New boardshop opening in Bend following closure of Tactics
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Two longtime board sports enthusiasts are opening a new shop in Bend, hoping to fill a gap in the local outdoor recreation community following the closure of Tactics.
Obsidian Boardshop, owned by Bend locals Marcel Dolak and Andrew Kimmell, will celebrate its soft opening Saturday, November 14, at noon. The shop is located at 345 SW Century Drive, Suite 100, in the former Skjersaas building.
Dolak and Kimmell said the idea came together after learning Tactics was closing. The two neighbors and longtime snowboarders were discussing what the loss would mean for Bend’s board sports community when they decided to open a shop of their own.
“We just couldn’t imagine our community not having a combined snowboard, skate, and surf shop,” Dolak said. “It’s a way of life here, and our community needs it.”
Credit: Marcel Dolak
Both owners have more than 30 years of snowboarding experience and said they wanted to create a place where locals and visitors could find equipment, clothing and services for board sports throughout the year.
The owners chose the former Skjersaas location because of its history as a winter sports retailer and its location along Century Drive, a popular route for people heading toward Mt. Bachelor.
“We’re honored to be in the old Skjersaas location and to give Bend the shred hub it deserves,” Kimmell said.
Obsidian Boardshop will offer snowboard sales, outerwear, premium snowboard rentals, powder board demos and full tune services during the winter. In the summer, the shop will shift its focus to surfing, skateboarding, clothing and shoes.
The business also plans to carry products from major board sports brands while featuring equipment from local board builders.
In addition to retail offerings, Obsidian plans to serve Thump Coffee at an in-store coffee bar and cafe, with beer and wine potentially coming later. The shop will have 15 dedicated parking spaces for customers.
The business takes its name from volcanic obsidian rock found throughout Central Oregon. The building has been painted black to reflect the brand, with additional interior updates underway ahead of opening.
Dolak grew up in Washington and previously competed as a professional snowboarder in the Pacific Northwest. He frequently visited Mt. Bachelor for events before eventually moving to Bend with his family. He is also a co-owner of Engel & Völkers Real Estate in Bend.
Kimmell, a Colorado native, has worked in the snowboarding industry as a designer, shop employee and snowboard coach. He and his family moved to Bend five years ago, and he said he averages about 150 days of snowboarding each year.
The owners said they’ve been encouraged by the community’s response as they’ve worked to bring the shop to life.
For more information, visit obsidianboardshop.com.
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