BROS' TOWN: The owner of new Kaitaia surf shop, NZ Surf Bros, Jonny Andrews (centre).
BROS' TOWN: The owner of new Kaitaia surf shop, NZ Surf Bros, Jonny Andrews (centre).
It's been a bit of a surprise that Kaitaia - with its proximity to two coastlines offering an abundance of pumping waves and perfect offshore winds - hasn't been able to provide a stronger surf industry.
That is all about to change, with the arrival of a new player onthe Far North surf and skateboard scene who's opening a new surf shop, NZ Surf Bros, smack dab in downtown Kaitaia (where Aquapulse used to be).
The operation is part of the same franchise which runs the recently established surf school at Ahipara. Owner Jonny Andrews hasn't wasted any time either by getting behind upcoming talent, and has already signed up four locals, the surfing Hansen brothers from Ahipara, and Jaycee Park skaters Kadin Matiu and Rapata Pene.
Andrews - who also plays for the Kaitaia team in Mangonui senior rugby, and is coaching one of the teams for the upcoming charity boxing event - said the plan was to help the athletes progress on to bigger and better things.
"It's just providing pathways to the next level," he said, noting he'll also be supporting local competitions, while upcoming events will be promoted on the NZ Surf Bros website.
It's particularly reassuring for everyone in Kaitaia to see a new business open in defiance of the trend, and Andrews is positive the new store will be a game changer for the town, not just in surfing terms but in a wider economic sense. The new shop will provide up-to-date equipment and the latest in surf and skate wear. And, as a barista, he will also be serving Allpress coffee - the company which sponsors New Zealand's highest ranked professional surfer, Ricardo Christie - through a front window opening on to Commerce Street.
Kaitaia seems well on the way to becoming a true surf town.
The opening of NZ Surf Bros surf shop is scheduled to take place on Saturday, November 8.
