Maz Quinn 20 years ago at Ha'atafu in a winter south swell
We are all going slightly crazy in lockdown and it is quite hard to to think outside of our respective bubbles. But last week our tropical playgrounds got absolutely nailed by Cyclone Harold. The Solomans, Vanuatu, Tonga and Fiji were all hit hard and they seem further away than ever at this time.
Dean Amess on the same piece of Tongan reef as Maz in a north swell just 15 years ago
The Burlings and the surf resort they created 41 years ago got hit super hard. Ha'atafu Beach Resort on the west coast of Tongatapu has long been a go to for Kiwi surfers wanting to escape the cold clutches of winter. It's close, it's cheap, it has a bunch of set ups all within walking distance... it's easy. Don't get me started about the epic dinner buffets...so fricken good!!!
Steve Burling, the OG, the patriarch of the whanau and founder of Ha'atafu. Now retired and living in Ahipara with his wife Sesika
I've been fortunate to enjoy the Burlings' hospitality four times over the last 20 years. You don't return that many times if it isn't something special. In winter south swells pour up from the Antarctic turning on all the left hand set ups, the most famous being Motels, aptly named as it's the one straight out in front of Ha'atafu. In summer north swells push down turning on all the right hand set ups, some of which are truly world class.
Luke Hughes, 2005 at/in one of the South Pacific's premier waves
Mischa Davis on one of Tongatapu's outer reefs
Deano in a Tongan north swell...how's the line up!
Tongan paradise and better days
Ha'atafu beach and marine reserve
Before…
Now
There is a Givealittle page set up for the Burlings to help them get back on their feet. Wouldn't it be amazing if every Kiwi surfer that has surfed Motels threw down a cheeky 50...a round of Ikhale's.
The page is HERE
Thanks to everyone that visited Recreational Society you guys made for a solid spike in traffic.