Troggs have been trading since 1984 with almost 40 years of professional surfing experience, building a reputation as a leading Surf Shop in the UK and Ireland
HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
My father Ian, first discovered surfing whilst on holiday in Bude in Cornwall. Being a keen competitive swimmer and lifeguard, he bought his first surfboard in the early 1960’s from an Australian lifeguard named Bill Bailey.
Dad first surfed the North Coast of Northern Ireland at Castlerock in Easter 1964, aged 27. Dad is now in his late 80's, and is as stoked as ever about surfing and the North Coast of Northern Ireland minus the rain.
Dad brought me up from an early age competing at swimming (I swam a mile at the age of 4) and springboard-diving, as well as gymnastics and trampolining. From those early years I had real passion for the water and when we moved to Portrush in 1979 Dad taught me how to surf.
As I became more addicted, the frustration of not being able to obtain good surfing wetsuits, boards, wax, etc. inspired Dad to start a wee surf shop in the garage of our guesthouse “Drumlee” on Mark Street in Portrush, when we moved to “The Den” a lovely property overlooking East Strand, we made an even bigger garage shop.
During the 1980’s my competitive nature lead me into surfing competitively and I have represented Ireland on the National Team for almost 15 years.
I still maintain the record for most consecutive Irish National tiles in the Open, 6 running back-to-back undefeated from 1989 to 1994.
I represented Ireland in 3 World Championships and 7 European Championships and am eternally grateful to the Irish Surfing Association for that very special time in my life.
Surfing also gave me the desire to travel. Frankie, my wife, and I invested lots of time travelling the globe to surf all the exotic spots I had read about in the surfing magazines.
I'm fortunate enough to have surfed some of the most wonderful surfing spots in the world including Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Western Samoa, Hawaii, Maldives, South Africa, Indonesia including Bali, Sumatra, Lombok and Sumbawa, France, Spain, Portugal, the Canary Islands, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and California.
THE SHOP
In 1990 a Rep. from Alder Sportswear called Martin Exeley convinced my Father to open a dedicated proper surf store here in Portrush. I had just finished my Degree in Swansea University where I was awarded the UK’s first sporting scholarship for surfing. Having spent most of my time studying the waves, instead of being at my lectures, I still managed to obtain a 2.1 in Joint Hons in Oceanography and Geography!
So Dad and I entered the world of Surfing Retail opening our first Troggs Store in Portrush (1990), our second in Portstewart (1994) and another in Ballymena (2007). We also started selling online when our website www.troggs.com went live in 1999. Still can't believe that we have shipped board-shorts to Hawaii!
THE SURF SCHOOL
We also started Troggs Surf School here in Portrush in 1994. My son Ethan, an excellent surfer if I do say so myself, now manages and runs Troggs Surf School with his side kick and partner in crime Albert Dallas. Their Summer Kids Camp is a key contribution to Family Activities offered in Portrush and they'll take you for one-to-one coaching sessions in the bleak Winter if you're as keen as they are!
BOOK LESSONS HERE: https://troggssurfschool.co.uk
THE HILL FAMILY
My father introduced me to surfing, and I can't thank him enough for all the opportunities this gave me in life. My wife Frankie can surf too, she will tell you differently, but I have photographic evidence! She is an accomplished artist with her own galleries in various places across the years. Currently, her work is on display in Troggs Original Store, on Main Street Portrush. With Exhibitions hosted on our second floor across different times of the year. Visit Frankie's Website here www.frankiecreithart.com
My daughter Faye also surfs on occasion and Ethan can't get enough water time, he loves surfing and skateboarding and anything that gets his adrenaline pumping!
CUSTOMER SERVICE
Troggs, our family, and our very knowledgeable and dedicated staff pride ourselves in our high level of service and are happy to help with your specific needs.
Just call us on 028 7082 5476 to get an update on the local surf conditions, or speak with one of our friendly and experienced members, or alternatively you can email us on shop@troggs.com for enquiries.