Surfing Laguna: Dropping in at Hobie Sports

Surfing Laguna had a chance this week to get together with the fine folks over at the Hobie Surf Shop on Forest Avenue in downtown Laguna and talk a bit about how the summer season is shaping up.

Hobie general manager Jake Schwaner shared his take on summer sales, retail in Laguna and the new Hobie ASEC Green Room.

CW: First question: How’s business so far this early summer season?

JS: Not bad, considering the weather. We have a saying here at the shop: “When the sun’s out the guns are out” and it basically means people love being outside visiting Laguna when it’s warm and sunny. We sell lots of great items for those beautiful summer days, like lotions, umbrellas and beach chairs. Overall, I have to say we are very satisfied with what we’ve seen, people are shopping but are being more discerning in what they purchase.

CW: What is hot in the store right now, what’s moving well?

JS: The women’s department, ladies and juniors is selling really well. We have seen good traffic with the girls’ side and that’s really encouraging. Also we are very excited about the new Hobie/ASEC Green Room in our store. It’s 600 square feet dedicated to the first eco-friendly and sustainable “green room” concept within the action sports industry. We have great brands showcasing their sustainable products and include Patagonia, Volcom, Element, Billabong and others.

CW: What mix of locals and tourists do you see in the store this year? Any changes in these numbers over the previous seasons?

JS: We love our locals and they are in here all year ‘round. We do have a great connection with the Laguna community and that for us is key, as it sustains us.

It’s a mix of tourists too, and we have seen a good number of visitors this year to our store, which is encouraging. It goes back to people still shopping but really looking for great items to buy.

We work really hard to provide a great selection of items for our customers, including the eco-friendly products.

CW: Thank you, Jake!

Hobie Sports is at 294 Forest Ave. For more information, call (949) 497-3304 or visit www.hobie.com.

CHRIS WILLIAMS is a surfing coach and Laguna Beach resident, and father of four surf-crazy sons. He can be reached at chris@soulsurfingschool.com or (949) 497-5918.