Lemon was a regular at our Bondi store and an avid surfer, photographer and creative soul. She recently got in contact to offer to shoot the up and coming Dev from Devcraft Surfboards. She braved the dust and resin to get us a few pics from behind the scenes of Dev and Tommy’s talents. We received these dreamy pics and realised it’s about time we sat down and caught up with Lemon to get a taste of her new life in Hawaii.
Sydney ain’t a horrible place to live, but Hawaii takes it to another level. How's life been since you moved to Kauai?
The word transformative comes to mind. I’ve moved across Australia quite a few times (Bronte, Noosa, Broken Head, Bellambi) but moving to Hawaii has been insane. This island has really pushed me outside my comfort zone. Mentally, physically, and spiritually. I can easily say that I’ve grown extensively since I moved here. I will say… I miss Australia every day and I’m so thankful it’s just a quick flight across the Pacific.
How did you meet Devin and Tommy? What kind of boards are they shaping at the moment?
I met Tommy many years ago and we instantly hit it off. He is one of the most dedicated creatives that I’ve ever met. I was studying a masters of cinematography in Sydney and he nerded out with me on all the classic surf films. We went through all the basics, Morning of the Earth, The innermost limits of pure fun, Surfs Up (of course), Thank You Mother.
As I moved around the country we would send each other new songs (written or heard) new films, and board updates.
Tommy says “It’s always off shore in the bay.” So when we weren’t surfing he was shaping and I was shooting. That dynamic hasn’t changed one bit over the years (and I hope it never will).
Tommy’s shaping is based purely out of joy. His shapes are reflective of the board’s we’ve watched in movies but with a modern twist. All of his boards are adorned with the label “Not For Sale,” however if you bug him enough I reckon you’d eventually be able to get one under your feet.
Devin and I met shortly after I moved to Kauai. I had only surfed single fins before moving here. Devin convinced me not only to try a twin fin but to try every type of board under the sun during my first winter here. We quickly fell into a beautiful partnership as he shaped boards, I documented the process and we surfed them together.
Watching Devcraft shape is mesmerizing, chaotic, and will keep you entertained. His boards have that double take effect. You’ll walk by with a Devcraft under your arm and at least one person will ask, “How the hell does that thing work?” From dual pronged noses to asymmetrical boards he’ll create something trippy for you that will perform in critical moments.
What’s your favorite board in the quiver? Tell us a bit about it. Name, nationality, personality?
I call it the Experimental and it’s shaped by Devcraft Surfboards. Like I mentioned before, I can’t make it from the back lot to the water’s edge without someone asking to have a look, gawking, or shouting “that thing looks trippy.”
The story goes that Devin had shaped this board and had it on ice for a little bit. After a few months of knowing him, he sanded it and told me to give it a try.
That board and I became inseparable for the winter 2023/24 season. It’s a THICK 7’7 with a lot of inspiration from Ben Ipa. It’s heavy, it can’t be duck dived (ask Torren Martyn who got a full briefing while trying it here on island), and it has helped me push the limits of what I thought was possible for my surfing. From it’s hold to it’s speed it’s got everything I need.
Name: The experimental
Shaper: Devcraft Surfboards
Nationality: Hawaiian
Personality: Hyperspeed
You’re now working at the creative store Hunter Gatherer. They sell boards I dream of at night, and they have TCSS styles in stock - to me, that sounds like a good place to be. Does the vibe live up to the expectations?
It most certainly does. Dave Brune (the owner) has curated something so special here in Kilauea. Our shop has such an eclectic style which brings in just as many eclectic people. From celebrities to surfers, anyone that steps inside feels right at home.
I was going to interview around the corner for another job and had some time to spare. I saw the fins in the window and stepped inside. Every book I’ve ever read was on the first table, the rack was full of just like you said, “boards I dream of at night,” and TCSS clothing hanging on the racks. I felt immediately at home and asked for a job on the spot. A few days later I turned up for my first shift and I’m so glad I did. I’ve made so many friends through this stone building and I’ll always be so thankful for the whole team welcoming me with open arms.
They’ve asked me to help out with their online shop which you should check out for some of the curated goods we have in store. Click here to visit Hunter Gatherer.
What’s on your dopamine menu - a few things in your daily life that bring you joy instantly?
A decent surf, diving for shells, bike rides to the end of the road and a dip in the stream at the end, maybe followed by a sunset bonfire surrounded by friends.
Your morning routine used to be TCSS, but you’ve ditched Sydney for Kauai. What are your new go-to spots?
If I’m working at Hunter Gatherer the answer is always Trilogy Coffee. Their whole menu is delicious (especially the avo toast). If I’m not working I’ll just head down the street to The Haven for a Mocha with a shot of Vanilla. Just like the TCSS days, at both of those spots you’ll see everyone you know, and probably make a new friend or two while you’re hanging out.
Your photography style is very documentary and you really manage to capture an atmosphere. What are your photography inspirations and aspirations?
Inspirations include but are not limited to Ishka Folkwell, Mikey Conlon, Beatriz Ryder, and Erik Knutson.
Ideally my photography/cinematography will continue taking me on trips with friends, surfing in beautiful communities, and giving me a bit of respite from life on land. There’s nothing quite like looking through the viewfinder as a close friend is being spat out of a barrel and sharing that moment with them. Next step for me is making sure that I can be deeper than them to get the shot from inside the tube. I’ll keep you guys posted.
Last but not least - what’s your top 10 playlist for a drive down to the beach, sunglasses on, and boards in the truck?
I’ll do you one better, here’s a playlist I’ve had on repeat recently.