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WAIMEA, Hawaii ISLAND … June 1, 2004 … Alissa Breatchel, managing partner, Waimea Surf Classics, (LLC) announces the opening of a retail store dedicated to a “way of life” that spans through Hawaii's history. The 1,200-square foot Waimea Surf Classics is the newest addition at the Parker Ranch Center and opened it's doors on May 22, 2004.
“Surfing is a 'lifestyle' - rich in culture and history - a way of life in Hawaii,” says Breatchel. “It touches all facets and bridges generations in Hawaii. Waimea Surf Classics will feature apparel, equipment, and gifts that will appeal to Hawaii's ocean-inspired way of life in the same manner.”

An ancient Hawaiian pastime, surfing is said to have been brought to Hawaii by the first Polynesians to settle here. Volcano Goddess Pele was taught to surf by her brother Kamohoalii. Known as the “sport of kings,” by 1778, when Captain Cook arrived in Hawaii, riding waves was deeply rooted into centuries of Hawaiian life. Special surfing chants were composed to “christen” new surfboards, grant strength and courage upon those who surfed, and even to pray for excellent surfing conditions. Surfing played an important role in the annual makahiki festivals, and even place names were bestowed because of surfing incidents. At the start of the 20th century, well known Hawaiian Olympic gold medallist and Ambassador of Aloha, Duke Kahanamoku, was instrumental in popularizing the Hawaiian sport of surfing in many parts of the world including California and Australia . Today, it has become a global phenomenon, connecting many countries and their people with the Hawaiian culture.

A native of San Diego , California , Alissa traveled to Hawaii in 1998 to attend the University of Hawaii at Hilo , where she graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. She then accepted a sales and marketing position at the AAA Five Diamond Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, then transferred to Four Seasons Resort Aviara in San Diego . She eventually found herself back on the Big Island to begin her entrepreneurial journey. Says Breatchel, “anywhere from 86 - 1,700 surfing sites have been documented here, some only accessible by helicopter or boat. Favorite surf spots are like best-kept secrets to surfers and we would like Waimea Surf Classics to evolve to be one of the best-kept secrets of Hawaii's Big Island . I'm delighted to be back in Hawaii and look forward to Waimea Surf Classics becoming an integral part of the community.”

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