The Best Gift Idea For A Real Surfer!

Hey Everyone,
   Well it's that time of year, filled with family, friends, and Northwest swells!  With water temps dropping starting late fall and through the winter, it's finally full suit season.  Now if you're like me, you love warm water and being able to surf in trunks....but living in Southern California this in NOT a reality.  The reality is water temps make it too cold and a surfer MUST wear a full suit.  It's a blessing and a curse. You see wearing a full suit weeds out those "fair weather" summertime surfers.  It also thins out the year round guys who wake up and think, "Damn it's 40 degrees out, 55 degree water temp, and only 2-3 foot....I'm going back to bed..." You are probably thinking get to your point!

Well, my point is every real surfer, those who actually surf year round, can NOT escape wearing a full wetsuit.  I get calls all the time asking, "What should I get for my blank who surfs?" (husband, brother, boyfriend, etc...)

My response: The Wetsuit Hanger and here is why.....

Reason #1 - The wetsuit hanger, which may sounds gimmicky and kooky, is actually an awesome and functional piece of equipment.  Not only will it protect and preserve the life of your wetsuit, it actually helps dry the suit a little faster.  Every surfer knows that putting on a wet/cold wetsuit in a 40 degree parking lot during the winter is no bueno!

Reason #2 - As a surfer, it usually does not cross your mind to buy yourself a wetsuit hanger.  You might think, "that's lame, I'll just let my suit dry in the back of my truck, or throw it in the dryer..."  The hanger is one of those items that you know works well and is extremely functional, but maybe because you're cheap/frugal/thrifty or saving up for your next board, you don't want to spend the money!  So the majority of the surfers who get them as gifts are throwing high 5's around because they never knew it existed or are stoked they got one and didn't have to spend dinero!

Reason #3 - It's only $22! Giving gifts can really break the bank....but this handy piece of sturdy plastic is perfect for a white elephant gift, Christmas, or birthdays, without leaving you broke!

So in conclusion, if you really want to get that surfer a great gift, the wetsuit hanger is something they'll actually use instead of ending up buried in the garage somewhere with lame duck gifts from the past.

Keep it Crux!
Mike

Hinano Holiday Clothing Now Shipping!

Hey Everyone,
   We got some new Hinano Clothing just in time for the holidays!  Stoke out the surfer you love with some sweet new gear from Hinano Tahiti.  Below are some of our favorites from the season.  Be sure not to miss out, because once they sell out....dats it brah!

New Hawaiian Island Creations T-Shirts

Hey Everyone,
   We got some new HIC t-shirts in stock to help spread some holiday aloha!  Check out these new shirts from Hawaiian Island Creations.  Below are some of our favorites from the new styles.  Don't wait too long because the shirts sell out faster than you can say....oly-oly-oxen-free!

High Performance Body Glove CT Wetsuit!

Hey Everyone,
   Are you looking for a wetsuit that's not too bulky and doesn't restricts paddling?  We are happy to tell you about the Body Glove CT 3/2 Slant Zip wetsuit.  This suit is perfect because it has a chest entry zip that doesn't hinder paddling.  It is also made of super buttery, stretchy neoprene to keep the wetsuit ultra flexible.  This wetsuit isn't the warmest wetsuit Body Glove makes, we would recommend the Body Glove Vapor for that.  The CT suit is a prefect 3/2 high performance suit, when the water isn't freezing, but you can't get away wear a spring suit or trunks.  To see more of their suits check out this page: Body Glove Wetsuits
Keep it Crux!

Some Shirts Never Get Old...

Hey Everyone,
   Don't forget about Clark Foam shirts and Sex Wax shirts.  These vintage surf industry logo shirts have been around the surf culture and community for many many years.  We are into new fashion too, but you always have to have that iconic and go to t-shirt.  Our store has the short sleeve Clark Foam shirt and long sleeve Clark Foam t-shirt.  We also have the Sex wax shirt in short sleeve and long sleeve.  Are you having trouble trying to decide what to get for that surf buddy or surfer loved one?  You can't go wrong with these iconic and authentic shirts.
Keep it Crux!

All New Hippy Tree Winter Gear Now In Stock

Hey Everyone,
    The new fall and winter Hippy Tree 2011 clothing is now in stock and shipping.  The new stuff is super sick! Check some of our favorite items from this seasons collection.  Remember their clothing sells out quick, so hurry before its all gone!  Below are some of our faves from Hippy Tree:

Hippy Tree Peel Hoodie

Hippy Tree Harvest Flannel

Hippy Tree Topo Jacket

Just another summer day in Long Beach

Hey Everyone,
Summer is still here and the weather in Long Beach, CA has been super warm.  Waves have been super fun as we have been getting peaky, playful surf.  Here's a shot from this mornings session before I paddled out.
Keep it Crux!

Surf's Up...Summer is finally here!

Hey Everyone,
   Summer is finally here! We've had a few good south pulses so far and waves have been super fun.  I've been MIA because of my daughter Jasmine, surfing, wife, and family parties!  Anyways, water temperature is warming up and I've been surfing in my short sleeve full similar to this West Nitro Short Sleeve Fullsuit. It's a 2mm neoprene suit and is perfect early summer and fall.  I hope everyone has a great summer and if you need anything don't forget to visit our online surf shop!
Keep it Crux!

HIC Clothing In CA Now Shipping!

Hey Everyone,
  We are so stoked to add Hawaiian Island Creations to the mix!  HIC has been around since 1971, and has a 40 reputation of being a core Hawaiian surf brand.  Hawaiian Island Creations clothing is hard to find, so we thought it would be a great fit, especially since you won't find their clothes at Costco!  Check out the newest limited edition HIC GO LA Shirt.  We will be adding a bunch of HIC shirts in the next few days, but already have the HIC boardshorts up on the site.  Aloha to all, and shakas all around!
Keep it Crux!

Local Surfer's Tragedy Inspires Non-Profit Organization

As a father/surfer, the following true story inspired me to help out my fellow surfer.

Mike Vavak is a Southern California native. As a grom you could spot him
anywhere from Seal to Huntington Beach. A graduate of Los Alamitos High School, Mike helped run an independent record label, and previously was the National Sales Manager for Ocean & Earth USA. Life was going great for Mike. I remember him telling me his wife was pregnant and how stoked he was to be a dad. Tragedy struck on February 9, 2009, when his soon to be son, Milo David Vavak was born still. I'll never forget the sadness in his voice when we spoke. He said they were nearly 9 months into the pregnancy and on labor watch. He mentioned he had just finished putting together Milo's crib and how he held his lifeless son in his arms. He and his wife sought support from other grieving parents. The OC Walk To Remember is a non-profit organization that helped Mike and wife Shimrit through their grieving process.

On July 5, 2010 Mike and Shimrit gave birth to Shaiah Olim Vavak. Many people
contributed in repairing Mike's world so he decided to start a non-profit
organization "The Olam Project", which designs shirts and gives profits to
various charities. "Tikkun Olam" is a saying in Hebrew that means "Repairing the World". The first t-shirt design is called "Pulse". 20% will be donated to
The OC Walk To Remember.

Surfing is a big part of my life, but nothing comes above being a father. We
are extremely happy for Mike and his family. I can't imagine the strength it
takes when losing a child. This is why we are more than happy to support Mike
and The Olam Project. Purchase the Olam "Pulse" shirt and show your support!
It's a great shirt with an even better cause.

To show your support and purchase a shirt visit: http://www.cruxsurf.com/olam-pulse-shirt.html



To read more about OC Walk To Remember visit: http://www.ocwalktoremember.org



To read more about Olam visit: http://www.theolamproject.com

West Full Wetsuit Review & Buyers Guide

Hi Everyone,
I just finished writing up a West Wetsuit Buyers Guide. This article is very much a work in progress and I will be adding more useful info and tweaking things along the way. If there is information you feel is missing, please let me know. West makes great suits and they are priced very well. Check out the article here --> West Buyers Guide: Wetsuit Reviews & Recommendations.

Keep it Crux!

There Is A Lot To Be Thankful For!

Hey Everyone,
   Just wanted to write this little rant about how thankful I am.  Maybe it's the Holiday season, or maybe I'm loosing my mind because the surf and weather have been bad lately.  Anyways, as we near the end of 2010, I am truly grateful for everyone who has supported Crux.  Starting a business isn't easy, especially in this economy, but all the overwhelming support from family, friends, customers, and vendors has made this past year a huge blessing.  Business is good, wife is good, baby is good, and family and friends are good....  Thank you all for a great 2010 and here's to a even better 2011!
Keep it Crux!

What's Holidays Without Laughter?

Hey Everyone,
   Just wanted to say Happy Holidays to everyone!  The time is getting closer to our last day of shipping orders to get it by Christmas.  If you need to buy mens surf wear and clothing, be sure to order by December 17th.  Any orders placed after that cannot be guaranteed to make it in time for Christmas.  This is because Santa, UPS, FedEx, and the USPS are going to have a great time partying (see picture below)!  Happy buying folks!

Mike

Black Friday thru Cyber Monday Surf Clothes Sale!

Hey Everyone,
    This Friday the 26th don't miss out on our Black Friday Sale!  Featuring select t-shirts as low as $10.  Also, save big $$$ on select walkshorts and boardshorts starting at $15.......yup that was not a typo, we meant $15!!!  The sale will go from Friday 11-26 thru Monday 11-29, but hurry there are limited quantities available!  We wanted to pass some stoke to our valued customers during this holiday season.  Thanks for all the support and have a great Thanksgiving holiday!
Keep it Crux!
Mike Sopena

No Shave November Contest Is On!

Hey Everyone,
   We are having a Crux No Shave November Contest!  Click the link to find out more details and become a Fan of Cruxsurf.com on Facebook.