Boardsport Source, Issue 73, Winter 14
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We Got This
At BoardSport Source we have always encompassed the three original boardsports – surf, skate and snow. For this issue we’re pushing those parameters into a boardsport seeing somewhat unprecedented growth in the summer market; Stand Up Paddle, a sport that doesn’t require waves or wind and can be done in land-locked countries. We have a market overview (p.35) that looks into how SUP can offer boardsports retailers a new sales opportunity. SUP won’t be for everyone, but those who do sign need to know their stuff. Similar to longboard skateboarding and backcountry snowboarding, it is a specialist area and requires employees with extensive knowledge to sell the products.
Meanwhile back in the ocean, surf spots are becoming more and more crowded; the search for empty lineups is taking surfers to colder climates and in Source #73 we take a look at the Cold Water Surf market (p.14). Cold Water Surf no longer means surfing California in winter – it means surfing places such as Scandinavia, the UK & Ireland, where not only is the water temperature cold, but air and wind temperatures give added chill. Endemic surf brands are now creating product for use both in and out of the water to meet Cold Water Surfers’ needs.
Source readers will have noticed our recent increased infatuation with ‘the product’. Being Europe’s only trade/b2b boardsports magazine, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to up our product trend report coverage to equip our retail readership with the essential tools they need when writing seasonal order sheets. This issue our Skateboard Editor, Dirk Vogel looks into what’s popping in the FW15 Skateshoe market (p.18) and follows up on last issue’s Crusier report with a detailed look into Longboard trends for 2015 (p.26). Similarly German Editor, Anna Langer grabbed the action camera market by the horns and has reports on what’s trending for 2015 in both cameras (p.49) and action camera accessories (p.50).
Up & Riding
Harry Mitchell Thompson