Sydney Surf Shops
Sydney's reputation is inseparable from sun and waves, but for the majority of people who aren't blessed with natural surfing ability, there's got to be an alternative to launching yourself over the breakers. This is where surf shops come in, which seem to have less and less to do with actual surfing and more to do with fashion and summer clothing. This means you can still call yourself a surfie by getting kitted up in the right gear without having to brave the ocean. Here are a few shops at which to test the waters.
Let's Go Surfing
128 Ramsgate Ave E
North Bondi, NSW 2026, Australia
This store acts as a front for one of Bondi's popular surfing schools, which means it has to be the real deal to retain any cred in the surfing community. It doesn't … stock imitation surf/streetwear, but mostly wetsuits, surfboards and accessories, board shorts, rashies, etc. Yet there's still a reasonably decent selection of bikinis I'd argue would never encounter saltwater. [link]
Rip Curl Pro Store
82 Campbell Parade
Bondi Beach, NSW 2026, Australia
[link]
Surf Dive 'n' Ski
464 George St
Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
For serious surfers and wannabes alike, this store, with franchises scattered about Sydney, doesn't pigeonhole itself. It's got a wide range of Australian and … international labels and goods for the beachgoer who'll never hit the water. Yet somehow it manages not to ostracize the serious surfer in the process, so it pulls a varied clientele. [link]
Quiksilver
363 George St
Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
Quiksilver really does have credibility in the surfing community for its creation of authentic surf gear, unlike the teams of surf shops catering to beach-hopping beauty … queens who'll never see a surf board close up. However there's also a clever business mind behind this label, which means they've long since ventured into daywear to bring in cash as they continue to ply the arguably less lucrative surfer kit. Better for guys looking for quality street and surfwear, rather than chicks. [link]
Beach Culture
Seventh St
Sydney Domestic Airport, NSW 2020, Australia
Just in case you're likely to forget where you've come from, when you're on your way somewhere else you've got one more chance at the airport to pick up your little piece … of Sydney. No, not the tacky "I Love Sydney" memorabilia, but something from a proper surf label that reflects this city's coastal living lifestyle. There are also franchises across Sydney, but funnily enough, I haven't yet seen one near the beach. [link]
