Our Story

Kia ora, we’re Bridge & Tobs, founders of Moana.

We’ve been sharing adventures together for over 25 years, and we know just how special the Moana is. How it settles the mind, calms the soul, freaks you out, gives you joy and every other feeling in between. 

Our goal is simple — to share the great feelings of the Moana with as many people as possible. 

Stand up paddleboarding is an activity for everyone, and is one of the best ways to get you out there, and amongst it all.

We Know Stand Up Paddleboarding.

Not to toot our own horn, but we know our stuff.

We’ve tried and tested dozens of boards, and we know what works, and we know what doesn’t. 

Our premium boards and accessories are designed so that you and your whānau can have the best SUPing experience possible. 

Nelson, Aotearoa.

Locally Owned & Passion Driven.

We’re a small locally owned Kiwi business that is driven by our passion for paddle-boarding and the magnificent Moana. We understand that kids can be rough on gear, we know the sand is coarse in the Abel Tasman, and super fine in Whites Bay, we know the best places, time and conditions to paddle. 

We get it, and we want to share it with you.

The Moana Team

Toby

With a contagious passion for the ocean and a fitting surname, Mr. Wild has over 25 years of experience as an outdoors instructor. 

From white water rafting, kayaking, adventure tourism to paddle boarding — he’s done and taught it all. Tobs is a “sweet as, let’s do it” kind of guy who dives in and lives life to the fullest.

Bridget

Business and life partner to Toby, Bridge is the warm and welcoming face behind Moana. For her, it’s all about family, community and togetherness.

Bridget has a wealth of experience in the tourism space, and keeps Toby on his toes.

Missy

Missy, the gal that keeps the flow flowing and the show showing. She’s a born and bred Nelsonian and a keen SUPer from way back when.

Missy is the wonderwoman that keeps the Moana shop in tact, teaches our SUP students, makes sure our customers are grinning and keeps the Moana team moving — all while having time to capture it and share in on our social channels. Missy is Moana through and through.

Nick

Nick hails from the lower North Island, you can just about see his mum hanging out the washing from Moana Paddle Nelson base on a clear day.

Nick is a qualified ISA/SNZ instructor, a keen SUP surfer and racer and our crash test dummy for designs - a true team rider.

Rosie

Like the rest of her whānau, Rosie shares the same passion for the ocean — mainly mussels, scallops and any kind of smoked fish.

A sporty spice who adores getting out there for a paddle, and who is never shy to play a game of volleyball or beach footy afterward. 

Sam

Not to be mistaken with an actual marine mammal, Sam is a self-proclaimed ocean frother. Seemingly to have caught his father’s contagious passion for the ocean, Sam spends most of his time paddleboarding, spearfishing and diving.

He has a BSc in Marine Biology and Ecology, and loves capturing life underwater. He’s also a #influencer, check him out @​​saminthewild_