We've grown up a little since 'shackside' - a weekly take on what the waves have been doing around here. The big brother site here, 'submerge', is now a little bit broader. We're talking bigger picture stuff, and it that essentially involves what's going on around the outer peripheries of the surfing universe.

Alternative surfboard design and other ways of moving with the ocean are at the forefront of our preoccupations. Balancing surf craft speed and trim, drive and maneuverability, in ways that pleases us aesthetically and sensorially, is what drives us forwards in advancing our over all sense of surfing joy. At Submerge this intrigues us.

Artistically, I guess, more specifically, photographically, Submerge is keen to represent, again, some fresh takes, if not at least some classic and meaningful imagery. Our roots are in film, particularly black and white, and regular posts in this department, pay homage to the camera craft.

Last but not least, we're inspired by those like us that have made a move towards a balanced and meaningful life style that incorporates a love of nature and the ocean. The lucky few that seem to be able to mix up and dose up on the often elusive elixir of unencumbered life stoke, deserve a mention, and it's here that we hope to introduce some of our friends simple wisdoms.

On that note, enjoy....as much as you can. And it share this with others. We look forward to rejoicing with you in how good we've got it, and look forward to your hearing your take on where it's at!

Dean Dampney - free thinker, stoked surfer, loving husband, dad, photographer, and submerge blogger.