What do you want in a surf shop?

yeah, im with you on digging austin's vibe. I posted on another thread that I was unhappy with a repair job from him and he pm'd me telling me to come back in. That shows that he cares. Try getting that kind of service at a big box shop. Thumbs up, austin.

I think its hilarious how there are always like 6 people sitting around, watching surf movies, and straight chilling in there haha. Its cool that he does demo days and swap meets also.

 

Agreed. That service is extremely hard to come by... I saw that he has done Swap Meets, but didn't know about the demo days. Very Cool. Surfboards come in so many shapes in sizes... I think demo's are crucial when trying to find a new board. I'm trying to transition to a shorter board for more maneuverability and the more steeper, hollow and bigger waves. I just can't decide if I want a fish (retro-type) or shortboard-fish hybrid... since I'm spending more time down south lately. I think the fish would be great in VB and for some trips up to BB, DE (In-Laws), but it might get to squirrely on the bigger, steeper hollow surf in Hatteras. I definitely need to demo some stuff.

 

Real Watersports

One shop that I haven't seen mentioned on here is Real down in Hatteras (Rodanthe/Waves). I think that shop has it all. I have been very pleased with their service, knowledge and overall friendliness of their staff. Very chill and laid back... The owner, Trip spent quite awhile talking with me about different boards, shapes, foam materials, etc... He was very down to earth and friendly and knew alot about various board shapes, brands, etc...

They have it all there... from boards, wetsuits, gear, shades, clothes, etc... And their cafe out back has great food and some nice brews! If you haven't stopped by there you should check it out next time your down there.

 

Real is big.they have a show on local tv.trip seems ok,at least as a tv show.i would not go there,though,when i can go to Natural Art and get Scott to shape me a board instead.

 

Beachbreak,
I've never seen theReal TV show. Thats kind of funny... What is it about? I have seen some commercials on tv down for their shop... For some reason, I've only been in the Natural Art shop once or twice... and that was a couple months ago. A friend and I talked to some Aussie that worked there who was very helpful with some boards and recommendations. I've never met Scott or ridden any of his boards, so I don't have much to go on there... but I have heard very good things about him.

My wife's new Favorite T-Shirt is from NA... Its pretty sweet and made with the dope, soft cotton! And they had some Dakine rack pads that I had been searching all over for... couldn't find them anywhere when I needed them, but they had em!

 

stripper poles and free beer.

 

i guess it is just a really long commercial...like an hour.
Scott is always either in the shop,out back shaping or surfing,so just ask and he'll shape you anything you want,he's been shaping like 35 years,so he's seen it all and knows how to make a board that will work for you specifically.

 

a free lunch buffet. Maybe a dunking booth.

 

Lots of shops use local shapers/glassers to do repairs. Rob Kamp makes nice boards, and it wouldnt bother me a bit to know that a shop was having him do repairs..in fact knowing that someone who's shaped and glassed probably 1000+ board in his life is fixing my ding would suit me fine.