I have been a sports junkie ever since my days in the womb, where I had a 9 month run as league…read morechampion! Since that time though I have played every sport under the sun, shade and often under the weather also! In the old days there were two sports stores, the only two that any respectable (and fashionable) sportsman would go. One has closed (and is currently a ladies underware store I believe....nice) and the other is still going, stronger than ever in Bailetti Sports on Grote. Now located in a far mor emodern store that its old digs, Bailetti's has everything you could ever need for pretty much every sort you could dream of (although I didn't see any curling stones when I was last in). The Prices are pretty standard, but you can come across a super special or two in their clearance room or between seasons. In terms of selection and variety there are others around of a similar, but due to Bailetti being an SA Icon, it will get my vote every time!

I love sport, particularly soccer, variety, fashionable clothes, quality product, fair price and…read morelocal businesses. Bailetti ticks all these boxes and more. Easily located on Grote, there is plenty of street parking (don't go Friday night though) and it is a big store with heaps to choose from. They have a VIP card which always gets you discount, friendly staff, the store is never that busy and there is a sale section in a separate room with heaps of bargains for a range of ages, sexes, sizes and tastes. I like their range of soccer boots and the people that serve you know about the boots and find ones that fit and suit you best. Bailetti is a great sport store, with heaps of equipment as well. They can also order things for you and customise products with numbers, names etc. And they cater for teams as well, sorting out strips etc.

15/12/2011 Photos When I was little boy, I had this dream…read more.. Being drafted into the NBA, holding an official Spalding NBA basketball, wearing an NBA jersey, heavy barbells to use at home, soccer ball, tennis rackets, and a volleyball. ...2 out of 7 which I could obtain at AMART ALL SPORTS. Oh well. Guess not all dreams come true. I just wished there were more American sports clothing on the racks. I remember when I went to America, their sports stores were the most beautiful I've ever seen, because they had so many different NBA players and NBA team jerseys that I was lifted up to heaven. In AMART, I don't think my eyes found any, maybe it's hidden on the far wall. The creepiest part was my horoscope that day said that I would be somewhere that involved sports. At arguably the best sports store in Adelaide, you'll find a lot of everything any active sports athlete needs in his/her life. From workout clothing and big balls, this is the perfect place to stop in for a gift, whether it be for you or someone else! Last time I was here I bought 1.5kg barbells for my elderly Father last Xmas, which he appreciated.

Great customer service from the girls at the register and out on the floor each time we go there -…read morefriendly, helpful, efficient and kind. The products are reasonably priced with a good range of products available, and the store layout makes it easy to find the sporting items I need each time. Something went wrong with one of my purchases and it was resolved promptly by issuing me an exchange. Great customer service from a good team of people working well together with reasonably priced items.

12/1/2012 Photos The way I feel when I walk into Scout…read moreOutdoor Centre is probably the way famous New Zealander Sir Edmund Hillary felt just before he became one of the first climbers known to have reached the summit of Mount Everest: "A few more whacks of the ice axe in the firm snow, and we stood on top." In other words, the longer I spent in this shop, the more I understood what tools were necessary. Yet, unlike Sir Hillary, I've only done rockclimbing once, and that was way back in high school. And that was only indoors, and I was terrified when I nearly reached the top. I need to conquer more of my life fears. So if I'm crazy enough to ever decide to try rockclimbing again, I have to make sure I come back to this store - I must purchase the necessary harness and specialised rockclimbing. I don't think I'm that great at rockclimbing, though that was only one attempt. I'm a bit older and stronger now, so maybe with the right coach, training, and a little bit more money, I might just succeed on my second try. My rockclimbing days are unfortunately on hold for the meantime... If my next girlfriend is an adventure addict, I might be in trouble LOL. If and only if that happens - I'm sprinting back here. Anyway, after walking around, I was really attracted to the $299 travel backpacks on the back wall. Seems a bit pricey for me and looks a bit heavy to carry, but the friendly saleslady highly recommended it for anyone that was going to travel overseas e.g, Europe. What I really loved most about this sales staff here is that they approach you and talk to you, and they told me before I left, "Travelling overseas to Europe is really easy. Just get your visa and go there. This is, hands down, the best store in Adelaide for rockclimbing gear. We have everything you need.". Looks like my next travels just wouldn't be complete without this cool new backpacks!

Having a scout in the family, I think I have to be a fan of this place - I mean, lets face it,…read moreotherwise I'd have to learn how to use a sewing machine and make her uniform from scratch, right?? Both kids tried cubs, so we came in and got all the gear they needed - then a trip back for blankets so they could go camp, and there was somewhere to put all the badges they started getting - only one make the jump into Scouts (we still have them both, we didn't lose one on a hike or anything, she just decided scouting wasn't her thing) but there was yet another trip in for a shiny new uniform, and a sleeping bag, too. In all our visits, we've found the staff to be very friendly, and extremely helpful. They even gave the girls a few badges to help their new blankets along, which won them friends for life :) Parking is my big bugbear here - and it's not their fault the city's a pain to park in. My recommendation is the Target u-park - sure, you have to pay, but it's worth it in the whole not having to circle the block whilst swearing never again thing.

If you're buying any kind of sporting attire or accessories it is well worth check Sports Savers…read morefor a cheap price. They stock a wide range of all those sporting brands that you expect to see in a sports store. The store itself portrays the image of a discount sports store, thats for sure. It's almost like someone turned the shop into a time capsule in the nineties. There's also plenty of sports team paraphernalia for all you out there who feel the need to portray their team preferences with a poorly made piece of consumer paid advertising.

13/12/2011 Photos I grumbled as I heard that the lowest…read moreprice was $160 for a beginner's ready-made skateboard (Come on! It's just a skateboard, right? I have a feeling I'm wrong.) I'm dying to try my first skateboard sometime in the next few weeks. I wonder how many times I'll stack it? I don't think I have to worry about DJ Shep (owner) staying in business: there are always young and very hip customers, and they not only have the coolest skating products and workshops to choose from, but the prettiest rack of the latest shoes, clothes, rollerskates..and wait for it....private breakdance classes any day of the week upon your booking, for only $10 (for yourself) - $45 (for a group of 3) an hour! Graffiti decorations and hip-hop features and smooth touches merge with modern graffiti Australian artwork around the shop and products themselves, and yes, it's true, there is another hidden room that have turn-tables and old school original American hip-hop music (think 'Tribe Called Quest') playing in them! But what I went for was the hidden basement break-dancing class next door. I ended up doing more than half a dozen beginner's classes with this shop, and if I could afford it, do more in the near future! Shep's 'Da Klinic' is a precious jewel in the Adelaide CBD, and this is definitely the most memorable destination skate shop, and has been for many years. If you're a cool kid, this is definitely the place to hang out.

If you are rolling about on a skateboard or have a skater in the family chances are you have…read morealready visited Da Klinic for a pair of shoes or some funky accessory. Maybe you were dragged in there to check out the latest board or discuss wheels with the helpful and uber kewel staffers? Even if you were dragged in without knowing what was going on you probably stopped and looked at something that seemed other worldly on some level... not the baseball caps or the fashion, but certainly some of the shoes! Nike and Addies (as they are called by the tribes) are completely on the money - and cost a lot of it - but you know, you have to have a empty hip pocket to be truly hip in some circles. Mum and dad know this already, and there's no better incentive for the skater in your family to find a job, forge a career, than to come in and check out how much a pair of super sports shoes colour designed to be uber kewel costs! Seriously the prices here are no more mayhem and madness inducing than anywhere else, it's just the fun of seeing how they fit with the product. The diversity and totally sick quality are what's completely gnarly. Your young or middle aged skater will love browsing and be very happy to come back again and again. Z-boys have been around for a long time now, I even bumped into a very hip young woman on her board cruising through the city street recently, so it's totally gender nonspecific these days (and why not?) so yeah, come in for all your skateboarder needs, and even a few that are wants rather than needs... What you will find out when you chat with the shop keepers is the extra stuff you can get here that doesn't appear on the shelf; no I don't mean contraband! I am talking about workshops on how to skate, or dance the Hip Hop style or even produce music. Yes believe it or not there's a career associated with all of this tom foolery grandpa! Your little Z-boy or girl could grow up to tour the globe playing tracks at dance parties and strutting their stuff on great big stages with lots of very groovy sponsorship deals, so if you are dragged in don't go without chatting to the staff, they'll gladly give you the heads up. They have the lot - and a great website if your wheels are square and wont get you this far into the city!

I love surf shops! It's kinda my thing, everywhere I go or visit, I'm like -ooh lets look in the…read moresurf shop! This JRs represents all surf shops to me, they have 3 levels with so much variety in clothing and equipment. I do surf so also buy equipment and accessories, therefore this place is the perfect one stop shop for all my surfing needs. They always have loud music blaring from outdoor speakers, and as it is located behind Rundle Mall, you have to make the special effort to cross the lights and visit. But its worth it! The staff are always really friendly and helpful, and I am always jealous because they look like they are having so much fun, I want to work there! JRs sell many brands including Roxy, Billabong, Ripcurl, Oakley, Volcom, RVC, Rusty, Vans, Tigerlily and so much more. Definitely check out this surf shop when in town, it has so much more than any Jetty Surf and the people working actually genuinely talk to you.

You know the beauty of surf shops? Dudes like me can get away with using the word, 'dudes', even…read morethough they're completely without any surfing talent, and it's because we LOOK like we surf. How do we do that? We buy our stuff at surf shops. This place is enormous and intimidating. There's more than enough stuff to effect that sort of 'I look like a surfer but I don't really surf' look, in case your skills are ever actually put to the test. And, if you're not merely a hopeless poser, there is plenty of stuff here to actually surf (and ski) with too. With three levels, you can bet they have everything you'd ever need, and the staff are happy to point you in the proper direction.

A great place for those who wanna stock up their camping and outdoor gear/equipment. Right smack in…read moreAdelaide CBD, so it's easily accessible by bus, taxi's or car ( plenty of indoor carpark options nearby to fill up the boot). If you've never been camping in an Australian outdoor, you best be stopping here and build up your camping gear. From tents, sleeping bags, foldable chairs to a rechargable handheld bug zapper! For someone who digs preloved shops, I found it very interesting to find ex Military products here- in good quality too. It'd be worth bringing your dad or male friend here and check out their collection. Perfect shop for the blokes to snap up some Rambo action.

Rarely do I have "hunting knife", "hand powered torch" or "billy can" on my shopping list…read more Ok...I'll admit it, I've never had those things on my shopping list. But my partner who I send out to bring down bores and catch fish for me every few months before a long winter does. Enter Aussie Disposals. From the outlook of the shop window, I have often walked into this place expecting to find an old war vet with one eye, a fishing hat and a slur ask me what I am looking for, but alas only receive the kind and civilized service of young camping enthusiasts and helpful staff. "Is this a good knife?" my partner would ask. "Well it is, but this other one can also cut your toe nails," the helpful shop assistant would answer. This place has amazing prices on everything you could ever need to go camping, prepare for a zombie apocalypse or travel overseas. I've bought a sleeping bag that lasted my adventures through the Sahara dessert at night and a backpack that I lived out of for 6 months travelling from here for a ridiculously good price. There are plenty of knick knacks, things with caribiners on them and bottles, containers etc for travelling also at bargain prices. The staff are also willing to negotiate on price if you buy up big. Overall, this is normally my partner and I's first "go to" place if he needs to hunt something down or I need to go travelling.

I was so damn disappointed when I checked this store out…read more Three storeys of Nike shoes! THREE STOREYS!!! And there were no AF1s or similar shoes. It's a very sports based store. If you're in to sports and need some shoes, this store will definitely be able to help you out. But if you're after the more fashion based shoes Nike has to offer, disregard this store and head to Hype or Footlocker.

20/12/2011 Photos Nike - Just Do It…read more Or when I saw the Swoosh sign from afar, "Must Go In!" With the help of the friendly shop assistant, she took me up to the highest 2nd level and pointed me in the right direction, and we found the perfect casual pair of going out shoes (complete with the swoosh) at Nike. She was so knowledgeable and informative about every Nike product she showed up, even I was fascinated but how much could be said about each shoe, singlet, and shorts! The swoosh sign for me will always remain retro, yet modern at the same time. Athletes and runners have been picking these shoes for so many years, for one big reason: Nike are hands down the most coolest brand of footwear out there, and it has been for a long time. If it's too expensive for you, their clothing prices are not too high! During most visits I just stare adoringly at those shoes with the Swoosh, but it isn't complete unless you go hunting for that matching singlet and shorts with your shoes...and when you do find them, it's doing time for me and Nike. Just Do It. Go on....I know you want to.