O’Neill Shop Chronicles: Island Water Sports - Deerfield , FL (and other locations)

In 1978 a small 500 square foot shop opened in Pompano Beach Florida- Island Water Sports was born.  Founded by surf enthusiast Kirk Cottrell, this local gem quickly became the go-to location for the local beach community. The following year he moved it to the sun-soaked shores of Deerfield, Florida where it stayed ever since.  

What started as a modest surf shop soon evolved into something much more significant. Through trials and tribulations, Kirk and his wife Lucinda built a foundation for the surf community in South Florida that has lasted for the past 40 years and counting. Cottrell's vision extended beyond simply selling gear; he wanted to cultivate a community of ocean enthusiasts. The shop began offering surf lessons, sponsoring contests, and introducing countless newcomers to the beach lifestyle.

As the years rolled by, IWS expanded its repertoire to include skate, snow and more. The shop's commitment to carrying the best products cemented its status as a North Miami institution. Island Water Sports remains a staple name in the surf & skate industry, even as locally owned shops become increasingly rare.

Today, Island Water Sports stands as a testament to an enduring family business. Kirk's children - Cheyne, Karly, and Linsey - cary on the legacy of running the stores, sharing the same dedication to the community as their father once did. They run one of the largest surf schools in the state each summer introducing hundreds of kids to the ocean and to surfing each year passing on the stoke of surfing. 

IWS is more than just a store – it's a hub where seasoned locals and wide-eyed novices alike gather to share their passion for the ocean. As the days of locally owned shops fade away, Island Water Sports continues to thrive, embodying the spirit of the ocean, family and the community it serves.

So next time you're in Deerfield Florida, make sure to stop in and say hello- you can't miss the store since there is a shark coming out of the roof of the store.