December 13th 2016: Rush

Well that came out of the blue. One minute I was just gearing up for the year, then I'm in that dreaded spiral rush toward Christmas – a strange fusion of deadlines that ends in a party, summer and some enforced good times with family and friends. That bit I like, but the bit leading up to that can be a challenge. For me it's lots of late nights as my deadlines stack upon each other and concertina into a blur. Surfing during this window of madness? Forget it, unless I happen to luck into a swell. Not this past week, though. That was grim for me as far as surfing goes. But come December 26 and it's all on ...

If you're anything like me then you're probably a dreadful present buyer. My last few presents for my wife consisted of: snorkel, mask, fins, boxing gloves, weather station (WS 2500 to be exact), mountain bike, purple lingerie, onesie (labrador) ... you get the idea. She wasn't that stoked on any of them (knew I should have gone for the giraffe onesie).

Anyway, to make your life really awesome from here on into December 25, I've put together this cheat sheet for present buying. You don't even have to leave your workspace:

1. MichaelJohn is an uber talented jeweller (and surfer) who has just released his Into The Blue collection. Ocean inspired and very cool. Check out MJJ here.

2. Everyone loves a print from Box of Light, or one of our books. Come in and see us at 1 Dowling Street, Dunedin, or order right here so we can get your gift to you in time for Christmas.

3. Time for some summer rubber? Go see the legendary team taking technology to new heights at Seventhwave. Nothing says love like a new 2/3 limestone-impregnated suit. 

4. Got to have some Skinnies on board for summer. Try out their new Looks range ... just landed.

5. Everyone loves Italy. Why not take your favourite person there? It's easy to do at the Esplanade restaurant at St Clair Beach. Real Italian pizza, passionate chefs and a view to dine for. Here's the menu. Start salivating.

6. And finally it would be remiss of me not to mention Dunedin's hottest jeweller: Workshop 41's Rachael Morrison. She's all about handmade individual pieces and if you're quick she still has time to craft something unique for your loved one before Dec 25. You can email her right here.

Me? Well, I reckon my wife would love a sea kayak, with fishing rod holders, bait board, self-bail kit ... the works. She's one lucky girl ...

See you at the beach ... Derek

PS Submissions for the Proposed Marine Protected Areas for New Zealand's South Island South-East Coast close at 5pm on December 20, 2016. Although communication around this consultation has been lacklustre, don't underestimate the importance of having your say on this document. It outlines 20 sites of significance and seeks to protect those areas for future generations. You can have your say right here.