Promoting the unique beach culture of the Long Beach Island region, the new trail will feature local craft breweries and surf lifestyle artisans, perfectly pairing Southern Ocean Made program with West Coast Loyale App.
Earlier this year, the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce announced several new programs that align with the 2020 vision which began in honor of the organization’s 100th anniversary in 2014. The Southern Ocean Made program is an accreditation for businesses who design or manufacture goods generating local employment and capturing the region’s unique style through products that can be shipped outside of the area. With the initial accredited businesses, the Southern Ocean Chamber has established the first brew trail to draw the growing beverage tourism market to our area. This trail is one of the first in the nation to be infused with non drinking stops. In addition to the breweries that are featured, other stops that reflect our surfing history and lifestyle. The trail will officially begin January 1, 2018 by starting off the celebration at the Tuckerton Seaport New Year’s Day Food Trucks and Fireworks event from noon to 6pm.

This is not a crawl, this is an opportunity for enthusiasts 21 or older to experience our unique Jersey culture, get to meet local experts, try authentic products, and take part in the Long Beach Island Region like never before. It is the purpose of the program to build loyalty for local brands and encourage visits through the year. The trail is launching with three craft breweries, Manaferkin, Ship Bottom Brewery and Pinelands Brewery. It also features South End Surf n Paddle with board shaping and customization, as well as options to take part in a Stand Up Paddle tour or lesson. Ann Coen Gallery is listed for trail goers to view local surf related photography and art, Jetty for surf design apparel, The Tuckerton Seaport for their Surf Museum, Boat Building and Surf Board workshops, and the Southern Ocean Visitor Center for guides, maps and information. No purchase is necessary to enter or get validated. The trail will provide an opportunity to check out locally designed and manufactured surf related products, as well as scheduling lessons or SUP tours for future visits. Begin by picking up Southern Ocean Made Surf & Sip brochure at any of the participating locations or download the LOYALE APP . As you go to each stop, use the app to validate. This will become your verification of the stops you made. Southern Ocean County’s trail was created to be enjoyed throughout the year, it is not a timed activity and all completed entries have the same chance to win as long as they are completed through the app or map is submitted to the Southern Ocean County Chamber Visitor Center before Thanksgiving 2018. Like good beer, this trail is meant to be enjoyed at your leisure. It is not a challenge, do not attempt to take part in any surf activity or drive under the influence of alcohol.

To cultivate a measurable and efficient way for users to take part in the trail, Southern Ocean Chamber has partnered with Loyale App. Loyale, is brewery-managed app for craft breweries, is a craft beer-centric native phone app that works for both Android and iOS. The Surf & Sip Brew trail matched perfectly with Loyale. Established in 2015 it was developed on California’s Central Coast, representing Highway 101, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles Brew trails to name a few. Southern Ocean is now listed with enthusiasts from the east and west coast, being the first trail in New Jersey to be included on the app. Co-Founders Max Ludington and Harish Prather, bonded over a shared love of craft beer and a desire to help small, independent craft breweries grow a larger share of the overall beer market and were winners UC Santa Barbara’s prestigious New Venture Competition.

In addition to the app, the brew trail is featured on the Southern Ocean Chamber’s new www.southernoceanmade.com website designed by local business, the Mena Web Agency. For more information about the Southern Ocean Made program and the Surf & Sip Brew Trail please visit the website and download the Free Loyale App Available on Itunes or the App Store” Contact the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce at 609 494 7211, on social as @southernoceanchamber or @LBIregion , on web at www.visitLBIregion.com, or at their visitor center 265 W Ninth Street in Ship Bottom.