News that a new paddleboard business has opened up in Colwyn Bay is being welcomed today as the summer holidays approach.
Local residents John and Elly Burke have brought their brand new venture to Porth Eirias to meet local demand after Colwyn Bay Watersports folded a number of years back.
MÔR, is a new pop-up shop based in Porth Eirias and a stones' throw away from the beautiful sandy beach. They have joined the established Bryn Williams Bistro and Evolution Bikes with parking and facilities for customers and easy beach access to get straight onto the water.
The business initially launched earlier this year, via Rhos-on-Sea's View Creative Agency, selling inflatable paddle boards (iSUPs) and organic clothing online.
Now, open as a dedicated stand up paddle board shop in Porth Eirias, they plan to make “the most popular water sports movement in the world” more accessible to everyone living in and visiting the area.
With John's experience as a surf instructor and owner of a surf school in Ireland; Elly’s participation in a range of watersports over the years including sailing and kayaking and both their personal experiences with paddle boarding with their children they will be able to offer advice on board selection and local knowledge on where to get on the water for the individual's experience level.
The partners are no strangers to a bit of wild open water swimming as well. John swam around the Great Orme with his brother Thomas Burke to raise money for St David's Hospice in nothing but their shorts. The event was called GO9K and was the first time to have been attempted from West Shore to North Shore, Llandudno.
MÔR are keen to work with as many local companies as possible and would love to hear from any North Wales based watersports clothing and equipment businesses and are proud to be displaying a local open water swimming sensation/eco-changing robe company Smoc Smoc, based out of Conwy.
They are also be interested in hearing from any local Paddle Board instructors and people with sales experience with a passion for Paddle Boarding to join the team.
John explained what is available in the Porth Eirias shop. "We have a range of iSUPs from top brands including Shark, JOBE, Anomy, Sandbanks Style & Aqua Marina.
"There are paddle board essentials and spares including carbon & fibreglass paddles, fins, electric pumps, leashes and buoyancy aids. Stock up on the essentials for a day on the sea with items from wetsuits and sunscreen to changing robes and towels. Brands include Gill, Yak, Tiki, SOLA, Northcore and local company Smoc Smoc.
"At MÔR we believe in protecting the environment and trying to reduce waste; so not only do we have a range of 100% organic and sustainable clothing; we also stock vintage clothing and outerwear, to reduce the amount of clothing going into landfill. Our organic clothing features cool prints, is sustainably made, & printed in the U.K. We also stock a range of hand-printed organic cotton MÔR tee's"
To find out more please visit www.morsups.com and www.mor-apparel.com
Or check the new firm out on Facebook & Instagram www.facebook.com/morsups