Surfr

Rainy day at the point

2012-01-11T10:14:00.002+13:00

In the North of New Zealand summer has been failing to deliver sunshine hours but the surfing has been very good lately

Escaping from the rain

Stoked grommets

Family at the beach

Classic conditions

You know its summer when....

2011-12-07T16:46:00.001+13:00

You know its summer when The Pohutukawa are blooming on the Northland coast.

Rere Bay Whangaroa Harbour

Surf the Blogs

2011-12-06T08:44:00.001+13:00

My SURF THE BLOGS site automatically updates the latest postings for 330 and still counting surf blogs. Expose your blog to a wider audience.

Connect with a world wide community of fellow grass-roots surfers.

It's a great way to find out about what's happening with real surfers around the world.

Over 330 sites producing about 60 updates a week.

This collection of surfing blogs is about real people telling stories, photographing surf, discussing equipment, and letting others know what's happening in their surfing world.

Vote For This Blog!!

2011-12-06T08:37:00.000+13:00

http://auckland.concreteplayground.co.nz/thebloggers/vote/design-and-photography/

New Zeal Land

2011-12-04T13:55:00.001+13:00

New Zeal land

Totara North
Whangaroa
I read about the worlds most expensive photo from here www.australianphotography.com/news/world-s-most-expensive....and now here's my version of similar. This one I'm sure is just asgood or maybe even better. Its called New Zeal Land.

It says a lot in a minimal way. Its an allegory or metaphor for the New Zealandcondition. Peering through and looking for our place in the world. North/southvertical of our Geography with black our sports colour. The sea, sky, bushfringed hills and green paddock with a boat

What I do for a real job

2011-12-03T08:00:00.001+13:00

At times Botany, Horticulture and Biology teacher, Ecotourism operator and garden writer. Basically telling people about plants. Check out my plant phytography Blog
http://plant-phytography.blogspot.com/
As Well, You can have a Houseboat Holiday on Whangaroa Harbour
http://www.houseboatrentals.co.nz/

YouTube My Video Bushmansfriends Channel

2011-12-02T22:02:00.001+13:00

http://www.youtube.com/user/bushmansfriend/videos?sort=p&view=u

Waka: original ocean going machines

2011-12-01T14:03:00.001+13:00

The two waka Te Aukaha and Uerangi together as a couple in their house at the old mill at Totara North Whangaroa Harbour. Te Aukaha is male and Uerangi is female. I took the photo peering through the slats on the gate.

I really like this image. The canoes are made from giant kauri logs by master carver and voyager Hec Busby of Te Aorere. This shed is also made from kauri and much of the scraps of wood around are kauri from this area. The canoes are living things and the way the light falls through the roof highlights them. They seem to be very comfy and contented in here.

Clown Rock

2011-11-26T11:00:00.000+13:00

Clown Rock

Mystic River

2011-11-25T15:16:00.001+13:00

Where does the river end

the sea begin?

They are one and the same waters that merge into each other

Mystic ribbons

Eels can live in rivers or the sea.

The top of New Zealand

2011-11-25T00:30:00.000+13:00

Cape Reinga is the north-western cape at the very tip of North Island. It is a special place with amazing colours and a rugged and spectacular seascape. It holds a special spot for Maori as this is where spirits depart Aotearoa for the underworld. Its where the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean meet.

Cape Reinga

Te Werahi Beach

Basic Elements: Rocks, Sea, Sky

Beach-break through the Flax.

The Lighthouse

Birds of the Bay.

2011-11-22T14:40:00.001+13:00

I love bird watching and noticing how the birds live in different environments .

Gannts are found in vast open spaces. I took this one above while fishing in the Bay. I love the way they dive into the water from a great height.

Caspian terns are shy but up the back of the harbour they can be spotted.

Five Shags on the rocks at the sea coast.

The pied Shags nest in the Mangroves....

White-Fronted Terns on the poles by the boat ramp at the end of the Beach.

There and back again. A Walk along Whangamata Beach

2011-11-22T13:59:00.001+13:00

Our Family is fortunate enough to have a Whangamata bach. It gets a lot of use. After Dinner we often go for a walk.

The Bach

Beach Access Five

Blue Bach

Whangamata Beach at low-tide and Dusk.

Otahu Estuary

Take the day off work. Go surfing

2011-11-22T11:14:00.000+13:00

The surf report said to take the day off work and to go surfing. So I did.

Whangamata: The Bach

2011-11-15T17:51:00.000+13:00

My father built the Bach at Whangamata in 1956-57.
He purchased 3 single mens huts from the Ministry of Works in Mangakino and had them trucked over to Whangamata.
Put three of them together and this kept us in holidays until the 1980's.
Eventually, we had had enough of the long drop, and sold the property.
As we got into surfing we would use the bach whenever the surf was up.
Summers seem to be earlier and better then. About 1967. Our family. Dad took the photo. Note the 1957 Morris Oxford. We would drive this from Lower Hutt to Whangamata in the one day.
This is a year later than the other one. The bach from the back with the 9'6'' Atlas woods pride of place. Note the water treatment system on the bach roof and the clothes line. Bermuda shorts were the fashion.
John lights up another one while Ned No-One and that Dam builder discuss philosophy. About 1979.

Flickr: All my best photography

2011-11-09T13:19:00.000+13:00

Flickr: All my best photography

Purchase my photos as Wall Art

2011-09-22T13:25:00.000+12:00

Purchase my photos as Wall Art

Ahipara: Please Slow Down

2011-09-17T16:29:00.001+12:00

Have you ever been to Ahipara: That classic Northland New Zealand Surfing spot. If you do go there its so laid back its best to slow down. Video by Tony Foster.

Surfing Bali Uluwatu and Kuta

2011-08-16T13:13:00.004+12:00

Surfing in Bali was a bit of a culture shock for this Old Guy. Not so much the waves, as perfect waves are perfect wherever, but the way in which the environment has been trashed all for the sake of the tourist's dollar. What was once probably a very attractive natural spot is now a conglomerate of concrete buttresses and fortresses overhanging the sea. Costs $5 to park your car, lots more for a room in a swanky hotel. We were constantly harassed by merchants and beggars wherever we went in Bali. However we thoroughly enjoyed our time on the Island but was always scratching my head about the intensity of the people in the way they tried to get a dollar from me.

The Classic Uluwatu View 10' and no takers

Surfboards for hire at Kuta

The reef at Uluwatu

Cocacola at Uluwatu

Happy kids surfing

Bingin

Bali Holiday!!

Family framing sunset at Kuta Beach

Kuta Beach Boats

Good night Girls

Back street Gambling in Kuta

Hindu Prayers

Whangamata Bar 1979

2011-08-10T10:10:00.000+12:00

First Section Sequence

2011-07-11T11:12:00.000+12:00

First Section Sequence

The takeoff

Greenwall takeoff

2011-07-10T11:12:00.001+12:00

Green wall takeoff

Epic Northland New Zealand Surf

2011-07-08T17:08:00.004+12:00

Epic this week

Too Good Today

2011-07-05T15:11:00.007+12:00

Just too good today!!

The Queens Birthday Present

2011-06-08T16:30:00.008+12:00

Classic surf this past weekend that fortunately was a Three day weekend .

The Sea can be a dangerous place.

2011-05-17T10:18:00.000+12:00

The Sea can be a dangerous place.

Grave of the Unknown Sailor

Totara North Cemetery

Surrounded by Mist

2011-04-19T10:23:00.000+12:00

Flat

2011-04-18T18:15:00.003+12:00

Flat..... But a reality for all surfers

TC Bune delivers cranking conditions to Northland's North East Coast.

2011-03-29T17:06:00.005+13:00

One of the best days for ages.

Storm surf

2011-02-27T17:02:00.002+13:00

Waves from Cyclone Atu smash into the cliffs surrounding Whangaroa Bay

Doubtless Bay

2011-02-27T12:03:00.002+13:00

Doubtless Bay. Usually its a fairly sheltered piece of coastline. Last week it was producing the goods as TC Atu was just off the coast and sent in great waves producing a few days of good surf.

Cable Bay

Taipa Bay

Lines in the middle of Doubtless Bay

TC Atu produces mint waves

2011-02-25T14:44:00.002+13:00

Classic A+ waves on offer this morning... but swell dropping fast

New Zealand: Clean and green

2011-02-21T09:22:00.003+13:00

New Zealand as a country is well known for its clean and green country side. The coast and its waves are just as clean and green

Canon 5D Mark 2 video of surfing Northland New Zealand

2011-02-19T15:34:00.002+13:00

Surfing Season looking good as New Zealand bakes in Hottest ever summer.

2011-02-15T17:58:00.005+13:00

Hot hot hot. For the past few weeks it really felt like summer here on New Zealand's north-east coast. Remnants of cyclones, and a lazy swell from the east, tropical humidity, 24 degree water.......

New Zealand bakes in hottest month ever

Cyclone Wilma swell

2011-02-01T09:03:00.002+13:00

The swell from Cyclone Wilma peaked on Friday morning producing 4-6' sets. The strong westerly blew the swell to 2 foot by the evening but good waves all day.

Horizontal lines of colour

2011-01-25T09:54:00.002+13:00

This is what it was like. Bright, intense, dark clouds racing on the brisk offshore. Lines of Colour

Don't you hate it when you go left when you should have gone right

2011-01-23T10:28:00.000+13:00

2-3' wedgey doubleups and A frames

2011-01-19T14:39:00.002+13:00

Real nice 2-3' wedgey doubleups and A frames. Worth taking the day off work for.

The White Bus

2010-11-30T12:57:00.002+13:00

Think I'll turn into a wandering Gypsy Hippy sort and live in a White Bus.

Northland is my home

2010-11-11T09:17:00.003+13:00

Northland New Zealand is my home. Sometimes I go to the Coromandel and Raglan. Occasionally I head overseas.

Check out my work on Flickr

Surfing Dolphins

2010-10-24T12:11:00.004+13:00

Waihi Beach

2010-10-21T15:10:00.002+13:00

Waihi Beach Bay of Plenty New Zealand.

Dolphins in the harbour

2010-10-21T14:12:00.002+13:00

The black fish visited this morning.

Classic Ruatoria rivermouth video 1986

2010-09-18T07:21:00.004+12:00

1986 video of Classic Day at Ruatoria rivermouth

Cows, Locals and Surfing Ruatoria 1987

2010-09-17T11:02:00.002+12:00

Cows, locals and Surfing Ruatoria 1987

Surfing On New Zealand's East Coast 1988

2010-09-15T11:38:00.004+12:00

Late last century I lived for 4 years at Ruatoria on the East Coast. Here's some video I took in 1988. Finally got round to making it digital. More from the video vault to follow over the next few weeks.

Dolphins on the starboard bow

2010-08-28T10:08:00.003+12:00

We were out cruising Whangaroa Harbour on the houseboat Maple Leaf one morning last week when a pod of Dolphins came to check us out.

New Book: Surf Photography by Stephen Foster

2010-08-06T08:46:00.001+12:00

My brother has published a high quality book of his surfphotography. You can check it out from here

The true local

Ours

Inside

Just can't wait to get out there

2010-08-05T09:32:00.001+12:00

the walk/run down the beach with the anticipation of a classic session.

Southern right whale

2010-08-04T16:53:00.002+12:00

No surf so we went for a walk on the weekend to Mahinepua. What a thrill to see a Southern Right Whale and it's calf only 40 metres from the beach. It was huge. About 15 metres I would guess. It wandered around the bay for the three hours we were there. Amazing

Check out the size in relation to the house

Dolphins Playing

2010-07-31T15:31:00.004+12:00

Dolphins playing at Mahinepua Whangaroa

The high line

2010-07-19T08:52:00.002+12:00

Blatant Drop-in

2010-07-16T15:50:00.000+12:00

Even with 4 guys in the water there can be moments of despair.

Reflections

2010-07-15T08:56:00.000+12:00

Reflections through the door of the bach (Bach: New Zealand vernacular for a summer house)

...And this is not the reflection.

Slotted

2010-07-14T13:56:00.000+12:00

Today

Behind the Island

2010-06-30T16:23:00.002+12:00

Winter Solstice

2010-06-24T19:11:00.000+12:00

A few days late, however it was a good day on the shortest day.

The peak

2010-06-20T20:17:00.000+12:00

The left bank

2010-06-17T10:40:00.002+12:00

The Longboarder

2010-06-10T08:16:00.000+12:00

Right hand bank

2010-06-09T08:26:00.000+12:00

A good right hand bank was working in front of the surfclub

The view through the Pohutukawa trees

2010-06-08T08:50:00.000+12:00

Surfing on the Coromandel is often about being in nature. This spot is off the main highway and down a hidden road to a beautiful beach framed by massive Pohutukawa trees.

Peaks and Barrels

2010-06-07T09:17:00.000+12:00

A powerful Coromandel beachbreak was doing its thing last week.

Pot of Gold

2010-06-06T08:54:00.000+12:00

The treasure to be found at the end of the rainbow

Whangamata dawn session

2010-06-05T11:02:00.001+12:00

Whangamata dawn session

Bush and rocks and water

2010-05-26T20:25:00.000+12:00

Looking good

The rivermouth

2010-05-21T12:56:00.002+12:00

Classic conditions for the birds and real keen types.

Raglan Manu Bay going off

2010-05-14T13:54:00.000+12:00

New Zealand's Raglan on one of the years best days

Sober Monday

2010-03-08T14:31:00.003+13:00

Today was a reality check as to just how pristine perfect it can get.

Whangaroa Houseboat Holidays- 1 of the world's 6 best houseboat experiencess

2010-03-02T09:26:00.000+13:00

This is what I do for a real job when not trying to get into the surf.

According to the newspaper "The Times" of London Whangaroa Houseboat is one of the world's best houseboat experiences. Its a great write up and the lead photo is of Maple Leaf in Rere Bay with Okahumoko behind. Its great to receive this free European "thumbs up" for the business and reiterates that Bushmansfriend and the beautiful Whangaroa Harbour offers a world class holiday experience.

You can read the article from here

or make a booking and check out our website from here

Wave riders: NZ maori

2010-02-08T13:39:00.003+13:00

New Zealand Maori voyaged here about 900 years ago on ocean going canoes. They were and still are excellent water men. While not going the way of the Hawaiians and developing surfing, they developed a unique water based culture. The sea, harbours and rivers were their roads.

Waitangi Day is New Zealands national day and here I went to Waitangi to capture the ambience.

Waka on the beach
Young warriors disembark.
The haka. Look out!

Summer Lines

2010-02-01T16:21:00.003+13:00

The top three photos were taken on top of the red hill.

Boot camp bay

2010-01-31T17:57:00.005+13:00

The sand banks have been terrible at the spot we usually surf, so today we tried somewhere else, not that far way. It was well worth it.

The drought has broken

2010-01-18T16:10:00.002+13:00

We've had no surf for far two long but finally a few lines to wet the appetite.

Max into a few
Siesta beneath the Pohutukawa
Old man of the sea

If only it was a foot bigger!!

2009-12-21T16:24:00.001+13:00

Perfect conditions. If only it was a foot bigger!

No swell for far too long

2009-11-25T08:18:00.001+13:00

Its been far too long since we had any descent swell. I'm hanging out for a repeat of this.

Starting to think about summer mornings!

2009-10-19T18:36:00.003+13:00

Whangaroa Bay Landscape

The science of waves animated gif.

2009-10-19T18:08:00.001+13:00

Waves: an optical illusion

2009-10-19T16:38:00.001+13:00

Courtesy of Woman's day

Samoa Upolo south shore

2009-10-01T16:31:00.003+13:00

This is a post I did in 2006. Looking back now after the Tsunami it is distressing to think that this beautiful spot has been destroyed.....and the terrible loss of life. I haven't heard in particular about Samoana resort where I stayed, but I imagine its no longer there.

At the bottom I add photos of the South shore of Upolo as I remember it.

I have been to Samoa in 2002 and 2004. Both trips brought great surf. Samoa is a surfing and cultural paradise. 28 degree water, relatively uncrowded and superpowerful surf on coral reefs and passes. I stayed at Samoana resort and the guides would take us out to the outer reef on the boat. It was a great place to stay. I recommend it. Its not cheap and not the place if you are a hard core surfer. However take the wife or partner and kids and they will all have a ball.
I went there in late september both times. The south east tradewinds are then dying out and the weather then changes to Northeasterlies which are offshore for the south side of Upolo. Many excellent set ups but you need local knowledge. I surfed boulders at solid 10' and broke my board in half. Quality lefthander. This was a day after Papatowai was breaking big. The depressions that send up the southerly swells into our east coast travel out into the Pacific then keep the swell heading to Samoa.
I also surfed coconuts which is the signature break. You can paddle out here if you dont mind a kilometer paddle and big rips. Not for the beginner. Another place was devils island which is a classic left hand point off the side of an atoll. Excellent and this is offshore in a south easter. Also village lefts at salamumu. You pay 10 tala to access this place.
In our summer the north side gets the same swell as Hawaii. So say no more. There are few spots around Apia and Fagaloa bay on the North east tip is awesome on a North swell.
Savaii is even more laid back than Upolo and there are a few good reef passes.I think you should go to samoa if you want to do more than just surf. The polynesian cultures awesome and friendly, beer is great and cheap. Respect the locals and they will look after you. Go there soon before the American and Aussie media discover it.

Coconuts a reefpass
Out front of Samoana resort
Perfectly tired.Can't wait to get out there.

This guy here was escaping from the heat in a small fale at a beach on Upolo. Hes watching a video of surfing. If he had gone outside and walked down to the sea he would have experienced what he was watching. I brought a beer from his mother.

Lalomanu beach and Fales.Samoana resort at SalamumuSunset

Alive in Waihi. Classic New Zealand Party

2009-09-25T10:01:00.001+12:00

My family rocking at this classic kiwi party.

Glassy morning

2009-09-06T13:25:00.003+12:00

Glassy morning, 2-4' and some bigger ones as well.

Onemana: A beautiful beach

2009-09-04T11:10:00.004+12:00

Just around the corner from Whangamata is one of Coromandels more beautiful spots. Onemana beach can have grunty beachbreaks, but as well, has very pretty bushwalks and a few more hidden gems not too far away. I hear a Gold company is prospecting on this peninsula. Be very worried.....

Super Surf Sunday

2009-08-17T07:25:00.002+12:00

2-4' and looking real nice. The swell was a bit wobbly at times but a great session was had.

Spring's arrived

2009-08-13T13:28:00.002+12:00

Spring has arrived in New Zealand when the Tui feed from the Kowhai tree.

Great Fun at Raglan

2009-07-30T20:28:00.003+12:00

Surfing Raglan

Stand Up Paddle Board SUP's

2009-07-13T17:14:00.003+12:00

3-5', offshore and pretty good. The guy on the Stand up paddle board was charging on the set waves.

Surfing New Zealand a day in the life.

2009-07-05T13:49:00.002+12:00

Surfing in Mimiwhangata, NZ is the perfect stomping ground for upcoming groms Elliot Paerata-Reid, and Paul & Joe Moretti. Warm waters, golden sand and uncrowded waves. SeventhwaveWetsuits

3'-5' and pumping all day

2009-06-14T14:33:00.002+12:00

Appreciating the Landscape

2009-06-09T16:46:00.002+12:00

This morning it rained and blew a storm however by mid afternoon the storm passed leaving good swell and an offshore. I surfed mid beach by the pohutukawa tree with two others. It was a whole lot of fun with grunty overhead waves.

A good day for fishing

2009-05-23T12:57:00.003+12:00

First shots with new lens

2009-04-30T16:14:00.006+12:00

2-4 ft sets, nice off shore and the last rays of summer heat.
Lens is Canon macro EF 100mm 1: 2.8 on the Canon 300 D EOS.

Human cargo

2009-04-24T09:24:00.002+12:00

The Brother in law-a lawyer and songmaster- sent this video which needs more exposure for sure. Check it out.

And the sets just kept on coming....

2009-04-08T17:53:00.004+12:00

The long period groundswell was only 4 ft in size but consistent, with plenty of waves to be had by the lucky people who were there.

A bit of video taken over 10 minutes. In the 4 hrs I was there it seemed better groomed and fun than what the vid shows

Whangamata

2009-03-12T16:41:00.007+13:00

Whangamata Beach is one of New Zealands best beach breaks, with a vibrant surf community and a real nice place to take in the Coromandel ambience.

Phormium tenax flax and surfer

Whiritoa

2009-03-12T16:37:00.004+13:00

Whiritoa is a powerful punchy beach break and one of eastern Coromandels great surf spots....as well as a beautiful beach.

The Estuary

2009-03-12T16:20:00.005+13:00

Whangamata beach on the Coromandel coast is one of New Zealand's prime surf spots and not too far away is this gem which occasionally produces quality down the line waves....Like this day

Barnacles and sunglasses

2009-02-01T16:08:00.003+13:00

A fun day at the beach

2009-01-13T12:02:00.004+13:00

Three foot left over swell. A real fun session.