We have humble beginnings. Our journey started way back in the neon era--1987 to be exact. John McKay opened one of the first surf & skate shops ever in Raleigh called Aloha Surf & Sports. Then we were located in Greystone Village at the corner of Leadmine and Sawmill roads. In 1992, John moved to North Hills and opened Aloha II. Closely behind we opened Dreadz, a unique store that blended skateboards, Rock-n-roll memorabilia, and fashion footwear like Dr. Martens, Vans, Airwalks, and Etnies. Dreadz soon gave way to a bigger, bolder idea--a shop in Raleigh that would cater specifically to skateboarding and the growing snowboard market. In 1994 Vertical Urge was born and we never looked back.
