Mahia Surf Trip

Finally we got our act together and organised a surf trip to Mahia. It was a small group of us as a few of the crew had prior commitments, but that just meant more waves for those of us that made it. The swell was a clean but dying 3-4 foot , however the wind was a light offshore which made for high quality surf for most of the day. Two spots were surfed, but will remain unnamed (you'll just have to work them out for yourself).

The early morning sunrise just before the BP coffee and pie stop

A river mouth we checked on the way up- should have hit it maybe?

Not a bad spot this.

One of the jewels of Mahia.

We got a full day of pumping surf, so much so that nobody was keen to take photos! If your keen to come along on the next surf trip and connect with the Hawkes Bay Christian Surfer community click on the contact us tab on the home page.

Alex Monteith: Big Wave Aotearoa Exhibition

Wellington city has so much going for it as tourist destination that people often forget that the outer suburbs have a bunch to offer as well. In this case Lower Hutt has the Dowse Art Museum. I'll admit I didn't know much about it, but a friend recommended that we take a look as there was 'surfing exhibition'. A long story short- there certainly was a surfing exhibition, and it was incredible. Every surfer heading through those parts should take the time to check out Alex Monteith's Big Wave Aoteroa exhibition. It is a multimedia big wave sensory experience not to be missed, and probably as close as I'll get to being in waves of those size.



 

The footage was projected on a 10 meter by 7 meter wall, but was most impressive was the sound- the roaring of the huge surf really added to the experience.

 

The film consisted of a series of 10-20  minute segments showing 4 of New Zealand's big wave surfers charge 10-15 foot surf. Because the segments are uncut you feel like your really there watching from the cliffs. Ski's whip across the in and out of the screen, sets roll in, waves are charged (these guys rip), seals get caught on the inside, all in real time.




If you want more information on this exhibition or future exhibitions click here

ANZAC Day Surf 2013

Rob lining up another tube.

It didn't look like there would be a great deal of swell around, but thanks to good ole' Magic Seaweed we were able to get Ocean Beach on the right tide, peak swell and offshore. The waves were fast and hollow, and the water slightly cooler than the last time I surfed. Here are a couple of shots for your viewing pleasure, although to be honest they don't really do it justice!

Head dippin' blues

Ocean Beach, Hawkes Bay.

     

Perfect rights breaking off a northern bank.

       Remember to check our report tab for an up to date surf report of Hawkes Bay beaches thanks to Magic Seaweed.

Pipe line surf!

http://twitter.com/ASP/status/326854706808885249/photo/1

A song to make you smile :-)

Check out Kirk Franklin on Spotify! Mean song!

Easter Weekend Waves

What is it about Easter that makes the surf pump? On both coasts surfers enjoyed new swells that delivered some power and waves a plenty. Here's a few pics of a west coast secret spot on Easter Sunday. It wasn't perfect, but when it peels left it doesn't have to be!

Manu Bay magic!

Indicators.

Whale Bay lining up nicely.

How to make more barrels.

 

 Front-side Barrel Riding
Your first priority when it comes to getting shacked is getting into the wave as early as possible. The earlier you’re able to get up on your board, the more time you’ll have to set your feet, eye a good line and set up for the oncoming tube section. Here's how to do it...

1) Paddle hard – really hard. Dig, scrape, and put your paddling into overdrive as you work to get into the wave. Remember, the sooner you’re up and riding, the easier time you’ll have finding the barrel. 

2) As soon as you make it to your feet, keep your eyes focused down the line. Set your inside rail and execute an appropriate drop. Your drop will depend on what the wave is doing; if the wave is pitching immediately after takeoff, you’ll probably want to do a diminished bottom turn (or none at all) in order to tuck under the lip. If the wave is pitching out in front, a longer bottom turn may help you shoot into the barrel section with speed. 

3) Adjust your speed. Stall if you need to slow down and let the lip catch up. A kick-stall or a hand-stall will allow you to stay in synch with the wave. If the wave is pitching down the line, pump to gain speed. Once under the lip, it’s important to remember not to stop surfing. Keep adjusting your speed to stay high and tight in the tube. 

4) Find an exit. If the wave is closing out in front of you, break through the “doggy door.” 

Don't you wish you were here right now.

 Back-side Barrel Riding
 This is decidedly more difficult than the front side approach because you’re not facing the wave, so you really have to be in tune with exactly how the wave is breaking in order to successfully ride the barrel. 

1) As with the front side approach, paddle hard and get into the wave as early as possible. 

2) Set your rail, and decide what kind of bottom turn you’ll need to execute, if any. If you need to tuck into a tight barrel, or if you need to stall, try the pig dog stance. Drop your back knee and place your back hand on the outside rail for balance.

3) Adjust your speed as needed. Do small pumps if you need to increase speed, and use a stall method, such as the hand or kick stall, in order to slow down. 

4) Find an exit, and continue surfing. 

For more information click here