Bright Superstores Ltd

Bright Businesses: Island Surf Shop

Since 1977, Island Surf Shop has been a popular hangout for local beach lovers and Indian Rocks Beach tourists alike.

Larry Garrison, Island Surf Shop owner, bought the store four years ago from the original owner. Prior to purchasing the surf shop, Garrison sold boats at Boat and Motor Super Stores in Palm Harbor.

Garrison's favorite part about owning a surf shop business, is the freedom.

"I don't have to shave, and I can walk around bare foot," Garrison said. "During the winter I some times wear my pjs to work. So that's pretty cool."

Garrison's dog, Mojo, greets customers by lifting his head from a doggie bed near the front door. Mojo, a 13-year-old Hound Mix, was a rescue from the SPCA eleven years ago.

“Some customers come back just to visit him,” Garrison said.

In addition to expanding the brand name sandal collections, clothing lines, and sun glasses four years ago, the Island Surf Shop started board rentals. The store rents stand up paddleboards, surfboards, and skimboards.

Garrison delivers the boards with a bicycle and wagon across Indian Rocks Beach, free of charge.

Even kids and dogs can paddleboard, Garrison says, and at the Island Surf Shop they do. He hasn't had a chance to bring Mojo, but would like to soon.

It costs $40 dollars to rent a paddle board for half a day, and $75 dollars for a full day. Island Shop offers free paddleboarding lessons by appointment from 8a.m. to 9a.m. daily.

"It's a rip off to purchase lessons,” Garrison said. “Some people are intimidated by paddleboards and think it's hard but it's not. All you need are calm waters and the right sized board.”

Over the past four years, Island Shop has sponsored more than a dozen local kids in surf and skimboarding competitions.

Olivia Bush , a 16-year-old Indian Rocks Beach resident, has competed in local girls and women's surf competitions and has won multiple times in both categories. Olivia is one of the locals sponsored by Island Surf Shop.

“The kids all hang out here anyway. They usually just make a mess,” Garrison said. "Or they play on the Playstation 2, and Indo board, but they are pretty entertaining."

The Island Surf Shop sells men's and women's T-shirts, shorts, tanks, bags, sandals, sun glasses, and more. The store contains popular surf brands including: Roxy, Lost, Volcom, Reef, Rainbow, Sanuk, Billabong, Hurley, and Quicksilver.

August Wine Picks of the Month « Lukas Liquor Superstore

Here's Picks Wine Department in August of the month:

Choose Gary: Director Francis Ford Coppola Chardonnay-M. Coppola has a series of very popular wine, and it represents the next value. On the pleasant notes of apple and oak make this wine an excellent accompaniment to grilled chicken.

Tim Pick: Masi Pinot Masianco Grigio/Verduzzo- series of Tim Rose has been broken with a fantastic Italian white. A little more full body brings out the bright fruit of this wine. Seafood with a citrus sauce is a must with this wine.

Jon’s Pick : Gazela Vinho Verde Rose- up until recently, Vinho Verde Rose was very scarce to find outside of Portugal. Now, we see why. This brother to the regular Gazela is dry and refreshing with wild strawberry and cranberry notes. Think about pizza when you grab a bottle.

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