The Red Bulletin

change of heart

Many people struggle with change—they’re more secure with the familiar than uncertainty. But often the most exciting transformations occur when folks step out of their comfort zone. Just ask Izzi Gomez, the subject of our cover story, “The Natural” (page 24). The 21-year-old pro surfer is a five-time SUP world champion, but she decided to avoid the safe route and instead seek new challenges: To become a top big-wave surfer and compete on the Championship Tour. Don’t bet against her. This issue is full of people taking big chances. “The Fastest Girl in the Village” (page 70) profiles a rider who became the first girl in her Lesotho community to try BMX—and now she’s going to a world championship. And “Beyond Impossible” (page 50) ponders the exploits of Marc-André Leclerc, an…

contributors this issue

ABBY LEE HOOD “Everywhere I see T-Stacks skate, he’s the best and friendliest expert there,” says the Nashville-based writer who interviewed dance pioneer Terron “T-Stacks” Frank. “I was delighted to talk with a roller skater with such diverse experience and highlight someone who deserves a lot more attention.” Hood has written for local outlets such as Nashville Scene, as well as Teen Vogue and the New York Times. Page 14 LEE NXUMALO The Johannesburg-based writer traveled down to Lesotho in Southern Africa to interview pump track racer Khothalang Leuta, but the journey there wasn’t without its challenges. “The most challenging part was planning to go to Lesotho in the face of constant changes in COVID restrictions. It was a lot of running around like a headless chicken, but I got to meet some…

second wind

“I’M LUCKY TO BE WHO I AM, HOW I AM, WHEN I AM.” Robby Naish was born in La Jolla, California, in 1963—five years before the first patent for a sailboard was filed. In 1976, he won the Windsurfer World Championships at just 13 years old. It would be the first of 24 windsurfing world titles he’d claim over the next two decades. “There wasn’t the slightest thought it might lead somewhere,” says Naish today. “There was no career path. I was just along for the adventure and trying as best I could, in case it lasted a little bit longer.” More than four decades later, it’s fair to say it has. At 58, Naish is still flipping his sailboard, and the sport, on its head. He’s a living legend but even…

roller king

Terron “T-Stacks” Frank used to have to beg people to come to his favorite skate rinks around the country, including his home base, Rivergate Skate Center, located just outside Nashville, Tennessee. But these days, they’re showing up without prodding—a welcome sight after months of rink closures. “I’m seeing skaters I haven’t seen in five or ten years come out,” says the 32-year-old, Riedell-sponsored rhythm and dance skater. Even on the hardwood, it’s easy to mistake Frank for an ice skater or a ballet dancer with his athletic grace and viral-ready moves. He can bust out choreography worthy of a music video or twirl endlessly on the toes of one foot. In one YouTube video, Frank dizzyingly spins no less than 25 times, a performance that echoes an Olympic-level ice skating competition.…

balance of power

“Travel with no expectations and your camera by your side,” adventure sports photographer Tyler Roemer told the BBC in 2012. “You never know what you’re going to see.” It’s an ethos shared by Brian Mosbaugh, an athlete and stuntman from Utah whose nomadic lifestyle allows him to indulge his passions for BASE-jumping, slacklining and climbing worldwide. For this shoot in Yosemite Valley—the spiritual home of highlining—Mosbaugh had two feet on a line almost 2,000 feet above the ground; Roemer had one finger on the button. tylerroemer.com; Instagram: moabmonkey…

soul to the sole

When soul music blew up in the early 1960s, Todd Bridges’ father was barely a child. While soul has evolved into myriad styles, it’s this traditional sound—rooted in gospel, jazz and R&B—that can be heard in the music of 32-year-old Todd, better known as Leon Bridges. The Texan-born singer-songwriter rose to fame in 2015 with his top-10 hit “Coming Home” and four years later won a Grammy for the song “Bet Ain’t Worth the Hand.” Bridges has collaborated with the likes of Common and John Mayer and performed for Barack Obama’s 55th birthday at the White House. But he’s also an accomplished dancer from his college years. Here he shares four irresistible grooves. Leon Bridges’ new album, Gold-Diggers Sound, is out now; leonbridges.com YUNG NATION “CLUB ROCK” (2012) “This tune is a big…