Julian Wilson On Fire

Saturday, 9 April 2016 12:52:51 pm Australia/Sydney

After a huge 2015 including three finals appearances at banner events (Snapper, Fiji & JBay), and getting engaged in France, Julian's been building consistently so far this year. Read More

Ryan Callinan Enjoying West Aus

Monday, 11 April 2016 4:00:56 pm Australia/Sydney

R-Cal and a tail high karate kick on a Forget Me Not. Photo Andrew Shield There's a little something for everyone over in south-west Oz, and Ryan's definitely made the most of his time in the wilderness. From dawn to dusk and at waves all around Margaret River he's been able to unleash his whole bag of tricks, gain some valuable experience for the CT, and also test out a bunch of boards for later in the year. Quiver details below: Read More

Sally Fitz Still Going Strong

Tuesday, 12 April 2016 3:54:40 pm Australia/Sydney

Sal's rail game is even better in 2016, and it got her all the way to the final at Bells. How far will it take her at Margies? Photo Ryan Miller Read More

More Freesurfing In The South West

Friday, 15 April 2016 3:41:01 pm Australia/Sydney

J-Dub, kicking the tail on a down day. Julian rides the new Monsta 6 in a 6'0 1/2" x 18 3/4" x 2 3/8" x 28L. Photo Trevor Moran With world-class wineries, chocolate factories and plenty of other hidden gems (plus dozens of quality surf spots that turn on when Main Break is no good), lay days are a bit of a blessing around Margaret River. Throughout this week plenty of the Traktor Team have been exploring the region, and whether they're waiting for the CT showdown on the weekend or not, it looks like it's more than paid off for everyone. Freesurfing gold and board specs, below: Read More

Julian Finals At Margaret River

Monday, 18 April 2016 3:31:22 pm Australia/Sydney

Julian tore apart the Main Break rights all week with the type of fluid power that barely anyone could match. Photo Trevor Moran Margaret River delivered in a massive way over the last two weeks - with anywhere between decent and pumping surf being served up at Main Break for the contest, and even the lay days providing plenty of other options up and down the coast. Julian revels in this kind of variety more than most, and was on the hunt every day to stay sharp, test boards and nail clips. Read More

Dusty Payne's El Nino

Thursday, 5 May 2016 2:51:04 pm Australia/Sydney

Dusty's been one of the world's best freesurfers for a while now, so naturally when Hawaii has a winter like the 2015/16 El Niño, he's going to throw down some ridiculous performances. Maui breeds some of the most well-rounded watermen you'll find anywhere, and with this edit seeing Dusty dominating everything from huge Honolua Bay to playful 3ft ramps, it's easily one of the best and most entertaining clips you'll watch this year. As far as equipment goes, the man knows exactly what he likes, making him great to work with. Dusty's go-to board in the vast majority of the waves he surfs around home (and overseas) is the Monsta 6 in his regular shortboard dimensions. Then, even in well overhead surf (exhibit A, above), he usually sticks with this size or choses a slight step-up, only an inch or two longer. Board breakdowns, below: MONSTA 6 - 5'11 1/2" x 18 7/8" x 2 3/8" x 27.6L MONSTA 6 - 6'0" x 18 7/8" x 2 3/8" x 28.1L FORGET ME NOT - 6'1 1/2" x 18 7/8" x 2 3/8" x 28L

Warming Up For Rio

Tuesday, 10 May 2016 2:48:00 pm Australia/Sydney

J-Dub, getting ready to unleash on Arpoador's super rippable lefts. Photo Ryan Miller 2016's edition of the Oi Rio Pro starts in a red hot minute, and all of our team in Brazil have been doing laps around the contest zone to acclimatise to Rio's high performance peaks. Read More

Sally Runner-Up in Brazil!

Friday, 20 May 2016 2:38:20 pm Australia/Sydney

Sally on the podium - a sight we're getting pretty used to seeing in 2016! Photo Ryan Miller What an end to the women's CT event in Rio! Tiny in the morning, barely a notch bigger at lunchtime, then completely maxing out by dark. Sally continued her run through the tricky conditions to make her second final of the season so far, and throw her name firmly in the ring for title contention. Read More

Dusty's Wildcard Run in Rio

Saturday, 21 May 2016 2:36:00 pm Australia/Sydney

Mr Payne juggles both progression and power better than most, and in Rio he had the perfect answer for every section. Photo Ryan Miller With so many surfers injured, retiring, or semi-retired, 2016's definitely been the year of the wildcard. Every event since Snapper has seen at least one breakout performance from someone outside the top 32, and in Brazil, it was Dusty's time to shine. The lack of pressure and sheer gratitude for receiving a call-up often creates a great environment for experienced wildcards to do well, and whether it was during a freesurf, in a heat, or even just ordering food from the same vegan restaurant every day, Dusty looked more than comfortable in Rio. We definitely haven't seen the last of him this year on the CT! Read More

HYFI Takes Out 2016 SBIA Surfboard of the Year!

Saturday, 28 May 2016 2:30:43 pm Australia/Sydney

Initial feedback on HYFI was mind-blowing, so not only has it just won the 2016 SBIA Surfboard of the Year, but we've also made a whole lot more of them! New batches are dropping soon all around Australia, and for the first time ever, in the USA too. Find out what's possible on HYFI with Julian, Joel and Dusty in the full clip, above.