Tomas Hermes, Gisborne, New Zealand

Tomas Hermes is Brazilian and a very good fundamental surfer. He’s currently in Gisborne, New Zealand, for the first of four events in the O’Neill Cold Water Classic series. The NZ event, on hold ’till tomorrow morning, has seen an influx of talent (like Tomas) roll into town, and as is often the case, every break in the surrounding area has been completely over-run during daylight hours. Tomas won his first and third heats, and was only stopped in his round of 16 heat by in-form fellow-Brazilian, Thiago ‘Shrimp’ Camarao. Tomas is one of a growing number of surfers taking advantage of the free marketing on offer via an online video blog. His site, Tomas Hermes TV, is similar to Jordy Smith’s new(ish) site, or Dane Reynolds’ MarineLayerProductions – minimal, white backdrop, slim text and constantly-updated video content. Thomas even has some artwork space devoted to the site on the bottom of his board here. Perfect placement for grand finners like this one.