WindsurfingUK issue 11 June 2019 | Page 31

31 and outlining what I would do to support the shop, and one by one they declined saying they had all the brands they needed and felt they were not in a position to expand their product range. I had no option but to go direct, and 77sports was born. I strongly believe a shop owner should know their products inside out and spend the time to get to know the customer so that they can match them perfectly with the products, explaining and demonstrating how and why it will work for them. Sadly, this hasn’t been happening, until now with 77sports. We are looking to revolutionise the industry with product information and content as well as customer service and follow up. We want to spend time both on and off the water with our customers to ensure they walk out the shop with the right products for their needs and sailing style, and the knowledge of how to get the most from their new purchase. If the customer feels they’re not getting maximum satisfaction from their new kit, we offer support and advice to get them back on track for example with rigging or tuning, or even a full exchange to try a different product which they may prefer. It’s key to us that the customer gets 100% enjoyment otherwise we’re doing the sport a dis-service. Simple things such as offering an on water tune up session for customers buying a board, and two FREE months membership to the 77sports Academy for purchases over £100 will enable us to make sure our customers get the most from their new kit; our simple tag line is ‘We guarantee to get it right’. I can tell you that no one is more excited about all areas of windsurfing than I am – this passion is going to light up the industry. Tell us about 77sports and some of the things you do and are planning. 77sports is now an agency supporting S2 Maui, Challenger Sails, Patrik Boards, Exocet Boards and XO Sails, and I can now say we are working with an awesome French wetsuit and clothing brand – Sooruz - who are helping us to understand how we can be eco-friendly and decrease our carbon footprint which is super important to us. Our online store which offers all our awesome products is almost finished and we are in the final stages of opening a retail premises in Worthing where I can guarantee no one will out work us to make your windsurfing experience on and off the water a great one! Run us through the 77sports Academy. It’s born out of necessity really. I used to do one or two-hour lessons, which work but they’re effectively a short-term fix - there needs to be consistency to really progress and develop. I tried to find a way to coach and support a vast number of people and build a supportive community who in turn coach and support each other uk WIND SURFING