A couple of weeks ago on the North Islands West Coast we were spoilt with a fresh Summer swell. If you love surfing, big waves, and that electric feeling of witnessing surfers throwing themselves into the heart of a monster swell, you know exactly what I’m talking about. I had the privilege of being right in the action at two iconic surf spots, Muriwai and Raglan, capturing everything from gnarly barrels to surfers sending it like they were born to ride heavy waves. And trust me, it was one of those weeks where the ocean made sure we all knew who was boss.

Muriwai: A Mad Thursday with 2M+ Swell

Thursday morning at Muriwai was an absolute showstopper. The forecast was calling for a massive swell, and the ocean did not disappoint. The waves were thick, powerful, and relentless, packing an intense punch that would send even the most seasoned surfers into survival mode.

I was out there, my camera in hand, sheltered as best I could from the rain, watching surfers paddle out into the lineup with one goal: to tame these unruly giants. And let me tell you, these waves were no joke. With sets pushing past 2 meters, you could feel the raw power of the ocean at every moment. The sound of waves crashing against the jagged rocks and the sheer size of the pits had an almost mythical quality.

I was fortunate enough to capture some absolute gems. Surfers were charging through hollow barrels, throwing themselves into gnarly sections, and carving massive turns. The water was that deep green, the rain was pouring down, and the spray was exploding behind them as they chased the next section—each moment more electric than the last.

Raglan: Another Pulse of Swell & Seriously Epic Sessions

But the week wasn’t over yet. No, the swell wasn’t done showing off. On Saturday, the focus shifted south to Raglan, and once again, the ocean proved she had more tricks up her sleeve.

The pulse of swell that hit Raglan was heavier, more intense, and all-around more challenging. Surfers were out there with pure determination written on their faces, paddling through monster sets to get their shot at glory. The waves here have a unique energy, and on a day like this, the lineup was electric with adrenaline.

I spent hours capturing some mesmerizing moments. I watched surfers race down the faces of massive waves, burying themselves in deep pits or getting tossed from the tops of towering walls. The action was fast and furious, and I couldn't help but be stoked to capture every frame. And just when you thought the day couldn’t get better, the sun came out, adding that extra shine to the already epic session and amplifying the good vibes.

It wasn’t just the surfers making waves, though. The surf photographers at Raglan were out in full force (Isaac Chaddy, Kiwi legend and filming wiz), doing their thing with as much style as the riders themselves. You can’t forget the photographers who make it their job to document these sessions—riding the waves on the camera side, capturing the energy and essence of surf culture. As a photographer myself, I couldn't keep my eyes off the session!

*All going on from Isaac Chaddy filming to the boys sending it…*

The Girls Who Sent It in Raglan

One of the major highlights of my weekend was shooting some of the incredible female surfers at Raglan. These girls weren’t holding back—flying down waves, duck-diving under sets, and throwing themselves into barrels with absolute confidence.

It was so refreshing to see how much the female surf scene is growing, and these girls weren’t just holding their own; they were absolutely ripping. From blasting off the lips, they were putting on a show that had me in awe. I even managed to catch a few perfect moments. These are the kinds of shots you live for as a photographer—raw and utterly inspiring. To be honest, some of the girls were charging harder than the boys…

A Week of Pure Surf Bliss

This week was one of those unforgettable surf sessions that every photographer and surfer dreams about. From the explosive energy of Muriwai to the raw power of Raglan, the swells were as big as they were epic, and the surfers were pushing their limits with every wave.

It’s weeks like this that remind me why I love what I do. There's something so primal, so beautiful about capturing these moments. Whether it’s surfers chasing tubes or a photographer waiting for the perfect shot, it's a rush that never gets old. And when it all comes together, like it did that week, it’s pure surf bliss. Can’t wait for the next session!

On top of this we got to work with our favourite surf brand SHAGGY CLOTHING.

“Shaggy is ya go-to Local independent surfwear brand. As Kiwi as a Choc Bar on a summers day. You'll find us based out of Omaha, a small coastal town north of Auckland New Zealand. Here we have everything you could ever need with a humble cruisey surf break, good fishing and some bloody gems when it comes to coffee spots. As a sucker for some cord and a decent screen printed box tee, I thought I had to be able to change that.”

Stay stoked, folks. The ocean is calling. 🌊

Chasing Swell: Surfing the West Coast

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Chasing Swell: Surfing the West Coast

Hanging 10 on the East Coast: A Perfect Week for Longboarders

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