Blogs
THE PERFECT CAMPING GEAR FOR SUMMER 2021
It seems like we're in for another great summer this year in Quebec, and that's why Homies is equipping you for the camping adventure you've been meaning to do for the holidays. Several new arrivals are hitting our shelves, and new companies are making their way into our stores! HOMIES HAS THE PERFECT CAMPING GEAR FOR SUMMER 2021 THE NORTH FACE The North Face is already a well-known company in our country, and their camping gear is of the same excellent quality as the other products they've made their name in. You can shop for The North Face tents, among other things, in the style you're looking for. We have weekender style tents for those who go camping once in a while or would like to camp for 2 or 3 days with friends. We also have expedition-style tents for those who want better quality equipment, are serious about their expeditions, and don't want to worry when the night comes! Additionally, The North Face offers a wide selection of sleeping bags at Homies, ranging from the not-too-insulated ones perfect for hot summer days to the warmer ones that can extend your camping season. Since we don't do anything by halves, we even have a few winter models! Finally, we also have hiking backpacks in stock, for those looking for a more technical trail bag. KLYMIT CAMPING MATTRESSES If you didn't already know, Klymit is a company renowned for its sleeping pads. So, we've decided to fill our shelves with all kinds of mattresses to satisfy all your needs: single and double-sized air mattresses, half-foam and half-inflatable mattresses, insulated mattresses for sleeping in your tent despite the cold weather, and even mattresses for hammocks. A cool thing about Klymit is its small rechargeable pump that you can use to inflate and even deflate your mattress. The pump is small and recharges via a USB cable. You no longer have to empty your lungs, mate! ESSENTIAL BIOLITE ACCESSORIES Biolite makes a lot of very useful accessories for camping. We have headlamps and light sets, USB-connected lamps, solar panels, and batteries. What can be really nice is to have, for example, a light set, a battery, and the solar panel to recharge everything, and you have your lighting set for your evenings near the tent. Biolite also has the essentials for cooking meals outdoors. The company offers beautiful little fire pits and griddles so you can cook your food directly over the fire! CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FIREPIT+ INFORMATION SHEET UCO GEAR AND ITS PRACTICAL ESSENTIALS Uco Gear is all about small accessories that can make your camping trip so much better! If you don't like eating with your hands, we have camping tableware sets, urethane plates and utensils, and even aluminum glass and utensil sets. Other must-haves are survival matches and fire starters that are water and moisture resistant to ensure you can light your fire anytime. Above all, you must have their famous candle that helps manage the humidity in your tent. When burning, the Uco Gear candle releases BTUs, and with its 9 hours of autonomy, it helps reduce the humidity level in the tent and that, my friend, I tell you, is a game changer! ESBIT AND SOLID FUEL If we had to describe Esbit, we would use the terms practical and compact. The best example: their famous stove that burns gasoline pellets, a solid fuel. There are also different sizes of pellets to offer different burn times! Let's face it, a gas tablet is much easier to carry around than a propane tank when you go on an expedition! TRANSPORT YOUR CAMPING EQUIPMENT WITH YAKIMA Yakima is a roof rack brand that also makes everything you need to transform your vehicle into a real shed on wheels! Yakima is a company that offers roof racks for virtually every make and model of vehicle. In addition to these bars, it is also possible to place tombs on your roof, tombs which are available in different formats. Yakima is also very innovative in bike racks, as the company offers one of the best racks on the market, which allows you to hang your bikes vertically, and therefore, carry more. Finally, if you're the kind of person who loves van life, but you love your pickup truck and don't want to change it, Yakima also offers rooftop tents. Now you have no reason not to go on a trip! If you're interested in Yakima roof racks, these marvels will be sold by appointment only! Go on an adventure in 2021 with camping equipment available in your Homies stores!
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GREEN GLASSES TO SAVE OUR PLAYGROUND
WHAT IF WE TOLD YOU THAT A PAIR OF PLANT-BASED SUNGLASSES IS POSSIBLE? Dragon did it, and we're completely crazy about this product. Starting this summer, you can proudly wear your eco-friendly sunglasses. The key phrase in this project: let's protect the oceans we love to surf, the mountains we love to climb, and the land we love to explore. MOUNT MATERIAL The look of the frame is usually what will determine your choice of glasses. Let us surprise you with some information that will make you say "wow, that one is beautiful inside and out." THE CASTOR PLANT What exactly is a plant-based resin? In the case of Dragon frames, the frames are made from castor resin. Castor is a common plant that grows almost everywhere and resembles a small shrub. Around the world, approximately 700,000 farmers cultivate it. To this end, the company has partnered with the Global Network of Suppliers and trained and certified by Pragati, an organization that aims to reduce environmental impacts through education and the establishment of more sustainable supply chains. This association and the use of plants in the production of their frames reduces the company's ecological footprint and environmental impact, and who doesn't love a company that takes care of our planet? Especially now. CASTOR RESIN What does castor resin ultimately offer? Essentially, it's a renewable material (yay) and creates a stronger plastic that's both lightweight and durable. ACETATE Acetate is one of the most popular materials used in frame creation. At Dragon, they chose to use a plant-based thermoplastic for a more durable product and a more aesthetically pleasing look. The company certainly has an eye for detail; some of their frames are even hand-finished to offer you the highest level of quality! THE GRILAMID This material makes their frames SUPER sturdy. Plus, the company made them with nylon, making them even lighter and more eco-friendly, as they'll last a long time. Dragon didn't just think about making sturdy frames. They also took care to make lenses that are as sturdy. So you have twice as much reason to make a responsible choice by choosing one of their products. LENS MATERIAL Sun protection is key. But when the protection is effective, green, and clear, it's literally the ultimate in comfort for your eyes. POLYCARBON Polycarbonate is one of the components of Dragon's lens. You can find it in several of their models, including the Monarch, Monarch XL, and Compass. This component makes your lenses both featherlight and durable. THE CR39 You'll find this type of lens on acetate frames. This component will give you crystal-clear vision! When shopping for frames, look for styles like the Hype or Jake. NYLON You'll definitely find this component in Dragon's famous floating goggles. A little tip from a friend: with summer coming up and all the water sports you plan to do, wakeboarding, fishing, or even the beach, you definitely want these kinds of goggles to avoid disaster! You'll have the advantage of clear vision and lightweight as a bonus! The Jam H20 and Vantage are made of nylon. DRAGON, THE INFORMED CHOICE FOR THIS SUMMER We're all making an effort when it comes to making eco-friendly choices. You carry your reusable bags, you always have your little metal straw, and you try to do zero-waste grocery shopping as much as possible. We're doing our best to save our beautiful playground, and the good news is that now you can give Mother Nature a helping hand when you buy your sunglasses!
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CHOOSING YOUR MID-SEASON SHOES AND BOOTS
Here's a guide to help you choose the right mid-season shoes and boots for all temperatures and conditions! Designed to thrive in the harshest conditions, these shoes combine water-resistant fabric with synthetic insulation for protection against seasonal temperatures. 1. Cleated sole For maximum grip in both the rain in autumn and on ice in winter, look for shoes with a durable rubber sole and studs for improved traction. 2. Water-repellent protective gaiter A tongue is added to the shoe to keep snow and water out. A waterproof membrane for dry feet at all times! 3. Complete insulation W arm linings to face the elements! Choose shoes with advanced materials to improve heat retention and wick moisture away from the toe area. High-performance management that preserves the breathability of fabrics. 4. Cold cut between the soles To ensure heat retention and maximize your comfort, choose shoes and boots with a cold seal between the outer and inner soles. Shop Men's Shoes Shop Women's Shoes This fall, with the purchase of shoes worth $100 or more, we are offering Granger's waterproofing treatment for free. A water-repellent finish for complete, premium insulation! Protect your footwear from moisture and dust with this easy-to-apply spray treatment. A coating that seals seams and prevents stains. Designed for use on all types of boot and outdoor shoe fabrics, whether leather, suede, nubuck, etc. We did the test, the water flows in the form of droplets and cannot soak into the fabric.
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WE'RE LOOKING FOR VOLCOM PANTS, DO YOU HAVE ANY?
Sometimes we have to decipher customers, no problem, it's our job. However, we wanted to give you the truth about the "Volcom" pants. In fact, what you're looking for is a CHINO pant. It's true that Volcoms are good, but each company makes its own Chino. RVCA, Vans, Brixton, A Thousand Words, name it. What is a Chino : Chinos are cotton trousers, originally light-colored. They were originally military clothing. The term chinos comes from the name given to trousers acquired locally by American soldiers stationed in the Philippines. These garments, which were originally produced in Manchester, were resold there by the island's Chinese merchants. This neologism dates, according to specialists, to the years following the Spanish-American War (1898) or to the 1930s.
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FOR OUR 10TH ANNIVERSARY: OUR FIRST SNOW FILM!
Calling all our Homies riders, we'll meet on October 11th at 6 p.m. on the Kingsnowmag platform to watch our first snowboard film. If you didn't already know, you'll be seeing it a lot in the coming weeks, but Homies is celebrating its 10th anniversary. To celebrate, we're going to bombard you with events and promotions. Our first surprise to you is nothing less than the screening, a preview of our first snowboarding film: HomiesDIX. We'll even give you a teaser so you can see some of what might await you: So far you've figured out that you and all your friends can watch our launch from the comfort of your living room, right? #STAYHOMEHOMIES HAPPENS AT YOUR PLACE! We're expecting you and your gang (remotely) on October 11th at 6 p.m. in your best Homies hoodie with popcorn and a little drink, but that's up to you. To all our Homies riders, this one's for you. Friendly tip: head straight to the event page on Facebook for all the latest information on our HomiesDIX launch. Read on; you'll love it! HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? To access the viewing, it's going to cost you a whopping $0, NADA! If that's not the deal of the year, I don't know what is? SPONSORED BY HOMIES Normally, when making a film, there are several sponsors, but this time we wanted Homies to be the headliner. It's our 10th anniversary and we want to take all the space! Any questions? No? Next! BEETLE GANG MOVIE As an appetizer, we present to you a film from our friends at Beetle Gang "Snowboarding is not dead: an east coast story" as the first part. A 100% Monts-Valin backcountry film. Does it seem like we can't wait to show you this? In fact, we're going to put a teaser right here to make your mouth water for the crazy film that's coming. FILM BOUTIQUES HOMIES STREET AND BACK COUNTRY RIDERS We filmed for weeks last winter, before and after everything shut down due to the virus. We managed to shoot some incredibly impressive scenes. We traveled a lot of miles to find the best spots in the region—and beyond—to ride street snowboards, and our camera pros were able to capture some seriously sick footage of the best street riders we could find. The film also features some amazing backcountry scenes. We're proud to bring the performances of such a talented crew to the big screen. WITH WHOM? Phil Couture Alex Vézina Alex Jean Nic Roy Louif David Arseneault Xavier Boudreault WE ARE WAITING FOR YOU Hurry up and click “I'm Participating” on our Facebook page. A virtual event, from the comfort of your home, that respects health measures and will mark the beginning of fall. And who knows, maybe it will snow a little to give us a taste of the next season. Anyway, let's all tune in on October 11th for a viewing that promises to be pretty hot!
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WAKESURFING
Summer and winter, we can't help ourselves; we have to glide on a board. On concrete or on water, we're comfortable when our two feet are vertical. So, we're talking about wakesurfing. WHAT IS WAKESURFING? Wakesurfing is a water sport that's a cross between wakeboarding and surfing. (Either way, you spend your day on the water, so we love it!) Unlike surfing, you'll be pulled by a boat to get you out of the water. And unlike wakeboarding, wakeboarding moves at a much slower speed to generate a wave that allows you to surf. The board itself is much more like a surfboard, but in a miniature version and without attachments for your feet. You therefore have to rely solely on your balance to stay upright. Given that waves are becoming scarcer in our area, wakesurfing is the ideal alternative to give you the feeling of surfing behind a boat! GETTING EQUIPED FOR WAKESURFING Equipment-wise, it's super simple: all you need is a board, a trackpad, and fins. THE BOARD We recommend Lib Tech wakeboards. Over the past few years, the team has worked hard to develop boards that feel like high-performance surfboards, but behind a boat. They figured out that straighter shapes give you speed… So they made the rail lines straighter. When the tail of the board is wider, it's also faster and allows you to jump more efficiently. Guess what they did? They made the tail of their wakeboard wider! You'll instantly feel the difference, and you'll definitely have more control with this board. Lib Tech wakesurfs were designed and engineered by surfers who enjoy controlled waves from the back of a boat. You'll have a blast with these boards! WAKE TRACKPAD OR WAX? The trackpad is the part that gives you more control over your board. Some people prefer it to wax. It provides a much cleaner finish and is more comfortable. As a bonus, it will allow you to grip your board more easily at certain times. Another great thing about the trackpad is that it works in all temperatures, so you don't have to worry about the weather when you go out to practice your sport. And, as we mentioned above, it's very clean, so you don't have to worry about staining your boat's interior coating. For beginners, the trackpad is the perfect solution. It can be a little tricky to install, but once in place, it will last longer than wax. So you don't have to worry about it and you're always ready for a ride! On the other hand, the trackpad has some negative points: - it can limit your movements: when it does not cover the entire board, the surface can become very slippery if you put your foot next to it; - you feel less of the board under your feet due to the thickness of the trackpad. Wax does essentially the same job as a trackpad. It's a long-standing and, as they say, proven method. There are several techniques available for application, and choosing one is entirely up to each individual. Unlike the trackpad, wax allows you to better feel the board's vibrations and increases your response time. Importantly, wax is obviously less expensive than the trackpad. Since the differences between the trackpad and wax are minimal, it's really a matter of feeling at this point. Some people even use both! KEEP YOUR LUNCH COLD WITH OUR COOLERS. Every good outing should be accompanied by a lunch, as everyone knows. So, we've selected two pretty versatile coolers for you to bring along on your summer activities. FOR YOUR GANG AND YOU You know us, we never do things by halves. So, when it was time to make you a cooler that reflected the store's image, we made you the ultimate cooler. Here are some aspects that will charm you: - capacity of 35 liters; - keeps fresh for five days. So you can be sure that no matter what adventure you embark on, your lunch is fresh; - cutting board included; - separator; - interior light; - all-terrain wheels; (Because we know that lugging a cooler around is the worst thing in the world...) - retractable handle. Available in two colors (turquoise and white), this is the item you need for all your outdoor activities! THE PARTY PACK FOR YOUR SOLO MISSIONS We understand that you don't always want to carry lunch for the whole team! (And that it's not always lunch you're carrying... #freshbeer). In that case, we present to you THE bag that will follow you everywhere this summer: the Dakine party pack. It has all the elements that a good party pack should have: isolated storage; a special space for dry products; a hatch to grab your cold drink without opening the whole bag. It helps you arrive ready to get the party started! From the beach to the backyard barbecue, it'll make you the person who's always ready to party! And in the "always-ready-to-party" spirit, there's even a built-in bottle opener. SPEND THE EVENING IN THE WARM PLACE TO MAKE YOUR DAY PERFECT FROM START TO FINISH, WE'RE THINKING OF YOU, EVEN IN THE EVENING. AFTER A DAY ON THE WATER, OR SIMPLY FOR COLDER DAYS, YOU'LL NEED A BLANKET, BUT NOT JUST ANY... RUMPL blankets are designed to fit easily into a bag. They don't take up space, are warm, and practical. Made from outdoor materials, they're durable, so you can take them anywhere without any problems. What we like most about these blankets is that in addition to being practical, they are available in several models. You're now ready to have a great summer with our suggestions. Whether you're looking for advice, fun, or camping gear, come see us in store or online! It's always a pleasure for the team to make sure you have as much fun as possible in what you do!
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RENT A SURFBOARD
We now offer surfboard rentals. Need one for your long weekend getaways, your weeklong vacation, or your next trip? Two boards are available at Homies Chicoutimi, with on-site advice and service. $25/day with leash and transport equipment included Our rental program allows you to practice without having to purchase full equipment. Boards for rent 5 feet 9 inches at 38 liters 6 feet 1 inch at 44 liters We have two boards available for rent, the Lib Tech Lost Puddle Jumper. A playful board, easy to swim and ride. Allows you to make good, fast turns. Wide and thick to catch several waves in a day, even if they are small. Also available for sale at Homies: wetsuit for men and women, boots, gloves, hood, rashguard, leash, wax, pad, flight bag, and more. See our selection for online surfing
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HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR WETSUIT?
Summer is upon us and hurricane season often occurs in the fall and spring. What does that mean? It means good swell will hit the East Coast and opportunities to slam Chicoutimi-Maine will become frequent! Not a surf fan? Our lakes and rivers will be free of ice and you might want to bring forward your wake surfing, wakeboarding, jet skiing or other season to May and June? Same thing after summer for September and October when our water temperatures drop? Either way, you'll need a wetsuit, and we've got some at Homies! Here are some tips to help you choose. Why is it hot? A wetsuit isn't complicated; the suit lets a small amount of water in, and your body warms it up. The thicker and more airtight the wetsuit, the warmer it keeps you. What to know before buying? The right size Know that a wetsuit is categorically form-fitting and super tight. The layer of water that penetrates must be as thin as possible, so there's no question of being too comfortable in your wetsuit. Most companies will offer different sizes to help you: medium tall or medium small, large tall or large small, and so on. It's the balance between the tightest possible and agility that you must retain. At Homies, it's the Ripcurl brand, so you can rely on the size chart below to find the right size for you. Types of zip Front zip, back zip, and chest zip. Front zips are the easiest to put on and are ideal for a warm-water wetsuit. Back zips are just as easy to put on, even easier, but the long zip located in the back is less effective against cold water and less flexible. Chest zips are a little more difficult to put on, but offer plenty of warmth and flexibility. This is pretty much our favorite here! But again, it all depends on where and what activity you'll be doing with your wetsuit. The thicknesses This is measured in millimeters. A 5/4 means 5 mm of water thickness at the body and 4 mm of water thickness at the legs, arms, and other parts of the body that require more flexibility. Here is what is suggested depending on the season: Spring and summer (water at 19 to 23 degrees): 2mm Spring (water at 15 to 20 degrees): 2mm long sleeves or 3/2 Autumn (water at 12 to 17 degrees): 4/3 Autumn and winter (water between 9 and 13 degrees): 5/4 The seams Flat-locked and sealed seams. Flat-locked seams on so-called entry-level wetsuits are ideal for occasional use. Sealed or taped seams are used on high-end wetsuits. They keep water out really well and are often considered the best choice for a durable wetsuit. Gloves, balaclava and boots It's not complicated, it's quite rare for someone to buy a wetsuit below 3mm and not take gloves, a hood, and boots. Often offered in sizes from 3mm to 7mm, these accessories are essential. In order of importance? Definitely the feet, then the head and the hands. For more advice, the Homies Chicoutimi team is waiting for you!
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SAGUENAY SKATEPARKS - LAC-ST-JEAN
At Homies, we believe it's important to encourage skateboarding culture in our region. We're taking advantage of this article on the subject to introduce you to these SagLac towns that have also decided to encourage this sport by building skateparks, each one more beautiful than the last. THE MOST BEAUTIFUL SKATEPARKS IN THE REGION THE BASIN SKATEPARK IN CHICOUTIMI You already know this one, I'm pretty sure. Our beautiful local park right next to the Petite Maison Blanche in Chicoutimi. We're pretty sure that you've spent a lot of time there too, whether in the bowl in the corner of the park or roaming it up and down, hitting your best lines. Anyway, keep enjoying our park, we'll probably see each other there for a long time to come! THE HÉBERTVILLE SKATEPARK Concrete conquered Hébertville a few years ago. Honestly, if you've never been skating there, it's worth the detour! It's a magnificent skatepark that you'll find once you arrive, with features for both beginners and advanced skaters. If you ask me, this is the best place to start your tour of Lac-Saint-Jean skateparks! SKATEPARK SAINT-BRUNO This one is brand new! Freshly built and ready for a few weeks, it's a great stop for some fun! In fact, the official opening day was Saturday, July 10th, so if you're looking for some new concrete to ride or want to try a new skatepark, this is the place for you, buddy! DORÉ SKATEPARK This skatepark might be a bit further from your house, but honestly, it's really cool. It's a tiny, long park where you can spend your afternoon doing lines and going back and forth from the skatepark. If you're passing by, it's worth the stop, and it's easy to spot with its rails and red ledge corners! ARVIDA SKATEPARK This one is a skatepark with big transitions. It might not be the best if you start touching features with your board, but what we find really cool about this spot is the pump track right next to the skatepark. A place to go fast, play in the bumps and manage your turns! A NEW PARK COMING SOON TO ALMA We'll admit it, we think what happened in Alma is awesome. A bunch of crazy skaters saw lots of new concrete skateparks being built elsewhere and they decided to pitch the idea to the city. After a few Facebook posts and a few meetings with a guy from the city, the project was launched! So, if you're walking around the streets of Alma and you see a construction site on the side of the road, there's a good chance it's this famous new park under construction! Normally, you should be able to go and enjoy it by the end of August or September, and if you're like us, you must be looking forward to it! TEAM SKATE HOMIES SUMMER 2021 As you probably already know, at Homies we believe it is important to encourage local people who excel in board sports. Since its beginnings, Homies has been helping skaters from Saguenay and elsewhere to help them develop while being part of the large Homies family of riders. OLD FRIENDS Among our skate team, you probably already know our old friends, notably Simon Gagnon, who has been with us since our beginnings, Pascal Tremblay, Kevin Boily, and other long-time friends. NEW MEMBERS IN THE TEAM However, this year also marks the arrival of new members in the Homies team! Among others, Alexis Chagnon is joining the family, and I tell you, he is not a Sunday skater! In short, if you want to put faces to names, we have a section on our website dedicated to our beautiful family of skaters! Go check it out, it's right here . THE GIRLS TAKE THEIR PLACE Also, I don't know if you've noticed, but lately, we've been seeing more and more girls skateboarding in Saguenay. Since we were really excited to see that, we decided to encourage a few girls and introduce them to our skate team. That's why you can see videos of Mia Duchesne or Delphine Maltais on our networks from time to time. We're happy to see girls taking their place in the world of skateboarding and if we can contribute in one way or another, so much the better! THE DEVELOPMENT TEAM IS GROWING That's all well and good, but that's not all! Our development team is also growing with the arrival of four new young people from Saguenay, and we wanted to take the time to tell you about them. We therefore officially welcome Joey Boivin-Desmeules, Louis-Philippe Bédard, Olivier Thériault and Jacob Blackburn. We felt it was important to welcome them into our big family, because these young people, like so many others, embody the future of skateboarding in Saguenay. We also encourage you to watch their videos or follow them on Instagram to see them progress in their sport.
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