As Nanaimo’s only legitimate Surf Shop and being centrally located on Vancouver Island, it’s pivotal that we at Alternative Groove carry a wide verity of surfboards for various conditions and seasons. Surfing is like drinking, you always get wet and it’s okay to pee your pants. So whether you’re casually surfing with friends, binging on weekends, or have a chemical dependence upon on it; we’ve got the right board for you! (If you’ve resorted to using a funnel in order to get in more surfing then we need to a talk!) Recently we increased our surfboard arsenal with Channel Island’s: The Rookie, Gravy, and THE Wizard Sleeve. Check out Channel Island’s descriptions below and follow the links for more details.

THE ROOKIE
Like the Proton for Dane, the Rookie is designed around state-of the- art surfing by a powerful surfer and has a full rail with a curvy outline. All three Gudauskas brothers, not small in stature, have found this board suits the varying conditions and waves on the WQS. Lower entry rocker and more tail flip out the back than the MBM+ and Proton, the Rookie is powered by single concave throughout.

Key note: remember this board hides a lot of volume so order 1/8” thinner and 1” possibly shorter.

Gravy
When Al and Rob get together, the possibilities are endless. Al steering Rob to a more conventional board, and Rob taking Al back in time, a direction he doesn’t always want to go. Reminiscent of Rob’s Biscuit model, The Gravy is shorter and wider than a normal shortboard, but with the addition of a few more performance characteristics. A more foiled and slightly narrower outline with a touch more rocker and fresh new look. With the nose width matching the tail width, not only are small waves fun again, but you can also still tear into them.

This board should be ridden approximately 4″ to 6″ shorter, / 8″ thicker, and about an inch wider than your normal shortboard.

Available in 5′3″, 5′5″, 5′7″, 5′9″, 5′11″, and 6′1″.
Machado’s dimensions are 5′3 1/2″ x 19 1/4″ x 2 1/4″.

THE Wizard Sleeve
Imagine riding a wave without a surfboard under your feet, exploring parts of the wave that the length of a normal surfboard usually prohibits… For this, Kelly created the wizard sleeve, possibly the closest thing to surfing without a board. If you are ready for the volume of your standard short board hidden in a board that is 6-8 inches shorter, then maybe you are ready for this board. The vee bottom on the Wizard Sleeve allows for smooth rail to rail transitions while the wider nose area in the entry of the board definitely helps increase planing speed over flat sections .As well its narrow tail defines it from a fishy board and gives it more control.

This board is offered in the following sizes: 5‘4, 5‘6 5‘8 and 5’10, and comes standard with a bump round pin tail, which not only smoothes out your style but suits quick direction changes perfectly.
This board is standard with 5 sets of FCS plugs which provides versatility and can be ridden as either a tri or quad-fin. Included in the price are Kelly’s signature performance core fins, an $85 value.

FEEDBACK
“Keep and open mind and try this” – Kelly Slater
DESIGNED FOR
Chest-high to overhead. Intermediate to expert surfers.

As always we rent surfboards, wetsuits, and roof-racks if you’re looking to just try on surfing.

If you’re illiterate or need further information give us a shout at the Alternative Groove head office!

“eat your heart out”

Allegedly, a twenty-five year old surfer assaulted an old bird on the beach over some wave board etiquette. It’s slightly understandable, nothing chaps my @$$ more then someone snaking my line in the park: aside from maybe, long exposure to the sun, while spontaneous streaking without sun-block! On the other hand, weekend warriors and beginners aren’t familiar with what’s kosher and what’s objectionable in the waves, park or spot: therefore, don’t be a (insert a derogatory term here), everyone has the right to learn and assaulting someone doesn’t increase your alpha-male status. To sum up, wear sunscreen (especially while streaking), don’t be a ______ and most importantly understand the environment’s etiquette prior to entering.

If you’re looking for surf this summer, Alternative’s got a large ensemble of surf equipment available to rent or purchase. Who knows you might be the next Raph Bruhwiler.

Thanks Coastalbc