Author: insideurosima

Julie POLLET & Damien MARLY, Founders of CHIPIRON

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CHIPIRON. The word embodies the French “Sud-Ouest” though for the past few years it has come to refer to the surfers of an up and coming brand rather than the famous squid dish served in local restaurants.

In just under fifteen years, Damien Marly and Julie Pollet – his partner in the water and on the beach – have succeeded in developing a 360 degree business that spans well beyond just shaping surfboards.  It encompasses surfwear, accessories, shops and even a surf school. Chipiron has indeed become a landmark in the Hossegor and Soorts area and the little brand’s ambition is far from ready to stop there.

Xabi ANTON, Waimea surf shop Owner and Manager

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“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.

Michel HOFF, AUPA HOFF DISTRIBUTION Founder and a founding member of EUROSIMA

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For this episode we are thrilled to welcome a pillar of the European boardsports industry and a founding member of Eurosima : Michel Hoff.

As the exclusive distributor for Morey Boogie back in the day and a key retailer for boardsports in the 90’s and 2000’s, it is partly thanks to Michel Hoff that Europe saw the introduction and eventually the huge success of bodyboarding as a sport. But that is only one of many accomplishments this trend-setter has gifted the industry. Some examples of what a key player he’s been for the industry include importing and selling brands like SexWax, Reef or technologies such as SurfTech, as well as a number of other successful business endeavors.

GREG POISSONNIER, Slappy Agency Manager & cOLLAPSe skateboards co-founder

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Every industry has its key players and for French boardculture, Greg Poissonnier is one of them.

Originally from the North of France and having moved to Pau in the Pyrénées at the age of 12, Greg saw the rise of snowboarding in the early 90’s and how it spread to the masses, which is also when he honed his own skills in the sport. Having joined the Quiksilver pro team a few years later, he experienced firsthand the first pro contrats as well as the first editions of several now legendary events such as the Quik Cup. These travels and interactions led him to establish a wide network in the industry.