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A former Channel Islands surfing star is set to open a new eco-conscious surf shop at Le Port next month in tribute to his grandfather, who set up Europe’s first surf club at the same location a century ago…
The shop, which is due to open its doors by February half-term, will offer sustainable wetsuits, surfboards and clothing.
Pictured: Major Nigel Oxenden formed Britain's first surf club in 1923 – the Island Surf Club of Jersey.
Nigel Oxenden-Wray, a former Channel Islands surfing champion who began surfing at the age of three who also owns the Line-Up Café, is introducing this venture as a business initiative and a homage to his grandfather, Major Nigel Oxenden, who founded Europe’s first surf club at the site in 1923.
"It's always been a grand plan ever since I started trying to apply for the Lineup in 1986," Nigel said.
"It was always in the back of my mind to get the whole place running 100% and to include a surf outlet."
Pictured: Nigel started surfing at the age of three.
"It'll be more of a water sports outlet because it's more to the beach than just surfing. Surfing is just one aspect of being down the beach. The sea really is for everybody."
The shop will specialise in eco-friendly wetsuits, including suits made from 85% oyster shell rubber with recycled materials for linings and stitching. There will also be other options made of ‘greenprene' material and natural plant-based rubber.
These sustainable alternatives will be priced below traditional premium wetsuits. "I would rather sell it and make less profit to get more people using them than put money in my pocket," Nigel explained.
Pictured: Nigel holding a spicy Caribbean chicken baguette at the Line Up. (Dave Ferguson)
This opening comes just months after a trio of documentary makers visited the island and called on local surfers to ditch their neoprene wetsuits for more ethical alternatives.
'The Big Sea', which recently screened at the Jersey Surf Film Festival, shed light on the devastating health effects of neoprene production in Louisiana's "Cancer Alley" and on the environmental impact of neoprene, a material tied to severe health risks for communities near manufacturing sites.
In addition to wetsuits, the shop will stock surfboards used by some of the sport's top athletes, including those of the under-16 world champion and past world champions.
Filmmakers urge local surfers to rethink their wetsuits
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