Monday, September 29, 2008

R.I.P. Extremely Board


It's always weird, and a little sad, when something you're used to seeing goes away. Unfortunately, that's what happened with Extremely Board. They closed their doors this week after over 15 years in Issaquah.

For those of you who aren't familiar, Extremely Board was a small shop that carried snowboard, wakeboard and skateboarding gear. I think everyone I grew up with bought their snowboarding gear from E.B.

I can't count how much money I've spent there over the years. Boots, jackets, bindings... I remember they used to carry Switch Bindings, which I loved as a beginning snowboarder. And I would usually get my boards tuned up and waxed there.

Then again, with huge chains like Joes, Sports Authority and REI to compete with, it seems like the small shops are facing an uphill battle. And with REI finally opening in Issaquah, and Joes next door, the days for Extremely Board were definitely limited.

Hopefully we'll see them again, perhaps in online form. Until then, R.I.P.