On Sunday night the T&C Surf Hawaii crew gathered staff and friends to party. Over 500 staff, team riders, friends, and special guests gathered at the Republik to enjoy a night of good food, good friends, good music, and good times. The party delivered.
The night is a great opportunity to unwind prior to the kick off of the hectic holiday shopping season and give back to our hard working staff. Stores competed in games for wonderful prizes graciously provided by T&C vendors. Staff had winning opportunities with lucky numbers, raffles, and countless games. All staff received a ‘swag’ bag so nobody went home empty handed. A grand prize trip for two to Vegas capped off a night of great prizes.
In addition to games and prizes staff enjoyed great food. Favorite local grindz like ahi patty, shoyu pork, and fried chicken were prepared by Tanioka’s and complimented by a made-to-order sushi bar. The nourishment provided the energy for the dancing to come…
Sharing in the festivities and enjoying a few cold beverages were local industry players Keoni Watson (Vissla), Sean Moody (Billabong), Jason Shibata (Volcom), Mele Moody (Reef), and Joel Centeio and Seth McKinney (Hurley). Wayne Takamure (O’Neill) brought Steve Ward and Corey Lopez. Also, making the trip across the Pacific Ocean was Mike Martin (Ezekiel).
The original staff of the Waimalu T&C Surf store, opened in the mid 70’s, was the evening’s honored guests. The group is made up of a number of Craig’s lifetime friends. Many of whom he still sees in the water on a regular basis. One special staff member, and team rider Randall Kim, was represented by his son Toby. As Randall has always held a dear place in their hearts the Sugihara’s presented Toby with T&C’s framed copy of Randall’s 1983 SURFER cover. Randall was an excellent surfer and wonderful person. It was a great treat to have his Mom in attendance for this special presentation.
The evening wrapped up with great live music provided by Jimmy Weeks Project. Staff, friends and guest filled the dance floor and moved to the rhythmic reggae sounds.
The night was a successful celebration of our staff and special people. Mission complete. Now, bring on the holiday shoppers!
T&C Surf has been voted Hawaii’s Best Surf Shop for six years running by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser Readers Poll. Other awards include the Governor’s Cup Hawaii Specialty Store of the Year, Oahu County Retailer of the Year and Retail Business of the Year awarded by Retail Merchants of Hawaii, Pearlridge Center’s Retailer of the year, readers poll for Midweek’s Hawaii’s Best Surf Shop, readers pick for Honolulu Weekly’s Best Surf Shop and Honolulu Magazine’s readers pick for Best of Honolulu Surf Shop multiple times. In addition, T&C Surf was nominated in the past for Retailer of the Year by the Surf Industry Manufactures Association obtaining nation wide recognition.
T&C Surf, was founded in 1971 by local surfboard shaper, Craig Sugihara. T&C Surf has evolved from a small Hawaii surfboard manufacturer into a multifaceted international leader in the surf industry. The operation today includes the following divisions: Surfboard Manufacturing, Retail and International Licensing.
