HAMPTON -- Local and visiting surf enthusiasts will be "hangin' ten" all the way to Cinnamon Rainbows this weekend when the newly-expanded Hampton Beach surf shop holds its fantastic grand opening on Saturday, May 26 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

While the shop's recent move wasn't far at all (Cinnamon Rainbows went from the left to the right-hand side of Kennedy's Restaurant on Ocean Boulevard) owner Dave Cropper says that the area has "more than tripled in size" and has actually "moved closer to the beach."

Dave says, "We have quite a bit more room than we did in the old shop," making it possible for Cinnamon Rainbows to now offer "up to 300 surfboards and over 1000 wetsuits," with recognizable brand names such as Quicksilver, Billabong, and Roxy.

"We have locally made boards by Shane Smith, as well as many other West Coast and Hawaiian boards," Dave says. "Boogie boards, skim boards, a lot more beach gear" (including beach chairs and swimwear), and "all sorts of surfing accessories" are also readily available at Cinnamon Rainbows expanded location.

"It's definitely an equipment-dominated surf shop," promises Dave, who adds that plans include "expanding a section for kids and women" too.

Visitors to the May 26 open house will have the opportunity to connect with Cinnamon Rainbows helpful and knowledgeable staff and hear about the different promotions planned for Summer 2001, including visits by professional surfers.

Currently appearing on the schedule are members of the Rusty Surfboard Team on June 11; Michael Baron of Byrne Surfboards (with some team riders) on June 16; and Robert August, "Wingnut," and 1966 world champ Corky Carroll (from the "Endless Summer" surfing movie) on the 4th of July weekend.

Famous names aside, Dave says he's "really excited" about being able to serve Cinnamon Rainbows customers with a more extensive selection of merchandise in the new, larger surroundings, at what he calls "New England's biggest surf shop."

"The surfing community here is a really good group of people," says Dave. "They deserve a shop like this."