The struggle is over; in my previous blog I spoke of a struggle I’ve had to hang up the contest vest for good! Well for me I finally feel that struggle is over!
I have made the decision to wrap up my contest surfing in favor of my pursuit of a higher education. In a couple of weeks I will commence my studies in an effort to gain degree in Graphic Design, so this coupled with a very busy family life means the focus and drive needed to perform at the level I would wish to aspire too, is know longer there.
I have made the decision to wrap up my contest surfing in favor of my pursuit of a higher education. In a couple of weeks I will commence my studies in an effort to gain degree in Graphic Design
Thanks to those who have supported me and the longboard series over the years, that most public of places has delivered me an emotional roller, one that I have battled with as I’m generally a very quiet and private person; Though for some reason the ocean has been the one place I have been happy to stand up and perform in front of a crowd, though often dreading the very public prize giving’s that follow such events.
For me now, I look forward to working closely with both Slide Magazine and surf2surf.com giving longboard info and feedback; via blogs and articles, on topics such as new products, board tech, trick tips and more.
With this being the first of such blogs, I thought it fitting to share an experience I had this past weekend. You see since deciding to pull out of the contest scene, I had taken a well earned break from longboard surfing, opting to surf a brand new 5’9” Honolua Keel fin fish I’d received last winter and had sitting in a corner gathering dust while I had the contest cap pulled down shrouding my eyes.
Getting out on this board was a blessing, with the champagne session coming on a solid day out front of home that left wax dripping from my toe nails, as the 5’9” squealed through the bowling shore break, my love of surfing was reborn; So I guess it was only natural that as the swell dropped away, and perfect logging waves prevailed, the longboard was bound to reappear, enter the trusty 9’6” Peter White special, coupled with a strong desire to ride the nose, on these gracious peaks that’d been groomed by the early morning off shores.
This was another relatively new board, it arrived just prior to my trip to Portugal last October, right around the same time I was signed for sponsorship by FCS.
I really enjoyed the board, however this past week I had a bunch of new fins arrive from FCS namely the largest fin in the range, the ‘10” Hatchet’; The difference this fin has made to my surfing on this board, in particular its noseriding capabilities has been mind blowing.
I set out with Colin to do a couple of photo shoots over the weekend, I normally cringe at a time such as this, what with trying out something as major as a fin, it can sometimes have disastrous results. You see normally I it takes weeks of shifting the fin back and fourth till that perfect spot is found. But not this time, I put the fin right at the back of the box, rub on a fresh coat of Palmers, and paddled out in front of Colin.
I couldn’t believe it, straight away I felt comfortable with this monster fin, it was just unreal. I found myself sitting in the lineup feeling like the luckiest guy in the world, what a hook up!!!
So just remember next time you feel the old boards not going quiet right, head down to your local FCS dealer and see what’s available, FCS have a thing called the test drive centre, where you can try before you buy, and with fins playing such a major part in how your boards going to perform, that may save you dollars, while making a lot of sense.
If you have any questions on how to get your board going a little better via fin changes, write up a comment below, I check the comments most days, and will do my best to help point you in the right direction.
Regards
Daryn
Thanks to my sponsors;
Honolua Surf Co – Smith Optics – FCS – Bodyline Wetsuits – Classic Malibu
2009
04:13 pm
well daryn you never retire, you just change hats. you go from contest surfer to coach / manager for your kids dreams. (we must go surfing one day, you bring the car i'll bring the chicken).
- Posted by bongo
2009
04:30 pm
nice one goober! the only crime it seems anybody is commiting here is you. lost in the past. last time i checked I didnt have lice, but by the way you are itching around there pal id bust it off down to the local clinic and get a check up. Paranoia is not a good look. let the man go! he's given a lot to the sport, and you might notice that a couple of those wriggling little shortboarder longboarders you mentioned probably live within walking distance of Mr McBride, and no doubt have fine tuned thier skills based on first hand experience with the guy. Maybe goober, you could learn a few things off of bear in big wednesday. Do you surf man, are you a surfer? No no im just a garbage collector.
- Posted by the antagonist!
2009
06:15 pm
Good luck...I must acknowledge the work that guys like yourself put in2 longboarding nz..paving the way so young guyz like myslf can get paid today..cher brotha..
- Posted by Daniel Procter
2009
06:36 pm
Yee hhaaa bra "Ice Blocks" on Proccy hes rolling in the winnings.Good call Goober youre on the button with what you said, not that I can remember what it was -that Antagonist sounds like a commie pinko.Come back to us Darren , dont leave us barren of true talent. Can you imagine when the best nose ride is TK
- Posted by traditional lover
2009
06:54 pm
Well done mate you may have done your contest dash, but you surf for life not just a 30 min heat, keep on with the glide and hope to see you in local waters more.
- Posted by philyboy
2009
07:01 pm
I was talking with Mike Fitzharris one time and said to him, man are you getting over traveling round doing the same old comps every year, when are you going to flag it?He said to me that he was waiting till these young guys started beating him. Looks like that time has come.As for who to watch at the comps now? Well I love watching the likes of Daniel Procter, Dylan Barnfield and Sam Guthrie.I'd be stoked for Daniel if he went on to claim the tour title this year, he comes from good stock, his old man put alot of time in getting him to the level he's at now. Like Dylan, a fantastic mix of traditional with that all important modern flair.Then you've got Sam, he lives a stones throw from me, and I've been fortunate enough to watch his surfing come on over the last 5 years. I love surfing with Sam and feel happy in the fact that Nz has talent for the kids to follow through the contest scene.Keep up the good work boys, may the best man win!DarynP.S - Bongo I'm always up for that chicken mate!!!
- Posted by Daryn
2009
07:36 pm
Hey Daryn sory to see ya move on bro but no doubt we will see you again making the occasional entry. Good luck with your degree and c u in the waves cuz.
- Posted by Dylan Barnfield
2009
09:36 pm
always been an influence in my surfing daryn and always will be.. youve been out there showing me whats up either doing some crazy nose ride through any section imaginable or smashing it off the top. Awesome to have someone as talented as you to surf with and learn from on a regular basis! learnt alot surfing in contests with you coz you used hustle the shit outa me to teach me lessons hahahaha looking back on it now im glad you did!!see you out front bro
- Posted by sam guthrie
2009
09:41 pm
well send Tangaroa, daryn zzzzzzzzz thats what you do for me sorry !
- Posted by arataki local
2009
09:42 pm
thanks for the eulogy Sam , but the king aint dead
- Posted by traditional lover
2009
12:08 am
It's only my opinion, but I reckon Daryn's always been a great ambassador of our collective chosen lifestyle, sure like ALL of us there's probably been moments of misjudement or mishandling of situations...we are all human. Glass houses, he who has not sinned and all that...seems to me, since I've know of Daryn back in the juniors on his shorty he's always striving to better himself. He's a G.C..Daryn's art, both in and out of the water is a joy and a gift to behold...which is validated by his peers [props to the proppers, onya Proccy, Dyl and Sam etc] and those that are coming up through the ranks now...whatever your preferred displine; isn't this s'possed to be about maximising your own fun...and isn't that the crux of what Daryn was blogging about?Mean kick out D, loving those new pieces too... :)
- Posted by CPL
2009
09:23 am
Daryn, have enjoyed watching your surfing both free and comp over the years , stoked for you when you got the title, well deserved.Always stoked to see some of the old Mount crew still charging , gets me enthusiastic to drive over that bridge for a paddle , dust off the board.Bumped into Bong at the "Bustin Down The Door" flic , don't see much of the old crew these days , always good to catch up.Enjoy the new season ahead of you Daryn , new doors are opening bro , catch you in the surf.
- Posted by Dockers
2009
11:10 am
On ya D-looking forward to surfing "Secret Supa Bank" and having a few coldies with you soon Chur chur Cookie
- Posted by cookie
2009
12:07 pm
Daryn you'll do good at whatever you chose to do. You weren't only No. 1 in NZ, 9th in the World Games, but you are such an easy person to talk to and get along with. All the best, look forward to your articles and appreciate the time you gave me to help me one day get 5 maybe even 10 over the end of my board.
- Posted by PvL
2009
01:24 pm
Awesome mate... glad to see your throwing yourself headlong into your art.. you have a real talent there boyo...you have held your own in the competitions and satisfied that desire to compete... now go and explore how to utilize your artistic talent in mixed media... i'll be scouting for some more prints (:DubDave (;
- Posted by DubDave
2009
04:54 pm
Well done Daryn..You can be proud of your achievments over the years....The circuit would not be at the standard it is now without the likes of you,Fitz,Kelly,Lynden etc.Catch ya next time your in the Naki.Good Luck with your degree.Cheers Mark
- Posted by Mark O\'Connor
2009
05:09 pm
Darryn,Inspired a generation of longboarders, defined the judging of longboarding on what every equipment you have ridden, flown the flag for traditional longboarding in NZ and to boot produce outstanding art!!! Tu Meke Bro! I only wish they had rewarded the traditional form of longboarding with a noseriding section in some of the circuit comps as it would have been a treat to see you holding ten in the pocket for multiple seconds!!! All the best bro and look forward to reading your blog!Chur Chur
- Posted by 10 Over
2009
07:19 pm
Well Daryn, I knew it was comin' buddy, I've been following the circuit for a few years now and saw the writing on the wall. I'm not going to stroke you mate, you've chosen your path and I wish you all the best for you and your family, and I'm sure Ange' quitely puts out a sye of relief that this side of of you is over. It's an unwanted stress doing the circuit and brings out the worst in surfers. And as for the longboarding circuit I feel it has completely lost it's way leaving the real traditional aspect of longboarding behind. Maybe it's time to evolve by introducing the traditional circuit with a weight restriction!!!? Don't lose faith in traditional longboarding mate, keep the dream alive.
- Posted by Snowy Vodanovich
2009
01:45 pm
Well, Daryn good luck with your new endeavours. It's always been a pleasure watching you surf and I'm sure you'll remain salty around the ears in some way of another. You know I'm a big fan of your art, so it's cool to see you heading in that direction full time. Again, good luck and see you in the water.
- Posted by Freddy
2009
03:21 pm
well bro, although it doesn't come as a suprise I'm super stoked for you and know you will continue to blow minds with your unrivalled mix of modern and traditonal longboarding. On a personal note,my best surfing results (as small and minor as they are compared to yours!) have come when we were on trips together, whether it was North or South island or even Australia. So thanx heaps and i look forward to our next session out front, or on the ramp with the kids
- Posted by Cale
2009
09:18 pm
Friends like you are hard to find. You are an artist, and I am not talking about drawing, you are an artist of life, surf contests was just one of your mediums, and you exceeded in it, go forward my friend. Thankyou for letting me into your surfing world, and enjoy your next palete of life.Cheers Kerry
- Posted by Kerry Hunt
2009
10:00 am
Contest surfing is what it is, it will always be about pushing the envelope.I remember reading articles in the past by you Daryn about how the criteria didn't suit your surfing, but to put it another way, the way you love to surf doesn't suit the contest criteria, so you have to adapt. I just learnt this recently, stuff what anyone thinks of it in terms of style or performance criteria. Do what you love, and love doing it.You've been an inspiration to me to try out all styles of surfing. I ride heaps of different stuff, and it makes it so much fun, like learning to surf each time I go out. I will never be good enough to compete at any of them, but I have so much fun trying to get better.I recently scored one of the blue noseriders you shaped, it is so fun to ride as I hoped it would be, so thanks for that.All the best in whatever you do!
- Posted by JR
2009
11:16 am
chur bro. mate after reading all these blogs i thought you had died. your still alive aye??
- Posted by keg
2009
11:17 am
oh yea sick photo up da top of this page of you
- Posted by keg
2009
03:02 pm
Firstly I'd just like to thank everyone for the comments, I've completely been blown away by the response to this blog. It was not meant to get this type of reaction, but thanks as the majority of feed back has been very kind to say the least, and I thank you for that.I have had a laugh at some of the negative feed back, 'GOOBER' - this may surprise you, but I do not control what stays up on this site. I was asked to do this blog, I submit it to S2S, and that's it for my part. I do however find it quiet interesting that the people who have posted the negative feed back and very personal attacks toward me; have not actual left real names?Now GOOBER (I really hope this is not your real name...) My ego is not fractured, I am open to all feed back. After all, I am the type of person that does speak his mind, I'm also the sort of guy that stands by his opinions and thoughts. I express myself openly; I feel that is the creative side of my personality.So to answer your question, No I am not controling what is left up on this 'feedback space' for my Blog, but my advice would be to put your real name by your negative comments, and the crew at S2S may see fit to leave them up. Like I said, I get to have a bit of a chuckle.Regards Daryn
- Posted by Daryn Mcbride
2009
03:55 pm
o.k this blog mentions something about fins... my problem is this.. my 9'9 just doesn't want to bust out and get air.. any recommendations? that 'hatchet' looks nice but i fear the length of it may take off almost a foot from my jumps.. is this why some people ride with three of those tincy wincy ones??all the best bro.. that fillet goes unreal.. lets surf sooon.
- Posted by Matthew
2009
09:04 pm
Just a little story, I meet Daryn, through a legend surfer from Noosa... Mr Noel Woods one of the great tradition surfers I have ever meet, and one of the best persons I have ever known. He has given competing, still makes him a great surfer, still makes him a great person, still makes me want to surf like him.. Daryn is New Zealands Mr Noel Woods... Daryn is part of our (thats all of us, the people who know that the water is in our blood ) surfing history. Kerry.
- Posted by Kerry Hunt
2009
08:01 pm
Wow never thought id see the day but yet what a time in your carreer ..good luck for the future i,m sure youll excel like in your surfing .. you,ve also had a huge influence in my surfing...was surfing first point with harrison yesterday and your name poped up you left a good vibe with many over here .,..i see where alot of your pieces derrived from as i mission the points now,see ya back in maoao..peace
- Posted by Duncan cameron
2009
03:17 pm
It has been brought to my attention that you treat judges a bit like johnny mac in his prime and henceforth have now been banned and your boards are to be auctioned to help develop the next hot grom.I hope you left the sport in a better state than when you started!I have this info from a very reliable source,the next door neighbours budgie,or was it the guy in the bushes with the long lens trying to attract fish? Next mission waterbabies save the planet,get organised! Have a good 1.Also good luck to Paige. Craig
- Posted by tictoc22
2009
03:52 pm
Is it true you are being fined by the NZ Surfing association?and are off the tour because off a major tantrum at the Tauranga contest ?Is this actually true ?
- Posted by goober
2009
05:02 pm
Would you give up goober, you obviously don't surf and have way to much time on your hands. You have not writen one thing that has been kept up in these comments because all you have to say is crap! Let it go, and find a new interest other than the slandering of Daryn Mcbride.
- Posted by Give Up
2009
05:12 pm
Surfing is an art, especially when its done properly on longer than standard equipment. Who am I to judge? Or you for that matter! What determines a good ride... Do you know... I know what I like, it may not be the same as you, but thats because you can't judge art, Surfing is not a sport! Its an ART. Stick your judging, stick your Association, spend your time in the riding waves, and having fun while your doing it. I heard what happened from 'the' source, Two sides to every story as they say. Good on ya mate!!! Tic Toc and Goober - Get a Life
- Posted by AC
2009
05:28 pm
Give up -Since when is a question slander? this is a blog about the gentlemans surfing life is it not ? I am sure goober is just as interested, I had heard the same and obviously so has tick toc.freedom of the press is not slander.Keep the funny post coming guys as they certainly make it a little more funny and interesting for all--darren included im sure
- Posted by traditional lover
2009
07:58 pm
Get a life,I hope you did`nt loose to many brain cells thinking that one up.It`s feels good to laugh dosen`t it?After your art I hope you pick up the crap others leave behind.Keep smiling champ.
- Posted by tictoc22
2009
09:29 am
Let me make it very clear that my respect for Darren surfing could not be higher and I wish him the best in all his endeavours!!!.If only his style was the direction the long board set was heading we truely would have a beautiful sport and I hope if he has the time he might organize some traditional events for those that love this style.viva la revolution!! and give up -ooohh Im going to paddle over to you on my goat boat jet ski coolite and give you a dose of ninja ohh ahh
- Posted by goober
2009
10:51 am
Yeah Buttons! you rock i like your competitive win at all costs attitude (wish I could have a bit more of that) we've had some good heats over the years.Looking foward to your comeback in the over 40s in 5 years or so.
- Posted by Toggle
2009
10:54 am
PS say hi to all your kids for me and give Ange a cuddle (not to long) see you up the coast camping.
- Posted by Toggle
2009
09:15 pm
zzzzzzzz its gone to sleep .at least when goober was laying the crap down this blog started rocking --come back goober you dick
- Posted by traditional lover
2009
03:11 pm
'Goober' is right...the name that is.Different boards for different conditions, I share that philosophy man. Its a shame more surfers don't wake up to that basic concept.
- Posted by CHICO RODRIGUEZ
2009
03:29 pm
oooh Thats a hell name Chico Rodriuez --cool brah !Hey wheres Darren Mcbride?? isnt this his blog? how about boggin us dude--we are interested in your surfing and whats ya ups to mon! Spit the news -had any good waves of late -and thoughts on contests -comon Darren feed the the people that care enough to blog with ya
- Posted by GOOBER
2009
11:28 am
all reports are Darren is ripping the mount and will make a return to save the surfing world from bad style this year -go big D
- Posted by soul arch
2009
05:47 pm
Hey Darren, I hope you get back in the water after your studies, you have inspired so many surfers during your travels.I remeber some sensational days in Noosa when I was just a tiny 10 year old grommet in 2002.I still have that 8 foot nose rider and the fish both in mint condition, memories I will keep forever.Good luck for the futureClint GuestBurleigh WatersQld
- Posted by Clint Guest
2009
01:40 pm
hey daryn, stumbled upon your blog, no idea who you are but welcome back to the world of 'ordinary' surfing sans coloured vests, blaring air horns, blazing egos, bells n whistles, rah rah rah. Was looking for some more info on the big fin? you gonna study at BoPP? my son just did teh diploma and is finishes with Y3 at AUT this year. Great course.see ya at the point sometime (ever surf Coxos? or Ribera de Ilhas? Legal!)too many questions sorry...John <><
- Posted by john dickson
2009
07:59 pm
Hey JohnJust a bit note here as I am putting together a new blog at the moment, I have 4 big fins, 3 of which are readily avaliable in most surf shops in NZ, as they are produced by FCS, the other is a fin I got with a board from Austrlian manufacturers Classic Malibu.So check back in the next week or so and there will be a bit more info for you.To everyone else that took the time to place a message, or comment on the blog, Thanks heaps for the feed back!Clint, Stoked you still have the boards, I still remember watching you the first time you surfed that 8ft noserider at first point, you were such a tiny grom, haning 10 like an old master! unreal to hear from you, by the way I watched your final on the net at Noosa, you and Keahi, brought back some memories.Well check in soon folks, the new blogs coming!!! d.
- Posted by Daryn
2009
11:19 pm
Daryn Cheers for the reply sorry i couldnt live up to the standards in that final think i peeked a little early in my first two rounds, Keahi is the Australian u/18 kiteboarder champion, After surfing a mal maybe 3 times in the past 2 years i got him to enter 2 days before the u/18 heats hit the water. His a natural talent and of course he made the final. Jacko, Keahi and I together as we used to be way back. Missin Noosa alot now livin on the Gold Coast, just as you must miss Noosa aswell. Still loving my longboarding as much as i ever have, Ill be sure to keep and eye out for your fins. Good luck with your further studies.p.s my little brother had been surfing the fish for the past couple of months,and tearing it to shreds.Clint
- Posted by Clint Guest
2009
09:02 am
Day mate, dose this mean your ganna take up kneeboarding????. The boards you shaped for me when we were tradition and surfboards aust are still the best I have ever ridden. Im now in the UK have been for the past 6 years and loving it. Waters cold, surf is great. Email me back and we can get back in contact again.Best regardsMike
- Posted by mike
2009
09:06 pm
a true inspiration to watch u deserve all the credit u get and to the haters u know wea to go. What eva this man rides he does it like no one else love the style! Atk 4 ever
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2009
11:09 am
Well yo must must b someting special if yo get cats lyk Cale gettin all humble on yo a##!!haha neva herd a humble word come outa dat cats mouth so R E S P E C T 2dat!feel so emotional reading these tings..where my hanky??
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He is the current Hyundai Pro National Longboard Champion, and one of the most creative surfers in New Zealand both for his surfing, and his activities outside of surfing. A talented artist, Daryn is know for his NZ surf scapes, surf art and design.
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