The Boardcast

Alan Casper & Claire Kellar

Boarders has played an integral role in Sydney's Northern Beaches skate scene since the late 90s, and owners Al and Claire have sat in the front seats as it's changed, grown and occasionally shrunk over the years.  Along the way they've formed an eclectic community of skate and snow lovers who make the store what it is today. This podcast is an insight into our business and the community that makes it. We hope you'll want to be a part of it too.

  1. 07/31/2025

    What They Don’t Tell You About Buying Snow Gear in 2025

    We’re back... finally. Two months later. We finally hit record after a whirlwind of chaos, half-built shelves, a snow season with more snow than people, and a retail scene that’s more “what’s the cheapest?” than “what’s the best?” We riff on: Where you should spend vs. save on snow gear (boots, boards, bindings—what matters and what doesn’t)Why we’re seeing more cheap, big-box gear in places like Bunnings and what that means for skateboarding cultureThe weird economics of snowboarding in 2025, and why the “cost of living crisis” might actually be a “cost of doing cool sh*t” crisisReal talk on Afterpay, cheap lift tickets, and why convenience is costing us more than we thinkPlus, we dive into the very real frustration of running a retail biz in a world that’s shifting toward Amazon convenience and TikTok attention spans. It’s raw, it’s real, it’s ranted—but somehow, still full of insight. If you’ve ever wondered why people will gamble $265 on a lift ticket but won’t spend $30 more for gear that actually lasts, this episode’s gonna hit you right between the goggles. Hit play and join us for a chaotic but cathartic episode that might just make you laugh, sigh, nod furiously, and question your next online impulse buy. Don't forget to like and subscribe to our channel to follow along on our business journey and everything kind of related. We appreciate your support! www.boardersonline.com.au

    38 min
  2. 05/15/2025

    The Real Reason People Show Up: Community Over Commerce with Joel Ridzuan

    In this episode, OUR guest is Joel from 7th Day Brewery in Brookvale—a local legend who’s doing way more than just pouring beer. We talk about what it actually takes to transform a business into a cultural anchor for the community—and how events like Brookie Fest and the upcoming Snow Jam are helping breathe new life into Brookvale. In this episode, you’ll get: A behind-the-scenes look at how Joel helped reimagine the vibe at 7th Day (hint: it started with secondhand furniture and a clear purpose).Real talk about building community around a brand—and why culture, not just products, gets people off the couch and through your doors.The power of doing events with zero prep but 100% authenticity—and why it’s working.How government grants are helping small businesses collaborate and grow their impact locally.Why every venue in a suburb needs to focus less on competition and more on collective wins.Whether you’re a small biz owner, event organiser, or just someone who loves seeing local scenes thrive—you’ll walk away with fresh ideas, a few laughs, and maybe even a reason to come check out what's happening. Oh—and wait ‘til you hear about the spin-the-wheel haircut station.  You can’t make this stuff up.  Don't forget to like and subscribe to our channel to follow along on our business journey and everything kind of related. We appreciate your support! www.boardersonline.com.au

    28 min

About

Boarders has played an integral role in Sydney's Northern Beaches skate scene since the late 90s, and owners Al and Claire have sat in the front seats as it's changed, grown and occasionally shrunk over the years.  Along the way they've formed an eclectic community of skate and snow lovers who make the store what it is today. This podcast is an insight into our business and the community that makes it. We hope you'll want to be a part of it too.