Long before dawn on New Year’s Day of 2022, Matt Cuddihy and Husni Ridwan sat under a big gum tree in one of Noosa’s most sought-after carparks. Unless you’re filthy rich, the 3am wakeup is what it takes to own a slice of prime real estate here in Noosa. Alas, while Hus and Cuddles felt like millionaires, the rest of us remained under the single sheet of a Queensland summer’s night, destined for long waits and parking tickets. This is the reality of surfing Noosa Heads in 2022 – better bring your fucking patience!

Or don’t, after a long and languid Spring and a stiflingly slow December, you wouldn’t have been the only one. As the sky greyed enough for Cuddles and Hus to see the points, surfers were swarming to satiate a few months’ worth of cravings. The first swell of the season is always hectic, and cyclone Seth was no exception. More than a few egos were bruised along the point breaks during its rein. Fortunately for us, Seth proved to be the first of many. Since Jan 1, the Thomas heartland has been inundated with waves. It feels like every week a new swell arrives, and thanks to that we’ve been able to relax into a kind of surf satiated stupor. Even Cuddles and Hus have been less inclined to chase pole position in the car park.

Speaking of pole position, the Thomas fam took high honours at the Noosa Festival of Surfing earlier this year. Nic Brewer won the HP, Matt Cuddihy and Mason Schremmer dominated the Logger divisions, and Sierra Lerback became the first woman to ever win the Old Mal. Shit yeah. We also put the party pants back on and had a bit of a doozie at the factory, which was a nice reprieve from all the work that’s been going on around here. Believe it or not, we’ve been able to do our fair share this year, even with all the swell, big ups to you for your support and we hope you’re enjoying the fruits of our labour.

For anyone who has made it this far, congratulations! You’re officially part of a shit-talkin’ newsletter that’ll be as inconsistent as your local surf spot. Welcome to Thomas Surfboards in 2022, hug your shaper, love thy glasser, and buy your sander a 6-pack!