Staff Picks Q1 2024

We don't just sell the products that are in our store–we use them daily. We asked some of our crew to let us know what pieces they find themselves grabbing most often. Whether they're a part of their daily wears, essential to a trip up the hill, great for local waves, or built for a trip from the west to the east–they pulled some of their favorite pieces and wrote a little bit about what makes them the best.

MIKE

Hobbies:
Photography (Since Childhood)
Snowboarding (2 Years)
Travel (Forever)

Bio:
Photography has been a passion and a hobby since as far back as I can remember, my Dad and Grandfather were photographers so my interest was inevitable. Over the years, the subject matter that I shoot has evolved and changed so being a part of the Neon Wave family was always a no brainer.  

Roark Axeman Jacket
Roark rarely misses on the quality of their goods and the Axeman Jacket has solidified the test of time. It’s my favorite jacket, owning a couple myself, and I swear by it's warmth and quality. It's perfect for any outdoor activity when the temperature is below frigid.

Roark Nordsman Flannel
Once again Roark rarely misses, the Nordsman is easily one of the best flannels out there, warm as hell and can withstand the cold and wind wonderfully. It's perfect for outdoor photography projects or the many excursions I check off yearly.

LUCAS BERARD

Hobbies: Snowboarding (33 years)

Bio: started skateboarding and snowboarding at a very young age. Snowboarding has brought me all around the world from Argentina to Chile, British Columbia, Colorado, California. Growing up in northern Vermont everyone in my town either skied or played hockey. I chose snowboarding from the start. I have always had a function over fashion mentality when it comes to my gear and these examples of what I’m running, are no exception, although still very stylish.

Korua: Otto Plus (In-Store Only)

My favorite board right now, super light, super responsive and a very burly build. Nice and still tail that will support you on those backseat landings. Super fast base, and easy to repair with it being all black

Arc'Teryx Sabre SV Jacket
Amazing fit, fits like a snowboard jacket should! And has out performed any of my other shells. Amazing waterproofing and breathability.

Woolf Svarthetta Balaclava
Couldn’t hit the mountain without it, super warm, quick drying, and never freezes up like other balaclavas I’ve owned.

DEVIN

Hobbies:
Snowboarding (24 Years)
Surfing (10 Years)
Skating (24 Years)

Bio:
Grew up in Western New York snowboarding, skating, and wakeboarding/surfing throughout my entire childhood. After college, I lived in San Diego where I was able to improve my skills surfing the ocean which was always a dream of mine. Now, being back in Western New York, I use those skills to find waves on the Great Lakes, and try to get out snowboarding as much as I can. I prioritize my health and fitness so that I can continue to do these sports that bring me so much joy.

Vans Hi-Country and Hell Bound Boots
This is my first time trying Vans boots and I am very impressed. I chose the Hi-Country and Hell Bounds because I needed some elevated tech to ensure I had a boot that was durable enough to last me through a full season of working on snow, riding hard and touring when I get the chance. The footbed and heel cuff are super comfortable and roomy in all the right ways. After a few sessions of breaking them in, the stiffness is exactly what I need for riding park and rails, while also being secure enough for high speed turns and aggressive riding.

Catch Surf 6'5" Round Nose Fish
This board has been my favorite lake board I've ridden in the last 5 years of chasing waves on the Great Lakes. The soft-top helps take the worry away when the waves get so out of control that you can't help getting washed up on the rocks. The shape and size are perfect for my height and weight, making my success rate of actually catching the unruly waves of Lake Ontario that much better.

BEV

Hobbies:
Photography (4 Years)
Printing (4 Years)
Climbing (3 Years)

Bio:
I have always tried to be a creative person. I want to bring creativity and design into every aspect of my life. I find that activities such as climbing help me to do this by allowing me to work on different problem solving skills and focus.

Arc'Teryx Grotto Toque
Any Arc beanie is fantastic but I love the shape and fit of the Grotto Toque. I find a lot of beanies are either too itchy or too tight, but the Grotto is perfect and I’ll actually forget I’m wearing it.

Patagonia Women’s Storm Shift Jacket
This jacket keeps me warm and dry on the mountain. On top of being waterproof it’s very breathable and can hold and protect my essentials with secure interior pockets. Personally I love this color and find it easy to match with whatever else I’m wearing.

Arc'Teryx Rho Gloves
These gloves are perfect for living in a place like upstate New York. They’re perfect for driving, or doing miscellaneous tasks in the cold without having bulky material get in the way. The screen-touch liner is always a plus.

OLIVIA BRAVO

Hobbies: Snowboarding / Climbing / Lifting / Hiking / Traveling / Fashion

Bio: I love anything and everything to do with staying active in an adventurous way. Pursuing and connecting with nature and the outdoors is my lifeline. Naturally, the clothes I wear are just as important to keep me comfortable and stylish for the spontaneity of my adventures.

Vans Womens Hi-Standard OG
As someone who likes to be comfortable and cozy, and someone who has tried many, many different snowboard boots, these are by far my favorite that I own. When my riding style for the day is centered around slow laps and playing around, these boots are my first pick out of the lineup. The V1 Ultracush Liner and V1 popcush Footbed provide me ultimate comfort for landing side hits on the mountain and multiple riding hours.

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 70L
Roadtripping is my favorite thing in the WORLD. Unfortunately, I'm a heavy packer. I mean it. Thanks to this 70L I can fit what I actually need, AND all the stuff I don't! My favorite feature of this bag is that you can attach the shoulder straps and use it like a backpack. It's a clean looking bag, has a shiny finish to it, and the inside pockets are super functional.

Rivvia Projects Men's Flow Hoodie / Men's Reason Hoodie
Hoodies are my favorite article of clothing, and these are my favorite hoodies. The boxy fit and thickness keeps me cozy no matter where I'm going or what I'm doing. I've worn this during winter to keep me warm, or early summer mornings/late summer nights to keep me cozy. I also support this brand so much because of what they stand for and the way it resonates with my lifestyle.

TAYLOR

Hobbies:
Snowboarding (Newbie)
Yoga (6+ Years & newly certified)
Paddleboarding (3 Years)

Bio:
I started working with Canandaigua Sailboard and Neon Wave because of my love for the lake and water sports. After being surrounded by so many passionate snow sport enthusiasts it was almost inevitable I would give snowboarding a try as well. Yoga however has long been my go-to as it is a year-round outlet and as a newly certified yoga teacher I cannot wait to share this lifestyle with my community further.

Oakley MOD1 Pro MIPS Helmet
I am new to snowboarding and as I take the tumbles that come with testing the limits of my boards edges, I have made it a priority to protect my noggin. My Oakley helmet has been both comfortable and durable as I learn to explore the mountains this winter. My favorite features are the size adjustment technology and magnetic chin strap that make everything easy.

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 40L
I have always had a love for traveling and this duffel has been a game changer for packing. The perfect fit for a carry on and fits more than you would think which is a huge perk for an overpacker like myself. I can comfortably swing it over my shoulder with the backpack strap feature and its water resistant fabric ensures my gear stays dry from the lake to the mountain no matter the season.

Patagonia Women's Maipo Stash Tights
When practicing yoga, comfort is key. These leggings are breathable and move with me throughout my lesson. The last thing I want to think about while holding a pose is adjusting my clothing. With this piece I know it will stay in place and I can be comfortable to explore my movements freely.

KAITLYNN SWEENEY

Hobbies: Rock Climbing (10 Years) (Snowboarding 4 Years) Camping (Whole life) SUP (11 Years)

Bio: California and Texas native with a deep-rooted love for nature. Spending my childhood near the beaches of Southern CA, and living on Lake Conroe in TX, I've always found ways to be outside. Currently, rock climbing occupies much of my time throughout the year, a passion I've pursued since 2014. And thanks to my time here at Neon Wave, In the Winter of 2020 I found a love for snowboarding in my late 20s!

Arc'Teryx Women’s Konseal Harness / Men’s Konseal Harness
As someone who's spent countless hours at the indoor gym, I can't recommend this harness enough. The thick padding around the hips provides unbeatable comfort during long climbing sessions, while the adjustable straps ensure a perfect fit every time. Its streamlined design allows for unrestricted movement, and the mesh paneling keeps things cool even during those hotter months. Just a heads up for ice climbers, there are no ice clipper slots!

Patagonia Mini MLC Bag / Black Hole MLC Bag
Trust me, this backpack is a game-changer for travelers and commuters alike. It's my ride-or-die plane travel companion, fitting snugly under the seat as a personal item, even when it's bursting at the seams! Packed with pockets and compartments, it keeps all my essentials organized, and the recent redesign now includes a handy pocket for your water bottle. Plus, it's a breeze to clean, making life on the go a whole lot easier.

Smith I/O MAG Goggles
Finding the perfect goggles can be a struggle, but the I/O MAG? Pure perfection. They fit like a dream, no gaps or fogging. The ChromaPop lens tech is an absolute game-changer for visibility and clarity, especially on those cloudy East Coast days. My googles came with the Chromapop Storm Yellow Flash as the spare, and they have been incredible to have! Making this kit versatile for any condition.

CHAD

Hobbies:
Skateboarding (20 Years)
Snowboarding (5 Years)
Oil Painting (13 Years)
Golf (10 Years)

Bio:
Originally from Maryland, then moved to New York 7 years ago. I really enjoy staying busy, and I love to challenge myself. Learning the intricate details of a difficult hobby is fun for me. Just trying to get a little bit better every time I dive in. I don’t try to push it though. You’ll never see me bomb a hill on a snowboard, or gap a 10 stair on a skateboard. I’m more focused on the technical side, which is why I really like golf, painting, and tech skating.

Bataleon Goliath
They say if you skate it should be easy to translate to snowboarding, and you can pick it up quicker. I feel really comfortable on a skateboard, but for me it just didn’t translate. I demoed a bunch of different boards, and none of it felt right to me. Then I tried the Goliath and it was amazing. The 3BT (Triple Base Tech) base feels really similar to trucks on a skateboard. Anybody transitioning from skating to snowboarding I would highly, highly recommend this board!

Roark Bommer 2.0 Shorts 7"
I love these shorts. Incredibly comfortable, built-in liner, and lightweight. The 7” length is perfect for me (about 1” above the knee). I feel like I always have an issue with athletic shorts and pockets. The Bommers have a cell phone pocket that hugs your leg so it isn’t bouncing around. Zipper, and magnetic pockets to keep everything else from falling out. Hiking, golfing, climbing, running, and just for everyday wear, they are perfect. I-love-these-shorts!

Katin Hoodies
I prefer a minimal aesthetic. Simple graphic, solid colors, or a simple pattern. The important part though is fit. I love the fit on Katin’s hoodies. Baggy, but not too baggy. Great length on the torso and sleeve. Warm and comfortable. Simple graphics, and solid colors. Just a great hoodie!

HANNAH

Hobbies:
Snowboarding (3yrs)
Kayaking (Whole Life)
Golfing (newbie)
Traveling
Brewery Hopping

Bio:
Having grown up in Virginia for the majority of my life, I was definitely more of a water bug when I started working for Neon Wave. I have barely even heard of snowboarding, but I love trying new things so I gave it a shot. Now it is my favorite sport. I enjoy doing a little bit of everything so I definitely take a more relaxed approach to things. I have a deep passion for traveling and the outdoors. One day I will brew my own beer, but in the meantime, I enjoy traveling to new breweries with my peeps.  

Patagonia Women’s Multi Trail Shorts
These lightweight shorts are a part of my daily fit in the summer. They are great for any activity or sport, whether that be hiking, running, golfing, or even surfing. These shorts dry quickly and they have big zippered pockets. What else can I say? I love them so much, I had to buy four pairs.

Bataleon Storm
Not even going to lie, I bought a 2022 Storm based on the awesome graphics (gay lasers). After the first ride on the board, I fell in love with the 3BT base Bataleon designs their boards with. This board is perfect for all snow conditions and never fails to provide a smooth ride. Being a somewhat newbie to winter sports, I want a board that is comfortable and allows me to expand my skill-set. I own Burton, Rome, and Bataleon boards and the Storm is by far my favorite.

Patagonia Atom Sling 8L
There is not a bag that I would recommend more for traveling. This sling is my go-to for any activity where I need to carry a little bit more. This sling has been mudding through the desert in Aruba with me and not a single thing inside got ruined or wet, despite the outside being absolutely covered in mud. The material is very strong and dries quickly. Despite being a small sling, you’d be surprised how much you can fit in it. If you’re looking for a bag bigger than a fanny pack, but smaller than a backpack, this is what you want.

NATE

Hobbies:
Skateboarding (18 years)
Snowboarding (as of this last season)
Photography (18 years)
Metal Detecting (6.5 months)

Bio:
I grew up in Southern California so I fell in love with skateboarding pretty quickly. As I’ve grown older, I’ve also taken up snowboarding, surfing and photography. All these hobbies require a lot of gear. I’ve moved around the country a few times and have always dreaded having to pack up all of my stuff and transport it.

Roark Accomplice Mule 25L
This bag has been my daily driver all season. Whether I'm shooting street snowboarding in a blizzard or Great Lakes surfing in squally conditions, this bag has kept my gear locked-in and dry. The daisy chains that run down the front are perfect for customization. I personally threw some nylon webbing in mine so that I can strap my skateboard to it when I travel. I love that the pack opens all the way in the front, it fits my huge laptop, and it’s got a secret passport pocket.

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 55L
The Black Hole Duffel is iconic. It can fit anything and everything that I throw in it. It has the option to throw some backpack straps on it that make it my go-to bag for traveling. The 55L is my choice because you can fill it up and still scrunch it enough to fit in the overhead compartment. Technically, the 40L is the maximum size airplanes will allow, but between us, you can totally fit the 55.

Patagonia Black Hole Cube - Medium
The Black Hole cube is my newest companion. I fit all of my camera accessories in this thing. The medium-sized cube has two zippered compartments. One side fits all my flash accessories and the other has all of my batteries and chargers. I love the Black Hole series because for me, it's been completely weather-proof.

Oakley TC Gunn Shell Bib
I’m new to snowboarding, so I spend a lot of time falling and squirming in the snow. So for me, these bibs have been a lifesaver. I layer them up without having to account for warmth since they’re just a shell. If I do get warm, though, they have zipper vents to keep me feeling fresh. These things keep me dry. They have a sweet reflective skull logo on them if you happen to get flicked up with some flash. And if you’re noticing a theme; yes, they come in black.