Nowhere else, but in New Zealand seasons, could you see such a vivid display of fall landscapes, in the middle of April. Sprinkle in some sheep, sprawled out mountain ranges, and uncrowded rippable waves, and the South Island quickly jumps to the top of the bucket list for any surfer and hell, any human. 

Our cast of crew fell into place at the Single Fin Mingle in Sumner. 3 days of beautiful waves (apart from 50mph winds to start), jazz and hot tubs on the beach. Followed with nights full of dancing in the streets, amongst a block party of concert goers, head to toe in outfits thrifted straight from the OpShop.

With too many incredible experiences to put into words, I'll just state that The Single Fin Mingle was by far one of the greatest surf contests I've attended. To call it a contest almost undermines the impact this celebratory festival has. 

In true "Mingle" fashion, the energy around each day was unmatched, with everyone just in awe of the beauty and culture around them, let alone getting to watch some of the greatest longboarders in the world glide in front of us. 

Although deserving of its own story entirely, this adventure takes place after the events of the Single Fin Mingle. Three van's caravanning countless hours South from Christchurch, on a hungry mission for cold water waves and life changing scenery. 

San Clemente's finest, Tommy Coleman inherits a generation of classic longboard style, with a new age flair, all with hand shaped equipment under his feet. 

Although one of the most consistently talented logger's around, Tommy's not afraid of a heavy wave, having shaped himself a pair of step ups, that were put to much use in the video above. 

Hailing from the points of Ventura, has shaped Raymond Sayles into becoming one of the cleanest backside long boarders around. 

A true gem to surfing, Raymond can often be found searching for waves in Santa Cruz, giving it to the best at Malibu, and even touring with his band across the California coast. 

Dana Point bred, Santa Barbara seasoned, and now Malibu regular Lulu Erkeneff is one of the most versatile female surfers in California right now. 

Not only does her smooth transition surfing on a log turn heads, but she's doubly suited to hitting big end sections and zipping through sections on her Tyler Warren quiver of shortboards.

It took driving through the night, thousands of sheep, a diet of meat pies, and plenty of railroad crossings to find waves like this.

Encinitas' sweet heart and Corner Pizza's employee of the month, Greyson Messier embodies flawless California surfing that will never go out of style. 

Creatively talented, always well dressed, and never shy of a good time, Greyson is just as versatile on his Thomas longboard, as he is threading stand up pits at Kirra.  

Real photo of Greyson and Tommy wrestling over priority.

A couple of sleds and fins from our traveling quiver.