Xabi ANTON, Waimea surf shop Owner and Manager

“I think you have to learn when to stay small and keep a low profile. The more you keep a low profile, the better you can weather the storms that come your way.”

In these few words, taken from the episode, Xabi sums up the Waimea surf shop philosophy. Located just a few meters from the waves in Anglet, the oldest surf shop in Europe to be still in business is more than just a shop. It’s an institution.

As store manager for the past 30 years, Xabi himself is an icon of the local surf scene. Given his unequalled expertise with hardware and his instinctive and flawless flair when it comes to trends, his reputation transcends the Anglet area, and his legitimacy is recognized by the industry and riders alike.

Early on, Waimea chose to focus on hardware instead of apparel. The decision paid off and is perhaps the secret to this quintessentially core shop’s longevity. Always connected to the market, whether behind the counter or in the line up, Xabi has always spotted his customers’ emerging needs and demands, whether it was making the move to an online website or developing new sports like kite or foil, well before any of them became mainstream.

For the podcast, Xabi tells is about his career, which is tighltly intertwined with Waimea’s history. He tells us about the challenges an independent surf shop faces on a daily basis. He also discusses his other endeavors, his ups and the downs, and how he got back up. He covers a wide range a themes and anecdotes of a colorful career. It’s a great interview with a genuine legend in the field, who is as passionate today as he was on day one.

Enjoy the ride.