Small businesses are a huge part of the economy, especially on B.C.’s west coast in Victoria and Vancouver. In the fall of 2002 founders of Sitka Surfboards Rene Gauthier and Andrew Paine expanded started out with a shared passion for making surfboards by opening a small shop in Victoria, B.C.. Soon after they had created a brand name and logo for themselves, the Sitka spruce tree.

From the beginning they had their target market picked out: typical west coast surfer who is interested in local brands and music and natural fabrics while still being fashionable. To this day they still have those values, from hosting parties and concerts for local artists to investing in their community.

Since 2002 Sitka has expanded both geographically and in their products. They now sell clothes, shoes, accessories, surf and skate boards, as well as having a cafe in their Victoria flagship store. They also have stores in Victoria, Vancouver, and New Zealand and they sell their products in stores all over North America.

Sitka doesn’t just sell products; they sell a lifestyle, a lifestyle that is rapidly growing on the west coast and worldwide. People want to be part of the trend and shopping at Sitka is the way to do it.
For more information on Sitka Surfboards visit their website: sitka.ca