"Just Getting One Wave Out Here Means You're In Debt Forever" - Stab Mag

Watch: The Electric Acid Surfboard Test, Starring Shaun Manners

3618 Views
Photo by Jimmy Wilson — @jimmicane

“Just Getting One Wave Out Here Means You’re In Debt Forever”

Watch Balaram Stack spear fish and contemplate defending his Vans Pipe Masters triumph.

cinema // Oct 25, 2023
Words by Holden Trnka
Reading Time: < 1 minute

The Vans Pipe Masters is due for a return and, with sand already sweeping nicely off the reef amid a blossoming El Niño, we’re expecting a more traditional Pipe showing than last year.

Which isn’t to say that last year wasn’t substantial — it was actually quite large and frightening, just imperfect.

Despite that, Balaram Stack ignited an unrelenting blaze of impeccable wave selection and slack-shouldered chandelier negotiation. In return, he hoisted his first ever trophy at a wave he’s dedicated the past couple decades to.

The win — celebrated with his dear mother Mary — capped off a remarkable year for the native New Yorkers coming in conjunction with the release of his long awaited profile film ‘Hail Mary’.

Tracking Bal down to shoot the above profile clip proved rather difficult — between last minute Namibia strike missions, fishing trips, passport issues, and a life split between Hawaii, California, and New York, the surefooted goof can be quite elusive.

We finally linked with him at the Volcom house — which he has rightfully earned a royal room in — for a day of spearfishing and conversation about Mother Pipeline. Click above for some thoughtful articulation regarding his uniquely anthropomorphic relationship with the wave that has given him everything.

“It’s a World Title for me  — if I could do that again, I wouldn’t know how to pay her back.”

Comments

Comments are a Stab Premium feature. Gotta join to talk shop.

Already a member? Sign In

Want to join? Sign Up

Advertisement

Most Recent

Why Is The WSL (Really) Not Going To J-Bay In 2024?

An analysis of politics, exchange rates and sponsorship dollars at South Africa's premier point.

Dec 3, 2023

Teahupo’o Reef “Massacred” By Olympic Barge

Should surfers boycott the IOC?

Dec 3, 2023

Two Percent’s “Smooch” Starts With Kanye, Ends With Crosby, Lives Up To The Hype

A visual representation of California's world-class surf renaissance.

Dec 2, 2023

The Electric Acid Surfboard Test Starring Shaun Manners, Episode Two

Solitude at last.

Dec 1, 2023

“It’s A Huge Cash Prize And We Never Make Money Anymore — We’re All Only Thinking About Winning”

Nine young talents respond and reflect on their 2023 Vans Pipe Masters invites.

Dec 1, 2023

The Floater: Relevant Roof Ride Or Unflushable Turd?

Careful what you wish for, floater haters. Because in a surf world without them, Kelly…

Nov 30, 2023

Full Frame: Portuguese Serendipity 

Torrey Meister by Joao Bracourt, somewhere in southern Portugal.

Nov 28, 2023

Red Bull No Contest Drops Anchor In Tahiti, Gets Treated To Region’s Deadly/Non-Deadly Waves + Address Tower Controversy

Featuring the first man to surf Teahupo’o, the Spartan, and two (likely) future Olympic medallists. 

Nov 28, 2023

Russell Bierke’s SEOTY ‘Snapped’ Noa Deane + Conjured Demonic Screams At The Opening Prem In Milton

‘Not many people treat big, solid waves like a fucking play pen,” explains Noz.

Nov 28, 2023

The 10th SEOTY Entry Features The Odd 13-Second Cathedral

Watch ISA World Junior Champ Grayson Hinrichs in 'Surfish'.

Nov 26, 2023

Jai Glindeman Samples Parko’s ‘Golden Child’ Board, Unlocks New Facets Of Already-Stellar Surfing

Come bask in the ascension.

Nov 25, 2023

Full Frame: Line ‘Em Up

The other Desert Point by Alan Van Gysen.

Nov 24, 2023

Shaun Manners Paddled 47.25 km In 2.5 Days On A Pie And Beer Diet, And All He Got Was This Stupid Stab Series

Sweat matters. Manners sweats.

Nov 23, 2023

QS-ANON: The Argument Against A Regionalized Tour

Competitors have fewer opportunities and longer gaps between them. 

Nov 22, 2023

Did You Know Dillon Perillo Is One Of Dane Reynolds’ Favorite Surfers?

Here's what happened to the guy who went toe-to-toe with JJF in Dear Suburbia.

Nov 21, 2023

Red Bull No Contest Gets Popped By Morocco’s Endless Pleasure Points, The Biggest Mosque In Africa

“Came for six days, stayed for two months.”

Nov 21, 2023

A Keg-Packing Aussie Barista Who Once Visited The Emerald Isles And Never Left

SEOTY: Noah Lane in 'Blow in'.

Nov 21, 2023

Eyeball: The 60 Surfers In The 2023 Vans Pipe Masters 

Invitees include: John Florence, Carissa Moore, Russell Bierke, Shaun Manners, Bruno Santos, Bethany Hamilton +…

Nov 21, 2023
Advertisement