January 28th 2025: Coasting ...

In the past two weeks we've taken in three surf comps. Firstly, the Nationals were held in Taranaki and were a bit of a hair-pulling, nerve-wracking week of competition. By contrast the Westport Grom Comp and Cape Classic were a more relaxing pace – even with a bunch of New Zealand's best surfers in the mix. There's something about the West Coast and the Buller Boardriders members who run these events that makes them a favourite on our annual contest calendar.

A highlight for us was having my brother's boy Reuben stow away with us after his stellar Nationals campaign. He's from North Narrabeen so is immersed among some of the world's best surfers. Narrabeen, and Sydney's Northern Beaches, are a surfing hotspot on par with the Gold Coast these days. So Reuben has normalised a high level of surfing which plays well into a New Zealand contest landscape.

Watching him and his cuzzies navigate these comps together has been pretty special. That family bond has resulted in some great moments before heats and in free surfs. And on the long drives between venues.

Reuben ended up having a heat with Keo and many battles with Christchurch ripper Benji Lowen (now based in Coffs Harbour), one with Olympian Billy Stairmand, and a heat with the legendary Jai Earnshaw. Jai knocked him out to end his run, but was quick to praise Reuben for his style and waves. Reuben reckons New Zealand comps are way more chilled out.

Unfortunately conditions didn't play into Reuben's hands – like most Aussies he has a sound air game and can stick air-revs with surprising consistency, but he never managed to nail a big one in a heat this past two weeks. But he has settled in the minds of Keo and his crew the need to get an air game on lock. Watch this space ...

See you at the beach ... Derek

PS We are back to normal programming from this week onwards after our month of travel in the Salty Slug to kick off the year. And the gallery is back to full swing. Pop in, check out some new ideas for that blank wall you have ... here are some faves to get you started.