Mark "Curly" Thomas

Mark “Curly” Thomas is a 57-year-old chimney sweep, writer and recreationalist with a strong love for the mountains, the ocean and the people drawn to them. Curly has made no secret of his lifelong battle with depression, but since going public about it he has enjoyed great health and now campaigns quietly to break down the stigma surrounding mental illness, and for good mental health for all New Zealanders. He lives in Hawea flat with his wife, Janey, dog Possum and cat, Big Eddie.

Book Review: Salt By Terry Fitzgibbon

Mark "Curly" ThomasNov 7, 2023November 7, 20230

“More and more I find myself talking to the sea,” admits poet Terry Fitzgibbon, whose latest work, Salt, Coastal Connections is a 160-page love letter to the sea. Mark “Curly” Thomas gets his hands on a preview copy of this impressive body of work. As surfers, we are drawn to...

Carsey: The Enigmatic Legend

Mark "Curly" ThomasNov 3, 2022November 8, 20220

Dunedin surfer Jimi Crooks remembers the day well. There was a powerful swell at the Black Head quarry break. The waves were hollow and intimidating. Heavy. So heavy a lot of the young gun surfers from the area chose not to go out. It was about nine years ago. Veteran...