Vans Chukka Low at Pioneers in New Hampshire

Couple fresh color ways in today in one of our favorite shoes ever.  It's got style to spare and skates great too.

Bright Blue & Pewter

Navy & Light Grey

Hayden Shapes HYPTO KRYPTO at Pioneers!!!

Yesterday Hayden Cox of Hayden Shapes rolled through the shop to say hello, give some hi fives, and talk about what he's going on!  Steve and I were very impressed, Hayden knows his craft very well and to put it simply... he gets it. He's got a great line up and we're super stoked on his board the Hypto Krypto and the Psychedelic germ, one of the first production boards to feature sidecut!  Remember we like sidecut...

The Hypto Krypto is the most versatile shape in the Haydenshapes range, enabling it to be ridden in waves from 1ft to 8ft. It paddles like a dream due to the volume and flatter rocker. You ride the Hypto Krypto on the open face, drawing fast, flowing lines with all the speed it provides.

The outline resembles an old school twin fin in the nose, yet pulls into a rounded pin tail which will give you plenty of hold in the bigger stuff, and provide a lot of curve around the back foot. You can use the wider, straighter outline forward on the board to give you speed down the line and the rounded pintail to draw tighter arcs in the pocket.

Although the rocker of the Hypto Krypto is flat, Hayden has snuck in a little extra lift in the entry to add some curve up front; this helps taking off late, or turning in the steeper sections of the wave. The design of the rocker has been focused around speed, and more speed! The Hypto has never been shaped as a quad because it is too fast already, you’ll find yourself making sections down the line that you would never expect to make.

The foil has plenty of volume around the chest and center area of the board, yet it refines out to a thinner, more pinched rail to keep the board connected to the wave. The concave runs from a rolled vee in the entry, to a slight single transitioning into a vee double out the tail, which gives the board great speed and control from rail to rail.

The Hypto Krypto and most of Hayden's Shapes are created using Future Flex. FutureFlex represents the very latest in surfboard technology and design. The construction process combines a stringerless, high-density custom shaped EPS core laminated with biaxial fiberglass, epoxy resin and a parabolic carbon fiber frame. The carbon fiber frame within the laminate is the key to the performance of these boards. Designed to maximize speed and drive while minimizing twisting, FutureFlex boards essentially store and release energy as the surfer transitions through a turn. The result is a fast and lively, highly responsive surfboard that's perfectly geared for high performance surfing.



DIMENSIONS
LENGTH   WIDTH   THICK   VOLUME
5'4''              19 1/2''     2 1/4''      27.08 ltr    
5'6''              19 3/4''     2 3/8''      29.7 ltr
5'8''              20''           2 1/2''      31 ltr
5'10''            20 1/4''     2 5/8''      33.79 ltr
6'0''              20 1/2''     2 3/4''      36.56 ltr

Stand Up Paddle Race Boards At Pioneers in NH

Just as we've seen stand up paddle boarding gain popularity we've also seen a dramatic improvement in board shapes and design specifically in the surf specific SUPs and and Race SUPs. The race boards are built to be 12 foot torpedos, these boards have begun using different shapes (displacement hulls) and materials (carbon and coconut husks) to make them glide as quickly and smoothly as possible...

This is the Fanatic 12'6 Fly Carbon Race board

Fly Race 12’6’’ x 27 ¾ ‘’ Volume 225 liters   Weight just under 20lbs

After the introduction of Fanatics first SUP Race board last year, we decided to design a smaller version of the acclaimed 12’6’’ x30 ½”. This smaller 12’6’’ has wide range of use from flat water performance to gliding long ocean swell.  Complex bottom surfaces have been CAD-optimized to deliver maximum speed and glide.

Key Features:
-Stretched Outline with stabilizing square tail
-Long maximized waterline
-Smooth Tail rocker for clean water release in paddle motion
-Domed nose for quick nose recovery and water disperse.
-Flat angled deck shape for secured stance and water release
-Sharp water cutting Bow …transforming into a slight rounded V towards the tail
-CAD analyzed surfaces and curve flow.

This is the NSP 12'6 Coco Mat Race Board

The NSP Coco Mat Race SUP 12'6 x 28 1/4   Volume 220 liters   Weight just over 20lbs

Great for downwinders, racing, fitness, training and cruising. They were designed for speed with long glide and have proven to be super fast in all conditions. The 12'6" is a training and recreational race hull. The hull shares its DNA with our 14' racer. The entry cleanly displaces the surface water and transitions to a flat bottom. The bottom is extremely hard off the rails for clean release of surface tension, low drag and quick planing.

As a daily trainer, these long boards take a lot of abuse going to and from the water - 10 years of refining our construction methods means your investment is extremely durable. Coco Mat technology integrates natural random discontinuous coconut fibers into an exclusive lamination construction method to create a surfboard with amazing performance and unparalleled strength to weight ratio. After hundreds of hours surfing, as well as controlled laboratory testing, Coco Mat construction has proven to produce the lightest and strongest surfboards on the market today.

The natural coconut fibers used to make Coco Mat surfboards are readily available, need minimal processing and come from self-sustaining crops located near our manufacturing facility. For these reasons the NSP brand is proudly championing the new Coco Mat technology which offers a responsive, fluid ride with great flex characteristics, and an aesthetic that is not only original, but organically beautiful.

If you're interested in racing, finding more out about these race boards or other race boards, or taking one for a test paddle get in touch with us at the shop. Phone, email, or face to face all work for us!

Nixon Watches at Pioneers Board Shop in New Hampshire

Nixon has pretty much set the standard for style as of late in the surf, skate, & snow world.  Every piece they make just kills it! Whether it's function or fashion you're after you are pretty much guaranteed to get both from a nixon.  We currently have over 75 Nixon watches in stock, some for men and some for ladies. Some for business, some for pleasure and some for the surf. If you're struggling to come up with a Father's Day gift idea I'm willing to bet a Nixon watch for dad is a sure thing!

The following photos are a sampling of our watch stock.  Like I said we have 75 in stock so to really see them all swing by the shop and have a look for yourself!

The 51/30:
There's a reason they send tank watches into space. With superior functionality - 6 hand Japanese quartz movement, with tide - its wearer is never without the necessary earthly information. But with stainless steel-clad durability and unrivaled good looks, it's a timepiece that's rife with worldly good looks. Since there's plenty right here that can send you into orbit. The 51/30 pictured above has a P/U wrist band.  The 51/30 also comes in fun metal, full P/U, and with a leather wrist strap. This watch is BOSS...

The Corporal SS:
A FORCEFUL DISPLAY OF SUPERIOR STYLE. The new stainless steel Corporal SS takes command. Stripped of all but the essential function of keeping true time, the Corporal distinguishes itself as a leader. The strategic blend of high-caliber construction and disciplined design result in a forceful display of superior style. We've got them in all black like above and all matte gunmetal.

The Sentry:
While it's true that you never know what is going to happen, The Sentry covers most of the bases, providing protection from most everything that could happen within the seconds, hours, days, weeks, and months of the regular calendar. It's your won't-quit, always obedient, ever-watchful, and timely guard against mayhem. Unless otherwise ordered. 9 colorways to choose from in total but these two are epic.  Black with a P/U Band and Silver with Navy/Red Nylon Band.

The Supertide:
DISSOLVE YOUR BRAIN IN SALTWATER. Time your surf sessions right and you don't even have to think. And who wants to think? Dissolve your brain in saltwater. Get lost in the explosion of a backside bash. Or a frontside slash. Escape life on land and head for the water. With the rhythm of the tide displayed in high-resolution detail, the Supertide syncs you up with the motion of the ocean so you know exactly when to go. Whether you're sitting in the line up at your local break or frothing in your car, stuck in traffic, one exit from the beach, you'll know what you need to know. Really digging this one!!! The display and functions are insane.  Best digital tide watch I've ever seen.  We've got the green pictured above as well as white and red.

The Lodown:
LEGIT TIME-TELLING AND TIDE-TELLING. As fashionable and functional as your salt-encrusted neon neoprene, The Lodown has all the radical 80s dude appeal as your first slip-ons with legit time-telling and tide-telling capabilities. With a custom digital interface that graphically displays crucial ocean info - for over 200 beaches until 2020 - in addition to dual time, alarm, wave counter, chrono and light. All while candy colored injected polyurethane case and band harkens back to your first days on the water. We've got 7 colors in the shop to choose from and at $125 you get bang! for your buck.

PLENTY MORE TO LOOK AT ON NIXON.COM.  SPECIAL ORDERS ARE NO TROUBLE GET IN TOUCH WITH US!

Ripcurl E-Bomb Pro available at Pioneers in NH

Well 3/2 season is pretty much here, although at the moment you might not guess it,  the water is in the low 60s. I've already had a handful of sessions in my 3/2 with no boots and no gloves. Without a shred of doubt the E-Bomb Pro from Ripcurl is my favorite wetsuit for the summer and fall months. The fit of the suit is insane and while it keeps you nice and warm like a 3/2 should it feels like you're wearing a 1.5mm.  

WHY THIS SUIT IS AWESOME...

THE RUBBER!!!  90% of this suit is constructed out of Ripcurl's famous E3 rubber.  The other 10% of the suit is made of E3+ which is as light and flexible as neoprene gets!!! They put the E3+ rubber in as one continuous piece from one elbow across the back to the other elbow.  That one panel of E3+ is the reason this suit feels so amazing and thin once you get it on, it truly is amazing! Check the photo for the picture of the E3+ panel on the E-Bomb Pro.

As far as construction is concerned the E-Bomb Pro keeps it pretty simple with a glued and blindstitched seam.  It's not over done which means is very flexible and the triple glue/double stitch means that it's strong and will hold up!!!  I also love that the E-Bomb Pro comes in a chest zip and that they took extra time perfecting the fit.  This suit KILLS IT!!! Try one on and you too will be a believer...

 The Ripcurl E-Bomb Pro comes in a variety of colors and while we may not have them all in stock we'd be happy to special order you one at no extra charge!!!

The Ripcurl E-Bomb Pro LIVE THE SEARCH!

Here's what our customers are saying about the E-Bomb Pro:

"I got one of these suits for Christmas and couldn't wait for the water to warm up enough to use it. I started about a month ago with booties and gloves and am now using it alone. It is so light and stretchy it feels like you're wearing a much thinner suit. I had not bought a new 3/2 since 2006 so the leap in technology was huge. Do yourself a favor and get one of these."

Isurus Wetsuits at Pioneers Board Shop in New Hampshire

We at Pioneers are all about progression and new technology that helps to push progression.  We are stoked to tell you about a new wetsuit company that we have brought into the shop called Isurus Wetsuits that is doing just that, pushing the boundaries.

Isurus isn't your average wetsuit and the price of an Isurus wetsuit starts where most top out. In the end it's money well spent on arguably the best wetsuit on the market.  The only way to get a better wetsuit is to have one custom made for your body. Steve has been wearing a hooded 4/3/4 Evade for a few months now and he is loving it, here are his comments "Super light, dries incredibly fast, amazing fit, and an incredible hood".

To sum it up these suits are amazing because:
100% Japanese rubber-super light, doesn't absorb water, dries fast
Fit- 20 points of measure are used when building the suit, most wetsuit companies use 11
Designed to move- Panels w/ compression technology are shaped with the natural movement of the body in mind equaling less fatigue/more waves.

If you're not sold yet or for further info continue reading below as I go deeper into the hows and whys of Isurus Wetsuits.

Anatomically Engineered Wetsuit Technology

The objective was to design a wetsuit that did not inhibit the natural range of motion of the athlete’s body. The process led us to research tri-athlete wetsuit designs where unrestricted range of motion is critical to fast swim times. ISURUS consulted with biomechanical experts to engineer proven tri-athlete wetsuit innovations to the special requirements of big wave, coldwater surfing.

By studying how the human musculo-skeletal structure works, the panels were cut to match the natural movement of the human body. Each panel synergistically works with the adjacent panels to provide the maximum free range of motion to be found in a wetsuit.

What thats means.... MORE PADDLING POWER, LESS FATIGUE

It is each panel designed working in unison with body that results in a higher elbow position and increased power during the catch phase of the stroke. More power and less wetsuit resistance results in more distance per stroke and reduced muscle output.

COMPRESSION WETSUIT

Compression Knit Construction, laminated to Anatomically Engineered Wetsuit Panels engineered to match the musculature of the surfers body, delivers an evenly distributed 360° stretch compression for increased performance.

ISURUS BioRx Compression Technology

Compression >> Anatomical Design
     Perform Better
     Recover Faster
Anatomical Design >> Muscle Oxygenation
     Optimizes Delivery of Oxygen
     Increases Power and Endurance
Precision Fit >> BMI (Body Mass Index)
     Fits Like a Second Skin
     Focuses Muscle Power
     Facilitates Lactic Acid Removal

Advanced Materials

DESIGNING A WORLD CLASS WETSUIT BEGINS WITH THE WORLD’S BEST NEOPRENE; TWO KEY POINTS IN THE RESEARCH

Great wetsuit performance begins with superior neoprene.
Not all neoprene is the same.
During our research it became evident that Yamamoto neoprene, is widely recognized as the most advanced neoprene available. Yamamoto neoprene dominates the market for high end triathlete wetsuits with 90% marketshare where lightweight and ultra flexible warm material is critical for competitive swim times. No serious triathlete uses a wetsuit that is not made from Yamamoto.

A SUPERIOR NEOPRENE

Yamamoto is made entirely from closed-cell neoprene using a proprietary manufacturing process that makes the material out of limestone and not petroleum. The material is 98% hydrophobic, meaning it doesn’t absorb water. Yamamoto’s closed-structure possesses elasticity or the ability of the material to return to its original shape after repeated wearings (that is not found in open-cell neoprene). It also makes it super warm, lightweight, thin and quick drying.

THE ISSUE WITH TRADITIONAL NEOPRENE

For the last 50 years, neoprene wetsuits have been made from petroleum-based rubber that is injected with nitrogen to create an “open cell” thermal barrier against the cold.

The problem with open-cell neoprene is:

It absorbs up to 80% of its weight in H2O. Think of a kitchen sponge. Water absorption which adds weight and requires additional body heat to warm the excess water. Open cell neoprene deteriorates quite rapidly compared to closed-cell neoprene primarily due the inherent weakness in the cell structure. The cell walls are connected to other cells by thin walls that weaken after repeated usage and the neoprene loses its thermal and hydrophobic properties (ability to not absorb H2O).

Body Mass Index for an Anatomically Correct Fit

BMI AND 20 POINTS OF MEASURE FOR A PRECISE FIT

ISURUS uses BMI (Body Mass Index) to size and shape the panels for a more anatomically precise fit. The company mapped the anatomies of over 300 athletes. Took more than 6,000 measurements of the different body types.

From these measurements, ISURUS developed over 20 Points of Measure to design and size the new series for an off-the-rack fit that compares to a custom wetsuit.

BMI

BMI is a statistical measure of body weight based on a person’s weight and height. Athletes searching for a performance edge have used BMI to design gear where a precise fit is critical to gaining a performance edge.

BMI IN SPORTS

Speedsuits in swimming, skiing, cycling and speed skating have been designed using BMI principles where a precise fit is critical for performance. The research ISURUS conducted shows BMI to be an excellent technology for designing a correct anatomically fitted wetsuit.

As surfers, we understand that a correct fit is critical to maintain body warmth and for maximum unrestricted range of motion when paddling.

Oakley Sunglasses and Apparel at Pioneers in New Hampshire

FRESH BLAST OF OAKLEY IN THE SHOP 05.10.2012

We got a bunch of new shades including the ones pictured above. Oakley Acid Tortoise Frogskins are here. Limited edition and soon to be gone. Don't sleep on these ones or you'll be forever bumming..... We've also got a couple runs of the Oakley/Frogskin Tees (graphic picture above) in white and black.

 We got a grip of new Oakley New Era Caps in . We've got he Black/White color combo pictured above as well as a Red/Black and a aqua blue/plaid one.  All very proper lids.

The Oakley Like A Flash Board short is what you want if your the live in your board short type guy. Welded seams, super stretch, quick dry, mesh pocket, these trunks have it all plus style for miles.

FCS & Future Fins at Pioneers in New Hampshire

It's time to talk fins. First off fins make a difference, in fact fins can make all the difference.  Choosing a fin that suites your style of surfing and the type of waves you surf is just as important as choosing the correct size board.  If you have a board that has never really felt correct it could be as simple as switching the fins and your least favorite board could end up being your magic board.

Think of it this way... If you bought a Porsche would you go to Walmart to get tires for it??? No, of course not, there is no sense spend mega bucks on a sports car and then having it drive like a Kia because you put cheap tires on it.  Same is true for your surfboard. If your going to drop some money on a new board think about investing a little more in a set of fins so that you are truly getting the most out of your board and your surfing.

Both FCS and Future Fins offer great explanations of their fins as well as a tool that will help you research which fins would work best for you.  For me, based on my style of surfing and the waves I generally surf I swear by my FCS K2.1 quads.  Lots of drive but still very loose and playful. I ride them in my Lost Motivator, my Lost Rocket, and my Lost Mini Driver. They are my go to fins.  That being said I still try other fins when I get the chance because as fin technology increases you never know what you're going to find next that will work even better.

I ordered a bunch of fins lately so I'm gonna throw a few different ones up to give you and idea of what we've got in stock.  If you've got questions or you want to see the fins in person we've got about 50 different fins in stock at the moment from little grom fins, to thruster sets, to quad sets, to longboard fins.

Mick Fanning's signature fin with Tricoil Technology. Provides maximum drive; ideal for power surfers who like to snap hard off the top and carve long roundhouse cutbacks.















Jeremy Flores' signature fin featuring a long base and narrow tip. Perfect for driving hard off the bottom and snapping vertically off the top. Subtle tip flex provides smooth transitions between turns.













Kelly Slater's signature quad set with K2.1 PC in the side and Q-1000 in the rear. Produces incredible start-up acceleration and speed while maintaining manoeuvrability in tight sections. (MY PERSONAL FAVORITES)















Simon Anderson's medium size quad set. Identical template across all fins. Suited to lighter surfers who like to drive hard off their fins, draw a longer line and accelerate through turns.












This is Clay Marzo's next fin incarnation featuring an updated template and built in our Techflex construction for powerful surfing. The large base provides drive off the bottom while the small tip allows you to release the fins.















The WCT has a unique upright template making the fin very fast and pivoty. Designed for tight vertical snaps and critical surfing.

One of our most popular templates available as a quad setup. The F4 is a great for template medium sized riders looking for a fin that is a little looser or for smaller sized riders looking for a setup with a little more drive.







Co-designed with one of the world's best free surfers, this V2 quad set was created for high performance surfing. These fins are made with renewable bamboo, which provides a lively flex pattern, and are wrapped in symbolic art provided by Rasta. A medium sized template that performs in a variety of conditions. The Quad set up with a medium base and tip allow you to generate more drive and stay on rail. A portion of the proceed from sales of the Rasta Quad will be donated to the Dave's non-profit organization, Surfers For Cetaceans.

Plenty more options here at the shop, so swing by and take a look and see what FCS or Future with a little help from Pioneers can do for your surfing.

The Best 4/3 mm Wetsuits EVER at Pioneers in NH

Well it's officially spring and it sure does feel like it! All the tell tale signs are there, I'm skating outside afterwork, the sherburn tail on Washington is no longer open at the bottom, and the water is warming up. In fact the water is warming up fast!!! It's approaching 45 degrees which for me is usually the point at which I start to trade the winter suit and mittens in for a 4/3 and 3mm gloves. I can't believe that time is here already!!!

Well right on time both of our FAVORITE wetsuits in the world have just showed up. We are FULLY STOKED with 4/3 Oneill Mutants and 4/3 Ripcurl Insulators!!!! Now if you have one of these suits you know what I'm talking about but if you don't I'm gonna tell you why there are the two BEST 4/3 WETSUITS ON THE MARKET!!!!

First and foremost it all has to do with the removable hood system. Both of these suits feature hoods that securely attach to the suit when you need them and come clean off when you don't. What that means is right now you need a hood, in another two months you won't however all your gonna need for the next 4 months is a 4/3. So rather than wearing your winter suit any longer than you have to of suffering in you 3/2 with a hooded vest you get a Mutant or an Insulator to bridge the winter to summer and summer to winter gap.

Both of these suits are made of the best materials with the best seam construction. The suits will keep you warm but still allow you the flexibility you need to surf for hours and own it the whole time you're out there. Both suits feature chest entries that are easy to get on and off and are backed by the best warrantee and repair departments in the industry.

Steve and I both swear by these two suits and as you know we surf as much as anyone. We spend more time in these two suits than any of our other suits, we done the research and put the time in. We stand behind them both and we know that once you get into one yourself you'll be just as stoked as we are!!!!

SURFING!!!!!!!!

Free Lift Tickets at Pioneers in New Hampshire

It's Saturday, it's snowing, and it finally feels like WINTER!!!! Steve, the breakfast club, and I had a great snowy/sea smoke session this morning on some really fun waist high sets!!! Reports from the north are telling us that the snow conditions are FINALLY getting to be where they should be. If you need anything to get yourself riding swing by the shop and we'll make it worth your while. Spend $150 or more on some snowboard gear and we'll hook it up with a FREE lift ticket good to Loon, Ragged, Shawnee Peak, or Cranmore!!! Just say you read it on the blog or facebook then all that's left to do is shred!!!!!

Christmas Ideas for Skateboarders at Pioneers in New Hampshire

As Christmas approaches I thought I would just toss a few ideas around to help you out with that skateboarder on your list. At Pioneers we carry all things skateboard related so if I don't mention it here there is probably a pretty good chance that I have it here at the shop. We also have gift certificates that take all the guess work out of Christmas shopping.

New wheels and bearings. Nothing breathes life into your old board like a new set of wheels and bearing!!!

Skateboard brand apparel from Brands like Volcom. Tee shirt, jeans, sweatshirts and sweaters.

Skateboard videos for instruction and entertainment.

A cruiser skateboard complete. Super fun little boards for bombing around the neighborhood or reliving the past.

A new helmet

A set of Soft Trucks- these are great for practicing skate tricks in the house or the basement!

We've also got lots of cool stocking stuffers and we've got plenty of ideas!!! Swing by the shop or give us a call and we'll help you out!!!

Oakley Goggles at Pioneers in NH!!!

The all new AIRBRAKE!!! The quickest lens change on the market and it comes with a spare lens!!! So Rad!!!

Crowbar

Crowbar

Crowbar

Ambush

O-Frame

O-frame

Oakley does everything right and their goggles are no exception. Tons of colors in 5 different styles! Awesome fit, they won't fog, and they're helmet compatible! Get into it!!!