SurfSurfSurf

SurfSurfSurf, an independent surf shop in North Devon

SurfSurfSurf is an independent UK surf shop based in High Bickington, in North Devon, close to some of the best surf spots in the south-west of the country. Its catalogue focuses on surfboards, wetsuits, fins, gadgets and surfing accessories from well-known brands, and combines online sales with the option to collect orders from its premises.

The company presents itself as a family business: Steve and Sarah handle the day-to-day running, Mum is the senior partner and Dad runs the accounts. The original physical shop opened in 1999 in Minehead and ran for eight years before making the leap to e-commerce. According to its own history, it has now been selling surf gear for nearly 27 years.

Surf and watersports catalogue

The range is organised into several product groups. The hardware section includes surfboard fins for different systems and brands, such as FCS, FCS II, Futures, Captain Fin and models for longboards and retro boards, as well as fin covers and leash plugs. It also has board bags and covers — travel bags, day bags and stretch sock covers — leashes, tail pads, ding repair kits and wall and floor racks for storing boards.

In clothing and technical equipment it sells wetsuits for men, women and juniors, as well as wetsuit boots and reef booties, gloves, hoods and caps, rash vests and wetsuit repair and care products. This area is completed with beach changing robes.

The catalogue also extends to other watersports and snow sports:

• Bodyboard: boards, swim and bodyboard fins and accessories.
• SUP and kayak: fins, leashes, paddles, bags and stand up paddleboard equipment.
• Ski and snowboard: bags and backpacks, gloves, wax and base tuning kits, stomp pads, helmets for men, women and kids, goggles, protection, base layers and Airhole masks.

Accessories, gifts and other sections

The gifts and surf accessories section brings together wax, wet and dry wetsuit bags, roof rack pads, tie downs and car seat covers, softracks, travel bags, gift vouchers, Aquapac waterproof pouches, camera cases and dry bags, and surf DVDs. The shop also includes a skateboard section with its own hardware, mountain bike DVDs and GoPro camera accessories.

Brands and customer service

SurfSurfSurf identifies itself as an authorised retailer for Ocean & Earth, Xcel, C-Skins, Dakine, FCS and Futures Fins. The company highlights its free expert advice, an easy-to-use buying process and fast order dispatch, and states that all its products are in stock for immediate dispatch. It offers free standard shipping on orders over £35, fast UK delivery, express delivery and collection from the shop, as well as a 28-day returns policy.

The company operates a price match policy: it reviews requests for identical products in year or season, size, style, colour and specifications, provided the item is in stock on the competitor's website, shipping costs are taken into account, the product can be delivered to your home and it is sold by an authorised UK retailer. The company warns that it cannot always match the price and, in those cases, explains the reason and offers its best available price.

History and audience

Founded as a physical shop in 1999 and later turned into an online store, the company caters to surfers of all levels and ages, from those buying their first board to those looking for technical shortboard or longboard equipment. Its owners say they surf, bodyboard and snorkel, and that this knowledge of the water is the basis of the advice they offer their customers.

Location and contact

Old Park, Taylors Lane, High Bickington, North Devon EX37 9BL · Phone: 01769 560294