About Us
The PPC story
Welcome to PPC, where passion for the ocean meets innovation in water sports!
Our Story
Our Kiwi founder, Sam Loader, fueled by a lifelong love for the sea, has been immersed in aquatic pursuits in New Zealand since childhood. From surfing and sailing to shaping and constructing boards, Sam's journey led him to Sacramento, California, where he ran a successful Surf and Stand Up Paddleboard company.
In 2013, Sam returned to New Zealand, importing then designing Stand Up Paddleboards (SUPs) and opening his first retail shop in Christchurch. Witnessing the rise of foiling in 2016, he delved into this exhilarating water sport, eventually founding PPC and opening a retail shop in Auckland in 2017 with his wife Cate. Originally focused on SUPs, Sam quickly pivoted towards designing and selling foiling equipment as the sport gained momentum.
The turning point came with the introduction of wings, a game-changer in foiling. Sam, driven by his passion and belief, dedicated months to designing PPC's first wing, earning acclaim from SUP Boarder Magazine. Guided by his instincts and aided by advanced software, Sam ensures PPC products offer a top-tier experience for water sports enthusiasts.
The pinnacle of this dedication is the PPC M1 Wing, released in 2023, heralded as a performance game-changer. Sam's commitment extends beyond performance; he understands the significance of a durable, long-lasting product in a high-priced sport. To achieve this, PPC engages in extensive prototyping and testing, selecting materials that prioritize both performance and longevity.
Our Philosophy
Sam's emphasis on rider feedback, from his own experiences to collaborating with team riders like Josh Armit, ensures PPC products meet the diverse needs of the water sports community. Simplicity and high performance are the core tenets of PPC's design philosophy.
Environmental responsibility is also integral to PPC's ethos. Sam believes in creating products that last, contributing to a sustainable approach by minimising landfill waste. The meticulous selection of materials and innovative construction processes, learned through years of experience, sets PPC apart in terms of durability, strength, and performance.
At PPC, our goal is to continuously design, innovate, and improve products across the entire range – from boards and wings to accessories and beyond. Join us in the pursuit of an unparalleled water sports experience, where passion meets performance, and the ocean becomes your playground.
The PPC DNA
Proudly New Zealand-owned
Designed and tested on New Zealand shores.
Better by construction
The lightest, most rigid boards on the market, guaranteed.
Tailored foiling experiences
Premium gear tailored to every rider, in all conditions.
Exploring new realms
Values
Quality
Impeccable quality defines PPC Foiling. From the design phase to production, we uphold rigorous standards to deliver products that exceed expectations. Our commitment to quality ensures that every PPC product is a testament to precision and craftsmanship. Our commitment extends beyond the thrill of the ride; it embraces the durability and lasting quality that defines PPC products.
Values
Performance
Elevating the water sports experience is at the heart of what we do. In the relentless pursuit of constant improvement, we meticulously test prototypes, in collaboration with top-tier riders, to push the boundaries of performance. We are driven by the pursuit of excellence and innovation, ensuring each PPC product represents the pinnacle of advancement in the field and our end users experience nothing short of extraordinary on the water.
Values
Sustainability
As stewards of the ocean, we take responsibility for our environmental impact. Sustainability is not just a value; it's a commitment to crafting products that endure, reducing waste, and championing a greener, more sustainable future for water sports.
The PPC Journey
Optimising your foiling experience since 2012
We constantly push the boundaries of what's possible in water sports, ensuring that each PPC product represents the pinnacle of advancement in the field.
2012
Our founder, Sam Loader, fueled by a lifelong love for the sea, has been immersed in aquatic pursuits since childhood. From surfing and sailing to shaping and constructing boards, Sam's journey led him to Sacramento, California, where he ran a successful Surf and Stand Up Paddleboard company.
2013
Sam returned to New Zealand, importing then designing Stand Up Paddleboards (SUPs).
2015
Pacific Paddle Company was founded when Sam opened his first retail shop in Ferrymead, Christchurch in 2015.
2017
PPC Auckland, which subsequently became NZ Foil Centre, was opened after Sam and his wife Cate moved to Auckland where demand for SUPs was greater than in Christchurch due to the larger population and warmer year-round climate. Originally focused on SUPs, Sam quickly pivoted towards designing and selling foiling equipment as the sport gained momentum.
The Glide, PPC’s first foil board was also launched after Sam witnessed the rise of foiling and wasted no time in developing and testing his own foil board designs. Designed in New Zealand, the glide foil board was the first carbon sandwich, plug-moulded foil board on the market and only PPC uses this construction to this day. This unique construction gives PPC boards a far superior strength/weight ratio and more stiffness than any other board.
2019
PPC’s first wing was launched (Surge V1) as the new sport of Wing Foiling evolved. Sam, driven by his passion and belief, dedicated months to designing PPC's first wing, earning acclaim from SUP Boarder Magazine.
2020
The PPC Soar Foil Board was launched. Designed to pop off the water at low speed, remain stable & agile when up foiling with as little swing weight as possible, this board has proven very popular. Like the Glide, this board is constructed with MCT Technology, making it extremely stiff, light and strong and thefefore providing the most direct, responsive feel to the foil.
2021
PPC Soar Pro, Prone Surf and Tow (UFO) Foil Boards were launched. All manufactured with the same mounded core technology as the Glide & Soar, the Soar Pro ensures the advanced rider gets the most out of their wing foiling sessions! The increased water line ensures early take off, while the narrow width provides a direct feel over the foil in hard carves & manoeuvres.
2022
The PPC Blend & X-Blend Wings are launched. The Blend is a light weight, snappy wing with very smooth power. Gusts are absorbed smoothly into the wing’s canopy which then feeds the power transfer through to the board & then the foil in one dynamic motion.
2023
The PPC M1 Wing is launched. With advanced design technology and all new materials, the M1 is not only a performance game-changer, but a durable, long-lasting wing. It is rapidly becoming recognised globally as a high performing race wing.
Partnerships
In the exciting chapter of 2023, PPC embarked on a strategic journey to welcome two dynamic investors/partners into our fold, marking a pivotal moment in our trajectory. This strategic alliance is set to propel PPC to new heights on both the national and global stage.
Chris Leuschke, a seasoned business professional, brings to PPC a wealth of experience and unparalleled expertise in the business realm. His strategic insights and business acumen are invaluable assets that will undoubtedly contribute significantly to our company's growth and success.
Joining forces with Chris is none other than Jimmy Spithill, a distinguished figure in the sailing and foiling world. With a stellar track record in events like Sail GP and America's Cup, Jimmy brings world-leading expertise, cutting-edge technology, and an extensive network that will undoubtedly elevate PPC to new horizons.
The collaboration with Jimmy Spithill is especially thrilling, as it opens doors to incredible opportunities for the future of our company. While we're keeping some details under wraps for now, rest assured that the future holds exciting prospects that will redefine PPC's presence in the water sports industry.
The infusion of knowledge, experience, and networks from our esteemed partners sets the stage for a dynamic and promising future for PPC. Stay tuned as we embark on this thrilling journey of growth, innovation, and global recognition. The best is yet to come, and we can't wait to share it with our passionate community of water sports enthusiasts.
The PPC M1 wing is my new favorite. This thing solidly handles any gusts, and has almost no flutter.
The M1 is the best wing I've used and I've got pretty much every wing on the market.
Light, durable, efficient, the PPC Soar Pro does not disappoint!
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