Aaron Topp lives in the Hawke’s Bay with his wife and son. He has taught at Ohope Beach Primary and since 1999 has worked in the rural family business. He has been an avid surfer since he was 14. His young adult novel Single Fin was based on a tragic true story – Aaron's best friend and surfing mentor was killed on the way to the beach one day. Single Finn was a finalist in the 2007 New Zealand Post Book Awards.