It was forecast to be a “flat” day in Whangamatā last Wednesday – perfect conditions for two of New Zealand’s leading surf photographers, Rambo Estrada and Craig Levers , to unveil their latest passion project, Unbound Vol 1 . The Salt District Brewery was abuzz with surf industry stalwarts, groms and salty art appreciators for the sixth stop in a tour that’s equal parts book launch and surf culture homage , “complete with free brews, bites, and coastal camaraderie”, according to the organisers. At a hefty 2kg, Unbound Vol 1 is now officially New Zealand’s largest hardcover surf book.
The book weaves together spectacular images with in-depth interviews, offering an intimate look at key surf personalities from every region, including many images of the Coromandel coastline . Each conversation is a “visual intermission,” adding context and depth to the imagery by Estrada, a photographer based in Mount Maunganui..
