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Posted by Dustin Hurlburt · April 12, 2019

What does DRIFT LOCAL mean?

Really, what does DRIFT LOCAL mean? Let us first define DRIFT...."To be carried slowly by a current of air or water" or "A continuous slow movement from one place to another." Are we drifters?....Maybe?! As Ferris Bueller so eloquenty said, "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."

Our coastal region has a great deal to offer; beautiful beaches, lively estuaries and thousands of local establishments.

So, let's slow down, look around and enjoy our community. Let's DRIFT LOCAL.

Our Story

Hello! My name is Dustin Hurlburt and I'm the founder of DRIFT LOCAL. Thanks for checking out our site. I'm glad you're here. I am very excited to introduce a new coastal themed apparel brand to the Tampa Bay region. Our product line will focus on performance and quality, including lightweight UPF u/v protection gear designed to help shield your skin from the Florida heat.

I was born and raised in South Tampa and I am passionate on what the Tampa Bay region has to offer. I was fortunate enough to grow up on the water and live the coastal lifestyle. I always remember the fishing trips to Weeden Island, the fish that I lost and our cookouts on the dock. We even hosted the annual "Dundee River Family Fishing Tournament" from our backyard! So many great memories.

Today, I'm always looking for opportunities to take my kids out on the water to create their own memories. That is why this brand is important to me. It represents family. It's who I am.

But we are more than just apparel. We are all things Local! In addition to being a first-rate apparel brand, we will produce locally focused content to highlight, educate, and promote this incredible coastal region.

We have big things coming, so stay tuned!

Sincerely,

A Proud Tampanian

Quality Matters

Posted by Dustin Hurlburt · March 07, 2019

We believe in the highest standards of quality and performance. Here is what you will get with our sun protection gear.

PURE-tech™’s intelligent design delivers superior moisture-wicking features shown to improve the body’s core performance. Our UV-certified fabrics dry rapidly and maximize absorbency. PURE-tech™ is permanent and proven to last, providing effective moisture-wicking capabilities throughout the life of the garment. Wash after wash, and game after game — PURE-tech™ stands up to the toughest challenges, keeping you cooler and dryer longer than non-performance apparel.

MShield is Zinc based technology that keeps fabrics fresh and defends against odor causing bacteria. In addition to providing enhanced performance during use, the antimicrobial feature also helps to extend the useful life of the product.

UPF 50+ sun protection that guards your skin against harmful UV rays. Our Performance line is ideal for boating, fishing, kayaking, and any high endurance activity. Featuring UPF 50+ solar protection.

Not only do we use sublimated graphics for long-lasting color, our shirts are designed and printed locally here in the Tampa Bay region.

We’re selfishly local!

The Importance of Sun Protective Clothing

Posted by Dustin Hurlburt · February 21, 2019

Here are a few scary stats…

According to the CDC, the sun’s ultraviolet rays can damage your skin in as little as 15 minutes…only 15 minutes.
On average, a person's risk for melanoma doubles if he or she has had more than five sunburns.
Roughly 70-90 percent of melanomas can be attributed to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.

I know, not what you want to hear. But growing up on the water in Tampa Bay, I understand the importance of sun protection….and the annoyance of regularly applying sunscreen. Trust me, if the tide is right, I’m always looking to stay out on the water as long as possible but I’m constantly looking to protect my skin. The Florida heat can be brutal and unforgiving. I’m not saying you can replace applying sunscreen with sun protective clothing, but wearing the right gear can significantly block unwanted ultraviolet rays from the sun.

I would take advantage of wearing UPF rated clothing. The higher the rating, the more UV transmissions are blocked. Our UPF performance gear has a UPF label of 50+, which means less then 2% of UV transmissions comes through the clothing. When you wear high quality UPF clothing, you don’t need to apply as much sunscreen to areas of your body that are now covered.

Sun protective clothing is recommended for ALL activities outdoors including running, biking, paddle boarding, or just hanging out by the pool.

Don’t forget about your kids either…In fact, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), children are exposed to about eighty percent of the total UV radiation they will receive in their entire lifetime.

Our coastal region has so much to offer therefore next time you’re on Clearwater Beach or enjoying the vendors at Sparkman Wharf or fishing a mangrove line near Weedon Island, make sure to bring sunscreen and your favorite sun protective gear. You will need it!