Groovin' ... on a sandy afternoon

Photographer Craig Levers' new book shows the interaction between humans and the beach, writes Sharu Delilkan.
Craig Levers, renowned for shooting with Kiwi sand between his toes, will share his experiences with aspiring photographers at a NZ Book Month seminar. The photographer-journalist, who is notable for two decades of surf photography, will also be Piha's book activist during book month.
CPL, as he's known, is using the cover shot of his new book, Beached As: Our New Zealand Beaches Vol 1, to inspire children's creativity in a colouring/collage competition on the topic of beaches.
"We're trying to create activity with the beach environment especially aimed at kids. It's a great way to promote interaction with the beach," says the devoted surfer. "When I noticed there weren't any books showing the human interaction with the beach, rather than detached landscape books, I knew I had to create one. The main aim has been to give our amazing beaches a more intimate feel."
In Beached As, his second book, more than 30 of this country's beaches are highlighted. Each beach's latitude and longitude is detailed so readers can view them online on Google Earth.
"Or, even better, it will allow people to just type in the co-ordinates into their GPS so the car can take you right to your favourite beach."
Colouring/collage contest, judged by Mayor Bob Harvey, Oct 31, 1pm.
Beachscape photography 101 seminar with CPL, Piha Library, October 31, 2.30pm. Entry: free.
Book: email, photocpl@xtra.co.nz