ROSEMARY ABBOTT | Culture
SUB-ZERO SWAG
While the rest of the South Island reaches for thermals, puffer jackets, and multiple layers to survive the biting winter chill throughout June, Damo West, 26, from Oamaru is doing his own thing today.
At a frosty 4 degrees and a relentless southerly breeze, Damo was spotted in his trademark outfit: weather-beaten stubbies barely covering his knees and trusty red band gummies, despite the snow-dusted paddocks stretching behind him.
“Layers are for city folk,” he laughs. “I’ve been doing this since I was a teenager — shorts, sensible footwear, and whatever top I grab. Keeps me honest.” he said, not wincing once in the icy cold weather.
“I swear, I’ve never seen the bloke in pants,” said mate Gaz, wrapping himself in three fleeces. “Not once. There was that one time he wore jeans to some formal event. Still, he rolled those suckers up like shorts within half an hour.”
When asked about his winter wardrobe, Damo provided little insight. “Well these stubbies have made me proud since high school. Pants are for city folk and people who don’t know what a real winter feels like. They make me feel overdressed too if I’m honest”
At press time, Damo was seen clomping off to the dairy, no doubt intending to get a mince and cheese, and just to mix things up, one of the funkier flavoured cans of V.
More to come.
Big fan of the Whakataki? You can also follow us on Insta.
