Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Special recognition: The Longboard house








Our trip is winding down, we have seen surf shops from New York down the East coast and through most of Florida but today was a special day because we got to spend time with Mike Mann at his Longboard house in Indian Atlantic, Florida. We think that our boards are sold and represented by the best shops in the USA, each unique in their own way specializing in areas that represent their local surfers best however we must give special recognition to Mike Mann and the Longboard house.
The LBH is located in Indiatlantic Florida at 101 5th ave. on a busy corner. What you first notice about the LBH is the selection, they have the biggest, most unique longboard selection we have seen to date. LBH is known for their amazing inventory, if they don't have it you probably don't need it. LBH has surfboards for all types of surfers with all types of abilities but they also have the most cutting edge, out of the box, first on the block shapes that most other shops would pass on. LBH was the first shop to carry the Walden Wahine, first to carry the Walden Stealth..if it's new and cutting edge Mike will have it in before anyone. Needless to say LBH has the largest selection of stock Walden surfboards and custom Walden's. If they don't have what your looking for on the floor they can order it for you direct from us. The LBH crew are not sofa sitting, cell phone texting kid's, this group is older, wiser and collectively have years of surfing experience. Whether it's Ryan or Eric or any of the other crew these guys know surfboards.
As if stocking hundred's of boards isn't amazing enough LBH is jam packed with great apparel, skateboards, body boards, skim boards, and gear. LBH is girl friendly too, one side of the store is dedicated just to girls, as well as being staffed by the nicest team of surfer girls. LBH is about as core as you can get in the best sense of the word meaning they have the best selection of surfboards and the expertise to get you on the right board.
So the store is great, anyone visiting will figure that out immediately but what really makes LBH great is it's owner Mike Mann.
Mike Mann is cool. Admittedly we are fans but you don't become one of the best surf shops in the US by accident. Mike is a straight talking, ex-hippie, surfer who is one of the best independent retailer in surf. Surf shop owners tend to want to be surfers first and business men second, too concerned with "soul" and the old school way of doing things which is why there are so many average surf shops. Mike wants to be successful and he isn't ashamed to say it, he is passionate about surfing to his core but he doesn't let that stand in the way of business.
Mike is incredibly open about his successes and failures, one thing we have learned about successful people they never blame other people for their failings and Mike is a great example of that. He owns his mistakes and sees them as opportunities for the future and what a great example LBH is, it is a phenomenal shop. We like a lot about Mike Mann, and whenever in his company we are left knowing more than when we started. Mike tells it like it is..meaning he is honest. That's just cool. He shares his time, he knows its good business to take time with his business partners. He really cares about our surfboards, understands them, asks questions, adds input. He is invested in us as much as we are in him...and finally we trust him with our brand so we thank the Longboard house and Mike Mann for representing our brand so well. For more information on the Longboard house visit http://www.longboardhouse.com/

Boca Surf & Sail welcomes Walden





Boca Surf and Sail is in the heart of Boca raton at 3501 Federal Hwy 1. Boca Surf & sail first opened it's doors in 1985, back in the day it was not uncommon to arrive at BSS during normal business hours and see a "gone surfing sign" on the door, today BSS is open when they say they will be which is a good thing because BSS is a full service surf shop.
The front of the store is full of all the must have surf apparel from the best brands, they have a huge flip flop selection and a large women's and men's area. Along with the great duds, BSS has a large board room in the back which includes shortboards, longboards and SUP's. Boca Surf & Sail has a great range of Walden stock boards though you may have to step over owner Bob's giant snickerdoodle dog to get to the board room. ( he one of our favorite shop dogs)
BSS has a great staff, I am sure know one will complain that their mostly female and adorable but don't be fooled this crew knows their stuff. BSS has a young, hip vibe and caters to the core surfer as well as the local beach goer.
For more information on Boca Surf & Sail visit http://www.bocasurfandsail.com/




Monday, June 29, 2009

Ocean Magic welcomes Steve Walden






Ocean Magic was established in 1986 by Florida native Don French.
Originally, 1600 sq. ft., but after 20 years in its original location, Ocean Magic is now an institution in Jupiter boasting over 5000 sq. ft. and is rated one of Florida’s top 10 surf shops. Ocean magic is located in the heart of Jupiter in an unassuming strip mall, but inside the 5000 sq. foot shop is a great surf shop. Ocean Magic has a giant selection of everything, apparel, gear, and of course surfboards.
Ocean magic's newest addition is manager Mark Mertens, Mark has been in the surfing business for years and is one of the most respected guys in the industry. Mark is a real soul surfer and along with Don adds the stoke to the shop that you feel as soon as you walk in. We missed Don on the day of our visit, but were glad to hang out with Mark. The crew at Ocean Magic is professional, friendly and super knowledgeable about surfboards. Everyone there surfs and they are passionate about surfing. Ocean Magic is a girl friendly shop too.
Ocean magic has been a long time Walden dealer carrying both stock and custom boards, their selection is jam packed but it you can't find the Walden your looking for the crew at Ocean Magic can help get you on a custom board.
If your in Jupiter we recommend Ocean Magic surf shop! For more information visit http://www.oceanmagicsurf.com/




Walden visits Surf Central Surf shop




Surf central in Stuart, Florida located at 1830 S. Federal Highway is a Stuart staple. Stuart is not jam packed with surf shops, so Surf Central is they shop to go to. Surf Central caters to both the local and tourist surfer. SC has a great selection of apparel, gear, sunglasses, skateboards and a huge selection of DVD's. Both owner Doug and manager Teague are great guys with years of surfing experience between them. SC has a cool friendly vibe and either Doug or Teague will take the time to make sure you get on the right board. Surf Central runs a summer surf camp as well as a ladies SUP clinic. Talk to Teague about either camp.
The back board room is filled with a great selection longboard, shortboards and SUP's. Surf Central offers a variety of price point boards including their own Surf Central label so everyone can get on a board and get surfing. Surf Central carries Walden's stock surfboards, they also offer Walden's custom boards. If by chance you don't see what you want on the rack, Surf central can order it for you.

For more information of surf central visit http://www.surfcentralsurfshop.com/












Wednesday, June 24, 2009

High Tide surf shop welcomes Walden




High Tide surf shop is one of the most remote surf shops located on Tybee Island, Ga. about a 35 minute drive from Savannah but worth the trip. High Tide surf shop specializes in longboards, shortboards, SUP's, skateboards and kiteboarding. High tide is a two story A-frame packed with boards, gear and apparel. Owner Tim knows surfboards and is usually on hand either on the floor or in his "board room".
High Tide will appeal to the core surfer but it also caters to the tourist, you can find lots of great Tybee island t-shirts and hats as well as a great selection of beach gear. High Tide is girl friendly and has selection for the surfer girls including kids.
High Tide surf shop is a stock Walden dealer in both foam and epoxy, look for them to also start carrying custom Walden's too. If they don't have what your looking for on the rack talk to Tim about a custom board.
On the day we arrived Tim's 11 year daughter Mia was behind the counter helping out in the shop. High Tide is a core shop, but certainly family friendly
For more information about High Tide surf shop visit http://www.hightidesurfshop.com/



Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Walden Surfboards arrives at Sunrise







Our first stop in Florida was Sunrise surf shop in Jacksonville, Florida. Jacksonville came in at about 102 degrees during our visit, so hot that there is no reason to be outside unless your heading to the surf, given that there was no surf you wouldn't expect anyone to be in a surf shop...not the case at Sunrise, it was packed.
Sunrise Surf Shop has been Northeast Florida’s favorite surf shop since 1975, over the last 30+ years they have been sponsoring of up-and-coming surfers which is why Sunrise is really a community surf shop.
Sunrise manager Paco gave us a big friendly welcome as he does everyone in the shop, Paco has been with Sunrise for 15 years and knows how to run a great shop. His "blue" room in the back is where the huge board selection is which includes shortboards and longboards. Sunrise is a stock Walden dealer but look for Sunrise to start carrying custom Walden surfboards this summer. No doubt Paco can get you on the right board.
Besides a great board collection, Sunrise has the biggest sandal & sunglasses section we have seen to date as well as men's, women's and kid's apparel. If your in Jacksonville visit Sunrise, for more information visit http://www.sunrisesurfshop.com/








Walden Surfboards at Ocean Surf shop





Our 2009 tour took us out to Ocean Surf Shop in Folly Beach which is about 20 minutes from Charlestown, SC. Ocean Beach's motto is " At the edge of America", it kinda is but it's well worth the drive out. Ocean Surf shop has a long, interesting history going back to the 1940's. Visit http://www.oceansurfshop.com/about.html to read the full story about OSS

Folly is a beach town that swells by 400% in the summer, OSS is the quintessential beach shop that caters to the Folly beach locals as well as the summer tourists.
Ocean Surf shop looks small and unassuming from the outside, but walk up to their second floor shop and you will be surprised by whats inside...lots of boards. Ocean surf is not a t-shirt store that sells a few surfboards, its a surfboard shop that has t-shirts.
This shop is about surfing, owner Mike and manager Kelly are passionate about surfing and the shop reflects their vibe. When you walk in to Ocean surf shop, besides being surprised by the great board inventory you feel the southern hospitality, this isn't a shop full of posers who are too cool to help you, Mike and Kelly are friendly, know their stuff and want to help their customers get the best board. At OSS you will also be greeted by Mike's dog Della, the coolest shop dog!
OSS stocks longboards, shortboards and SUP's. They carry Walden stock boards however they are also a custom Walden dealer, they will be one of the first shops on the south east to get in the new custom Walden Mega magic, Retro wing, superwide and new Walden wahine's. If by chance OSS doesn't have what you want on the rack talk to Kelly or Mike about ordering your custom Walden board.
OSS also has great gear, apparel, skateboards as well as ding repair. For more information on Ocean surf shop visit http://www.oceansurfshop.com/






Saturday, June 20, 2009

Walden Surfboards visits Atlantic Beach Surf shop







If your in Atlantic Beach, North Carolina you have to visit Atlantic Beach surf shop, it's like no other surf shop we have seen. The recently expanded and renovated shop doubled in size to almost 10,000 sq. feet making ths one of the biggest surf shops on our tour. AB surf shop opened in 1964, selling surfboards to locals and tourists for over 45 years.

Atlantic Beach has pulled off the impossible they have combined a pure surf shop, that any core surfer would appreciate and it combined with a high end boutique. The guys ( or girls) can go upstairs and drool over the selection of longboards, shortboards, SUP's and gear..if Atlantic Beach doesn't have the gear you want you really don't need it. For example AB sells Stand Up Paddle boards as well as paddles but they also stock hard to find paddle fins. Don't be fooled by the amazing merchandising thats clean and organized or the better men's sportswear section, this shop is a core surf shop. AB carries Walden's stock surfboards including the Walden SUP's, AB is also a custom Walden shop, if you don't see what you want on the rack AB surf can order it for you.
When we arrived at AB the downstairs was swarming with young, hip women clamoring to get their hands on the coolest brands. Of course they have the Roxy and Rip Curl 's but they still seem to have the best pieces within these brands that you don't see anywhere else. The women's buyer is very talented, the mix of brands is unique, fresh and beautifully merchandised. AB surf also carries the boutique brands that keeps the store from looking like a cookie cutter surf shop, like Vineyard Vines, Eliza B., Free People, Sperry, Patagonia & Nanette Lapore.

Atlantic Beach Surf shop has their own gear including hats, T-shirts, mugs & stickers just to name a few. This year the Morrow brothers took the shop over from dad who happily retired to the keys after 45 years, you can tell this is a family owned business. The store is big with a giant selection but it still has that hands on family run feel. The staff is friendly, hardworking and knowledgeable. Atlantic Beach Surf shop is a must stop if your in North Carolina.

For more information on AB visit their website at http://www.absurfshop.com/






Surf & Adventure welcomes Walden Surfboards





After a few days of R&R the Walden Surfboards 2009 USA tour resumed at Surf & Adventure in Virginia Beach. Actually located in Sandbridge, Surf & Adventure is outside the crazy congestion of Virgina beach. Surf & Adventure is much more than just a surf shop they offer tours which include eco-ocean kayaking, dolphin tours and much more. Surf lessons, they are a full Billabong surf camp, Billibong Chica Surf camp and the also offer SUP lessons. As if that wasn't enough they have boat rentals and even beach supply rentals like chairs and umbrellas. Surf & adventure has everything covered for a great day in the water, no matter what you like to do.

The newly built S&A shop is bright blue and the grounds are covered in bright kayaks so you can't miss it from the road. Inside the shop is modern and hip, no old hang-out sofa's in this shop, S&A is not about sitting around talking about surfing and adventure but rather going out and doing it..you feel the energy in this shop .

Owner Rob has a calm, cool and collected vibe, amazing given the amount of services that S&A provides, though not a total surprise once you meet his amazing staff.. The crew is young but certainly one of the most knowledgeable, friendly and professional groups we have seen.
Rob loves what he does and it shows, he knows surfboards. Seeing him working with customers is like watching a old Zen master, he knows everything there is to know about a board but he doesn't do the hard sell, doesn't show off his knowledge, he just talks honestly with enthusiastic experience. Rob is a SUP addict and his shop has a full selection of SUP's and gear alongside their selection of surfboards. S&A is a stock Walden dealer but the are also a Walden custom dealer, if you don't see what you like on the rack you can order a custom Walden board at their shop.

We loved out time at S&A, they have a giant tourist business but really their a locals shop, they seemed to know everyone that came in by name and they made us feel very welcome too. Thanks to rob & his crew for the southern hospitality. If your in Virgina beach don't miss Surf & Adventure, for more information contact http://www.surfandadventure.com/






Walden visits Eastern Lines in Belmar, NJ



Our last New Jersey stop was at Belmar's Eastern Lines, located at 1605 Ocean Ave., right across the street from the boardwalk and beach. Eastern lines has a very long history in New Jersey, it was established in 1981 and though it changed locations and owners it has remained one of the Jersey' shores most famous shops. Its worth taking the time to check out the entire Eastern Lines story at http://www.easternlines.com/about-us/
Today Eastern Lines is a full service surf shop catering to the Belmar area locals as well as the huge tourist population. EasternLine's is two stories, upstairs is the huge surfboard section which includes longboards, shortboards and SUP's. They have a large selection of Walden stock boards, however Eastern Lines has also been a custom Walden dealer for many years, so if you don't see what you want on the rack you can order a completely custom board from us through Eastern Lines.

Downstairs Eastern Lines has a full selection of gear, clothing and accessories including beach supplies like chairs, beach towels and sunscreen.
Owner Don is hands on and usually at at the shop with his great crew, he is passionate about surfing and it shows in the shop. Sometimes shops that have been around as long as his feel outdated, not Eastern Lines they have the latest and greatest of everything. Don't miss his great memorabilia on the walls leading up to the 2nd floor.

For more Information about Eastern Lines visit
http://www.easternlines.com/

Monday, June 15, 2009

Walden Surfboards at Air & Speed, Montauk

Summer & Max Foley







Our final day in the Hampton's was spent at Air & Speed surf shop in Montuak.

Air and Speed is unique in many ways but what you notice first about the shop is the family running it. Owners Stu & Katherine Foley are almost always in the shop helping customers along side with them are one or all of their 4 kids depending on their school schedules. Air & Speed may be the only surf shop left that is family run. Stu & Katherine Foley have made Air & Speed a welcoming, friendly shop. Maybe it is because its family run that Air & Speed is so great at servicing the entire family, they have one of the best selections of apparel, gear & gifts for men, women, & kids. Whatever you need to outfit your entire family for surfing or just a day at the beach Air & Speed has it. Air & Speed may also be the coolest shop, Katherine has done an amazing job sourcing unique products and gear that other shops just don't have. Hip, new brands labels alongside the must haves from Roxy, Billabong and Quiksilver.

Air & Speed has Montauk's best selection of surfboards, shortboards, longboards and SUP's. The entire Foley family are passionate surfers and can help you find the best board from their huge selection. Air & Speed carries a wide range of Walden stock boards but they are also a Walden custom dealer for the Walden customer that wants a completely custom designed board.

Air & Speed is a locals shop meaning the Foley's know just about everyone in Montauk. Stu was a local lobster man for many years and now co-owns the best seafood restaurant in Montauk called Inlet seafood. Stu knows the area, knows the waters. When he isn't helping people in the shop Stu is somewhere on the water which explains why Air & Speed is also an eco-friendly store. Air & speed sees environmentalism as an integral part of their life and business. They carry brands that share their concern for the environment including Ocean Minded Sandals, Simple Shoes and Patagonia.
We recommend making the trip out to Montauk to visit Air & Speed for what may be the last great family owned surf shop. Stu, Katherine, daughter Summer or sons Max, Michael or Jay will make you feel so welcome, customer service is alive & well at Air & Speed.

For more information on air and speed visit http://www.airandspeedsurf.com/









Saturday, June 13, 2009

Sundown surf shop welcomes Steve Walden


The Sundown Locals






Sundown surf shop in Levitown Long Island had it's annual Surfboard swap and sale this weekend which coincided with Steve Walden's visit. The event was great a giant apparel sale, sidewalk demo sale and a Bar-B-Q. Even a slight rain couldn't damped the stoke. The entire Sundown staff was on hand to help the crowds of customers find the right board.

Sundown is truly a local surf shop, located in a non-descript strip mall on a busy road you could miss it if the traffic is moving to fast but Sundown is one of those classic surf shops that all the locals count on for great gear, a super surfboard selection, good advice and lots of story. Sundown reminds us of the TV show "cheers" somehow you feel like everyone knows your name at Sundown. Sundown has a very loyal local following but it doesn't discriminate against the first time surfer, grom or tourist surfer.

Sundown has a full range of longboards, shortboards and everything in between. They also stock a huge selection of entry level boards for kids, girls or first time surfers. The have gear, apparel, a great girls section but most of all a super stoked and knowledgable staff. The Sundown staff and the local crew could not have made Walden Surfboards feel more welcome all afternoon.
For more information about Sundown surf shop visit www.sundownsurf.com




















Walden Surfboards visits Flying Point Surf School






If your in the Hampton's and want to learn to surf, stand up paddle, or kayak there is only one place to go "Flying Point Surf School" at 65 Main street, Southhampton. Owner & Surf school director Shane Dyckman is the real deal, he has 25 years of experience, including a stint as a Southampton town ocean lifeguard. Shane and all of his instructors are also First Aid/CPR certified. Shane is the real deal, he is full of stoke..within just a few minutes of hanging out with Shane you can tell how passionate he is about surfing, the local area, and teaching kids to have fun surfing.

FPSS is located a cool rehabbed farm house which includes the surf school offices and a small board room which also includes some cool FPSS gear. Arriving soon to FPSS are some great Walden California custom boards including the new Hang Glider model and the Mega Magic.
FPSS surf school runs June 15th-September 4th, the school has a surf camp, private surf lessons, private SUP paddling lessons & Kayak & SUP expeditions. FPSS also offers rentals on everything from soft tops to wetsuits.

For more info on FPSS visit http://www.flyingpointsurfschool.com/