Surfing, for many, sold out a long time ago. At least as far as the mainstream’s concerned. But many of those critical of surfing’s popularity still continue to slide and enjoy it. They may avoid the ‘media circus’ of riding planks (which is fine) but the stoke’s real.
‘Real surf shops’.
One of the big negatives is the lack of ‘real’ surf shops. These days an emporium of the surfing variety is a highly polished affair with shiny points of sale led by the big label brands aiming to cash in on surfing’s high street appeal. Many of those old and crusty retailers we came to love have long bitten the dust. But fear not! As North Coast Wetsuits is here to step in…
The Rubber Shack.
NCW has always prided itself on being real. We’re a small, family run business that has a shop (read more a shack) based on the grounds of a farm. You can whiff the cow and sheep dung a mile away!
Walking through The Rubber Shack doors there’s plenty of rubber to get your teeth into. And whilst we do take pride in what we sell it’s not all glitz and glam. Instead, you’ll find everything you need positioned and on display, but still with that familiar rubber aroma wafting around. Another recognisable nostril tantaliser is surf wax. It hangs in the air, serving as natural room fragrance.
Professional, polite and attentive.
The above may give the impression we’re a bunch of hippies on a way back trip. But we’re not. Our service and professionalism always shines through. We hear this from customer feedback all the time. After all, you can keep things real and still deliver a tip top way of doing things. There’s nothing worse than bad customer service in our book.
Other watersports.
Scoping the NCW blog/website you’ll see a broad array of watery disciplines on show. Surfing, yes, but also windsurfing, bellyboarding, bodyboarding, SUP and so on. You may think, ‘that’s not very authentic’, but actually this isn’t the case. Our affection for other ways of doing liquid things is believing in a water man and woman’s way of life. Anything to get afloat – regardless of conditions. Sometimes a surfboard isn’t the best choice for craft for what Mother Nature’s serving. So we switch it up and get amongst the flotsam with what does work. A broad minded ocean mentality is another way of keeping things real.
Still not convinced?
We can talk about NCW’s values, credibility and ethos until the day is long. But ultimately you just have to come along to The Rubber Shack and see for yourself. We’ll welcome you with a smile and usher you into our den of rubber where you’ll find everything you need for your watery shenanigans.