The 285 Edition
Is that a good thing? I dunno, but there it is 285 web logs deep, that's a lot of photos and dribble. I'm not the most consistent web logger, at web log school the first lesson is be regular, be frequent...that's not happening here, over the last few months there's been too much real work and surf to be locked behind the keyboard. This year, and this is not a New Years Reso, the plan is to get back to consistent, interesting posts. So here's a wee catchup...
The last shoot for 2021 was for Dave Woods, aka Woody's Movement Workshop. The shoot was with two of his highest profile clients, Blood Diamond [left] and Israel Adesanya. Woody's training is focussed on breathing under stress, controlling your thoughts and body at the most critical times. I kept my cool (I think) didn't fan boy out too hard. And felt like the brief was nailed for Woody.
...And Deeeeen Holiday X
Whangamata was super fun the last few weeks, fun waves on the beach. A nice routine, get up for a dawny photo shoot; like these ones above and below. Then cruise, coupley casual paddles, give the nieces and nephews a surf lesson...just cruise.
It's Nationals Week!!!
Could've, should've gone, have FOMO now all the pix are feeding through. The Surfing Nationals is always sick for catch ups with old mates. This year...this week the Nationals are in Westport, the last time it was there was 25 years ago...a 1/4 century...and yep I was there. It was a mixed bag of the Nats actually, some tough calls on Lay Days and then some really challenging west coast at Tauranga Bay. Andrew 'Pando' Robinson won the Open, it was a shock victory, not that Pando wasn't capable of winning, it was more he finally strung a run the heats together. He became the people's champ, and his surfing over the next year soared with new found confidence. This year SISA are celebrating the 25th year return of the Nationals with this...
I have the dubious honour of being the the guy to supply the images along the bottom there in the film strip. It's a pretty damn cool piece, thoughtfully curated by Mainland legend Russ Ritchie. It's being auctioned on TradeMe right now. Proceeds go to SISA...ie South Island Surfing Association. You should bid! You can HERE
Booky Books
Kiwi author James Russell sent me his new book to review a month back. Mine is a fast paced novel about a Gold Coast surfer's dark journey through Indonesia after his mother passes and his girlfriend cheats on him. I mean what would you do if all that happened, bail on a surf mish to clear the noggin aye. Our protagonist Jimmy self destructs his way up the archipelago. To be really honest, I did not enjoy the violence in this book, I just wonder if so many conflicts were needed to string the events together. That said, I loved James's descriptions of surf and waves. He has you visualising every section, creditably, something very rare in surf literature. If you like a bit of biffo, murder and epic waves, then Mine is well worth a read. You can get Mine at all book stores nation wide...google it.
And Of Course
I made a book last year too. And yep they are going! You are now able to walk into a book store nationwide to get a copy of The Recreationalists. It's also in fine retail outlets like all the North Beach stores, The Garden Party, West Supply, Haus Blank , The Poi Room/s, NZ Shred, Exit Surf, Barkers, Shut The Front Door, Salt Air, Sadhana and Kanuka... I've missed tons, but the point is, it's around. If you don't want to get around though, check out The Recreationalists book HERE.
From The Galleries
Whanga wasn't quite doing this the last few weeks...but it sure wasn't bad either, and look out Cyclone Cody! Anyway, here's what is deemed a Whanga Bar classic...long swell lines pouring down the Bar and into the bay, sand in vintage form. Check it out bigger HERE