THIS LITTLE REPORT WAS PRINTED IN THE TORBAY HERALD

EXPRESS ON MONDAY 14th JUNE 2010 ABOUT THE

GREAT OUTDOORS EXHIBITION - HARBOUR SPORTS WAS

THE HEADLINE SPONSOR FOR 2010

AN exhibition designed to raise awareness of all the fun things to do in the great South Devon outdoors will be back next year.

After the success of the first GoExpo show at the Riviera International Centre, it has been decided to repeat the event.

The Great Outdoors Exhibition, supported by Paignton's Harbour Sports, gave people the chance to try some new pursuits and watch some breathtaking displays which made their way on to YouTube on the internet.

One of the highlights were the demonstrations and workshops by top trials biker Andrei Burton and his team.

Activities included a Spider Mountain climbing wall, street surfing, a surf simulator, laser combat games, trials biking, free running, free riding and unicycling.

Centre managing director Barry Cole said: "We have already started planning the 2011 event, and some great ideas have come from Andrei Burton to make the event even more thrilling."

Katherine Wood, marketing executive at the centre, who was involved in organising the show, said: "We wanted to help inform and inspire the local community to step out of their comfort zone and try something new.

"It was fantastic for us to see both adults and children having fun on the activities and meeting local activity providers.

"For the first year, the visitor numbers were relatively pleasing, but we had hoped that it would have been better attended.

"However, those who did visit gave us very positive feedback, and everyone we asked said that they would return next year.

"Our intention is to increase the number of interactive activities available over the two days and build on the exhibitor and sponsor support that has been established this year.

"We feel this event has massive potential, and would like it to become a regular annual highlight of the English Riviera Geopark Festival.

"We were particularly pleased that such a high percentage of visitors were locals — it means we hit the spot and that we can draw from further afield next year.

"We also had good feedback from our exhibitors, including Active Devon, Dartmoor National Park Authority and Paignton Sailing Club."

Frank Sobey, director and co-founder of Harbour Sports, part-time lecturer at South Devon College and chairman of the Torbay Duke of Edinburgh Award, said: "The strapline for Harbour Sports is 'live the life' — and that is precisely what the exhibition set out to do. It is about captivating and energising a community.

The Kevin Zorgdrager Blog (work experience student from Holland) 28th April 2010.......

Hoi ik ben Kevin zorgdrager en ik kom uit Nederland en ik lom hier stage lopen voor 10 weken bij harbour sports. De studie die ik nu volg is een mbo niveau 4 retail managemant op het florijn college in Breda. Ik woon zelf in heijningen wat een gehucht is en ik leef tijdelijk in Dolphin courd road wat boven op een berg is.

Mijn hobby’s zijn tekenen, snowboarden en martial arts (kung fu).

Hello I’m Kevin Zorgdrager from the Netherlands and I’m here at Harbour Sports for 10 weeks as part of a summer internship. I am currently studying economics at Florijn College in Breda with a view to becoming a retail manager. I am 21 years old and my main hobbies are drawing, Martial arts and snowboarding.

The Chris Beardsmore blog 5th April 2010.................

Torbay is such a wonderful place, when the sun's shining there really isn't anywhere else i would rather be. Throughout the bank holiday weekend we have been blessed with long periods of sunshine which has given us the impression that summer really is on its way. Interest in summer wetsuits has already picked up  with the C-Skin wired and O'Neill Pyscho 1's becoming particularly popular. Some us even dusted off the flip flops and shorts!

Staff member Grant Clarey took the Bic Scapa Kayak out on Sunday morning and put the marker down for the rest of us by paddling over to Torquay and back in 2 hours! The challenge is on to beat this so watch out for us in the Bic Kayaks motoring across the bay. Now that the evenings are lighter we are going out most evenings so if anyone wants to join us just pop into the shop or give us a call.

On a personal note i am nearing the end of my MSc Marketing degree at the University of Exeter so will be back in the Paignton HQ full time fairly shortly. One of the main things i have learnt from my course is the importance of social networking. For those of you who have Facebook, 'become a fan' of Harbour Sports, http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Paignton-United-Kingdom/Harbour-Sports/44845659074?ref=ts , We will be using the site to organise kayak outings aswell as surf trips throughout the summer season. I have an amazing waterproof digital camera so will 'tag' you guys in the pics so all your friends can see you 'living the life'.

Frank's blog 23rd March 2010..................

It’s always a worry when the bloke in the delivery sticks his head through the door and says “Any chance of a hand with the boxes” you know that most of his load is for Harbour Sports. Yesterday was one of those days and we eventually carted fifteen large boxes of Reef sandals upstairs. Since then Ian McRae, our new trainee manager (pictured)

has been battling away checking off, computer processing, pricing and then packing over five hundred pairs of new Reef sandals for Harbour Sports Plymouth and Harbour Sports Exeter. Meanwhile at Harbour Sports Paignton Grant Clarey has been ‘whipped’ into action (yet another picture) and is creating lovely Reef display areas. Sadly Grant recently fully understood the truth about hooking a ride behind a passing vehicle on a skateboard!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I guess this is the first sign (like migrating birds!) that summer is on the way. The hope is that this year we will actually get a summer after three soggy contributions!

MOLDOVA - Offically the poorest country in Europe.

ALL ABOUT SPORTS EVENING FRIDAY 7th MAY

On Friday May 7th CR2EE will be holding an “All about sports evening” at The Sandy Park Conference Centre (home of the Exeter Chiefs Rugby Club, just off M5 junction 30, Sandy Park Way, Exeter EX2 7NN) to raise money for The Wheels Appeal (to buy a community bus for Moldova).There will be numerous stands with kit to buy plus team sports quiz and a sports fashion show.

The evening opens at 7pm and closes at Midnight. Tickets (£10) and further information from Eric Lodge 01392 464738 or email ericlodge@hotmail.co.uk

Marc Wood (Harbour Sports Exeter Manager) is munching "chocolate brownies" as I write this that were delivered by Jo and Jack. They've been organising the event (below)....we're going to offer some sponsorhip and hope that you might want to do the same and perhaps join in!!!

Skaiti - 24 hours for Haiti!  

LONGBOARDERS, SKATEBOARDERS,

INLINERS, ROLLERSKATERS! 

Come and join us!  We're skating for Haiti!

Have you ever wanted to skate around the clock???!!  This is a great chance to do just that!  Put yourself to the test in aid of disaster relief. Skate for 24 hours with us on a fantastic closed circuit.

SKAITI is a 24 hour event taking place at Dunsfold Park Aerodrome in Surrey... on the famous test track featured on the BBC's TOP GEAR!  

SKAITI’S AIM is to raise as much money as possible to help with the disaster relief efforts following the earthquake in Haiti.

We're going to push off at NOON on SATURDAY the 10th of APRIL and we'll be coasting to the finish at noon the following day.   If you aren't able to make the full 24 hours you can still come to the track and skate with us for as long as you like.  Or come as a team and complete the 24 hours in a relay!

THE CIRCUIT is as good a skating environment as we could ever wish for: as wide as the whole M25 in places, traffic free, absolutely flat, unbelievably grippy and silky smooth.  It's simply the best tarmac that we have ever skated. 

ALL SKATERS are welcome: young, old, families, longboarders, street skaters, slalomers, inliners, rollerbladers, rollerskaters...  everyone!  Please join us! This is the track used by the TOP GEAR drivers! Help us make this a huge skate event and a massive fundraising success.

CAMPING is available at trackside!  Dunsfold Park have kindly agreed to allow us to camp right next to the track, so that you can skate all day then sleep for a few hours, then skate again at day break if you want. A toilet block will be open for the duration of the event and the RUNWAY LIGHTS will be turned on to light our way at night!   

We hope SKAITI will be a great opportunity for SKATERS OF ALL KINDS to raise money for Haiti, and to attempt something special.  Whether your target is a full 24 hours or a set distance, the famous track at Dunsfold is a perfect location for a fantastic day (and night!) of skating.  Time yourself, count the laps or just chill out and skate.

ALL SPONSORSHIP MONEY will be donated to SHELTERBOX.  Shelterbox is an international disaster relief charity that provides emergency shelter to those affected by disaster worldwide.  You can find out more about Shelterbox and its work in Haiti at http://www.shelterbox.org

‘SO HOW DO I JOIN THE SKAITI’?  Simple!  Just raise your sponsorship money, and we’ll see you there on the day!  You can pay your money in on the JustGiving pages but please send me an e-mail to say that you are skating with us because I need to know numbers! E-mail me (Jo) at skaiti24@yahoo.co.uk

WE'RE ASKING each skater to raise as much money as possible in sponsorship. £20 each is the minimum, but there is no upper limit...!  It’s easy for your sponsors to donate via our JustGiving page.  You can find it here…

www.justgiving.com/Skaiti24

PLEASE SEND THE JUSTGIVING LINK to all your friends, family, colleagues and possible sponsors, asking them to give what they can. 

We’re planning a special prize draw for all the skaters who raise £50 or more, so please ask your sponsors to put YOUR NAME down against their donation.   

SPREAD THE WORD about the event!  Please post a link to this site into your Facebook profile, Bebo, Twitter and any forums that you use. E-mail everyone you know for support.  Ask them to pass the request on.  We have space on the track for 250 skaters!

A Facebook site has also been created!!

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact me at skaiti24@yahoo.co.uk 

See you on the track!

Jo :))

PS, the small print...

You participate in this event at your own risk. Liability of any kind will not be assumed, neither by the organiser, the circuit, sponsors, nor officials. This applies to accidents, lost items of clothing and other valuables. Signing up to this event acknowledges your fitness to participate.  We strongly recommend the use of helmets, wrist guards, knee and elbow pads.

Special thanks to all our supporters!

TRAINEE MANAGER / SALES PERSON - has now been appointed (16th February 2010)...........................................

We are looking for a trainee manager / salesperson who will be based at Harbour Sports Paignton. An interest in watersports and a driving licence is essential. The work requires the ability to multi-task, to be a team member and to be able to work alone. It’s a quirky sort of lifestyle but that is what makes all our folk unique! Applications in writing please (with cv) or by email.  Harbour Sports, The Harbour, Paignton, Devon TQ4 6DT. admin@harbour.co.uk

Sketch by Chris Robinson

Andy Partridge (Harbour Sports Plymouth Manager) 29th Jan 2010..blog

So the first month of the ‘Teenies’ has nearly come to an end and how rapidly has that one gone by. The heaviest snowfall in England for 20 odd years made the beginning of the month a little strange, rather than people shopping for wetsuit gloves and boots, it was bodyboards they were after, to use as sledges on the Dartmoor Alpine resort.

Strangely two members of the Plymouth staff, Barney and Charlotte, went off on a skiing trip to Les Arcs, only to return to Plymouth to find exactly the conditions they were looking for. They were quick to point out that Les Arcs did actually have a snowboard park and pistes.

Charlotte wasn’t content with just a week in France though. She’s off to Big White, in Canada for a 2 month season, starting in the beginning of February. To say that she’s excited would be an understatement. The lift pass is already bought and snowboard safely packed..

January has been a good month surf wise as well for the South Coast. There have been an abundance of waves with beaches like Whitsand having some solid 4ft clean days. Added to that the fact that we have a large selection of our winter wetsuits reduced has meant that the South Coast surfers have been getting it pretty good at the start of this decade.

Plymouth is also excited about the opening of a new indoor skateboard park on the Coxside industrial park. The park comprises of a large street area with movable obstacles so the skaters can continually mix it up and try new things, and a ramp warehouse that has a variety of different size half pipes with a number of hips and spines. So far it’s looking awesome and should be fully open before the end of February. Call me in the Plymouth shop to find out more up to date news.

Now with the sun shining outside we’re all looking forward to Spring and the arrival of the new season clothing, especially the DC boardshorts and shoes, and the Roxy ladies wear. Bring on the summer.

Shirley Morgenroth on Paignton Harbour

Frank's blog 20th January 2010............................

“FAIR STOOD THE WIND FROM FRANCE” (with apologies to H E Bates!) and so we welcome Shirley Morgenroth from France, who will be working with us at Harbour Sports Paignton for the next five weeks. I’ve asked Shirley to say a little about herself in English and French………

“Hello, my name is Shirley Morgenroth I’m French, I live in Lyon. I’m in England for 6 week to improve my English. My school is Carrel (a business school in Lyon) and I am here with the Training Partnership (Torquay). I had one week of English lessons and now I am working at Harbour Sports on Paignton Harbour for the next five weeks.

I like skiing, wakeboarding and I would like to learn surf but the water it’s very too cold for me.

Bonjour, je m’appel Shirley Morgenroth je suis francaise, je vis a Lyon. Je suis en angleterre pour 6 semaines pour ameliorer mon anglais . Mon ecole est Carrel ( ecole de commerce a Lyon) je suis venu ici avec le training partnership de torquay . j’ai eu une semaine de cours d’anglais et maintenant je travail dans le magasin harbour sports de paignton pour les cinq semaines prochaines .

J’aime skier , faire du wakeboard et j’aimerais apprendre le surf mais l’eau est vraiment trop froide pour moi.”

Frank's blog 16th January 2010............................

This made me smile! Chris Beardsmore and Jess Renshaw took this clever photograph on the day we had harbour snow in Paignton for the first time in twenty odd years. The photograph was then 'tagged' on Face book with the snowman tagged as 'Frank Sobey'.

Chis Beardsmore (Frank Sobey) and Jess Renshaw

You have to laugh. Please note the rather nice customer parking sign outside Harbour Sports Paignton. We've always had lots of snow kit in all three of our shops and sales as you might imagine have been very good with this icy blast. Of course some snow kit also works in the summer. How can that be you ask? It's those 'sheepskin' style boots which work really well in the snow but also good look (Pamela Anderson set the trend) on a sunny day in the summer whilst wandering around in a skimpy bikini...... Noticed this morning that the daylight hours have already started to grow as we once again stagger toward summer. I was at Harbour Sports Plymouth last evening with Andy Partridge and Barny Davies. Andy managed to break a finger whilst sliding down a snowy hill on a bodyboard last Sunday. Bodyboards make great sledges - no sharp edges, plus of course you then have a watercraft for the summer! It's a win win. Barney is just back from a week of skiing in France with the University of Plymouth Snowboarding/ Ski Club. 120 of them on a coach - scary. Saturday morning I was in the Exeter shop with Marc Wood, Chris Beardsmore (who is half way through his M.Sc at Exeter University), Rachel Harrison and Georgia Gold. Great team and full of energy. This afternoon it's the Paignton shop with Guy Shepherd, Al Glenning and new man Grant Clarey. Annual floor painting tonight (back of the shop) and next Saturday evening (front of the shop). Another sign that the new season is on the way.....

Sophie in Switzerland showing the way home!

Frank's New Year Blog .... 30th December 2009

Owen Smith took this rather nice photograph last week as the light started to fade over Paignton Harbour and we thought that we would share it with you.

The last week or so has been cold and after a soggy November that it quite a change. The changing season is reflected in the sale of winter wetsuits for the early pre-dawn start at Bantham and other local beaches. What has been interesting is the large number of people in the water which is of course due in part to the kit now available and doubtless to the dedication of those brave Devon surfers.

We’re now in the last hours of 2009 and the air is charged with the thought of New Years Eve! So who will be the first one in the water on New Years Day? Is there a better way to start 2010 than being in or on the water at first light? I think not.

For others the ski slopes beckon and some of you may remember that Harbour Sports used to tour South Devon schools with a mobile ski shop and a ski stage show. The stage show used the make people laugh as Julian Smith and Frank Sobey bounced around is baggy ski pants that look horribly like large rompers! But it was fun to do and made people smile – especially when we appeared at Kevic’s Sixth Form in Totnes one evening wearing thermal underwear, shaggy moon boots, red mitts and beanie hat plus shiny sunglasses. Two-thirds of the audience spent most of the evening open mouthed wondering quite what was going on. What WAS going on was a gentle introduction as to what is ACTUALLY needed on the mountains in a very user friendly way. Anyway, the point is that although we don’t do the talks or mobile ski shop these days we do have a brilliant selection of snow kit that will do the business. Drop in to any of our shops and check it out!

…….and with that I’m heading on to the shop floor to meet some of the interesting folk shopping this afternoon. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Frank Sobey

Happy Christmas.........................................

So here we are heading toward Christmas in what can only be described as a dislocated market place where things seem to change on a daily basis. What doesn’t change is the consistent service at Harbour Sports, which is delivered with a smile by our exceptional staff. That really is one of the things that I enjoy most of all: working with people who have boundless energy. Folk like Al Glenning from Harbour Sports Paignton. Al is a second year Foundation degree student (Outdoor Education) at South Devon College. Next year he moves to Plymouth University to read Marine Sports Science.

Al Glenning with a pair of Manbi Handwarmers!

We’ve started the winter early this year since it has become the norm! Lots of extra work just ahead of the VAT adjustment on January 1st!! Joy. One good thing about sorting stuff is the joy of the super kit that we have. We’ve already had a chunk of new 2010 Quiksilver stuff which is spectacular. Winter wetsuits have been selling well and we’re already a little short of some sizes. O’Neill and C-Skins still dominate the winter market. 

In passing Owen ‘The Owster’ Smith has just been on a ‘raiding party’ to Bodmin and cleared mush of their end of line kit, much of which is now on the clearance rails in Harbour Sports Paignton and Harbour Sports Plymouth. So do grab a deal whilst you can.

Happy Christmas!

A few passing thoughts 7th December 2009

During a conversation over the weekend I was prompted to look at the “Another Country” TV commercial on YouTube which encouraged people to holiday in Devon last summer. The guy that I was chatting with was one of the actors in this rather nice bit of film which shows how beautiful Devon is! I’ve put a link on the words “Another Country” and so do have a look.  Nice wave!! Summer suddenly seems such a long way off. One of the nice things about our business at this time of year is the number of people returning home to visit family who drop in to say hello. It’s also a time for others to be heading off to the sun or snow for a Christmas holiday and so we find ourselves selling snow kit to one visitor and then beach kit to the next. We always find the time to chat for a while and so get to share the excitement.

Frank's blog 28th November 2009

So here we are almost at the end of November and on the very edge of Christmas! I’ve always liked Christmas because it brings families and friends together, although these days it does rather degenerate into a pit of alcohol abuse and overeating, which is a shame. These are curious times.

It’s been a busy week at Harbour Sports with loads of deliveries including 12 big boxes of Quiksilver and Roxy summer 2010 arriving in time for Christmas 2009!!! Is this more evidence of Global Warming? However it turns out to be luggage and accessories, which make super Christmas presents.

Keeping to the Christmas theme last Thursday was the first late night shopping for Harbour Sports Exeter. Customers enjoyed the traditional chocolates on offer as well as the smiling faces of Marc Wood, James Ellis and Chris Beardsmore!

For those of you who live in Torbay the advent of parking meters will not had many folk leaping up and down for joy! During the winter people used to park on the seafront and enjoy looking out to sea. Sadly now you have to pay which has pushed people off the seafront and on to side roads. Added to that is the proliferation of prohibition notices around the harbour, HOWEVER, we now have customer parking outside the shop designated in front of a rather nice HARBOUR SPORTS CUSTOMER PARKING sign! How’s that for service. Drop in and try it out.

Harbour Sports Plymouth had adopted an ‘Old School’ theme this Christmas and the shop looks stunningly beautiful amongst the cobbled streets of Plymouth’s historic Barbican. A walk around the Barbican during the afternoon with its quaint and quirky shops, refreshingly different eateries and timeless buildings will take you back to a time when Christmas sent a joyous shiver through the ghosts of Christmas past!

Come and work with us in Paignton.........

We are looking for someone to join our Paignton team because Hannah Gorman is heading off to University College Marjon for teacher training! The person that we are looking for must have an interest in watersports and have a driving licence. We are open seven days a week and so you will be working five out of seven, which usually includes one day at the weekend. Pay is initially NMW depending on age. Applications in writing or email. Ref:Paig5501

Hannah Gorman

Frank Sobey

Frank's quick blog 30th October 2009

Sometimes you see something that makes you smile and that is exactly how I felt when I climbed into my Robierobe! Have you seen them? It’s a big towelling cape with a giant hood that just makes you feel as snug as a bug in a rug! Jess Renshaw and Esme Wadie from Harbour Sports Paignton were despatched to Fairy Cove (the beautiful beach tucked away beside Paignton Harbour) to show the half-term strollers what wearing a Robierobe is all about!

Jess Renshaw and Esme Wadie of Harbour Sports Paignton

We sell these fun garments for £29.99 and you know this is a good way to save energy at home by disappearing inside this warm place, hidden under the hood. Well, the Robierobe made me smile and I hope that it does the same for you!

Frank's blog 17th October 2009

We have lots to say and not enough time to write. Silly really when you hear what is being said about business these days. Too many shops have cut back on stock levels but we have, as you might expect, done the opposite! Jess Renshaw has done an awesome job merchandising and people like what she has accomplished. By simply showing what looks good with what a story is told. Esme Wilde (Harbour Sports Paignton) used that theme in helping one guy to change his whole image with a stunning selection of exciting kit!  Talking of kit we have a number of ANIMAL CAPS to give away. We’ll send a free ANIMAL CAP to the first three readers to send their name and address by email to me!

                        DUSTIN WEBER

Dustin's blog 5th October 2009

“Mit einem lachenden und einem weinenden Auge blicke ich auf die Zeit in Paignton zurück,” sagt Dustin Weber (24), wenn er über die vergangenen 2 Monate spricht. Mitte August machte sich der angehende Diplom Kaufmann von Deutschland auf nach Torbay, Südwestengland, um einen Sprachkurs mit anschliessendem Praktikum bei Harbour Sports zu absolvieren. “Ein grosser Traum von mir ist es, nach meinem Studienabschluss in 2010, für ein paar Jahre im Ausland zu arbeiten. Die Zeit bei Harbour Sports hat mich diesem Vorhaben einen bedeutenden Schritt näher gebracht. Meine Arbeitskollegen haben dafür gesorgt, dass ich mich jederzeit sehr wohl gefühlt habe. Ich werde sie sicherlich vermissen.” Anschliessend fügt er hinzu, “Der Aufenthalt in Torbay war für mich ein voller Erfolg! Ich habe so viele schöne Erinnerungen an England gesammelt, etliche interessante Menschen kennengelernt, viele Orte besucht, tiefe Einblicke in die englische Kultur erhalten, meine Sprachkenntnisse verbessert und nicht zuletzt jede Menge Spass gehabt – eins ist sicher: ich werde wiederkommen!”

"With a laughing and a tear in my eye, I look back on the time in Paignton," says Dustin Weber (24), when he talks about the past 2 months. In mid-August the prospective graduate in Business from Germany went to Torbay to take a language course followed by an internship at Harbour Sports. "A big dream of mine is to work for a few years abroad after having graduated in 2010. The time at Harbour Sports has brought me an important step closer to this project. My work colleagues have made sure that I have always felt very comfortable. I will certainly miss them." Then he adds, "The stay in Torbay was a great success for me! I have collected so many beautiful memories of England, met some interesting people, visited so many places, got an insight into British culture, improved my language skills and not at least, have had loads of fun - one thing is certain: I will come back to England! "

Hannah's blog 22nd September 2009

Hi, this is Hannah Gorman and I am taking over from Chris as the Paignton shop manager this weekend. Chris is heading off to Exeter for an M.Sc degree in marketing – we wish him well and hope that the crayons we’ve given him come in useful!

Frank's blog 13th September 2009

Here comes the sun! Sunday 13th September and that big yellow thing is beating down on South Devon’s beaches. Four days of bright sparkling sunlight make so much difference to us all and brings home the cost of three dismal summers, for you know it’s not just about tourism since sunshine tends to make even the most pessimistic of folk a little happier!

Let me tell you about the adventures of Chris Beardsmore the Harbour Sports Paignton shop manager!!The past week he has been part of two dramatic rescues. The first was when a bloke fell into the harbour having failed to make the gap between his dinghy and his yacht. Quick thinking Chris grabbed one of our hire kayaks and paddled across to help this soaking wet sailor into another boat. Two days later he was helping the RSPCA rescue a badly injured badger from the rocks below Roundham Head! “All in a days work” according to Chris.

Big changes at Harbour Sports this month! Harbour Sports Paignton lose Chris Beardsmore (off to do a Masters at Exeter), Jono Beardsmore, Guy Marsdon  (both freshmen at UWE Bristol). Harbour Sports Exeter will lose Charley Fawkes (first year at University College Falmouth, whilst at Harbour Sports Plymouth Laura Mallet heads for Southampton University.

Congratulations to Harbour Sports Buyer Owen Smith, who has just been awarded the CPD (Certificate in Professional Development) at South Devon College. This is joint Plymouth University/Chartered Management Institute qualification in leadership, business accounting and human resources.

Oh well better get on…..more soon

Frank's blog 19th August 2009

So, now we are over half way through August and enjoying a little more sunshine – and what a difference that makes to everyone! It’s quite interesting to see people suddenly pop up to hire kayaks at Harbour Sports Paignton. It also works for Harbour staff! Monday evening most of our folk were out with kayaks and Bic paddle boards enjoying a sparkling Torbay velvet sea……..

Meanwhile at Harbour Sports Plymouth we’ve been busy with the return of the Fastnet 2009 yachts. They were all ‘parked’ outside the shop and attracted crowds from all over the country. Spectacular!

Have you been to see the giant mural on the wall of Harbour Sports Exeter? This summer it has become something of a tourist attraction with little huddles of people pointing at the different exciting designs. One of the artists dedicated the wall to Lydia Martin, a member of our Exeter staff, who died tragically in December 2003.

We live in curious times with all sorts of odd seasonal adjustments! Our autumn ranges of clothing have already arrived, are out on display and selling really well! But then we have always been ‘first off the blocks’ when it comes to getting stuff off a truck and out into the shops……

If you have the time do drop a line (info@harbour.co.uk ) and say what you think about what we do and the way that we do it!

Frank's blog 27th July 2009

Well, they tell me that summer is here at last! Sadly the evidence doesn’t support that view. They also say that more people will be holidaying at home, but I rather suspect that many will simply be staying at home! That’s the trouble with rhetoric………………….Having said that we seem to be hugely busy just now and on Paignton Harbour and in particular we have the Laser National Championships hosted by Paignton Sailing Club this week. The Laser is a fun boat to sail and the wind today has guaranteed good racing!

Did many of you ride the Cornish waves this last weekend? Sam Sobey, having recovered from an injured knee surfing Bantham, said that these were Cornish winter swell waves and unusual for summer surfing. Dawn patrols these days seem to be covering huge distances as more and more people use the extra daylight hours!

It’s not just climatic change that has dislocated the seasons since many of our suppliers have started delivering winter ranges already and given the weather sales have been very good. Both Harbour Sports Exeter and Harbour Sports Plymouth have been selling lots of the new ladies DC clothing in particular.

Oh well, on with the day! So whatever you are doing, do it well and most of all KEEP SMILING!

Frank's blog 11th July 2009

Last Thursday (9th July) was the annual animal auction at Paignton Zoo. Both Frank and Lyndy Sobey had a great time as the Harbour Sports team and came away having ‘won’ for Harbour Sports a Bali Starling and a Fiddler Crab! Both very appropriate since so many South Devon surfers ride the waves in Bali (see previous blogs) and of course Paignton harbour is a famous crabbing port! Fortunatey we don’t actually walk away with new pets, but we do get a mention somewhere in the zoo and a photograph of these beautiful creatures.

This annual dinner raises thousands of pounds for conservation and praise has to go to Lynne Parker of Paignton Zoo for her tremendous energy and zest. If you are in the area do visit this wonderful wonderful zoo and see for yourself the fantastic efforts that have been made in animal conservation.

Frank's blog 8th July 2009

Good intentions! One good intention, which also became a new year resolution, was to make sure that we kept the Harbour Sports blog weekly. Sadly that was done weakly!

Part of the reason for being quiet has been the very good weather and the fact that we have all been working hard. Having said that, both Frank Sobey and Owen Smith have been seen out in the middle of Torbay paddling Bic kayaks. The nice thing about sitting on a Bic kayak is that you get sun tanned legs! Don’t forget that we do kayak hire form the Paignton shop (single kayaks £25 a day and a double for £40 a day – super paddling value!!).

Have you seen the new Breo watches! Fun, multi coloured, waterproof and apparently good for you, retail at £9.99. The other Saturday we had an inter-shop competition with a bag of fresh donuts as a first prize. The winning shop was Exeter. Well done guys. It was a fun thing to do and made us all laugh!Harbour Sports Breo Watches - buy one now! Or if you like Breo Watches at Harbour Sports!!

Frank's blog 13th June 2009

It’s been a funny old week with a mixture of weather that hasn’t really inspired – until today. What a difference the sun makes. Of course the water is still cool and so wetsuits have been flying out! We’ve also been experimenting with some new methods of shop display. This boost is a consequence of two things (a) the input of Dennis Reid as part of the BOOST retail seminars, and (b) the arrival of Jess ( a skilled and energetic merchandising specialist) after a year or so travelling around the world (there is a picture of Jess next to this blog being bear hugged by her idiot boss!). Vix is on her mobile calling for help!!It’s interesting how easy it is to take things for granted when with a little bit of effort everything suddenly bursts into life!

So many new lines arriving on a daily basis and so all the shops are looking really good. Eleven boxes of Roxy arrive on Monday and so by the middle of the week we will have even more exciting summer styles for you to look good in.

Call in and say hello!

Frank's blog 2nd June 2009.........from a very sunny Paignton Harbour!

I love the Beatles song “Here Comes the Sun” because it reminds me of a summer long ago canoeing down the Delaware River and through the Delaware Water Gap. Great times with some wonderful people! I had something of that feeling last night when I went kayaking after work with Harbour Sports Buyer Owen Smith. The weather of course is just so good at the moment and we paddled out from Paignton Harbour in a couple of the Bic Bilbao kayaks that we rent out from Harbour Sports Paignton. It would have been good to have taken a couple of mackerel lines because there were fish about, but then having said that it was a joy to be simply bobbing about soaking up the evening sun!

Of course the other sun activity is simply sitting around in the sun, which is what one of our guys was doing on Saturday evening and managed to drop his wallet which contained money, driving licence, credit cards plus other personal stuff. Later that evening we have a phone call from a lady called Karen who said that her son Cameron had found the wallet! What a joy in an increasingly dishonest world to find someone like young Cameron, who tells me he wants to be a surfer. Well, the good thing about surfers is that they look out for each other and tread lightly on the world and so Cameron is heading in the right direction!

Frank's blog 25th May 2009

Sunday 24th May was a blast from the past on Plymouth’s historic Barbican and the scene from the open door of Harbour Sports Plymouth was reminiscent of those carefree days when the sun seemed to shine forever and the smiling faces of happy people dressed in light colourful summer kit made the whole thing atmospheric!

In the morning the annual Plymouth Half Marathon had thundered past the door, which meant that by early afternoon the Barbican was packed with supporters and recovering participants! The Three Crowns pub had music blasting from a scaffold stage with assorted inflatable palm trees amongst the tables and many of the eateries had barbecues on the go, which made quite a heady mixture.

Alongside Captain Jasper’s was the research yacht Sorcerer 2, which provided a spectacular point of interest for the thousands of people thronging along the quay. The crew of this scientific expedition yacht had banners hanging from the rails telling people about the work they are doing internationally.

Plymouth’s Barbican on a sunny day is a place like no other and if you haven’t been there yet then your life is the poorer.

It's Thursday 21st May and so we have a few words from Marc in Exeter ..................................

I have been asked to write a few paragraphs about the goings on in Exeter but am I the ideal person to write about it probably not, I tend to avoid the trappings of the city and spend most of my spare time on Dartmoor indulging in a bout of photography or at the beach surfing. (Incidentally I will shortly be selling some prints at Harbour Sports Exeter in the future so watch this space!!!!!!).

I do have one nugget of info to pass on, if you are a music fan then pop along to the Fire House on Sunday night where you can see a band called Zitto with me bashing frantically at the drums (the same drums that provide the live music in our Exeter shop!) , this will be our second ever gig so should be worth a laugh; hope to see you there, where in true Harbour Sports tradition I will be "Living the Life! .

..........................and Chris in Paignton

The past few weeks down here in Paignton has been very eventful, we have had deliveries daily of all new summer products. We are now fully stocked up with flip flops, shorts and tee shirts from the likes of Reef, Roxy, Quiksilver, DC, Animal and Santa Cruz.

Its always a good sign when you have had to order in more summer wetsuits when the summer hasn’t even really kicked. The O’Neill Pyscho 1 seems to be the pick of these and with Fluid Seam Weld on the outside, a Z.E.N Zip Closure and D-Tox Kneepads it is a bargain at £159.99 and a perfect suit to keep you warm throughout the summer months so no wonder its selling out so fast!

Speaking of summer months…ever tried a bit of paddleboarding? We are now hiring out a Bic 10’10 Jungle paddleboard out throughout the summer. Its £15 for a half day and seems to have really taken off.. especially with our staff. Chris in particular has been going out most nights after work (when the surfs flat of course). So along with that and the Kayak hire, £25 for the singles and £40 for the doubles there is so much to do down here at Paignton.

Oh yes, the photograph is the early morning across Torbay, taken by Lyndy

The Fanny Legaro Blog (work experience student from France) 6th May 2009

19 year old Fanny Legaro from Lycee Jeanne d'Arc in Rennes will be spending the next two months working with us in Paignton. She is at the same school as Julien Gregoire who worked with us last summer.

Je suis arrivee samedi soir a Paignton et ma premiere impression fut que c’est vraiment une belle ville. Pendant les dix prmiers jours je loge dans un hotel situe sur le bord de mer, le temps de trouver un autre logement.

Ma premiere journee a Harbour sport fut vraiment enrichissante. Tout d’abord je fus tres bien accueillie par Franck et Julian et tout le reste de l’equipe. Pour le moment je ne fais pas grand chose : j’ecoute, je regarde et j’apprends. Je commence a effectuer les taches quotidiennes telles que pointer les mouvements d’entrees et de sorties, ecrire les transferts pour les autres magasins (Plymouth et Exeter) sur les cahiers. Tout le monde est simpa et m’aide quand je ne comprends pas.

I arrived in Paignton on Saturday and my first impression was that Paignton is a beautiful and nice town. For ten days I will stay in a hotel next to the sea but I have to find an other accommodation and I hope to stay in Paignton.

My first day at Harbour Sport was really interesting. Firstly, Frank, Julian and the rest of the team were very welcoming.

During my first week I just have to listen, look and learn what the staff are doing.

Today I begin to do daily tasks like the stock  management,  inter branch transfers (to the other shops in  Plymouth (where Robin is working!) and Exeter) and meeting people.

Andy Partrige's Blog (Plymouth Manager) 20th April 2009

So it’s nearly the end of April, and although we’ve had a couple of weeks of lovely weather it seems the showers have finally caught up with the Barbican. The last bank holiday weekend down here harked back to those of 6 or 7 years ago, with thousands of people coming down and having fun and frolics in the sunshine, then remembering they didn’t have essentials like sunglasses or a top for the evening. Let’s hope the showers leave again before the coming weekend so people can again enjoy the Barbican atmosphere and the Jazz Festival, and come in and see us in the shop.

Speaking of past years, it would seem that surf fashion has also looked back in history and pulled out some designs. Quiksilver have released a range of tee’s and Boardshorts that totally encapsulate the garish neon’s of the 80’s. The Bleeker range will certainly make you stand out in a crowd, and if you go the whole hog and have the matching towel and cap, along with a pair of Oakley Jupiter sunglasses, you’ll definitely be rocking a look that was last seen when Duran Duran were top of the charts. You could also finish off the outfit with a retro Santa Cruz skateboard setup for cruising around town on.

Who was it once said that fashion just goes in cycles? What’s next plus fours and waistcoats.?

On a more modern note I’ve noticed that a lot more people this year seem to want to get into their summer wetsuit earlier than normal, so we have had a lot of interest in the blind stitched suits available. The best seller is surely going to be the C-Skins React, which at £119.99 is an excellent value super warm summer suit. But there have equally been a lot of people seeking out the O’Neill Psycho 1 blind stitched and fluid seamed 3/2.  It’s a little more expensive at £159.99, but if you’re looking forward to hours on end in the water in the early summer months you can’t get much better. And as we all know the water doesn’t exactly get tropical round these shores ever.

Marc Wood's holiday blog...Saturday 18th April 2009

Quite how I managed to persuade Frank and Julian to let me take two weeks off over Easter is beyond me! I have just spent the two weeks clocking up nearly 3000 miles driving around Spain and Portugal with my newly acquired van and my girlfriend Rachel.

After a chav filled ferry ride from Portsmouth the highlight of which was watching dolphins ride the bow waves once we crossed the Continental Shelf, we arrived in the very industrial port of Bilbao; not liking the overcast drizzle that greeted us we pressed on towards Portugal, driving cross country through snow capped mountains and amazing views spending our first night in a Spanish national park awoking to amazing scenery and a frozen cup of tea!

 We carried on to Portugal where I got some great surf at the likes of Averio, Peniche (Supertudos) and Sines, I found Portuguese waves very fast and powerful and had some outstanding rides whilst Rachel slept the day away in the back of the van, the locals did give me a few funny looks though as pretty much everyone was riding short boards or body boards and I had my Bic 9’4” E-comp which got a bit sketchy at times.

We pressed on into Spain stopping at Seville and Cordoba on the way back up to Bilbao to catch our ferry home. Now I’m back at work wishing I’d taken two months off rather than two weeks! Only joking Frank, I love work really…………….

Frank's Blog EASTER SUNDAY 2009 from Paignton Harbour!

It has been said and I have never had a reason to doubt it, that Harbour Sports has always been at the front of things. Well, have a look at this little picture taken at Polzeath in the 1960’s of Harbour Sports director Lyndy Sobey clutching her wooden bodyboard! Sadly, when she sees this on the website I will be beaten around the head and asked to remove it!!!

Easter Sunday today and the sun is beaming down on Torbay and the whole of South Devon. After two bad summers and dull winters it is a joy to have a clear blue sky and wall to wall sunshine! Do you remember The Beatles song 'Here Come The Sun'? The music seems to fit our mood today and if you can do find time to allow the tune to seep into your life! Do you know, despite the economic gloom and doom, there does appear to be a mood to move forward. So lets go for it! HAPPY EASTER.

Frank's Blog Friday 8th April 2009 from Paignton Harbour!

As I write this, Fiona Manby is here showing Owen Smith the new range of Manbi ski wear for the 2009-2010 season. The picture says it all of course. When it comes to standing out from the crowd on an Alpine slope, Harbour Sports with the help of Fiona (in the most amazing shaggy hat – The Afghan) can make that possible!

We’ve had a really good sell through with ski gear this year which means, that despite to hopeless Euro exchange rate, folk are still heading for the snow. The difference is of course that they are buying in the UK rather than being hammered in mainland Europe.

Lovely weather on the harbour today and the sunrise over Torbay this morning was really quite special much appreciated by my dog Marley who quickly cleared the beach of screeching gulls! Oh well back to business!

Happy Easter!

Frank's Blog Friday 4th April 2009 from Paignton Harbour!

It’s hard to believe that Easter is next week! Oddly enough it does actually feel Easter’ish this year with cool days and blue skies. As I write this all our shops seem busy and there seems to be vibrancy in the air. So many new and lovely things have arrived including some stunning Oakley sunglasses. Not that the picture below of Harbour Sports directors Frank Sobey and Julian Smith will do little to increase trade!

I’ve always said this about Oakley shades, that with cheap glasses you can just about pick out the clouds, with good glasses you can see the shape of each cloud, but with Oakley’s you can see the angels sitting on each cloud!! Well, that may not be true but once you have bought a pair of Oakley shades there is no going back!

Scott ‘the prophet’ Marsden popped in yesterday, having just returned after a couple of months surfing in Bali. He’s just passing through really before heading off to South Africa for a month. Hmmm.  Lee Wills is also back, but we’ve yet to see him.

Exeter manager Marc Wood is surfing Portugal and living in his converted Transit van. He sent a text to Tom Preston with the usual ‘glad you’re not here!’ greeting and saying that he’s having a fantastic time.

Being called for a session on the shop floor.......more soon.

HAVE A LOVELY EASTER.......................................

Frank's Blog Friday 20th March 2009 from Paignton Harbour!

Spring Equinox today which means of course that the night and day will be equal! What it also means is that the days will be getting longer. It also means that Easter is a few weeks away since the full moon has gone and it isn’t here again until 9th April – which means that Easter Sunday is the first Sunday after that! I love this time of year and the wonderful weather of the past week makes me realise how miserable the past two summers have been!

But you know, for us Harbour Sports folk this is a time of great excitement as all the new kit arrives. Just look at these two! Tom Preston and Pete Buxton both work at Harbour Sports Exeter which is where you will find these Santa Cruz tops. Well, in point of fact they are in all our shops as it happens. Santa Cruz clothing is just that bit different and the name conjures up the Californian feeling!

Laura Parkes left Harbour Sports Paignton on Tuesday and is heading for Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and California. Tom Lewis takes her place in Paignton. I first met Tom when he was a lifeguard at The Redcliffe Hotel Paignton and feel that we are lucky to have him here!

Talking of California, that is where Harbour Sports Retail Manager Chris Beardsmore is heading for a week or so to stay with his aunt the author Hannah Dennison, . Hannah’s second book titled 'Scoop!' is now available to buy from all leading bookstores, for more information on this upcoming author check out www.hannahdennison.com.

The Harbour Sports Plymouth staff addition is Plymouth University student Barney Davies. Barney is a board sports specialist and is a star on surfboard, snowboard and skateboard.

Blog from Paignton's Luke Sobey in Coolangatta Australia!

The Quiksilver Pro Snapper Rocks 2009

I have just spent the past few weeks in the Gold Coast of Australia along with thousands of others watching the 2009 ASP WCT Quiksilver Pro.  During the first week of the comp the waves were pretty hopeless and it was even called off for three days!  I spoke to Tom Carrol who told me that they would run the comp at D’Bar (next beach along) just to finish off the Roxy Pro.  The Roxy pro finished first with Steph Gilmore taking the crown. 

During the off days I got to surf with a lot of the competitors including Taj Burrow, Parko, Luke Egen (who dropped in on me!), Dane Reynolds and CJ Hobgood.  It was pretty impressive to watch them out in the water and also very depressing as it highlighted to me how I am in comparison! 

After the three days off the comp was back on with thanks to Cyclone Hamish.  The big shock of the event was Kelly Slater being knocked out of the comp by Julian Wilson, leaving Slater with a position of 17th!  I managed to meet Kelly Slater later that day and he is already setting his sights on the Rip Curl Pro at Bells in a few weeks.

The most memorable heats were during the final (very wet) day.  Parko knocked out Mick Fanning in the semi to meet Adriano De Souza in the final.  The final was all Parkos really as he managed to score some high nine points and even a perfect ten with some impressive tube rides.  He was carried up the beach following his win by the hundreds of people on the beach and then went on to collect his winnings of $40,000 US!  Not bad for a days surfing!

Cheers from Luke in a very wet Coolangatta!!

The Hannah and Laura blog 7th March 2009!

This week we have been inundated with deliveries containing all our brand new summer stock! This has kept us very busy instore with numerous deliveries each day!

Our shelves are bursting with new stock including new summer shorties and full length wetsuits from O'NEILL and C-Skins complete with new designs and colours. We've had delivereis of brand new mens tee shirts ranging from skate brands like ENJOI and DC to surf brands like ANIMAL and O'NEILL. As well as these we've got new womens board shorts, bikinis and rash vests all in stock now. Along with the new clothing come all the new accessories! All our stores now stock countless numbers of hats, belts and wallets in a variety of different sizes and colours.

Don't forget the new STREET SURFER which is great fun and so easy to use ....as Laura demonstrates!

Frank's blog Tuesday 3rd March 2009 - Paignton Harbour

Street surfing seems to have captured the imagination of Harbour Sports staff with Tom Preston in Exeter and Owen Smith in Paignton ripping up the streets. If you’ve not had a go then you really are missing a trick. Click on the words Street Surfer and see what we’re talking about!

As I’m writing this the floor behind me in Paignton is covered with new stock arriving all the time. As someone said the other day, "I love shopping at Harbour Sports because things are changing all the time!”

News of our travelling folk is coming in all the time. Luke Sobey (Paignton) is still surfing in Eastern Australia having already surfed Canada, Fiji and New Zealand with girlfriend Kat. Lee Wills (Paignton) and Scott Marsden (Paignton) have been finding excellent surf in Bali, whilst Charley Fawkes (Exeter) is in Western Australia for a few months. Laura Parkes (Paignton) is heading off to Thailand, Australia, New Zealand and California. Guy Marsden (Paignton) will be joining brother Scott in South Africa for May, where the surf can be exceptional. Meanwhile Laura Mallet (Plymouth) is following in the footsteps of Hannah Gorman (Paignton) to work with Orang-utans in the rain forest of Borneo!!

Ah those distant shores………………..

The Hannah Gorman blog! Paignton 14th February 2009

A couple of years ago I attempted to get Torbay Mayor Nick Bye to have a go on a longboard skateboard. An offer he appears to have declined, and instead decided to opt for Salsa lessons. His loss I suppose…

I’m currently waiting for some sunshine so I can get out and about again. Being in my final year at Plymouth Uni, it’s fast becoming apparent that longboard skateboards are more popular now than ever. They’re a quick way of getting from one side of campus to the other! It feels like half the Uni owns one! It’s worth popping into one of the harbour sports stores to check out the heaps of different styles, sizes and brands available for different types of skating.

Anyway, I’ve wanted to try my hand at shortboard skateboarding for a while, and with my 21st birthday coming up my wonderful boyfriend has let me pick my own set-up. I chose one of the Enjoi decks with some Ricta wheels and Enjoi little buddies hardware. We stock several different styles and sizes of enjoi decks, from the White panda deck, Rasta panda deck, Bro and sis deck, Spectrum logo decks to different pro signature model decks. I’d have one of each if I had the cash!

The greatly anticipated newer Paignton skatepark is still not even half complete, although I have heard more sections are to be added soon. Hopefully the total completion will not be too far behind it, as the old skatepark is a bit of a wreck and the new one is a much needed attraction for local skaters. It looks like it’s going to be a really awesome park and I look forward to making a complete idiot of myself in public when it is complete!

A few words (what is there to say!) from Frank 6th February 2009

Valentines’ Day with a difference!

We thought the recent increase in bikini sales was simply down to people escaping ffom the doom and gloom of this unfriendly English winter; but it also seems that they make the ideal Valentine present. Our picture shows why that might be, given the vibrant colours and dreamy memories of warm summer vacations on exotic beaches. The Soraya Coggins Kuccia bikini shown retails at £29.99 and is guaranteed to enhance any Valentine’s Day! Harbour Sports continues to live the life, to spread warmth and atmospheric happiness to dreary winter days!

Andy Partrige's Blog (Plymouth Manager) 5th February 2009

Whilst the rest of the country is panicking and going through a minor shut down because of the snow and cold weather, things couldn’t be nicer down here in Plymouth. Yes I admit, it is a little chilly, but nothing that a good jacket and pair of gloves can’t cope with. And yes we have had some rain, but nothing unseasonal about that. If fact the fact that the news seems to be covered with people sledging and having snowball fights seems to have inspired Plymouth students to break out their longboard skateboards and make use of the dry days. Most morning i see a couple bombin’ North Hill on the way to lectures. And the evenings it seems that many of them find their way up on to the Hoe; the perfect place to pull the tightest carves around on your Sector 9 Haleiwa, fitted with the Gullwing Sidewinder trucks.

In the 20 years or so that I have been skateboarding I have never seen a truck that can turn anything like the Sidewinder (have a look at them in the skateboarding section on this site). Having 2 kingpins mounted in front of each other means twice the amount of carve you can get out of the board. I have even been tempted to buy a set to put on one of my existing boards, and the fact that we only have a few sets left is making this contemplation harder.

It needs to be a little warmer for me though.!!!

Aurelie's Anglo-French Blog 30th Jan 2009!!

Mon stage a ”Harbour Sports”…Trop bien!!!

Un magasin sur le port…vue sur les bateaux…

Des journees de 9h a 17h, du lundi au vendredi… et le week end…free!

J’avous c’est pas l’ete, mais bien que l’on soit dans une periode tres calme pour la ville de Paignton, mais il y a quand meme des clients…et des surfers en hiver…”incroyable, ca caille trop!” les Lyonnais diront!

Mais c’est bien que je sois la en ce moment, comme ca l’equipe peut me montrer le fonctionnement du magasin et prendre le temps de parler avec moi…ce qui peut etre que mieux pour moi! Il n’y a pas de pression, personne n’est stresser, comme a Lyon…ou alors ca ne se voit pas!

Chaque jour on me donne des petits boulots a faire, je parle avec l’equipe…et c’est deja la fin de la journees qui est passé vite, meme trop vite.

Une experience unique, tres benefique de faire un stage a l’etranger surtout si ca se passé bien (c’est mieu!) on est oblige de parler anglais, de se forcer, au debut c’est dur…mais maintenant c’est cool! Surtout lorsqu’il y a une equipe formidable, toujours la si besoin…J’avoue mon anglais est loin d’etre parfait, mais je comprend toujours mieux qu’au tout debut, je cherche moins mes mots quand je parle, c’est bon signe!

Bon d’accord il me reste encore 2 semaines de stage vous me direz, mais sa fait deja 3 semaines que je suis la… et sa passé trop vite!

My training period at “Harbour Sports”…very good!

A shop on the harbour and the view on the boats…very nice!

We are not in the summer and it’s quiet in this moment for the town of Paignton. But there are customers each day…and surfers in the winter…”Incredible it’s colder and damp here” the people of Lyon can tell!

It’s good that I’m here now, like this the staff can show me what can I do for the shop, and they can speak with me, and answers all my questions…So it’s better for me!

I work Monday to Friday and the weekend…I’m free!

Each day I start at 9 o’clock, the staff give me little jobs, and I speak with them…and it’s already five o’clock. Each day passes very quickly…more quickly!

It’s only experience; it’s very interesting when we can do a work placement in another country, especially if it’s a very nice place! (It’s better!)

We must speak English only, when we start it’s difficult but it’s the best solution to learn, and after it’s cool! Especially when the staff is very friendly and nice.

I’m sure my English is not perfect, but I understand more than before and I search less my words when I want to speak…

OK! I’m agreed… there are two weeks again then you can tell me, but I’ve been here for 3 weeks…that passes too fast!   

Frank’s Blog - Wednesday 21st January 2009

Freezing today with thick ice on parked cars, but the sky is blue and looking out across Torbay the water reflects the colour. These mornings lift the spirit and of course the days are getting longer! Thinking about the cold and keeping warm, we’ve recently sent the press release below to the Western Morning News. Although the focus is on Plymouth, these wonderful Tucagua garments will be found in all three of our shops.

“Is Plymouth a clone city, or do we still believe in individuality? Do we rely on goods from the sweatshops of Manchester, or do we seek goods produced ethically using the finest materials? Here at Harbour Sports, situated upon Plymouth’s historic Barbican we like to break the mould. We are an independent trader of Tucagua clothing, a brand stemming from Kathmandu in Nepal. Adriano Roldan (aged 44) is the head behind the brand and has created the clothing range with the native climate in mind. All items of clothing are produced using ethically sourced materials and are manufactured to a very high standard. The nature of the materials used in production ensures maximum warmth, without compromising on style. Oli Penn, (aged 24) is seen here wearing the Tucagua Pampas lined hood jumper with matching hat. We understand that Oli does see his future high in the Himalayan mountains herding yaks!”

More soon!

Chris's Blog - Tuesday 13th January 2009

I have just returned from a 10-day surf trip in Sri Lanka, it was by far the best trip I have ever been on and the surf was pumping everyday. The water temperature was 28 degrees and the outside temperature was 33 degrees so it was a good job I used my SexWax Sunscreen and O’Neill Rash vest to protect me from the heat. I stayed right on the beach with a perfect A-Frame reef right out the front at a surf guest house and would highly recommended it and not just because it cost £3 a night!! If you want any more information I have a handful of business cards of the accommodation and would quite happily point you in the right direction so come in and have a chat if your interested. Will be heading back next year for sure…. Oh well back to wearing my O’Neill Pyshco 2 Wetsuit, C skins Session Boots, C-Skins 1.5mm Extend Gloves and C-Skins 3mm Full Face Flex Ride Balaclava and braving the cold winter here.