Name: Dave Cropper 
Region: North Hampton, Seacoast
Owner of Cinnamon Rainbows Surf Co.
Dave Cropper is a born and bred New Hampshire beach bum. As owner of Cinnamon Rainbows Surf Co., in North Hampton, NH—which he has owned since he was 19, Cropper is a local expert on NH surf history and culture. In this episode of the 603podcast, Cropper shares with Dan Egan how the sport of surfing has exploded with the availability and affordability of wetsuits, boards, and the accessibility of surf forecasting and live wave cams.
Folks come from far and wide to experience NH’s mild winters, consistent surf, and relatively warmer days. When there is a good swell, folks gather from across the Northeast, sometimes all the way from Montreal. The surf culture in North Hampton is also multigenerational. You can often find folks of all ages out on the water. North Hampton has a year-round surf community, and Cropper attests that there is “nothing like the good days at home.” Much like skiers in New England, surfers in New Hampshire appreciate a special day on the water because perfect conditions are infrequent but amazing when they come.
In this episode, Cropper shares the trialing story of his building catching on fire, the closing of his shop, immense community support in saving the store, and what the future holds for the surf shop. “The only certain thing is uncertainty,” says Cropper. After the first summer of COVID, surfing boomed in the granite state, as well as local interest in paddleboarding. Since then, there has been a strong enthusiasm from surf veterans and new surfers alike on the North Hampton shore and in the Cinnamon Rainbows store.
“A wave comes from thousands of miles away, and you’re meeting it as it washes on the beach,” says Cropper.
Cropper shares with Dan some of his favorite parts of his surf community and also some tips for those just getting started in the sport.
Why should people surf in North Hampton?
North Hampton beaches boast sand bottom beach breaks, and rock bottom point breaks, accessible parking along highway 1A, and an incredible community at the beach. One thing Cropper loves about the North Hampton surf scene, is that people are always willing to help. People will offer tips, mentorship, and education, and recognize their responsibility to pass on the knowledge of those who showed them the ways of the waves.
What are some tips for learning how to surf?
1. Take a lesson- learning to surf with an experienced surfer will help you identify hazards, make smarter decisions, and learn the fundamentals of what to do and where to be.
2. Pick the right day- ask your local shop and do your research. Will the waves be appropriate to learn? Will the weather be comfortable?
3. Choose the right board size- Ask a shop owner for help. You want a board big enough to catch a ride and small enough to maneuver with your skills.
Check out Ralph’s Pic of the Week for updates, blogs, photos, wave cam footage and more on the North Hampton surf culture.
For more information on New Hampshire surf culture and Cinnamon Rainbows Surf Co., tune in to the full episode with Dave Cropper on the 603podcast. You can also visit https://www.cinnamonrainbows.com/.
