MURMUR MAG http://murmur-mag.com Sat, 26 Feb 2022 07:08:45 +0000 en-AU hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.9.2 http://murmur-mag.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/cropped-Logo512-2-32x32.gif MURMUR MAG http://murmur-mag.com 32 32 191959812 WHAT IS THE ACTUAL COST TO MAKE THE CT IN 2023? http://murmur-mag.com/index.php/2022/02/26/what-is-the-actual-cost-to-make-the-ct-in-2023/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=what-is-the-actual-cost-to-make-the-ct-in-2023 Sat, 26 Feb 2022 07:08:40 +0000 https://www.murmur-mag.com/?p=3348 With the regional qualifiers and the challenger series kicking off for 2022 we had a thought.... What will it actual cost an athlete to qualify for the 2023 CT?

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With our toes hanging right on the edge of the start of another year of the WSL’s surfing circuit (Regional Qualifiers, Challenger Series, Championship tour and World Title Surf Off) we had a few thoughts….
  1. Is it possible for anyone to surf all 4 divisions in 12 months? To our understanding this is the first year this could happen?
  2. How will the WSL balance the Challenger Series and Championship Tour for surfers trying to requalify in the same year?
  3. How much would this actually cost a surfer to do the 2 divisions (regional qualifier and Challenger Series) in one year to qualify for the CT?

We had heard rumours of the 4 challenger series events last year in 2021 costing athletes anywhere from $25k Australian Dollars and upwards. If we assume that is right, that is $6250+ per event for entry fee, travel, accommodation food and anything else on-top. Now most of the Challenger Series competitors in 2021 had to fund this out of their own pockets due to the lack of sponsor dollars spread out amongst the industry teams. 

We did hear some of the big brands like Rip Curl, helped by organising group accommodation for their team riders but not everyone was in that boat.

If we look at 2022 and apply that amount across all events and deduct some dollar amounts based on the assumptions of airfares being cheaper due to a higher volume of travel now, home quarantining ending in most countries and some events being held in locations closer to one another we came up with the following amount.

A quick disclaimer though. We haven’t added a prize pool amount mostly due to the fact that we don’t have the prize pools released yet. Assuming someone does qualify through both divisions to make the CT then they would be making quarter finals or above which would mean they would make some decent prize money.

Okay… So with all being said, here is our pricing based on the above, we have also included equipment and training. We have based the price from an athlete living in NSW, Australia so prices will vary based on where you live.

Pre Contest Amounts

To make sure you are fit, your equipment is ready and you are actually using it right you’re going to need a few things… So let’s stick with the basics here. We have allowed 2 months worth of pre-contest training for the sake of a budget.

A good surf coach can make all the difference to your career. pic. surfphotosofyou

A surf coach: For us this is a must. Someone who you work with to develop your surfing game, your competitive strategies and advise you on the days of the events etc. We have allowed 1 training session a week with a coach @ $100 a session. *Note* this price varies but we have used $100 as an average

8 weeks @ $100 a session = $800

Surf FITNESS IS A MUST. JUST ASK MICK FANNING. Pic. Skullcandy

A Fitness coach: As important as it is to have a surf coach, it can all be pointless if you don’t have the fitness and strength to turn hard and last through a lot of heats (and you’re going to surf a lot of heats). Remember you could be stuck in a sweep for 25 minutes or running up the beach to get back into the line-up so fitness is everything here!

We have allowed 3 training session a week with a coach @ $25 a session

8 weeks @ $75 a week = $600

BOARD READY FOR THE RQS. PIC. JESSE STARLING

Surfboards Accessories and Wetsuits: Like the last 2 points this is the critical third piece of the puzzle. We have allowed for wholesale pricing here to balance out sponsored and non sponsored surfers.

You’re going to need a fair stack of surfboards to deal with all of the conditions from wave height to wave face and steepness. We have allowed 4 shortboards and 3 step-ups. We have allowed $450 per board. We have also allowed for 5 wetsuits, 2 steamers, 1 short arm steamer and 2 long arm springsuits. For accessories we have allowed $500. This will cover grips, legropes, board bags, wax and zink.

7 boards @ $450 a board = $3150

5 Wetsuits (averaged out) @ $100 a suit = $500

Accessories = $500

Total of pre-comp fees: $4750

regional qS surfer and 2022 carve pro champ nyxie ryan. pic. Surfing nsw

Regional Qualifyer

We are basing the regional qualifiers on the Australian draw which is 7 events, of which 6 of the events are based in one state (NSW). Our thought was let’s look at only doing the 6 events in NSW to cut costs for travel.

So we broke down the cost for the regional qualifying events in the following points. Entry Fees, Travel, Accommodation and Food. 

Now we don’t want to seem like we are crazy spenders to you all so we have split the cost in half based on travelling with another competitor. That way (with the exception of the entry fee) everything cost wise is split in 2.

So here are the RQS numbers:

Entry Fees: 

3 x 1000 Point Events @ $230 entry fee = $690   

1 x 3000 Point Event  @ $287.38 entry fee = $287.38

2 x 5000 Point Event @ $344.85 entry fee = $689.70

Total RQS Entry Fee: $1667.08

Travel:

5 x tanks of petrol @ $60 per person = $300

Accommodation:

27 nights of accommodation @ $100 per person = $2700.

Food:

27 days of food @ $35 a day per person = $945

Total RQS Contest Costs = $5612.08

So as it stands to qualify for the challenger series as an example from here in Australia your out of pocket expenses would estimate to $10,362.08.

Now as previously mentioned, to qualify for the 2022 Challenger series you would have to make the quarter finals or above in the 3000 and 5000 events and the prize pool amount would significantly better the $10,362.08 costs position and you could quite easily come close to break even or actually make a little money!

BETTY-LOU AT HAWAII DURING THE 2021 CS. PIC. WSL

Challenger Series

This is where the money will kick up a fair amount. But remember, this scenario is about qualifying for the CT so there will be some money to make back.

Here are the CS events for 2022:

  • Gold Coast – Australia 
  • Manly Beach – Australia
  • Ballito – South Africa
  • Huntington Beach – USA
  • Ericeira – Portugal
  • Hossegor – France
  • Piha – New Zealand
  • Haleiwa – Hawaii

We have applied the same reasoning from the Regional Qualifying series to the Challenger Series (entry fee, travel, accommodation and food). Split the costs in 2 with another competitor and made an assumption of an entry fee of $750 per event. So here we go.

Australia

2 events @ $750 an event = $1500

4 x tanks of petrol @ $60 per person = $240

15 nights of accommodation @ $100 per person = $1500.

15 days of food @ $35 a day per person = $525

Total: $3765

South Africa

1 event @ $750 an event = $750

Airfare @ $1500

4 x tanks of petrol @ $60 per person = $240

10 nights of accommodation @ $100 per person = $1000.

10 days of food @ $35 a day per person = $350

Total: $3840

USA

1 event @ $750 an event = $750

Airfare @ $1200

Return Airfare to Aus @ $1200

3 x tanks of petrol @ $60 per person = $240

10 nights of accommodation @ $100 per person = $1000.

10 days of food @ $35 a day per person = $350

Total: $4740

Europe

2 events @ $750 an event = $1500

Airfare @ $1200

Return Airfare to Aus @ $1200

8 x tanks of petrol @ $60 per person = $480

22 nights of accommodation @ $100 per person = $2200.

22 days of food @ $35 a day per person = $770

Total: $7350

New Zealand

1 event @ $750 an event = $750

Airfare @ $500

Return Airfare to Aus @ $500

3 x tanks of petrol @ $60 per person = $180

8 nights of accommodation @ $100 per person = $800.

8 days of food @ $35 a day per person = $280

Total: $3010

Hawaii

1 event @ $750 an event = $750

Airfare @ $800

Return Airfare to Aus @ $800

3 x tanks of petrol @ $60 per person = $180

14 nights of accommodation @ $100 per person = $1400.

14 days of food @ $35 a day per person = $490

Total: $4420

So….. For a total of 14 events, 106 days, 10 flights and 30 tanks of petrol your total cost to achieve your dream of making the CT via the challenger series is…..

Pre RQS: $4750

RQS: $5612.08

CS: $27,125

Total: $37,487.08

MURMUR MAG FAVOURITE INDIA ROBINSON FINDING OUT SHE HAS QUALIFIED IN 2021. PIC. WSL

Now at the risk of sounding like we’re banging on about it, we haven’t allowed for prize money in any of this. We feel that if you were to qualify in 2022 all the way from the RQS then you’re definitely going to be making money. We think more than enough to cover your total outlay of $37,487.08 but… you are going to need to apply this checklist. You’re really going to need to knuckle down, train hard, have the right team and be on the right equipment, be healthy and most importantly happy…

Because if one of the things on that checklist aren’t strong then it’s going to cost you in time and money. But the bright side is, look at the amazing places you will see, the amazing people you will meet and the crazy waves you will get to surf.

And for those of you who have always thought that it was easy to compete in contests and qualify for the world tour…… Go back to the top of this article and read it again!!!

We wish everyone the best in the competitive campaigns for 2022. We hope you all rip in and achieve at least one of your goals.

Bring it on!!!

The post WHAT IS THE ACTUAL COST TO MAKE THE CT IN 2023? first appeared on MURMUR MAG.

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MURMUR’S GROMMET OF THE MONTH RETURNS FOR 2022. INTRODUCING MILLA BROWN http://murmur-mag.com/index.php/2022/02/21/murmurs-grommet-of-the-month-returns-for-2022-introducing-milla-brown/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=murmurs-grommet-of-the-month-returns-for-2022-introducing-milla-brown Mon, 21 Feb 2022 21:36:34 +0000 https://www.murmur-mag.com/?p=3341 This month we bring you a young Australian shredder named Milla Brown.

Milla is a powerful young natural footer from Sydney's talent breading ground... The Northern Beaches.

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It’s back in all of it’s glory!!! The 2022 Grommet Of The Month series.

This year we have some amazing up and coming young women from all around the world ready to showcase.

We know how hard it is as a young surfer to get your surfing out to the world and we are so proud that at Murmur we can help up and coming talent do that. And mark our words, the girls we have interviewed and will bring to you in 2022 will be names of the future and we’re sure between them some of them one day will hold a world title trophy above there heads in the future.

This month we bring you a young Australian shredder named Milla Brown.

Milla is a powerful young natural footer from Sydney’s talent breading ground… The Northern Beaches.

Check out her video here

Also give Milla a follow on her social media here:

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MURMUR’S MONTHLY POSITIVE MINDSET TIPS WITH SAMMIE FLOOK http://murmur-mag.com/index.php/2022/02/14/murmurs-monthly-positive-mindset-tips-with-sammie-flook/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=murmurs-monthly-positive-mindset-tips-with-sammie-flook Mon, 14 Feb 2022 05:59:43 +0000 http://murmur-mag.com/?p=3325 The first in a monthly series on monthly mindset tips from Strategic Physiotherapist and Mindset Coach Sammie Flook. In this video Sammie looks at Compartmentalising Techniques Incase Anxiety Arrives

The post MURMUR’S MONTHLY POSITIVE MINDSET TIPS WITH SAMMIE FLOOK first appeared on MURMUR MAG.

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The first in a monthly series on monthly mindset tips from Strategic Physiotherapist and Mindset Coach Sammie Flook. In this video Sammie looks at Compartmentalising Techniques Incase Anxiety Arrives.

Follow this amazing series of videos with Sammie and Murmur to help build a platform to squash any mental health issues that may arise during your everyday life.

VIDEO RECAP

In this episode Sammie will be taking you through a compartmentalisation task to help you work through times of anxiety, worry or self doubt ✨

Majority of our Anxious thoughts and feelings rely heavily on how much time and attention we give to certain thoughts and feelings and most importantly how we decide what thoughts and feelings are worth listening to or ignoring as well as how we are actually determining whether our thoughts and feelings are valid or true or not?

When we learn to compartmentalise, we learn to take an effective analysis of our thoughts or feelings that’s leads us to an action in the moment instead of an over analysis that leads us to ruminate and feel stuck! You can find a further break down of this 3 Draw Compartmentalisation technique in the comments below!

Past Draw: is where we store every experience up until this moment, we can’t by definition control, fix or change an experience from the past or do anything with a thought from the past now, but we can learn from it, by what we do differently now.
Present Draw; is the only draw that we can work out of, it has all of our resources that we can access to respond to our experiences in the moment, even in times of discomfort. It focuses on helping you turn your “What if’s” to a “What can I do” and “I can’t” to “I get to choose”. Bringing us back to an action in the moment.

Future draw; has all of the goals and visions we want to work towards by what we do presently. We can’t control what comes our way and again by definition can’t do anything now with what we anticipate to lay ahead, but we can build strategies and create a plan to work towards what we want in our future, by again what we choose and do in the moment.

You get to choose what thoughts and feelings are worth accommodating to and what are not.

We hope you enjoyed this video as much as we did!

For more on Sammie Flook go to: https://www.thecorehealth.com/about

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Two years ON with Sophie Fletcher http://murmur-mag.com/index.php/2022/02/11/two-years-on-with-sophie-fletcher/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=two-years-on-with-sophie-fletcher Fri, 11 Feb 2022 20:56:17 +0000 http://murmur-mag.com/?p=3273 Sophie Fletcher is one of the most remarkable humans to ever come out of Australia. The young lady from Phillip Island is a true definition of hard work, beauty and grace.

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Sophie Fletcher is one of the most remarkable humans to ever come out of Australia. The young lady from Phillip Island is a true definition of hard work, beauty and grace. One of our first ever articles we uploaded on Murmur was with Sophie and we thought what an amazing way to kick start our Murmur relaunch month by catching up with Sophie Fletcher a year and a half onwards. So let’s find out what has been going on in Sophie’s world over the last chunk of time. 
Sophie fletcher pic@ unknown – Processed with VSCO with j5 preset
1. So Soph it’s almost been two years since we’ve last spoken to you, bring us up to date with the life of Sophie fletcher! 

“Two years of the spicy cough, wow! It’s actually gone so quick. 

I have been living up north over the winters in the lovely little town of Pottsville! Then back on Phillip Island (my hometown) over the summers. I guess over these two years I have been doing lots of things! Markets on the weekends when we weren’t in lock down or when markets were cancelled. I love them! I’ve been travelling between Yamba and Noosa to different places and having a stall at community markets. I have been surfing my brains out, all those swells over winter were so fun! I met someone special last year, so it’s been really lovely to share all this with them as well as travel together on the road while he plays music all around Australia! 

I’ve also done some work for mental health and suicide prevention programs like ‘Waves of Wellness’ and “Phn Gippsland – Vic state government”. I did my first campaign shoot for Rusty Aus, dropping very soon! 

I am so happy with everything! Keeping myself busy! “

sophie fletcher pic – rusty usa
2. Sophie Fletcher designs has rapidly grown, you can tell how much love you put into your business, tell us what keeps you motivated to keep pushing. 

“Lots of love and learning! It’s funny I started this business at the very beginning of the pandemic to help support myself on the World Qualifying Series for surfing, then all the comps got cancelled! So I was so driven and excited to grow the business for when surfing came back on! I have absolutely no business background, yet I’m running a full time business solo. It’s challenging, rewarding and definitely keeps me on my toes. It doesn’t stop!

It has been two years of doing this and I still scream out to my house mates, boyfriend or family “I got a new order” when I get the email notifications! I really do get so excited when people love the product and are happy to spend their money on something I created! It’s insane! 

It has only really been last year that the business started to ramp up with sales and exposure, and I am starting to see random cars on the road all around Aus or surfboards in the line up with my sticker art on them, again I just want to explode with happiness and gratitude! 

But I think my favourite part about it, has been at the markets each weekend actually meeting everyone coming to my stall and hanging out. 

I am really looking forward to see how much I can grow a small business when life goes back to “normal”. I have only known covid life whilst running it. It’s definitely been challenging however positive to know I can grow it even during a world pandemic!” 

sophie fletcher designs new aurora jumper in black and white pic – sophie fletcher designs
3. We saw you recently launched your first line of clothing, could you talk us through how that process was for you? 

“My gosh, this actually took me forever! I really didn’t know what I was doing. I had this cool art that I doodled one afternoon whilst on the phone to a friend and thought “ this would look so sick on a white hoodie”. I then spoke to so many people, printers etc… confused, because I wasn’t sure where I was meant to start! Then out of no where I bumped into a lady that I met 6 months prior and she was telling me how she works at a screen printer up the road and would be more than happy to help out with the process! It was meant to be. Any ways I did it! From the art, swing tag design, neck tag design, colours… I launched my first run of hoodies and tee in 5 colours. It is called “aurora”, named after the artwork printed on it! Then I got you (Jesse) and two friends to be my models in my backyard, with hang sheets on the clothes line as our backdrop hahaha so fun!

I sold out of that run in 2 weeks! So I got them all made again, which is available online :)” 

sophie fletcher designs early design templates, these and more available at www.sophiefletcherdesigns.com
4. Where do you see Sophie Fletcher Designs going in the next 5-10 years? 

“That’s actually really exciting to think about! I would love to have a really groovy place (like a HQ) in a creative industrial estate or shop where I can sell my product, have a cafe where everyone can hang out, as well as it being my office and warehouse! I would have heaps of cool boards on the wall with different decals on them and sticker art all around as well as have all my friends and local art/ product in there too. I would just love a nice hang out for everyone! 

My plan is to eventually employ some people too. Help out with social media or send orders for me!” 

sophie fletcher designs pic why comms
5. Lastly, will we be seeing Sophie Fletcher back in the jersey this year?

“You will! I am so excited to kick the year off at my home break on Phillip Island! Unfortunately not the whole QS regional leg, as I have some exciting events happening for friends and family like weddings! However, I will do what I can! I am so excited to catch up  with both you girls on the island then back up the coast!” 

We are never short of amazed after hanging and chatting with Soph! She is a remarkable human being with a bright future ahead of her. We were always taught a hard work ethic will take you far in life and man does this lady have one. For everyone out there who is looking to start their own business and needs a fabulous role model, look no further than Sophie Fletcher. Thank you again for chatting with us Soph and we look forward to seeing what the world has in store for you.

If you are interested in buying any of the products shown on here and more, head over to —> https://www.sophiefletcherdesigns.com/

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WE REVIEW THE NEW KELLY SLATER KS1 ENDORFINS http://murmur-mag.com/index.php/2022/02/07/we-review-the-new-kelly-slater-ks1-endorfins/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=we-review-the-new-kelly-slater-ks1-endorfins Mon, 07 Feb 2022 22:34:15 +0000 https://www.murmur-mag.com/?p=3297 For the first product review of 2022 we look at the brand new Kelly Slater Fin the KS1 Endorfins.

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For the first product review of 2022 we look at the brand new Kelly Slater Fin the KS1 Endorfins.

SO HERE ARE SOME INTERESTING POINTS

Jesse test the FCS2 version of the KS1 template on a DHD, DNA round tail with surprising results.

The fins come in both FCS2 and Futures fitting templates

The FCS2 Fins will need grub screws to fix to your surfboard (Jesse uses grub screws on her standard FCS2 fins anyway).

The fins have amazing drive and hold through turns, Jesse usually rides a medium fin, the KS1 fins she tested were large fins and felt really good. She is currently still riding the KS1 large fins as her preferred fin.

The Endorfins fin range all float!

Check the clip out to see if this fin could be right for your set-up.

To find out more about Endorfins go here:

The post WE REVIEW THE NEW KELLY SLATER KS1 ENDORFINS first appeared on MURMUR MAG.

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Murmur MONTHLY MOVES WITH JACQUI-MAREE BAILEY. VIDEO 1 FOCUSING ON SHOULDERS, SIDE AND INTEGRATED ROTATION http://murmur-mag.com/index.php/2022/01/31/murmur-monthly-moves-with-jacqui-maree-bailey-video-1-focusing-on-shoulders-side-and-integrated-rotation/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=murmur-monthly-moves-with-jacqui-maree-bailey-video-1-focusing-on-shoulders-side-and-integrated-rotation Mon, 31 Jan 2022 08:06:05 +0000 https://www.murmur-mag.com/?p=3255 Welcome to our first video in the new Murmur Monthly Moves series with Jacqui-Maree Bailey. In this video we focus on a stretch that anyone can do anywhere at any time with minimal equipment needed.

The post Murmur MONTHLY MOVES WITH JACQUI-MAREE BAILEY. VIDEO 1 FOCUSING ON SHOULDERS, SIDE AND INTEGRATED ROTATION first appeared on MURMUR MAG.

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In this video Jacqui-Maree Bailey gives us a stretch to help improve Shoulder Mobility, Sideline Mobility and Integrated Rotation.

All you will need to have a go at this months video is a stretch band (you can use a leg-rope if you don’t have a band).

More on Jacqui-Maree Bailey. Jacqui is a Movement and mobility prehab and rehab specialist, a Remedial Bodyworker, a Yoga, Meditation and Pilates Teacher and also works in Holistic Mindset Coaching.

To find out more about Jacqui-Maree Bailey go to @jacquimareebailey on instagram

The post Murmur MONTHLY MOVES WITH JACQUI-MAREE BAILEY. VIDEO 1 FOCUSING ON SHOULDERS, SIDE AND INTEGRATED ROTATION first appeared on MURMUR MAG.

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MOLLY PICKLUM ENTERS THE 2022 DREAM TOUR, SO WHAT’S HER NUMBER? http://murmur-mag.com/index.php/2022/01/19/molly-picklum-enters-the-2022-dream-tour-so-whats-her-number/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=molly-picklum-enters-the-2022-dream-tour-so-whats-her-number Wed, 19 Jan 2022 06:59:22 +0000 https://www.murmur-mag.com/?p=3226 As we count down the days until the start of the 2022 WSL Championship Tour season we were getting pretty excited to see action start up again. With everyone dropping some pretty serious clips over in Hawaii, we think it’s safe to say that we were all ready to see some world class surfing being laid down by the existing and new CT women. However, what we all didn’t anticipate was some pretty big news from the young Caity Simmers. 

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As we count down the days until the start of the 2022 WSL Championship Tour season we were getting pretty excited to see action start up again. With everyone dropping some pretty serious clips over in Hawaii, we think it’s safe to say that we were all ready to see some world class surfing being laid down by the existing and new CT women. However, what we all didn’t anticipate was some pretty big news from the young Caity Simmers. 

Caity Simmers is one talented young lady. At only 16 she did what most can only dream of doing and qualified for the 2022 championship tour. However, for reasons of her own, the young talent has declined her position on the 2022 championship tour. We have no doubt in our mind that she will have plenty of years on the world tour in the years to come and big respect for backing herself on the call. 

Molly Has Officially Entered The Big Leagues. Pic. Unknown

Now to the news that blew us all away, Molly Picklum has officially secured her spot on the 2022 Championship Tour. We are so beyond excited to see her in the big leagues. Molly has been working extremely hard to achieve such a huge accomplishment and after putting in the time in Hawaii and scoring some pretty big waves of consequence we are sure she will blossom in this next chapter of her career. 

We got to chat with Molly the lady of the hour on all things qualifying, preparation and jersey numbers! Here’s what she had to say…

First of all! A huge congratulations is due to you! How do you feel about everything?

Molly – “Thank you so much!! It’s a hard feeling to describe because I guess I didn’t know how I felt. I was obviously super excited but my whole junior surf career everyone is talking about the CT as “a big end goal, as if it’s the pinnacle of a surf career” so i guess you create this picture of how much of a big deal it should be and feel. Which don’t get me wrong it is but I don’t feel much different I just feel like it’s the next stepping stone for my career and versing the worlds best is what I want to be doing so I’m grateful for that opportunity”. 

Molly is all smiles as she heads to Hawaii. Pic. Unknown

So give us the inside scoop, how and when did this all go down? 

Molly – “Inside scoop is… before Haleiwa I was actually hanging out with caity ironically. And amongst our chats she said that she’s unsure about being on tour because she wants to be a kid and hang with her friends and just surf and have fun. And At that time I didn’t think much of it at all obviously because the event hadn’t even started and I wasn’t super close to qualifying yet. So fast forward to when I missed out one spot, I nearly felt like I hadn’t yet missed out because I knew that Caity was unsure. Mind you I was bummed I didn’t win that heat because I wanted to be in control of my qualification and not have it in someone else’s  hands. My team and I then left Hawaii in the head space “ you didn’t qualify so go home have your break and enjoy Christmas and New Years“ so I did exactly that ( kind of haha I definitely wanted to know what her decision was but didn’t want to rush her because it’s a big decision). I also had already pre planned to go back to Hawaii for the starting of the CT anyways just to be there and spend more time in Hawaii. 

When I found out officially after a surf I came in and had my whole team calling saying it’s official etc. and a message from Jessi Miley Dyer saying I’ve got some good news to tell you haha. So I guess that’s the inside scoop”. 

Molly after a big win in 2021. Pic. Unknown

Who was the first person you told? and what was their reaction? 

Molly – “I was surfing with one of my friends Zoe and when we came in I looked at my phone, then looked at Zoe and said it’s official haha. Her reaction was omg I have goosebumps and I can’t believe it like you’re actually on tour haha what the heck. Is literally what she said”. 

Going into Hawaii and the new year, how do you feel? and how are you prepping? 

Molly – “Going into Hawaii I’m feeling good, excited and ready to give it my all and navigate my way through the next chapter. Boards are feeling best yet thanks to DHD, and I’m really happy with where my surfing is at.

 Prepping I’ve been in the gym, surfing heaps and testing boards, I have been fortunate enough to have had some crazy good waves similar to hawaii right here at home. But really enjoying my time leading up to Hawaii”.  

Lastly can you give away what your jersey number is going to be? Haha we’re dying to know 

Molly – “Haha so the numbers I was thinking were 101 – because that number to me means “there’s a 101 different ways to do and see things and that number makes me think  there’s always a light at the end of a tunnel “ 

I also was thinking number 5 because there’s 5 people in my immediate team and I’d love to do it for them. 

But I went with 26 haha, the reasoning behind why is because Glenn ( Micro ) my coach, he competed on tour in jersey number 25 and I’ve always said i just want to be better than Him ahah; Nah seriously though I just know he is stoked if he can make his athletes the best versions of themselves by using the learnings and experiences he gained over those years trying to qualify and being on tour. And I appreciate how much of an impact he has had on my life creating the surfer and person I am today. So 26 being one bit bigger then glenny boys 25 haha. Also it’s my Birth Date haha”.

The new number 26. Molly Picklum. Pic. Unknown

Molly had an upraw of support from thousands across the world. Here is what WSL coordinator Jessi Miley-Dyer had to say on the entire situation. “We are very excited to welcome Molly to the championship tour! I also support and respect Caity’s decision. We understand how important it is to set boundaries and respect your own pace of development. She has an amazing future in professional surfing ahead and we can’t wait to watch the great things she will continue to do for the sport!” 

Both young and talented women will have a long and bright future ahead of them in the sport. We cannot wait to see what caity accomplishes this year and for Molly to bring on the year ahead, WSLs most recent championship tour rookie for 2022. Watch this space.

The post MOLLY PICKLUM ENTERS THE 2022 DREAM TOUR, SO WHAT’S HER NUMBER? first appeared on MURMUR MAG.

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THE BL BLAST OFF CLIP OF THE WEEK. WEEK 3 – CATALINA ZARIQUIEY http://murmur-mag.com/index.php/2021/12/10/the-bl-blast-off-clip-of-the-week-week-3-catalina-zariquiey/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-bl-blast-off-clip-of-the-week-week-3-catalina-zariquiey Fri, 10 Dec 2021 03:54:03 +0000 https://www.murmur-mag.com/?p=3024 In week three of our 2021 “BL Blast Off Clip Of The Week” we introduce you to a…

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In week three of our 2021 “BL Blast Off Clip Of The Week” we introduce you to a Peruvian ripper Catalina Zariquiey.

At just 12 years old Catalina has a serious rail game and isn’t afraid to use it. Keep an eye out for Catalina as the future looks bright for this natural footer.

NAME: Catalina Zariquiey 

AGE: 12

STANCE: Regular

FAVOURITE TURN: Backside snap

How would you describe yourself?: I love to surf, to be with friends and family and to travel

Favorite wave: Homebreak, Máncora 

Favorite song: Runaway, Aurora

Favorite food: ceviche, sushi, taco

Worst wipeout: Playa Negra, Costa Rica and Itamambuca, Brasil

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THE FINAL CHALLENGER SERIES EVENT IN HAWAII BRINGS 5 NEW FACES TO THE CT… http://murmur-mag.com/index.php/2021/12/08/hawaii-qualifying-and-the-final-challenger-series-event/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=hawaii-qualifying-and-the-final-challenger-series-event Wed, 08 Dec 2021 02:30:24 +0000 http://murmur-mag.com/?p=3011 Wow what a whirlwind of emotions yesterday was. From dreams coming true to absolute heartbreak, yesterday was a…

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Wow what a whirlwind of emotions yesterday was. From dreams coming true to absolute heartbreak, yesterday was a day to remember and a huge step forward for the future of female competitive surfing. They always say that Hawaii is the proving ground of surfing, that you have to do your time in Hawaii to be able to become the best surfer you can be. This being said we saw 6 extremely talented young women prove themselves, and by doing so they will now find themselves on the 2022 Championship Tour. 
India Robinson 2022 Championship tour rookie: Pic: WSL (found on Surfing Victoria)

First of all we would like to say a massive congratulations to all the competitors that competed in the 2021 Challenger series. The bar for female surfing has radically lifted and each and everyone of these competitors proved this and should be immensely proud of themselves. After watching these women compete in America, Portugal and France emotions were pretty heightened coming into Hawaii. With around 18 girls in contention for qualification we knew it was going to be a tight race to the finish line. However, at the end of the day only 6 females could qualify for the dream tour. 

Bettylou Sakura Johnson and Molly Picklum after Semi final No:2 Pic: WSL

Sitting pretty at the top of the rankings we had the amazing Gabriela Bryan and Brisa Hennessy who had solidified their spot on the dream tour before even entering the final challenger series event in Hawaii and were looking dominant to take out the 1 and 2 places of the challenger series rankings for 2021. Almost everyone needed a solid result to qualify for the CT so it was all about who would rise up and push through the pressure. It came down to the semi finals with Alyssa Spencer, Vahine Fierro, Molly Picklum, Luana Silva and Bettylou Sakura Johnson all on the same points. At this point in time 2 more qualifying spots had been filled by Caity Simmers and India Robinson, meaning that there were only 2 spots left with 5 girls all in contention. However, to make the challenge harder for these girls they had to compete against two CT powerhouses Carissa Moore and Lakey Peterson to reach their dream goals.  

Brisa Hennessy 2022 Championship tour surfer Pic: WSL

Unfortunately we saw, Alyssa Spencer and Vahine Fierro fall out of contention in the first Semi final meaning that Bettylou and Molly had to both get 3rd or above in their semi final to qualify for the dream tour. If one of them got 4th this meant that Luana Silver got the final spot on the dream tour. Unfortunately we saw Molly place 4th in the dying seconds of the heat meaning that Bettylou Sakura Johnson and Luana Silva found themselves in the final two qualifying positions for the 2022 dream tour.

Luana Silva 2022 Championship Tour Rookie: Pic: WSL

After all the highs of qualifying were decided by the end of the Semi finals it was time to focus in on who would be the champion of the 2021 Haleiwa Pro. We had the worlds best and probably the crowd pick of Carissa Moore up against an inform Gabriela Bryan, India Robinson and Bettylou Sakura Johnson. At the end of the day there could only be one winner. We saw the young and recently qualified Bettylou Sakura Johnson not only take out the title but beat one of her idols as well. We believe she was the most consistent and inform surfer of the event and you could see she knew the lineup like the back of her hand. She wasn’t afraid to push the limits in her surfing even when under immense amount of pressure and for that we would like to congratulate her.  

Bettylou Haleiwa Challenger Series Champion, 2022 Championship tour Rookie Pic: WSL

We would like to say a huge congratulations to Gabriela Bryan (Hawaii), Brisa Hennessy (Costa Rica), Caity Simmers (USA), India Robinson (AUS), Bettylou Sakura Johnson (Hawaii) and Luana Silva (Hawaii)  for achieving their goals and qualifying for the 2022 Championship Tour! These 6 women were consistent and dedicated, between the 6 of them they took home the results of 4 firsts, 4 seconds, 2 thirds and 3 fifths. We look forward to seeing Brisa Hennessy back on the dream tour for another year and to see how the 5 rookies go in the big leagues! Once again we couldn’t be prouder of how far the sport has come and we cannot wait to continue to be a part of and watch the sport grow! 

Bring on Pipe and bring on 2022! 

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THE BL BLAST OFF CLIP OF THE WEEK. WEEK 2 – LEIHANI KALOHA ZORIC http://murmur-mag.com/index.php/2021/12/05/the-bl-blast-off-clip-of-the-week-week-1-leihani-kaloha-zoric/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-bl-blast-off-clip-of-the-week-week-1-leihani-kaloha-zoric Sun, 05 Dec 2021 01:24:46 +0000 http://murmur-mag.com/?p=2991 In week two of our 2021 “BL Blast Off Clip Of The Week” we feature a Seriously talented…

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In week two of our 2021 “BL Blast Off Clip Of The Week” we feature a Seriously talented and creative surfer from Australia, Leihani Zoric. In her 9 years Leihani has been blasting away at waves on the NSW north coast and is always a stand out in any line-up, for her mind bending surfing and her amazing fun and positive attitude. We see big things in Leihani’s future.

Name: Leihani Kaloha Zoric

Age: 9

Stance: Natural

Favourite Turn: Reo into a Slide or a Roundhouse Cutback.

In 10 words how would you describe yourself?: I AM ME” 🦄🌈🤙

Fave Wave: Wategoes or Point

Fave Song: Replay by Iyaz or N.W.A – Straight Outta Compton.

Who Inspires You: My Brother & Ocean

Worst Wipeout: 8ft COVE I thought I was going to die….!

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