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Frequently asked questions
Shopping Questions
Some products may be available for order. In particular, Al Merrick surfboards can be ordered from our stock in California.
Clips is an authorized dealer of the brands we handle, and all products are sourced directly from the brand manufacturers. For surfboards such as Al Merrick and Lost, we only sell authentic surfboards manufactured at our headquarters in California. There are also counterfeit Al Merrick boards on the Internet, so we recommend that you always check the Al Merrick headquarters page to make sure that you are an authorized dealer before purchasing.
Unfortunately, due to inventory management reasons, we are unable to hold items for you. However, we can accommodate requests to "pre-order" items after you have paid for them in advance. This is recommended if there are boards or items you definitely want before coming to Hawaii.
Our website has an online shopping function, so most of our products can be purchased from Japan. You can also place orders by phone or email, and order surfboards from Japan. Since we sell directly from overseas, many of our products are priced more affordably than in Japan.
Insurance and packaging included! For $265, we will ship one shortboard from Hawaii to your home in Japan via international airmail.
As a general rule, surfboards cannot be returned. However, if there is a defect that significantly affects the use of the product, we will accept a return.
All other items can be returned, whether full priced or on sale.
However, we only accept products that are unworn, unwashed, and have product and inspection tags still attached.
Returns to us must be postmarked within 14 days of receiving the item.
If the above conditions are not met, we will not accept your return.
In this case, please note that the item will be returned.
Please note that shipping costs to Hawaii when returning items will be borne by the customer.
Clips is an American corporation, so we generally accept payments in US dollars. For credit cards, the yen rate set by your credit card company will apply. For international postal money orders, the yen rate set by the post office will apply.
We accept payment by credit card, PayPal, and bank transfer (international remittance).
In the United States, installment payments are not possible, so all payments will be billed at once. For revolving payments, please consult with your credit card company before signing a contract.
Please contact us and we will measure the product for you.
Shipping & Customs
Insurance and packaging included! For $315, we will ship one shortboard from Hawaii to your home in Japan via international airmail.
The shipping fee will be automatically calculated in the shopping cart based on the weight of the item. If the item weighs less than 3kg, we will deliver it from Hawaii to your home in Japan by Yamato Transport's international airmail service for $25.00 to $30.00.
Shipping costs will be automatically calculated in the shopping cart along with customs duties, import consumption taxes, etc., and will be paid at checkout along with the product price.
When goods are sent from overseas to Japan via a delivery company, they are subject to tax when they go through customs.
Tax rates vary depending on the product. If you use the shipping calculation function in the shopping cart, the customs duty amount will be displayed.
The shipping fee will be automatically calculated in the shopping cart when you check out, and you will pay it together with the product price.
If you are ordering from Japan, Hawaii state tax will not be charged.
However, if you pick up the product at a store in Hawaii, Hawaii state tax (4.712%) will be charged.
Write a clear and concise answer to guide your customers.
Questions about product delivery
You can combine a small amount of items without incurring additional shipping charges. Please order accessories such as deck pads, fins, leashes, cases, and clothing together. If you add other items to your shopping cart along with your surfboard, the shipping charge will be added at checkout, but after receiving your order, we will deduct the shipping charge and charge you.
All luggage is insured, so you can rest assured in the unlikely event of an accident. If your surfboard is damaged, the full repair cost will be guaranteed.
It will take about 1 week to 10 days after ordering. Delivery may be delayed due to holidays, natural disasters, etc.
We use Sagawa Express, Kuroneko Yamato, DHL, etc. for shipping.
When your package is shipped, we will inform you of the "package tracking number." To check the location of your package, you can easily do so by entering your "package tracking number" on the Sagawa Express website.
Since this is an international delivery, you cannot specify a delivery date and time. If you are not at home, a missed delivery notice will be left.
Board Order Questions
We currently accept custom orders for Album, Channel Islands, Wade Tokoro, Dick Brewer, Glen Minami, Bryce, and KT. If you would like a shaper that is not listed above, please contact us.
It depends on the brand, but a $50 upcharge over a stock board is typical.
It depends on the shaper, but it usually takes 3 to 4 months. We recommend that you order with plenty of time in advance.
In addition to airbrushing, we can also add pigment and tint paint coloring and foam stain options. We will help you achieve the finish you desire, so please feel free to consult with Clips.
When placing a custom order, we require a $400 deposit. The remaining balance will be paid once the board arrives at Clips. Please note that if you cancel your custom order, the deposit will be charged as a cancellation fee.
All Channel Islands surfboards are shaped and finished in California, making them 100% authentic. Clips is the official distributor of Channel Islands in the US. Al Merricks made in Hawaii are also available to order.
You can combine a small amount of items without incurring additional shipping charges. Please order accessories such as deck pads, fins, leashes, cases, and clothing together. If you add other items to your shopping cart along with your surfboard, the shipping charge will be added at checkout, but after receiving your order, we will deduct the shipping charge and charge you.
Yes, you can. Please select "Pick up at Hawaii store" when entering your shipping address at checkout. After receiving your order, we will contact you to confirm the date and time for pick-up.
Please contact Clips with the shaper, model, and desired size and we will get back to you with our current stock availability.
Al Merrick surfboards can be ordered from stock at our California factory.
Questions about surf lessons
The waves in Hawaii are very easy to ride and we use large, stable boards so there is a 99% chance you'll be able to stand up!
We provide free transportation to hotels near Waikiki and Ala Moana. For hotels outside of the city, we will provide transportation for an additional fee.
The trip from the hotel to the hotel takes approximately 2.5 hours.
Please bring a bath towel, swimsuit, rash guard or tupperware, sunscreen, drinking water, and cash or credit card for payment. Please keep your swimsuit on as there are no changing rooms. Please bring a large bath towel so that you can lay it on the seat as you will be wearing your swimsuit on the way back.
Valuables can be left in the locked car. However, it is better not to bring more valuables than necessary. Please do not bring your passport under any circumstances. There is a risk of car break-ins, so please do so at your own risk.
The surfing time in the ocean is about 90 minutes.
If you have one, please bring it with you. If you don't have one, we will lend it to you (free of charge).
Children over 6 years old who are not afraid of water and can swim a little can participate. Children under 12 years old are only accepted for private lessons.
If you are in good health, you can participate up to around age 70. We recommend private lessons so you can go at your own pace.
If you can swim a few meters, you can participate without any problems. If you can't swim at all, don't worry, we will provide surfing lessons in shallow water where you can reach the water by foot. If you can't swim at all, we recommend that you apply for a private lesson.
The instructor will take a commemorative photo with a camera. If the conditions are right, you can also take a photo of yourself riding the waves. The images will be sent to you by email. All free of charge.
Video recording is an additional option and costs $40. Video files will be sent to you via email.
The only instructor at our school is our Japanese owner, MAKOTO. Please rest assured that MAKOTO will be in charge.
The temperature is a little lower than in summer, so depending on the weather and wind, it can be chilly. On cold days, we provide wetsuits for the upper body called "Tuppa" so you can surf comfortably.
Since lessons are not conducted with other customers, if you are attending alone, please sign up for a private lesson.
If there is availability, you can make a reservation at the last minute, but since it is often not possible to get a reservation, we recommend making a reservation in advance.
Reservations are accepted from 7am.
Depending on your level, you may be joined by a surf guide, but we also offer advanced lessons.
If you are new to surfing, you can take lessons, or if you are experienced, come as a chaperone and surf nearby. Rental boards are also available.
If you are using a shortboard, please use a surf guide. We will be happy to help you with choosing waves and riding advice.
Hawaii has constant trade winds, so the waves are generally stable from morning to evening. However, if you want to increase your chances of encountering good waves, we recommend the morning hours.
You can relax on the beach. However, depending on the weather, it may be too hot, so please be careful if you are elderly. Please bring a hat or parasol.
There are no changing rooms at the beach, so you will go home without changing clothes. Please bring your own bath towel and lay it on the seat of the car to return to the hotel. It takes about 10 minutes from the beach to the hotel.
Surfing is a rain or shine sport, so we will continue in light rain, but storms and lightning are very dangerous, so the instructor will postpone or cancel the activity. In the case of cancellation, we will give you a full refund.
Questions about surf guides
Anyone who can take off on their own can participate. Since Hawaii is a long way out, we recommend a board with a little more buoyancy than usual.
Town guides will take you to spots around Ala Moana and Diamond Head. We will try to take you to spots that are as empty as possible.
The trip from the hotel to the return takes approximately 3 hours, with time in the water being approximately 2 hours.
We have rental boards from top brands such as Firewire, Album, and Al Merrick. You can rent a board for $20 when you are guiding. Please select the board you want from the rental board page.
The size and condition of the waves vary from day to day, but the average size is waist to chest high. It is generally not flat.
Clips guides are free to take photos, and the photos will be sent to you by email as digital files.
There is a fee for video recording ($40). We will provide you with the data recorded with a GoPro.
Hawaii is always summer, but it can get chilly in the winter and in the mornings and evenings. The water temperature is around 24°C all year round, so we recommend wearing trunks and a wetsuit. Springs and long sleeves are not generally necessary, but if you are sensitive to the cold, you may want to bring some between November and March.
We do not offer full day guided tours, but you can make separate reservations for morning and afternoon tours.
If you wish to extend your session, an extension fee of $50 will be charged for every 30 minutes. Please note that we may not be able to extend your session due to other bookings.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us.
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