Randy Wright isn’t saying much about the closure of the Horizons West Surf Shop last month, according to a story in the Santa Monica Daily Press. But to fans of the Dogtown & Z-Boys story it was a sad day.
The skate and surf shop, owned by surfer Randy Wright, occupied a modest, one-story building at the corner of Main and Bay streets that was designated a city landmark in May of 2007 after neighbors and skateboarding enthusiasts erupted in outrage over plans to tear it down and replace it with a mixed-use development. The retail space was the original home of Zephyr and Jeff Ho Productions, whose founders, Skip Engblom and Jeff Ho, created the Zephyr Skate Team, which became known as The Z-Boys. . . Wright did not return several phone calls seeking comment.
Guess we can’t expect a retailer to live on the past forever.
[Link: Santa Monica Daily Press via LAist]
where you at Randy?
I’ve been going to Horizons for almost ten years, I’ve bought many surf boards, My D-Town old school skateboard and other various items of awesomness. When Randy decided to close up shop, I knew well before and was saddened because I had always done my best to support the local shop, However, I had consigned two surfboards that had already been sold, and rather then get money I decided to get store credit. Long story short, Randy jacked me for about $500 bucks, he said He’d send it to me but that was 6-7 months ago, so I really hope I can find him and get some recourse, no hard feeling but terrible karma Bromigo.
To Bryan B – Randy is a stand up guy and has always been. I’ve known him and been going to his shop since 1990. He’s always given me the bro discount and in return have only purchased surf gear from him – from custom boards to t-shirts and wetsuits. He gave you store credit and I’m sure he had no intention of “jacking you”. He got run out and if the business shut down, it’s not like he’s some huge corporation. I’m sure he’ll make it right, but you have to take a little pause and realize that the shop he has owned for 20 years was forced to close, not by choice. We all know used boards have value, you surfed them and sold them and are entitled to the money, but we both know you’d not have gotten anywhere near that much money for them with out his store. Craigslist might have netted you $150 bucks. Give the guy some time to get back on his feet.
As for the closing, it’s a shame they’ve run him out. He not only offered the last of the real surf shops but supported local kids with jobs, etc to keep them off the street and trouble. All so they can build some new over priced apartments. The last bit of the Dogtown culture is now gone.
-damon
Comments on this entry are closed.