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!

Whalebone Urban Surf hosts Spring 2011 Fashion Show!

Friday, February 18th was a great day for Whalebone Urban Surf.  Besides the fact that it was 75 degrees and sunny, it also happened to be the day we hosted our Spring 2011 Fashion Show.  We had an amazing turnout for the event, which included the fashion show, refreshments and a raffle for a Whalebone Urban Surf girftcard.  The event, which lasted from 6 - 8 pm, opened with the show that was hosted by shop manager Stevi Vaughn.  As the models came out she described the looks they were showcasing.  Many of the models were Whalebone employees with the exception of the little ones  Roxie, Jill and Mason!  The show featured looks from Billabong, Hurley, Volcom, O'Neill, L*Space, Element, Quiksilver, RVCA and more.  Guests also got a look at some of our hard goods.  In addition to the Dakine luggage, our models also carried some surfboards from Channel Islands and JS as well as long board skateboards from Sector 9 and Arbor.   Throughout the evening guests sipped on champagne and perused the new Spring merchandise!

Pictured above is model Roxie Bella, modeling a Billiegirl rashguard and boardshorts.  She is ready to ride some waves with her CustomX bodyboard.

Pictured here is our own Whalebone employee Hannah!  She is modeling swimwear from Volcom.

Sam looks awesome in his Billabong woven shirt and Dakine roller bag.  He is ready for a weekend surf trip!

Raffle winner Elizabeth receiving her Whalebone gift card from shop manager Stevi!

We want to thank everyone involved for making the Fashion show a success.  We truly appreciate the support from our loyal customers, North Hills and our fellow merchants. Also, a a big thank you goes out our Whalebone Urban Surf employees for their continued support and hard work!  With the fast approach of Spring everyone can expect more exciting events from Whalebone Urban Surf!

SUP: Young Sport, BIG Impact

In the last several years SUP, also known as stand-up paddling, has relatively overnight became a sensation with water enthusiasts all over the world.  Whether you are cruising in flat water or riding in big waves, SUP seems to be the ideal new sport for surfers and non-surfers alike.

Whalebone Urban Surf is extremely excited about carrying a selection of SUP's from Naish.  Naish has been producing some of the industry's top SUP's since 2007.  They make a great range of boards that include everything from first time beginner boards to SUP's for high performance wave riders.  Regardless of your skill level, we want fill in Triangle residents what many people already know.  Stand-up paddling is not a trend, it is here to stay.

Beginning in Spring 2011, Whalebone Urban Surf is going to be hosting several SUP demo clinics in addition to offering lessons. Many of these events will be held in some of the Triangle's surrounding lakes.  We will also have a wide variety of SUP's available for purchase in the store.  Bottom line, SUP is a great, exciting and healthy sport.  It provides it's participants with a full body core workout that is rarely obtained from just one activity.  Whether you have a lake house or cruise to the coast on the weekends, invest in a Naish SUP.  Let Whalebone find you the perfect board.  It is an investment that the entire family will enjoy.

L*Space Promotional In-Store Event

On Tuesday, January 18th Whalebone Urban Surf hosted it's first in-store event!  We were so excited to have to support of L*Space when we decided to throw the promotion.  The event, which was held from 6 to 8 pm, provided customers the opportunity to try on L*Space swimsuits in a multitude of colors, styles and patterns.  If they opted to try on one they were automatically entered in a drawing to win a FREE L*Space swimsuit of their choice!  If they ended up purchasing one they received 10% off for the one night only and a free wet/dry bikini bag with purchase!

Don't worry if you could not make it to the event because the promotion is running through January 31st!  You can still come in and try on an L*Space suit and get entered to win a FREE one!  Also, the free bikini bag with purchase still applies!

We would also like to extend a big thank you to Donna, our L*Space sales rep, who came to visit us all the way from Wilmington!  Donna, pictured below, with some of the Whalebone Urban girls!

Employee Spotlight: Ty Fitzpatrick

One of the things Whalebone Urban Surf is most excited about is bringing surf culture to Raleigh and how could we do that without having actual surfers working in the store!  Ty, a Hawaii native, has surfed all his life and brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for surfing to Whalebone.  We are so excited to have someone with his level of surfing experience and expertise as part of our team.  Below is a short interview with Ty so that everyone can get to know him a little better!

Name: Ty Fitzpatrick

Hometown: Town of Kapaa in Kaua'i, Hawaii

When did you first learn to surf?

TF:  I first learned to surf when I was around ten years old.  My friends and I found an old surfboard under my uncle's house and took it out to catch some waves.  After that first day I was instantly hooked on surfing.

Who is your favorite pro-surfer?

TF:  It would have to be "Duke".  He was from Hawaii and to many he is known as "the father of modern surfing."  He shaped the first surfboard that was ever seen in Australia which I think is pretty cool!

What is your all-time favorite surf spot?

TF:  Besides home I would have to say Bali.

What is your board of choice?

TF:  Definitely a 6'0 JS Fat Fish

What brought you to North Carolina?

TF:  I just wanted to see the world!

Random question.  What is your favorite food?

TF: Any fresh fish!

What is the thing you like most about working at Whalebone Urban Surf?

TF:  It is as close to being at the beach as I can get here without actually being at the beach!

LAST ONE!  What is the #1 item on your Whalebone Urban Surf wish list?

TF:   A Naish Stand Up Paddle Board

Meet the Whalebone Urban Surf Team!

We at Whalebone Urban Surf are so excited to be in Raleigh and we are ready to let Triangle residents know who we are!  While the Whalebone name is synonymous with surfers and beachcombers all around, we want the great people that work in the store every day to be just as well known as the name itself.

This is our beautiful group of Whalebone Urban Surf ladies!  Allie(far left), is a graduate of UNCW and recently moved back to North Carolina after living in Vail, Colorado for 2 years!  Alisa(2nd from left), is also a graduate of UNCW and relocated to Raleigh from Greensboro to be the Assistant Manager of our great shop!  Hannah(2nd from right), is a Senior at Millbrook High and will go off to college next Fall!  Last but not least, Stevi(far right), is also a UNCW graduate and is the manager of Whalebone Urban Surf.  Her father, Jim Vaughn, is the owner of all three Whalebone locations.  She hails from the Outer Banks and has been living in Argentina for the past 4 years.  Now she is back and keeping Whalebone in the family!   We are all so very excited to be part of such a special and unique shop!

Whalebone Urban Surf is very proud of our great group of guys!  Joe(far left), originally is from California and is a recent graduate of NC State.  Ty(2nd from left), is originally from Hawaii and relocated to the Raleigh area for school.   Jim Vaughn(middle), is the owner of the all the Whalebone locations and is a regular fixture in the shop! Tucker(far right), is originally from Greenville, NC and is currently a student at NC State.

We have a great team so please come in and get to know us because we want to get to know all of you!