Kelly Slater (USA) didn't bring home a 12th ASP World Championship trophy from the Billabong Pipe Masters. But he's planning to return to Hawaii's North Shore in the new year for some relaxation and reflection: "After the Tour's over I just try to have some time to myself, some quiet time. Try to give it a few weeks before I reflect too much on it. I usually reflect a little bit that day [the last of a season], and then not until like January or February. Then try to think about how the year went and what else I want to do next time."
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- WSL / Kirstin Scholtz
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Despite an early elimination from Pipe, Jadson Andre (BRA) showed true grit in heavy conditions. But his post-event plans are decidedly lower key: "I'll go home; I haven't gone home for at least nine months. I'm gonna play a lot of poker with my friends. Only a hundred bucks." How hard does he charge at the card table? "I'm good enough to beat them."
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- WSL / Damien Poullenot/ Aquashot
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Between winning his first Big Wave World Tour event and welcoming a new baby into the world, it has been a big year for Hawaiian icon Makuakai Rothman. New Year's should bring some much-needed R&R amid festivities: "It's pretty crazy in Hawaii, everybody likes to shoot off fireworks. We'll probably just go to my auntie's and sing songs and enjoy time with the family."
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- WSL / Steve Sherman
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Former ASP World Champion Mick Fanning (AUS) didn't win a fourth Title at Pipe, but he is ready for more adventure now that the season is over. "We'll go snowboarding for New Year's and try and get some good powder. We're going to Utah, so it should be good fun." Fantasy players with the Aussie as a frequent first-tier pick need not worry about the risks involved. "I've been snowboarding on and off for about five years so it could be a good warmup."
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- WSL / Kirstin Scholtz
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John John Florence is all about being home on Hawaii's North Shore during the holidays. "There’s no more contests, no more stress, no more pressure. Enjoy surfing at home, hang out with my friends and family. I haven’t been home all year, so it’s nice to be there relaxing." New Year's Eve might feature snowboarding -- but only if there's no swell. "I don’t want to miss any good [ones]."
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- WSL / Kirstin Scholtz
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New dad and World No. 18 Kai Otton (AUS) is headed away from the water for the holidays. "I’ll be going down the South Coast, six hours south of Sydney. My uncle’s got a farm and we go camping. New Year's comes together when we get down the coast.
One of my friends there has a new house, so he’s maybe going to have a New Year’s party. I’ve got a little boy, seven months, so I can’t really get too [crazy]. I don’t want to have the worst hangover!"
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- WSL / Kirstin Scholtz
7 of 8
After an incredible comeback from injury, it's no surprise that Courtney Conlogue (USA) has big plans for 2015: "I will go into the new year with no regrets and enjoy all the moments; even the simple ones. I want to improve my golf game. Meet as many of my goals as possible and enjoy the journeys that they provide."
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- WSL / Cestari
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Of all of the pros, newly minted World Champion Gabriel Medina (BRA) has the most to celebrate. "I’m going to do a trip with some friends in Brazil. We’re going to Florianópolis to hang out. It’s so long that I haven’t seen them, so we’re going to go there and cruise. Just a normal life." It will be the first time that the phenom will be away from his family to ring in the new year. "I’m always with them, but I’ll take some time with my friends. Something different to enjoy myself." See how the trip is going on Medina's Social Status.
- WSL / Damien Poullenot/ Aquashot
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- WSL / Damien Poullenot/ Aquashot
3 of 8
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Between winning his first Big Wave World Tour event and welcoming a new baby into the world, it has been a big year for Hawaiian icon Makuakai Rothman. New Year's should bring some much-needed R&R amid festivities: "It's pretty crazy in Hawaii, everybody likes to shoot off fireworks. We'll probably just go to my auntie's and sing songs and enjoy time with the family."
Pro Plans: World's Best Celebrate NYE
WSL
Kelly Slater (USA) didn't bring home a 12th ASP World Championship trophy from the Billabong Pipe Masters. But he's planning to return to Hawaii's North Shore in the new year for some relaxation and reflection: "After the Tour's over I just try to have some time to myself, some quiet time. Try to give it a few weeks before I reflect too much on it. I usually reflect a little bit that day [the last of a season], and then not until like January or February. Then try to think about how the year went and what else I want to do next time."
Despite an early elimination from Pipe, Jadson Andre (BRA) showed true grit in heavy conditions. But his post-event plans are decidedly lower key: "I'll go home; I haven't gone home for at least nine months. I'm gonna play a lot of poker with my friends. Only a hundred bucks." How hard does he charge at the card table? "I'm good enough to beat them."
Between winning his first Big Wave World Tour event and welcoming a new baby into the world, it has been a big year for Hawaiian icon Makuakai Rothman. New Year's should bring some much-needed R&R amid festivities: "It's pretty crazy in Hawaii, everybody likes to shoot off fireworks. We'll probably just go to my auntie's and sing songs and enjoy time with the family."
Former ASP World Champion Mick Fanning (AUS) didn't win a fourth Title at Pipe, but he is ready for more adventure now that the season is over. "We'll go snowboarding for New Year's and try and get some good powder. We're going to Utah, so it should be good fun." Fantasy players with the Aussie as a frequent first-tier pick need not worry about the risks involved. "I've been snowboarding on and off for about five years so it could be a good warmup."
John John Florence is all about being home on Hawaii's North Shore during the holidays. "There’s no more contests, no more stress, no more pressure. Enjoy surfing at home, hang out with my friends and family. I haven’t been home all year, so it’s nice to be there relaxing." New Year's Eve might feature snowboarding -- but only if there's no swell. "I don’t want to miss any good [ones]."
New dad and World No. 18 Kai Otton (AUS) is headed away from the water for the holidays. "I’ll be going down the South Coast, six hours south of Sydney. My uncle’s got a farm and we go camping. New Year's comes together when we get down the coast. One of my friends there has a new house, so he’s maybe going to have a New Year’s party. I’ve got a little boy, seven months, so I can’t really get too [crazy]. I don’t want to have the worst hangover!"
After an incredible comeback from injury, it's no surprise that Courtney Conlogue (USA) has big plans for 2015: "I will go into the new year with no regrets and enjoy all the moments; even the simple ones. I want to improve my golf game. Meet as many of my goals as possible and enjoy the journeys that they provide."
Of all of the pros, newly minted World Champion Gabriel Medina (BRA) has the most to celebrate. "I’m going to do a trip with some friends in Brazil. We’re going to Florianópolis to hang out. It’s so long that I haven’t seen them, so we’re going to go there and cruise. Just a normal life." It will be the first time that the phenom will be away from his family to ring in the new year. "I’m always with them, but I’ll take some time with my friends. Something different to enjoy myself." See how the trip is going on Medina's Social Status.
Between winning his first Big Wave World Tour event and welcoming a new baby into the world, it has been a big year for Hawaiian icon Makuakai Rothman. New Year's should bring some much-needed R&R amid festivities: "It's pretty crazy in Hawaii, everybody likes to shoot off fireworks. We'll probably just go to my auntie's and sing songs and enjoy time with the family."