Clockwise from top left : Billabong Laguna ; CA Surf N Paddle ; Catch Surf ; Hobie ’ s selection of surfboards |
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TOP RIGHT : COURTESY OF CA SURF N PADDLE ; ALL OTHERS ON SPREAD : ASHLEY RYAN |
BILLABONG LAGUNA Find your summer uniform at this shop from a brand that launched across the world in Australia ’ s Gold Coast in the 1970s . Initially focusing on boardshorts that could withstand tough ocean conditions , Billabong has since expanded to feature a wide range of clothing for both men and women , including wetsuits , rash guards , bikinis and beach cover-ups in addition to casual tees and tanks plus accessories ranging from hats , backpacks and tote bags to towels and flip-flop sandals . And with sprawling views of the ocean visible mere steps from the store entrance , you ’ ll be inspired to grab a suit and hit the waves .
CA SURF N PADDLE Epic adventures await at this Pacific Coast Highway shop , whether you ’ re looking for gear , rentals or lessons . Owner Rod Greenup , who is also a surfboard shaper , is eager to help shoppers whenever he ’ s around . Established in 1985 , the store offers wetsuits and apparel for men , women and children in addition to accessories like towels , sunglasses and sandals . Surfboards — for adults as well as smaller
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versions for kids — and inflatable paddleboards can be purchased here while Greenup ’ s lessons are top-notch . He also creates custom boards , so buyers can help dream up an art-forward design that embodies the spirit of Laguna .
CATCH SURF Originating here in town in the mid-2000s , this eclectic north Laguna spot has everything you need to get out on the water . “ Our boards are engineered to withstand the rocky coastline and punishing shorebreak , and [ the ] clothes [ we sell are ] suitable for a night out on the town ,” he notes . In addition to offering its own surfboards , bodyboards and skimboards — as well as ready-to-wear beach apparel , towels , sandals , stickers and flying discs — Catch Surf organizes meet-and-greets in the shop with professional athletes , donates boards to nearby schools and fundraisers , and hosts a weekly running club to elevate the local community .
HOBIE SURF SHOP Hobie needs no introduction , but we ’ ll clue you in anyway . Started by surf legend Hobie Alter , who got his start here in Laguna , this iconic
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brand has expanded its reach to everything from surf shops and boards to kayaks and catamarans . Earlier this year , Hobie celebrated the 70th anniversary of its first store , located in Dana Point , with the Laguna shop following in the 1970s . Now , it ’ s known around the world and still offers boards ( with a shaping studio in Dana Point ) in addition to apparel for men , women and kids plus accessories that range from sunglasses , bags and towels to books , drinkware , beauty products and home goods . “ Hobie Surf Shop ’ s product mix is unique to our local clientele ,” Carlow says . “… Our design team builds much of this product focused around the geography of each store location . Therefore , we have something authentic for the local resident and the weekend vacationer to call their own .” Hobie also regularly hosts in-store events such as panel discussions or film screenings in collaboration with others in the Southern California surf community as well as events for the Coast Film & Music Festival — plus the side of the building features its own public art with a bronze bas-relief mural sculpture by Randy Morgan that pays homage to California water sports . |
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LAGUNA BEACH MAGAZINE 59 |