Wannabes shop at Surf Style. Surfers, skimmers and paddle boarders count on St. Pete’s surf shops for surf movies, cool boards, hot shades and a social life.
Here are some of our favorite local stars.
Island Surf Shop:
In business since 1977, it was the first local surf shop on Indian Rocks Beach. Founded by local surfer Bruce Davies, who after running the shop for 30+ years retired to the mountains of Colorado. Islands Shop Surf is now owned by Larry, an Indian Rocks Beach local. You can rent paddleboards, surfboards, skimboards and other water sports gear as well as beach chairs by the hour, half-day or day. 309 Gulf Blvd., Indian Rocks Beach (727) 596-2244 http://islandshopsurf.com
Nekton Surf & Skate:
Originally started by famed international surfer Corey Lopez, the Sand Key surf crowd gathers here. In addition to surfboards, skateboards, skimboards and paddleboards, you can find hip men and women’s beach apparel and accessories. 1313 Gulf Blvd., Indian Rocks Beach (727) 593-8292 http://www.nektonsurf.com
Shoreline Surf & Skate Shop:
From bikes to surfboards and skateboards, this funky little shop rents and sells what you need to hang ten and will deliver paddleboards. Bike and kayak to your favorite beach from Indian Rocks to Treasure Island. Cute sundresses, swimsuits, accessories, sandals and more. 17725 Gulf Blvd, Redington Shores (727) 851-9830 http://www.shorelinesurfnskate.com
Mad Beach Surf Shack:
Founded in 2016 by Josh Ross and Todd Young, Mad Beach Surf Shack has everything you need for the beach including flip flops, swimsuits, watersports accessories. They rent paddleboards, sea kayaks and bikes as well as boogie boards and skimboards for sale. 14953 Gulf Blvd., Madeira Beach (727) 873-7258 http://www.madbeachsurfshack.com
Overhead Surf Shop:
Look here for everything surf, skim and skate-related including the latest styles in surf and skate clothing for guys and girls (tee shirts, dresses, shorts, swimwear, bathing suits, board shorts, hats, flip flops, shoes, sunglasses, watches, accessories). They carry a full line of surfboards, skimboards, traction pads, skateboards, longboards, and stand up paddle boards in all the hot brands (Oakley, Billabong, Oakley, Reef, Volcom, O’Neill, Sanuk, Hurley, Von Zipper, Ray Ban, Electric, Costa Del Mar). 12951 Village Blvd., Madeira Beach at John’s Pass (727) 398-7873 http://www.overheadsurfshop.com
Suncoast Surf Shop:
We caught up with Jordan Laflare, manager of Suncoast Surf Shack, just before he headed out to catch waves in Costa Rica. Again. These guys live and breathe the swell, heading over to Sebastian or down to Holmes Beach if they catch a whiff of a storm.
“We’ve been here 50 years and have the largest selection of surfboards, paddleboards and skimboards including Channel Island and Lost. On Monday’s we gather at Sharpie Art Gallery near the Waffle House to paddleboard; we bring boards for those who don’t have one ($20 to rent). Joe Nuzzo, the owner, is the real deal.” You can even check Joe’s Surf Report at (727) 363 SURF!
The Shop started back in 1966 when no other surf shops existed in the St. Petersburg, Florida area. Owner Joe was going to be an airplane mechanic, only they sent him home to get a haircut, never to return, hence the new job, surf shop owner. Suncoast started with $300, a few surfboards, 12 tee shirts, a bottle of red wine and some surfboard stickers. In the 60’s things were a little different. Look for clothing, sandals, wetsuits, tersports accessories, boards (skim, skate, paddle, surf). 9841 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island near Sunset Beach (727) 367-2483 http://www.suncoastsurfshop.com
Freaky Tiki Surf Shop:
Once a legendary home away from home for all the local St. Pete Beach surfers (including my good pal Tony Foucher seen surfing above), Robin and Greg’s Surf Shack was Malibu on the east coast. Lifelong friendships were made, trips to Costa Rica and Hawaii dreamed and lived. Now the Freaky Tiki, you’ll find cool clothes, unique designs and shades here, but alas, not to much surf gear and a second location in Clearwater Beach. 5210 Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach (727) 367-9898
Lenny’s Surf Shop:
Surfboards, SUPs, skimboards and bikes to rent and buy new or used, it’s got all the brands surfers love (Rip Curl) and is a local hangout for the beach crowd. 7517 Blind Pass Rd., St. Pete Beach (727) 367-5001 http://lennyssurfshop.com
Story by Nanette Wiser