorter wetsuit with 2.5 neprene on the chest to allow further warming of the body, and 2.0 in the legs and arms to allow for greater range of movements, suitable for the months of transition like spring or autumn.

recomended

As to elasticity, this wetsuit is 100% neoprene Nuclear Flex, super comfortable, and does not block any precise movement. GWR MAG 96 |


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Billabong Gravitate Top

must have

Gorro NEW ERA Leo Khit LOSRED Ericeira Surf & Skate Summer 2015 - Top Eclipse -

Casaco Billabong HAPPY VIBES

Ericeira Surf & Skate Summer 2015 - T-shirt Tiny

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Ericeira Surf & Skate - Top Vintage Flower


GWR Limited Edition (Black/Pink) available by order through gwrmag@gmail.com 28USD

Surf Sup 10,6” Jobe Package pack includes board, transportation bag, shop, paddle. available at www.skiworld.pt

JOBE EVO disponível em: www.jobewakepark.com/evo

XS Socks - Available at http://www.xshelmets.com/ GWR MAG 99 |


NEWS 5th TEJO RIVER SUP CROSS OVER by Alcochete Extreme

© Isabel Freitas

The 5th Tejo River SUP Cross Over took place last year on September 27 . This year, the number of participants has doubled, compared to last year. More than 170 athletes SUP’d for 14 km, with the Vasco da Gama bridge as their background. The event began in Parque das Nações and finished in Moinhos Beach in Alcochete. Women’s participation has also increased, representing 1/3 of the participants.

At the finish, the participants reception was done with a lot of joy, in a light environment with a massage tent for relaxing and stretching, provided by Quinta do Valbom Gym. After this moment, there was also a lucky draw for 2 action cams from AEE MagiCam and Paez shoes.

The event was supported by AEE MagiCam, RRD, Paez Shoes, El Corte Inglês, Vimeiro Waters, Quinta This year, Isa Sebastião, a well known athlete whot do Valbom Gym, Alcochete City Hall, Marina Parque is the biggest SUP ambassador in Portugal, was das Nações, Bombeiros Voluntários de Alcochete, honored during the event for her World Record on RedBull, , PlaceGar, Transportation Luisa Todi e Stand 100 Entrada the longest distance in SUP.

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© Isabel Freitas

© Jose Carlos Bernardo

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gwr.mag staff Oriana Brás Catarina Faustino Cindy Whitehead edições anteriores like us on Facebook

contributors Lorrie Palmos Joana Sousa Maryhill Ratz

big thanks Colectivo 71.86 Carina Carvalho Katherine Folsom Inês Ambrósio Joana Gonçalves Meagan Ethell Raimi Merrit Dallas Friday EIPWU WWA APWW Girl is Not a 4 Letter Word Nuno Riboira XS Helmets

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www.facebook.com/GWRpt GWR MAG 104 |

Š Rita Neves | Rider_ Tatiana Howard

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