Sportsister recommends Loose-Fit the longboard specialist surf store. With a great shop and café near the waves of Saunton in Devon, a city store in Bristol and an extensive online offer - this award winning retailer gets top marks.
Surfing has undergone a massive period of growth over the past few years and that is reflected in the number of surfing lifestyle stores that have arrived (and some gone) on our high streets. So it’s refreshing to find a store that is intent on being true to its roots as well as dedicating itself to some great environmental initiatives and fun events.
Buying a board
But first the important bit, buying a surfboard. Loose-fit do not sell cheap boards - they sell quality boards and if you are in the market for one they can give you some great advice. Surf shops can be intimidatingly macho, especially if you stray from the bikini section to the hardware. But not here. The laid back vibe and friendly staff have all the knowledge to make sure you make the right purchase for you.
There is also the option to try before you buy on certain boards, with the hire fee being re-funded if you do purchase. This makes good sense when you are spending a lot on the perfect board. And the boards are perfect - sourced from the best traditional shapers around the world including McTavish, Southcoast and Typhoon, (the board pro-surfer Malia Jones rides. Loose-fit are the only stockist outside of Hawaii and Japan) you will be hard-pressed to find a classier selection anywhere.
So if have had a few lessons and are ready to take the next step of buying your own board, Loose-fit could be just what you need.
The Stores
And while you are mulling over spending on your dream board, you can browse clothing by Howies, Finisterre, RVCA and The Ryde as well as Loose-Fit’s own brand of cool, organic tees. There is also Footwear by Patagonia and wetsuits by Australian brand West alongside an array of books, accessories and gifts.
If you are in the store in Braunton near to the famous surfing beaches of Saunton and Croyde, you can enjoy a fairtrade, organic drink or a ‘triple certified’ coffee (approved by the Fairtrade Association, the Rainforest Alliance and the Soil Assciation) while you watch the world go buy and wait for the swells to roll in.
The Bristol store does not miss out on the fun either. There are regular events and surf photography exhibitions as well as a monthly surf movie night. And don’t forget if you can’t get to either store - checkout their website www.loose-fit.co.uk for cool clothing, great books and surf videos and gifts.
Sportsister members are entitled to 10% off, just enter the code ‘sportsister’ at check-out.
The Environment
Aside from great service, Loose-fit score highly on their environmental stance. They are the world’s first and only carbon neutral surf shop. For them the environment has always been a top priority. And this commitment has paid off with much recognition over the years, most recently winning the Surfers Path Green Wave Global Award for the second year running.
They are also a member of the organisation 1% for the planet, a US based global alliance of businesses committed to protecting the natural environment and creating a healthier planet. By pledging 1% of net sales to the environment, Loose-Fit were the first company outside the US in the surf industry to become a member of the organization.
Factfile
Stores:
Loose-Fit Surf Shop & Cafe
.
The Forecourt,
Exeter Road,
Braunton
. EX33 2JP.
Tel: 01271 813300
Loose-Fit Surf Shop.
138 Whiteladies Road,
Clifton,
Bristol
BS8 2RS.
Tel: 0117 973 1255
Online:
www.loose-fit.co.uk. Scroll around the online store for cool clothing, great books, surf videos and gifts. Sign-up for email alerts about events or the daily drop (a regular fix of surf photos).
Sportsister members are entitled to 10% off, just enter the code ‘sportsister’ at check-out.
Sports and activities catered for:
surfing, snowboarding, relaxing.
Strong on:
Service - great for advice on buying a board, endlessly patient and female friendly.
Special Features:
Commitment to the environment, 1% for the planet member. Fun vibe with social events and café for relaxing in.
Danielle Sellwood, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine
Other Sportsister surfing features:
Getting started - surfing
