Whangamata Archives - New Zealand Surf Journal

Cyclone Dovi Challenges Top Juniors At Whangamata Grom Comp

Derek MorrisonFeb 14, 2022November 29, 20220

Cyclone Dovi may not have produced the big swell that everyone was looking for, but the wind from the storm lashed Whangamata during Day 2 of event two of the Billabong Grom Series. Piha surfer Bill Byers won the Under 18 Boys Division with Natasha Gouldsbury (Tara) winning the Under...

40 Frames: Whangamata Grom Series, Part 1

Derek MorrisonFeb 12, 2022December 5, 20220

Taranaki surfer Skylar McFetridge surfed to her first national win at the second event of the Billabong Grom Series presented by Oceanbridge held at Whangamata today. McFetridge was joined by Sol Fritchley (Mnt) and Lola Groube (Pau) as winners in their respective divisions today. Fritchley backed up his stunning win...

Rising Grom: Isaac Klein-Ovink

Derek MorrisonMar 9, 2021July 25, 20240

Almost two years ago the Klein-Ovink family realised they had life back-to-front. They lived in Auckland and traveled to surf. So they uprooted the family home and moved to Papamoa. For 17-year-old Isaac, his older sister, Baylin, and younger brother, PJ, that was a dream come true. NZSJ: Tell us...

40 Frames: Billabong Grom Series, Whangamata

Derek MorrisonFeb 17, 2021July 25, 20240

With the tail-end of a cyclone swell to stir things, up the 2021 Billabong Grom Series, held at Whangamata at the weekend, had it all. From pumping waves right through to onshore mush. Here’s 40 frames that capture the spirit of it all.

Robinson, Shewry Claim Wins At Whangamata Grom Series

Derek MorrisonFeb 16, 2021May 3, 20210

Whangarei’s Tom Robinson broke a two-year win drought over the weekend with his female counterpart Ariana Shewry, of Taranaki getting her first national event win in four years at the Whangamata grom comp. The two surfers claimed the Under 18 Divisions of the second event of the Billabong Grom Series...

Five Minutes With: 15-Year-Old Filmmaker Hunter Cooney

Derek MorrisonNov 10, 20200

Whangamata surfer Hunter Cooney is the guy responsible for producing Flightless Obsession – that’s the Kiwi surf film that was borne out of our Covid-19 Lockdown. New Zealand Surf Journal caught up with the young creative along the iconic shoreline of Kaikoura. NZSJ: Hello, Hunter. What are you doing standing...

Shaper Profile: Pete Anderson

Derek MorrisonApr 24, 2020July 25, 20240

With more than 36 years experience shaping surfboards out of Whangamata, Pete Anderson is one of the most humble and well-respected surfboard manufacturers in New Zealand. In this film he shares his journey from growing up in the heyday of Whangamata’s board-building industry to his insights, his hopes and most...

Photo Essay: East Coast Pumps Part 1 – Coromandel Coast

Derek MorrisonFeb 28, 2019July 31, 20190

A swarm of tropical cyclones swirled through the Pacific in the first half of February. As they dissipated they tracked south east and got trapped off the East Coast by a blocking high over New Zealand. That scenario created the perfect long range and sustained swell engine for the East...