Seems like Rip Curl is all over the place nowadays. From their award winning F Bomb fullsuits and Mirage boardshorts, to the Bells Easter Classic going on this week in Torquay, Australia, to new stores popping up- you can't turn your head and not bump into Sir Ripley J. Curl. Considering not everyone is out of the recession yet, it’s
good to see companies making an effort to turn things around. Like the new Rip Curl surf shop next door to Hansen's in downtown Encinitas. It was
unfortunate to see Leucadia Surf Shop, Becker, and K5 close their doors
recently but on it’s heels is the surf company Rip Curl founded in 1969 and their new collaboration with Hansen's.
It’s an
interesting building that’s been there for at least 50 years- just north of Swami's on highway 101. It was originally
a gas station, then went through various reincarnations that included a real
wood furniture store and most recently was Hansen’s staging area for their
internet sales. What's particularly interesting about this shop is that the shop employees told me it's a collaboration between Rip Curl and Hansen's; Hansen's still owns the building but Rip Curl filled it with product. Not a bad deal.
In what seemed like the span of a few days, they repainted the place, added some signs, threw in fresh carpet, wheeled in fixtures, and added more wetsuits, boardshorts, tees, and hats than you can shake a stick at. Speaking of sticks- they won't have boards in their for a few more days. Regardless, the place looks killer. Unfortunately I just bought 4 new Rip Curl suits this winter so I'm dialed for now, but I'll have to grab a fresh pair of boardies for summer I guess.
Rumor has it they're going to have an official grand opening soon (last week was their 'soft opening') and they'll probably have a bbq, giveaways, music, whatever, but in the meantime, don't wait- get there while the selection is still good. Like those red, white, and blue Wilko fullsuits you've been dying to rock at D Street. They've got the same hours as the Hansen's store too:
- Monday and Tuesday 9am to 6pm
- Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday 9am to 9pm
- Friday and Saturday 9am to 6pm
- Sunday 10am to 5pm
