The Saltrock Surfwear Summer Sale

Just a quick plug that our Saltrock Surfwear Summer Sale is now on, both in our stores and online.

And just to show that we appreciate anyone who takes the time to read our meandering ramblings on this Blog we've created a special discount code that you can use on our online store to get an extra 10% off anything - even stuff that's already heavily discounted. Just enter '09SUM10' when prompted - or feel free to just browse and have a look at some of the new lines we've added.

Devon ice-creams and a peace and tranquility.

For fantastic low tide rockpooling, cool Devon ice-creams and a peace and tranquility that seems a hundred miles away from the pace of modern life, pack a Saltrock rucksack and head up the Bristol Channel to Lee Bay. Pull on your board shorts and trawl the rockpools at low tide for anemones, barnacles, crabs, starfish and prawns. Gather enough prawns for a lunchtime bar-b-que and spread out one of our soft large beach towels on a smooth sun warmed rock. Check out Devon wildlife trust’s page on what to find in a Devon rockpool Have a wildlife trail to see who can spot the most. Don’t forget to return anything in your bucket at the end of the hunt back to the place you found it.

Wander through the Lee village and imagine the eighteenth century smugglers scurrying down through the wood to pick up an illicit cargo of rum! Grab a fantastic value snorkel and flippers from any of our beach shops and take a swim around the rocks at low tide.

Take a drive down to Ilfracombe and do a spot of crabbing over the railings in the harbour or watch the boats come in at high tide. Time for a special day out? Book a boat trip on The Oldenburg to the Beautiful island of Lundy or up the coast to look for some seals and dolphins – don’t forget your Saltrock hoody as it can get nippy on the water! Walk around the town and spot the Victorian architecture or stop off in The Chocolate Emporium for some really naughty indulgence.



Our Kids love The Tunnels Beach whatever the weather. Take a restorative swim in the old Victorian swimming pool carved out of the rocks – so warm you don’t even need your wetsuit! Watch the kids explore the pools in safety - The Beaches have been rated the 3rd best beach for
rock pooling in the UK by BBC Wildlife Magazine. On a rainy day visit the café and play area – their curly fries are the best in the area!

If you worked up an appetite marching up and down the cliffs then there’s an abundance of Restaurants on offer. Have lunch in Damian Hurst’s Harbourside restaurant 11 The Quay or finish off a perfect day with a relaxing evening. Take a leisurely wander past the harbor and up Fore Street to stop off for a leisurely meal Spanish style at The Terrace Tapas and Wine Bar. Perfect!

Getting away from it all...

With the tourist upon us and Sunny days a plenty, we down at The Saltrock HQ know a local spot or two around the North Devon coast where there is always a little bit of peace and quiet away from the crowds.

CROW POINT
When the traffic is backed up, the car parks are full and there’s not a space to be had between one families oversized windbreak and the next one’s game of Frisbee there’s a place that we know we can get some space and piece and quiet.

Braunton Burrows is a unique experience and the first designated Unesco biosphere reserve. Even better think about the environment and park the car in Braunton’s village car park pop on a pair of board shorts and cycle down the Tarka Trail – not forgetting to stop off at Saltrock’s Factory Shop at Velator for a few bargain priced t-shirts to update your holiday wardrobe.

Follow the lane down past Velator quay and along the toll road crossing Braunton Marsh alongside the dykes and ditches filled with wildlife. Look out for rare sighting of a Little Owl or spot an Egret. Stop to feed the Swans and watch the Moorhens and Coots paddle alongside you and great Devon Ruby Red graze soulfully in the marshy fields.

Once you get to Crow point make it round the lighthouse and set off across the beach towards Airy Point. Make sure you pack your rucksack with a bottle of ginger beer and a sandwich or two, but don’t forget to take your rubbish home with you.

Spot Instow and the white sails of the sailing club in the distance and Westward Ho! around the corner. On a sunny day – with the crowds of Saunton in the distance you really could be anywhere in the world.

(www.countrysideinfo.co.uk/biospher_reserves/braunton)

Saltrock Open 2009 Video

Have a look at this great video footage of the 2009 Saltrock Open at Croyde Bay, North Devon.

Glen Hall wins The Saltrock Open 2009 Stop No 1 of 9 on 2009 UK PST 24th – 25th May, 2009 Croyde Beach, North Devon

The benchmark has been set for the UK Pro Surf tour – and what a benchmark! A Phenomenal standard of surfing prevailed across the weekend. Fantastic weather, consistent, clean swell and a great turnout to watch what proved to be the best start to the tour yet.

Saturday stood out as possibly the best conditions for The Saltrock Open to date and an exciting surprise for those on celebrity watch as British comedian Justin Lee-Collins turned up to compete in his first ever surf contest. After a 15 minute heat with Russel Winter, and local talent’s Scott Rannochan and Lynden Wake Justin said ‘This is just so great and has been very fortuitous as I was meant to be competing in Newquay in the English Nationals but due to a perforated ear after a sky diving experience it was postphoned to The Saltrock Open. You guys have been great and it’s been fantastic to be able to take part’. Only a month after taking up surfing Justin Lee Collins gave a very credible performance in Croyde’s challenging conditions, managing to score two waves during his heat.

The main competition started on Sunday having been delayed from Saturday to wait for the building swell. Accompanied by great weather and large crowds the best of the future British talent was on display for day one of the The Saltrock Open and they didn’t disappoint. Starting the day with a small but clean 1-2ft the waves built to a solid 3-4ft by the afternoon. Spectacular surfing from Lewis Clinton of Newquay helped him clinch the pro junior final. 2^nd was Luis Eyre followed closely by Jaycee Robinson and Toby Donachie.

In the under 16 boys Leon Mansfield captured a very close final despite slipping on the way down to the beach and having to use his reserve board. Local surfer Beau Bromham came a close second followed by Tom Good and Nathan Elms.

In the under 16 girls, Gabby Rowe was not to be outdone and defeated the rest of the field to clinch 1^st place ahead of Tess Swallow, Lucy Campbell and Laura Crane.

The closest final held was the under 12 open where Alex Gibson showed how far he’s come in the last 12 months to defeat an ‘on form’ Alex Scotney in an unprecedented display of outstanding emerging talent. With Harry De Roth in 3^rd and Will Bailey in 4^th giving very credible performances.

Sunday saw the majority of the battle for the Men’s Open take place in slightly smaller but cleaner waves. A global list of competitors made for some interesting and challenging heats. Battling for first place in the final was Russell Winter (Newquay), Glen Hall (Ireland/ Australia), Matt Capel (Newquay) and Alan Stokes (Newquay).

Against some tough competition Glen Hall stormed the final with some aggressive surfing despite Matt Capel giving him some serious competition. Russel Winter came back in the later stages with some serious moves but failed to connect them and took second place in a gripping battle full of drama and technical brilliance.

Reuben Ash won the £250 prize provided by Relentless Energy drink for the biggest ariel by pulling off two amazing moves in one heat. Prize for highest scoring wave was won by Sarah Beardmore in the women’s and by Lous in the juniors on Saturday.

A strong women’s field also took to the water on Sunday, with Sarah Beardmore (Littlehampton), Gwen Spurlock(Swansea), Jo Dennison (Pembroke), Tass Swallow). World qualifying Sarah Beardmore competing in her first UKPro surf tour event dominated the final and took first place with a stunning performance. Sarah clearly thrilled with the event said ‘Fantastic competition, many thanks to the sponsors and organizers for a great weekend.’

Presenting some epic glass trophies donated by Dartington Crystal a beaming Ross Thomson form Saltrock said ‘We were delighted with the weekend and with the conditions on Saturday in particular. We couldn’t have wished for better conditions and the standard of surfing was inspiring. Holding the event later in the season was definitely the right move and it was great to see so many people on the beach enjoying the surfing.’

Many Thanks go to all the sponsors and everyone who participated in the contest, surfers and organisers alike. All in all The Saltrock Open 2009 was an incredible start to the tour and set the standard for an exciting tour to come.

For further information please contact Dave Reed on 01637 854854 or dave@uksurftour.com, also visit the website www.bpsauktour.com

Or Evo Management: martin@evomanagement.co.uk

Justin Lee Collins enters The Saltrock Open

Massive surprise in tour for contestants and spectators as a Bristolian Bearded Comic Justin Lee Collins entered the Saltrock Open surf competition on Sunday 27th May 2009. Justin went head to head with some of Europe’s top surfers to challenge them for the trophy!

Justin impressed the judges with his style, but unfortunately didn't manage to progress through his heat.

The 2009 UKPSA Saltrock Open, Croyde.

Girls on a Mission

Girls on a Mission
UK Pro Surf Tour (UK PST)

Saltrock Open
The No 1 stop of 7 on The Women’s UK PST 2009
Croyde Beach, North Devon - 23rd 24th May 2009
www.bpsauktour.com

The girls are on a mission to claim those waves and pull some serious manoeuvres at The Saltrock Open, this year.

After last years hard won contest the challenge is on and expectations are high. The scene is set for some close competition, it may be the first take on the ratings assault but this is no gentle warm up for the girls.

Once a sport dominated by men in the UK, the women’s section of the UK Pro Surf Tour has provided a platform for some exciting and powerful performances. There is a growing group of exceptionally talented young British and Irish women who are returning form their winter travels to raise the standard and are definitely closing the gap.

Nicole Morgan dominated the 2008 Saltrock Open

Over the long Whitson Weekend, it’s all eyes down to The Saltrock Open in Croyde to watch the girls battle it out for the honour of winning the first contest on the 2009 UK Pro Surf Tour. Nicole Morgan, who dominated and won last years tour, must certainly be the one to focus on. Having started her drive to success at Croyde last year she will be looking to set the tone for this year’s campaign and stamp her mark on the Croyde waves. However she is likely to be given a run for her money as you can guarantee local girls Kathleen Spears and Karma Worthington will be snapping at her heels. Karma we are sure will be hoping to repeat her winning performance at the 2007 Saltrock Open by making the best of her local knowledge and experience. In the under 16 girls we will of course be watching out for Lucy Campbell and the Croyde’s Knight sisters – Harriet, Jemima and Peony.


Saltrock’s Creative Director Ross Thomson comments, “Saltrock continues to support women’s surfing in the UK. We are looking forward to the event this year and particularly pleased to see such a good number of women’s contestants emerging locally. It’s important to Saltrock that we continue to support the UK Pro Surf Tour and are proud to host the first leg at infamous Croyde Low Tide!” He adds, “Fingers crossed for some great waves, and we’ll certainly enjoy a good event this year.”

For further information please contact Dave Reed on 01637 854854 or dave@bpsauktour.com, also visit the website www.bpsauktour.com
Or Evo Management: martin@evomanagement.co.uk

For more information about Saltrock please contact
Claire Thomson
T: 01271 815306
F: 01271 815307
http://www.saltrock.com

Saltrock Spring/Summer 2009 clothing arriving

With our stocks of Autumn/Winter clothing selling quickly, there has been some space created in our warehouse - just in time for the first of our exciting new Spring/Summer 2009 lines to arrive. As well as some new takes on some of our classic Surf, Tok and VW graphics we have some more subtle, low key stories. Here's a sneak preview of some of the first arrivals;

Mens Basic Tee

Boys Back Print Tee

Mens Henley Stripe Tee

Ladies Tee

Remember to have a look at our online surf shop to see our full range as it becomes available.

Christmas at Saltrock

That’s it Christmas fever has finally hit Saltrock HQ here in Braunton. Christmas songs on the radio and the Secret Santa list has gone round and the Christmas tree has been ousted from the depths of our storage area! Even the MD has been ‘Christmased’ with twinkling lights draped across his office by a phantom decorator.

There’s been a rush downstairs to the factory shop to stock up on stocking fillers and make the most of the fantastic saving on offer at the moment. Hats, scarfs, gloves and those lovely fleecy jackets have also been in great demand as the temperature has plummeted seasonally in time for a lovely crisp Christmas.

We’ve all ear-marked the Saltrock snowboard jackets for our new-year travels but are waiting for the last minute deals to book our hols. Having had a fantastic time in La Clusaz in France last March, with sunny sky’s and perfect conditions we’ve got high expectations for our next trip. The village is beautiful and whilst the slopes challenged those of us who were there for a more hardcore trip the ski schools for the kids meant a stress free time for the adults and plenty of venues for long lunches for those slightly less dedicated. With the transfer time of just under an hour from Geneva it’s defiantly got our return vote.

No snow in North Devon at this time of year but inspired by the season we grabbed our snowboards and headed off to the sand dunes last weekend for a little bit of pretend boarding! With a clear blue sky and frost on the beach the dunes at Saunton were just prefect for a bit of pre-season training. We might have had sand in our boot instead of snow at the end of the session by the après-ski was just as welcome at Thatch in Croyde.

With doom and gloom in the media at the moment and the R word looming, we at Saltrock were after a little inspiration this week! Last year a few of us scored an epic time on a trip on a trip to the little known Cape Verde island of Maio in a fast westernising archipelago off the coast of Senegal. This island has missed out on the tourism that is changing some of the more well known destinations mainly due to an erratic and oft canceled plane timetable! We were the only travelers on the island, there was only the sound of us playing a hand or two of black jack in the evenings and the waves breaking on the shore.There was miles and miles of empty waves and only the 4 of us to surf them.

Treks across barren landscapes yielding hidden coves with peeling right hand point breaks. Trips through ravines and over tiny crumbling cliff paths opening into a view of the prefect off shore reef break. Evening sat on the deck, contented and surfed out -watching the moon glint on the water and the biggest night sky we have ever seen. The waves were too numerous and epic for individual details.But suffice to say we are saving our pennies for a return trip to pick up our hearts from wear we left them!

This poem was on the wall in a little beach side hideaway that we stayed in and keeps us going till we can return to the next perfect wave.

Dance on Edges

Stretch

Listen in on shells

Put living things back

Cultivate Quiet

Boogie

Practice Simplicity

Sugar yourself with Sand

Float

Carry a bucket

Ride Rusty Bikes - go with the wind

Walk tender

Respect

Leave no wake

Tune up your senses

Build sandcastles and leave them for the moon to find

Ride waves

Discover treasure

Remember yourself

Keep off the rocks

Ebb and Flow

Laugh like a gull

Thank

Gingrass

A little romantic we know - but we all need some romance in our lives every now and again!

A week in the life of... at Saltrock

Empty Waves

Who says there are no empty waves left in North Devon. Scored 2ft offshore Combesgate on Saturday morning this week – totally empty except for the seagulls and myself. Riding the Saltrock Fish, the left hand bank was ‘suckey’ but fun with some nice little moments stored away for the long winter ahead. By mid morning the peak had filled up with some of the other locals and a good banter was enjoyed to fill the gaps in the swell. A fantastic sunset and finally a dry evening saw the family and friends down the bottom of the garden. Deck chairs out, beer in hand, bonfire burning it felt like summer had finally made an appearance! Joel had caught a bass snorkelling off Baggy Point in the afternoon so we wrapped in foil, added some sliced lemons and fresh thyme from the garden and struck it on the BBQ. Mmmmm nothing like the taste of freshly caught fish to the accompaniment of a little bit of Jack Johnson in the background watching the sun go down.

Sunday was dry enough for the kids to skate the quarter pipe in the garden – no chance for a quiet read of the Sunday papers. Words was out in the Neighbourhood that the ramp was in use and the entire population of mini ‘skater dudes’ turned up to chew the fat and pull some moves…. Knarly stuff! New mountain bike arrived mid –week and the evenings are still light enough to get out and about. Took four bikes, two kids and one dog down to Marine drive and cycled along the path the Putsborough for a hot chocolate in the beach café before cycling back again. Everyone slept well that night! A spot of rock pooling on Friday afternoon and a chance to pick up some driftwood washed up by the summer storms. Looking for Lobster on Grunta reef, no luck with the lobsters but disturbed a very grumpy spidercrab! Took the driftwood home to add to our collection. At least that’s one thing the wet and wild summer has provided – a good selection of wood washed up by the summer storms to keep us warm through the winter ahead!

A week in the life of.... at Saltrock

Well.... at the risk of being repetitive this week its really been about the weather again....... but ever the opportunist when it comes to shutting down the computer and experiencing the great outdoors this week.... hooray... finally a few breaks in the cloud and some ridable swell.

Huge swells on Monday meant a trip up the coast to Lynmouth. A satisfying if crowded surf followed by fish and chips on the promenade..... Just what the doctor ordered after the summer swell/weather depression! Entertainment provided free as a high tide and rolling seas washed over the seafront giving some unwary seagulls an unexpected dip in the sea!

Tuesday and back to our local secret spot for an early morning dawn patrol. Only a bike ride away and two people on a peak - who needs to go abroad when we still have unexplored waves hidden away in north Devon.

Autumn thoughts are chasing through our heads as Wednesday finds us collecting Driftwood down the boardwalk. Let’s hope the sun comes out in time to dry it out for those winter evenings gathered round the fire after a long tramp round Baggy Point.

Thursday and Friday and we managed a quick outing to the beach.... ice creams and hoodies but at least there was sand between our toes. Rock pooling with our buckets and nets and a few prawns collected for a lunchtime bbq behind the windbreak.

The weekend saw a spot of 'rain snorkelling' at a little sheltered bay we know of. Hard to say where the ocean stopped and the rain began but wildlife spotted include bass, mullet and of course beautiful shimmering shoals of mackerel. At least our beach life seems to be enjoying the last of the summer.

Welcome to the Saltrock Surfwear Blogspot...

Welcome to the Saltrock Blogspot...

We decided to publish some info on Saltrock that you may find of interest. As well as details of new seasons products, new retail stores opening and events we wanted to provide people interested in our brand a window into the ethos of our company. We'll be hoping to keep you updated with what we've got going on and regularly be publishing the musings of some of our team here.

Anyway, to start off with, a brief history of the company - Saltrock Surfwear Ltd.

Saltrock begain it's life in a garage, on a budget of £500. The Thompson brothers reasons for starting was simple...
To stay invloved with the lifestyle they loved... and to make enough money so come the winters they could chase the next perfect wave.

The majority of materials were taken from local skips... Honest!

Can you just check the manual?
Er, What manual?

Stretching and glueing the silk to the frames to make the screens.

If a safe is made to withstand being blown up, I'm sure we can convert one into an oven to cure our Teeshirts...

“And we cooked a few
in the process”

Our pride and joy - one old bank safe - line with tinfoil on the inside, Polystyrene on the outside, heating elements and a thermostat reaching a top temperature of 170°C . It proved a very effective curting uint (although it could only cure two tees at a time).

Angus Thompson with the
Tinfoil Curing Safe

Are you sure we
screwed it in properly?

THE DEVELOPING BULB
This pience of equipment cost us our last penny! But it was necessary to develop artwork to screens.
Also pictured is the highly advanced blackout system otherwise known as a Salvation Army rug.

So if we develop every piece of artwork in exactly the same place on each screen and they all fit in exactly the same place on the print bed we can print the multiple colours... Right?

SO WHO'S GONNA TRY IT THEN?

The virgin print bed and screens

It works..Now how do we
Pay for more Tee Shirts?

The first Screen and print strike offs.

By 1991 the premises had improved and the machinery was better.
But it was a time when 24 Hour shifts and working weekends were common place. At this time the brothers were joined by a highly charged partner - Carl.

And Then there were Three Amegos!!