Behind the Cover: John Florence by Ryan Craig It was so peaky and low interval, there was some crazy Backdoor waves. And, you know, a couple guys were on absolute tears, John being very high up on the top of that list. That particular wave he had a pretty standard barrel, but he laid down a mean carve. I think John is someone who excels more than just about anyone with a larger than normal canvas to tear into. It’s kind of like a better version of what he surfs over at Rockpiles, or at least a steeper version. He gets all the reps in at Rockpiles, and maybe Haleiwa… then he’s just silky smooth on the Backdoor turn. It was kind of one of the only manoeuvres I think I saw the whole day.  John’s very low profile. I will say that him, Ivan and Nathan, surf probably more than any human I’ve ever seen in my life. Those guys are crazy. They definitely do not safety surf. They are not going out when it’s perfect and groomed, like some people kind of wait for Pipeline to do. Those guys are out there when there’s one wave an hour and it’s doubled up, it’s 10-foot, there’s weird patches of sand, it’s super shallow… those guys are just absolutely addicted to surfing. PATAGONIA R3® Yulex® Regulator® Split Toe Booties There’s nothing that’ll ruin a winter surf quicker than a pair of numb feet. Enter the humble bootie. Not only will they keep your feet frostbite-free, they’re also a cheat code for your local rock-off. Warm, comfortable and durable, these booties from Patagonia are made from stretchy 3mm 85% Yulex® natural rubber and feature an internal split-toe design for increased control and grip. They were also made in a Fair Trade Certified™ factory. patagonia.com.au YETI ranchero 22l backpack The Easy Access Ranchero Backpack is designed for life’s quick escapes and shorter commutes. Compact yet capable, this streamlined commuter lets you grab what you need in an instant, whether it’s your wallet, water bottle, or work laptop. Its durable TuffSkin™ Nylon exterior, smart internal organization, and lightweight design make it a perfect grab-and-go bag for errands, workouts, or day trips. The Easy Access Ranchero Backpack keeps your essentials close and your day hassle-free. au.yeti.com PAULINE IN BRONZE Pauline Menczer has become an inspiration to many, overcoming sexism, homophobia, crippling arthritis and almost … Read more