Derek Morrison

UPDATED: Could Raglan Be The New J-Bay WCT Stop?

Derek MorrisonJan 24, 2026January 24, 20260

Rumours are circulating that J-Bay has been dropped from the 2026 World Championship Tour in favour of another fabled pointbreak: Raglan. Yes, it’s shaping up to be true. Over the past few months, swarms of WSL officials have been spotted throughout Raglan, doing due diligence on the town and assessing...

Maya & Billy Win 2026 Nats

Derek MorrisonJan 18, 20260

Raglan surfers Billy Stairmand and Maya Mateja have claimed the premier divisions of the 2026 New Zealand Surfing Championships with Billy taking an unprecedented ninth title while Maya chalks up her second. Billy’s run at the nationals have been puzzling and controversial over the past four years – he last...

Fiji’s government moves to restore customary control of surfing areas

Derek MorrisonNov 26, 20250

Sitiveni Rabuka’s Cabinet has endorsed a bill that is set to repeal a significant piece of regulation that liberalised access to all surfing areas in Fiji. The Fijian government confirmed that the Commercial Use of Marine Areas Bill 2025 had been given the all-clear to be tabled in parliament, which...

Review: Wai-Tai Aotearoa Boardshorts

Derek MorrisonOct 29, 2025October 29, 20250

A fresh brand out of Gisborne, Wai-Tai Aotearoa’s all-new four-way stretch boardshorts are punching with the best right from the get-go. In a surf industry dominated by big brands that give very little back to New Zealand surfers, this new boardshort company makes it easy to support New Zealand design....

The Jack Tyro Story

Derek MorrisonOct 27, 20250

Filmmaker Jonathan Smit reveals the story of Sumner surfer and New Zealand representative surfer Jack Tyro in this beautifully made and edited film. Press play, enjoy! Credits: Featuring Jack Tyro Filmed & Edited By: Jonathan Smit

Understanding The Battle To Save Wairarapa’s Coastal Access

Derek MorrisonAug 18, 2025August 18, 20250

South Wairarapa District Council’s proposed bylaw – to ban all public access to the public road leading to one of the most remote and spectacular coastlines in New Zealand for a period of three years, may be a misstep. Here’s our guide to understanding what’s happening and how surfers can...

Council Seeks To Close Access To Iconic Wairarapa Surf Coastline

Derek MorrisonAug 17, 2025August 18, 20250

South Wairarapa District Council is proposing a bylaw that would ban all public access – even on foot – to a public road leading to one of the most remote and spectacular coastlines in New Zealand. The Wairarapa Coastline in question is a real jewel in the New Zealand surf...

Benji Lowen Now Top 10 In Australia After Latest Win

Derek MorrisonJul 31, 20250

Christchurch-raised Benji Lowen has had a blistering year in surfing contests with a string of wins here in New Zealand, before repeating that feat along Australia’s East Coast. He’s just won the GromSearch Oz Cup in his adopted backyard of Coffs Harbour, NSW, and that’s boosted him into the top...

Watch: Rising Tide

Derek MorrisonMay 19, 20250

In the footsteps of some true greats, a new generation is emerging from the deep south. This film follows 2025 National Champion Alexis Owen, Lewis Murphy and Keo Morrison and friends around some of their favourite waves. The Otago coastline is renowned for producing rippers, like Graham Carse, the Barton...

Bondi’s Tan Family Named Humanitarians Of The Year By SurfAid

Derek MorrisonMay 14, 20250

SurfAid has named Eugene, Deb, Jet and Spike Tan (the people behind Aquabumps) as SurfAid’s Humanitarians of the Year for 2025. This award recognizes individuals, groups, or in this case families, for their exceptional contributions towards supporting SurfAid’s mission to improve the health, well-being, and resilience of people living in...