Surfing New Zealand

Surfers Lounge

What People Say

Hi guys we had the most brilliant trip with you and shipwreck bay was just beautiful and the surfing was amazing! We would definately recommend your tours to anyone.
:) It is amazing experience! I really love surfing! Thank you guys - It is the best day I have had in New Zealand, Ill never forget the feeling of surfing and the beautiful beach
Thank u so much for ta last 5 days at ahipara guys it was definitely the most awesome time i had in nz so far! I hopefully will cu again soon!
Had a great time on 5 - day trip, the only thing I would do differently next time is stay for 12 day.

Meet the Crew

Judd Stratful
Managing Director

I have been surfing now for over 20 years. Growing up on the west coast of Auckland is where I learnt to surf. There were no surf schools back then and we certainly learnt the hard way. Once the surfing bug affected me I knew I needed to merge both work and pleasure into one.

I established NZ Surf n Snow Tours in 2001 as a lifestyle change. When I look back now it’s easy to see how those first few lessons and the right equipment really make the world of difference. If only we knew then what we know now, it certainly would have made my learning experience much more enjoyable and accelerated my learning curve.

Nothing beats planning that next surf trip. Searching for that perfect wave leads you on different adventures and life experiences. I have surfed throughout NZ and many places worldwide. My favourite size waves are head high to double overhead. I am currently riding a 6' 4, 6’10, and a 6’0 quad fish on those small days. I also enjoy cruising on a 9’0 mal.

Kane Rogers
Head Surf Coach/Co-Director

Originally from Whangarei, I have grown up surfing the far north and Tutukaka coastline before moving to Auckland as a 15 year old. Now you will find me surfing at Auckland’s infamous Piha and surrounding beaches while in between regular surf tours to the soulful Ahipara, which feels like a second home.

During the colder months here in N.Z I make a journey to the south-west of France for 3 months to teach in a German surf-camp, Wavetours. Teaching people the thrill of riding waves has been a passion of mine for many years and I have been enjoying this on a professional level for 8 years. Lucky enough to be amongst one of the first accredited coaches in N.Z, I started with NZSST when she was in her early walking stages. Nowadays business is running full-on and she can be hard to keep up with! I’ve been with NZSST since its second year and have watched it develop in its client and staff base as well as its professionalism each and every year. Now a partner in the business, I have even more drive in ensuing NZSST continues to lead the way in delivering those first timers their most memorable surf experiences ever!

I have recently put the shortboard aside and have been surfing full-time on a 9.0 Mc Tavish for the last year. I feel like a grom again, learning a new craft keeps the stoke!

Dave Williams
Surf Coach

I have been working with NZ surf & snow tours since 2003. I am a regular at Port Waikato and Coromandel, so expect to see me chilling in these locations on my days off. I ride shortboards, longboards, oldschool fish’s and embrace all the historic elements of surfing.

I strongly believe surfing is more of a lifestyle than a sport, which is a strong feature in my surf tours. I am also an outdoor education instructor, adventure writer www.getfrank.co.nz, and a secondary school teacher. I have been surfing for about 10 years and my perfect day involves being out the back of a 3 meter offshore swell with a few of the boys hooting and calling each other into late drops and deep barrels! CHAAHOO.

Get amongst it!
Dave

Ben Windsor
Surf Coach

I have been a keen surfer for just over four years. I started teaching with Surf and Snow Tours during a placement for a university paper. Since then I have never looked back and have been working with the company ever since.

Sports and coaching have always been a huge part of my life. I have been six time open mens national champion for trampolining and have had other titles around the world. I have also been coaching the sport since the age of twelve. I recently finished a Diploma in Outdoor Recreation and Leadership and am currently working on a Bachelor of Sport and Recreation with an Outdoors major. I am a qualified surf coach, rock climbing instructor and trampole coach.

Surfing is my major passion and I want to share it with the world. Nothing compares to the feeling that it gives you... Hope to meet you in the water or on a surf tour soon!

Ai Sumihira
Surf Coach/ Ahipara Surf Lodge Custodian

I am originally from Japan, and I have lived in a few different countries from my early age. So far New Zealand is ranked on top, for its beautiful people, nature, culture and stunning coastlines with variety of surf breaks. I started surfing with New Zealand Surf Tours, and now have become a surfing coach, so I guarantee the quality of teaching by the boys in NZSST!

I am currently studying a Bachelor of Social Work at the Massey University, however, I worked as a scuba diving instructor and an underwater videographer for years. I also have my Rescue Diver Instructor and Emergency First responder Instructor Certification, so hope it makes everyone feel comfortable to surf with me☺.

All the adventures aren’t only for boys anymore; I would love to share the sensation of surfing with you.

Mischa Davis
Surf Coach

Surfing has been a huge part of my life ever since I learnt to stand up at the age of 11. Since then I went on to compete Nationally and Internationally. I won the Rusty Gromfest in Australia when I was 15 and finished 4th on the Australian Junior Series ratings when I was 17. I have also represented New Zealand in the World Junior Team four years in a row. During those competitive years I was regularly coached by world renowned coach Martin Dunn which gave me a real good insight into surf coaching.

Now at 21 I spend my summers traveling around New Zealand competing in short board and long board contests and surf coaching for NZ Surf & Snow Tours at my home beach of Piha. The rest of the year I spend locked down at the University of Auckland studying towards a degree in Law and Arts. For me surfing is much more than just a hobby, it's a lifestyle that I cherish. It has opened up more dreams for me, I am now pursuing a career in environmental law as I am very passionate about looking after our environment, especially our playground the ocean.

During the cold winters surfing is what keeps me sane while I spend most days trapped in a room at uni. Surfing is my happy place and I love to be able to share this with people from all walks of life through surf coaching. Surfing is also such a fun and healthy way to get fit and enjoy the outdoors.

Senka Radonich
Newsletter Marketing

It was one sunny day at Piha four years ago that Senka had her first surf lesson with NZ Surf Tours, and she hasn’t stopped surfing since. "There’s an indescribable feeling being on your board, sitting out the back with your feet in the water and the sun on your face." says Senka.

When Senka isn’t busy chasing her dream of catching bigger waves on her board or riding bigger jumps on her mountain bike, you can find her glued to her laptop creating email newsletters for New Zealand Surf and Snow Tours and her other clients.

“I started Stana Marketing to give me the freedom to surf and mountain bike when everyone else was working. I love it!” Senka’s favourite surf spot is Port Waikato, and has Hawaii and Bali on her list of ‘must surf’ destinations.

To contact Senka regarding email and website marketing email senka@stanamarketing.com