VANS DUCT TAPE
The Vans Duct Tape just concluded its European edition in Ericeira, Portugal crowning the young and talented Hawaiian Kaniela Stewart and Chloé Calmon. We were lucky enough to spend few days in Portugal to cover the event. Here are some pics from what happened there…
The Duct Tape is clearly one of the best surfing events, if not the best, because it’s not only about surfing. It’s about surfing and everything else: good vibes, good food, skateboarding, long and sunny days, happy faces, good music. Competing is just part of the something bigger. Riders and people watching the event are not there for the performance itself. They are there to be together, to enjoy together.
What else to say? The location was perfect. The small fishermen town of Ericeira offers a unique scenery for an event. The cobblestone streets, the white and blue houses, the fish restaurants and dozen of world class surfing breaks around. Great choice Mister Tudor!
And what a show the 32 riders invited by Joel Tudor gave us. First the groms, Joel’s son Tosh and French Jules Lepecheux were absolutely ripping (both in and out of the water on their skateboards and on the dance floor).
Girls were having the greatest time in the water. Ivy Thomas, Karina Ronzuko, Justine Mauvin, Lola Mignot, what a casting! It was an absolute blast to watch these talented riders in Europe to surf and have a good time. Chloé Calmon impressed the judges with her creativity, style and skills on the nose, winning the title and the $8000 prize money.
On men’s side, Alex Knost did what he does best, entertaining the crowds on every waves he caught. Andy Nieblas is still an alien on a log. Watching him doing his crazy shit is just another level. But the judges crowned Kaniela Stewart, rewarding is unique performance on the nose in difficult conditions. Well done for the young Hawaiian.
After the surf, everyone just wanted to have fun and enjoy a couple of beers together. Lee Ann Curren played her music in front of the best crowd ever and it was awesome. The event concluded with an epic party, which lasted until dawn.
A barbecue and a DJ set by Bonatella Versace kept the crowd of surfers and skaters entertained until the next morning. Jules Lepecheux jumping in the pool was the apotheosis of the night…
Can’t want for next year’s event !
Shot over consecutive mornings during the long, recent run of North Coast autumn swell, In the Family of Things is Dave Rastovich in his element, doing his thing.