Bill, and probably the turn that got him number 8
Leana and Billy Stairmand, Sean Peggs, the Gorgeous Ange and some dodgey old fart.
I love the Nationals being at Piha. It’s a tough call, there is a part of me that groans…not again, all the shredders taking our waves. But the overwhelming thing is that it is a chance to shoot a bunch of different surfers in the backyard. It’s also a time to catch up with old mates, talk shit and just have some fun. Our house gets filled with a semi regular cast of hopefuls. Love hosting.
Billy
Peggsy
I didn’t get the contract to be the official photographer this time around. While I do love that role normally, this time round I was very happy not to. There was a plan in place; shoot the free surfs around the day in, day out heats.
Peggsy
Bilbo
Our house has a reputation, it’s the lucky house. It’s a bit of a running joke, but the fact remains every Nationals we seem to claim at least one National Title. It helps that 8x Open National Champion Billy Stairmand is always one of our temporary flatmates. Last week we walked away with a full house of champs. Both Billy and Sean Peggs won a National Title, Sean winning the Seniors, the Over 30’s.
First day paddle outs
Local Liv Brown Hysom revelling in dawn
Peggsy loving having a week off driving his Mac
The Keyhole Krew out in support for Dune Kennings during his Semi final, unfortunately he missed out on a 0.5 decision
Dune
There was a quite a strict [voluntary] daily regime in place. Caffeinated and smoothies by 6am, down the beach by 6.30. Surf, shoot. Check the comp site. Surf or compete again. Cruise back at the house. Surf. Dinner, good food, bed by 9.30 pm. Repeat. Long gone are the trips into Auckland’s nightclubs over the hill. This is serious stuff. Clearly the routine of clean living works.
Ava Henderson, U16 and U 18 Champ and Open finalist... watch out NZ
ahhh I couldn't help myself aye, ended up shooting the finals day all day. Great to see Dan Procter win another Longboard Title
Our new queen, Gizzy's Saffi Vette took down the big names to clench her first open title
Her bro Finn took out the Juniors too!
Mini Hutch aka Taylor Hutchinson, made the Open Finals, but you'd kind of expect him to
Kehu Butler gave Billy a real run for his 8th Open Title...like REAL RUN. It was close, but Bill linked more big turns per wave, just edging out Kehu
It was cool to have both Ella Williams and Paige Hareb competing in the Nats again, both made the final and went hard
The house is filled with laughter. I love that. When it’s all over there’s a few days of separation anxiety…where have the buddies gone!? Back to normality. Or in this case off on a surf trip, more about that next week.
