5 Things You Missed From Episode One Of Vans Stab High, Non-Chlorine

Ya missed it! Or did you?

Vans Stab High, Non-Chlorine presented by Monster Energy premiered last night. Being a lowly intern from Florida, it was the first time I got to see anything from the project. The principals of this so-called “magazine” don’t share anything with me. Haven’t even been invited to the Christmas party yet. Yet. 

For those who missed the big show, you can still watch it for free above (apparently episodes 3 & 4 will be PPV). Or if you’re short on time, below are five of the biggest takeaways from episode one.

1. “Who the fuck is Sebastian Williams?”

This should be the last time you hear that phrase. Most pro surfers can throw an air, but not all look comfortable doing so. Many struggle with composure above the lip, and seem to be checking a box rather than connecting the dots. Sebastian is not one of those surfers. Spring-loaded, clean, and energetic, it’s hard to believe this is his first Mentawai Islands boat trip. The swell during episode 1 may be a touch on the smaller side, but Mr. Williams seems to have no problem launching backflip after backflip. I haven’t seen all the episodes yet, but I have $20 on Sebastian taking home the dough.

2. The Vans Ladybirds are frickin’ gnarly

After our previous Vans Stab High experience in Waco, we learned that the Ladybirds can throw an air or three. While a group of teenage girls known as the Ladybirds may not sound so terrifying on paper, this isn’t paper (remember, “magazine”). These young ladies can stick late drops and pack barrels that would send most of us to the ER with reef-induced concussions. Airborne maneuvers aren’t exactly commonplace in women’s WSL heats today, but it should only be a few more years until the Ladybirds change that and stomp their way to the podium.

Eric Geiselman: Bad at clocks, good at other things

Oh Lark, what are we gonna do with ya? Mr. Geiselman seems to have a loose grasp on the difference between AM and PM, which can be a bit of a problem when you’re supposed to be on a secret boat trip, thousands of miles away in the Ments. Checking his phone after a session at Lowers, Eric realized his itinerary-based blunder and was able to snag a backup flight and hitch a speedboat ride to meet the crew. It’s a good thing Lark can surf at such a high caliber, because no other work environment would tolerate such tardiness.

Air reverse or LOTR?

The legitimacy of the air reverse has always been questionable. While we common folk may have trouble getting our fins out of the water, many pros view air reverses as the cutback of airs. An easy rotation with a high success rate.  What exactly defines an air reverse, and where did it come from? You’ll have to watch the video for the answer to that one. Nathan Fletcher is one of the few people we trust enough to give a proper explanation. 

Surfers are in charge

Toward the end of the episode, all the surfers on the boat are discussing whether they should stay at HTs or head to Macaronis for the incoming swell. That’s something I’ve never seen in a competitive surf environment. Pro surfers handpicking the wave they want to use for atmospheric exploration? Sign me up. This style of contest is unconventional, which is exactly what professional surfing needs right now.

Like I said before, I haven’t seen the full series yet. Episode 1 doesn’t seem to be the meat and potatoes of Stab Non-Chlorine, but it’s got just enough to make ya itchy for episode 2. Tune in next week for bigger waves and (presumably) higher airs.