November 28, 2014

Hand Dragging


The bottom turn hand drag.

November 21, 2014

Surfing Mum


Here's my wife and two sons on a family surf adventure mid way through this year. The boys played in and on these local fishing boats before falling asleep in the narrow amount of shade afforded by them and the tropical sun above. Meanwhile Katherine and I took turns racing some fast peeling point surf without another surfer in sight. Not every go-out on the trip was as idyllic! Among her many other talents and fine characteristics, I'm stoked to have a surfing wife.

November 14, 2014

Spaghetti Surf


Just something about that backdrop that makes me think of a spaghetti western... speaking of which, have you heard this?


October 31, 2014

October 24, 2014

October 17, 2014

Kai Style


Kai Ellice-Flint a few summer ago now I think. It was a Sunday morning club meet at his local beach. He's since kicked a few impressive goals further afield. It's always rewarding watching Kai surf.

October 10, 2014

Ghost Freight


Early morning surfing rocks.

October 3, 2014

Whitewater Style


Trimming through the foam in style. There's plenty of valid criteria on what "good" surfing is - effortlessness, flow, critical positioning, power etc, but I reckon in my mix there's got to be something about making the most of a wave - completing the ride, every last bit of trim. This idea probably extends into riding all kinds of boards and surfing all kinds of conditions, appreciating the chance to get out in the ocean and passionately do something that some might describe as pointless. But they don't get it. Some surfers don't even get it. Jim does.

September 26, 2014

MR Rider


A no-doubt prized MR zipping across one of my preferred local point breaks, especially when you luck into one of those rare uncrowded sessions.

September 19, 2014

Out In Force


Groms will be out in force over the next few weeks with the arrival of Spring school holidays today. I can't think of a better way to occupy and wear them out, it sure beats computer games or hanging out in a shopping centre.

September 12, 2014

Going


One of the breaks that won't break much until next years southerly swell train start chugging in. I scored a few fun sessions out there this winter, even had one early morning to myself with the rain falling sideways... 

September 1, 2014

Daylight


Spring has sprung and the days are noticeably longer. I've squeezed in a few longer early sessions lately. I'm not really looking forward to daylight savings this year... early surfs are a more manageable proposition with two kids in the mix now. I'm looking forward to the day when they can join me in the lineup : )

August 27, 2014

Moving


I haven't posted for a good while now, but I'm feeling keen. The plan is to do it weekly. I've enjoyed some nice uncrowded waves lately. This was a crowded Bay day, ages ago.

May 7, 2014

Surrounded


An unknown surfer joe moments before being surrounded by a decent sized one. This was just one of the many larger days we've enjoyed this Autumn.

April 23, 2014

Finally


It's a good feeling on those bigger days when it's crowded and everyone's jostling for waves, and you finally get one to yourself! This was a busy Sunday afternoon earlier in Autumn. I was feeling this guys stoke from a mile away as he sped off down the line.

April 2, 2014

Phil Roxburgh


I stop in to their home town every now and then for a surf, and it's a pretty rare morning not to see at least one member of the Roxburgh family turning heads in the lineup.

March 19, 2014

Jive Surfing


Am I imaging it, or did surfers once talk about jive surfing?! Whatever you want to call it, I dig the style going on here.

March 10, 2014

Spaghetti Surf


The good people at Korduroy tv used our song Baja-ha for this short about Californian artist Jay Nelson. When I say "our" I mean The Mandelas as seen on the music player on the right side of the blog. Baja-ha's our only instrumental and has a bit of a western infused 60's surf sound, or something similar... ascribe your own label! If you like what you hear the 5 track EP is $10 delivered anywhere in Australia. Overseas available too. Drop us a line at themandelas@gmail.com

February 19, 2014

February 5, 2014

January 29, 2014

It Will Come


Winter that is. If you've had enough of the crowds and mostly marginal conditions… But I don't want to wish summer away too soon though!

January 22, 2014

January 4, 2014

2013 Top 20

 20 of my favourite posts from 2013.