Nestled along the picturesque shores of Hampton, New Hampshire, Cinnamon Rainbows Surf Shop stands as a beacon of surf culture on the East Coast. For over five decades, this iconic establishment has been more than just a retail destination; it has been a cornerstone of the local community, a haven for surf enthusiasts, and a testament to the enduring spirit of coastal living. From its humble beginnings to its status as a beloved institution, the history of Cinnamon Rainbows is a tale of passion, perseverance, and the timeless allure of the ocean.
Origins and Early Vision
In the early 1970s, Hampton was a quiet seaside town known more for its serene beaches than its surf scene. However, that all changed when local surfer Dave Cropper decided to bring a taste of West Coast surfing culture to the shores of New England. Inspired by his travels and fueled by a deep love for the ocean, Cropper opened the doors of Cinnamon Rainbows Surf Shop in 1972.
The name “Cinnamon Rainbows” was carefully chosen to evoke the warm hues of sunrise and the beauty of the ocean, reflecting both the aesthetic appeal of surfing and the shop’s coastal location. Located in a modest storefront, the shop offered a curated selection of surfboards, wetsuits, and accessories, becoming a gathering place for local surfers eager to share stories and swap tips.
Growth and Expansion
As surfing gained popularity throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Cinnamon Rainbows Surf Shop experienced significant growth and expansion. With its reputation for quality products, personalized service, and unwavering commitment to the surfing lifestyle, the shop quickly became a premier destination for surfers along the New England coast.
Under Cropper’s leadership, Cinnamon Rainbows flourished, evolving from a small surf shop into a cultural hub for the local community. In addition to its retail offerings, the shop began sponsoring events, competitions, and outreach programs aimed at promoting surfing as a healthy lifestyle choice and fostering environmental stewardship.
A Community Hub
Throughout the years, Cinnamon Rainbows Surf Shop has remained deeply ingrained in the fabric of the Hampton community. Beyond its role as a retail establishment, the shop serves as a gathering place where surfers of all ages and backgrounds come together to celebrate their shared passion for the ocean.
Whether it’s hosting movie nights, beach cleanups, or charity events, Cinnamon Rainbows continues to foster a sense of camaraderie and belonging among surf enthusiasts. The shop’s welcoming atmosphere and commitment to community engagement have helped forge lasting friendships and create cherished memories for generations of surfers.
The Cinnabun
Not to mention, we owe the birth of our Cinnabun model to our friends at Cinnabon Rainbows Surf Shop. Based in New Hampshire, we needed to create a board tailored for the fast and loose style of summer surfing along the Atlantic coast. Crafted to deliver an exhilarating ride, this board boasts a concave deck paired with a double concave bottom, providing optimal buoyancy and maneuverability. As an added feature, the bottom vee’s out through the back half of the board, enhancing control and responsiveness in the water.
Drawing comparisons to our acclaimed DisFish model, this board is like the DisFish on steroids, offering heightened performance and versatility. Despite its compact size, starting at a mere 4’10, this board packs a punch with its ample volume, ensuring stability and ease of paddling. Whether you’re carving up the waves or navigating through crowded lineups, this board is designed to excel in a variety of conditions, making it the ideal choice for summer sessions along the dynamic East Coast surf scene.
Passing the Torch
As Dave Cropper passed the torch to a new generation of surfers and entrepreneurs, Cinnamon Rainbows embarked on a new chapter in its storied history. While the shop has evolved with the times, embracing new technologies and trends, it has remained true to its core values of quality, authenticity, and community.
Today, Cinnamon Rainbows Surf Shop continues to thrive as a beloved fixture in the Hampton community. With its wide selection of surf gear, knowledgeable staff, and unwavering commitment to customer service, the shop remains a go-to destination for surfers of all skill levels.
A Timeless Legacy
In an ever-changing world, Cinnamon Rainbows Surf Shop stands as a symbol of continuity and tradition in the surfing community. From its humble beginnings to its status as a local institution, the shop’s journey mirrors the ebb and flow of the tides, a constant presence amidst the shifting sands of time.
As surfers continue to seek solace and inspiration in the ocean’s embrace, Cinnamon Rainbows remains a steadfast beacon, guiding them on their never-ending quest for the perfect wave. With its rich history, vibrant community, and enduring legacy, Cinnamon Rainbows Surf Shop remains an integral part of the Hampton coastline, forever woven into the fabric of East Coast surf culture.
