Even with this summer being pretty average it's still been about getting on the road and camping. The Cambulance is getting a work out. The latest trip was swell chasing on the east, back to the top of the Coromandel - Waikawau Bay.
Waikawau Bay hosts one of New Zealand's most idyllic DOC camping grounds. You can stay for as little as $13.00 a night, yep $13.00. The amenities are basic, long drops, cold showers, byo drinking water. But that's all part of the charm. Back to basics, plan ahead, be prepared.
Of course camping in the Cambulance ain't really that basic. Let's be honest, it's pretty much all about the creature comforts. My brother Kent has just gone the same way; camping, but camping in style. This trip was the maiden voyage of his new toys. A new two room inflatable tent and all the fixings; new camp kitchen, sun chairs, USB LED light system. Heaps of cool stuff!
We got skunked for surf. The whole idea of the four day escape was to go to where the waves would be good. Eat, surf, sleep- repeat. The swell was too straight. Perfect 2-3 foot groomed lines would march in, peak up and then straighten out. Perfect head high closeouts.
The weather played ball though. Four days of camplife, walks, surfs, swims, photos, food, cards, laughs, lots of laughs.
Sunset drinks for Lucinda and Ange
Observing the sea change
Watching the light show
Summer tones
Clouds race
Country road...that ironically, the Cambulance is too heavy to travel down; there's a 3000 kg gross weight bridge on it. The Cambo is 4000kg
Waitakaruru, home turf for the Levers clan. The community centre and it's ramp roof has always fascinated me
The Aotearoa Surf Film Festival 2017
The ASFF is now in it's fith year. It has been an honour and privilege to be one of the founding judges on the screening panel since 2012. We have to watch A LOT of crap, some years over 40 hours of it. But in amongst the rubbish there's always the lil nuggets. Those short or feature films that amp you to get wet, to travel, to be aware of your footprint.
This year's selection is nice and tight. The roadshow dates are locked in. Here's the shedule
Gisborne - Dome Cinema
Sat, Mar 4, 2017 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Napier - Globe Theatrette
Mon, Mar 6, 2017 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Raglan - Old School Arts Centre
Thu, Mar 9, 2017 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Wellington - Lighthouse Cuba
Thu, Mar 9, 2017 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Whitianga - Monkey House Theatre
Fri, Mar 10, 2017 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
New Plymouth - 4th Wall Theatre
Sat, Mar 11, 2017 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Takapuna - Free Outdoor Screening
Sat, Mar 18, 2017 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Christchurch - The Gym, Christchurch Arts Centre
Thu, Mar 23, 2017 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Mount Maunganui - Free Outdoor Screening
Sat, Mar 25, 2017 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Nelson - NMIT
Sat, Apr 8, 2017 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Whangarei - Butter Factory
Thu, May 4, 2017 6:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Auckland - Crystal Palace - Grand Finale
Fri, May 5, 2017 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
You can book tickets straight from The ASFF website HERE
Book It
The Big Little Beach Book features Waikawau Bay. How could it not. Did you know that every beach in the book featured has a QR code. You can scan the code and it will open up in Google Maps. With every publication there's an attempt to provide an interactive element- go that little bit further. But you knew that 'cos you already have your copy aye? What you don't and you realise you need this book in your life- just click on the images for more info.