2017 has kicked off and there has been no shortage of inspirational surfing stories. Here's the key quotes from surfing's key players in what was an action packed start to the New Year.
Aaron Gold all smiles only minutes after being brought back to life. - WSL / Frame Grab
"To hear Mark [Healey] saying, ‘You've got two daughters at home, you can't do this. Aaron come back to life, it's way too early, this is not your time.'"
Billy Kemper recalls Mark Healey's words as he fought, successfully, to bring big-wave surfer Aaron Gold back to life in Fiji. Taken from the inspirational profile on Gold, Alive and Well
Parko surfing the way he wants to surf: smooth and powerful. - WSL / Damien Poullenot
"I'm just surfing the way that I want to surf and taking advantage of the benefits we have while being on tour. There's a lot of stresses and a lot of crap that you can take in when you are really focused on it."
Joel Parkinson on enjoying his last years on tour.
Fanning adds another medal to his bulging trophy cabinet. - WSL / Kelly Cestari
"This is right up there with the World Titles, I couldn't believe it, really. I'm chuffed and very honored."
Mick Fanning on receiving an Order of Australia medal of honor for service to surfing as a professional competitor at the national and international level and as a supporter of a wide range of charitable foundations.
Have guitar, will strum. - WSL
"I think surfing and music are both forms of meditation for me, places where I feel most at ease or most free. Growing up on the North Shore has made me tough, too, but also overall a lover of life."
Big-wave surfer and musician with a top reggae album on iTunes, Landon McNamara.
In waves like this, a fired-up Kelly Slater is always hard to beat. - WSL / Will H-S
"If we could get a guarantee that Cloudbreak, Teahupo'o and Pipe were going to be firing, Kelly would be my pick for World Champ. Without that guarantee I'd have to go with Medina."
WSL Commentator Ronnie Blakey pulls out his crystal ball.
Hayes has been a mentor and friend to many of Hawaii's best surfers. - WSL / Duncan Macfarlane
"I had the good fortune to get knocked around by Andy Irons from his prime 'til his passing."
Rainos Hayes talks through his long and successful career as a surf coach.
Erickson had her best year on tour in 2016. - WSL / Laurent Masurel
"I'm also proud to know that little voice in my head from God three years ago telling me to get back on tour was right and I didn't use or take advantage of anyone along the way to get there!"
Sage Erickson is getting advice from all the right sources.
Tanner is always smiling, even when the blood is flying. - WSL / Kelly Cestari
"The level is higher than it's ever been and there's not any more spots on the CT, so it's just…epic. It's like a bloodbath to make it."
Tanner Gudauskas on just how hard it is to make the jump from the Qualifying Series to the Championship Tour.