Once Upon A Time I Went to Abaco...and I took Whalebone with me!

I recently went on an amazing trip to the Abacos, a strand of islands located in the Bahamas.  When I got back from my vacation I was looking through my many pictures and came to the stark realization that almost everything I wore on my trip came from Whalebone Urban Surf.  I guess that is not too hard to believe being that I am employed by Whalebone, however I also noticed that many things that my best friend wore on the trip were also purchased at Whalebone Urban Surf.  Honestly, if you are going on a summer trip, whether it be to the Caribbean or to the Carolina Coast, one can truly get everything they need for the trip from any of our Whalebone stores.  Swimwear, sportswear, eye wear, footwear, sunscreen, head wear or even any of our amazing hard goods; Whalebone truly does have it all.  I am confident that even if this store was not a huge part of my life I would have still purchased many of the things I needed for my vacation at Whalebone.

There was not a day on my trip that I did not receive inquires about where I purchased my swimsuits from and who designed them.  All of my suits that I wore on my trip were L*Space by the way! Both of my friends suits were from the shop as well.  One Volcom and one L*Space.  Even my Billabong cover up dress and VonZipper "Elmore" Sunglasses garnered attention.  It is just apparent now more than ever how wonderful is it that Raleigh has a full service surf shop to make sure that residents can get everything they need BEFORE they go on vacation!  Below are some pictures of my favorite Whalebone duds.

I am wearing the L*Space Twister Top in Lime and my friend is wearing Volcom's Smock Puppet Bikini in Teal.

 I am wearing Billabong's One Shouldered Lue Dress here!

 Here I am wearing the L*Space Triangle Top in Black and the Tiger Print slit bottoms.

My favorite Whalebone vacation must have is my VonZipper Elmore's in Tortoise with a polarized lense.

While I do not typically blog about myself I did think it was important to let everyone know that Whalebone has some awesome merchandise that is perfect for any summer trip.  If you have any questions about any items I mentioned or are just interested in the store please call us at 919.758.8362 or email us at whaleboneurbansurf@gmail.com.

Graduating Soon? Whalebone has the perfect Graduation dress for you!

With Summer quickly approaching, high school and college graduations are looming overhead.  While the act of graduating and taking that walk across the stage and receiving your diploma seems effortless, for many young girls the task of finding that perfect white dress to wear under their gowns is quite arduous.  It is a day that will be photographed and remember for years to come and for many having that "perfect" dress is almost as important as the act of graduating itself. Luckily, Whalebone is stocked with a vast assortment of white and off white dresses of all shapes, sizes and price points.  We want to make sure that our young shoppers that are about to venture off into the next big chapter in their lives walk across the stage looking fresh, beautiful and happy because they did not have to break the bank to have the perfect white dress for the day.

Here are just a few of our favorite white dresses perfect for graduation day:

 Quiksilver "Sunnie Dress" in White.  $59.50

O'Neill "Chantilly" Dress in White.  $39.50

 O'Neill "Roseberry" Dress in White.  $54

Insight "Free Breeze Dress" in Off White.  $67

Whether you are looking for a dress for yourself or if you are shopping for your daughter, stop by Whalebone and let us find that perfect white dress!

Surfer Magazine Names UNC-Wilmington in "Top 10 Surf Colleges: A Guide to Getting Waves While Getting Your Degree"

Whether you attended school at the University of North Carolina Wilmington or know someone that does, I am sure you can attest to the fact that part of the draw to the school is it's  surf swells.  Coincidence or not it is also interesing that many past and present Whalebone Surf Shop employees have chosen UNCW as their educational institution.  At Whalebone Urban Surf alone there are four employees who attended college there! It is funny how a common interest or passion can bring people together.  Pete, the manager of the Nags Head location, also went to school there.  Some of the employees surf, others do not, but regardless of that they all love the ocean and that love has seemingly lead them all to the same place.

In the Surfer article, UNCW is referred to as the ideal school for those surfers who "just can't leave the east coast".  The UNCW Surf Team, who placed 4th overall at this year's NSSA Championships is also mentioned..   They continue to touch on UNCW's proximity to other local surf breaks, including Cape Hatteras!  Amongst the other nine schools showcased are University of California Santa Barbara, University of California San Diego and New York University.

Since our November opening, there has been a significant influx of UNCW Students and Alumni that have ventured into Whalebone Urban Surf and that is something we are really excited about.  However at the end of the day, no matter where you went to school, if you love surf culture then that is all we need to know.

To read the full article: http://www.surfermag.com/features/top-10-surf-colleges/

Indoboard Balance Trainers: "The Sport for Everyone, Everywhere!"

The first prototype of the Indoboard was originally designed by Indoboard creator Hunter Joslin in 1975.  The balance board was first created to help train surfers when they were out of the water, then eventually evolved  in a balance trainer that not only strengthens users' legs and balance, but also their overall core muscles.  Today, the Indoboard is loved by enthusiasts both young and old.  Many athletes from the surf, snowboard, skate and fitness worlds rely on the Indoboard to strengthen their balance and also as a form of entertainment when they are not participating in their respective sports. 

After many prototypes and numerous tests, the Indoboard was finally trademarked and patented in the the Autumn of 1998 and officially presented at the Surf Expo in Orlando, Florida.  You don't have to be an "expert" or an athlete to enjoy Indoboards.  According to the Indoboard website, anyone can use an Indoboard by correctly following the instructions and initially having something to hold onto for support.  The ultimate goal in using an Indoboard is to keep the board itself from touching the ground for an extended period of time.  The website says the learning curve is usually around 10 to 15 minutes.

Whalebone Urban Surf is exited to carry a great selection of Indoboards with a variety of different graphics.  Customers also receive a free instructional DVD with purchase.  We encourage all of our customers to come by the shop and check out the boards.  They truly are a great investment for the whole family and a great way to keep everyone active!  If you want more information about these amazing balance boards please feel free to call Whalebone Urban Surf at 919.758.8362 or visit www.indoboard.com! 

"SHUBU", Show Up & Blow Up Inflatable SUP!

Whalebone Urban Surf is excited to annouce we now carry the SHUBU Inflatable SUP by Boardworks Surf!  "Show Up & Blow Up" is the motto for this awesome portable SUP.  This board is innovative in that people can now travel with their SUP's on the road, trail, train and plane!   The SHUBU comes in a oversized bag that can be worn as a bag pack.  It can easily be checked on an airplane, thrown in the back of the car or even worn when walking down to the beach.

The Boardworks SHUBU is made from military grade, UV resistant rubber.  The boards come in 5 sizes, an 8'2" XtraWide, 9'2" XtraWide, 10'2" XtraWide, 10'0" and a 10'7".  The SHUBU is available in 4 different color options.  The boards  come with glued on rubber side bite fins and a detachable center fin that is ideal for deep water conditions.  The SHUBU board package includes a backpack, pump and valves, a pressure gage, and a color matched patch kit.  These SUP's are perfect for people on the go and are interested in  recreational surfing, running rivers or just cruising in flatwater.  We are confident that these inflatable SUP's will appeal to Triangle residents who either just want to paddle in area lakes or for those who jet to the coast on the weekends!  Below is a video of a family taking their SHUBU to their local beach.  It just looks like a blast.  Call Whalebone Urban Surf at (919)758.8362 for more information!

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