Balaram Stack, Cali pivot, US

Balaram Stack, pictured here, is a big hit with Stab for many reasons, mostly because he is New York’s best surfer, but also because of his penchant for enjoying life. Case in point: Bal flies over from the East Coast to enter the Vans US Open of Surfing trials, doesn’t do so hot (see also: loses), and decides to pass the rest of the week by renting a 30 foot motor home with a coupla buddies, parking it on PCH near the event site, and rocking outta the thing for the rest of the week. Considering some of the sights that’re swimming around, this is an excellent idea. “He might just be genius,” concurs Tom Carey, who shot this photo of Balaram this morning at Newport. “Especially since now guys are starting to lose in the main event, the parties will start turning on more and more as the week progresses. It’ll start going apeshit.”