Staff Picks Q2 2024

We don't just sell the products that are in our store–we use them daily. For Q2, we asked some of our crew to let us know what pieces they find themselves grabbing for during the warmer months. Whether they're a part of their daily wears, essential for a trip out on the boat, 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.

LUCAS

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.

What does summer mean to you?
You know when you have all your ingredients prepped, the onions are chopped the garlic is minced. Your butter is melted in the bottom of your pan, the smell of a feast is in the air. Summer is kinda like that.

Velvet Falcon
My favorite wake surf to date. Love the way it rides and how easy it is to brake loose. Super nimble and stable at the same time.  

Burton AK Multi Path Shorts
I wear these shorts all the time! In the golf course or going to a swimming hole these are my go to shorts. Love the fact they have 2 zipper pockets.

Arc’teryx Norvan SS Shirt
Doesn’t get more light weight than this. Great shirt for those hot summer days.

Anything else you want to say?
Pray For Snow

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'S PICKS

Rainbow Sandals
The essential summer wardrobe piece that gets slipped on every time shoes may be a necessity. Lightweight, easy to pack, and a little bit dressier than other flip flops. Once they wear in and mold to your foot, they're incredibly comfortable. The only hard part about owning them is not getting them mixed up with everyone else's.

Raen Adin Shades
Classy shades that amplify any summer look. In my opinion, Raen makes some of the best looking sunnies out there. The Wiley's have a more square frame and are a little flashier than what I usually wear but it's a nice mixup and adds some personality to a summer fit, which can be hard to do when you're just wearing boardshorts.

Rivvia Trunks
Rivvia trunks are super comfortable and dry quickly with ample storage and great lacing. The logger tape trunk has a really unique and fun design on them, which I'm always drawn to when summer time rolls around - I can't help but buy a fresh pair if I know they're going to stand out.

GWENDOLYN'S PICKS

Oakley Latch Sunglasses
Great for on and off the water, and the latch system secures on my shirt when not in use so I don't lose them!

Patagonia Capilene® Cool
Anything from the Patagonia CAPILENE® COOL line - they're lightweight so can wear during the day to keep the sun off or on summer nights when you need just a light layer. Moisture wicking & built in sun protection.

Coal Provo Hat
It's a lightweight hat, keeps the sun off, and it floats! The colors are also fun!

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.

TUCKER

Hobbies:
Snowboarding, painting, drawing, designing, cranking russel and flipping stack, voice acting, skateboarding. I've been doing them my whole life.

What does summer mean to you?
Summer is riding bikes to the river, being barefoot a lot, chilling out, maxin', relaxin', all cool.

Bio:
I'm a mystery, I'm an enigma, I was never here.

Gonzo Camp Collar Shirt
The flower skull embroidery is dope and the shirt breathes well.

Rozbern 7'6 Cutlass
"The ocean is calling and I must go" - Jacques Cousteau

Arcade Belts
Don't get caught looking like a fool with your pants on the ground.

Anything else you want to say?
BABABOOIE

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:
Golfing (10 Yr.)
Skateboarding (20 Yr.)
Snowboarding (5 Yr.)
Oil Painting (13 Yr.)

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 try and gap a 10 stair on a skateboard. I'm more focused on the technical side, which is why I really enjoy golfing, painting, and tech skating.

Ray Ban Sunglasses
I gravitate more towards the Elliot and the Round Metal frames, but all of their styles are classics. Great quality, a retro aesthetic, and yet simple enough to go with every outfit. I love them, and they are with me everywhere I go in the summer.

El Morro Fleece Short & El Morro Fleece Pant
God are these comfortable. I love them. Lounging around, traveling, or being active, doesn't matter. These bottoms are truly great for every occasion. The waistband is my favorite part. I know that's an odd call out, but it is kind of unique, or at least I've never seen something like it on bottoms. The waistband fits snug, is very comfortable, doesn't pinch, and is really lightweight. The shorts are perfect for a summer day and the pants are perfect for a summer evening. Callout-They are a slim fit for the size I typically wear, but that wasn't an issue when I sized up.

Bones Race Red Bearings
I don't skate as much as I use to, but when I do I'm using Bones Bearings. They are THE skateboard bearing, in my opinion. I have never been disappointed, they last for a really long time, and I always feel like I get more than my moneys worth. It doesn't matter which ones you get; Top of the line, middle tier, or their basic entry ones, Bones Bearings are always better than you expect. The Bones Red Race Bearings are great because you are not breaking the bank, you get that additional fine detailed tech, and excellent performance. Ride or Die, Bones Brigade!

HANNAH

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

What does summer feel like to you?
Summer feels like home. It smells like fresh cut grass, aloe, wet dog, and chlorine with sunblock. If it is summer, I am more than likely not inside. I am outside swimming, surfing, kayaking, hiking, or playing lawn games, all while getting a nice sunburn with my friends and family.

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.  

Oakley Latch Sunglasses
My go to accessory in the summer. They are lightweight and have the perfect feel and shape for my face.

Arc'Teryx Women's Taema Tank
It is a light, fast-drying tank that is perfect for any outdoor activity.

Rivvia Projects Brains Short Sleeve Polo
This is a great lightweight polo with breathable material to keep you cool during a hot summer day. My go to golf polo.

TY

Hobbies:
Skateboarding
Mountain biking
Playing music

What does summer feel like to you?
Warm breezes, lush greenery, sunscreen in my eyes.

Bio:
*straight from Tinder profile*
🎱☠️🔮
American Traditional Art, Vintage Goods, Animal Bone Enthusiast
Skate•snow•motorcycles

Ace Trucks
Ultra durable with a classic and reliable build.

Arc'Teryx Arro Waist Pack
To help keep my hands free, and all of my essentials in once place for summer adventuring.

Oakley Frogskins
Oakley frog skin shades to keep my beautiful blues happy and healthy.

Anything else you want to say?
"Frontside backside frontside backside, BOOM over the light!"

NATE'S PICKS

Florence Boardies
Gotta be ready to get wet ya dig

O'Neill Straw Hat
Gotta be ready to protect the dome ya dig

Sun Bum
Gotta be ready to protect tha dermis ya dig.

ALYSSA'S PICKS

Raen Norie Sunglasses
If there's one thing I absolutely can't do without, it's my sunglasses. This pair practically lives in my car because it's been a lifesaver countless times, especially when I'm driving through blinding sunlight. Plus, they're stylish, so it's a win-win!

Velvet 4'5 Carrera Flex Pop
After years of borrowing other people's boards, I finally took the plunge and bought one that fits me perfectly. I couldn't have chosen a better board for my riding style. I'm loving its speed and responsiveness. It did take me a few tries to really get the hang of it and learn to ride with the board instead of fighting against it, but now it feels like we're in sync. This will always be my go to board!

JONAH'S PICKS

Roark Liquid Gold Hoodie
Always ready for the hoodie temps in the evening during bonfire & smores time.

Roark El Morro Pant
Super chillax active bottoms that are trail run ready, or Adirondack chair lounging. Stylish enough to wear out or low vibe at home.

Run Amok OG Five Panel Trail Cap
It's what started it all...when talking all things run club.