Thursday, July 31, 2014

The History of Surfboards is Celebrated in a Museum Exhibit

Fans of surfing know that surfing is more than just a sport.  Surfing has always sparked its own culture.  Surf culture has impacted language, fashion, food and art. Surfboard designs are often so intricate and beautiful that people hang their surfboards on the wall as art.

The Mingei International Museum is San Diego is celebrating the beauty of the surfboard as well as the long and fascinating history of the sport of surfing itself.  The surfboard exhibit which opened on June 21st, is called "Surf Craft: Design and the Culture of Board Riding."  The one-of-a-kind exhibit will be on display until January 11, 2015.  The exhibit will be accompanied by the publishing of a photography book of the same title.

Dawn Levesque writes about the exhibit and the amazing history of surfing in her Guardian Liberty Voice article "Surfboards: Design and Culture Exhibit at San Diego Museum,"
"In 1778, the crew members of Captain James Cook’s HMS Discovery became the first recorded Europeans to witness the art of surfing during a stay in Hawaii. Almost 100 years later, Mark Twain recorded surfing in Roughing It, when he told of almost catching a wave, but not being able to time it right. “None but natives ever master the art of surf-bathing thoroughly,” he commented in 1872."
Surfing enthusiasts will love seeing this exhibit that shows the evolution of American surfing, as well as displaying obscure primitive surfboards from England, Japan and Africa.

Whether your interest in surfboards is professional, recreational, or just as an art and culture enthusiast, the Mingei exhibit should be an exciting display.

If you'd rather hit the waves than study the history of surfing, contact us to purchase all your modern surf culture necessities. We sell surfboards, clothing, accessories, shoes and surfing equipment. We are passionate about surfing and excited to help outfit you for a day at the beach.
Read more >>

Thursday, July 24, 2014

Top 5 Must Have Hurley Fashion Accessories for Casual Surfers

Do you consider yourself to be a casual summer surfer? Perhaps you just plan on spending a few weeks hanging out at the beach before the warm weather ends. Either way, you may want to scope out these five Hurley fashion accessories in time to catch the next big wave:

1.) Hurley Honor Roll Sack
In our opinion, Hurley’s Honor Roll Sacks are perfect for those days when you just want to travel light. They are made with lightweight, 600D/150D polyester that will certainly stand up to anything that you may have on your beach agenda. Each one also sports a handy set of cinch cords and they come in quite a few different color combinations.
2.) Hurley Honor Roll Backpacks
If you plan on spending the whole day immersed in the surf and sand, Hurley’s Honor Roll Backpacks may prove to be the better choice. They are an impressive 19 x 12 x 7-inches in size, which should make it easy to pack your favorite gear. In addition, they feature mesh-lined, yoke shoulder straps, mesh pockets and a kick butt, padded laptop compartment. So you can take your computer with you and feasibly upload surf videos or photos while you’re still in the beach parking lot.
3.) Hurley Honor Roll Web Belt
Love to accentuate your waist with a belt or need one to hold up your pants? Well, you’d be hard-pressed to beat Hurley’s Honor Roll Web Belt. They are colorful, durable, comfortable and as affordable as can be. So go ahead and feel free to order more than one.
4.) Hurley Honor Roll Tri-Fold Wallet
Hope to hit the fish taco truck sometime during the day? Then don’t forget to add a Hurley Honor Roll Tri-Fold Wallet to your shopping list. Made from pure polyester, it features areas for billfolds and coins. Plus, it should fit easily into your pocket, backpack or sack.
5.) Hurley Phantom Sandals
Last on our list is a pair of Hurley Phantom Sandals. From the breathable toe thong to the Nike flex grooves on the sole, they are extremely well designed. On top of that, they are also washable. So you won’t have to worry about coming down with a bad case of foot fungus.
To discover more about these Hurley must haves and others, please contact us today.
Read more >>

Friday, July 18, 2014

Boardshorts and Other Surfing Gear More than Fashion

We obviously aren't opposed to people wearing boardshorts for whatever reason they want. We aren't the surf-fashion police. But for professional surfers, boardshorts and other surfing gear are more than fashion. They are designed for specific purposes and elements that make surfing safe and help to increase performance.

Here's the breakdown...

Boardshorts

It's true, that for the most part people wear nearly identical boardshorts when they are going to the beach, as when they are surfing. But between these two, there are huge differences. For instance boardshorts are designed not to come off when the water gets rough (can you imagine?!). They are also designed to dry quickly, reduce water-weight, and remain chafe-free. Overall, they are designed to let you focus on the waves, not on your clothes.

Rash Guards

They may look like regular tee shirts, but rash guards are anything but. Usually made from Lycra, rash guard clothing is intended to protect you from the sun and inhibit rashes that may form due to extreme movement, water, and pressure. They are meant to replace cotton tee shirts that, let's be honest, probably aren't the most comfortable or useful things to to be wearing when hitting the waves.

Wetsuits

Finally, there's wetsuits (which we don't sell... but it rounds out the category). Not all surfing takes place in tropical climates, surrounded by palm trees (Cleveland, Ohio for example). There are many surfing destinations where wetsuits are required because cold weather surfing is something that is very real and, if you aren't clothed properly, can be quite dangerous.

Wetsuits come in a ton of varieties (spring suit, short john, long john, hooded full suit, etc.), but which one you choose comes down to personal choice and the temperature you'll be enduring.

So remember, the next time you put on your favorite boardshorts for a day lounging around the pool or swimming down at the beach, that every pair of boardshorts available for relaxation, also serve a greater purpose in the surfing world.

For more information on how we can help you, please don't hesitate to contact us any time.
Read more >>

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Keep Your Surfboard Safe With Proper Storage

Surfing on a damaged board is never ideal and can truly affect the quality of your surfing experience. For that reason alone, keeping your board safe should always be a top priority. Although you may not be able to stop dings from occurring while you're riding the waves, you can protect your surfboard from getting battered and bruised in storage. Following the guidelines provided below will help you properly maintain your surfboard.


Don't Forget The Board Bag
Transporting your surfboard to and from the beach is a hazardous situation. No matter how careful you are, if you don't bag your board, it's bound to come face to face with some type of mishap. By simply keeping your board in a protective bag, you're eliminating its chance of becoming damaged during transportation which not only saves you money on repairs, but it also keeps you and your surfboard from missing any days in the water.

Don't Store It In The Sun
The sun and the heat are your board's biggest enemy when it comes to storage. Leaving your surfboard in the sun for a prolonged amount of time causes it to yellow while also weakening the board's fiberglass coating. When it comes to storing your board, it's best to place it in a cool and shady area; otherwise your surfboard will need to be prematurely replaced.

Don't Let Your Board Fall
Investing in a surfboard wall rack can decrease the chances of your board taking a tumble while in storage. Not only is a rack a smart investment, but it also saves you space and enables you to house your board almost anywhere.

Don't Leave Your Surfboard Untreated
Whether your board receives a ding while in the water or while in storage, it's absolutely necessary to repair the damage as soon as possible. Untreated cracks and holes can have an adverse affect on your surfboard's performance. A puncture left unfixed will result in water leaking into the inner foam core of your surfboard which can cause multiple issues. To avoid such a problem, simply repair your board in a timely manner.


Following the suggestions above can prolong the life of your surfboard, however, if your board has seen better days and you're in need of a new one, please contact us us today to view our large inventory of surfboards.
Read more >>

Thursday, July 3, 2014

Quiksilver's New Bonded Boardshort Pushes Boundaries

Quiksilver, one the leading manufacturers of boardshorts for competitive and non-competitive surfboarding, continues to push the boundaries of men's boardshorts.


The new AG47 New Wave Bonded boardshort mixes the most progressive technology with a sleek design that will most surely change how some manufacturers produce their products, and will perhaps set a new standard in boardshorts.

"The AG47 New Wave Bonded boardshort represents the next step in the evolution of Quiksilver's dedication to providing the best products in the surf market." said Nick Drake, the main man in charge of marketing at the venerable surfwear company.


But what makes the new AG47 boardshort so spectacular, innovative, high- performance, and cutting edge?The secret lies in the fabric. The proprietary product that pushes the bar ever-so high is a type of "Dry Flat" technology that acts as a repellent for water, thanks in part to a four-way stretch pattern (and some Scotchgard Protector Repellent) that work together to bead the water up, and roll it off. Keeping you dry and nimble. Combine that with the textile design of laser-cut, heat-welded panels for optimum strength and a reduced weight, and what you have is an exceedingly comfortable material that isn't prone to chafing, and is comfortable beyond belief.


Top it all off with a draw-string cinch tie, which keep your shorts in place while sailing the high seas, a rayon dobby waistband, and a stealthily-designed back zipper pocket to house all of your essentials, and the AG47's are starting to sound like the coolest boardshort on the market.

And for your trivia buffs out there, the name AG47 is a surreptitious play on words that Quiksilver thought would be clever for its throng of adoring fans. On the Periodic Table of Elements, "AG" is the symbol for silver, and 47 is its organizational number. How about that.


Check out out website for the latest in boardshorts and surfing gear, or contact us for more information on how we can help you.
Read more >>