Brick and Mortar Skate Stores – a place to hangout, touch product, banter at the counter, arguing over best tricks, best parks and terrible steezes – this is what skateboarding needs right now, and this is what Boardstore on the Sunny Coast has been serving up for over 18 years.
With two locations, it is really hard to pick a favourite – Noosa or Maroochydore? It’s like picking a favourite child – I guess it might be weather dependent? Or like any good skate shop, it comes down to the people in store and their love of skateboarding. Derek Ellens, buyer and all round nice guy, found his love of skateboarding through Tony Hawk Pro Skater as a kid, like most grommies of that generation. It must be tough working in the skate industry, in one of the best locations in Australia!
“Our aim for Boardstore has been to create an open and welcoming environment to everyone who is interested in skateboarding whatever that might look like. Being surrounded by things I like (skateboard gear) and helping people choose the right stuff is a pretty good gig.”
The skate scene on the coast is one of the best in the country. Yes it has some great local parks (a few right on the beach too) but it really is the local skaters that make the scene so strong – rocking up to a park there is such a strong sense of community but also inclusiveness, and it is clear to see the love the locals have for Boardstore.
Boardstore have been developing and contributing to skating through their two tiered sponsorship teams – the Standard Shop Team and the Grom Team – and a handful of coaches that they sponsor and work with.
“I feel like this is an important part of building the next generation of skaters, getting kids skating together from an early age.”
This mentoring program has established a very impressive Boardstore Team including Eli Waterson, Jaxon Passey, Freddie Arnold, Taniah Meyers, Pheonix Andreasson, Maddox o’Riley – they are all killing it!
So next time you are holidaying on the Sunny Coast, or if you are a local that wants to support your scene, be sure to call in to Boardstore and support a local that supports the locals!
Boardstore – Maroochydore
Address: 2/110 Aerodrome Rd, Maroochydore QLD 4558
Telephone: (07) 5479 2993
Boardstore – Noosa
Address: 4/37 Sunshine Beach Rd, Noosa Heads QLD 4567
Telephone: (07) 5324 1222
Website: www.boardstore.com.au
Instagram: @boardstoreshop
