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February 10, 2009
28958 visits | 65 comments
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"Jim dedicated his heart and soul to live the lifestyle we love," surf industry magnate Bob Hurley admits.
Back in 1974, Jim Vaughn was a disgruntled South Florida surfer who let the formalities of a steady, well-paying job get in the way of his water time. So instead of going postal, he packed up and moved to the wave-rich region of North Carolina's Outer Banks and started selling surfboards.
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The original shop in 1975 was an old house at Whalebone Junction, right at the entrance to the National Seashore. Once the shop grew and moved locations north to Nags Head, it was an excuse to drop the "Junction" and the Whalebone Surf Shop of today, with its pirate flag, was born. "Our logo has been good to us. I wanted something that captures the area," Vaughn smiles while acknowledging the skull and crossbones on his chest. "Plus, I think everyone has a little pirate in them." "Without guys like Jim, people like me do not exist. He loves his sport and works awfully darn hard. In fact, he is even more relevant today than the day he started surfing."
-- Bob Hurley
A notorious jokester and comedian, Vaughn's light-hearted approach to life has made him greater than simply an Outer Banks fixture. "I've never met a more stoked surfer. He has inspired and nurtured (and tortured) countless groms and is funny as heck," Hurley says. "Without guys like Jim, people like me do not exist. He loves his sport and works awfully darn hard. In fact, he is even more relevant today than the day he started surfing." Of course, Whalebone isn't a one-man operation. Vaughn's wife, April, has been his partner since 1984. "I get to have all the fun and talk surfboards and go surfing," he admits. "She's in the office sweeping up after me and all the problems I've caused. She's turned my piling system into a filing system." Vaughn aims to hire knowledgeable employees who actually surf, instead of the seasonal college kids on summer vacation. "I also carry the best products out there - ones that my employees are proud to stand behind," Vaughn says. Today, Whalebone Surf Shop has locked in two key Mid-Atlantic locations. The Virginia Beach location, which opened 10 years ago, is more of a year-round business while the Nags Head shop slows down tremendously after Labor Day due to the OBX's seasonal tourist traffic. Regardless, Whalebone Surf Shop remains a haven for core surfers and weekend warriors alike. "We try to carry the best selection of surfboards available at a fair price and every accessory that goes with surfing," Vaughn proudly states. Between the two locations Vaughn stocks 350-400 surfboards from top shapers like Al Merrick, JS, JC, Bill Johnson, Sharp Eye, Surftech, Chilli, Stretch and more. And despite tough times, Whalebone was even able to wrangle some of the East Coast's first Simon Anderson thrusters back in the 80s. "The last recession took me a long time to dig out of but I'm more prepared for this one," Vaughn remembers. "I've lived through one and was hoping I'd never have to live through another one. We are in a better position for this one but everyone is just going to have to ride it out." And even though retail has slowed down across the country lately, Vaughn's longevity and positive attitude ensures he'll weather the storm, so to speak. After all, hurricanes have been whipping his Outer Banks stores for over 30 years... so, what's a little recession? List your store in Surfline's Surf Shop Directory. Surfline Premium Members get discounts at local shops and online, sign-up today and start saving. MORE SURF SHOP STORIES SURF SHOP DIRECTORY MORE SURF NEWS SURFLINE HOME PAGE |
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Comments: (65) Add Your Comment
Dustin McCartney 06/14/2010 07:42 AM
With the unfortunate happenstance of being an inlander, I look forward to our vacations to the Outer Banks every summer. Whalebone is the ONLY surf shop that I go to. They don't treat me like a tourist and Jim will strike up a conversation on a whim. Great people! Great Boards! Great Gear! They got it all and I hope they stay around forever because that shop is one of the main reasons I so look forward to coming back every summer. Thanks Whalebone!
michele desgain/sterling king 02/26/2009 12:28 PM
Jim is definitly an icon!We really love his support of the local groms!!He is a great mentor to my son!Thanks for all you do and continue to do for all of us local folks!
wayne whitley 02/25/2009 02:13 PM * PREMIUM MEMBER - Real Name
What can be said bggie is as biggie does and he does its done right, known him and April for longer than my memory serves me now good thing The women in our lives showed up when they did or we would all be with Davy Jones, live to surf surf to live.
Charles Rocknak 02/18/2009 03:37 PM
Jim has been a great friend since I moved here 30 years ago. April was added to that friendship a few years later. You can't get finer friends than them...they really deserve the kudos on here. Congrats to both of you! - Charles
patrick 02/17/2009 08:36 AM
I have been going to whalebone most of my life. I have never had a bad experiance there. The surf lessons in the summer are alot of fun. The service is great and very polite.
Mike beazley 02/17/2009 01:51 AM
Jims 1st class. I can say there has never a time when I have gone in the shop and J.V. didn't take time to chat and or maybe talk about past surf trip somewhere. I believe he has done it all. Congrates on the article!! Keep the stoke alive(pete your also in the same class!)
adnon 02/16/2009 10:09 AM
jim is really cool guy and show me right wave to paddle for ,jim nice, i like jim
Bob Panico 02/16/2009 10:04 AM
Biggie you know I love you. Good luck and thanks for all you have done for the surf world. But you are the only guy I know that owns a surf shop, travels with 8 boards, takes 5 of them to the break and paddles out with the wrong board! Every time!
Gaye Price 02/15/2009 12:54 PM
April and Jim are the greatest people you will ever meet. I bought my son's first surfboard from them as a surprise Christmas present! He is hooked ! They introduced me to paddle boarding and I love it!
Seaborn 02/15/2009 06:21 AM
Good job Jim. One of the most solid guys I know and always there for a friend. Tavi halloween parties legendary-can't say that about his golf game!
surfsalterpath 02/14/2009 01:06 PM
....
...sweet
John Gothard 02/14/2009 10:07 AM * PREMIUM MEMBER - Real Name
There is not a more core surfer and shop owner than Biggie (Jim). I love his whole act. I even have a Whalebone Surf Shop License plate frame on my car, and am proud of it. They should do a pictorial on Jim & April's house. For a surfer, you cannot get a more surf stoked house; it is beautiful! Glad to see Biggie and April get some credit for keeping the dream alive.
Rick S. 02/14/2009 07:01 AM
Jim is a cool guy, and he always gives me a good deal on things I buy. I stop in to check his boards, wishing I had more money on me. I bought an Al Merrick, and with the board bag, leash, and wax, it was a good buy. It's not uncommon to see Jim standing on a dune checking out the spot. That is a good article on your shop, Bro!
Rob Beedie 02/13/2009 11:03 PM
Whalebone Surf Shop is as real as it gets.
I thank Jim & April for sharing their stoke and positive vibe with me over the years.
They always find the time to chat, talk surf, and more importantly listen.
A tremendous asset to the Outer Banks.
2009 will be another great year. See you in the water.
Jason Forrest 02/13/2009 08:24 PM
View All Comments (65 comments)
Retail Book Camp for sure.. I love that comment. I still can't get those hangers straight. Jim and April-Some of the raddest folks ever. Thanks
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