Filed in: Surfing Trends | On: May 21st, 2007 | Comments: (80)
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The June 2007 issue of Surfer Magazine has shed light on one of the negative points of Clark Foam’s closure. While Clark’s closure has opened the doors for a variety of foam producers and pushed experimentation with new composite materials, old barriers are now gone and imported surfboards have an easier entry into the U.S. surfing market. Costco has been selling cheapo beginner type surfboards in California and Hawaii since 2001.� The Realm� established itself as a cheap Costco brand after selling out by mass-distributing their boards throughout various Costco warehouses and even Gordan & Smith boards have made it through the aisles. Costco predicts that it will sell between 7,000-8000 surfboards this summer and sheds an even greater problem in the surfboard industry; the invasion of cheaply made Chinese surfboards. China, which was once the ‘Sleeping Giant’ has obviously awakened with their economy growing at full steam. The Chinese have taken notice of surfing’s recent popularity explosion and there are now more than 60 Chinese shapers in the communist country. These shapers are currently being trained by some of the best surfboard production names and while none of the 60 Chinese shapers have ever surfed before let alone seen an ocean before, all of their shaping is done by hand. It seems as though the quality of their shapes is getting better and even Rusty Preisendorfer was impressed by what he saw. It would be hard for surf shops to reject these cheap Chinese imports because they have the potential to finally give shops greater margins on surfboard sales. On the flip side, these cheaply made import boards take away business from local surfboard shapers and manufacturers who form the backbone of the surfboard industry as a whole.
I can see how these cheap imports help beginner or budget surfers by providing them with a functional board that doesn’t break their pocket. But I also know how difficult it is for surfboard� shapers and glassers who work off of razor thin margins. There will always be a need for custom surfboards and if you’re thinking of spending a few dollars on a Costco board, think twice, because it would really suck to see a line-up littered with surfboards sporting ‘Made in China’ stickers. Support your local shaper, you’ll be happy you did:
80 Comments »By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have read and agreed to the TERMS OF SERVICE. Any violations of these terms may result in account suspension or deactivation. Please keep your comments civil and in good taste. To report a comment, email info@surfboardshack.comLimO, on June 27, 2007 @ 6:16 pm |Mike, i don’t quite agree with you. That was probably your first surfboard and it probably had dimensions of 7’0x20x2.5 and you’re probably a beginning/intermediate level surfer! The apparel industry and the surfboard industry are two different arenas, local shapers are the lifeline of surfings core. You should try and ride a board the has the curves of a tokoro or a merrick then tell us what you think is beter. Your CnC machined Chinese board doesn’t compare to a hand carved piece of foam from a master shaper like takayama. eggzackery, on November 2, 2007 @ 6:01 pm |costco boards actually rip, its the surfer not the board. its just the way it is. we are talking the rubber boards (ie the article, cheapo beginner type surfboards) about 3 inch thick. shapes i wouldn’t buy but foamies work wonders for beginners. thick cookie cutters are easy for beginners, everyone is always tryin to get a piece of the action what else is new! brook jason, on November 14, 2007 @ 10:39 pm |Limo, it just said that there are 60 chinese shapers and the boards are hand carved. Also, it says that shapers were actually impressed with the board. SERGIO JIMENEZ, on December 5, 2007 @ 1:28 am |ASAP WHERE CAN I BUY,IN WHICH COSTCO ONE OF THOSE CHEAP NEW,PLEASE TELLME ´COS I HAVE GOOD WAVES FRONT OF ME AND NO MUCH MONEY, MI LAST BOARDS ARE NOW WITH SOME #~€~¬ THIVES, SORRY BY THE BAD WORDS, GOD BLESS U WATER FILLIES Eric, on February 13, 2008 @ 9:24 am |It’s called Capitalism. Deal with it. It’s the cycle of every business from farming to clothing to house building and everything in between. Go Warriors, on March 22, 2008 @ 9:26 pm |costco isn’t forcing us to buy their boards. if you don’t like it, then don’t buy it. but don’t make a huge sop story about how they’re “ruining the core of surfing culture” or some nonsense like that. apparently people like them, because they’re still being sold. ShakkaDOG, on April 14, 2008 @ 4:48 pm |If Costco gets those old ladies that give out the free samples to sell those boards we might just have a revolution on our hands mates! (try the finger sausages, there amazing!!!) matt, on April 21, 2008 @ 12:27 pm |Costco boards have no soul, I use Midget Smith boards and have been for more then 15 years he is reasonable and an excellent shaper, the prices are not much different than Costcos either. BluewaveRJ, on June 4, 2008 @ 8:28 am |Lol..how funny. I kinda understand Limo words, but we have to agree with those people who are beginners. You don’t need to buy a expensive one right now. You just need to understand a bit about surfboards and get there what you like..I am from New York, nothing against the production of a surfboard made in China, you buy if you want it, but I don’t want to see Chinese selling surfboards at the beach as they do selling DVD on the street..How lame jl, on June 21, 2008 @ 11:52 am |I remember the day where the shaper was the guru, developing new shapes and creating new concepts in surfing. Sorry boys, those days are gone. August, Stewart, ICross, and many other shapers use the machine to rough shape their boards. Many also sell their shapes overseas where the Chinese machine these named shapes and then slap whatever on the deck. So lets not wax poetic about an era long extinct. mike, on June 22, 2008 @ 10:31 am |would like to see china destroy the US labor market completly. as long as someone makes a profit who cares? Mike, on June 22, 2008 @ 6:39 pm |these boards are great for begginners and even intermediate surfers in my opinion. I’m just a begginner and though I realize someday I’ll probably want a “real” board, for 100 bucks I’m in business without worrying about dings or spearing someone. Stinky, on June 30, 2008 @ 1:34 pm |Take your CostCo board and head back to the valley, kook! Seriously, I hate having to pay inflated prices for boards too but I would never own one of those commie POS boards. Nor would I buy merchandise from a chain “surf shop”. FYI Mike something like 88% of surf apparel is purchased and worn by people who live 100 or more miles from an ocean and do not or have never surfed. A category most of you should have remained in, given your attitude towards the industry. The closing of Clark not only opened up markets for cheap, substandard, foreign made boards (most of which will end up in US landfills in 2 years) But it provided an affordable entry into an already impacted sport. Before you start thinking I’m some “locals only bro!” let me tell you I’m not. It just irritates me to no end to share the line up with people who do not share the same respect for the soul and heritage that come with being a surfer. Having respect for those who’ve paid their dues also seems to be another thing that has “fallen by the wayside.†Here’s a little something to think about. A local shaper I know, who apprenticed for years under some socal legends back in the day, used his artistry to support his family for 30 years and put two kids through college is not only having trouble selling boards these days but is often times unable to get board building supplies such as 5oz cloth because the Chinese have gobbled it up. Fortunately he planned well for his future as he would be sorely hurting had he not. So here’s to you Mr. my kids all ride realms and to you Mr. broken English I can haz board now guy. Climb back in your SUV with you’re $200 Enemy of the State brand board on the roof (oh yea jack ass, China is our enemy) and surf your little hearts out. Just don’t f****n drop in on me or leave your energy drink cans on my sand! SantaMonicaGirl, on August 15, 2008 @ 11:47 am |Yep, I agree with the guy about capitalism. It is what it is. It’s just like buying a car…you can get a cheap Kia or Hyundai or a Porsche. These guys are filling a “need”. As far as the sob stories about shapers not making it, times are tough and EVERYONE is having a hard time. I wish I could do what I love doing too (music), but guess what, I can’t earn a living at it. It is what it is. You sound like a bunch of old farts complaining about the good old days. Michael Rosoft, on August 26, 2008 @ 5:08 am |I have to admit my new Counter Culture rides better than my Channel Islands! Better quality that I expected. 3 Thumbs up! matt, on August 28, 2008 @ 1:25 pm |SAMO Girl you could make a living at music if you were any good at it 😉 oldfart, on September 9, 2008 @ 3:06 pm |1) There is room in the marketplace for both types of board. A beginner, for 100$ can start surfing. If he/she enjoys it so much, in all likelihood, will get a hand shaped one down the road anyway. We should allow the equipment to grow with the ability of the person. 2) I remembered not too long ago, when ‘made in japan’ was synonymous with inferior product. Now, look at where american car makers are in comparison. 3) Something to think about: some frugal and financially savy chinese manufacturers open plants here in the us employing american shapers, a la Toyota/Honda. Best of both worlds? Hew, on September 12, 2008 @ 6:48 am |True, we cannot hold on to the good ol’ days when our world is moving forward. Someone mentioned that China is taking over more than the surfboard industry and thats right. We are being overtaken. Big industry keeps buying from China and consumers keep buying from big industry. Thats the unfrotunate progression of our world. People are so focused on the short term pay outs (cheap now) and they lose sight of the long term impact (China will own you!) Serious, the US will be rolled over by China if it continues to go this way. But, oh well, you got your cheap board(or any other product for that matter), awesome…. crash, on October 2, 2008 @ 1:53 pm |Wa Wa Wa! Quit winning! Most of you drive a car from Japan! Why don’t you shut up and start walking! Goat, on October 11, 2008 @ 10:54 am |Sad how the very guys that built an industry around surfing are now complaining that it is evolving by the principles of business and branching into reduced cost geographies. Surfing should have never become the industry that it is. It is shameful how something as soulful as surfing has been polluted by greed and inflated ego. Having been very close to the industry for many years, I’ve seen many bullies who firmly believe the world owes them some sort of tax. On the bright side I’ve also met some of the most soulful people on earth, unfortunately these are only a few hardworking men & women who are wise enough not to make surfing a commercial endeavour, but respect it for what it is. China jumping into the market is just a natural progression of what a bunch of egotistic individuals started many years back. You wanted a business? Well, you’ve got it … And we all have to pay for it. Rek, on January 10, 2009 @ 2:30 pm |I love my wavestorm surfboard, better than my old sunset foamie. iam going to spray paint or something, i keep seeing more and more of them, i feel like a clone, but it performs great just the facts, on January 22, 2009 @ 7:15 pm |.. think about it this way rick, on January 26, 2009 @ 12:34 am |A lot of moaning & groaning on here, haha, well simply put-to be able to get on a wave & enjoy it for what it is is just fantastic, thats why we all do it right?? i reckon some of these people in china would love to be able to do so but they’re not able to, well at least they are getting fed tonight because they made a board. iv’e ridden on branded boards, local shaped boards & a chinese made boards & funny thing is i’ve had fun on all-just another point of view folks, from new zealand John, on February 14, 2009 @ 9:34 pm |A small detour here, but I am currently working in China month on month off. I thought I’d go just go out and buy a board to ride while I was here, figuring it would probably be cheaper than freighting a board from and back to Oz, and I’d get another board in the ever growing collection. How hard do you think that would be in a country manufacturing millions of the bloody things. Greg Drumm, on February 18, 2009 @ 5:03 pm |Reality sucks. When I started surfing “pop outs ” were the same problem. ( 1964 ). But they were cheaper and allowed people to start surfing. Someone , somewhere will always come in under the established brands no matter what the product. Most if not all of the clothes we wear , surfing or otherwise are made overseas. Surfboards have no magical protection. Wait till the Chinese start exporting cars. You’ll see those USA only surfers driving them to the beach. VW Vans were the thing to have back in “64. Hey I don’t want to lose anymore US jobs to other countries but every other industry has felt the sting and surfing is no exception. Good luck to us all. michael, on March 8, 2009 @ 12:37 pm |hey i have a hole in my costco board and i need to know what the bottom of the costco board is made of Wong Shui Long, on April 21, 2009 @ 8:57 am |I am a “local shaper” in California. I’m in my mid-30’s, have a wife and kids and bills like everyone else. The truth is GSI (the biggest surfboard company in the worl (Blue NSP, 7S, Weber, Modern, Walden etc) changed the business landscape forever. (GSI make about 120,00 boards a year in Thailand, Surftech makes about 30,000 in the same factory) Surf shops WANT to do business with companies that produce a consistent product, deliver on time, and offer good terms with better margins. In the old days guys like Velzy and Noll ran their companies like real businesses, they had large factories, tons of workers and accountants in the back room. Clark drove the hippie-guru, backyard movement and made surfboard building very unprofitable (but made Grubby millions). I have been to China almost a dozen time, staying from one week to two months. I have visited and even worked for several Chinese factories. Some suck and some are better than anything in California. The truth is ALL the major labels have Asian production. The most high quality, high performance, name brand boards on the surf shop rack were most likely made in China, Thailand or Viet Nam. The factories are well run and the craftsmen are top-notch. Meanwhile there are very few American high school grads looking for a dust, itchy, low-paying career in surfboards and most of our factories are poorly run and face ridiculous red-tape from local hippie governments. People who go on and on about how “awful and oppressive” China is have probably never been there. It is pretty much just a regular place (but with TONS more people!). It is industrial, and there are elements of industry that Americans find distasteful (no wonder they gain industry while the USA gives it away!). I have been to a Mosque, Christian churches and Buddhist temples in China. I have read newspapers critical of the Chinese government. Their culture is not one that equates going to college with getting stoned and protesting the trendy cause of the week. China is 5,000 years old, it is not the USA, okay? Besides, saying you won’t buy a board from China because you don’t like the governments policies would be like an Aussie saying he won’t but a Channel Islands because he disagrees with the US role in Iraq. The truth is that most of the production happening at the better factories in China is for large to medium size, well established American and Aussie brands that are simply trying to survive in the post GSI market. The quality is generally as good or better than the average board made in the US. As for “soul”… seriously, it’s a piece of plastic, bro. Trust me, I’ve hand made thousands of boards, they are just plastic. Worry less about where your board came from and more about where you will take it! SAMO Girl, on May 8, 2009 @ 7:23 am |Amen Wong Shui Long. Surfing is not about the board or getting a “beatdown” by another surfer who doesn’t like you because of your board (???). BTW, matt, I did make an okay living, but decided that a regular paycheck was better in the long run. In case you didn’t know, there’s not a lot of $$ to be made these days with all the file sharing that goes on. Now I do work for ASCAP, if you know what that is. oceanside surfer, on May 16, 2009 @ 6:03 am |So do they just sell these boards in costco? Because I’m all for a stronger US economy,but if I can get a decent board cheap that I can get better on and then buy a hand shaped once I get better, whats the problem? white elephant, on May 20, 2009 @ 6:29 pm |This is all very sad. Costco pop outs are probably fine for the beginner. But China has put out of work a lot of polyester crafting for many guys here who love the work and didn’t really fit in to corporate AMerica. French has merely replaced Clark, to a certain degree, in principle–he, along with anyone who’s doing Vietnam, Thailand or China. Surftech would be a lot more expensive USA made, but that would keep USA employed! al pina, on May 27, 2009 @ 6:01 am |costco boards work i ride them i surf over 8ft solid the waveform is the one im talking about bigocean.net, on June 29, 2009 @ 8:01 am |Have a realm it is a good board there is something about a handmade board, though. Dems, on July 7, 2009 @ 5:27 pm |They are no longer $100, at least around the west coast, i have not seen them at costco lately. I’ve seen them for over 200 at small surfshops and some people sell it on craigslist for $150+. This is catching on like crazy. I got mine last summer, the blue one with the small logo, the new one is ugly it has a white logo all along the board looks kinda gay, glad i got mine last summer. montereysurfer, on July 18, 2009 @ 5:36 pm |I just bought mine at costco today for $100.00 (109 w/tax) I am a beginner. Surfed my friends coffee board, could not stand. It was a 6′ board. The costco is an 8′. I am 6’4″ 225 pounds, the coffee would just sink. He has been surfing for 25 years. Serious surfer. He told me to buy the costco board because it would be perfect for a beginner like myself. I just want to have fun, no matter what kind of board I have. I am 39 and from San Diego, lived in Monterey bay all of my life, grew up on the beach, just never surfed??? Well life is too short, I want to surf and have fun! I had a BLAST the first time out at Moss Landing, even though I could not stand. its all about being out there, not what board you have. bigsurfer, on August 24, 2009 @ 9:19 pm |Got rid of my longboard that I have been riding for many years and got a wavestorm to add to my quiver since I now mostly ride shortboards. The floral pattern on the newer model is kinda gay (glad I got it though since I don’t see wavestorms any more at my 2 local costco’s!?). The leash tangles up on the fins and your ankle frequently (cheap), but still works. As for the board, easy paddling, solid wave catcher, with pretty darn good manueverability! They work well in just about all conditions…especially mushy waves. Been having a lot of fun on them. Of course I’ll take the hardboards out if it is glassy and barreling though. Would recommend them to anyone…even intermediate to advanced surfers for those days you just want to cruise. O' Doyle Rules, on September 15, 2009 @ 2:35 pm |The wavestorms rule! I get more waves and more barrels when riding that board in almolst all conditions (haven’t brought it out in 10’+) then most of the people riding “hand made” over-priced boards. There’s nothing more versatile. I can land large floaters on shorebreak waves and not give a sh*t or let it slam into the rocks repeatedly cuz it’s better to not wear a leash, ride well overhead point or beach break waves and so on. China’s going to take over the world eventually anyways so you might as well be on their good side and have one of their boards in your quiver. surfwitskill, on October 7, 2009 @ 7:54 am |okay…read some of this…shui long made a good point..but to all those poeple that think it is the board that makes the rider…wow…you must be the kook. i seen people ride wooden planks and get barreled..i seen people on wavestorm costco brand boards and get overhead barrels…its the board, its the skill of the rider… i got some pictures of people i know riding a costco board and rippin…so you know this board is not just for beginners… and the prices for the boards these days are insane! you know how much the material is for the boards..? a fraction…fraction of what you pay for…surfboard brands and makers are turning into volcom and hurley…3$ to make shirt but sell it for $25..huh? i know they got to make a living, so do the people who surf…so why not let the people who want to buy a cheaper board that is pretty good quality buy it…and rip harder than those who have 400$ boards who cant get barreled… surfwitskill, on October 7, 2009 @ 7:57 am |PROOF THAT IT IS THE RIDER AND NOT THE BOARD… http://squareskimboards.com/Images/tardedurrl2.jpg http://squareskimboards.com/Images/tardedurrl.jpg http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b160/surfdavenport/BBP%20POD/BBPSkimFASHCoreyvBeaker.jpg InexpensiveBoardShopper, on October 14, 2009 @ 6:12 am |So… how much can this Wavestorm handle as far as weight goes? Is there a recommended weight for the common model available at Costco? Having a wife and two young children… this is the best option for me to get a board that is affordable and safe with available funds… just need to know if it is going to float my 210 lbs. Of course if Wavestorm made a paddle board I would try that too just because of price + the most consistent surf we get around here (Gulf Breeze, Florida – Gulf Coast) is perfect for longboards and paddleboards. Michael, on October 16, 2009 @ 5:36 pm |There is a way that all U.S surfboard manufacturers could stop this. Get together and donate to petition the commerce department and U.S. Customs to RAISE THE DUTY AGAINST THESE BOARDS and be sure petition for a clause to exclude Free Trade agreements like NAFTA or the Chinese will just go there and make them. You slap a tariff on these boards to equate them with domestic prices and see who can compete on quality! Because the ONLY REASON this is happening is because of “cheap prices”. This is such bullshit what are the surfboard makers waiting for??!?!? It takes YEARS to petition a tariff and they have not even started! By the time they do and the lazy government gets it done the entire industry will be gone! Just like all the other US manufacturing industries that have disappeared ONLY because of cheap labor prices. These boards are being imported DUTY FREE that is why they are able to sell them for next to nothing and send everyone collecting unemployment checks ! Get with it shapers!!! Micky, on October 29, 2009 @ 10:29 am |You can’t fake quality any more than you can fake a good meal. William Burroughs Make no mistake, cheap is cheap, not inexpensive. If you’re the kind of person that thinks the pictures hanging over the beds in a motel are works of art, then you’ll probably never know what the difference is between a China board and a real board. Micky, on October 30, 2009 @ 6:01 pm |I can’t believe my comment was removed. Guess the moderator likes motel room paintings. Mark, on November 2, 2009 @ 1:51 pm |Economics is economics. If people want to save money, they buy (and support) Wal-mart. Is this any different, that some entry-level or cash-strapped surfers want to buy boards from Costco that are manufactured in China? If it’s an inferior product, or is overpriced, it won’t sell – and Costco will discontinue offering it. It’s a world economy. Market forces will dictate and decide what happens to the hand-shapers, just as it did for those that did manual labor in the automotive industry in the 80’s when robotics were introduced. Displacement is brutal, being laid-off SUCKS — I know, I used to work in the aerospace industry — but it’s what happens when you let natural market forces work. If you don’t like it, boycott Costco – don’t dive them your business. Mark displaced So. Cal surfer P.S. When is China going to start making real Fish and Twin-fins? When they start making quality twin and quad fins, GAME OVER! deeznutz, on December 12, 2009 @ 12:19 pm |It was really convenient to go to Costco and simply remove the FCS fins from the boards and put them in my pocket..And grab a slice of pizza too! Bob Mellinkoff, on December 18, 2009 @ 12:07 pm |I earned my first balsa and glass board with Velzy and Jacobs in 1955. And that sprung me off into my trade until retirement. Its to late dude. Take everything out of your house that is not made in the USA, food, clothing, appliances, cars, toys, and that stimulus check (from China) you got last year and give it back. That first board cost $69 We have screwed ourselves letting other countries take take take and give nothing in return. These countries now own more of the USA than the USA does. Resin use to cost 17 t0 18 cents a pound. There is no profit anymore in selling boards that are quality, and what little quality is left who cares, the oldtimers are all dying out that even remember the days of how it was. You cannot begrudge a beginner or even someone who loves to surf from buying these boards at Costco as they are not bad boards at all and as someone said its not the board its the surfer. I cannot relate anyway to short boards or the hype that goes on today. Velzy use to come up with some of the biggest wolf tickets when he sold a board it was hillarious. He would look over at us gremmies and say, Hey Bob you rode this board it did this or that right??? LMAO. And of course we would say yes it did. So sorry its to late. Have fun, its the way it is. Steve, on December 19, 2009 @ 2:12 pm |sufwitskill, dksurfer, on January 4, 2010 @ 9:17 am |I think my wavestorm board is made in Taiwan. And I think the company is from Taiwan. Tony, on January 14, 2010 @ 6:59 pm |I just read through all these comments and am amazed on many fronts. However, the reason I am here in the first place is that a friend told me Costco had $100 surfboards. I have wanted to surf all my life and now that I am in my 40’s I have made a mission of learning. I have been renting a 9′ Liquidshredder from the local dive shop for $15 a day because the cheapest board I can find locally is about $400. If shapers want to stay alive, they should DOUBLE their prices because it will double their business. In this country, we are infatuated with expensive things because we think we need them to maintain a certain image. If an established shaper says he won’t make a board for less than $10 grand, his phone will ring off the hook from surfers who want other people to think that only the most expensive, hand-shaped board is good enough for them. Meanwhile, I’m trying to find a friend with a Costco card and a few hours to kill. “There are six billion people in the world, all thinking their way of doing things is better than everyone else’s. However, their odds of being right are about six billion to one.” Big Mike, on January 28, 2010 @ 5:58 pm |Most of the posts in this thread raise good points, but to me the bottom line is to let each ‘person’ make a ‘personal’ choice and not try to overly influence another’s decision. For me, a 40+ year old who wants to learn to surf but not sure I will be any good at it or even enjoy it, a low cost option makes sense. Hence, I plan to purchase one of the boards from Costco. I have looked at them but did not know if they were of any real value. Pretty much everything I have come across on the internet seems to indicate that they are a decent/good option for newbies and those on a limited budget, of which I am both. It simply makes sense to me. Shelly M, on March 15, 2010 @ 8:16 pm |Just came from Costco and saw 10’6″paddleboards there! I had just started investigating the sport of stand up paddle boarding to try here on a lake in Idaho. Is this a good one for a beginning stand up paddler? It’s $429 compared to $700+ on websites..I have mixed feelings about the China issue Wordy1, on March 17, 2010 @ 12:36 pm |Dude. Think global, act local. If you like or don’t like Asian plastic get active. Check out the right thing for you and get busy. Say hello to your representitives. Vote your preferences. Or simply enjoy the wave. Spleen, on March 22, 2010 @ 12:19 pm |Lots of good points from both sides on this issue. The way I see it, local shapers/companies would eventually benefit from the Costco/Sams boards b/c the cheap boards draw in more into the sport. As beginners get into the sport, they will want to step up to higher quality boards that the chinese just wont be able to replicate. Believe me, those who buy the Costo/Sams boards know that those boards are inferior quality, but they don’t want to put down $$$$$ on something they are not sure if they will stay with. Shapers should actually be glad. Just my 2 Cents William, on March 26, 2010 @ 10:27 am |I am also considering a Costco Paddle Board. Trying to find someone who has one so I can try it. I rented a $1200 board for the weekend and want to compare them. Or I may just buy one and then return it if it sucks. Tim, on April 19, 2010 @ 4:15 am |On my way to Costco today to buy the stand-up paddle board. Don’t really care where its made. It’s going on my boat along with the Costco kayak a Chinese dinghy and a Honda outboard. My 9’6″ is a local handmade but I would have bought that at Costco too, if it was the best bargian/quality. If I don’t like it I will simply take it back, try that at your local surf shop. Remember local folks work at Costco and the corner gas station. Shop in your own comunity and help your neighbor stay employed. BWDinHB, on May 29, 2010 @ 8:33 pm |They were giving some samples of the boards @ the Fountain Valley Costco today. They tasted pretty good. Bradshaw should check it out. crise40g, on June 14, 2010 @ 10:45 pm |I have been surfing for almost my entire life. I have ridden fiberglassed boards, both custom and off the rack, epoxy boards, and body boards. Now my 8 year old daughter told me she wants to start surfing. Why wouldn’t I start her out learning on of those Costco boards? Why let her learn and ding up my other boards? Get off your high horses. This is a great way to introduce surfing to someone new. When they get better, they’ll realize that they will want to get one customized for them, thus going to see a shaper. So cool your hippie jets. Unhappy Customer, on June 16, 2010 @ 4:31 pm |About ten years ago my wife gave me a gift certificate for a Rusty Surfboard. When I contacted Rusty, I requested a longboard. The represenative stated Rusty had no longboards in stock and I would have to settle for a 7’6″. Well, the surfboard has collected dust in the garage because the board is not the right board for me. I recently contacted Rusty in hopes of working out some type of deal…trade…discount for a long board. (The 7’6″ is in perfect shape…only surfed once.) Rusty stated in words to the effect…you are sol. I guess Rusty does not believe in customer service or goodwill. Kahuna, on June 21, 2010 @ 9:42 am |Ya. Got me some CostCo boards too. No sympathy, on July 25, 2010 @ 2:49 pm |I see this thread has been going for years and the rhetoric from the whine patrol is epic BS. This conversation is like the Harley Vs Jap bikes or American Vs foreign car baloney. Why do people never learn? Time always moves forward. Never backward. People can argue over brands and loyalty all they want but a tool is a tool, a machine is a machine, industry grows, moves and changes constantly. Face it, none of you pay for handmade shoes. None of you pay for handmade clothing. None of you are paying for handmade furniture or much of anything. So does that give me reason to sit here and slam you all for being sellouts? For not supporting 19th century style craftsmen? I create hand made, custom furniture because I like to. I don’t make much money at it because most people are not willing to pay me a decent hourly wage once all those hours ad up into a custom piece of furniture. So I give up expensive things, my kids earn scholarships and that’s my choice. The world does what the world does and I make my own decisions. I apprenticed in leather work, shoes, furniture and I am not completely incompetent as a blacksmith and now I am toying with custom wood strip surfboards. So am I supposed to blame everyone who buys factory made shoes? Factory made leather gear for bikers or horses? Should I come give someone the finger for not kickin out the money for hand made stuff? Hardly. Face it. If you don’t like Chinese stuff in your life then you might was well turn off the puter, get off the net an go live in a cave. It used to be Japan, or India or Taiwan or Korea or Mexico. So now it’s mainland china. Tomorrow it will be something else or a mixture of them all. Get over it. You can’t afford to buy everything hand made in America by artists. So those of you screaming “Valley get out” and similar BS can take your opinions about how and where the rest of us should support who and what we choose and shove it. As if surfing is some sacred thing. The only sacred thing about anything is if it’s sacred to YOU. To some it’s art or music tattooing or whatever. So to you guys it’s surfing. Cool, good for you. Now keep yer freakin surf cult religion to yerself and quit tryin to tell everyone else how to live, what to buy and who to support. No matter what you get into, cars, boats, music, art, choppers or freakin Star Wars collector toys, there is always some self proclaimed elitist hard core wannabee guru tryin to tell everyone else what’s cool or what’s sacred or how to act or what to buy an then slammin anyone who isn’t a joiner to the false prophets guru cult of BS ethics. The newbies are commin. Get over it. The world changed. Get over it. Heros are lucky to have their 15 minutes. If they can keep it, great. If they can’t well, I guess if they wanted executive security they shoulda become a freakin suit instead of carvin surfboards out of petroleum products. Me, I miss the good ole days when it took huge amounts of brains, money and effort to log into a computer network. Now everyone with an opinion can jump behind a keyboard and claim to be an elitist expert by spendin 100 bucks on craigslist and callin the phone company. I ain’t complain but I do miss it. Life goes on. Adapt or die already. Whining is for people who can’t handle facing reality head on. Beginner, on August 15, 2010 @ 6:24 pm |Hey there Mr. No Sympathy – you are a smart guy and kudos to you for telling it like it is. I could not agree more with you. Mark, on August 30, 2010 @ 2:32 pm |I have used these Chinese boards for teaching surfing at a surf camp and for $99.00 at Costco, you can’t beat them. They are good for beginners. Robert, on September 12, 2010 @ 10:31 am |Tell me where I can buy a USA made pop-out for 250.00 bucks? I can’t find a decent used board to learn on for that price. Whatever, the list will never end. Bottom line is…My Mommy doesn’t buy my crap. I’d rather f-up a cheap board learning. Scott, on November 17, 2010 @ 10:32 am |Hi..I am 6’1″ 200 pounds and love the 8FT wavestorm. As everyone knows,you can purchase this board at Costco for a mere $99.As much as I like the 8ft model, I would really love to get the 9ft model of the Wavestorm.I am sure the float would be abit better and allow me to catch the waves abit sooner while waiting in the line-up.The problem is that all the Costcos in my area (Orlando Fl) only carry the 8 ft model and Costco’s customer service is so pathetic that you can not order it.I also don’t want to buy a 9ft version from Ebay where the guy is marking it up $100 plus $99 shipping.Any help I could get with obtaining the 9ft model would be greatly appreciated.. Big Blue, on December 30, 2010 @ 11:16 am |i live and surf oahu. i own a firewire futura, two tokoros, a blue hawaii surf, one of occy’s old 6’7″‘s, and a chronic hawaii surfboard. i body surf with a swimmers kickboard and a mcdonalds tray, and i stand up bodyboard when only hawaii kai is good. i have fun on all the boards but nothing is more fun than seeing the looks on peoples eyes when i paddle out in good size waves on the blue rubber board and catch more and bigger waves with no leash and the middle fin barely hanging on (something wrong with the plastic screw). its all about the ride, nothing else. not what your board looks like, who’s name is on it. your shaper isn’t thinking about you after you walk out the door unless your build a relationship. i like to use the rubber board as a way to show people that spending bookoo dolars on a board they can barely ride is a waste. i see people on expensive sup’s with their knees shaking and falling when they try to turn around. and i take off on my big blue rubber board knowing that the next wave is gonna be even more fun! shoots Rob Beedie, on February 13, 2011 @ 1:34 pm |Just paddle out, travel, and have some fun. It’s all good. Save some money, spend some money, one day you will buy a custom and that isn’t a bad thing. Everyone wins….. Just paddle out and ‘hoot’ to the top of your lungs – ENJOY EVERY WIPEOUT. Share often and be sure to thank whoever it may be ‘that turned you on’. Save your dinero and buy a custom ‘one day’. You’ll never regret it – they work well if you find the right shaper. It does make a difference – don’t kid yourself. Support Custom Shapers Worldwide ABSR, on March 15, 2011 @ 9:12 pm |I have been surfing since 1976. I’ve ridden Pat Ryan, AIPA, and few others, too. I repair and glass surfboards for a living. Bottom line: A surfboard is simply a foam core wrapped in a “plastic” shell. Things are what they are. If you don’t dig the Asian made surfboard garbage, DON’T buy it! No one is putting a gun to your head or forcing you to buy one or ride one. I sell repaired/refurbished surfboards out of my repair shop for no more than $150.00 tops. Heck, buy one of my repaired stix instead! JMD, on April 2, 2011 @ 4:34 pm |I have watched the surfboard industry in their fight against the imported chinese boards for the last 10 years and I have never posted a comment on the subject. But now I think it is time to do so. The local surfboard manufacturers say that they have no margin compared to chinese imports and that is probably true in some respect. But I see that the manufacturers have become complacent and let their material suppliers overpower them. i.e putting all your eggs in one material suppliers basket such as clark foam , silmar resin or FCS who constantly raised their prices and ultimately sucked the bottom line dry for the manufacturers. These companies grew bigger and bigger while the shapers grew smaller and smaller. Bye see you in another 10 years , hope it gets better. Rachel, on April 12, 2011 @ 11:27 am |So these cheap imports are 30% less than your local American surf shops? The price tag is $1199, I got mine for the same. Big wup! When is this madness going to end? I bought a custom board for SUP and love it! Stop supporting the Chinese military and start loving America! Getting it cheaper now will cost your future greatly in ways I don’t think many Americans realize. Just watch Obama and his cronies on the hill and the deficit ceiling battle loom! Man are we stupid! I think its going to take a HUGE “wake” up call for Americans to realize we need to be more insular. Rik, on June 16, 2011 @ 6:54 pm |Been living in mainland china on and off for the last three years.I grew up in Los Angeles surfing since the age of ten,1974.I have surfed just about every style of board in the last thirty five years and have to tell you,Chinese boards are very good.As stated by others in this post,the Chinese are very good at copying just about anything,but they are also very talented and committed.People who complain about the Chinese getting into surfing need to get over it,and move on and let me tell you,these people are some of the Hardest working people on the planet,that is why their country will be on top shortly.Come spend some time on the mainland and you will see.Surfing is a business like any other business,(Profit Margins) and yes I grew up on backyard shapes in the 70’s and on just about every board imaginable till now.America needs to wake up,get competitive again and for those who say China is are enemy!! they are just starting to enjoy a free market you and I have enjoyed for years.Keep Surfing!!!! Todd, on June 24, 2011 @ 3:51 am |Good grief Rik you are severely short sighted in your views. I have no problem with people looking to improve their standard of living. However, since Clinton and the republicans along with him gave China “Most Favored Nation Trading Status” back in the early 90’s America and the American worker has suffered dearly. I have witnessed firsthand the destruction of our manufacturing sector. We are now realizing we are only but a generation away from losing our valuable skilled trades and craftsman. Just as we are now losing our shapers, sanders, etc. Furthermore, DO NOT claim that the Ch-Commi’s are participating in a “FREE MARKET”! That is a complete distortion of the truth. Their economy is a benefit of monetary manipulation where the Yuan has long been pegged to the value of our dollar. Their government heavily has subsidized large deals to bring work into their borders and then incrementally increase prices after the fact. I have been to China many times and the working conditions and the pollution as a result of unregulated growth is apprehensible. I am a huge proponent of “free markets” deciding winners and losers. China is a false and artificial market. Obx surfer, on July 25, 2011 @ 12:18 pm |We did go to the local shaper and he sold a 9’0 chinese surfboard and it was a deal, for my friend who is a beginner surfer. They both were very happy and he will probably go back and get a custom when his surfing evolves. geb, on July 27, 2011 @ 3:03 am |BUY your market rip off board and paddle your ass to CHINA and live there. USA doesn’t need you or want you. Stephen Holloway, on August 5, 2011 @ 10:47 am |Communist have always promised “We will destroy the United States Of America from within.” Chinese Government supports their business and employment. Rek, on September 12, 2011 @ 8:47 am |I like da 6.0 wavestorm been riding it for a year now, iam surprises it has not catched on, da 8.0 is great but once you get better turns and smacks with da 6.0 is hard to go back. I like da new logo designs, but i still spraypaint it, cause thats just me. dont hate participate matt, on December 13, 2011 @ 2:36 pm |I totally share the sentiments of “Stinky”, above. Rocky Point 3.17.12 - hawaii-photos.net -, on March 17, 2012 @ 5:52 pm |[…] confirmed. Costco boards work good at Rocky […] Inland Local, on May 17, 2013 @ 5:37 pm |I have rode one of these Realms. 6’6″, it rode fine. Could have recovered speed better after turns (maybe not enough flex). The idea of riding it was the worse. I wouldn’t ride it at my home breaks where I’d be recognized. It’s like a moped or a fat chick… fun as long as no one sees you on on it. Much respect to her and those sharing her. E. Leave a comment |
Mike, on June 3, 2007 @ 1:34 pm |
Got a costco board and I love it. Just a basic board for about 30% less than a surf shop… I promise you if you didnt know which board was which, you could not pick it out of a lineup.
Why should I pay more because everybody and their brother want to be a backyard shaper and they will cut eachothers throats on prices?
Nobody complains that Quiksilver and Volcom clothes come from 3rd. world countries.