Employee Spotlight: Parker Arnold

Whalebone Urban Surf is very excited to introduce the newest member to the family, Parker Arnold.  Parker recently began working at Whalebone Urban Surf and brings a new level of enthusiasm and passion for surf culture.  Below is a short interview with Parker so our valued followers can get to know him a little better!

Name:  Parker Arnold

Age:  18

High School:  Jordan High School

Where are you going to college in the Fall?

PA:  I am undecided.  I will either attend Appalachian State University or UNC-Asheville.

What celebrity have you been told you look like?

PA:  Nick Jonas

What is your favorite thing about working at Whalebone Urban Surf?

PA:  I love the fact that I get to work at a surf shop in Raleigh of all places, as my first job!  I also am excited to be a part of expanding surf culture into the Triangle.

What is the number one item on your Whalebone Urban Surf wish list?

PA:  The 9'6 Jacobs Longboard

What is your favorite surf spot?

PA:  I love surfing at C Street at Wrightsville Beach.

What kind board do you ride?

PA:  I ride a 9'3 Mctavish Fireball.

When were you first put on a surfboard?

PA:  My dad put me on a long board when I was 3 or 4 years old.

What is your dream vacation spot?

PA: New Zealand

What is your favorite line that we carry in the shop?

PA:  Definitely RVCA.

Last one!  What is your favorite food?

PA:  I would have to say any type of pub food and Eastern North Carolina Barbecue.

Employee Spotlight: Joe Hesselblad

The next Whalebone Urban Surf employee we want everyone to get to know a little better is Bay Area native Joe Hesselblad.  He is a recent college graduate who loves to both surf and skate and is a very important part of the Whalebone team!  His knowledge and passion for surf culture is undeniable and we are excited to have him in the shop every week!

Name: Joe Hesselblad

Hometown:  Walnut Creek, California

Education:  B.A. in Anthropology from North Carolina State University

Favorite Food:  Anything Mexican, especially Burritos!

What is your favorite thing about working at Whalebone Urban Surf?

JH:  I enjoy being a part of the expansion of surf culture in Raleigh.

What is the #1 item on your Whalebone wish list?

JH:  The 7'2 Takayama Surftech Egg

What is your favorite line Whalebone carries?

JH: Volcom

Where is your dream vacation spot?

JH: Anywhere is South America

What do you want to be when you grow up?

JH:  I want to be successful!

When not working at Whalebone, what are your hobbies?

JH:  Surfing, skating, eating and most of all soccer!

What is your surfboard of choice?

JH:  Channel Islands "Dumpster Diver"

What is your favorite regional surf spot?

JH:  Fort Macon in Atlantic Beach, North Carolina

Employee Spotlight: Alisa Driver

Whalebone Urban Surf would be nothing without the enthusiastic employees that run that shop each and every day.  One of those special employees happens to be Alisa Driver.  Not only does she have an amazing eye for style and merchandising, but her passion for retail and customer service truly brings that added special  touch to daily operations at Whalebone Urban Surf.  As assistant manager she helps make sure everything in the shop runs smoothly  and she always makes sure that the sales floor is in tip top shape. Below is a short interview with Alisa so our valued customers can get to know her a little better!

Name: Alisa Driver

Hometown:  Greensboro, North Carolina

Where did you go to college?

AD:  I graduated from UNC-Wilmington with a B.S in Psychology and a Chemistry minor.

What is your favorite food?

AD:  I would have to say anything my grandma makes as long as it is vegetarian.

When and why did you become a vegetarian?

AD:  I became a vegetarian in October 20009 because I do not like the hormones and chemicals put into animals.  I feel like I eat far more healthy now that I am vegeatarian!

What do you love most about working at Whalebone Urban Surf?

AD:  I love helping customers get ready and excited for their vacations!

What is your favorite vacation spot?

AD:  The British Virgin Islands

What is your dream vacation spot?

AD:  Any place in the Mediterranean.

When you are not working what are your hobbies?

AD:  Traveling, shopping, reading and going to the beach of course!

Lastly, what are the top 5 artists on your IPOD right now?

AD:  I would have to say Kid Cudi, Citizen Cope, The Faint, Beyonce and Jay-Z.

One Piece Swimwear: Functional and Fashion Forward

For many, one piece women's swimsuits have this aura as not being "flattering" or "hip".  Some people associate them as strictly being worn by an older age set or people who are not comfortable with showing off their bodies.  With the current trends in swimwear it is safe to say that the aforementioned stipulations are not accurate. 

One piece swimsuits, no matter the amount of coverage, are seemingly everywhere these days.  They can be seen on fashion  runways, poolside, on the beach and even on female surfers.  Not only are they comfortable and easy to wear,  but they can also be figure flattering on many body types.  Whalebone Urban Surf carries one pieces from a vast array of lines including L*Space, Volcom, O'Neill and Leilani amongst others.  Some of the swimsuits are backless.  Others have cut outs on the front and sides.  Regardless of the ascetics of the suits, Whalebone Urban Surf is excited to showcase a variety of these sleek and fashionable one pieces at an assortment of price points.

 

Pictured above is Volcom's "Space Station Strapless" One Piece.  Also available in black. $86

For that fashion risk taker we recommend L*Space's Fringed One Piece.  Available in black and nude.  $122.

Another favorite is from Volcom's Smock Puppet Series.  This suit is available in Teal and Black for $80.  The open back and ruched bottom make for a flattering fit!

If interested at any of the suits pictured above or inquires about other swimwear please call Whalebone Urban Surf at 919.758.8362.  Thank you!