Box of Light is made possible thanks to these visionaries:
It was a one-way bet that sat halfway between encouragement and a dare. As Rewa and her friend Tessa paddled out into a cold Catlins lineup Tessa's father, Dan Gabbott, set up the wager. And they shook on it. If they could get tubed during the surf session then he'd pay them $40. If they got tubed and I got a photo of it then they would get $50.
I'm pretty sure Dan knew they'd focus on nothing else ... and in an arena that was raining barrels at 2-3 foot – the perfect size for the groms. Tessa wasted no time, catching several large promising set waves and showing no regard for safety as she hunted for a barrel. I'm pretty sure she got several as she surfed away from where I sat between two peaks. Rewa did the same and managed several late drops before finding one that nearly opened up for her, then another and finally the money wave – a long hissing wave with plenty of time tucked under cover. That smile just grew bigger.
Dan and Jane are awesome supporters of surfing in the south. Over the years they have given many thousands of dollars to support Otago surfers and teams – not just their own three competitive surfing kids: Karne, Tessa and Noah. So the handover was ceremonial: Rewa quite happy to claim her winnings.
The past seven days has been a rhythm of diving, surfing, eating like kings from a campfiure and good times with a bunch of like-minded families, friends and people who all ended up on the same strip of grass in the Catlins.
It was the reset we all desperately needed. I hope you experienced something similar wherever you are.
See you at the beach ... Derek
PS Now that it's officially 2022 we'd like to thank you for being a part of our journey at Box of Light, which is now into its 11th year. We couldn't be here without you reading our reports each week, buying our prints and books, and sending us all the nice emails throughout the year. We'd also like to thank our amazing partners and advertisers, particularly Strictly Coffee and Emerson's Brewery who have supported us now for so many years (and they both make the best tonics for our lifestyle). Travel well, be safe, be kind and never stop adventuring.
Box of Light is made possible thanks to these visionaries: