RESTOKE is excited to support the 3rd Annual Paddle for Plummer, presented by Werner Paddles and SUP East Coast Style, on July 16th, 2016 on the beautiful waterfront property at the Plummer Home in Salem, MA. Event participants and spectators can expect to enjoy music, food, waterfront spinning, land and SUP yoga, and paddling.
The Paddle for Plummer event was started by SUP East Coast Style owners, Leah and Christos, who wanted to give back to their community, last year raising almost $40,000 to benefit the Plummer Home. The Plummer Home, located on beautiful waterfront property in Salem, Massachusetts provides adolescents innovative support and services, in a safe and nurturing environment, to build the skills and relationships necessary for successful adulthood.
We hope that you join us at the Paddle for Plummer and while there stop by the RESTOKE tent and check out our new essential accessories like the RESTOKE drawstring backpack, a 50/50 cotton/poly blend made from upcycled t-shirts, and our flat brim ocean camouflage snap back hat. Or just come by and drop your name in the RESTOKE bowl for your chance to win a RESTOKE Hoodie!
RESTOKE, a lifestyle apparel line created to inspire the pursuit of stoke, is always on the lookout to find true RESTOKERS. Are you a RESTOKER? If so, take and post photos both on Instagram and the RESTOKE Facebook page with #restoker and show us how you stoke and NEVER STOP!
Go to restoke.com and shop now for T-Shirts, Hoodies, and Hats. The Online Store is the 24/7 shopping source for RESTOKE apparel.
Just in time for the holidays we’re excited to announce we’ve added eco-friendly hoodies to the RESTOKE Shop collection for both men and women as well as what is in-line to be an accessory essential, the RESTOKE drawstring backpack. As a reminder to never stop doing what stokes you, each piece hosts the RESTOKE signature graphic.
We’re introducing recycled materials into our apparel line to reflect our desire to work with companies who share our vision of a community of people who dare, dream, try, create, contribute, and share. People who care about the world, how they live in it, and how they treat it.
And the news only gets better in that ALL the new pieces in the RESTOKE apparel line are available on the website for purchase as of today!
We’re excited to debut RESTOKE first ladies eco-fleece pullover and full-zip hoodies. Ladies you’ll adore this super-soft and wildly comfortable hoodie – perfect for going out or lounging around the house. The hoodie’s kangaroo pockets and attached hood with drawstring will keep you warm and cozy. These great fitting hoodies come in Eco black and gray and you without a doubt are going to want to live in this thing!
For the men the RESTOKE signature graphic full-zip and pullover hoodies are possibly the most comfortable hoodie you’ve ever felt and will instantly become your cool-weather favorite for all outdoor adventures. Made from sustainable recycled fibers not only will you look good in these hoodies you’ll feel good wearing them! The hoodies range in sizes small to XL and colors come in Carbon and Grass.
The RESTOKE Drawstring Backpack is a 50/50 cotton/poly blend, and is made from upcycled t-shirts. The RESTOKE family uses the backpack for lots of different purposes like as a gym bag to hold clothes and sneakers, or to carry valuables like keys or phone. Whatever you carry in the RESTOKE Backpack you’ll be carrying your belongings in style.
As always we will continue to expand our shop selections with new arrivals and encourage you to check back often at restoke.com and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter to stay in the know about upcoming launch products and so you don't miss out on exclusive offers and discounts.
Go to restoke.com and shop now for T-Shirts, Hoodies, and Assessories. The Online Store is the 24/7 shopping source for RESTOKE apparel.
On the RESTOKE Blog we’ve made it a habit to introduce you to some of the inspiring people we’ve met whose lifestyles match the RESTOKE brand ideology, never stop fueling the fire within you, and we’re happy to have them represent. Today, we’re excited to introduce Thad Fulmer. Thad has a few things going on that makes him an authentic RESTOKER but why don’t we let him tell you about who he is, what stokes him and why he never stops believing in the power of stoke.
Tell us about your background, where are you from? I was born in Gloucester Massachusetts and grew up there but by 4th grade because of school choice I was able to get into Manchester by the Sea Elementary school. I’ve made a great group of friends at Manchester and am lucky enough to still have their company all year round.
When did you experience your first stoke?
I believe my first stoke was in 6th grade. I was very good friends with this girl named Bella. One time we went to her house and she showed me her guitar and my mind was blown!! She played a song for me called "Smoke on the Water" by Deep Purple. I was like I NEED TO LEARN THIS NOW. So, she taught me the song and immediately I fell in love with guitar. I still think about that day and appreciate how fortunate I am to have a friend like that. That moment was a beginning of something I never could've imagined happening to me. So a big thanks to Bella for being so awesome!
What do you do to restoke? I am always surfing and playing music in my band Remedy, with my best friend Ryan. These two things keep me excited about my life, and I do my best to keep consistent with them. I never let anything get in the way of these things, not even something as important as school, because as soon as you do less of what you love, you will lose the motivation to strive in those very things. The reason I love music so much is because it is what really brings me to the moment. When I listen to or play music, I get taken somewhere else, somewhere where everything is clear, vivid and like no other thing. I feel like I can fly, as if my soul is in heaven and not a thought or worry in my head. There’s something about the rhythm, the instruments and the pulse of music that brings me to the greatest state of mind one can be in. In many ways, the same goes for surfing. Man, when I'm on that wave, nothing else exists, except for that moment, and that wave. It's such a free feeling to experience. I really feel that surfing and music have a correlation when it comes to how they affect my life. I could not be more grateful that I have found such amazing passions in the early years of my childhood.
Are there any other artists, individuals or organizations that inspire your work? Yes, my favorite band The Dirty Heads. They’ve pushed and motivated me more than anything in my entire life. Myself and my friend Ryan started making music almost two years ago, and The Dirty Heads are what helped us get through it all, the good times, bad times, and everything in between. I’ve looked up to them so much and they’ve had such a large influence on not only my music but also my life. Teaching me to always stay positive and to always hold my ground, I have really come very far in just small amount of time. I used to sit at the computer for hours watching interviews they gave, always thinking to myself "Dam, I want to do with my life what they’ve done with theirs. I want to be up on a stage, travelling the country and playing sold out shows all the time." And now I am so lucky that it’s slowly turning into a reality because of this band. I’m not even sure if I’d be into music if it wasn't for them. My Dad is another person that has inspired me very much, he is always giving me good advice and I’ve never been so close to someone as I am with my him. He shows me the good and bad, but also lets me be my own person and make my own decisions. He got me into all the things that I love, and he has done so much to advance my career and passion for music. The last person that I really look up to is my best friend Ryan. His love for things like long boarding, music, and football inspire me to be more open and positive. He is such a free spirit and is like a brother to me. If it wasn't for him, I do not know what I would be doing with my life right now, he has taken my life somewhere I never would have imagined. So big thanks to my Dad, Ryan, and The Dirty Heads for being such cool dudes! I wouldn't be where I'm at if it wasn't for you guys!!
What is your goal for your next big RESTOKE? I just want to keep writing music, playing shows, and put out an album by summer of 2016. It's been a blast so far writing music, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store in the upcoming years of Remedy! We’ll be putting out music as soon as we can. But for now go follow us on Instagram @remedy.official and like us on Facebook @Remedy.
Best stoke to date? My best stoke to date has got to be the whole experience of writing music and surfing. It's really given me a life to live, and is giving me something to always work toward. My best stoke wasn't one specific day or moment, but all of the moments as a whole, what I have learned from them, and what I will continue to learn from them
RESTOKE, a lifestyle apparel line created to inspire the pursuit of stoke, is always on the lookout to find true RESTOKERS. Are you a RESTOKER? If so, take and post photos both on Instagram and the RESTOKE Facebook page with #restoker and show us how you stoke and NEVER STOP!
Go to restoke.com and shop now for T-Shirts, Hoodies, and Hats. The Online Store is the 24/7 shopping source for RESTOKE apparel.
We at RESTOKE are always excited to introduce to you those individuals that share the RESTOKE mantra, to relive the stoke and NEVER STOP! Sometimes they’re people we don’t know with whom we had the good fortune of connecting with and other times they’re those who we do, like Elaine O’Rouke. Elaine is a 500 hour Yoga Teacher, Sound Healer & Musician, whom we first met a few years at the beach after a surf session. Elaine believes in the power of stoke, a genuine RESTOKER. We asked Elaine to answer the RESTOKE questionnaire to give you an opportunity to get to know her and discover why she is continually inspired by the transformations that occur through yoga and music.
Tell us about your background, where are you from? I'm Irish, born and bred. I grew up in a small picturesque town by the ocean called Greystones (Co Wicklow). A great family place where everyone knows everyone. I lived in London for a year when I was 18 and I moved to Boston when I was 20 (1990). The scene was so vibrant compared to Ireland. Many of my friends were in band Josephs, which eventually included me. I also did some stage acting. I've traveled a fair bit of the globe and spent the best part of a year in Australia. 2003 was a big year for me. I decided to move to beautiful Gloucester, Massachusetts. I began writing my own music, performing around town and recorded 2 CD's. I'm also a yoga teacher and over the years have found a way of combining yoga and music together and most lately offering Sound Healing Journeys.
When did you experience your first stoke? A life-changing one was when I took my very first yoga class in 2002. I knew instantly that it was something I wanted to pursue. It was the first time I really and truly felt passionate about doing something. Within a year I was a certified teacher and I haven't looked back. I LOVE everything about it.
What do you do to RESTOKE? Being on the beach is one of my favorite things, looking at the ocean, being in it, absorbing that energy, walking on the sand; doing yoga (again on the beach preferably) and teaching yoga; playing music - although over the last couple of years that has morphed more into offering Sound Healing Journeys which are amazing. It’s hard to describe what they are, it has to be experienced! And last but not least - traveling. I love exploring new places, new countries, basically stepping out of the comfort zone of daily life and being open to a new perspective.
Are there any other artists, individuals or organizations that inspire you or your work? Mainly I draw inspiration from life experiences and nature. Naturally I've learned so much from all my yoga teachers and still do. Also being around people who are passionate about what they do, who are authentic and those who challenge me to be better.
What is your goal for your next big RESTOKE? To do a yoga retreat in Ireland in 2016 and to go somewhere warm this winter!
Best stoke to date? Two wild and crazy experiences through meditation where movement of energy (kundalini) has brought me to what I can only call bliss states (no drugs involved!). These were insanely out of body experiences yet very much embodied, if that makes any sense. Esoteric - yes! Life changing - yes!
RESTOKE, a lifestyle apparel line created to inspire the pursuit of stoke, is always on the lookout to find true RESTOKERS. Are you a RESTOKER? If so, take and post photos both on Instagram and the RESTOKE Facebook page with #restoker and show us how you stoke and NEVER STOP!
Go to restoke.com and shop now for T-Shirts, Hoodies, and Hats. The Online Store is the 24/7 shopping source for RESTOKE apparel.
20% OFF YOUR ENTIRE RESTOKE ORDER Click here to get the RESTOKE discount code – available through August 31st!
It’s only August and there’s still lots of heat of summer left! Today we’re excited to announce we’ve added a variety of colors, t-shirt styles and hats to the RESTOKE Shop collection for both men and women.
We’re stoked about the debut of the women’s tank, it’s warm weather appropriate, a great fitted style and the forward color neon heather orange makes you instantly look-at-me-now. We’ve also added a mint-green logo tee, already available in royal and charcoal, to the women’s short sleeve v-neck tee selection. This must have tee is super soft, light, and unmatched in comfort level.
And not to forget the guys, we’ve added a RESTOKE Logo tank to the men’s selection. The front chest hosts the RESTOKE logo and the lower back right hip features a reduced logo and the phrase “Never stop.” Guys, this is definitely going be your new GO TO tank!
You let us know how stoked you were when we introduced the RESTOKE trucker two tone hat and maybe that’s why we went a little crazy adding to our headwear collection. Now, not only do we offer the two tone hat, we now offer a Camouflage, Aztec pattern and Blue Hawaiian hat. We know, right? You gotta have a RESTOKE hat!
We will continue to expand our shop selections with new arrivals and encourage you to check back often at restoke.com and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter to stay in the know about upcoming launch products and so you don't miss out on exclusive offers and discounts.
Go to restoke.com and shop now for T-Shirts, Hoodies, and Hats. The Online Store is the 24/7 shopping source for RESTOKE apparel.
Last week on the RESTOKE blog we introduced to you Michael Kelly and Quinn Fariel, owners of Pulp & Fizz, a local company that creates music videos and lines of organic apparel, and with whom we teamed up with for Skate Day 2015, in Rockport Massachusetts earlier this month. We shared Michaels’s story of RESTOKE with you then and this week we’d like to introduce you to Quinn. We asked Quinn the same questions we presented to Michael but their answers were quite different as are their life experiences. However, they share the same mantra, that is the RESTOKE mantra, to pursue to relive the stoke and NEVER STOP!
Tell us about your background, where are you from?
I was born in Virginia Beach, VA and moved to Rockport when I was two years old. I spent the last six years in Boston, working and studying writing and publishing, two of my biggest passions. Recently, I’ve relocated to Rockport, which has been a huge boost – being back near the water and the friends who give my life color can’t be beat! I cut my teeth on longboard skateboards, exploring the woods, playing music, and getting to the water whenever possible, so Rockport really is the place for me.
When did you experience your first stoke?
I’d say one of the most memorable early stokes for me was the first time I went out to surf in a bad storm. It was early September, and I was probably 14 or 15. My father, a few close friends, and myself charged out into the biggest swell I’d ever been in (in my limited experience) at the Gloucester side of Long Beach. I probably only caught two or three good rides – I got torn up, it was pounding rain, and I basically dragged myself out of the water in the end, but I’ll never forget that feeling, that absolute STOKE! I remember having this wild smile on that wouldn’t quit, it was like meeting the ocean for the first time, or seeing with new eyes. I haven’t been surfing in some time, but I still get that feeling every time I pick up a pen, a guitar, a skateboard – it never left!
What do you do to RESTOKE?
I and many of my friends are artists, and we constantly circle around this notion that art gives you a feeling – one we don’t have a word for. Its excitement, but it’s quiet and personal. It carries incredible weight, but it’s fleeting. The best way we’ve been able to describe it is the sense that someone has just expressed an idea or feeling that you’ve always recognized yourself, but have been unable to put into words. That feeling – creating it for others, finding it myself – it’s such a rush and so satisfying. Giving it to other people, or even just talking about it, constantly re-lights my fire!
Are there any other artists, individuals or organizations that inspire you or your work?
My tribe of friends! They are hard-working, passionate, productive artists that are constantly pushing me to grow as a human being, to find the next outlet for my creativity, and to use all I have to better others. My partners at Pulp and Fizz, Michael Kelly and Jake Pardee, in particular inspire me to make the most of every moment I have, to be the best person I can, and to spread love and understanding to all people, no matter what. Their talent and enthusiasm are infectious – nothing inspires me more.
What is your goal for your next big RESTOKE? Doing What?
Breaking out as a master of print publication and communication will be such a thrill and is a huge goal for me. I and my partners are working on our first zine-style newsletter that will be a method of telling the community what we are up to, more about our partnering artists and their good work, and what they can expect from us in the future. I really get hyped up by communicating with people, getting them on board – nothing is more powerful than a chorus of voices. That feeling of support and momentum when you realize that there’s a movement ready to happen, it sweeps you up and you want to do all you can to keep it going!
Best stoke to date?
It happens every summer, but every time it’s better, and no matter what it’s always the best. That first jump into the water after the long spring thaw, when you know there are months of warmth and opportunity ahead of you. The anticipation, the commitment, the leap and fall, the shock of hitting the water, then the absolute quiet of being submerged – it all adds up to the most satisfying thrill that you just can’t explain. It’s best when you can share it with others, knowing that they’re feeling the same thing – always a surefire way to get that unnamable feeling in a big way!
RESTOKE, a lifestyle apparel line created to inspire the pursuit of stoke, is always on the lookout to find true RESTOKERS. Are you a RESTOKER? If so, take and post photos both on Facebook and the RESTOKE Instagram page with #restoker and show us how you stoke and NEVER STOP!
On July 5th RESTOKE teamed up with Pulp & Fizz, a label that produces independently made music and event organizer, at Skate Day 2015, for an afternoon of soul carving on Marmion Way, in Rockport Massachusetts. If you read RESTOKE online blog posts or follow us on social media you’ve probably already checked out the great pics and video we posted after the event. We at RESTOKE were happy to have been part of Skate Day and not because Pulp & Fizz happens to be our neighbor, or their thoughtful mission which is “doing good and helping artists thrive” although most would think that should be enough. For us, it is the people who represent thePulp & Fizz brand, Michael Kelly and Quinn Fariel, that really drew us in to be part of Skate Day 2015.
Both Michael and Quinn are true RESTOKERS, individuals who possess the rare combination of passion and inspiration from what stokes them. We thought we’d share their story of RESTOKE with you by asking each of them a few questions. We started with Michael and next week you’ll get a chance to meet Quinn by visiting the RESTOKE Blog.
Tell us about your background, where are you from?
I have lived in Rockport, Massachusetts for about 17 years but I have come to learn that my home is wherever my heart is. I have been gifted with this genuine life on the East Coast where I have the best friends and family that I could ever ask for. There is a great energy in this area and I can only assume that it is a culmination of the ocean and positive feelings between communities. I am grateful for these things in my life and for the chance to share them with you here.
When did you experience your first stoke?
I was on a longboard. I had earbuds in, bumping some Bob Marley into my brain which subsequently burst out of my pores and into the atmosphere. It was a winter night about seven years ago. Even though it was around two in the morning, and there was no one else on the road, I remember feeling like there actually was nothing but me and my longboard. There was no noise in my head deciding that it was a great moment - it just was the moment. I've come to love those moments of pure bliss and they translate into all aspects of life. We are able to take our stoke from the activity we love into all activities of daily living.
What do you do to RESTOKE?
I RESTOKE by doing my best to experience all things as if it is that first, exciting time. Every second is a gift, and just like when I'm on a longboard, I can choose what kind of a ride I want it to be. The butterfly effect seems to be no joke. Give your utmost attention to others and good things will continue to happen in that direction. Purely riding this wave for enjoyment begets enjoyment in others. This is what it's all about. This is what I love about the restoke mentality.
Are there any other artists, individuals or organizations that inspire you?
All artists inspire me as long as the art that they create comes from a genuine place. In my immediate area, I am inspired by those who wish to live outside of the box. I'm inspired by those who dare to be different. No matter what we do, we are artists by default and it's only when we try to accumulate something in return for our work that we become something other than an artist.
If I were to be true to my immediate day and time, I would say that Toussaint the Liberator is an inspiration to me. His music is gold. Our company, Pulp & Fizz, has been collaborating with him and the things that he has to say in his music can change the entire human population into a more positive and powerful one. Look him up.
What is your goal for your next big Restoke? Doing what?
My goal is to be a part of the making of a large, conscious reggae festival. There will be bands for most of the day sending positive vibes into the crowd of stoked people; there will be yoga and meditation sessions; there will be an opportunity for the public to reach out and develop a community of like-minded people for their cause; there will be riding available on the nearest hill so as not to be far away from the vibrations coming from the stage; there will be food and water and there will be people who would have had a normal day had they not come to the event, leaving with the thought that they just found their calling and their people.
Best stoke to date?
Skimming all day on a beach in Hawaii with my best friend Petey. Nothing to do. Nowhere else to be.
RESTOKE, a lifestyle apparel line created to inspire the pursuit of stoke, is always on the lookout to find true RESTOKERS. Are you a RESTOKER? If so, take and post photos both on Instagram and the RESTOKE Facebook page with #restoker and show us how you stoke and NEVER STOP!
To show our appreciation, from now through June 30th we took 20% off all items in the store!
To let you know how much we appreciate you we are celebrating by having a CUSTOMER APPRECIATION Sales Event!!! We absolutely get that we wouldn’t be growing if we were without you and the RESTOKE buzz you create.
Since RESTOKE opened the online store in April we’ve had the honor of meeting lots of inspiring and passionate people who live the RESTOKE mantra: pursue your passion, whatever it is, and NEVER STOP. True RESTOKERS! Some shared their story of RESTOKE on our blog and others have taken to social media, and we’ve been stoked by the response and amazed by every picture, video and post. Though its’ only been a short time since RESTOKE got started, during that period we’ve introduced you to our brand ambassadors, held our 1st photo contest give away, and have been preparing to participate in several events, including serving as a sponsor for Paddle for Plummer in Salem, MA on July 11th. We are so stoked to keep it going!
Go to restoke.com and shop now for T-Shirts, Hoodies, and Hats. The Online Store is the 24/7 shopping source for RESTOKE apparel.
RESTOKE, a lifestyle apparel line created to inspire the pursuit of stoke, is always on the lookout to find true RESTOKERS, those individuals who possess the rare combination of passion and inspiration from what stokes them. But in the case of Jay Joseph, die-hard skate boarder, we didn’t have to search to find him because he found RESTOKE first. Jay has been a champion of the RESTOKE brand since he first discovered us on Instagram shortly after we opened the restoke.com online store in April. Since then, Jay has been thoroughly engaged, connected and committed to spreading the word and promoting RESTOKE whenever he can and we are grateful for his efforts and support.
Instead of telling Jay’s story of RESTOKE with you, we’ll ask him a few questions and let him do the talking. Jay has also created a video to share with you and you won’t want to miss viewing it!
Tell us about your background, where are you from?
I’m originally from Brooklyn, New York, and now live in Georgia with my mom and the rest of my family. Back when I was in New York, where it got cold a lot, I had a huge liking for snowboarding and that's all I ever wanted to do at the time.
When did you experience your first stoke?
The first time I experienced stoke had to be back in the 8th grade when my friend Tyrell brought his skateboard to school. At the time, I was totally against skate boarding, snowboarding was still what I wanted to do, until I saw him walk through those double doors in the gym with a board in his hand. I was filled with a sense of excitement and it was like the feeling of snowboarding went out the door. At the time, Tyrell sat down next to my friend Mujahid and me and talked about how he loved to skate and what tricks he could do, what skaters he liked, the whole nine yards. Ever since that day I've been interested in skateboarding and everything about it.
What do you do to RESTOKE?
What I do to RESTOKE is skateboarding. Nothing makes me feel more free, more daring or stoked than skateboarding. Getting out there, no matter if your good or bad at what you do, and just having fun is the best and only way to RESTOKE and for me, skateboarding does just that.
Are there any other artists, individuals or organizations that inspire you?
Luan Oliveira and Andy Schrock have to be my two biggest inspirations for what I do. Watching Luan videos about his humble beginnings in skateboarding to becoming one of the biggest and best skateboarders in the world just makes me think of what I can possibly do one day. Everything about Luan just inspires me to work harder at every trick that I try because seeing where he grew up and the way he used that to drive him to being at the top makes me want to be just like him. Andy inspires me because he went from a small idea of making webisodes on YouTube to owning his very own skateboarding company, editing his own videos, and being known across the world for what he does for skateboarding. Watching the videos that he’s edited and seeing how well his company has grown inspires me to keep striving to do what I want to do in life and that is to become a filmer and editor and hopefully a professional skateboarder. My friends Mujahid, Nigel, Aaron, Dilan, and Malcom also inspire me to do better when I skate and remind me that skateboarding is all about the fun.
What is your goal for your next big Restoke? Doing what?
My goal for my next big RESTOKE is to enter my very first competition on Go Skateboarding Day and do my best to win it. I've always felt discouraged about competitions because I’m afraid of what people would think if I messed up a skateboard tricks or just wasn't good enough but I decided to put all of that behind me and just do the best I can do.
Best stoke to date?
My best stoke to date would have to be the very first time I did a 360 flip on my skateboard. My friends were so excited to see that I landed the trick after so many times of falling and messing up and it was the very best feeling in the world. I told everyone that knew I was a skateboarder about it and I’ll never forget that day.
Are you a RESTOKER? If so, take and post photos both on Instagram and the RESTOKE Facebook page with #restoker and show us how you stoke and NEVER STOP!
RESTOKE, a lifestyle apparel line created to inspire the pursuit of stoke, is on an endless quest to find true RESTOKERS, those individuals who possess the rare combination of passion and inspiration from what stokes them. Recently, I had the good fortune to stand up paddle with Leah Goodman, proud owner of SUP East Coast Style, and genuine RESTOKER.
Leah’s from Marblehead, Massachusetts, a small old New England town located north of Boston. She feels that growing up by the water can change you into a mermaid beach bum, and she can never imagine not living close to it. While growing up, Leah was hugely active; though she played basketball and sailed often, soccer was her main sport and, in fact, her first true stoke experience was her first soccer game in high school. Leah had made the team as a freshman and scored the first goal of the season; right outside the goal box! “A sick shot!” and we agree.
Leah’s always been passionate about health, wellness and staying fit, both personally and professionally. Her life journey has allowed her to experience her share of stoke and capture so much more of it along the way. Over the last 15 years Leah has been working as an Esthetician, traveling to destinations as far away as Hawaii, to Florida and California, as well as other places, in the pursuit of furthering her skincare career. It was through her travels where she found her love and passion for stand up paddle (SUP) boarding. It’s been eight years since Leah returned to the east coast and almost 5 years ago when she and her husband Christos opened Sup East Coast Style, a great place to get quality SUP education, lessons, and other SUP related services and activities.
For Leah, RESTOKE is about always approaching life as a student; learning and trying new things and not to be afraid to fail. She would argue that if you can learn something from whatever it is you’re doing, then don't give up on it, look at things differently and try again. Leah loves building partnerships and supporting all stoke and that helps her RESTOKE because she feeds off of all that positive energy.
Leah is also inspired by artists like Miss KMFP otherwise known as Kelly Patrick, one of the most talented and inspiring people and friends she knows. Kelly custom designed the Sup East Coast Style logo and Leah encourages all that if you haven't checked out her work do it, you won't regret it! Jay Adler also inspires her and she feels lucky to ride his work of art under her Rogue Ambassador all-water board every day! But it doesn’t stop there, Leah is inspired daily from people she meets randomly or who are familiar, her friends and partnerships, because all of them keep her going and challenge her to dig deeper, go further and never settle. “Go big or Go Home!”
Organizations that inspire her are those that do anything to make a change in this world for the better. If she had to name one specifically, she explains that not long ago, the Plummer Home approached Sup East Coast Style to Sponsor to create a stand up paddle charity event and herself and Christos push to make the event the best it can be.
Leah’s RESTOKE goal is to do better than she did yesterday and her best RESTOKE to date is having her best friend as her husband, business partner, partner for life, and number one supporter and biggest fan in all parts of her life. “Thank you Christos, I love you!” …and then there’s finishing the 2011 Cape Cod Bay Challenge!
Are you a RESTOKER? If so, take and post photos both on Instagram and the RESTOKE Facebook page with #restoker and show us how you stoke and NEVER STOP!
Over the past several weeks, RESTOKE, a lifestyle apparel line created to inspire the pursuit of stoke, introduced to you our Brand Ambassadors, a diverse group of amazing people whose lifestyles match the RESTOKE brand ideology and we’re happy to have them represent.
But, we’re also always on the look-out for all RESTOKERS, those individuals who possess the rare combination of passion and inspiration from what stokes them.
And we’re happy to say we didn’t have to look too long or hard. Take notice friends and meet the Hammer.
The Hammer has been described as a prolific artist, and is often found drawing with a Sharpie and his black hardcover sketchbook. It has been said that joy saturates his artwork, it is uniquely calming, teeming with vibrant color, fun and bursting with energy.
The Hammer is from the North Shore of Boston; a true New Englander raised on CHOWDA! As he tells it, he sees himself, like many artists, as cursed; a blue collar working man with a creative curse.
The Hammer’s creativity sparked in kindergarten, where it all started, while using crayons and Play-Doh, and listening to the teacher read Dr. Seuss out loud. He claims making art was a spontaneous creation and today he makes art for his sanity NOT for his vanity. Much of the Hammer’s work is inspired from his friends, books, movies, animals, daily work commute, and music. His music library is very eclectic, A through Z, Abba to Zappa.
There are many things the Hammer plans on doing as his next Big RESTOKE, like writing a screen play, doing some mime, or erratic street theatre, and when asked why? The Hammer responds, because it’s random!
But for now the Hammer is happy doing what RESTOKES him today, which is a sunny day off with a sketch book because the way he sees it every day is full of little stokes that create the big stoke. The passion for life; we are all stokes in the wheel.
Thanks Hammer!
Are you a RESTOKER? If so, take and post photos both on Instagram and the RESTOKE Facebook page with #restoker and show us how you stoke and NEVER STOP!
RESTOKE, a lifestyle apparel line created to inspire the pursuit of stoke, is thrilled to tell you about yet another inspiring individual, Brand Ambassador Jay Harris, guitarist for the Soul Rebel Project, a top-professional Reggae/Rock band hailing from Boston Massachusetts. The addition of Jay follows the earlier announcement of bringing together a diverse group of amazing people who embody the RESTOKE brand values: those who are intensely excited about what stokes them and they see no limit in what they can do; they pursue their passion and NEVER STOP.
RESTOKE recently sat down with Jay to talk about his cutting edge Caribbean guitar playing and to find out more of what ignites him and why he’s passionate to be a part of the RESTOKE family.
Jay, let me say again how happy we are to have you as a RESTOKE Brand Ambdassador! What were your initial thoughts about the RESTOKE brand?
Thanks. I am honored to be an Ambassador because of what the brand represents, the RESTOKE logo and message drew me in.
Tell us about your background, where are you from? I was born in the fishing city of Gloucester MA raised in Magnolia, started playing guitar at 13. I spent two years in Berklee College of Music in Boston. There I met and became friends with so many talented music heavies, actually played with Blues guitar virtuoso, Monster Mike Welch, in a jazz combo, I'll never forget that experience. After college I left Gloucester, aka "East Coast Island" The inspiration for the title of SRP’s debut album. I took a three day train ride to Seattle to expand my mind and get exposed to the vibe that was exploding out there in the mid to late 90's. After a couple years it was back to the east coast. I landed back in Brattleboro, Vermont. After 27 years of playing and honing the craft I finally stepped out to play in the public eye. I was invited to be the guitarist of the Roots/Rock/Reggae band Soul Rebel Project around 2010 and haven't looked back.
Soul Rebel Project Live at the Church of Boston 420 Show. Video by Gregory Short.
When did you experience your first stoke? Hard to pin point the exact time but I experienced the stoke after a life changing event. Ended up going from corporate America to playing roots reggae music and that was absolutely my first stoke. From positive vibes to the Jah positive lifestyle, it has changed my health and my mind.
What do you do now to RESTOKE? Playing live shows. The top of the wave every week. I get lost in the music and the energy from the crowd that just engulfs the soul and I let the music take over. Coming up with the new sound delivering a new twist to the audience is what really fires me up and that’s how I RESTOKE.
Are there any other artists, individuals or organizations that inspire you or your work? Guitarist, Al Anderson of the wailers blows my mind. He's always pushing forward for something new and creative. Mike Francis is another, his passion and commitment to the music and organizations that he supports is inspiring.
What’s your goal for your next big Restoke? Doing What? That's an easy one, the big Wedding day! We're honored to have some of our favorite friends and musicians performing on our special day.
Best stoke to date? So many great shows but I'd have to say the one that really stands out was the Newport Reggae fest. That's when it all clicked for me and the music took over.