Is it possible to surf in NZ in June(Winter)?

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Postby Island Bri » Sun Sep 02, 2007 9:27 pm

I figured I'd rent a suit for a little while before I buy one to see if I really do like surfing. Besides, once I get back to the US, I will have no need for the wetsuit (unles I somehow get moved down to the coast). Tennessee's rather land-locked so the prospect of surfing is a tad bit low...
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Postby Hang11 » Sun Sep 02, 2007 9:39 pm

Island Bri wrote:I figured I'd rent a suit for a little while before I buy one to see if I really do like surfing. Besides, once I get back to the US, I will have no need for the wetsuit (unles I somehow get moved down to the coast). Tennessee's rather land-locked so the prospect of surfing is a tad bit low...


Buy a cheap one on trademe, then sell it on there just before you leave - would work out loads cheaper.

If you want to learn to surf when you're in NZ, you will need to be getting in as much as possible, 2 or 3 times a week really. It's not an easy thing to learn, and you really need to be getting in as much as possible. Also, you need to be on it when it's good, so having to go and hire a suit every time you surf will end up costing you a fortune, and be a real pain.

Same goes for a board really. Just buy one and then sell it.

Cash Converters (pawn shop), usually have loads of boards and wetsuits in as well.
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Postby Hang11 » Sun Sep 02, 2007 9:43 pm

How big are you Bri?

I just remembered that my wife has a spare 4/3 winter suit kicking around in the garage. Only used it once. She's 5'3", petite, size 8 UK - could probably do you a good deal on that - she never uses it. She used to work in a surf shop and got loads of wetsuits and stuff for free. It's a high end tiki one, loads of nice toasty features.
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Postby Island Bri » Sun Sep 02, 2007 10:23 pm

Hang 11 - What an awesome site! Thanks for the link!

I am 5'8" and flucuate between 110-115lbs depending on muscle mass. (Or size 2-3 in US sizing) I'm about 112lbs right now.

I understand. I've calculated that Lyall Bay would be the closest place to go. (It'll be roughly 12 minutes from where I'll be staying - which will hopefully be The Cube on Taranaki Street) However, I don't know what my schedule will be like once I get there. They limit study abroad students to only taking 4 classes so that we can have time to immerse ourselves in the local culture. Hopefully that'll include the local surfing! :P
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Postby Hang11 » Sun Sep 02, 2007 10:35 pm

4 classes :shock:

I think it's time to become a student again.

I don't think my wife's suit would fit too good.

Definitely worth hitting up trademe when you arrive. It's good for everything you might need, and you can save a fortune buying stuff on there.
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Postby Island Bri » Sun Sep 02, 2007 11:02 pm

Yeah, I usually take 7 or 8 per semester. So only taking 4 feels like I'm cheating. Oh well, it'll give me time to focus on my actual career goal of moviemaking and conceptual art.

It was a nice idea though. I think the height would probably be the kicker with that suit. But I'll definitely check out trademe before I come!
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Postby sian » Mon Nov 12, 2007 8:38 am

Just arrived in n.z from england, are there any good breaks in the south island? heading there tomorrow
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Postby Hang11 » Mon Nov 12, 2007 9:44 am

Heaps, where are you getting into?

Kahutara should be off the dial for the next few days - just south of Kaikoura.
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