Box of Light is made possible thanks to these visionaries:
It seems we're in the middle of a grom surge right now in Otago. There are so many young boys and girls ranging in age from from 8-18 in the water these days. I'm responsible for three of them and like many find myself struggling to get my own share of waves when they're out. I've even heard some of the older guys grizzling about the plague of grommets who take over the main peaks on any decent swell.
But it's promising for the sport of surfing here ... and its future. For my own kids they look up to surfers who are national champions or at least surfing at that level. And they're surfing with them every day. The bar is set high and that is what will make the difference for them. Add to that the consistency and the quality of our waves and we've got pretty fertile ground for these emerging athletes.
Only a few of them will make it. Finances are the biggest barrier. The South Island contests are poorly acknowledged by the surfing establishment. So, to get a foot in the door, a surfer has to compete in the North Island. That's a lot of travel. And then that same concept applies when you want to take it to the world stage ... when the world reopens.
It will be exciting to see how this current crop navigate their way in the sport.
Lots of swell this week. To help you find the right spot we've updated the Box of Light surf forecast page for you. Check it out here.
See you at the beach ... Derek
PS New Zealand Surf Journal has joined forces with Emerson's Brewery to launch the Search for New Zealand's Underground Charger. You know, those surfers who come out of the woodwork when the swell maxes out and the slabs start working. Think you know a surfer who fits the bill? Click this link right here and nominate them ... you could even win beer ...
Box of Light is made possible thanks to these visionaries: