Environment: coastal issues, protection, a better way - Page 2 of 4

Conservation: How You Can Help Our Hector’s Dolphins

Derek MorrisonNov 2, 2021November 2, 20210

Fisheries New Zealand is asking for feedback on proposed fisheries measures to further protect South Island Hector’s dolphins. Hector’s are the small wee dolphins that love to surf and hang out with humans – especially kids. An encounter with a Hector’s dolphin will brighten up anyone’s day, but they need...

Lockdown 2021: Surfing Illegal In New Zealand … Again

Derek MorrisonAug 18, 20210

New Zealand records its first Delta variant cases and is plunged back into lockdown mode at the highest level, which makes surfing illegal. Level 4 is a frustrating situation to find ourselves in once again, but unlike our first lockdown back in March 2020, the rules around surfing are very...

Sharks: Extinction Seems Imminent

Derek MorrisonMar 10, 20210

Despite an increase in shark sightings and one fatality this summer in New Zealand, the future of our shark populations has long had marine scientists concerned. Now, the results of a new Nature study show just how grim things really are. Marine biologist Melissa Cristina Márquez, also known as the...

Expert Insight: Surfing With Sea Lions

Derek MorrisonDec 23, 20200

They can rattle even the most hardcore surfer with their lunges and antics, but according to Department of Conservation Coastal Otago ranger Jim Fyfe, we’re reading them all wrong. Jim explains how we can co-exist in the waves … In this short film (see below) Jim Fyfe shares his wisdom...

Science: The Big Wave Link Between Climate Change And The Southern Ocean

Derek MorrisonJun 11, 2020June 11, 20200

Monster waves in the Southern Ocean could grow even bigger and more frequent under climate change, scientists warn. Science journalist Jamie Morton explains what’s going on in the southern latitudes storm engine. Extreme waves in the wild and windswept ocean below New Zealand, stretching across notorious latitudes dubbed the “roaring...

Lockdown: What Alert Level 3 Means For Surfing

Derek MorrisonApr 27, 2020June 11, 20200

There’s a collective sigh of relief being held around the country right now as surfers throughout New Zealand suffer one more day of torment under Lockdown Level 4. That’s Indicators at Raglan above and it’s pumping on an Anzac Day holiday Monday. It would normally be packed to the gunnels....

From Waste Plastic To Surfboards: Three Kiwis Lead The Way

Derek MorrisonNov 28, 2019November 28, 20190

Momentum for the environment may be building painstakingly slowly within the surf industry, but not for the three New Zealanders driving Spooked Kooks recycled surfboards out of Bondi. It was during a morning session at Sandy Bay, that I had my first encounter with a Dead Hippy. It was under...

Watch: Laurie Towner Finds The Simple Life Of WA

Derek MorrisonNov 14, 2019November 13, 20190

Life on the edge of a desert is simple living. Especially on Western Australia’s remote coastline when a swell begins pushing across the reefs and points. Laurie Towner reminds us all of the importance of the simple life. A renowned big wave surfer, the very laidback Towner, steals a chance...

Sustainability And Innovation Key Drivers At Seventhwave Wetsuits

Derek MorrisonOct 10, 2019October 11, 20190

Lying on a table in Seventhwave’s Ferrymead factory in Christchurch is a fluffy orange wetsuit that doesn’t look anything like the wetsuit manufacturer’s flagship Yamamoto suits. Sarah smiles, she lifts the wetsuit up and explains the prototype to me. “I haven’t surfed in this one yet,” she admits with a...

Review: Need Essentials Thermal 4:3 Steamer

Derek MorrisonAug 13, 2019July 2, 20200

We were blown away by the value for money with our Need Essentials steamer produced by a company that prides itself on stripping away the costs of traditional surf wetsuit production. By minimising packaging, branding, expensive advertising campaigns and retail markups, Need Essentials is able to deliver a high-end adult...