AN independent business that serves people who love to skate and surf is celebrating eight years since its current owners took over in 2016.

Nestled in the County Walk Shopping Centre, Wave Games has operated at four different sites since it first opened almost 40 years ago in 1987.

Allan Adams (who goes by Al) is the current owner of the shop that has served three generations. He runs it with help from his colleague, Sam Buttle.

Formerly owned by shop owners, Pete and Debbie, Wave Games has been serving Taunton for generations with people coming from as far as Cornwall for some new surfing gear.

Some of the surfing equipment available at the Wave Games store, including Quiksilver wetsuits. (Image: Newsquest)

Al has a lot of respect for the former owners and says that they didn’t want to see the business close.

The independent business owner said: “They (Peter and Debbie) wanted to retire in 2016. Having done such a long stint themselves and having gone through difficult times in retail, they didn’t want to see it close.

“They’d done it for 30 years.

“They’re stoked that Wave Games is still here. We still get a lot of people saying it’s good to see it still here.”

Al thanks all the customers who shop at Wave Games and the fact people keep coming back to shop there. He mentions loyalty as the main reason why they can keep the quality high at Wave Games and stay open.

Since taking over the shop it has been relocated to its current location but still sells a variety of skate and surf hardware.

This includes brands such as Obey, Volcom, Vans, Santa Cruz, Quiksilver and more.

Al and Sam have had customers come in who have been visiting the shop for generations, but some customers come in who never knew it existed.

They believe their “free and honest” advice they give to customers trying to get into skateboarding and surfing is what makes Wave Games unique.

“You don’t really get that online, only in-store,” Sam said.

On a social media post Al said: “Thanks to amazing bleddy staff and the best hecking customers any small indie shop could ask for, we’re still here!

“We’ve seen Covid, added skateboarding to the shop, changed a few brands, had two kids, watched neighbouring stores come and go and we still love it.

“So ‘hey Wave Games family’, you guys are the best!”