Nikau Kai Waterman Shop & Surf Cafe - Manhattan Beach ,California

								         	
  
Here’s an excerpt from a recent
interview that might shed more light on our shop and brand: 



Who founded Nikau Kai? When? We
launched our lessons business back in the spring of 2011 and then launched our
e-commerce site that fall, our Brick and Mortar shop followed in the spring of
2012. 

What was the inspiration behind the
opening of the shop? We really just wanted to have a place where no matter how
you like to enjoy the ocean or your skill level, we could help you get stoked.
Be it lessons, supplies, gear, suggestions or, on occasion, advice. 



What's the shop's specialty? What are
the most important products? We are known for our stand up paddle boards
because that's a personal passion of mine. But our goal is to have the toys you
haven't had a chance to try yet. We have a fantastic Handplane business… In the
summer we have trouble keeping them in stock. We've also got a nice collection
of Paipos and Alaias and even our own private label surfboards and Stand Ups.
To us it's not about just riding one thing, It's about the quiver… So our goal
is to help folks round out theirs. Prone paddling, outriggers, SUP, surfboards,
bodyboards, bodysurfing… you name it we've got the supplies, gear and boards. 

What does the shop mean to you? What is
its larger purpose? In general we are of the mindset that local (not to be
confused with localism) is a better way to go. For instance, we make all of our
boards, and branded apparel here locally because that's just better for
everyone at the end of the day. We are really here to share what we love most
after family… the water. The best is watching someone embrace catching a wave
and really get stoked… Folks will come in and tell us all about their last
session and the great wave they almost caught or the best one of the day… how could
you not want to be part of the happiest part of someone's day. I guess that's
what we're here for, to help enable that stoke. 




 
  

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 




How do your customers and the
surrounding community view the shop? Our community has been extremely
supportive of us and they know we are doing everything we can to bring them
something they haven't seen before, be it on the apparel side or in the water. 



What sets Nikau Kai apart from other
surf shops? We are fortunate in the
South Bay to have quite a few surf shops in the area so, the standard bases are
already covered. We strive to offer something a little more unique in both our
brand offering and our style. We've got a rather laid back approach. We've been
accused of being more of a surf boutique (sans attitude)… and that's alright
with us. I guess that's why we called our spot a waterman's shop and not a surf
shop.