NSP Sleepwalker
Name: Amber Holyoake
About: I’m the newest member of the Betty Zine team. You might’ve seen me out in the waves on my green longboard, Kermie, or on social media as @thelostgirlsnz. I’ve been surfing consistently for five years and focusing more on longboarding for the last three.
Amber riding Kermie on ankle-biter waves
Surf style: I’m not at the level of having a distinct style yet - I’m all about progressing and improving my technique. Longboarding is definitely my preference, but if I’d started younger (and was less afraid of injury), I’d have been drawn to big wave surfing. I’d love to one day be as graceful on a board as Josie Prendergast, with Laura Enever’s fearlessness.
The board: Kermie is an NSP Sleepwalker PU, 9’8”, 85.8 litres. It’s not a custom, but the original design is by Tully St John from Laguna Bay Longboards.
Kermie and another NSP Sleepwalker
Paddle power: Paddles like a dream! It’s a very flat board, so it sits low in the water, but it’s wide enough to make paddling into waves easy. I’m a tall gal (nearly six-foot), so I like having the length and volume to compensate. The size is just right, especially as I’m practising my cross-stepping.
Manoeuvrability: It’s a super easy board to catch waves on because it’s big and stable. It’s not as easy to manoeuvre due to its size, but I’m working on that. It’s a great size for walking up the board, and I hope it’ll get me to a hang-ten one day.
Ideal conditions: The Sleepwalker is ideal for anything smaller than head high, but I’ve taken it out in fairly big surf too. It works wonders on tiny waves, and my friends who have the same board also love it.
Recommendation: It’s a great board for someone new to longboarding or progressing from a foamie. You’ll be stoked with the wave count!
Image by Leonie Anholts (@surfgirlnz)
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