Had to exercise some patience this week as life conspired against my wave-hunting instincts. Yes, I know there were waves around this corner and some over the hill, but the only fodder within my reach was the tiny swell making its way into the city beaches. Great for the groms, but not enough energy to fire me up.
Usually by this time of year we've already had a lump of swell push through for a few weeks of waves and a few jaw-dropping moments way down south. But so far, just a few teasers without a lot of teeth. That may all change this week as the Southern Ocean engine room fires right up. There are some nasty winds coming with it, but let's hope they hold off just long enough to let us make the most of them.
Speaking of patience, did you see what Raglan surfer Billy Stairmand did on the weekend? Billy Stairmand won the Gold Coast Open, a QS1500 event. That's big news, not just for the 1500 points he puts towards his 2019 World Qualifying Series campaign, but it will boost his confidence – give him the ability to believe in himself and his talent. It also confirms to the whole world that he is hungry and ready to take the fight the whole way into the top 13 ... that's where he needs to be to qualify and join Ricardo Christie on the World Championship Tour in 2020.
Watch this space, professional surfing in New Zealand is on the rise.
See you at the beach ... Derek
PS About this time last year we managed to intercept a record-breaking swell way down south on a remote reefbreak. It was one of the best days shooting this particular reef. We just released the full story over on NZ Surf Journal. You can find it right here on NZSJ.
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