Oceanic Totems 1 & 2

I finally got around to producing some personal work while being semi-settled in New Plymouth. These are painted on reclaimed New Zealand lumber and inspired by the the elements.

NZ: A Fun Autumn Day in Taranaki

Fall is in the air... leaves are changing color, Mt. Taranaki is covered with snow, the nights are getting damn chilly and the water is cooling down... and there are fun waves to be had!

Words of Wisdom

"Certainly, travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living." - Miriam Beard

NZ: Tube of the trip today!

Big, fast and throwing! Just look at that beautiful thing! Got my best tube of the trip today... actually got a few good ones that had me hooting and mumbling to myself on the paddle back out. Made my week.. and it's only Monday! Looks like the swell is gonna continue to build throughout the week... Hell yes!!!

Oh... I got a new board (6'3" x 18 1/2" x 2 3/8") and it might be magical... a guy named Cain Aldridge(Go Figure... Cain & Abel) here in Taranaki shaped it. CSA Surfboards. It's been over 10 years since I've surfed anything but a Roberts since I used to airbrush for him back in the day... I kinda felt like a traitor but what are you gonna do? I needed a new board and I'm halfway around the world. Sorry buddy!

NZ: Because it's there...

Picked a good day to hike Mt. Taranaki with Chloe and Cam. Sun shining, no cloud hovering over the tippy top and just a light (but chilly) Southern breeze. Could see the whole 'naki, from Waitara to Opunaki and beyond. My body is gonna pay tomorrow. Here's a collage of pics...

Mt. Taranaki, New Zealand. Click image to make bigger.

NZ: Fire in the sky!

The back deck going off

Oxbow Artworks Artist

French surf company Oxbow (Laird Hamilton is their big rider) had me do some graphics for their upcoming Spring, Summer and Fall lines as one of the artists for the Oxbow Artworks line. Each artist gets a hang tag with a short bio and website plug, pretty cool. The site has a few graphics from the spring and summer line on it right now... check it out HERE.

NZ: Life's Toughest Decisions...

Should I go get some of these long Rights? Or...... should I get my fill on this macking reef? Or...... what about this A-Frame just on the other side? Or...
... this looks like so much fun too! Or...
... back to the long pumping Right? Yes Please!
Turned out to be an excellent decision. I got a quite a few healthy doses of adrenaline and more waves than should be allowed in a session.
Call me Noodle Arms.I love New Zealand!!!