INNER NZ

Expat New Zealander and now Aussie resident Sam Lopert led the Inner Relm team back to his homeland. With a campervan loaded with plenty of wetsuit options, Sam and his friends, partners and babies set off to explore the numerous beaches around his birthplace and all over the island. Kiwi friend and world-class photographer Rambo Estrada tagged along and got a bucketload of quality shots.

KAI ELLIS-FLINT . . . THE NUANCES

Long one of our favourite stylists here at PLB, Kai gets this extensive and well-deserved spray from quality writer (and surfer) Jessamyn Jean. Kai first started competing at seven at the Ocean Beach Malibu Club on the NSW Central Coast but after an on-again off-again career he only entered the WSL last year. His relative lack of success given he was often the standout surfer in the event in the eyes of informed onlookers, highlighted the problems the WSL has with their judging of longboard events. Kai has many more strings to his bow than just being a WSL competitor as Jessamyn Jean so ably describes.

>> DEPARTMENTS

THE BUZZ

Boz might have been the Buzz once, but PLB has taken over! Channel Coast Log Jam UK, Bruce Palmer the very quiet legend, the board winner – the Takayama DT 60s! Queensland learns to noseride - words and photos from the early '60s by Mal Sutherland. And more . . .

UPFRONT

Thillina Mayuranga spends the whole year working and surfing at home in Sri Lanka. After saving for ages to afford his first board he now has sponsors in Bing and TCSS and has his own clothing brand.

THE GREY GURU

THE GG drifts back to treasured moments spent luxuriating in the hallowed halls of Waikiki’s original Outtrigger Canoe Club . . . your shout for the mai tais Fred.

+ THE 101ST BOARD GIVEAWAY

Yes that really is 102 boards! And this issue it’s an Oceanside Surfcraft 9’3” Blunt no less – shaped by Dru Sheppard, with volan clear deck, resin swirl bottom, and all Australia made.