Travel Archives - Page 2 of 13 - New Zealand Surf Journal

Roadtrip: Into The Deep South With Team Backdoor

Derek MorrisonOct 25, 20230

The Backdoor Team of Billy Stairmand, Paul Moretti, Jay Piper-Healion, Caleb Cutmore, Taylor Hutchison and Darren Celliers immerse themselves in southern waves … and marathon sessions. Filmmaker Isaac Chadwick and photographer Derek Morrison are on hand to capture the antics, fin blows and air revs … and they hardly miss...

The 60-Year-Old Grommet Who Realised His Mentawai Dream

Derek MorrisonOct 12, 2023October 12, 20230

A self-described “Average Joe”, Leigh Sullivan, shares his journey from Burleigh Heads to Mount Maunganui as a pre-teen, and his exacting discovery of surfing, which led him around the world and eventually to the Mentawais 45 years later. I was 11 years old when we moved from Burleigh Heads in...

Tommy And J-Rod On The Ice-Cream Headache Highway

Derek MorrisonSep 1, 2023September 6, 20230

At the start of winter Taranaki surfers Tom Butland and Jarred Hancox made their way south to compete in the O’Neill Coldwater Classic being held at Kaikoura. They went 1-2 and decided to stay on. Wellington photographer Belinda Brown decided to see the swell out with them. Traveling together, Tom...

Review: Ocean & Earth Wheelie Triple Shortboard Travel Bag

Derek MorrisonAug 22, 20230

FCS Freedom Leash Review: The FCS Freedom Leash promised to be lighter, stronger, with less drag, less tangle – sign me up! Looks like I wasn’t the only one, a lot of online stores sold out quickly.

Ship’s Log Indian Ocean, Day 4: Rain At Roxies

Derek MorrisonAug 18, 2023August 18, 20230

Roxies is a fun little righthander in a picturesque bay that is filled with turtles, occasionally crocodiles and, at times, a boatload of Brazilians (until our skipper evicted them). Going right with just our crew out was a welcome change of pace after two days at busy Macaronis. Like magic...

Five Minutes With: Surf Travel Expert Pete Head

Derek MorrisonAug 11, 2023April 9, 20240

He’s shepherded more Kiwi surfers into world-class waves than you imagine, and he’s tasted the product throughout his 20 years in the game. Island Holidays’ front man and travel guru Pete Head shares some of his travel wisdom with NZSJ. Pete, now 49, is a born and bred West Auckland...

Spencer Rowson & Anna Brock Win Kaikoura Grom Comp

Derek MorrisonApr 17, 2023July 25, 20240

Spencer Rowson and Anna Brock win the premier Under 18 divisions at the final round of The Connect Group SISA South Island Grom Series. The fourth and final event of the The Connect Group South Island Grom Series concluded at Meatworks, Kaikoura at the weekend. The event took place with...

40 Frames: Jai & Ava Win Cape Classic

Derek MorrisonFeb 10, 2023July 25, 20240

Ava Henderson and Jai Earnshaw prove too good in the solid waves for Westport’s 32nd Edition of the FT Dooleys Cape Classic. A new south swell filled in on the heels of the Westport Grom Comp to see the FT Dooleys Cape Classic staged at Tauranga Bay. With waves in...

40 Frames: Nine Mile Delivers For Westport Grom Comp

Derek MorrisonFeb 1, 2023July 25, 20240

Nine Mile turns it on for the Westport Grom Comp, Round 2 of The Connect Group SISA South Island Grom Series. The West Coast is developing quite a reputation for delivering quality surf conditions and contests that thrive on the charm of the local surf community. Buller Boardriders combined with...

Ava & Rocco Win Westport Grom Comp

Derek MorrisonFeb 1, 2023July 25, 20240

Ava Henderson and Rakiatea Tau win the premier Under 18 divisions at Round 2 of The Connect Group SISA South Island Grom Series. The second event of the The Connect Group South Island Grom Series was held in Westport on Friday. The event took place with beautiful weather and a...