New Plymouth surfing veteran Pid Pidwell is one of the first New Zealanders to fit his longboard with a Boost surf fin.
Robin Martin caught up with him at Fitzroy Beach in New Plymouth.
Allen Pidwell with his motorised surfboard Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin
Shoulder problems are common for older surfers, and Pid tells Robin Martin that in recent years he's struggled to paddle out into the line-up.
These days the 81-year-old is getting a boost from his motorised surf fin.
''[The fin] just takes me out the back no problem so I can last out there hopefully a lot longer and get more waves when I get used to it."
"Even in the car park, a lady who was probably a pensioner [saw the fin and] said 'That's what I need!'"
Although Pid is still figuring out his surf fin, his surfing buddy Neil says he's already "out-paddling" him.
"He's buzzing around the ocean… it's definitely a new life for him. Once he gets used to the power of it and things like that, he's going to be a handful, alright. We might have to put a stick in it or something."
Pid Pidwell Photo: Daisy Day
