Surf shop/skate shop authenticity
Surf shop and skate shop authenticity is crucial in this day and age. Countless stories exist of surf shop and skate shop retailers selling out and becoming less ‘real’. Which goes in tandem with a wide range of thinking about the surfing and skateboarding industry at large. Certainly, there are still bona fide brands and companies around. But they’re fewer and further between.
Fortunately, in a little corner of North Cornwall – St. Endellion to be precise – there exists a surf shop and skate shop which is authentic, credible and certainly ‘real’. Enter North Coast Wetsuits.
- This post sums up NCW’s authenticity as a surf shop.
- This article talks more generically about the surf shop concept.
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North Coast Wetsuits – surf shop/skate shop origins.
The North Coast Wetsuits surf shop and skate shop story started long before head honcho Mark moved to Cornwall. Back in the day, he was obsessed (and still is) with bikes and engines.
Unfortunately, disaster struck the result of which was a horrendous accident which saw Mark end up in a wheelchair for a short time. Mark’s injuries were extensive with a protracted period of recovery needed. Moving to Cornwall in 2003 he didn’t think he’d walk let alone surf. Yet where there’s a will there’s a way. Having discovered the joys of surfing North Coat Wetsuits was founded in 2004.
- You can read more about Mark’s story and the origins of NCW here.
- And for yet more insight check out this blog article where Mark goes even more in depth about his history.
NCW – a brand, a business, a way of keeping in touch with nature, the ocean and all things Cornwall.
Whilst Mark and wife Laura weren’t born in Cornwall since relocating they’ve fully immersed themselves in the Kernow way of life. North Coast Wetsuits is a familiar brand and business in the local Polzeath area and surrounds.
Further across the county and because NCW is known for producing quality, homegrown wetsuits that are designed and tested for UK waters, the brand is also recognisable and highly regarded. Whilst surfing is massively on the agenda, over the years other watersports have been adopted due to the wide range of applications NCW wetsuits are applicable. Check out the following articles that back up the NCW ethos and showcase NCW’s products across a variety of different disciplines.
- Paddle boarding and NCW’s 4/3mm wetsuit
- NCW wetsuits for windsurfing
- Windsurf foiling with NCW’s 5/3mm back zip wetsuit.
- Wing foiling with NCW’s 5/3mm back zip wetsuit
- SUP foiling with NCW wetsuits
- Mat surfing with NCW wetsuits
If you head over to NCW’s blog page you’ll find loads more articles, posts and knowledge pieces covering a whole plethora of watersports, action sports and outdoor adventure topics.
Kids and family watersports – a big part of the NCW picture.
Being a family-owned business, with kids themselves, North Coast Wetsuits has in recent years become known as a kid’s wetsuits and kit specialist. With wetsuits tailored to smaller statures, but without compromising on quality and performance, NCW kiddy wetsuits have gained a significant following.
NCW prides itself on the brand’s kid’s wetsuit and youth wetsuit offerings. As Mark always says, ‘these are proper wetsuits that will keep your offspring super toasty right through the seasons’.
Some of NCW’s range of popular kid’s wetsuits and wetsuit accessories are as follows –
- Kids and juniors 5/3mm back zip winter wetsuit
- Kids and juniors 5/3mm chest zip winter wetsuit
- Kids and juniors 3/5mm summer wetsuit
Affordability and cost-effective products.
Any surf shop will tell you how pricey the equipment is these days. There’s no getting away from the fact that leisure time and outdoor recreation isn’t as kind to wallets as it used to be. But if you want to surf, for instance, you need the gear.
North Coast Wetsuits prices all its offerings fairly. We don’t whack the costs up unnecessarily. NCW wetsuits are premium wetsuits (cheap wetsuits if you will) but not low quality. With NCW you get a durable, quality and performance-orientated piece of surf kit from a proper surf shop that won’t cost the Earth. And if that doesn’t work for you…
Used and second wetsuits that deliver even more affordability
More and more we see watersports enthusiasts looking for bargains. Fortunately, here at The Rubber Shack we’re primed to be able to offer this. Taking in old, used and pre-loved wetsuits we spruce them up, repair and replace them where necessary, bringing a worn wetsuit back to life. In some cases making second-hand wetsuits almost as good as new.
NCW’s range of second-hand wetsuits is then put out for sale for those who don’t have a budget that extends to new. With a now solidified reputation for quality used wetsuits NCW is the go-to surf shop for those with limited funds. If this is your citation then why not check out NCW’s range of second-hand wetsuits or give us a call to discuss your requirements?
Sustainability and a commitment to being a greener surf shop and skate shop
Here at NCW we’re well aware of the surfing industry’s negative impact on the environment. With most products being sold in surf shops remaining petrochemical we try and do our bit to alleviate the problem.
Keeping NW’s used and second-hand wetsuits in mind this shows how we’re determined to re-use, recycle and upcycle everything we can. Nothing goes to waste or ends up in landfill. If we can’t repair it, we’ll use it for something else. The following article sheds even more light on our sustainable and green approach.
- Surfing and wetsuit care – 3 points to consider
- NCW’s environmentally sustainable approach
- Part exchange wetsuits deals – we do them
- Wetsuits, living costs and helping the planet
NCW – more than just a surf shop. Now a skate shop too!
In recent times we’ve broadened out the NCW product range to include skateboarding. More specifically, surfing. With its rise in popularity, surf skating aims to mimic surfing’s feel on land with four wheels beneath you. Utilising a hyper manoeuvrable front skateboard truck, surf skating is accessible to most riders. Perhaps more so than standard skateboarding.
Regardless, surf skating is super fun and highly addictive. At The Rubber Shack, we’ve a whole range of affordable surf skate products which back up our commitment to making these activities cost-effective. Waterborne Skateboards retrofit surf adapters are a simple way to turn any skateboard setup into a surf skate. But if you’re after a full completes then we can also sort you right out as well. With offerings from other top brands such as Carver. Check out the following products which may prick your interest if surf skating is on the agenda.
- Waterborne Fin System surf skate adapter
- Waterborne Dream surf skate trucks
- Carver CX surf skate trucks
- Carver C7 surf skate trucks
If you’re after surf skateboarding knowledge then head over to the following articles –
In conclusion.
There’s so much to love about our little surf shop and skate shop. Every time a new visitor passes through The Rubber Shack doors we hear how awesome they think the place is. And online, NCW’s 660 plus 5 star Google reviews speak for themselves.
If you’re heading towards Polzeath then why not check us out on your way to the beach? Alternatively, have a peruse through NCW’s full product range to scope out those goodies.