December 2018 - New Zealand Surf Journal

Subantarctic Surf Discovery, Part 1: Campbell Island

Derek MorrisonDec 31, 2018December 31, 20180

Finding new waves on planet earth these days is a pretty tough ask. Sure the odd slab might be unearthed here and there, but the goalposts are well out on any significant discoveries. Especially here in New Zealand. So when I was given the chance to join an expedition voyage...

Between Heats With Billy Stairmand

Derek MorrisonDec 24, 20180

Jono Smit captures Billy Stairmand during some down time away from the pressure of the World Qualifying Series. Raglan’s favourite surfer has battled funding issues as he campaigns the toughest qualifying series in the world. Let’s hope 2019 brings him the breakthrough results he needs. Credits: Filmed by Jono Smit...

These Waters, Part One: A Film By Jono Smit

Derek MorrisonDec 24, 2018February 8, 20190

A classic film that follows the unscripted adventures of Jono Smit as he explores our southern coastline during the winter of 2015. “The idea behind all of this was to document winter through my eyes,” explains Jono Smit. “The road trips, the cold weather, the people.” “There are no pro...

Five Minutes With: Surfing Filmmaker Jonathan Smit

Derek MorrisonDec 24, 2018December 24, 20180

Surf filmmakers in New Zealand tend to be passionate creatives lured to surfing by the curiosity of a colourful culture. They shine a light on surfing that is often a beautiful as it is compelling. Christchurch and Gold Coast-based filmmaker Jonathan Smit epitomises this ethos. He turns the creative dial...

Making History With Paige Hareb

Derek MorrisonDec 12, 2018February 8, 20191

Paige Hareb is New Zealand’s most successful surfer and her achievements, as the World Surf League (WSL) season for 2018 come to a close, stand testament to her competitive character and determination. The 2018 season was her seventh year competing on the WSL Championship Tour and she was thrown every...

Review: JS Hyfi Surfboard Construction, Deconstructed

Brett WoodDec 11, 2018February 8, 20190

As a 40-something year old grommet with 30 years of surfing under the belt, I’ve got an insatiable hunger to surf as well as I can before the inevitable decline of aging sets in for good. Like a good comb over, I’ve been trialing different surfboard constructions in an attempt...

Book Review: The South Seas Revised Edition

Derek MorrisonDec 9, 2018February 8, 20190

The South Seas Revised Edition features the work of some of the best photographers in New Zealand. These are combined with short pithy stories that offer a glimpse into our favourite beaches, surf history and characters of New Zealand’s surf culture. The South Seas Revised Edition came out of the...