Lifejackets - to wear or not to wear??

As the sup industry has taken the world by storm it's becoming apparent that lifejackets haven't really found favour with paddlers. It's kind of hard to tell someone on a sunny day who's paddling up and down the shore in a bikini that they should be wearing one - I mean you never see them in the promo material from the main brands so they definately can't be cool!  It ends up being the users choice - but many countries have started to introduce rules around thier use, particularly for paddle schools and commercial operators. Personally - I'd never wear one in the surf, or on casual social paddles in sheltered waters... but as soon as i'm on a river or on my own ill grab one for sure.

Other thing is there are lifejackets and there are lifejackets... some of the slalom kayak and kitesurf vests are sweet looking and don't restrict your movement at all so don't think you have to paddle round with a giant orange thing strapped to your chest! Take a look at our photos of the blowfish with the paddlers geared up in adventure gear and tell me they don't look a little bit cool...

If its aesthetics you're after... think adventure sports rather than surf and you'll not only look the part... you'll be safer too.

New DLE brochures ready to hit the stores

Just had our new dle brochures printed - we're stoked at how they've turned out - big thanks to all those involved in their production!

Moonlight Paddle

We went for a moonlight paddle last night up the Wairoa River in Tauranga, New Zealand. The conditions were perfect - a clear sky (albiet a bit of volcanic ash making it a bit murky!), no wind and a great crew of paddlers. Have to admit being winter the feet suffered a bit - time to invest in some serious neoprene booties. Most took lights but we didnt really need them. Thanks to Kristen from Liquid Stixx for organising the paddle - lets do it again soon!

Blowfish paddling on flatwater, our first play with the new GOPRO camera...

Paddling at night with high-powered lights

Over the last few years with the advances in light and battery technology we've been mountain biking at night further, longer and with incredible visibility. It's winter here in New Zealand and it's time to apply the same ideas to SUP! Safety is a big factor so make sure you paddle with a buddy and use commonsense when you choose places to go (stay away from boating channels). Stay posted for some very cool photos of nightpaddling and check this link nightlighting for the best lights and the best service in the business...

New posters share the culture behind the Blowfish

There's just so many goodies arriving on my desk its like christmas. Check out the new posters, they look stunning in real life at A2 size. We've got lots of really exciting photoshoots coming up in some really beautiful places... i love my job!

Blowfish stickers now here to pimp your ride!

We've got our hot little hands on these cool new stickers, they look awesome - thanks to the screenprinters at Commercial Signs for a sweet print job!

The goodies keep coming!

There a very talented bunch of people who make up the team at Blowfish - not only are there some of the most experienced and respected people in the inflatable industry - but there are also some very talented creatives. Take these new brochures for example - photographed, designed and created entirely in-house!