What Happened?

Day One // Intro

INTRODUCTION DAY

On the first official day of the dealer meeting, the 7th of May, we had our introduction at Zeus restaurant and bar at the Apsara resort. Everyone got together and formally introduced themselves and how they fit into the Sunova/Suns family, from team riders to CEO’s and shops/distributors to photographers and family. Everyone got a brief introduction to each other which essentially broke the ice and allowed them to form better relationships over the remainder of the week. After the introduction there was a small number of very brave souls who handled the ridiculously slow transfer to Patong beach to experience all Thailand has to offer. The rest is history, as what happens in Patong stays there.

Day Two // Paddle Trip

EXCURSION DAY

On the Second day of the meeting, the 8th of May, there was a very early start, it seemed especially early for some of the crew that went on the exploration mission to Phuket the night before. The trip started early at 5:30am from the Apsara resort, everyone got in van’s organised by transfer Tim. It was approximately a 1 hour drive before everyone arrived at Ban Sam Chong, where they were greeted with long tail boats for the journey in Phang Nga bay. After loading the Paddle Boards onto one of the boats and everything else on the four remaining, the tour into the misty rock formations could begin. Starting from an inland river mouth the boats channeled their way into the bay. Water from all sides, strong rainfall. Unloading the boards on a narrow beach next to a vertical cliff, then going for a paddle around the infamous James Bond island. 

After circling the enormous rock we gathered on the next small shell beach. Some of the brave foiled behind the longtail boats, with foils supplied by axis, trying to stay well clear of the sharp unrestricted prop. The always recurring rainfall, fog and mist gave the whole area a mystical vibe. 

Once the boards and people were loaded, we made our way to a small floating restaurant close to the peer where we initially started from, for an early lunch. On the way back to Khao Lak everyone was catching some Z’s in the van, so they were ready to make the most of the array of boards on offer at the memories beach Sunova tent that afternoon.

Day Three // Factory Tour and Meetings

SERIOUS DAY

Once the 3rd day rolled around on the 9th of May, everyone was either super relaxed and ready for a big day of meetings or ridiculously hungover and not ready for life, depending on who they had been associating with over the couple of days previous. We started at 9:00am from the Apsara and arrived at the factory shortly after. The first item on the agenda for the day was a factory tour, with lean management (TPS) systems explained. Following that there were a couple new product releases including bags for the 2-piece race and SUP boards and a brand new never seen before product, a 3-piece foil board with interchangeable noses that changes the application of the board from surf to downwind SUP foil! After that Klaus did a presentation on lean material management systems. That wrapped up the factory presentation for the day and everyone had a two hour intermission before meeting in the Apsara conference room later that afternoon.

Adrian and Evan from Axis foils kicked off the afternoons precessions going through their latest offerings for the following season. Right after our good friend Trent from Moon tours got up and explained his business model and tours he offers, with the possibility to escape to some pretty exotic destinations! After that it was Tino’s time to talk, and everyone fell asleep. In all seriousness though we covered a lot of new products and topics. Some interesting partnerships with some big names in the industry such as Sean Poynter and Ian Cairns from Genration. Jim Terrell and QB paddles. Marcus presented his new SUP model the placid and touched on the 3-piece foilboard again. Dylan talked about the new Suns surfboard range and touched on the Sunova Morphlex construction! Sebastian Steudtner and Bert Burger spoke about boards and their goals for the coming season and finally we finished off with some of the latest and greatest inflatable technology ever seen. The meeting concluded at 5pm and it was a rush to get across the river to memories beach bar to abuse the 1 hour open bar from 5:30-6:30pm in that time there would have been around 200 cocktails cleaned up and 2 coconuts for the double N duo, Neil and Noic! By 6:30pm the food was flowing, there was a great assortment. A little later the triple threat, the three amigos were providing entertainment and table dancing clinics for all absolutely free of charge. This is where the night ended for most, and for the rest, well only they know.

Day Four // Outro

CULTURAL DAY

The fourth day May the 10th was a slow start for many following the previous nights antics, especially Marcus’s new roommate, he was feeling rather flat. Transfers started leaving the Apsarsa at 10am bound for The Board Factory and a cultural experience that Thai people hold very close to their hearts. A group of Monks came to bless the factory and its occupants, they were chanting praise and good fortune for all that were involved. There was offerings provided to the monks and everyone sat before them and made merit. 

Following the Monk ceremony there was lunch provided and another opportunity to check out all the new products from Sunova/Suns for the coming season! Shortly after everyone was back to the Apsara and Memories bar to either kick back for the afternoon or make the most of the waves on offer. Certain folks also made the most of the alternating happy hour times between Memories bar and the Apsara. There was an Outro in Zeus restaurant at the Apsara resort where Tino and Bert thanked everyone for coming. Bert also got everyone stoked for the surf that was coming the following day. After the official Outro we headed to Martini restaurant for dinner with the whole crew. Early finish for most as they were either going home the next day or getting ready for the swell of the century.

Day Five // Goodbyes

DEPARTURE DAY

The fifth and final day broke it’s silence on the 11th of May as the sun slowly crept up over the beautiful backdrop of the Apsara resort, there were many eagerly awaiting vision of what had previously been touted as the swell of the century, unfortunately it had not arrived, and many had to sadly back their bags and make the great pilgrimage back to where they came from.

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AXIS; We believe that AXIS makes some of the worlds best hydrofoils, with constant research and development and a great team around the world to put the products to the test. The fully interchangeable system allows you to travel with ease and be ready for any any situation you may encounter. Check out their products below or in any reputable board store.  

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Mauka Lodge

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GenRation

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Feedback Form - Dealer Meeting 2019