Business Central July 2021

After the America’s Cup most Kiwis are now familiar with the concept of hydrofoils. But foils are not just prominent in the yachting world; foils are now a popular addition to many boardriding sports. Surf, kite, SUP, tow and wing foiling are all now very popular and Mt Maunganui company Assault Boardriding Centre (ABC) is at the forefront of foiling sports. Glenn and Wendy Bright started ABC in 1982 and it has since been the driving force in the growth and development of board riding sports in New Zealand. ABC is a real family business with all being involved in the business operations, and participation recreationally and at competition level over the years. Sons Kelby and Torrin and daughter Viarni are all well known for their involvement and achievements. Glenn says ABC is now the longest operating boardriding business in New Zealand with original owners. This long history in the industry is pure gold to ABC clients. He says that he and his team have unparalleled experience and reputation in all board riding sports, and this is something that is vital when it comes to the addition of foiling. The ABC team are all actively ABC - Leading the way in foils involved in the sports so o er hands-on knowledge. Over the years the ABC team riders have dominated at competition level and its instructors and sales team continue to lead the industry with friendly down-to-earth expertise. “We realised the potential of foiling six years ago when we introduced kitefoiling. This prompted us to establish ABC as a specialist foiling centre. Our experience and technological know-how, gained from being in the industry for a long time, has enabled us to become New Zealand’s leading foiling centre across the foiling disciplines.” So why has foiling become so popular? Glenn says it o ers anyone that is in to sur ing, kiteboarding, and stand up paddle sur ing a whole new experience and allows them to ride in conditions that are less than optimal. “Foiling can really make marginal surf or wind conditions amazing fun. It has opened up a whole new realm of riding,” he says. For those that have access to a boat or jet ski, tow and wake foiling is another discipline that is becoming very popular. Lakes, estuaries, harbours and open ocean swell o er endless tow and wake foiling opportunities. A completely new sport - wing foiling – has also evolved in the past three seasons. Still very young as a foiling sport and developing rapidly wing foiling has potential to be most popular, thinks Glenn, as it has captured the interest of people of all ages, backgrounds, and itness levels. ABC sells a wide range of board riding and foiling sports equipment including a full range of wetsuits and accessories. It is a huge supporter of Kiwi foiling supplier Armstrong. A long association with the Armstrong crew led to ABC being one of the irst in New Zealand to stock and promote Armstrong products. Glenn says Armstrong is ABC’s premium foil equipment brand, o ering world leading design, technology and construction. All the latest equipment and accessories can be viewed in the ABC showroom 2A/12 Hocking Street, Mt Maunganui. The company’s full range of products can be viewed and ordered online with delivery nationwide. For those wanting to get started with foiling ABC o ers professional instruction for foiling sports and rental/demo equipment. 2A/12 HOCKING STREET, MOUNT MAUNGANUI 3116 027 245 7540 ASSAULT.CO.NZ GET IN TOUCH WITH EXPERIENCED BOARD RIDERS & INSTRUCTORS