Pemberton’s Kiwi Family Vacation 2013

Seventhwave stitched me up with my first custom wettie in 2009 and since then Paul has been onto me to write a blog/testimonial/sales pitch. I thought it was premature as my experience going back a few years is that wetties may last three winters max but usually two.

Well here we are going into the 5^th winter for my Viper 3/3 and with the addition of the Titanium Hot Top I am toastie in water to 12º and air to 0º. So here is my take on what’s good about Seventhwave gear and of course why I am such a tragic kiwiphile!

Background is that I live in Tasmania and some say I am the oldest bodyboarder around which is not really true but close. Here are some pics of local waves:

A massive SW swell brought on a rare break close to Hobart.

This is my favourite reef break and yes the big set of teeth in the local pub came from the channel.

I had to put this one in as I did a trip to Sumatra last year and have my first surf without a wettie.

I found Seventhwave through the Isolated web site and I also found the southern part of the South Island.

Last year my son, Joe, and I stopped off in Christchurch to pick up custom Maxes – he got a hooded version and I got a special 4/4/3 – that is legs in 4mm.  Well we had a ripper of a time so this year we did the first ever Pemberton Family Vacation outside of Tassie to celebrate Karmen’s Birthday and to do quality control on all those Kiwi beers (that’s a whole another blog). Here are some pics with comments!

 The flight into Queenstown was the perfect start and then 6 star luxury.  Karmen’s birthday chow at Amisfield Winery

  

Joe and I get a taste

The crew on a Moereki Boulder in our official T Shirts thanks to Ali.  About to head over to Fleur’s Place.

How far out dorked is this Tee!! You should have seen the guys face Ali and Karm sweet talked into taking the shot when we whipped these things on!!!

Dunedin was culture – Highlanders vs Hurricanes – pity I am so keen on the south and now have to support another bottom dweller like the Rebels, Richmond and the Wallabies.  Where in the world could you eat Bluff Oysters and watch rugby?

 

We did manage to find a wave at a spot which is well known to the locals but does not draw a crowd because you have to save half your surf energy to climb back up the sand to get out.  There you are Paul, the A Team matching the 1080 warning sign! The Max 4/4/3 was way too hot for late March in 17ºC water!!

Then we shipped Ali back to Oz and headed south to Papatowai for two weeks of Crib living – surf, bbq, beer, fishing, reading and walking the coast and forest trails – sweet as bro. See Rachel at the Lost Gypsy for a fine coffee.

 

Yup the Gath on top of the hood is up there with the Tees as a bad look but when you are counting down the surfs you do not want to miss one because of a dinged head.

It was cranking

Joe's sea run was tasty.

We did go to Nugget Point and yes that if a Fergburger cap – have to plug those big suckers – what a feed

Talking about food – lamb and lots of it – plus boerewors from New World Dunedin – yes the best supermarket in the world.

OK we did score some of Joe’s favourite gear at the Otago Farmers Market (another good thing about Dunedin) – check out the blog on Chilligasm for more!

Here I am once again astounded by the geology coming from a fairly steady island like Tassie to squashed, buckled up and down rocks. The Te Papa Museum is great – the pre European section and the Moa and its mate that big eagle – what a story.

So that’s a brief run down on the Pemberton Family Vacation and my Seventhwave experience.  Beats me why people pay half the price for less than half the value. Oh and do not forget that from Christchurch, you can get the toughest gear from Cactus Clothing to go bush or to the Tonic bar (Dunedin) and Groundeffect will hook you up with MTB stuff to keep you toastie as well.

To all the Seventhwave crew keep stitching and I love this shot of the main dude at the shop.

John Pemberton
Tasmania, Australia


Have you got a story to share? Would you like to be a guest blogger? 
If so, we are keen to meet you. Get in touch and send us an email to:  seventhwave.co.nz@gmail.com 

Suited Up For Three Seasons - The Interchangeable Hood Option

We may be heading into a southern winter, but one thing's for sure - the surf never stops - and your surfing doesn't need to stop either.

In fact, as those in the know will tell you, getting out in the cooler waters of autumn/winter - with the cleaner, uncrowded waves, and crisper air - can bring a whole different level of stoke to your surfing experience. In fact its been described as “a more profound stoke”.

“There’s nothing on earth like scoring epic uncrowded waves with friends, putting on warm clothes, cranking up the car heater, and then sitting in a wind-protected backyard with the sun warming your face.” In the Thaw - Rob Gilley, Surfer Magazine

Exactly.  However to seek out that cold water stoke in comfort you are definitely going to need to have the right gear for the job.

Hood, booties and gloves on top of a good westuit are the minimum requirements to have in your surfwear quiver. But which wetsuit for which conditions?

At Seventhwave that choice has been made much easier with the Interchangeable Hood Option now available on our top-line Max and Viper model wetsuits, for both men and women.

Steve McKean, keeping warm in his hooded Max in Japan

What is The Interchangeable Hood Option?

The Interchangeable Hood Option suit is a “natural extension” of our popular neck entry, or zipperless wetsuit. If you choose the interchangeable hood option you will receive a neck entry bib with an attached hood and a standard neck entry bib. This allows you to change the type of bib depending on the conditions, using the hood for mid-Winter sessions and the standard bib for Spring and Autumn. A versatile option to cover most of the year.

How does the Interchangeable Hood Option work?

The bibs can simply be swapped around depending on the conditions on the day, giving you the level of warmth you need in the water.

With our original neck-entry wetsuit the pullover bib was sewn onto the back of the suit.

With the Interchangeable Hood Option the bib is attached at the back with a small zipper. This means it can be taken off and swapped with the bib that has the full Arctic Hood. 

The hooded bib panel has the same zipper at the back and the front, and once attached to the back and pulled over the head is done up in the same way at the chest. Couldn't be easier!

Interchangeable option with collar attached

Interchangeable option with hood attached

The detachable bib is connected to the suit with a zip and secured with domes.

What are the benefits?

Versatility and Comfort in the water are the two big pluses of the Interchangeable Hood Option.

Versatilty: this is really like having a 3-season wetsuit that can effectively cover most of the year.  Put the hood on for Winter and just the collar for Autumn and Spring. Titaniun hot top/shorts underneath for added warmth in the Winter months.

Ultimately, whatever makes you feel right in the water on the day this gives you the flexibility to decide what to use depending on the conditions you are about to surf in.

As one satisfied surfer says “the fact that it's so easily interchangeable means that if I'm feeling a bit to hot with it on, it's so easily swapped.”

Comfort: As anyone will tell you one layer of neoprene is always going to be more comfortable than two! Not only is the attached hood better sealed at the back, but with one less layer of neoprene around the neck area – compared to say using a wetsuit and separate hood or wetsuit/Hooded Hot Top - there is less rubber therefore less constriction, and more comfort, more enjoyment.

Who's it for?

Surfers, kiteboarders, bodyboarders – men, women - anyone who wants to keep on going throughout the year. The Interchangeable Hood Option gives you the performance you need across the entire year and within each season.

And it's not just for those dealing with the cold in the South.

Jaimie from Tribal Surf in Whangarei says his 3/2 Max with detachable hood “is my favourite suit and gives me the best range for surfing and kitesurfing in Northland”.

“April-June - no hood, for when it gets a bit cold early and late surfing and for wind chill kiting... “July-September - hood on for surfing cold offshores and stormy onshores kiting. Then September/October - hood on for duckdiving as the water temperature drops, and for those long Naki bar sessions.

“I can also have the hood attached but flipped back for enjoyng the sun's heat when its shining but flip it back on for paddle outs when it's bigger, and for cold southeast kiting sessions.”

“Back full circle to April and I'm back into the Max again... its my second skin and my best

suit!”

Why have it?

If you are keen to score some of that “winter stoke” then this is the suit for you.

Let's face it - a hood is essential when it's cold if you want to enjoy your time in the water and spend more time out there. But on some days a hood may be a step too far.

The versatility of the Interchangeable Hood Option means one suit can help get you through the coldest Winter months while you'll also have a suit for the border zones of Spring and Autumn - when water temperatures and windchill can vary considerably on the day.

The initial outlay maybe more expensive upfront, but for that you get a suit - with Custom-Fit also an option – that will bring you the maximum in versatility and comfort for 3 seasons of the year.

So go on – explore those cooler horizons!

Learn more about Custom-Fit wetsuits [here]

 

What's SUP in your wardrobe?

Wetsuit Clothing Apparel Options for the Enthusiast Stand Up Paddler

SUP surfing or stand up paddle boarding has been the fastest growing water surf activity for the last 8 years now. The appeal seems to spread further into the community each year as more and more participants realize just how easy it is to get started and as soon as they do they get 'hooked'. Thanks to its easy learning curve and the ability to SUP even when there's no surf. Stand up paddle surfing is a traditional Hawaiian sport which promotes balance, strength and general fitness. It is one of the most aerobic exercises you can do while giving you a fun and exciting way to view your natural surroundings. Whether you are surfing a break or cruising a lake or harbour, stand up paddling is great fun and an excellent workout. Touring for long periods on a SUP often calls for hydration and food supplies to be carried.

Surfer: James McGillivray Photo: Steve Perry sumnersurfshotz.com

Surfer: James McGillivray Photo: Steve Perry sumnersurfshotz.com

What SUP gear should I wear? The answer does depend on where you live (water temperature and climate), your experience and 'how much' you feel cold in the water. Also, bear in mind lakes are usually colder than the ocean and the further away from the equator you are, the colder the water temperature will be. If you've come from a surfing background, chances are you will already have a steamer wetsuit (full length wetsuit) and will start with that. If you are new into water sports you may not have ever worn a wetsuit before and you will need to consider your options before deciding your path to 'achieve bliss' out on the water. If your hardy enough you will start with a swimsuit and work on your quiver from there. Seventhwave have been manufacturing wetsuits for the last 25 years and over the last 10 years the options in lightweight and combination gear (ie. combining 2 or more items to achieve the warmth and coverage you personally need or require) have expanded dramatically to give you greater solutions for any water sport activity.

Over time you will build up your own perfect quiver of water-sport apparel that best suits you and lets you maximize your water time all year round. The following options will cover you through summer and take you all the way through winter. The smart water sport enthusiast build's his quiver one item at a time and the smallest items can often make the biggest difference. Think about what might be best for you and then get the tape measure out and complete an order.

Seventhwave SUP gear options and combinations

1. SUP Water Shorts - Surf All Day Vest - Titanium Hot Top combination.
 SUP Water Shorts are a styley two-in-one wetsuit board short combo. Featuring side pockets and a cargo pocket for extra storage. Warmth and protection right where you need it.

The 'Surf All Day' vest can be worn over your wetsuit or with boardies depending on the season. Featuring a 2 litre on back hydration bladder and nifty pockets to take your camera and a couple of museli bars. Just what the Doctor ordered!

Titanium Hot Top's are pure magic. They are a thin, versatile top that can be worn by themselves for warmth, wind and sun protection in summer, or under your existing wetsuit to make a huge difference in terms of heat retention during winter.

2. Titanium Pants - Retro Jacket.
The Retro Jacket is smooth, sleek and stylish and will have you carving and cruising through any bitter wind or sea breeze this summer, whether you are on a longboard, shortboard or SUP.
Combine with the Titanium Pants that are 0.5mm thick and you'll be amazed at the warmth and flexibility of your outfit.

3. Sandy X-over short john - Rocky Short John (men's option)
The Sandy X-over is the summer onesie wetsuit that looks amazing on and is so flattering in all sizes. Zip-free entry system designed to slip on easily. Get in her good books with this functional, fashionable stylish number. Customizable with a full range of colours and show personality and flair. The Rocky version is the latest new style men's option just released.

4. Long John and Hot Top combination
The Long John delivers a hard-wearing, tough, long-lasting wetsuit designed to maximize your water experience and make it more enjoyable. Increase the warmth factor by combining it with a Titanium Hot Top and you'll have coverage for most conditions.

5. Buoyancy / Hydration Vest
The best for rib protection and flotation. The Buoyancy Hydration Vest is made to aid in flotation without sacrificing movement and performance, and combines the hydration features of the Surf All Day Vest. Constructed from hard wearing 2mm Yamamoto #38 neoprene around an inner of 10mm foam core — this item is designed for buoyancy without the bulk. Perfect for those who are confident on the lake, in the boat or kayak, or on the jetski.

6. Lightweight steamer wetsuit option
The Max Comp 1.5mm Titanium wetsuit comes in short sleeve or long sleeve. This suit is perfect for those wanting coverage in the warmer months without being weighed down by too much neoprene. Weighing in at 800grms it really is light and toasty and will keep you humming all day.

7. Winter wetsuit or full suit
The Max Titanium G&S Steamer is the ultimate in design and is fully charged with all the possible features you need for a limitless winter surfing experience. The entire suit is lined with a super thin heat retaining film called Titanium Alloy Alpha that reflects your body heat and also keeps out the cold. Every time you move, paddle, or expel energy, your thermal heat is reflected back to you—increasing heat retention by an amazing 40%.

8. Sea Specs Extreme Sport Sunglasses
These Sea Specs sunglasses you won't loose while out on the water. Featuring an adjustable head strap that just won't let go of your head. Polarized, lightweight, extreme sunglasses specifically designed for outdoor watersports.

 If you are into a mixture of water sport activities all with different requirements you can find 
What Wetsuit For Me? How to find the perfect wetsuit for your water sport

What wetsuit for me? interactive product finder

What wetsuit for me?' is a question we get asked everyday. So we've developed an interactive product finder to fulfill your needs. By following 2 easy steps the product finder will suggest a range of products that match your unique conditions. Whether you're surfing in freezing waters or wakeboarding on a summery Saturday morning, we've got you covered. Give it a whirl!

What do others say about their Seventhwave gear?

"My Seventhwave "quiver" of gear has grown over the last few years and all of it has given relentless performance and kept me very warm. I'm always getting good comments and asked about my wetsuits and especially the Surf All Day Vest.[more:]"

Craig Morgan
Ohope Beach Bay of Plenty

"I love my Seventhwave wetsuits, they are so warm: when I'm out in the water with my mates they are freezing in their 3x2 big name brand suits and I have my 2x2 Seventhwave suit on and so toastie. I've tried a lot of brands of suits and I think the quality of the Seventhwave suits is the best, from the kneepads to the neoprene.[more:]"

Michael van der Klooster
Bells Beach, Victoria, Australia 

"These shorts are perfect for getting out on your SUP when you don’t want to look like a Russian gymnast. I loved these and made plenty of use in them in the surf. A great alternative to boardies when the water’s chilling down and the boys need warming.[more:]"

From Smorgasboarder #11, the All Black Issue.

Read more feedback and reviews and check our product range at www.seventhwave.co.nz 
or get your copy of our free eBook "How To Be Happy In Cold Water"[here].

Online - Custom-Fit - Worldwide 

Click here to get yours

  

Canterbury Kiteboard Championship

Competitors in the Canterbury Kiteboard Champs - January 2013

The 2013 Canterbury Kiteboarding Champs got off to a great start with 30 riders turning up to entertain the crowd with their electrifying riding ability. The competition was held on the weekend of the 26th and 27th of January.

Saturday was warm and clear but not much wind so it was time for a SUP race (Stand Up Paddle board), Aaron Smith set a blistering pace while Dave from Australia found it easier going in reverse.
A bit of wind came through so the juniors were sent out for their contest where Jae Smith, aged 11 managed to beat Ethan Waitoa aged 10, both riders putting on a good display.
Next up party time- (Nathan and Ariana put on a dam good do, cheers guys).

Sunday started slowly for a few but by lunchtime the wind had picked up to 15 knots, and it was racing time. Tim Stockman showing his skills by claiming first place. By the end of the race the wind had picked up to 18 knots, enough to get the freestyle contest underway. All contestants throwing down tricks of the highest level to determine the Canterbury champion.
The prize giving, held at the Speights Ale House rounded up the weekend with the entrants getting the pick of the fantastic prizes supplied by our sponsors.



Congratulations to Fenella Mills who won the ASP kiteboard. Thanks to all the riders for some great entertainment, everyone who helped in setting up and running of the contest and the judges for their amazing effort.

A BIG thanks to the sponsors for their awesome support of this event.
-ASP Kiteboards
-Groundswell Sports
-Kitesports
-Seventhwave Wetsuits
- Duke Sunglasses
-CWA
-Speights Ale House

Results
Open: Jackson Mills (1), Martin Harris (2), Anthony Hopkins (3)

Women: Jo Brody (1), Kim Bunt (2), Britta Kappel (3)

Masters: Jonas Egnelius (1), Scoota (2), Alex Bec (3)

Legends: Blair Cookie (1), Karl Soulos (2), Aaron Smith (3)

Juniors: Anthony Hopkins (1), Jae Smith (2), Ethan Waitoa (3)

Race: Tim Stockman (1), Mike Dibb (2), John Thyne (3), Martin Harris (4), Craig Knights (5)

SUP: Aaron 2:09, Cookie 2:22, Mike 2:31, Karl 2:38, Nathen 2:38

SUP Woman: Ariana, Alisha, Arvene
________________________________________________________________________________


From more information about any club events or to join check the website at www.cwa.org.nz 

November News: Extreme cliff jumping at Eldorado, Switzerland

Our November newsletter is about to hit your inbox! Here it is if you don't subscribe: it's a good one. http://www.seventhwave.co.nz/newsletter+archive/November+2011.html

THE LINEUP:

• Canyoning Eldorado Ticino, Switzerland
• Standby for a summer of surfing
• Seventhwave Most Outstanding Surfer Award
• Slater wins 11 in '11
• Feedback from Lacanau, France
• Skateboard Handplane: a How-To video

October newsletter: Tahiti monsters & world tour wars

 Our October newsletter is about to hit your inbox! Here it is if you don't subscribe: it's a good one. http://www.seventhwave.co.nz/newsletter+archive/October+2011.html

THE LINEUP:

• Tahiti monsters & world tour wars
• What wetsuit for me? interactive product finder
• Hit the road Jack...
• New Zealand-wide paddle-out to protect beaches
• Feedback: the world's best wetty!
• Slingshot shredding in Thailand

Surf, snow & sun: September Newsletter

 Just in case you missed last week's newsletter, here it is in full glory! This months lineup includes:

• Snow day fun...
• Help! Our new suit needs a name
• What's new online?
• Stoked and Broke
• Feedback from an Optimist
• September Facebook winner
• And finally, you can Skype us

Check it out here: http://www.seventhwave.co.nz/newsletter+archive/September+2011.html

Waves in your own back garden: July newsletter

The July newsletter is out now! Those of you on our email list will have yours in your inbox, otherwise check it out here. Remember if you want to get it direct to your inbox just sign up on our website.

THE LINEUP:

• Surf to Summit: ski & surf NZ in 5 days
• Surf Nazis Must Die (1987)
• Feedback: who needs batteries?
• Kaikoura Cold Water Classic 2011
• Wavegarden: waves in your own backyard
• Facebook winner

From trash to treasured twin-fin fish: auction starts Monday

 

The May newsletter is out now! Those of you on our email list will have yours in your inbox, otherwise check it out here. Remember if you want to get it direct to your inbox just sign up on our website.

THE LINEUP:

• Reduce, reuse, recycle...
• Triple-X-rated Wipeouts
• Melanie in Hawaiian motion
• Feedback: straight outa' Santa Cruz
• Facebook winner
• FlowBarrel® in Christchurch?
  

Lastest sport of cone-dodging takes over in Christchurch

The March newsletter is out now! Those of you on our email list will have yours in your inbox, otherwise check it out here. Remember if you want to get it direct to your inbox just sign up on our website.

THE LINEUP:

• Christchurch Earthquake Update
• Big Wave Surfing... At Night
• Slide, Sadhana & Seventhwave
• Surf to Summit
• Feedback
• Facebook Winner

http://www.seventhwave.co.nz/Newsletter+Archive/March+2011.html

New Year, new gear: January Newsletter

 

January newsletter is out now! Those of you on our email list will have yours in your inbox, otherwise check it out here. Remember if you want to get it direct to your inbox just sign up on our website.

THE LINEUP:

• Want to work at Seventhwave?
• Australian logging with Jack Entwistle
• The Surf Emporium
• Facebook Prize Winner
• Feedback: Melanie Bartels, Hawaii
• Canterbury Kiteboarding Championships

http://www.seventhwave.co.nz/Newsletters/January%202011?mv_pc=13101