Kelly Slater, Ambassador
Age: 38
Cocoa Beach, FL
Sponsors:
Quiksilver, FCS, Channel Islands, Komunity Project,
Bio:
Kelly Slater has dominated competitive surfing for two decades, garnering an unprecedented 10 ASP World Championships, 45 Elite Tour wins, two ESPN X Games gold medals, 14 Surfer Poll Awards, the Laureus World Action Sportsman of the Year Award and induction into the Surfing Hall of Fame. He also received high praise from the U.S. House of Representatives with a (unanimous) bipartisan resolution passed in May, 2010 recognizing his outstanding and unprecedented achievements in the world of surfing and for being an ambassador of the sport and excellent role model.
"I've been looking for the right opportunity to do something with a healthy food or restaurant group,” he says. "I think Daphne’s has a great platform to get the word out and is right in line with a lot of my ideals about food, so I’m glad to be on board with them.'
At the age of 38, Kelly is also considered by many experts to be one of the best competitive athletes of all time, having been both the youngest and oldest world champion in a sport, with a career win percentage that nears eighty percent and climbing. And his progression and approach continue to change how people surf and view the sport.
Jake Davis, 14, Regular
Born / Lives: Capo Beach, CA
SPONSORS:
O’Neill, Filtrate Eyewear, Daphne’s California Greek, Versa Grip Technology, Robert Weiner Surf Designs, Sexwax, Kicker Audio, Power Balance, Carver Skateboards
ABOUT:
2011 Surfing America West Coast Division Series, U14 – Champion
2010
USA National Championships, U14 – Semis, Lowers
Rip Curl National Championships, U12 – 2nd Place, Puerto Rico
NSSA Western Regional Championships, Open Boys - Champion, Huntington Beach
NSSA National Championships, Open Boys – 2nd Place, Huntington Beach
2009
USA National Championships, U12 – Champion, Huntington Beach
Rip Curl National Championships, U12 – Champion, Salt Creek
NSSA Western Regional Championships, Open Boys - 2nd Place, Huntington Beach
NSSA National Championships, Open Boys – 3rd place, Lower Trestles
Corey Colapinto, 14, Goofy
HOME BREAK: Lowers
BORN / LIVES: Oahu, HI / San Clemente, CA
EAR CANDY:
Cut Copy, Future Islands, Calvin Harris
SPONSORS:
Vans, Von Zipper, Daphne’s California Greek, Ladera Skateboards, Grombomb Healthy Rehydration, Future Fins, Rick Rock Surfboards
TOP 5:
2011 Scholastic Surf Series State Middle School Championship 3rd
2011 Surfing America US Surfing Championship U14 7th
2011 NSSA Middle School National Championship 9th
2011 Overall Points Scholastic Surf Series Orange Cty. Middle School 2nd
2009 Surfing America US Surfing Championship U12 3rd
ICON:
Definitely any of the Gudauskas brothers. They rip so hard and are always so amped to surf. I have never seen one of them not happy.
FORECAST:
I would like to improve my competitive surfing. I feel like when I'm in a heat my surfing gets way worse. Hopefully, Kelly will help me on that because he is the King at competition.
GRINDS:
If you don’t eat healthy, you can easily get sick and miss out on an epic swell -- it’s happened to me before! Eating healthy can make a huge difference to young surfers because they’ll have the energy to surf all day and really improve their skills with extended sessions.
Griffin Colapinto, 13, Regular
HOME BREAK: Lowers
BORN / LIVES: Mission Viejo, CA / San Clemente, CA
SPONSORS:
Billabong, DC, Sex Wax, Von Zipper, Lost Surfboards, Daphne’s California Greek, GB
TOP 5:
2011: NSSA Southwest Open Boys Season Champion
2011 NSSA West Coast Champion Juniors
2011 NSSA West Coast Open Boys Runner Up
2011 Finalist US Championships U14
2011 Finalist NSSA Nationals Open Boys
ICON:
I really like Parko’s power. He is one of my favorite surfers because he is smooth and fun to watch.
FORECAST:
I want to be able to complete radical maneuvers on my first turn and work on surfing with more power. I think it is important to focus on the basics too so I want to be able too do airs and power carves.
GRINDS:
What you eat is as important as what you do. My parents always make sure I am staying hydrated and eating the right foods to stay healthy.
Josh Benjoya, 15, Goofy
HOME BREAK: Salt Creek, CA
BORN / LIVES: Laguna Beach, CA / Dana Point, CA
EAR CANDY:
Two Door Cinema Club, Foster the People, Wiz Khalifa
SPONSORS:
Hurley, Daphne’s California Greek, Killerdana
TOP 5:
2010 NSSA Scholastic National championships, Salt Creek 4th
2010 NSSA Scholastic State Championships H.B. Pier 2nd
2011 WSA Huntington Beach Pier Boys U16 1st
2011 NSSA Open Juniors H.B. Pier 3rd
2011 CSF San Clemente Pier Juniors 1st
NUTSHELL:
My name is Josh Benjoya and I’m a 15 year-old surfer from Dana Point. I usually surf at Lowers or Salt Creek. When I’m not surfing I am usually skateboarding, biking or messing around in the water. I also like playing basketball with some friends.
ICON:
My favorite surfer is Rob Machado because he has a great style and is goofy foot. He rips really hard and travels the world surfing the best waves and getting barreled out of his mind. Pretty much what I dream of doing when I get older...
FORECAST:
I want to push my surfing in the next few years by trying to teach myself to read waves better. I also want to be able to ride my waves with a better flow and keep my speed. Finally, I want to get better at hitting the first section of a wave more vertically and with more power
GRINDS:
Being an athlete, healthy food helps a lot. You can go do things after a big meal feeling energized and ready. It also helps to prevent many diseases and heart attacks in old age.
COLT WARD, 14, GOOFY
HOME BREAK: LOWERS
BORN / LIVES: SAN CLEMENTE, CA / SAN CLEMENTE, CA
EAR CANDY:
I pretty much like any kind of music except country but I don’t really have a favorite artist
SPONSORS:
O’Neill, Oakley, Creatures of Leisure, lost surfboards, Grombomb and Daphne’s California Greek!
TOP 5:
2011 NSSA National Champion Middle School Boys
2010 and 2011 ISF/SSS Middle School Boys Overall Season Point Champion
2010 NSSA State Champion Middle School Boys
2009 5th place at NSSA Nationals open boys
2009 WSA State Champion
ICON:
My favorite surfers are Jordy Smith and Julian Wilson. I love the way they surf and their style is amazing. They surf insane in pretty much every condition and they really push the limits in surfing.
FORECAST:
I want to improve my contest surfing by making more finals. I would like to travel the world because I think traveling boosts your surfing in many ways. I really want to land a rodeo flip.
GRINDS:
Healthy, quick, and tasty food is very important in life. Kids should eat healthy because it keeps you strong and focused to succeed in life. I love food with lots of flavor and Daphnes has it. See you there!
Kulia Doherty, 15, Regular
HOME BREAK: Lahaina Harbor, Maui
BORN / LIVES: Wailuku, HI / San Clemente, CA
EAT CANDY:
Black Keys, Mac Miller, and The Misfits.
SPONSORS:
FCS, Dakine, Bubble Gum Surf Wax, NK Surfboards, Marko Foam, SurfCo., Daphne’s California Greek
TOP 5:
2011 SIMA Surfing America Championships 2nd place U16
2011 NSSA National Championship 2nd Explorer Girls
2011 NSSA National Championship 3rd place Explorer Women
2009 U14 Champion SIMA Surfing America Championships.
NUTSHELL:
My name is Kulia and here are a few of my favorite things...
Favorite Movies: Stick It, Blue Horizon, Intersection, My Soul To Take.
First thing you do after a session? Stretch and check out the waves!
Music lyrics to live by? Reach for the stars so if you stand you land on a cloud- Kanye West.
Biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome to keep doing your sport? Balancing school with surfing & training.
What’s your latest non-riding obsession? Editing photos.
Top 6 Reasons to get up in the morning? Surf, School, Friends, Food, Sun, Workout.
Boosting or barrels? Nothing feels better than getting a sick barrel.
Stranded on a desert island with 5 objects. What are they? Bathing suit, Surfboard, Blanket, Towel, and a friend
When the waves are blown out, what’s the best way to pass the time? Practicing surfing in the mush!
ICON
My favorite surfer is Chippa Wilson. He lands crazy airs, I’m surprised he’s not pro.
FORCAST:
In the next few years I’d like to see myself training real hard to stay/get at the highest level of professional surfing and traveling everywhere and just having fun on tour.
GRINDS:
It’s important to eat healthy to be able to stay active and surf longer, not get overly tired. It’s also good to eat healthy to have a longer and stronger life.
Lani Doherty, 18, Regular
HOME BREAK: Honolua Bay, Maui
BORN / LIVES: Wailuku, HI / San Clemente, CA
EAR CANDY:
Kings Of Leon, Black Keys, Mumford and Sons.
SPONSORS:
Oakley, FCS, Dakine, Bubble Gum Surf Wa, Marko Foam, SurfCo., Daphne’s California Greek
TOP 5:
2010 NSSA National Championships JV Women High School Champion
2009 ISA World Junior Games 9th place
NUTSHELL:
My name is Lani and I was born in Maui on April 14, 1993—my parents both surf, so I have it in my genes! My dad, a retired surfboard fin maker, taught my younger sister Kulia and I to ride the waves as toddlers and nurtures our love of the sport and pursuit of professional careers. I grew up near a barrier reef that created a still cove and at two years old, I would lay down on my Dad’s board as he rode the gentle break. Shortly thereafter, I began asking my Dad to push me into waves that I would then ride all the way to shore. At age 7 I entered my first contest and haven't looked back since.
ICON:
Dane Reynolds without a doubt! He can literally out surf anybody on tour and he’s super laid back and not cocky.
FORECAST:
I just starting mostly focusing on Jr. Pros and WQS’s. I hope to start traveling more for WQS’s to build my points to hopefully make the ASP tour and stay up on the top for as long as I can.
GRINDS:
To be healthy is to eat healthy and I’m a strong advocate of eating healthy. When I get old I want to still be able and have a surf not be knitting because it’s too exhausting to get out. So I really try to eat the healthiest I can and Daphne’s helps me to do that.
Meah Collins, 11, Regular
HOME BREAK: 54th Street, Huntington Beach Pier
BORN / LIVES: Newport Beach, CA
EAR CANDY:
Black Eyed Peas, Beyoncé, Jack Johnson
SPONSORS:
BubbleGum, DaKine, Daphne’s California Greek, Richie Collins Surfboards, Future Fins, M&M Surfboard Cuts
TOP 5:
2010 Sebastian Inlet Pro Jr., Florida, 5th
2011 VQS, 54th St. Newport Beach, 5th
2011 Rob Machado Pro Jr., Seaside 5th
2011 USA Championships U12 Division, Lowers, 1st
2011 USA Championships U14 Division, Lowers, 4th
NUTSHELL:
I started surfing at age seven in Haleiwa, HI. I have been competing for the past four years and started competing in the ASP WQS Women’s Tour. I am looking forward to a long career in surfing and can’t wait until my two little sisters join me traveling. I also love to play golf and hang out with my family.
ICON:
My favorite surfers are my dad, Kelly, Carissa, Stephanie, Coco, Laura, and all the other girls who rip! I think they all have unique talents that contribute to my advancement in surfing.
FORECAST:
I would like to continue to surf on the tour and go on trips where I can learn to surf from the best -- and hopefully become one of the best!
GRINDS:
I think it’s important to eat good, healthy food so that I can make it through a long day of multiple heats and/or surf sessions. Not only does healthy food taste better, but I feel a lot better when I eat well. Daphne’s food is also quick and easy to take on trips and to contests. (And my whole family enjoys it!)
Tia Blanco, 14, Goofy
HOME BREAK: Lowers
BORN / LIVES: Puerto Rico / San Clemente, CA
EAR CANDY:
Justin Nozuka, Jack Johnson, Bob Marley
SPONSORS:
Daphne’s California Greek, Volcom, Ransom Wax, KM Boards, Giving Beads, Zionic, Tonic, Hawaii Red Dragon Photography
TOP 5:
2011 NSSA State Championships for Middle School Girls 1st
2011 Surfing America US Championships for U14 Girls 3rd
2010 NSSA National Championships for Middle School Girls 2nd
2010 NSSA National Championships for Explorer Girls 6th
2010 NSSA National Championships for Explorer Women 5th
NUTSHELL:
I recently moved to San Clemente from Hawaii and was born on May 5th -- Cinco de Mayo! I’m a 4.0 student and a vegetarian and I really LOVE the veggie selection at Daphne’s, especially the Spanakopita. Some of my accomplishments include helping people with disabilities learn to surf (Access Surf) and achieving my goal for 2011 which was to "at least” make it to the finals for the Nationals. (I ended up making it to four Finals!) Right now, I’m working on a project to send surf gear to disadvantaged kids in the Philippines, hoping to make a difference in at least one kid’s life.
ICON:
My favorite surfers are Coco Ho and Carissa Moore -- they rip! But, my all-time favorite surfer is Kelly Slater. I grew up watching videos of him when I was little with my dad (who rips, too).
FORECAST:
To perfect my turns and use more power. Kelly told me I need to bend my knees more. I’d also like to learn more contest strategies. (Kelly?!)
GRINDS:
I was born and raised a vegetarian so I’ve eaten healthy all my life. My parents have always stressed that eating healthy keeps your mind, body and soul strong. It can be challenging to find a restaurant with tasty vegetarian food, so I’m really stoked we have a Daphne’s in our neighborhood.
FRANKIE HARRER, 13, GOOFY
HOME BREAK: ZUMA AND POINT DUME
BORN / LIVES: SANTA MONICA, CA / MALIBU, CA
EAR CANDY:
Justin Bieber, Chris Brown and Taylor Swift
SPONSORS:
Billabong, Von Zipper, Sex Wax, Ocean & Earth, Channel Islands Surfboards, Watermans Sunscreen, Daphne’s California Greek
TOP 5:
2011 1st place NSSA West Coast championships Open Girls
2011 1st place NSSA West Coast championships Explorer Womens
2011 1st place NSSA West Coast championships Explorer Girls
2011 4th place Rip Curl Grom Search Nationals U16 Girls
2010 1st place NSSA West Coast championships Explorer Girls
ICON:
Josh Kerr and Parko. Cause Josh does giant airs. Parko’s carves are the best. I know that’s two people but they are both really good.
FORECAST:
I would like to work on doing more airs in the next few years. Also just getting better at contest surfing. Just expanding my repertoire.
GRINDS:
It’s important for me to eat right, because when I’m surfing all day I need good food to keep me healthy and energized. Other surfer kids should also eat right just to stay in shape and stay healthy. It also tastes really good after a long session.
