Surf couture

With surfing season now in session, many residents across Long Beach are out searching for the latest surf apparel and gear, whether to show off their pride for the sport, or to have reliable equipment when they hit the waves.

Mike Nelson, co-owner of Unsound Surf shop on East Park Ave., said the shop has a number of deals that are a steal this summer, from $10 T-shirts and $25 board shorts to discounted surfboards.

Asked what surfboards would currently be a bargain for shoppers, Nelson referred to the “Lost Surfboards” brand available at the shop. A single board, which normally runs for $700, he said, is currently on sale for $450.

“They’re one of the best brands in the country,” Nelson said, noting the brand was founded by highly regarded board-maker, Matt Biolos. “It’s been one of our best brands for a couple of years.”

Nelson also pointed out the store’s Quiksilver Pro New York apparel, which includes T-shirts, caps, and sweatshirts. Items mainly range between $18 and $22, Nelson said, with the most expensive item being a Quiksilver sweatshirt, which costs $40. The Quiksilver Pro Trials, sponsored by Unsound, will take place on Sept. 3, and the winner of the Pro Trials will join a field of 34 of the world’s top surfers during the Quiksilver Pro New York competition, Sept. 1-15.

“It’s been really well received,” Nelson said of the brand, noting that customers are “stoked” for the upcoming event. “Everyone wants a little piece of it. And we pride ourselves on having the better quality brands.”