Mckenzie Bowden's Decade by craig levers

In 2012, both Mckenzie and his younger brother Tane Bowden were fast becoming the grubs to beat on the New Zealand circuit. Their dad Drew hauled them around the nation to all the comps. The family relocated from Whangamata to Victoria. Both Mckenzie and Tane started doing really well on the grom circuits there too. It would appear their pathway was set, become WQS surfers, attract lucrative sponsorships deals. You know it, the old carrot and stick. Well, a decade on, that's not quite been the path. Mckenzie’s overt sense of humour, and quite frankly epic dance moves are entertaining his 36K+ Insty followers

Manu Scott-Arrieta, Mackenzie and Tane at the Piha Billabong Grom comp 2012 

Mckenzie 2013 on his way to a credible 4th in the Nationals U16 Juniors

Mckenzie, Corban Hutchings, Elliot Paerata-Reid and Dune Kennings on the podium 2013 

With the border open Mckenzie seized the chance to skip home over the ditch. He and old grom comp sparring partner Elliot Paerata-Reid kidnapped Piha grub Bill Byers for an epic southern roadie. The clips the trio have made are hilarious.

Mckenzie stoking on being back in the homeland

"We are working on a webclip, Elliot just got all this new camera gear and he's super frothing on getting creative with it, we get along really well and decided to go on a trip together and get creative capturing some footage... we saw a south swell hitting NZ so we boosted to the South Island... It felt amazing to be back in the homeland after not being back for a proper surf trip for about 8 years. "

Hard to believe this was just a week ago. Sure ain't today out west! 

On Leaving The Homeland: 

After spending our grom years in NZ learning to surf, as a family our parents were looking to expand a future for us all. We moved to Bells because we have family there and job opportunities for the parents were more expansive. Obviously there is a big industry with surfing in Australia so it just felt right. After a few years in Bells think we just got over the cold and decided to go to the warm Gold Coast and mix it up with the thousands of best friends in the line up out Snapper... so far so good!

Full style bandit in and out of the briny 

Contesting; 
I realised as I competed in a few comps in Australia that competing just wasn't for me, I didn't have the drive or the funds to support myself getting to contests. And I honestly, just could't surf in a heat to save my life so that kinda took the fun out of surfing for me. There was a window where I fell out of love with the the reason I surfed so I had to collect myself and remember why I did it in the first place.  I realised I can just surf because i love the feeling of chasing waves going to new places meeting people and experiencing different cultures. So I would work any job and save for little surf trips.

Say What You do; 
I’d say you got a few hrs, so I can chew ya ear off! Haha I'd say I’m just a salty dirty little hippi surf bum that loves the ocean and riding waves so I spend most of my time working towards assessing where I want to go to catch waves, proximately rights! Haha sounds so cheesy when I’m writing this...

Genetics; 
Yeah Dad is an amazing musician, my brother Tane and I grew up watching Dad play late night in pubs playing gigs while on the road then we would shoot off to the coast the next day. I reckon it definitely has helped me to feel comfortable in front of the camera even though I’m not haha! think it has helped me get out of my comfort zone for sure

Employment;
I was helping the old fella with Landscaping there for a bit so he was pretty good with certain days I asked to have off if the surf was good. But now I'm on the road living like a bum assessing trips to get good wave and places I want to go to keep creating footage surfing and dancing around hahaha pretty loose schedule really so I’lll have to get back to you on that one.

Is Bill Byers about to get a haircut, dive deep grom! 

Being home; 
Yeahh! Just being back in the homeland after not being back for years felt so god damn good! Beautiful scenery and nature everywhere... when I saw you the other day we had a fun session out at Piha. The waves were nice and I was just looking back at the mountains pinching myself feeling grateful, so you caught me in a good state! 

Check out Mckenzie’s Instagram account for some of the funniest clips HERE

 

 From The Galleries

Piha Storm Pano; seems very appropriate for the weather we are having, love a good wild west storm and swell event. Wanna see it bigger, or maybe even look at print options? Well you can HERE

Another Bite At The Cake by craig levers

How did 'You can't have your cake and eat it too' even become a saying? Surely the reason you 'HAVE' the cake is to a least get a couple of cheeky slices yourself. It's mean spirited, while the concept could be valid ie you can't retain/have it, because by eating it then it is all gone. . It's a dumb saying, 'cos if you save it then it's going stale. You've enjoyed it, you've HAD it. We got served up some more tasty slices of dessert this week, and those that were there relished in its sweetness.

oooosh, there it is

Not a one off

Michael Dunstan...literally in his front yard

In the happy place

Laurie Flint on his 5'10 twin

Haaaaaapy

Matty Bedford, no happy portrait needed with that tubular expression

Bourne Buirski, laying down an Occy turn

The welcome return of Mackenzie Bowden, while he's resided on the Goldy for a fair while now, and unable to get back to NZ until now because of lockdowns he's stoking on the Kiwi vibe. He's just done an epic South Island roady with Elliot Paerata-Reid and Bill Byers

Fair to say that asymmetric goes very well

Mack loving his time back home

Bill Byers, the host [Mack's Piha host] with the most

Yeah Bill with his dirty lil sanchez

Connor Pere looks on at what is going to be the end of this west window. Onshores and a big ass 5 metre swell filling in later this week.

From The Galleries

Piha Layers love the timelessness of this pano, the symmetry of the west coast headlands the autumn warmth. Wanna see it bigger, or maybe even look at print options? Well you can HERE

Threading Needles In Haystacks by craig levers

It's THAT time of the year, winter is really showing up. After the epic summer we've had, I for one, am struggling with the concept of grown up pants [trousers] and extra layers. The windows of surf are narrowing out west. It felt like Nor-east had been the new trade-wind for summer. We are back to Sou-west soup du jour. But that's not say its all bad.... no wait... yeah it's all bad, stuff it, I'm not gonna silver line this; not a fan of winter. NZ Summers rule.

Over the last week there have been some quality west windows. You had to be on it, pick your tides, flag previous engagements. Relish in the randomness.

perfect little sand bar...for a day or two last week

Shay Rainger back from compressing his already smashed C5 /C6 and his second spinal fuse. Yeah bossy

Gap water spikes

How to surf a twin fin

Peter Harding aka Greedy, too soon for a hood Greedy...c'mon bro, you're making me feel cold

And then at the other end of spectrum. A 2 hour window of wind, tide and rare swell angle. The happy place.

Dune Kennings found some of the better ones

And some of the better ones weren't found

Dune and one of the frames featuring on Surfline HERE

Tim Bailey got his fair share and made the Surfline cut too

Foam cave

The one that sent me in for dinner

From The Galleries

Piha Layers love the timelessness of this pano, the symmetry of the west coast headlands the autumn warmth. Wanna see it bigger, or maybe even look at print options? Well you can HERE

Navy Seals by craig levers

One of the latest big canvases commissioned 


It's weird that I can recall just about every detail from a good shoot aye? Like this one, it's Haratoanga, Great Barrier Island. I was on a family boat trip and was scouting possible images for The Big Little Beach Book [it's sold out and out of print now]. The evening before this end of the beach was scoped, looked good. My brother Kent and I got up before dawn and took the tender in. I'd like to think it looked like a Navy Seals Opp, me with my Pelican case and us both beanied up and in our wetties, just in case the inflatable took a tumble in the shorey. We wouldn't have had looked like Navy Seals.  The morning was perfect, not a breath of wind. I set up in the middle of the stream's shallows, if you look closely you can see the sandy bottom. Framed up the Pohutukawa and its reflection. Then waited for the ripples to dissipate. Shot the pano, felt good. Turned around, ushered Kent out of the frame and shot this. Back to the boat for coffee and bacon and eggs. A perfect morning.  

Both these panos were used in The Big Little Beach Book. And if that's all that happened with them, that's more than enough. However, for the last decade the PhotoCPL website has been building. Signature images added for clients to buy. It's been a good income stream to be frank. Probably not as busy as wanted, but the prints and canvases are a significant part of what I do. I'd love for it to be all I do, like trip around the country in the camper, making panoramics knowing that you're making something people may want. Fair to say there's a lot of photogs out there dreaming and trying to do that too. 

Here's a terrible phone pic of Pohutukawa Reflection on canvas at 1600mm wide. Which is a custom size. The real print is bewty, took me back to the morning's mini Navy Seal adventure. 

Surf Posting! by craig levers

buttery conditions last week

No web logs for a few weeks, and not 'cos I've been out of action. Quite the opposite. Shoots for the next Warren Hawke book, and some freelance work for Surfline.com has made for busy times.

Worldwide surf forecasting/reporting site Surfline bought NZ's very own Surf2Surf last year. The transition has been pretty fast. Jerry Aubertin, co-founder of Damaged Goods Magazine, has taken on the role of editor for Surfline. Surfline.com seems committed to curating and commissioning Kiwi content. That's meant I've held off until Surfline posts.

Here are the two Surfline posts I've been involved with so far.


https://www.surfline.com/surf-news/autumn-days-beaches-turned/151239


https://www.surfline.com/surf-news/grass-roots-2022-boardriders-club-showdown/151308


It has meant a bunch of images and sessions have fallen through the gaps. And that's the beauty of having your own website aye! Here's the goodness from the last bout of offshores....

Liam Joyce with his trademark backhand pocket grind

Bourne Buirski on an oily canvas

Tom Emmerson, out quoting a job, or sorting out some invoicing, or having a site meeting… but definitely not surfing aye Tom

Go back to work already Tom

Unicorns last week, it looked good from far but was far from good

Dave Storke power up off the base

Tim Bailey around 11.55 am I believe

Tim… there's quite a few photos of Tim

Adrian Bray burying his back foot

Mike Stephenson between zoom calls with clients… working smarter

…and Mike again working that rail good

Local Surfer/Shaper Steve Walker knifing a lip

The morning site meeting

Tim Bailey and the Unicorn v1

Tim and said unicorn v2

Nat Barron and one of the shots that ran on Surfline

Jayden Cooper getting a few in before his nightshift…or maybe after?

Morning site meeting the next day

Nat Barron turning a 3 footer into a 1 footer one gouge at a time

Kye Bedford, perfect placement

Tim Mauger wheeling his middy around very nicely

NZ’s very own ragging bull, Jason Falconridge

Steve putting his quad through its paces

After shooting with the lads in the morning I boosted straight to Whanga, got there just in time to see this. I was there to support Keyhole in its defence of the Hurley Boardriders Champs and cover it for Surfline

Saturday morning at Access 8

Raglan’s Caleb Cutmore was blazing the whole event ending in a second in the Open to his Point Boardriders team member Taylor Hutchinson

Keyhole’s senior division surfer Dan Caley

Keyhole’s Open defending champ Dune Kennings dipped in the quarters by a .3 ….tough!

The Mount’s Levi Stewart fresh back from a great WQS champaign in Oz

Local lad Rangi Ormand was looking unstoppable in the Open

As was this guy… Taylor Hutchinson built momentum every heat, and ended up with a well earned victory

New Lens, New Me? by craig levers


If you know, you know. My happiest of places firing last week.

Glen Yare shovelling some spray

Most photographers only need the slightest sniff of an excuse to buy a new lens or camera, and I firmly belong in this camp. I have a problem, but at least I know it right? After years of contemplation and being lucky enough the trial a few, I have finally bought a 150- 600mm zoom lens. It's lighter than my 500mm prime lens that I use for shooting from the beach. The idea is that instead of getting stuck behind the tripod, I'll move around more, and have the option of panning out. The big deal is, as a general rule, zooms are never as sharp as prime lenses. And often that trade off isn't worth it.

Jason Falconridge, true school vert attack

After standing on the sand for 5 hours last Thursday shooting far, far too many frames in the interests of breaking in the new lens. Figuring out its sweet spots and nuances, I'm cautiously happy to report I think I have a winner. The 150- 600mm is sharp, a bit slower to focus, an absolute battery drainer. But sharp...and that's really all I care about, the rest is just management. But don't take my word for it... you be the judge. All these images are from the new 150-600mm.

Steve Walker, this shot is cropped in about 30% of the original file

Nat Barron, waiting for Nat's rights to come on

Didn't get this guy's name, but he was ripping on his Ray Findlay twinnie

Me ol' mate Steve Robinson sneaking a couple between coats of paint... he's a house painter, if that's not clear

Jethro Rae on his old school Stewart mini

J-Ray... pretty fricken sharp!!!

Luke Cederman warming up

Mathias Thompson trying to get the water ballon off his right ankle... bloody hate short arm steamers!

Yeah after that man turn sequence of Luke, kind of feel like this lens is going to work out ok aye


The Recreationalists

In these weird ol' times of traffic lights and resistance to physical shopping, it has been challenging getting the book in front of buyers. Sales went nuts with pre orders...like seriously nuts. Then retail was effectively shut down in February. Anyway... still feeling covid store adverseness??? Check out the book HERE



But Which One? by craig levers

But Which One 
 

So, part of the overhaul of PhotoCPL.co.nz is the cull. It is kind of gnarly, there's emotional investment in every image, retiring an image to the pits of a hard drive is like a little death. Maybe that's a tad dramatic, but you get the idea.  There's a change in style, a change in aesthetic. It got me thinking, why operate in a bubble? I got you guys, why not ask YOU what you'd put on your wall... no obligation. 

Yesterday's swim zone. So a panned back line-up; not maybe this one, but a Line Up shot from the land. Do you prefer line up shots over single wave water shots? 

The photographers' choice; arty back'n'white study of the lip line, the ribs and texture of a pitch perfect wave. And maybe this is kind of an ego shot, where the photographer is showing off, showing calm in the critical. Would you dig that on the wall beside the telly? 

The panned back water shot, showing a great wave, but in context, showing the beach and headland that the image is taken at. Do you think these types of images could be more popular because the client has a connection to that break? 

Not quite so panned back, more about the wave but you can identify the location [different wave by the way] Does this appeal more? 

Soooo, a hint to the far right of the location with Te Waha headland, and a perrrrrfect silvery pitch, is this style more a print you'd want on your wall? 

Maybe a photographers' image, The cool flares in the brokeh, the bowl, but no context, could be a host of breaks. But that lip line..... is this a style you like? Email cpl@photocpl.co.nz


So please, let me know, what style, what aesthetic do you like. 
 

The Recreationalists

In these weird ol' times of traffic lights and resistance to physical shopping, it has been challenging getting the book in front of buyers. Sales went nuts with pre orders...like seriously nuts. Then retail was effectively shut down in February. Anyway... still feeling covid store adverseness??? Check out the book HERE

Logging On And Navigating by craig levers

The Logger Heads 2022 is confirmed. I for one am very excited. Stoked that Tony Baker, the organiser, director and founder of the now 9th [iwa] edition has taken on the navigation of traffic lights and viruses. It's not easy matter, its a bloody worry. TB has rescheduled the event for the Maori New Year, Matariki on the last weekend of June. This year's art work has been done again by Kyle from Threadbox Design, it's based on one of my images of 2x Logger Champ Wini Paul. I'm chuffed. Here's the original, shot at the Loggers 2020, Waipu.

Kind of think Kyle's nailed the execution on this one! Poster looks way better.

To keep updated with what is going on with the Logger Heads like the Facebook Page HERE

POSTPONEMENT Rolling

...and in a similar vein, remaining at Red Light level means the 10th Annual Surf Film Fest is still on hold. The nation needs to drop to orange for the screenings to successfully run. As a new inclusion, there is now a surf photography competition. Entrants were asked to compile a slide show of their best work for submission. As one of the founding judges of the ASFF I was happily tasked to be one of the judges of this too. There's some talent out there, that is for sure. I can't give anything away, but you are in for a visual overload of treats.

The dates for the nationwide roving festival are HERE

Navigation

Did you know that PhotoCPL.co.nz has been going for 14 years? Of course there's been multiple overhauls and refreshes. This week we've been working on getting the navigation better, making it easier and more intuitive for the user to have a drive around. At one stage we were going to toss the whole design template and start completely from the ground up. It was daunting, it also meant 296 web logs would be lost, that freaked me out. Not that all [any] of them are literary masterpieces, but they do create a timeline. Turns out we could refine the existing template to make navigation easy. Now all you have to do is click on Galleries on the home page. That will take you to the page above. Then click on whichever gallery you want to have a gander at.

Here's what the Waves Gallery looks like now. Find an image you want to see bigger and simply click on that. It'll take you to that image's page.
 

Each image page gives you all the buying options, like, media type Photo print of canvas and the sizes from 450mm wide to 1200mm wide. Then at the bottom of every page is option to click on the other images in that gallery.

It's easier and faster... but hey, don't take my word for it, have a look, give me your critique. There's plans to cull the galleries quite a bit, and adding a best sellers gallery.

AND Deeeeeeennn..... 

Over on Recreational Society things have been ticking over very nicely. Thank you for asking. The week's Feature is a really good one on Fili's wagon The Black Bull.

Check it out HERE

Last week's Feature was a great one too

Check out Richard Cripps's VW conversion HERE

The Recreationalists

In these weird ol' times of traffic lights and resistance to physical shopping, it has been challenging getting the book in front of buyers. Sales went nuts with pre orders...like seriously nuts. Then retail was effectively shut down in February. Anyway... still feeling covid store adverseness??? Check out the book HERE

Gave A Lot by craig levers

Last Saturday Jamie Civil died while surfing solid waves at Aramoana Spit. He'd been surfing in the South Coast Boardriders 35th annual Herb and Parro Memorial comp. After his heat he paddled out and joined other free surfers on the next peak over, it was 6 to 8 foot. About 50 people were on the sand for the event, including Jamie's wife Courtney and their 6 month old daughter Lenni. I'm not going to speak out of turn and pretend I knew Jamie. I know a lot of people that know Jamie and Courtney. Including my cohort Warren Hawke, who shot this cover shot of Jamie for the most recent book we have done together. It was Warren that told me on Saturday afternoon what had happened.

The word tragedy doesn't even cover the loss of a loved partner and father. I cannot image the turmoil and pain Courtney is in. What speaks to Jamie's mana is the rallying of our New Zealand surfing community around his family. Photographers like Warren have quickly, freely given their images of Jamie to help with media and the Give- A- Little pages. The Give A Little pages; well, in a time like this of such loss here's a heartening moment. There are two Give A Little pages set up for Courtney and Lenni, one by South Coast Boardriders and another by relatives of Courtney's. I believe both hoped to reach $30,000 to help Courtney with funeral costs and the future. At the time of this post going out over $130,000 has been donated. I just think you guys are amazing.

The South Coast Give A Little page is HERE

A Fond Farewell by craig levers

From left to right Jeanie Shanks, Carol Cranch and Wayne Arthur all legends of NZ Surfing

I didn't know Carol Cranch very well. When I was getting immersed into the surf industry and community, she was exiting to Gizzy. Carol, an early childhood teacher, was hugely influential on the New Zealand surfing scene, particularly junior surfing. She was instrumental in the formation of the national scholastics in 1989. She was a two-time national women's champion and was made a life member of Surfing New Zealand in 2000. Although Carol had left Piha decades ago, we still often refer to the Cranch Ranch and Carol's Peak. Carol lost her battle with cancer on 6 February, aged 71.

The main paddle out for Carol was done in Gizzy 14 February at Northern Maccas, near her home. Last Sunday the Piha old guard [sorry guys....but well, you are!] celebrated and remembered a life well lived with a small paddle at at Carol's Peak and then a catch up at the Bowlo.

Rainbow over Carol's Peak last Sunday

The OGs!

On ya's Steve Davis and Mike Jolly for organising such a lovely send off.


Carol's Obituary in The Gizzy Herald is HERE

New Gallery Addition

There's always the search for the most perfect waves to add to the print gallery. But what's perfection, for some it's a left, others it's a right, some it's a nice 2 foot peeler others it's a lurching 30ft beast. This one may be my version of perfection, hollow, flaring, a volume of water. The light, subtle sun verse a cloudy sky. All those things and more I guess ehh. Anyway I love it and hopefully it resonates with others too; it's now available for print in the Wave Gallery HERE

More Surf-Please don't stop by craig levers

James McAlpine revelling in the treats

It has been so, so good. There's a very real struggle to balance the photo edit that is here out of the 2000 images sitting in the raw folder from the last 7 days. Can't over load the post with too many images but which ones are the bangers??? So here's an emotional, non rational somewhat random showing of the week that was.

See what happened there... James paddling out, Bill Byers paddling in

Bill's kick stall to barrel

Some shallow sand out there

Churner

Shane Kraus stayed out for hours on Saturday

Mootie Bedford in the driver's seat

And then when the tide filled in the beaches turned into fun parks

Yeah Mr Becroft Snr

Yeah Mr Becroft Jnr

Will Hardie smashing a left bowl

Willie Beggs after work rinse

Leia Millar on a perfect runner

Mathias Thompson ending it with style

Matt Zeigler rail game, as ever, on form

Mike Stevenson, post lawn mow rinse

Bruce Johnson ..precision

OH yes the judging is done...wait till you see Randy...so f@cken good!!! It's the 10 year of the Aotearoa Surf Film Fest. I'm a founding judge, man I've watched some crap so you don't have to. But I've also seen some gems, some diamonds in the rough. Nick Stevenson, the driver of the ASFF is passionate about helping new Kiwi film-makers, kudos to Nick for his 10 years of graft. Well done mate.

The dates for the nationwide roving festival are HERE



New Gallery Addition

There's always a search on for the most perfect waves to add to the print gallery But what's perfection, for some it's a left, others it's a right, some it's a nice 2 foot peeler others it's a lurching 30ft beast. This one from last week may be my version of perfection, hollow, flaring, a volume of water. The light, subtle sun verse a cloudy sky. All those things and more I guess ehh. Anyway I love it and hopefully it resonates with others too; it's now available for print in the Wave Gallery HERE

Better Days by craig levers

Taking photos, or more pompously; making images, in the water is what I love. Been doing it since 1994. I get frustrated when it hasn't happened enough. Surfing [that's the best reason], work, responsibilities get in the way. Residing on the West Coast of the Auckland region is not the best place for a water orientated shooter. The swims are long, the currents and rips strong. Then again, out west, we wouldn't have banks if we didn't have rips. In a way it makes the images more hard earned, more satisfying.

The last few days have been big swims. Not 8-10 foot, but a very respectable 4-6. Big enough, and round enough to be a work out. These are the better days, the days we froth on getting barrelled, that doing a turn means you got the wrong wave. Ironically these aren't the best images from the sessions this week. I'm under firm instruction from Warren Hawke not to post my A's to social platforms, save them for the next book. You're killing me Was!!! But fair call.

Ex Surfing NZ Prez Chris Fougere ....so, so close to triumph!

How perfect is that wave!

Cheeky little 5 foot foamy

Speaking of foamies; Jayden Cooper on his MR twin fin Foamy...I think it's like a 6'0?

The after work posse

Maaate! Email me back

got a couple of bombs of ya

Shane Kraus got the howlers of the session and fall into the aforementioned Warren Hawke issue...ie this is a B roll one of Shaneo

He paid though!

Connor Pere threaded past me on this nuggie

insert yourself here

...Or there...

Good to see ya westside Jordo! Jordon Barley made the cover of NZSM a mere 20 years ago at the age of 16. One the most chargingest, nicest surfers you'll ever share a line up with.

....AND Deeeeen.... 

OH yes the judging is done...wait till you see Randy...so f@cken good!!! It's the 10 year of the Aotearoa Surf Film Fest. I'm a founding judge, man I've watched some crap so you don't have to. But I've also seen some gems, some diamonds in the rough. Nick Stevenson, the driver of the ASFF is passionate about helping new Kiwi film-makers, kudos to Nick for his 10 years of graft. Well done mate.

The dates for the nationwide roving festival are HERE


From The Book Shop

Oh yes you good thing! Over 2/3 of the print run are sold. To be really honest that's about right for a book project; sell that 66% in the first 1/4 and then the remaining 33% will go over the next 12 months. So its a proven seller I guess right??? Anyway, wanna pick it up and not pay for P&P...well you can HERE

The Groms Are Alright by craig levers

Pumping both days

There was an era, not that long ago, when grommets from around the nation dreaded competing at Piha. It happened to work out that every competition was scheduled on a weekend of big gnarly west coast storm surf for years. Bad luck, that's all it was, probably a bit of El Nino thrown into the mix too.

pretty nice!

Over the last few summers it could not be more different. Piha has turned it on for the gremmies. For the Billabong Grom Series, Piha has been the venue that has pumped, neither the Mount nor Whanga...actually Whanga was pretty ok, 2021, but Piha has been really good. I reckon there's a new gen of grubs that think Piha is sick, they aren't scared of the west coast [yet]. I had the honour once again of being the official shooter for the event this weekend gone. I went loose, over delivered, over worked.... but the surf was good and the kids were ripping; it's so hard to walk off the sand when good surfing is going down. You can view the Surfing New Zealand Facebook Galleries HERE the brief is to deliver 20-30 decent images per day. This gallery has 132 in it....oppps!

Check out the official contest wrap ups on Surfing NZ HERE

Sunrise down the beach

There was some great free surfing doing down too, here's some more images to spice up your day...

Ahipara’s Kentaro Mitchell all style

Grommet pre-dawn flight

Not sure if this is the same grub on a different Primal or his older bro???

Rail game

Local lad Reo sending buckets

Duno's lad Jake Owen

Shorey smash

Alani Morse freeing the fins

...and on edge

Speaking of rail game, local Leia Millar warming up to win the U16 Girls

Leia… technique

Mountie Anna Brock finding the lefts between heats

same grom, different mornings, Taranaki’s Spencer Rowson

....AND Deeeeen.... 

OH yes the judging is done...wait till you see Randy...so f@cken good!!! It's the 10 year of the Aotearoa Surf Film Fest. I'm a founding judge, man I've watched some crap so you don't have to. But I've also seen some gems, some diamonds in the rough. Nick Stevenson, the driver of the ASFF is passionate about helping new Kiwi film-makers, kudos to Nick for his 10 years of graft. Well done mate.

The dates for the nationwide roving festival are HERE

From The Book Shop

Oh yes you good thing! Over 2/3 of the print run are sold. To be really honest that's about right for a book project; sell that 66% in the first 1/4 and then the remaining 33% will go over the next 12 months. So its a proven seller I guess right??? Anyway, wanna pick it up and not pay for P&P...well you can HERE

COVER-age.... by craig levers

There's been a lot of PhotoCPL covers, in a way that's kind of a dubious honour. There sure have been some bad ones. If you didn't know, for a photographer, getting page one of a magazine, a newspaper or a book is a big deal. It's a goal of every aspiring photog. It's vindication that you've made it, you're running with the big dogs.

But here's the twist; IF you are employed by a publisher as a ...lets say... Senior Surf Photographer for around 15 years. [You may know someone that fits this bill]. The criticism is levelled at you, and the publication, that the cover shot decisions reek of nepotism.

One of best PhotoCPL covershots, Maz Quinn a millennium ago at/in Upper Thunders, Metawaii Islands, made the cover of NZSM, the contents page of Tracks, Town and Country made it into an A0 poster and it was ...is... the cover of the first PhotoCPL book.

Of course contributing photogs think their shot should be the cover-shot. That the only possible reason it wasn't was because the editor wanted to hook the staff photogs up. That the publication was trying the save money. All sorts of conspiracies used to raise their heads.

Here's the real deal. An editor's job is to appeal to the readers, to create an issue that is popular and sells well. An editor's JOB is to select the best possible cover shot, that will sell copies. It's not to hook buddies up and do favours. This is most certainly a popularity contest that's proven on the book stands. And yes, your publisher holds you to account.

A staff photographer does have some huge advantages over a free-lancer though.

A] You're probably shooting more than anyone else -it's your job.

B] You're probably shooting the feature stories, so your images will tie into the rest of that issue. Editors love to have a cover story- a lead in.

Sometimes editors get it wrong, they choose the wrong covershot, their reasoning at the time was a bit off. I definitely made a lot of bad cover choices when I was the editor NZ Surf Mag. There's some that still look pretty good too.

Rant aside, the point is, a cover shot is bit of a holy grail for photographers, one for the CV, the portfolio.

Here's the latest two PhotoCPL covers...

Whanga grom Ash Rogers gracing the cover of the Whanga News this week...yeah its a freebie broadsheet, but heck it's still a cover- I am chuffed as.

And just released this month Aaron Topp's 4th book Nor-East Swell, got the cover wrap! This was a really special project for me, I shot the cover of Aaron's first book Single Fin.

Simon Deken and his cousin Jeremy Evans feature on the cover of Single Fin. The image was made on our first trip to G-land in 2001. The new cover was shot with Single Fin in mind, ie two surfers heading out. But with the context of story, stormy, a young couple. I shot both 'land' shots and then re shot most with the drone. The drone shot won out.

I got to be one of the people that get quoted on the cover of the book! I was stoked that Aaron asked me to have a go at getting the cover shot for the new book, doubly so when he asked if I would be availed to review the digital copy prior to publication. I loved the tale, Aaron's crafted a bloody good Kiwi story here. I would have bowed out if I wasn't enjoying the read, but in fact, I actually ended up binging it out, a digital page turner. You totally should check it out HERE

Always watching/ Always judging!!!! ...wait till you see Randy...so f@cken good. It's the 10 year of the Aotearoa Surf Film Fest. I'm a founding judge, man I've watched some crap so you don't have to. But over the decade there’s been some gems, some diamonds in the rough. Nick Stevenson, the driver of the ASFF is passionate about helping new Kiwi film-makers, kudos to Nick for his 10 years of graft. Well done mate.

The dates for the nationwide roving festival are HERE




From The Book Shop

Oh yes you good thing! Over 2/3 of the print run are sold. To be really honest that's about right for a book project; sell that 66% in the first 1/4 and then the remaining 33% will go over the next 12 months. So its a proven seller I guess right??? Anyway, wanna pick it up and not pay for P&P...well you can HERE

Contesting 2022 by craig levers

Saturday morning Billabong Oceanbridge Grom Series 2022

40 years ago I went to my first NZ surf comp, it was at Manu Bay, it wasn't a fun time. I was a very self conscious 14 year old in general, and not at all confident in my surfing ability. I was very aware of my lack of talent and prowess.

Surf Photographers’ dream of days like this!

My good mate Ste'en Webster had seconded his work car. He worked at Marx Surfshop, our then local surf hang. It was a brand new Subaru Leone 4WD station wagon, it was the newest car I'd ever been in. It was emblazoned on both sides with the Marx Surf logo- it looked super cool. We were unwittingly involved in a bit of gorilla marketing. Mark Bud 'lent' the wagon to the shop grommet [Ste'en] to drop something at the contest site. In turn Ste'en had filled the car with his mates [I can't remember who else was in the car.]

so, so clear, 0% humidity and mist to shoot through

As was always the way, Ste'en had us hurtling down the southern motorway at 4 am. Ste'en's idea of a dawny was, and is, to be in the water before dawn. It was still dark when we got to Whale Bay, but through the dank cold Indy's was pumping, solid 6 foot. I thought it was a lot bigger. Ratso and Jeanie Shanks were out, and they were both ripping. That was a highlight of this mission, paddling over an Indy's shoulder and watching Rat drive off the bottom and then snap tight in the pocket, pelting me with spray. It was hands down the best surfing I'd witnessed and the first time I'd seen a dude from a surf mag. I was totally star struck.

Looks pretty good aye! Sunday morning with a mellow 30km/h offshore…things were about to get hectic

After the surf we loaded our boards back on the roof of the Subaru. Without a second thought, piled in to drop off this 'thing' Ste'en had at Manu Bay. The Bay carpark was full, the road was packed with the who's who of NZ Surfing. At that split second of us starting to drive through the crowd I had one of those moments of clarity. 'Oh fuck, we're in a brand new, stickered wagon, with boards piled high on the racks...we look like wannabe pros.' Sure enough the jeers started...'What have we here aye! Team Marx Surf Shop! Check these gremmies out.' I remember my face hot flushing, and begging Ste'en to drive faster. He couldn't, we were deep into the crowd now, the only way was snail pace forward to the judge's tent. Everyone was leering in the windows to see who was in the car...and it was only us, some try hards. To this day I could show the spot the car was at a stand still in the crowd.

As I write that, it doesn't read that gnarly. But for a shy teenager it felt like the height of faux-pars. I can remember the exit was equally as embarrassing. I don't think we stayed around to watch a single heat.

Here comes the 130-150 km/h’s !!!!

You'd think that would be enough to never ever want to visit a contest site ever again. On the flip side, not soon after I watched Richard Langdon beat Derek Hynd in a nail biting final on the Bar at Piha. It was an epic tussle of blow for blow exchanges.

I got involved in the contest machine. For 15 years I was tasked to attend and shoot every event on the Surfing NZ calendar. You can't go to EVERY one, but there where very few missed over those years with the magazine.

After that 15 years of being at the magazine you'd think I'd be done. I landed the photography contract of the Hyundai Longboard Tour that included the Nationals for 6 more years. On top of that I got the ISA World Juniors, then most of the comps at Piha.

This is Groms, Womens, Open, Regionals, Longboarding and some internationals in Aussie, Tonga and Hawaii over a now 30 year span. Some years I've counted 15 minimum, so let's average it out at 8 per annum. That's 240...let's swipe off 40 and go for 'at least 200 comps'. Been to a lot of comps aye.

Mellow, those chops and ribs aren’t too bad right?

Why do I still jump at the chance to be involved? Why would I drive away from perfect surf to stand in the rain and on-shore?

Friends.

Ben and Gina Kennings, the Ria family; Steve, Kris, Phagan and Gilli, Lee Ryan, Nudge, yes even you Gav, Ratso, Trev and Jennie Metcalfe, Jan and Col, George! GT, Filthy Phil, Keg, Bansky, Ritchie, Rusty, Roxy, Hawky, Jay PH and Gabi [aka the new Col and Jan] , Caleb, Dan Westie, Jama .... the point is, even although these soldiers in the trenches watch us photographers swan in late and leave early. Note our lack of doing any of the heavy lifting, it's an evolving team and family. If I've done 200, then BK and Steve Ria have done 400 each.

We've endured helicopter parents and Karens. We've watched competitors come and go, now we see their children compete... oh wait.. yep, grand children. It's an honour.

Over the weekend I got to be the shooter for the Billabong/Oceanbridge Grom Series Whangamata. Both Billabong and Oceanbridge have supported grom development in NZ for 17 years so far. I was at the first Billabong/Oceanbridge, as were BK and Steve. Last weekend Cyclone Dovi bore down on us, Saturday was onshore and raining, Sunday was 150km/h offshores.

Piha’s Bill Byers, 3rd generation surfer and last weekend’s U18 Boy’s Champion

I didn't love every minute of it. I didn't get masterful images. It was bread and butter, grind it out stuff. Get the shots, get diversity, get the delivery done. Give the media officer the stuff they need. I do love that. I do love that you witness the up and comers. You see friendships forming and rivalries developing. Catch ups with long time friends.

The next Billabong/ Oceanbridge Grom Comp, the finale in fact, is in two weeks time at Piha. I'll be there in an offical role. Frothing to still be a part of the machine.

SNZ's press release is HERE for Sunday's surfing

and HERE for Saturday's surfing

And the Facebook photo gallery of the weekend past are HERE

...AND Deeeeen....

Up featuring on Recreational Society right now are Emma, Dave and Molly. Check it out it's a really good feature about a couple LOVING exploring NZ..



From The Book Shop

Oh yes you good thing! Over 2/3 of the print run are sold. To be really honest that's about right for a book project; sell that 66% in the first 1/4 and then the remaining 33% will go over the next 12 months. So its a proven seller I guess right??? Anyway, wanna pick it up and not pay for P&P...well you can HERE

W>A>S by craig levers

For Westies, summer really is our time. We endure the howling bite of winter's south westerlies for these days. Summer days of boardies, groomed banks and weeks of offshores. Summer days made all the more sweeter and special because of the wonderful contrast between seasons. It's amplified on the coast, the bad makes you appreciate the good, there is no complacency.

Jayden Cooper

Last week was yet another W.A.S. [West Appreciation Situation]. Day after day of perfect weather, off shores, favourable tides and go to banks on the open coast. In a break with regular transmission, here's a new way of doing things; the PhotoCPL top 50 yes 5-0 images from the week that W.A.S.

A welcome visitor to our shores Taranaki’s Tyler Anderson treating the lefts like Rocky Lefts

Tyler

And over on the bank that just keeps giving…hot off a U16 win at the Billabong Grom Comp Leia Millar

Jayden Cooper squares up

This guy is always in the water, love your amp bro!

Bourne Buirski, leggie knee high ‘cos of the sea ulcers- another sure sign of summer

Andy Mann, pretty much won the heat this session…from the unofficial judges sand side.

Tyler on the go to

Leia… back to school now!

Greg! Finding all the bombs, as per

James Macalpine, between zoom calls

Dave Wood patented

Bourne, full speed

Yeah Ruby!

Luke Cederman, casual as finner

Luke actually enjoying going right, a rare event

Yeah Mike! Mr Dunstan jamming that back brake on

Bevan Wigg returning to form after a hideous year of injuries- good to see ya brother

Stu Millar, from now on only ever known as Leia’s Dad, or U45 woman’s National Champ Carolyn’s hubby

Prodigal Piha daughter Liv Brown Hysom

go on then, one more of Luke going right and shovelling buckets

oosshhh …another day but same same

Another welcome returnee, shaper Brad Buckle is back after a decade of shaping and surfing in Indo

Ever regular in these waters, ever getting the bigger sets… Simon

good luck getting a set wave off this mob!

Woody…. and his shrewd Woody’s Movement Workshop logo placement

Yeah Matias, log racing in style

Yep, Dave V.3

Greggy!

Laurie loving his new 7’0 twin from Go Hard

KB completing the trilogy in bottom turn studies

Bill Byers perfecting the Larry layback

another day, another session

Me ol’ young mate Harper McBride fins free

Surf Camping and... Surf Camp by craig levers

Dave Wood in happy camper mode for sure!

A fortnight ago I promised the weekly E-Bomb would be more ...well, weekly. And then nothing. The excuse is the best and only real one that flies; surfing, camping and cyclone chasing [argueably avoiding].

Pretty good reason not to be keyboard tapping

At this juncture, I'm going to check myself. The easiest thing in the world would be to write a blow by blow account like the old Primo Roadys. I used to love writing them for the surf mag.

I'm going to claim it, I invented them. Back in the day Anchor [via their flavoured milk brand Primo] approached us at the magazine. It was the usual 'we want to be associated with the magazine, but we don't want to run adverts.' I proposed the Primo Roady concept, the idea being Anchor paid handsomely to have naming rights and branding on those pages.

Primo worthy???

A part from wanting their corporate dollar, there was another reason. The magazine was treading water, we'd lost sight of what Kiwi Surfers did and wanted to see. Kiwi Surfers go on road trips, more so than any other nation, geographically we kind of have to. The magazine needed to feature regular road trips, reflect what every Kiwi surfer did.

Toby Dobson-Smith a regular around these parts

Over the years I even managed to persuade them into buying us a Primo Panel Van to give away after a summer of use. A boat to shoot photos from [that did not work out so well, took a wave on at Whanga Bar and lost 7K of camera gear.]

Woody and backhand rock'n'roll #200

It's doubtful Anchor/Primo ever knew the real value of what they got. But the association worked, the magazine retained Primo as an advertiser/sponsor for a decade. Over that time readers sent in their own photos of their 'Primo Roady's'. And NZ's top surfers clamoured to be on the next Primo Roady. We did some sick ones, we did some shockers.

Just kept on giving

Last week was definately Primo Roady worthy. All the elements where there; lots of driving, a swell that kept giving, camping [well Troopy glamping], road food, great mates and a shit ton of good waves.

Ha'atafu Gone!

Skeet Amess at Tonga's crown jewel; ET's

This is a nostalgic E-Bomb huh! I've enjoyed the Burling Whanau hospitality on 6 surf/photo trips to Tonga. It's close to home that the Surf Resort was LEVELLED by the Tongan Tsunami. Check the clip...every building and palm gone.

Steve, the patriarch of the Burlings, has stated that it's doubtful the Surf Camp [the longest running in the Pacific] will re-open. With continued volcanic activity only 40kms off the coast of the Resort. This means the Burling property will no longer be inhabited and the 20 staff will have to find new jobs.

Dean Amess 2005.... eeek... just 16 years ago. This image features as a double page spread in the book PHOTO CPL

Steve and his wife Sesika retired to Ahipara quite a few years ago now. But are still actively involved with their eldest daugther Moana and her husband Hola running the resort. Unlike many surf camps around the world, the culture at Ha'atafu is clearly family vibes. The staff are treated as family. You're invited in as extended family. Which is evidenced in how well the Go Fund Me page has gone. Steve and Sesika's son Alan Burling set it up 7 days ago with a lofty goal of 100K, it has already hit over 123K.

You can donate HERE

From The Gallery

The FFN wasn't quite in this vintage form...but it sure was worth being there for a week of primo waves. Would you like to loss endless hours staring at your lounge wall??? Well! Check out this water image of the FFN out bigger HERE

I'm Back! by craig levers

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

Swimmy Swimmy by craig levers

in the last week…


I feel like the weekly web log is always starting with; sorry there hasn't been one in a while. There is no real excuse. Lack of discipline and an awareness of not clogging up your in box with filler are what I'm rolling with. The last 7 days have been rather eventful. Yet again, un-seasonably good waves, and lots of books being bought.

AND 8x National Champion, Billy Stairmand's final comp for the year. The Challenger Series final at Hale'iwa, Hawaii. It was a mixed affair of conditions. Hale'iwa is a hard wave to suss, with a gnarly current drawing you into the impact zone. Bill looked confident, more so than his European outings. And this showed, as it was his best result of the year, a 1/4 final placing. Of course the goal was to make to World Championship Tour this year, but the result sets him up well for next year. He finishes the year sitting pretty at 40th on the Challenger Series; " Yeah it’s been an amazing year and felt I have learnt a lot more this year than the rest. And stoked to finish with the best result of the year. Can not wait to be home now and catch up with eeeeveryone. I haven’t even celebrated after the Olympics. So it’s gonna be an epic summer."

You may remember Billy had one day out of MIQ from Tokyo before the country was put in lockdown again.


ahhh seems like a bloody lifetime ago... Billy and Ella Williams at the Olympic press day

And training at the Millennium with Woody’s Movement Workshop

The Aotearoa Surf Film Festival 2022 is a go! This will in fact be the 10th year of the ASFF, wow, go Nick Stevenson, the creator and driving force behind the Festival. I have the honour of being one of the founding judges.... And I've signed up for my 10th. So, so many bad shorts endured! But also some moments of pure Kiwi gold. The whole concept of the ASFF is to foster and encourage surf film makers, to provide a goal. I really believe over the decade it has achieved that.

So filmers! Here's your chance. And yes, I will be watching and very Judgey.

Submissions opened Friday, November 26th. Close of submissions: Wednesday December 22nd.

Get a wiggle on. Enter HERE www.asff.co.nz/2022submissions



Swimmy Swimmy

Nat Fitt ventured west for a day. As it turned out it was hands down the best window of conditions. Nat's a second generation logger, his old boy Rhys styles it on a log too. Nat's a top competitor, he was in the finals of the Longboard Nationals, The Single Fin Mingle and Logger Heads.... you get the idea, the guy is very very good.

We had a big day of shooting, a super fun day. Nat made it fun. Here's a wee gallery of the day...

See, told you he was good

And bloody good to see Daz Gerbic the stomping grounds of his/our youth! Love ya bro!

Nat, all stez, all day

Resident grub Will Hardie finding some shade


Oooshhhh... Rich Hodder putting on a masterclass of gouge

Leia Millar schooling the old boys, literally in her back yard. And sporting her new O'Neill sponsorship- yeah Taddy!

Nat, no cheater 5 here

Or for the matter there

Narrel??? Yep I'm calling it, it's not a barrel, it nearly is, it's a Narrel, but bloody heck, could you imagine positioning your 9'6" single fin like this!

Brydee on the burn???? No. It would be easy to assume Local surfer Brydee Climo has sizzled the bloke behind. But a photo is only a millisecond. Brydee had sat out multiple sets, every time the surfer behind her got a wave, he and his mates would paddle back and snake Brydee. She'd see a peak, paddle, then pull back because she'd been snaked again. On this one, Coff Junior and I started yelling, GO Brydee!!! Go Go Go!!!, it was well past her turn. She went, the snake went... good on you Brydee. And guys; take off your blinkers, have a look around and recognise other surfers may just a bit more polite than you. Sharing is caring.

Booky Books

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, NZ Post reckon the cut off for NZ delivery is only a week away.

Personally I would muck around though, if you want it, think it is the perfect gift, order now. Check out The Recreationalists book HERE.

Printing Prints and Booking Books by craig levers

You see a wave, I see a Troopy in it's natural habitat!

Hey hey crew, hope you are all doing ok this week. Me? Thanks for asking, I'm ok. I'd say a bit tenderised from these 100 days of living with Level 4 and 3 restrictions.

I've tried to write and re write the next bit. It goes along the lines of not being able to go on roadies in the Troopy, of wanting to be chasing waves around the country. It reeked of first world problems and entitled, middle class privilege. Pretty much self absorbed meanderings, lets scrap it. The fact remains we are pretty lucky in NZ compared to other countries.

Moving on... Surf has been good! I have no photo proof, not sorry. It's been a week of things coming together here in CPL land, here's a couple of this year's bigger installs...

Te Wero Pano split into a big 3 metre triptych back printed on acrylic in an apartment complex foyer.

Piha Bar Barrel Ahh yes the new perennial...the view that can never get old! This one is in atNewton Form Cutting ...Thanks Mel!

If you are thinking about getting a print for someone for Christmas, it may be prudent to rattle your dags. NZ Post close off is startlingly close; 17 December. Adding on 5 working days for printing the safety cutoff for ordering is 10 December. Even if you're not getting a PhotoCPL print, be kind to your preferred photographer, order now.

Here's a smattering of my top sellers this year so far from the Waves Gallery. It's been a good year for print sales.

Tairua Classic holy crap this thing is 30 years old now!!! Such an epic day.

Piha Bar Room Yes, the best room with the best view

Emerald Dream


The Book!

Yep it's going well, The Recreationalists definitely experienced a weird unseasonal sales slump. Pre orders were massive, best book ever actually, but then retail crickets. This was lockdown's knock on effect. Over 30% of NZ retailers are in Auckland, they were shut. This was further compounded by Auckland's population not travelling, so other regions' retail was slow too. That seems to be changing with re-stocking orders coming through now. Thank goodness for Online.

Dunno what the hell I'm typing about? Check out The Recreationalists book HERE.