ABOUT THE TEAM

AT FURTHER FASTER
mountain in the lake district uk
Further Faster
How it started

This story is about how Christchurch's (maybe even all of NZ's) best little outdoor store, Further Faster & Long Cloud Kayaks started... way, way, way up North a long time ago. 

Rocky was hitch hiking around Europe like any adventurous 16 year old. He was picked up by some unlikely folk who loved adventure gear and owned an outdoor store. They gave him a ride to their shop – and he decided to stay.

Dan was lured by the white water rapids of North America. He fell in love with not doing real work and getting paid to paddle the river, rafting, kayaking and canoeing… a couple of decades later and these two hairy northen men were bought  to New Zealand by their respective partners and then some magic happened...  

Rocky

Rocky (aka Martin) has spent years (guess how long - he's always in the Veteran category at races now) buying, selling and playing with outdoor gear. Working at some iconic outdoor retailers, Hill's in Yorkshire, The Climbers Shop in The Lake District and Mainpeak in Australia. Now he has his own shop, a shop dog and a beer fridge. He is living the dream! Passionate about the gear and adventure, come in for a yarn as he is also keen on the banter.

Dan

Dan Farber is an old school white water guide and bird loving twitcher. When he is not on the water or talking kayaks and canoes he is a dab hand at playing lego with his kids or taking them tramping. You will find him mainly in the shop, drinking coffee or beer (mainly on a Friday). He is also now our man main for our backpack brand, Aarn Packs.

Badger

A big loveable rogue who has been number one since the day he was born. Entering his teenage years, he is about to embark on a journey to reform school! He lounges on the couch upstairs in the office most of the time. Otherwise, he loves to pull Rocky up a mountain trail or hang at the Ski Hill base station.

Jules

Lured by the peaks of Alaska, Julz left her home in coastal Western Australia as a teenager and pursued climbing mountains and endless winters. She found herself working in an outdoor store in the same village as Rocky in the English Lake District, and after many fell walks with Bracken the dog, they decided to keep adventuring together.
You will often find Julz as the number one support crew for Team Further Faster at trail and adventure races, but for herself, she loves to climb, ski, and surf. And she still enjoys those hill walks with Rocky and their dog, Badger.

The Shop

Long Cloud Kayaks was Dan's, wee baby. He started LCK a few years ago, and it soon outgrew its premise at the old McEweing's ski shop. Rocky and Julz were running Further Faster as an online store and wholesale business from home, taking up the spare room, double garage, and the other room, lounge, dining room, and hallway! When Rocky came home and said Dan was interested in opening a store and warehouse together, Julz got pretty excited about being able to sit on the couch again!

A random drive through the city and an empty shop was found. Loads of TLC and some good parties later, the bricks and mortar store was opened!
We specialise in quality clothing and equipment for outdoor adventures for you, your family, and your dogs on the mountain and water.

Our store

57a Buchan St, Sydenham, Christchurch, New Zealand.

Opening Hours:

Monday-Friday 9.30am-5.30pm
Saturday 10am-4pm 
Sundays and Public Holidays Closed.

Open by appointment if you cant make it any other time.

Get directions