April 15th 2025: Kaikoura dreamin'

Kaikoura never ceases to amaze me. It brings together two of my favourite topographies: mountain peaks and the ocean. Wherever they meet around the world is a place I dream of. Even long-term locals still buzz out when the skies turn pink and the backlit mountains jut into space.

We were there this past weekend for the Connect Group Kaikoura Grom Comp – a part of the South Island Surfing Association's series and a key contest for surfers hoping to make the New Zealand team. We have Alexis Owen qualified for that and Lewis Murphy on the cusp ... along with a bunch of other Otago surfers who are still in the hunt.

But the contest is a small part of a Kaikoura surf adventure. They're always about the mateship, the smoky campfires, time on the rocky shoreline and incredible sunrises and sunsets. This past weekend certainly did not disappoint. Thanks to all the Kaikoura locals for sharing their waves with us all.

See you at the beach .. Derek

PS This easter the South Island Champs will be taking place along the Otago coastline. We have a rather large east-northeast swell inbound for the first two days of the event and maybe longer. That means the event is likely to be split between Blackhead and Aramoana, where the best waves will meet the best winds. Check out the South Coast Boardriders page for updates. Some of New Zealand's best surfers will be in attendance. See you there.