Bodyboarding in Gisborne means nose-bulbs, steep wedges, and plenty of closeouts — so you need gear that’s built tough and rides even better. Wainui Beach in particular can be a bit of a mecca for bodyboarders who want to charge hollow pits!
At Blitz Surf Shop (Gisborne) we stock a full range of Manta bodyboards plus top leashes, fins, and fin savers for NZ surf. Here’s the lowdown on the best gear for every rider.
Manta Bodyboards — Models We Stock
Manta has long been a trusted brand, offering durable boards with designs suited to Kiwi beachbreaks. Here’s a breakdown of the models we stock:
Manta Dart 33"
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Core: EPS — lightweight, buoyant, perfect for juniors.
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Features: HDPE slick, leash plug, simple deck contours.
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Ideal for: Small kids learning to catch waves safely.
Manta Alien
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Core: EPS with integrated grab handles and tow rope with handle.
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Features: Contoured deck
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Ideal for: Family fun, beginner riders, and kids. Perfect for towing a child around in the shallows
Manta Sonic
- Features: EPS core, hdpe deck skin, smoothskin bottom, basic webbing leash
- Sizes 37", 40" and 42"
- Well-priced entry level board for all ages to have a bit of fun in the whitewash and smaller waves.
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Manta Viper
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Core: EPS with an added fibreglass stringer for druability and performance.
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Features: Nose bulbs, channels, deck contours for control. Comes with a basic coiled leash
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Ideal for: Entry-to-intermediate riders seeking versatility and performance.
Manta Phantom
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Core: PE with twin stringers for stiffness and higher performance.
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Features: Half-deck contours, XPS slick, channels, nose bulbs.
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Ideal for: Riders progressing into bigger surf; predictable and responsive. This is the starting level for people wanting to charge more powerul waves
Manta Sabre 45
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Core: EPS, larger volume template for extra float. A larger version of the great value Viper model
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Features: V-concave or concave slick, twin channels, leash plug. Comes with a basic coiled leash
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Ideal for: Heavier riders wanting a quality, good price point board.
Manta Force
- Core: PP core for high perfromance
- Features: Central fibreglass stringer for stuffness and durability
- Pro-level board for ultimate performance
Manta ProXT
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Core: PP or high-spec PE (performance builds).
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Features: Dual stringers, reinforced rails, thumb grooves, XPS/HDPE slick. This is a larger, wider template board
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Ideal for: High-performance riders chasing speed, drive, and pop in punchy waves.
Bodyboard Leashes — Creatures of Leisure & Ocean & Earth
Coiled Wrist Leash
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Perfect for everyday surf; stays compact until stretched.
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Strong cord with padded neoprene/velcro cuff
Premium Bicep Leash
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Designed for bigger surf and performance riders.
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Thick cord, wide neoprene cuff, double stainless-steel swivels for comfort and reliability.
Premium Wrist Leash
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Beginner-friendly, light, padded, double swivel-equipped.
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Good for those wanting a higher spec wrist leash
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Bodyboard Fins — Hydro OG, Hydro Tech 2, Manta Clone & Manta Blade
Fins are the engine of your ride. Here’s what we stock:
Hydro OG
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Floating rubber, V-rail blade, contoured ankle pocket, drain holes.
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Perfect for all-round performance in Kiwi surf.
Hydro Tech 2
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Ergonomic silicone foot pocket, soft and ultra-comfortable.
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Ideal for long sessions or sensitive feet.
Manta Clone
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Dual-compound design: soft pocket + stiff blade.
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Floating, anti-slip, with drainage vents. Great for strong propulsion and control.
Manta Blade
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Classic dual-compound fin, floating rubber, quad drainage system.
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Comfort for long sessions with rigidity for speed and power.
Fin Savers — Keep Your Fins Where They Belong
Fin savers prevent losing expensive fins in heavy wipeouts.
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Comfortable neoprene cuffs
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Heavy-duty Velcro or buckle
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Use these as insurance from losing your fins
Brands: Creatures of Leisure and Ocean and Earth — NZ riders trust them for durability and performance.
Why Shop Bodyboards & Accessories at Blitz Surf Shop (Gisborne)?
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Stock full Manta range for beginners to high-performance riders
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Trusted fin and fin saver brands for NZ surf
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Leashes for all levels: coiled wrist, premium bicep, premium wrist
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Gear tested by local riders in Gisborne conditions
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Friendly advice from surfers who know the waves
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Shop online NZ-wide or pop into the store
Get the right gear, ride more waves, and have more fun.
Beyond the Beach: Shred Rere Rockslide
Just a 45-minute drive from Gisborne, Rere Rockslide is a must-visit spot for bodyboarders looking for something a bit different. The natural rock slide and flowing river create fast, playful runs that are perfect for shredding and having a laugh. It’s a totally unique ride compared to the usual surf, with plenty of twists, turns, and splashes to keep things exciting. The best time to ride is after a bit of rain when the water flow is strong—but not too wild—so you get smooth, fast runs without it being too dangerous. Whether you’re chasing a quick adrenaline hit or just want to try something new, Rere Rockslide makes for an epic day trip just outside the city.
Image from AA Insurance
Shop Online Now:
Explore Manta bodyboards, leashes, fins, and fin savers today. Perfect for Kiwi surf, Wainui waves, and every beachbreak in between.
