Billabong Surf

Billabong Surf

How Are Surf Shops Keeping Their Heads Above The Waves Of Recession

If there's one big attraction to water sports it has to be the fact that boundaries are pretty limitless in comparison to other sports. You won't find fences or markers to hold you in. There are no whistles blown or referees to contend with and pretty much the rules are only governed by the fact that you don't want to die doing it.

Nature is something that man has long wanted to be the master over but it is a law unto itself. This is part of the reason that surfers put themselves in places that most rational thinking people wouldn't. I mean, who else throws themselves into the sea, at the mercy of the unpredictable currents and the powerful force of the waves, and then think they can hold themselves up on the water on a piece of fibreglass?

But the water is there, the power unpredictable, the currents a driving force and the waves just asking to be conquered so that a surfer can enjoy that few minutes of feeling like he has control over nature. Until, that is, he comes crashing down beneath the waves, but that moment will be committed to memory and will be one to be recounted regularly.

It is exactly that need and that feeling that means that, recession or no recession, surfers will keep up their sport, pushing on for that bigger and better wave, out there with that feeling that nothing else matters and nothing can stop them other than their own limitations that can be pushed and challenged.

Almost as regularly as surfers visit the sea, they will also visit surf shops and it is the lucky surf shop owners that are seeing off the recession quite nicely thank you very much. Due to the surfers not needing to pay things like entrance fees or subscription or membership fees to simply ride the waves, this gives them that little more free cash to spend in the surf shops and continue in their chosen sport.

There is much about a surfer's life that is about the image. The O'Neill wetsuit, the Quicksilver surfboard, the Billabong surfing clothes, are all available from surf shops up and down the coast. This is because surfers have a very distinct look that spills over into everyday life, I mean, no one could fail to spot surfers hair a mile away now, could they?!

There has to something about the sport of surfing that makes these people different to other sports enthusiasts. After all, you don't see a footballer with the incredibly laid back attitude of a surfer or a cricketer that has the careless attitude and broad grin that sits so well on surfers.

Maybe it's the fact that they truly believe they are conquering the elements in a unique way that gives them that chilled out aura. I have to say, having undertaken a variety of water sports myself, it does help you to put things in perspective a little.

From my own experience, scuba diving with sharks and dolphins or white water rafting down the rapids, completely at the mercy of the uncontrollable waters, means you have to have your wits about you. There is no time to be thinking about whether or not you turned off the gas, or did you pay the water rates, or did you upset the woman on the make-up counter in Boots. All these trivial details of life fade into insignificance when you have been at one with nature and come out the other side unscathed. Maybe it's this element that gives surfers the cool air of collected calm.

About the Author

Shaun Parker is a leading sportsperson who finds that surf shops are managing to ride the recession storm. Find out more about surf shops at http://www.transsurf.co.uk

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Billabong Body Surf Tank Top - Wheat Heather $29.5 Laughter isn’t the best medicine; surfing is. However, it’s totally possible to combine the two. Andy Davis’ quirky design printed on the front of this Billabong Body Surf tank depicts a lax surfer dude ridin’ a bubbly wave on top of a blonde hottie above bright lettering. Who needs a board when you’ve got a babe, right?

Billabong Padang Surf Backpack -Black-Blue $74.5 An ideal day for you is spent from sunrise to sunset at the beach riding some gnarly waves with the rest of the dudes. Bring everything you need for a successful day surfing with this Padang Surf backpack by Billabong. With two large zippered compartments, this large backpack will easily fit all the gear you need. The main compartment features a place for a large laptop just in case you want to surf the web on your break from ridin’ the surf. A removable waterproof bag for storing your wetsuit and other wet gear is included, protecting the rest of your water-sensitive gear. Two side zipper compartments and a small front zipper compartment will secure the rest of your necessities as you journey around the world to conquer the biggest and baddest waves in history.

Billabong Body Surf Tank Top - Dark Teal Heather $29.5 Laughter isn’t the best medicine; surfing is. However, it’s totally possible to combine the two. Andy Davis’ quirky design printed on the front of this Billabong Body Surf tank depicts a lax surfer dude ridin’ a bubbly wave on top of a blonde hottie above bright lettering. Who needs a board when you’ve got a babe, right?

Billabong Peace Surf Juniors Racerback Tank Top - Bright Yellow $26 You're a pacifist by nature. Guys fight over you all the time, but the second they raise their fists to each other, you disappear — and quick. That's so not your style! Fend off the overly macho dudes who use their muscles and tempers instead of their brains in the Peace Surf tank from Billabong. This thin, racerback tank features "Love. Peace. Surf." on the chest with a distressed wave backdrop and a rounded bottom hem. If the next guy who hits on you doesn't get the hint that you're a peace-lovin' gal, it's time to pick a new place to hang out where the fellas are more chill. Someday there will be world peace — but for now, at least create some harmony in your personal life!

Billabong All Day Surf Cap (Black) $20 Billabong All Day Surf Cap (Black)

Billabong Snapshot T-Shirt - Black $17.99 Keep on shufflin’ down the shore in super-cool surfin’ style with the Snapshot tee from Billabong. It displays nine different tropical beach, guitar and surf-themed photographic images printed on the front along with a brand name and logo. Get a little artsy-fartsy with your solid swagger.

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Billabong Dazed Plaid Button-Up Shirt - Denim $50 Leave the smack-talkers in your wake with the Dazed shirt from Billabong. It features a faded plaid pattern with a metal Billabong logo rivet on the left chest pocket.

Billabong In The Surf Dress (White Cap) $34.5 The women's Billabong In The Surf dress is made of 95%cotton/5%spandex. It features a floral print, a knit body sconscious tank mini dress, and a dipped back.

Billabong Surf Sun Sweatshirt (Hibiscus) $49.5 The women's Billabong Surf Sun sweatshirt is made of 60% cotton/40% polyester. It features a burnout wash, a drawstring hood, a waist patch pocket, and an athletic neck detail.

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Billabong Pacific Flex Hat - Black - $25 Ride the waves of life in style with this Pacific cap from Billabong. This Flex hat features an embroidered brand logo on the crown and embroidered brand name on the back for a look that will make you the coolest dude around.

Billabong Alley Juniors Sweatshirt - Charcoal $59.5 Sport a comfy, earthy look in the Alley sweater from Billabong. It features a drawstring boatneck collar, ultra-stylish dolman sleeves, a front pouch pocket, a Navajo-inspired graphic printed on the front and corset lacing on the back.

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Billabong Occy Boardshort - White $55 It's pretty clear that Mark Occhilupo knows a thing or two about surfing. Pay homage to a dude with over 20 years of competition experience under his belt while upping your swagger with the Occy boardshorts from Billabong. They feature engineered stripes at the back, embroidered branding and side panels, a flap pocket and supreme suede fabric for a smooth look and feel that will put some confidence in your step and strength in your stance. Before you know it, you’ll be surfing those waves just like Mark!

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Billabong Occy Boardshort - Black $54.5 It's pretty clear that Mark Occhilupo knows a thing or two about surfing. Pay homage to a dude with over 20 years of competition experience under his belt while upping your swagger with the Occy boardshorts from Billabong. They feature engineered horizontal stripes, embroidered branding and side panels, a flap pocket and supreme suede fabric for a smooth look and feel that will put some confidence in your step and strength in your stance.

Billabong Occy Boardshort - Blue $54.5 It's pretty clear that Mark Occhilupo knows a thing or two about surfing. Pay homage to a dude with over 20 years of competition experience under his belt while upping your swagger with the Occy boardshorts from Billabong. They feature engineered horizontal stripes, embroidered branding and side panels, a flap pocket and supreme suede fabric for a smooth look and feel that will put some confidence in your step and strength in your stance.

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