If you’ve never stepped foot inside the high ceilinged walls Aloha Manly, it’s pretty safe to say you don’t surf. Aloha has been dishing out surfboards to everyone from fresh-off-the-plane backpackers to the local pro’s for almost 30 years. Even if you don’t surf the striking two story black & white mural on the corner of Pittwater Rd and Denison St is unmissable. With the backpackers trade drying up and an Indo season almost certainly a write-off, I caught up with Aloha’s ringleader Tim Hanrahan to see whether the locals working from home are stocking up on fresh sleds.

Support Local - Drop in to Aloha or visit the online store

MF - I reckon most of our readers know about Aloha, but give us a brief back story.
TH - The Aloha shop opened in 1991. Obviously having been working in the business for that whole time I’ve seen some massive changes to both the demographics and the structural development of the Manly area. There has been so many amazing moments over this period but honestly i cant believe its been nearly 30 years!! We regularly get parents coming in now to buy boards for their kids who have been coming to the shop since they were kids with their parents so it feels pretty special to have that continued support. How good is that!

How’s things been since the COVID-19 regulations kicked in? Does working from home mean more surfing time?
Since Covid19 regulations kicked in we’ve manged to stay open for trading at this stage. However, we have reduced our opening hours and cut back on staff. There is definitely a few more people in the water due to the whole working from home thing. A large proportion of the demographics of manly are corporate businessman and woman with good jobs in the city. They are definitely taking advantage of the ocean whilst working from home so surfing and takeaway coffees are high on their daily chores. 

What innovations or changes have you put in place to continue to serve your customers?
At this stage whilst we are still open we have restricted entries to 2 people at a time and introduced compulsory hand sanitising and social distancing as much as possible. In the event of forced closure, we will implement a stronger online presence and do deliveries door to door.

What are the knock on impacts that the slow down in retail are having in the broader surfing community/industry? How can people continue to support Aloha and the wider industry? 
We are very lucky that surfing falls within the governments exercise restrictions so although business will inevitably slow down in the coming months we are still trading pretty well considering the situation.  I'm optimistic we can trade through the tough times ahead. With the constant support from our loyal customer and friends and our tight knit community, I think we are all trying our best to help each other get through.

It’s weird times, is there any early signs of some positives coming out of all this?
I think that the whole situation will bring focus to the real things that matter in life such as family , friends and enjoying living in one of the most beautiful areas in the world.    

Shop in store or online at - alohasurfmanly.com and order by phone on  9976 6548
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