A bit of back country from ILFF ambassador Ben.

reeso246

Fly fishing is my new passion and I represent I LOVE FLY FISHING as an ambassador. Born in Kaikoura, and raised in Sumner - Christchurch NZ, I grew up with the ocean on my back doorstep. Following my father’s footsteps, I began stand up surfing at age 13. After an accident in the water resulting in a head injury, I traded in the surfboard for a body board and went on to win multiple national titles. Bodyboarding gave me a newfound appreciation of waves; from a different angle than a stand up surfer. But at age 20, I decided it was time to utilize my new thirst and get back into riding a surfboard. My passion for surfing and its thrill has taken me to locations such as Samoa, Hawaii’s North Shore, and multiple trips to Fiji’s world-class ‘Cloudbreak’, Indonesia, and Australia. For me it’s all about chasing local waves too – road tripping throughout New Zealand’s South Island any opportunity I can. Also actively competes in South Island surfing contests. I’m a natural footer that loves chasing hollow, barrelling waves, saying “nothing compares to the rush that type of wave can give you.” Out of the water, I have a keen interest in golf, tennis, snowboarding and surf photography and drinking great kiwi beer - amplifying his passion for the sport and its environment. I have also recently taken up fly fishing. You could say it’s my new passion along with tramping and the great outdoors.