News
An example of Customer Feedback we're proud of July 01 2015
Here's a lovely review written by one of our customers who recently bought a wetsuit at our Aberystwyth store. We pride ourselves offering great service, both in store and online. So if you're visiting Mid Wales pop in and say hi... and if you're not then we're here online for you to. You can also interact with us easilly on Facebook at facebook.com/stormriderstore
'A big thank you to the owner of Stormrider. First outing in my sons new wetsuit at the Gower last weekend. Wetsuit was perfect, but the way it was discussed, recommended and purchased was even better. Proper service from someone who clearly knows their industry and dealt directly with my little lad brilliantly. Unfortunately I still had to pay, but we can trade in the wetty when he outgrows it. Very reasonable price, great service, whats the point of shopping on-line, with businesses like this on our doorstep.'
Now Officially Stocking Palm Kayak Products in Aberystwyth April 04 2015
Very happy to announce that we are now official stockists of Palm, Dagger, Wilderness Systems and Mad River Kayaking products. Happy to order anything you need from these quality kayaking companies. **PLEASE SHARE THIS POST WITH ANY KAYAKERS YOU KNOW** #kayak #aberystwyth #wales
Red Bull Hardline filmed on our doorstep! November 25 2014
Urban Beach and Osprey sign Tom Butler September 26 2014
Big Wave surfer gets some sponsorship deals. Check out the article featuring two of our surf brands here:
http://www.wavelengthmag.co.uk/international-big-wave-surfer-tom-butler-signs-contract-extension-osprey-urban-beach/
Nice to see British Companies putting something back into the sport.
Cool little VIMEO clip of the inspirational Glyn Ovens surfing at JBay with a chilled out soundtrack July 08 2014
Grab a cuppa, put your feet up and enjoy this short edit of ION sponsored surfer Glyn Ovens Surfing in Jbay just before the WQS event arrived in 2012Music recorded and supplied especially by the gorgeous voice of Georgia Gregory.
The True line from Glyn ovens on Vimeo.
Had enough of the British Winter? Then try some Moroccan Magic! February 12 2014
Winter Sun Surfing
Once upon a time warm surfing destinations were accessible only to the most adventurous and wealthiest surfers. But not anymore! The worlds a smaller place and warm water surfing really is achievable on a budget if you hook up with the right company.
There are two excellent surf schools here in Mid Wales, and over the bleak winter months one of them migrates to the warm waters of Morocco to offer surfers of all levels a seriously bargain break from the British winter and offer quality surfing instruction to individuals and groups of all abilities with the emphasis being on safety and fun.
Why chose Morocco?
North Africa offers a coastline producing some of the most consistent good quality surf in the world, suitable for all ranges of abilities from the absolute beginner to the most advanced surfers... and all at low holiday prices you just cant find in Europe. Combine with that a mix of stunning location and a sense of relaxation in your down time and you’ve got a winning combination.
With many years experience in providing Moroccan surf trips WalkinOnWater have located themselves in the small fishing village of Taghazoute located 18km north of Agadir. Accommodation is literally a stone’s throw from one of the finest surfing beaches in Morocco.
Taghazoute has been a treasured surf destination since the 1970’s and fortunately has kept its paradise-like atmosphere and WalkinOnWater have been fortunate enough to establish close local links through the surf school, coast care and local surf development programs.
Taghazoute offers a variety of beach breaks, reefs and point breaks to suit every surfer. Reliable North Westerly swells produce some very consistent 3-15ft surf. This is one of the best locations in North Africa.
Typically, after surfing in comfortable water temperatures with the glorious African sun on your back, to the backdrop of the Atlas Mountains, you can relax on your terrace overlooking a white sandy beach with the occasional camel passing by or enjoy the vibrancy that Taghazoute has to offer. Local food is fantastically tasty and ridiculously cheap.
Why book through WalkinOnWater?
Highly experienced and UK qualified instructors with a wealth of local knowledge will look after you and take the stress away of booking a warm destination memorable foreign surf trip.
Individuals, or groups can be catered for, and packages are tailored to suit the needs of the individual surfers. Packages can include surf tuition or simply be on an accommodation only basis. Whatever your needs, WalkinOnWater will construct and deliver an experience of a lifetime
So if you think you’ve had enough of this terrible British winter weather then why not think about joining the guys from WalkinOnWater and experience Moroccan hospitality and culture, while basking in the North African winter sun on a surfing holiday you’ll never forget!
With exceptional value for money when staying in Morocco and flights at ridiculously low prices there has never been a better time to leave this cold weather behind!
To give you an idea of cost, you can expect to pay only £200 for one week’s accommodation and surf lessons! [Excludes flights]
For further information and bookings visit the WalkinOnWater website here:
Or contact them directly on
walkinonwater@hotmail.co.uk
We think you'll have a great time with these guys!
Enjoy....
A day in the life of a Big Wave surfer - a first hand account of the recent epic session at Mullaghmore Head February 06 2014
Having a winter season blessed with some enormous Atlantic swells that have battered Western Europe we though it would be pretty cool to share with you a first hand account of the trials and tribulations of a Big Wave surfers mission at Mullaghmore Head on the West Coast of Ireland.... so we tracked down Welshman Glyn Ovens, Big Wave Surfer, Professional Waterman, Paddle Boarder, Ocean Rescue Specialist and Tow-In Guru. Stormriders was one of his very first sponsors back in the day and we firmly believed in what he had set out to do. We managed to catch up with Glyn in between looking for the biggest swells he can find, and got a few words from him, and this is the insight he shared with us.... enjoy:
I received a call from my good buddy Peter Conroy, to say: "Ireland is on, get here", enough said. The winter passes by very quickly when you look at it from a large surf, point of view.
Missing one of these swells is not really an option.
I packed a couple of boards, and a load of warm gear into a small bag, and jumped on the ferry over the stormy Irish sea.
I was met by Peter in a rainy windswept Dublin and we headed straight over to the West coast and straight to bed.
Next day there were a lot of tow teams at the slipway, at lot of people had been following the swell on the forecasts and had made a similar call.
Lots of familiar faces, everyone frothing, but nervous at the same.
We have a really tight crew out here, and we had a quick safety briefing along with an etiquette system so every tow team waited in line for their wave .
The swell was really heavy and thick, the waves were ranging from 15 to 30 feet high, with big boils The swell had a very high period, and this kept everyone on their toes, looking out for the record breaking bomb sets that we all thought would be coming through.
The lads took it in shifts running safety and observing from the channel, then taking their position in the line-up for some waves.
There was a mix of tow, paddle and spongers (bodyboarders). The spongers absolutely charged, but also paid the price with some brutal beatings.
The wave.
When being towed in, the wave doesn't show itself from the top, it comes in thick and then starts to drain off the reef from the bottom.
Picking your line requires you to judge how deep behind the sections you want to be, then you drop down into the bowels of the beast.
There is a huge barrel on offer, but as the wave drains off the reef it pulls up huge boils that are a surfers nightmare to negotiate whilst in the tube.
Peter Craig was my partner for the day, and he drove like an absolute legend.
My best wave consisted of pulling off hard on the rope to carry speed through to a section well ahead of me. The tide was low, and so the boils were always going to be present. Everything was silent and all I could see was how the wave is sucking off the reef, looking for the boils, and how best to transit through them.
I rode through the section nicely, only to see the water reverse sucking off the reef, downhill towards the base of the wave I was on.
I had to drop over multiple steps, along with riding through upsurges of water, I managed to stick it by the skin of my teeth, and pulled up and over the shoulder at the end section to be greeted by the gallery of skis, photographers and even some kayakers, all hooting and shouting.
Job done. Stoked.
This day no falls, just good waves, back safe.
Can't wait for the next swell, But I am going to have to.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There's something very special about the breed of surfer who decides to take on the challenge of riding the biggest waves that nature creates.
They seem to share a very rare mindset that allows their confidence in their abilities and equipment to over-ride the brains natural response that tells most of us to take flight. Raw courage is not enough to keep you alive on these monsters. Skill, preparation and careful calculation are equally important.... and complete trust in your PWC partner obviously!
I'm always in awe of people who can face real fear, put it on the back burner, and focus on the job in hand. What an inspiring way to experience the world.
I guess life on the edge is more vivid, senses magnified, more intense, more raw.
Many people never get to experience these feelings, and that's a shame.
So as we look ahead at what looks like another set of mighty weather systems pushing across the Atlantic Ocean it would seem that for some people, this year is turning into a very memorable one.
Glyn wishes to thank his principle sponsors for their ongoing support:
Ion wetsuits, http://www.ion-products.com/
Fanatic International SUP, http://www.fanatic-sup.com/content/index_eng.html
Guts Surfboards, http://www.gutssurfboards.com/
Voltz Energy Shot, http://www.voltzenergyshot.co.uk/
Water Safety international, http://www.watersafetyuk.com/
High Surf Europe, http://www.highsurfrescue.eu/
Rich Martin Personal Training, https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rich-Martin-Personal-Trainer/129838580461363
Pictures by christianmcleodphotography@gmail.com
To follow Glyn on Facebook and keep track of some superb surfing go here:
https://www.facebook.com/GlynOvens
Mostly I'd like to thank to Glyn for taking the time out to chat to us. Keep charging those monsters!
Drones... the future of action sports cam footage? January 30 2014
Drones... the future of action sports cam footage?
What do you think?
What used to be pretty much exclusively military tech or in the professional film makers domain is now costing less that a surfboard!
Here's a vimeo clip of some stunning aerial photography using a cheap commercially available drone.
Enjoy!
Mike
Pipeline Winter 2013 from Eric Sterman on Vimeo.
Confused by the mysterious world of skateboard trucks? January 24 2014
Here’s a brief guide to those metal thingies that keep your wheels fixed to your skateboard.
Skateboard trucks are the T shaped metal parts that bolt onto the underside of a skateboard deck and attach your wheels and bearing to the board. Until the hoverboard becomes a reality you’re going to need them!
Why so many different sizes?
Skateboards come in many different sizes. The width of the deck needs to be similar to the axle width of the truck. Your style of riding [street/park/vert/etc] will also be best suited to the handling characteristics that are caused by the different size/shape of truck.
That is not to say a truck doesn’t work for a different size deck / riding style [It will! You can ride any deck with any truck to some degree!] but for best performance then you should follow the recommendations of the manufacturer.
When considering buying some trucks, the width of your truck axle should closely match the width of your deck. The truck size can be measured by the width of the hanger or the width of the axle.
Trucks consist of the following components:
Axle: The metal rod that runs through the trucks from one bolt to the other, which you connect the wheels to. [Measured from end to end]
Hanger: The T-shaped metal part that the Axle runs through. [Measured along its width excluding the exposed axles where the wheels sit]
Baseplate: Attaches the hanger to the deck
Bushings: The rubber shock absorbers that sit around the hanger assembly. These can range from soft [which allows the board to turn easily] to hard [which helps make the board more stable].
King Pin: The metal bolt which keeps your truck together.
Here’s a general size guide to width from two of the biggest manufactures:
Destructo recommends the following sizes:
5.0 For decks 7.75’’ – 8’’
5.25 For decks 8’’ – 8.25’’
5.5 For decks 8.25’’ – 8.5’’
Thunder recommends the following sizes:
145 for decks 7.9’’ and under
147 for decks 7.9’’ – 8.2’’
149 for decks 8.2’’ – 8.4’’
151 for decks 8.4’’ or wider
*most manufacturers follow similar size ranges.
Next to consider is the Truck Height.
This is the distance between the hanger and the bottom of the skateboard deck
Many riders find a medium height truck works well for most general riding. Riders looking for specific responsiveness from their set-up sometimes choose Low or High alternatives to suit their favourite style of riding.
Low Trucks: Stable for landing tricks. Use with smaller wheels 50mm, 52mm or 53mm
Medium Trucks: Great for general mix of street and park riding. Use with 53mm, 54mm, 55mm, 56mm wheels.
High: Best suited to general cruising. Use with 56mm + wheels.
Hopefully this guide has helped you navigate through the mysteries of Skateboard Trucks.
Remember that you need two trucks... Trucks are used in pairs!
When you shop online for trucks you will see that many retailers will often quote their price based on a single truck price. This is quite misleading. [You will always need two trucks unless you’re replacing one that’s broken] so make sure you’re not buying a single truck.
Our prices always reflect the cost of a pair.
If you need more info then contact us.
info@stormnriderstore.co.uk
To see our range head here:
http://stormriderstore.co.uk/collections/all/skateboard-trucks
Surfboard Ding Repair made easy with Phix Doctor Dura Rez January 18 2014
Here's a youtube vid showing how ridiculously easy it is to use Phix Doctor Dura Rez to make on the fly repairs to your surfboard. It's safe to use on both polyester and epoxy construction boards and has an unlimited shelf life so can be thrown in your board bag and left there indefinitely until it's needed. No need to be forced to sit and watch your mates score 6ft glass while you weep over your damaged board. Dura Rez sun cures in only three minutes!
Available in Nano, Super Mini and Large sizes, and in stock now.
http://stormriderstore.co.uk/products/alder-black-seal-wetsuit-neoprene-repair-glue
Andrew Cotton introduces our Tiki Zepha Wetsuit January 16 2014
Here's a short clip featuring big wave charger Andrew Cotton where he shares the love for our premier suit, the Tiki Zepha 6/5/4
They're in stock and far cheaper than some of the International brands equivalents.
We believe that they are one of the warmest and most flexible suits that you'll find anywhere on the planet!
If you want to see one, or get more info, then pop in or email us at info@stormridersports.co.uk
See ya soon,
Mike
Aberystwyth V's Hercules January 15 2014
Here's a stunning short film showing the effect of the recent Hercules storm event in Aberystwyth where we're based. Probably explains why customers were slightly thin on the ground for 4 days ;-)Welcome to the stomriderstore January 15 2014
I've finally got around to getting our new website sorted.... well, it was cold in the shop this winter and I needed to do something to keep warm ;-)
Hope you like what you see.
This site is basically our 24/7, 365 internet shop.
Unlike some of our competitors we're not trying to be the largest or loudest. They lose sight of the importance of giving good customer service which is hopefully what you'll find we excel at. But we do want to try to become your favourite online boardshop.
What we do offer is some of the best Surf Skate and Snow products available in the UK, at low prices, quickly delivered to your door.
The range you'll see here is only a tiny representation of the full range of products we can source. Unlike some of the 'big' companies we are always happy to source products for you... no matter how big or small. Drop us a line if you cant find a product you're looking for here: info@stormriderstore,co,uk
Please bookmark our homepage, subscribe to out news letter, and if you ever need anything then drop us a line. We're here to help.
And if you're in the area feel free to pop in for a chat ..... Free advice and banter.... but 5p for a carrier bag.... we're in wales ;-)
See ya,
Mike.