About Us
 The BASE crew live, work and play in Wanaka. Passionate about freeride and freestyle skiing and snowboarding, we are out in the mountains that surround us riding every day.
All that riding pays off for you – you get the best advice on the latest snow gear, because we have tried and tested every product we sell.
And all that product testing – "it's a tough job... " – means we believe in our products and our ability to get you the gear you need for the sort of riding you do. Hey, we believe in our gear and advice enough to give you the best ski and snowboard guarantee in the country.
Oh and the other thing we are serious about is kitting you out to look good when you are telling people about your exploits on the hill. Streatwear that turns heads is a big part of what we do because you can’t be riding all the time... Shame.
Our team all love what they do and everyone contributes to what makes BASE great. We hope that we can share a little of our experience and love for snow and streetwear with you. Helping you make the most out of your life whether on the street or in the mountains...It's what we do!
So How Did We Get To Where We Are Today?
Back in 1999, BASE founders, Brent & Chris settled in Wanaka after many seasons chasing fat pow in resorts across the globe. They turned their passion for skiing and snowboarding into their first business, Base, right in town.
The shop opened up and specialised in streetwear, ski & snowboard outerwear and hardware. A small ski and snowboard rental unit, operated out the back. And the workshop operated out of the garage under the art centre.
And the small BASE crew of 8 went to work, doing everything in their power to make the shop a leader within the snow community.
The boys expanded their business and in winter 2003 Base Ultimate Rentals opened its doors across the road. With a whole new team working in rentals, the business was growing, and fast.
In 2005, Base entered the online market: now we were able to hook up skiers and snowboarders from all over NZ, and provide rental gear for holiday makers, globally.
Flash forward to present day and Base is still holding true to its roots, online and in store.
Our goal is for you to get the most out of your riding every day. Go well. Live large
BASE - Living it since 1999 |
Sunglasses
Chris Walsh – Chris knows snow gear like the back of his hand, especially boards. He’s been old skoolin it on the hill for 16yrs and at Base from day 1, which was 10yrs ago now. Chris is a TC diehard and loves Castle Mountain B.C Canada or Niseko Japan for POW. He’ll be shredding on a 162 K2 Turbo Dream + K2 Formula Bindings and Vans Contra boots this winter, 68 K2 Gyrator for the deep stuff. Definitely a K2 fan but loves Moneyshot and Federation gear for off the hill. A loyal 2300 crew shredder, Chris likes to paint and draw…random. 
Brent Harridge (Brentski) – Brent is a bit of a ski nut and is well known for his bootfitting skills. Plays for both teams on the hill but always freeriding. Has been snow sliding forever and at base from day 1 with Chriso. TC is where it’s at, but given the chance will be back in Tignes France in a heartbeat. Will be sliding on Rossignol Super 7’s this winter. Summer time sees Brent tending his vege patch and dressing in drag any chance he gets.
Matt McPhee – Matt has the tech knowledge on all winter products in store especially boards and optics. Plus looks after the website. He’s been boarding for 12yrs and at Base for 9. Generally found freeriding at TC with Chriso, Mt Baker in Washington is a highlight But chest deep Niseko POW takes the cake. The new K2 Slayblade 163 wide + K2 Auto Ever bindings, with K2 Darko BC boots will be the weapons of choice this winter. Matt is another K2 and Lower fan. After a season off with a bung Knee Matt will be eager to get up the hill with the 2300 crew. Study’s science in his spare time…..nerd alert.
Daisy Richards – Daisy is our main store shop manager and is on the game in Fashion and Snowboards. Prefers freeriding and has been boarding for 12yrs and working at base for 3. Another TC stalwart she’ll be found putting in some turns at Glenshee Scotland when home visiting the folks. Sliding on a K2 Turbo Dream + Nitro Zero bindings + New Boots this winter. Daisy will be representing Groovstar and K2 on the hill and Lower off. If it’s dressup time Daisy will rock Pirate styles guaranteed.
Jonny B – Jonny has been skiing forever (35yrs if you need to ask) and Knows skis and ski boots better then most. He’s been working at Base on and off for years. A TC old schooler, he’d love to get back to Mammoth in California whenever possible. He’ll be bombing lines at TC on Some K2 Hellbents in Nordica Dobermans with The Northface keeping him warm and dry. Given the option Jonny will always ski with his wife Lucy(ex TC patroller), what a softy.
T (Andy T) – T is a snowboard expert and ex instructor who has been riding for 11 years and working at Base for 3. He prefers to shred at TC in NZ and St Anton in Austria when on the O/S mission. Freestylin on Freeride terrain is his thing. T rocks a Rossi Decoy 157 + Rossi HC3000’s and Nitro MFM boots on the hill. When not riding he’ll be designing stuff on his Mac or Fishing. If he could go riding with anyone, it would be one of the golden girls???
James Potter (Potter) – Potter is the resident snowboard shred monkey/ jib nut. Riding for 4 yrs, ready for season 2 at Base. Potter is Ruapehu fan He’s usually found chasing girls when he's not chasing the pow. Best dressup outfit, Zoro, you can see why that worked so well. Currently Potter is up in AKL but we look forward to his return for Winter 2010!
