Say what you will about the nascent ride anything retro soul hipster artistic scene that has been gaining steam in recent years, it has, at the very least, brought us some individuals looking to carve out a path different from the staid quikripabong crowd that for too long has typified what most people think of surfing. Not to mention, some pretty cool shops have been popping up. Mollusk, Thalia, Shelter, Almond, Etc... They're featuring hand shaped boards from serious craftsfolk and goods from companies you probably haven't heard about. And they're mostly on the other side of the country. Those that aren't are kind of far from here. Except for now.
A bit of backstory; I've kept tabs on and linked the Wax Buddy blog to mine for some time now. A chance comment about this choice looking pig brought a very enthusiastic response from Greg Pearson(of Wax Buddy/Endless Wave fame). An unexpected response as I've hit up other shops on their blogs(Brooklyn, cough, Brooklyn) and never heard word one. We emailed occasionally and so it was, that I finally got the chance to drop by his new digs.
Greg welcomed me warmly and we chatted for about 45 minutes as I ogled the shop goods and variety of boards from Almond, Gato Heroi and Endless Wave's own Aquatic Works Division. The shirts and hoodies all have a clean subtle style and I was chuffed to find issues of Slide available. All the while, folks that popped in were greeted by and engaged by Greg in a very non-too cool for school manner. Afer the hyperbole, it's simple. If you're down in Newport, stop in and give Endless Wave a look.
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