What is the Cove Fish Fry?

MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM EXPLAINS ...

After eight successful Frys, some might still not know what it is all about so let me explain: The Cove Fish Fry is basically a surfboard and surf craft ‘show and shine’ day; an excuse to hang out at the Waipū Cove Reserve with like-minded surfers and shapers and look at surfboards and hopefully get a wave or two, catch up with friends, take a few photos and enjoy the atmosphere at this fabulous location.

Waipū Cove is a dream spot to hold the event with a stunning white sand East Coast beach stretching for miles up the Bream Bay coastline with a pohutukawa-laden headland, friendly locals and, of course, the stunning reserve itself, which is run by the Waipū Cove Reserve committee who let us use the area for the day. Much-appreciated by all the surfers and surf craft admirers.

It is always a fun day with all sorts of waveriding equipment. So far, every year has seen some amazing surfboards emerge from under bachs and holiday homes, dusted off and displayed. Some boards have been absolute jaw-dropping pieces of New Zealand surfing history.

Surfing has exploded in popularity in recent years, not only in Northland but around the world. More youth are finding their feet and a massive growth in ladies are taking up the pastime. It is great to see, not only the ladies surfing, but also surfing with great skill and grace, giving the lads a run for their money.

Some keen surfers and crafts people have been inspired by the event to make their own surf crafts, which has been fun to document and display on The Cove Fish Fry Facebook page and blog: facebook.com/thecovefishfry

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Luckily last year we managed to have the Fry before Covid lockdown. Sadly, it is unknown when we will see overseas surfers and shapers again but this gives us the opportunity to focus more on the New Zealand-made boards and some of the many talented New Zealand backyard builders.

At previous events, the fabulous Bull Kelp Surfers band have performed a few sets and been a real crowd-pleaser. They are a supertalented group of surf-inspired musicians.

I am always blown away by the amazing, friendly and talented people that are surfers and shapers. Art, music and photography go hand-in-hand with surfing and this has been a large part of the previous events.

So, while it may seem in the distant future; mark your calendars for next year to bring your surfboards, paint them up, bring a camera and get a few shots. Bring the kids and a packed lunch, come listen to some cool laid-back surf music, sit under the beautiful Pohutukawa trees and soak up the vibe. I can’t wait to meet new people and hear about their love of surfing and its culture.

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