Known for his surreal paintings of ocean landscapes and tropical destinations, Wade Koniakowsky has gained worldwide recognition for his oil paintings. His work is currently showcased internationally as well as in 17 galleries extending from the East Coast to Hawaii and has been featured in numerous publications including Graphis, Art Direction, Communication Arts, and Print. A lifetime surfer and watermen, he has created art for the Rabbit Kekai World Long board Contest, Duke’s Oceanfest, the Women’s World Long board contest and the Molokai to Oahu World Paddleboard Championships.
Wade’s signature paintings can be seen in movies, television shows and international surf competitions such as The North Shore Vans Triple Crown. As a San Diego resident we have had the unique opportunity to get to know Wade and see his amazing oil paintings up close. Groundswell Supply is honored to be working with Wade and to showcase his amazing God given talents.
Founded in 2007 originally as a surfboard brand by Matthew Jung, Wellen has since evolved into a premium beach lifestyle brand. Focusing mainly on men's apparel, Wellen is known for their classic surf style and quality American made garments. You will find their products to fit well and feel extremely comfortable as all materials are carefully chosen and produced with care. We are stoked to partner with these folks for their epic products for the surfer.
Living a life inspired by the ocean. Feeling the stoke of a good surf session. Drawstring swim trunks. Riding a vintage bicycle. The flapping of sailcloth in the wind. A crisp white button down shirt and a pair of khakis. The sounds of a bar of wax on a board. Lobster with butter. A vintage VW bus. A crackling fire. A life well spent. This is Wellen.
Since the release of the first Shark watch to the ultra modern tide watches of today, Freestyle has built their product out of love. Love for the sea, love for surfing and love for style. You will see their watches on many of the best surfers in the world because they work awesome, look good and withstand the elements. Freestyle is known for their high quality, ease of use and lifetime limited warranty. At the end of the day it’s all about performance, and through the past 30 plus years Freestyle has become synonymous with performance and ocean lifestyle. Groundswell Supply is really stoked to become one of Freestyles partners in supplying the best watch line for the surfer.
]]>Slyde Handboards has worked their way up from humble beginnings. Starting the journey with riding a fast food tray in the early days these guys have earned their place in the surf craft world. To a young South African kid stoked on the ocean that tray became more than a piece of plastic to carry your burger and fries. This was the beginning of a quest to ride waves no matter what the apparatus. Things have changed a lot since that time and after a lot of years of testing and creating high quality handboards, the Slyde team has established themselves as the premier hand board builder in the world incorporating the best technology and a team of frothing watermen that test and create the stoke. These guys are the real deal and Groundswell Supply is stoked to have what we believe are the best handboards available in the world.
]]>Bill Johnson was raised in Cocoa Beach Florida along side some of the best surfers in the world to include eleven time world champion Kelly Slater. At the ripe old age of eighteen he already had several amateur surfing titles under his belt. Bill was fortunate to have earned the #1 seeds position on the World Champion US team in 1984. After winning the US title in 1986, he turned professional. Shortly thereafter he started a family and began a career in surfboard shaping and the rest is history. Bill started shaping with Quiet Flight surfboards and eventually graduated in his expertise where he obtained a coveted position designing and shaping boards for Rusty surfboards where he worked directly with Rusty Preisendorfer and the team riders for eight years. During this time he was able to develop a reltaionship shaping boards for CJ Hobgood and was able to shape his quiver of boards the year he won the world championship in 2001. In addition to this, he has shaped boards for some of the most respected and well known surfers in the world to include CJ and Damien Hobgood, Melia Manuel, Dusty Payne, Clay Marzo and many others. His custom hand shaped Teqoph brand boards are sought out by both amateur and professional surfers around the world. He is known for his high performance, ultra fast shortboards but has designed many new models that are for surfers of all skills levels. Bill now lives and shapes in Oceanside California. He is happily married with three children and is a devoted Christian. Bill is a true designer and shaper in this day and age of CNC machine cut boards. One of the unique characteristics about Bill is his ability to design highly functional boards and then shape them by hand. In a world of technology he has been able to stay true to his roots and create some of the best performing boards that demonstrate American craftsmanship at it's finest. He is a shaper that has surfed competitively and is still avid so he can stay on top of what the customer needs and how to continually improve his designs.
Why Hand Shaped?
Groundswell Supply is stoked to be working with Bill and Teqoph Surfboards. We are offering what we believe are the gold standard in high performance hand shaped surfboards. There is something really special about knowing the board you own was handmade by a craftsman. One thing you can expect when you order a Teqoph surfboard from Groundswell Supply is that the shape will be custom built for you using high quality US made foam and fiberglass resins. We have selected the best materials for combined performance and durability. Before we start we will take into consideration four elements 1.) your surfing ability 2.) wave conditions where you surf 3.) What you hope to achieve 4.) your height and weight. We will work with you to identify the size, dimensions and volume that is tailor made for you. All of these factors combined with Bill Johnson's twenty three years of hand shaping experience make the difference between a stock board and custom. Your board will be designed, shaped and signed by Bill to include your name and exact dimensions written on the stringer. Should you order one of these special hand crafted boards we are confident that we will be supplying you with a board that was built with special attention to you.
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In addition to starting Wegener Surfboards he has also shaped for a number of other veteran shapers including Hap Jacobs, and Bing Surfboards. In 2010 Jon moved to Encinitas, CA. As a board maker Jon has always tried to find the right board for the right conditions. Jon loves to make and ride a huge variety of surfboards. Depending on the surf conditions he rides anything from a finless wooden alaia, to a “traditional” fiberglass noserider, or a progressive shortboard.
In 2005, Jon’s brother Tom Wegener introduced Jon to the Alaia after a trip he had taken to the Bishop Museum in Hawaii. The two brothers have been making Alaias, and Paipos, and trying to get the word out ever since. Along with the boards they make they have been spreading information about Paulownia wood, a special wood perfect for making surfboards. Since Jon began working with wood, he has not only looked for ways to combine his two passions, he has strived to make his regular surfboards “ASAP” (as sustainable as possible).
Jon is more excited about where the surfing world is going now, than at any other time in his surfing/shaping career. At Wegener Surfboards we are thrilled to be at the forefront of this new path that surfing has taken, and we can’t wait to see what new developments are waiting up ahead.
At Groundswell Supply we have been searched carefully for those individuals and companies that are innovators and creators of beautiful and functional things to use in the water. Jon Wegener and Wegener Surf fits the bill precisely. Through Jon and his product testing and creation we have discovered an expanded horizon on how we view a surf craft. Not only is Jon an accomplished board builder and shaper but is an outstanding woodworker who brings this unique skill set into the creation of his designs. He also surfs and tests everything he sells as well as gathering input from riders of his boards. Few shapers we know of offer such a diverse collective of water craft...and the best part is that they work amazing! In our recent interview Jon called himself a “surf doctor”, he has the ability to understand what works best for the conditions, riders ability and desired result. We take all this into account when we build a product for you. Just like a skilled physician there are numerous methods and equipment that can be utilized to accomplish the best outcome. Our approach is to create beautiful handmade products that will give you many of the best rides of your life. With Wegener Surf the Stoke is virtually impossible to avoid.
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Behind the Boards with Chris Ahrens: Bill Shrosbree from Groundswell Supply on Vimeo.
Bill Shrosbree of Fresh Pineapples Surfboards started his shaping career in 1965 along side some of the most prolific shapers in surf history. He was able to carve out a oustanding reputation for his design and shaping skills early on. His name and equipment is synonymous with quality longboards and fun shapes. Within shaping and surfing elite, his name is well known as a ultra talented designer and shaper. “Shros” as he is affectionately known by many is considered a shaping legend as he has worked with some of the greatest shapers in modern surf history. He has shaped boards personally and in production settings for Dale Velzy, Greg Noll, Bing Copeland, Stewart, Con and Gordon and Smith. Additionally Shros worked with Ed Wright at Sunset Surfboards for many years as one of the premier surfboard builders in the country during the sixties and seventies. He has shaped boards for many well known surfers and was also the head shaper for Joel Tudor surfboards for several years before branching out to focus on his Fresh Pineapples brand. He has incorporated his 49 years of experience into creating classic longboards and fun shapes that just work well and have the mark of craftsmanship from nose to tail. He is known for his very distinctive way of hand shaping rails which are very forgiving and easy to ride for any level of surfer. Over the years he has mastered the art of creating fluid longboard designs as well as fun progressive shapes as evidenced by his Shrosburger model which has been a favorite board by surfers for over forty years. This particular model was so well liked that it has received several awards. The Butch Van Artsdalen longboard model was created as a tribute to the legendary big wave surfer who Shros would see as a young boy in Pacific City where he lives. Shros always admired Butch and decided to shape and design a surfboard as a tribute to this surfing legend who was known for tackling Pipeline, Sunset and Waimea Bay in the 60's and 70's. Shros currently lives in San Diego with his wife Sandy where they enjoy living close to the ocean and their favorite surf beach Windansea.]]>
Groundswell Supply is impressed with the quality and function of the Cinch Sac westuit bag and changing mat. Those of you who surf know what a wet monster is like when you remove your suit after a surf or paddle. This genius product allows you to remove your suit on a clean surface and then cinch your wetsuit up in a waterproof bag to keep the water out of your car.
]]>Since 2004, Jedidiah has worked to fulfill their mission, which is to use apparel sales as a vehicle to provide care and support to those in need. Jedidiah has done this through unique revenue share partnerships with nonprofit organizations that serve the needs of others locally as well as around the world. They are continually amazed by the work and dedication that they see within these organizations. How they show their love to others through the work they do and how they put the needs of people less fortunate in front of their own. Over the years the Jedidiah staff has had the privilege to travel with some of their partners and see firsthand the work being done. We are inspired by what they do. One of the goals has always been to somehow to be an inspiration to others. Their model of using a business platform to create revenue for others can be duplicated in any industry. It is satisfying to see others in the apparel industry, as well as other industries, finding ways to share economic resources to fund the good work being done by those who serve. We believe we live in the most compassionate country the world has ever seen. We also believe in the idea that capitalism can make a major difference in how nonprofit organizations are funded today and into the future. Jedidiah is part of this new economic culture of social good and consumer driven philanthropy. We are pleased that you have joined us in this ever growing movement.
At Groundswell Supply we have been inspired by Jedidiah...with purpose they have taken steps to create a positive influence in the world through the design and manufacture of premium quality apparel that is both culturally relevant and stylish. The Jedidiah brand is a tremendous example of social good, creating products with the expressed goal of giving hope and helping those in need. We are thankful for our relationship with a company that represents these special ideals.
Matt Beard is an artist and surfer that creates amazing paintings inspired by the ocean. He began his journey painting in 1991 at the age of sixteen and he has refined his trade to the point where his work has been requested by people all around the world. His art has been published and recognized all over surf and art related publications to include the Surfer's Journal. His work speaks to the soul of the ocean culture and is enjoyed by people all over the US, Canada, Australia and Europe. Yes, his last name really is Beard, and yes, he does have one which works out quite well! His work is available as original art, on canvas and as prints on paper in different sizes to meet the customers application. Matt has been involved in several projects to support non profit entities. One example was the Board Art Benefit, a fund raiser he created for Surf Aid International where he invited 35 artists (including himself of course) to team up with surfboard shapers to create artworks which were then auctioned off to help the organization continue their goal to help provide health and well being to those in isolated areas.
Groundswell Supply met up with Matt at a recent Boardroom event and was instantly drawn to his amazing style. His work is unique among ocean artists and seems to speak to the things that we love most about the ocean and surfing. We also are stoked to be working with and individual that is intentional about giving back through their talents and business.
Futures Fins began in a garage in California in 1996. Backed by industry leaders with over 50 years of surfboard building experience, the Longo brothers were able to use their engineering backgrounds to create products involving something they were passionate about, Surfing. Today our passion for surfing and our commitment remains the same, and since Futures is a family owned business they are much more concerned with impressing you, the board-rider, than any board member. The designers, the engineers, the marketing department and the shipping crew all surf, and we’re all stoked when other surfers come back and tell us how the products work for them. They thrive on experimentation, innovation, and out-of-the-box thinking. The Futures team has the ability to dream up a fin, design it, cut it and surf it, all in a matter of hours under one roof in California. With this ability, they have the freedom to create a lot of designs to bring the surfer and paddler the ultimate in fin technology.
Groundswell Supply has chosen Futures as our first fin supplier based on their extreme commitment to innovation, design and quality. It's no secret that Futures has expanded the horizon in fin technology through the years and has proven to be both highly functional and stylish as evidenced by the thousands of avid surfers that ride Futures all over the globe. Although Futures roots are in surfing, they have recently expanded the product line for the paddle market as well and have a variety of designs to cover both surfing and paddle sports. At Groundswell Supply we have a strong commiment to offering the best the market has to offer, to this end we are proud to be working with Futures fins for industry leading fin systems.
In 1979, Rob Kaplan began manufacturing the DaKine Leash in Haiku, Maui, Hawaii. The DaKine surf leash was designed for rigorous Hawaiian conditions and set the standard for innovative design and high quality. After this innovative breakthrough, DaKine started to build on its reputation by building technical surfing accessories defining the company as the leading innovator in Surfing and also in the windsurfing market where they developed the Dakine footstrap for windsurf boards. Today, the top tow-in surfers ride the biggest waves in the world using those same footstraps to stay on board!
DaKine moved their manufacturing and operations to Hood River, OR in 1986; besides being a popular windsurfing location on the mainland, it is also a gathering place for the best professional snowboarders looking to ride on Mt. Hood. In 1989, after proving themselves as leaders in surf accessories, gear, and bags, DaKine committed to the rapidly expanding snowboard market with snowboard gloves, board accessories, board bags, and gear bags. By using their commitment to unique designs, high quality, and the desire to stay true to the spirit of the sport, the company would become the world leader in this market over the next 15 years.
After celebrating it’s 30th anniversary in 2014, DaKine continues to pride itself on developing products for the top professionals in every board sport and building its reputation for innovation and quality for over a quarter of a century. Delve into each item that you carry from Dakine. Notice the high quality 600 Denier polyester nylon that the bags are made out of. This material really withstands abuse and is PVC free, which is good for the environment. Please zip the zippers and notice how easily they glide. Sweet!
Groundswell Supply considers the Dakine product line the standard in quality for traction, leashes, boardbags and high performance surf accessories. The Dakine brand has stood the test of time and has proven itself with the worlds best athletes as the products are tested daily in rigors of the North Shore, Hawaii. We are stoked to have partnered with Dakine for premium products for the surfer and paddler.
We believe employment=empowerment
Faz Bem is proud to partner with rural artisans in Mozambique and South Africa to provide you with unique handmade products. Thank you for playing a part in providing someone with a life giving job. A vehicle to move away from co-dependency to self sustainability. Through their development projects artisans receive business training and skills not only to sell to the larger consumer base, but to their own local markets as well.
Cobian is a family owned and operated brand that makes excellent footwear inspired by the ocean. They have a simple mission, to provide customers with the highest level of comfort available in the casual footwear market. By incorporating innovative ideas, quality materials and strict manufacturing standards, the Cobian brand continues to be set apart in the ocean lifestyle community. Their footwear is durable enough to be worn to the beach and stylish enough to be worn in the city. As a company rooted in the surf culture, Cobian has remained to true to this through support of the many events and athletes to include Bethany Hamilton, Derek Rabelo, Nate Yeomans, Zane Schweitzer, Chuck Glynn as well as many other amateur athletes in both the surf and paddle sports. They call their style “Surftique” as every sandal speaks to the passion and love of the ocean. They have done several unique styles of sandals specifically for the surf and paddle community like the On A Mission traction pad sandal, the Bethany Hamilton inspired series as well as a Robert August branded sandal, At the heart of the Cobian brand is a heart and a passion for people. It is this passion that motivates them to serve their customers and show love to people around them. They have partnered with the Beautiful Feet Organization to bring comfort to those less fortunate than us. Cobian has been able to give away thousands of pairs of sandals to the poor through teams sent out with Beautiful Feet. In addition Cobian has been a huge support to Bethany Hamilton and her non profit organization friends of Bethany which is dedicated to sharing the hope and love of Jesus Christ worldwide by helping and inspiring people through her own story as a survivor of a shark attack. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulations, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God”. 2 Cor. 1:3-4.
Groundswell Supply has selected Cobian sandals for several reasons. Their quality product and stylish selection sets them apart from others...people love their style and comfort. Even more important, we see Cobian as a company that is making a difference in the world and the local community through their positive message and their charitable giving to those in need. We are thankful to be working with Cobian and proud to offer their quality products.
Brick is a movement for transformation. It started with a call to go to Africa, to serve the people and to help develop a community in need. In November of 2010 with a desire to help those in need, Brandon Jones set out to meet the people, develop relationship and determine what could be done to help the people in Swaziland. The opportunity became visible as Brandon used his ingenuity to develop a hand made line of wallets, purses, and bags using recycled and native materials to Swaziland. With a small group of woman and some well used sewing machines, BRICK was birthed and the products came alive with the hard work and love of “Hand Crankin Mommas in Swaziland” as their product patch so proudly displays. Through these small batches of hand made products and their sale in the United States there has been a great deal of empowerment. Each of the ladies have written accounts of how this effort has made a difference in their lives and how they see opportunity that was not visible before. After the first trip there was a very warm response to the products and everything was sold through local events. Brandon set out again in 2014 to create more and we now have a fresh line of BRICK products in the Groundswell Supply Store. Every piece is unique in material as the recycled materials are made from recycled sack materials and so the patterns and colors always scream original. Not only are they each beautiful and interesting but they are durable materials that will last. We are excited to partner with Brandon and this exciting project to help the people of Swaziland. We are confident that you will be pleased with your purchase and you can know that you are making a difference through buying this product. BRICK is a High Five partner which means we will be giving back 5% of our sales of this product to the non profit to help them continue this amazing work.
]]>In 2004 Rob established The Rob Machado Foundation to provide funding and initiate educational programs focused on helping children understand their contribution towards a healthy earth. More information on programs can be found at www.RobMachadoFoundation.org
Groundswell Supply is working with Rob Machado Surfboards to be able to support the Rob Machado Foundation through the sale of his unique designs. To this end, all Rob Machado Surfboards sold on Groundswell Supply will be part of our “High Five” give back program, whereby we donate five percent of each sale back to Rob’s foundation.
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