Category: News

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Manera Salty News: January ’26

WHERE ARE THE GROMS AT?

Made for groms who are ready to rip 🤙
The SEAFARER GROM wetsuit moves with young riders, keeps them warm, and delivers full-on stoke at every session.
Available in 5.3, 4.3 and 3.2.

Learn More

OFFSEASON

It’s the middle of winter at our headquarters in southern France.
It’s cold. It’s gray. It’s raining constantly. (We’re starting to suspect this is what Brittany feels like all year.)

So obviously, we dropped fresh tees.

Introducing OFFSEASON:
A surprise capsule with new colors and new designs, made to be worn regardless of the forecast.
Because waiting for the right season is clearly overrated.

Explore OFFSEASON

Welcome to the Team

Based in Germany and riding out of Borkum, Marten Koblischke is a Big Air rider with a calm approach and a clear love for kiteboarding. He started kiting at 11 and, at 17, continues to progress through consistency and passion. Hard to miss, Marten pairs an imposing frame with a quiet confidence on and off the water. As a student at the World Class Kiteboard Academy, he balances school, international travel, and riding, always chasing more time on the water and mastering new tricks.

What happened in the Salty Community?

No. 1

Dane Reynolds – Known & Unknown

Surf Session’s Editor-in-chief Olivier Dézèque conducts a rare and in-depth interview in which Dane Reynolds reveals himself in a way we’ve hardly ever seen before. Far from the podiums, statistics, and media hype, he talks about what really drives him: surfing as an intimate language, creativity as a vital necessity, and family as an anchor.

A must-read (in French) to understand what it really means to live and breathe surfing. 

Check it Out

No. 2: Local Adventures

When living in Corsica, Sardinia is just a short ferry ride away for an almost-local adventure.
Ezio Bastianelli, reigning U16 wingfoil world champ, was hoping for a sweet wing session, but the conditions had other plans.

Watch Now

No. 3

MANERA was nominated for:
– Best Kitesurfing Accessories Brand of 2025 in the IKSURFMAG Reader Awards
– Best Wing / Foiling Accessories Brand of 2025 in the TONIC Mag Read Awards.

Vote for us!

No. 4

Ski season is in full force in Europe, and Maxime Chabloz is back competing in the Freeride World Tour Challenger series. He just secured a top 10 finish in the first stop in Silvretta Montafon, Austria.

Stay tuned for more!

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Inherent Bummer: A Conversation with South African Pro Surfer Brendon Gibbens

Inherent Bummer, January 2026

Check out the full piece on Substack for the full original content HERE. Brendon Gibbens is a MANERA rider, and we are proud to support his journey!

A Conversation with South African Pro Surfer Brendon Gibbens

Cowabunga, Cape Town and the What Youth years.

“Brendon Gibbens is the most polite surfer on planet earth. Years ago when I met him, he came into our office and was so kind and unassuming I figured he was merely a family friend of Vissla team manager Corban Campbell. By the end of the meeting I put it together and we watched some clips of Brendon. Mind blown. “That’s you?” I think I asked him.

From that moment on, Brendon was in. He become part of the What Youth generation, bringing an enthusiasm, skillset and accent none of us could replicate. He always maintained his kind, unassuming demeanor…until he hit a dance floor — where he dominated. Stories of his solo dancing made their way around the world and he’s maintained his status as one of the most likable professional surfers of all-time and his technical forehand air games remains top notch. He was a star in Kai Neville’s Cluster and Joe G’s Strange Rumblings and will always be one of our favorite people.”

“He has a new video called Cowabunga out and you must go watch it below. Cape Town is beautiful and Beeg still has it. It was a pleasure to catch up with him and I thought I’d share.

Travis Ferré: So first things first — Cowabunga. How did you land on that title?

Brendon Gibbens: Going back as far as when Dillon and I made The Dill & Beeg Project, I’ve always liked silly quirky titles. The videos have kind of a serious tone because it is still my livelihood, I guess, but I’m just trying to find the balance between taking the whole process seriously but also having fun with it and not being too serious. So Cowabunga is what I came up with [laughs].”

Watch Cowabunga HERE

Watch the film

“What’s your day-to-day look like? You’ve been back [living in Cape Town] for a while now, right?

Yeah, I left Costa Mesa almost four years ago now. It’s insane how time goes by. Surfing still takes precedence over everything. My folks run a guest house here which I help them with, and I have a few projects of my own that I dedicate time and effort towards. But primarily surfing still takes precedence. I’m still with Monster Energy, Manera, Octo. There’s a cool crew of youngsters here that inspire me to surf too.”

Read More
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Manera Salty News: December ’25

Salty Holidays​

We hope you all had a good holiday break, full of good food, good people, and maybe a sneaky session or two. We wrapped up 2025 in style, and 2026 is already in motion. Here’s to many more salty memories!

Salty New Year

Ready to Escape

The new Desert Cap takes sun protection further with an added neck flap to shield your neck and ears from harmful rays. Made from lightweight, waterproof boardshort material, this cap stays secure in strong winds and duckdives while keeping you cool with breathable materials and ventilation holes.
Its versatile 2-in-1 design lets you tuck the flp away for a more classic look, making it perfect for any adventure in or out of the water.

Learn More

What happened in the salty community?

No. 1

The latest edition of The Surfer’s Journal spotlights photographer Marcus Paladino, his journey and life behind the lens in remote Tofino, with an in-depth profile and a selection of exclusive photographs, all set in the cold-water world he shares with surfer Pete Devries.

Check it out

No. 2

Local Adventures

PNW adventure with Christopher Macdonald.

Watch it HERE

No. 3

Our ripping groms Michael Monteiro, Jade Rosene and Cash Souter all competed at the ISA World Junior Surfing Championships in Punta Rocas, Peru, representing Italy, Canada and the USA, respectively.

Cash and Team USA brought home Team Silver, while Michael scored a massive 9.33 in the opening heat of his U-16 boys Repechage Round 1, showcasing “impressive speed management as he delivered mature top-to-bottom backhand surfing.”

No. 4

The first DEFI WIND in Argentina was a full-on celebration of wind, sport, and community. Supported by F-ONE Argentina, MANERA Argentina, and GPX Store, 83 participants brought energy both on the water and off. After a calm Saturday, Sunday unleashed 20–35 knot winds, challenging 35 riders and giving everyone a chance to try new gear, connect, and share the stoke.

No. 5

It’s awards season 🏆! Catalina Turienzo, Olympian pro kitefoiler, was awarded the Female Sailing Athlete of the Year Award by the Argentinian Olympic Committee, the Olimpia de Plata 2025 Award, and the Jorge Newbery Yachting 2025 Award!

No. 6

Watch This

Cowabunga — a new surf film by Brendon Gibbens.

Return to the Bering — the sequel to the award winning “Island X”, taking a handful of surfers, including Pete Devries, to a tiny, even more remote island in the Bering Sea to investigate rumors of perfect waves.

Our team just got back from a pretty epic trip and photoshoot.
Stay tuned.

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Manera Salty News: November ’25

READY TO ESCAPE

Stash and shred with the new POCKET WING BELT.
Its 2-in-1 design as both a harness and gear storage features a large pocket to stow your sail, another for your bar, and an additional bar holder, all in a low-profile, comfortable fit for both left- and right-handed riders.

Pocket Wing Belt

Discover our Impact Vest range, built for confidence, protection and freedom.
From potential crashes to long downwind runs, our impact vests are built to keep you safe and comfortable.

Impact Vests

Welcome to the team!

Scottish surfer and triathlete Israel Noble grew up in Fraserburgh alongside his younger brother Gabriel, immersed in a surf-loving family. Thriving in Scotland’s raw and unpredictable conditions, he has developed a sharp, competitive style that recently earned him the U18 Scottish Surfing Champion title. While also introduced to triathlon by his dad at age eight, and still very dedicated to this demanding sport, surfing remains his anchor, from chasing waves at Thurso East to sharing memorable sessions with family.

Gabriel Noble began surfing in 2020 and has quickly risen through the ranks, already representing Scotland at the 2024 European Junior Championships. Based in Fraserburgh, he was hooked from his first wave and now thrives on Scotland’s challenging conditions, always keeping it fun no matter the forecast. With a love for airs, foiling, and chasing perfect reef breaks, Gabriel embodies a positive spirit, reminding us all that the best surfer is the one having the most fun.

No. 1

@josh_gillitt
@charlesbrodel

Our Big Air riders Charles Brodel and Josh Gillitt went all-in at this year’s Red Bull King of the Air competition. Riding his foil, Charles kicked things off against reigning world champion and eventual winner, Lorenzo Casati. He moved to round two, packing his heat with ten powerful tricks, but bowed out by just 0.28 points. Josh also saw his run end in round two, leaving absolutely everything on the water. We couldn’t be prouder of the performance, progression, and heart these two put on display!

Watch Day 1
Watch Day 2

No. 2: Local Adventures

Yann Quilfen knows how to put every part of his foil to work, Brittany-style.
Always with salted butter, of course.

Watch Here

No. 3

After clinching the European title a few weeks ago, French surfer Eric Dargent became Vice-World Champion in Surf Stand3 for the fifth time in his career during the 2025 Para Surfing World Championships in Oceanside, California. On top of it, the French squad claimed the team title in the overall rankings for the third time in a row!

No. 4

Massive congrats to Catalina Turienzo for winning gold at the 2025 Formula Kite Youth World Championships in the Azores. Turienzo, already a double youth world champion, was determined to defend her crown and did just that!

No. 5

Maxime Chabloz was on fire at the GKA Kite World Tour Freestyle World Cup Taíba 2025! Coming in as the reigning world champion, he delivered clean tricks, incredible height, and flawless execution, even earning the sole 10.0 of the entire meet on his massive Backmobe 9. After three days of steady winds and fierce competition, Maxime finished 3rd in an all-time high-level final.

No. 6: Manera X Yüth Magazine

Want to ride in a fresh MANERA wetsuit?

We are teaming up with Yüth Magazine for this giveaway. All you have to do is head to Instagram, follow both MANERA and Yüth Magazine accounts, and tag 3 friends in the comments of this post.
A winner will be picked in the coming days. Try your luck!

Enter Now

Stay tuned for more!

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Manera Salty News: October ’25

READY TO ESCAPE

Discover the full range

Stay protected and prepared with our new OPEN SEA Impact Vest.
Its thicker foam offers extra protection and impact resistance, while large pockets and multiple attachment points keep all your essentials securely within reach. The adjustable waist strap ensures a secure, comfortable fit and allows for the attachment of a wing hook.

The REACT Impact Vest is built for riders who demand protection and comfort without restriction. Strategic padding protects where you need it most, while the thin harness zone guarantees comfort and freedom with any setup where you might need a harness, whether it be kiteboarding, wing foiling or pocket winging.

Learn More

Welcome to the Team

Jade grew up in Ucluelet in Canada, where cold-water surfing is simply a way of life.  Always eager to slide into a thick hooded wetsuit and paddle into a hardy winter swell—rain, shine, or snow—she thrives in the icy surf of Florencia Bay.
In 2024 at just 13, Jade already captured the Princess of the Peak crown, proving her determination and talent, and surfing with pure joy every day.

Dusty has been chasing waves since the age of 3, growing up on the beaches of Vancouver Island with surfing in his blood. Living off Tofino’s rugged coast, he thrives in the icy waters of Cox Bay, welcoming the challenge of cold conditions with a thick wetsuit and a smile. Inspired by his dad Raphael, Canada’s first pro surfer and a legend in the country’s surf community, Dusty skillfully balances progression with fun.

What Happened in the Salty Community?

No. 1

On October 24, kite foil boss Charles Brodel had himself a day in Sardinia! In the morning, he broke the Woo World Record, jumping at 37.2 meters high, before clinching second place at the Red Bull King of the Air Qualifier in the afternoon and securing a Golden Ticket for this year’s King of the Air!

No. 2: Local Adventures

Fellow Big Air rider Josh Gillitt took us off the beaten path to one of his secret spots near home for a local mission turned full send.

Watch Now

No. 3

Vive la France!

French surfer Eric Dargent became European Adaptative Surf Stand3 Champion in Galicia, Spain. A few weeks later, he claimed his fourth French national title!

Fellow Frenchman Ezio Bastianelli shone in his wing foiling freestyle events at the French National Championships. Reigning U16 freestyle World Champion, Ezio became national champion in the “Hopes” category, and vice-national champion in the “Open” catego

No. 4

Massive congrats to Michael Monteiro for taking out the European Rip Curl GromSearch in the Boys U14 category, held in Hossegor, France!
He has secured his ticket to the Rip Curl GromSearch International Final, which will gather continental champions in Hossegor once again from November 4th to 8th.

No. 5

Foil team fires up October!

Held in the UK, the Kernow Foil Classic, which MANERA proudly sponsored alongside F-ONE, was blessed with two days of clean swell and light offshore winds.

Tom Earl took the win in the prone foil event ahead of some seriously stiff competition, and the shot of him being carried to the podium says it all: good vibes, teamwork, and pure foiling stoke. Meanwhile, Leon Schiel lit up the wingfoil surf division to claim a well-earned second place.

Across the channel, Yann Quilfen brought home gold at the Crozon Foil Festival 2025, winning the Over-50 Men’s Downwind SUP Foil event.

No. 6

MANERA x Freeline Surf Shop

We’re stoked to announce our partnership with Freeline Surf Shop in Santa Cruz! Founded in 1969, Freeline has been family-owned and community-driven for over 50 years, and the shop now stands as a true icon of California surf culture. We’re proud to see MANERA gear on the shelves of such an authentic, ocean-rooted family business that lives and breathes the surf lifestyle.

Stay tuned for more!

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MANERA Honored to Partner with a Canadian Surf Legacy

Since 1984, Live To Surf has been the heartbeat of Canadian surfing. Founded by Liz Zed in Tofino, BC, what began as a small family shop in a 200 sq. ft. addition to her home has grown into Canada’s Original Surf Shop—the cornerstone of Tofino’s surf scene and the largest rental center in the country.

Live to Surf, circa 1984

Over four decades later, Live To Surf continues to lead the way in making surfing accessible to everyone. From humble beginnings on Chesterman Beach to becoming a key player in shaping Tofino’s identity as the Surf Capital of Canada, their journey is nothing short of legendary.

Manera is beyond stoked to be part of this legacy—partnering with such an iconic shop to showcase our premium wetsuits built for cold-water performance. Supporting a shop that has helped grow and inspire generations of surfers is an honor.

Here’s to the ones who live it, breathe it, and never stop chasing waves.
Live To Surf x Manera
Born from the ocean. Built for it.

Check out Live to Surf