Island Water Sports Rides the Wave Back Home
For Island Water Sports, the opening of their new location at Pompano Beach's vibrant Fishing Village is more than just a business expansion – it's a heartfelt homecoming.
“This is a full circle moment for us,” said Linsey Cottrell Bone, who along with her siblings Karly Cottrell and Cheyene Cottrell run the company, which was founded by their father, Kirk Cottrell in Pompano Beach in the late 1970s.
"We've watched the incredible growth taking place in Pompano Beach and knew we had to be a part of it again," Linsey explains. "The Fishing Village presented the perfect opportunity – the energy here is palpable, with so many young families eager to embrace the beach, surf, skate lifestyle my dad championed."
In the summer of 1977, Kirk Cottrell acquired island water sports, a 500 square foot surf shop in Pompano Beach formally owned by Carl Beaulac. In hopes to expand his space he moved the business up to Deerfield beach in 1978. He and his wife Lucinda built a foundation for the surf community that has lasted decades because their mission is so much greater than the retail experience.
When Kirk passed away in 2001, Cheyne, Karly and Linsey were just graduating high school and didn’t have the experience to run the business, but in 2006 the Cottrell kids came back to the shop excited about introducing their dad’s legacy to the next generation.
“Pompano Beach is an up-and-coming community filled with families that want to have an active healthy lifestyle, and we are excited to be part of it,” Linsey stated.
The return to Pompano Beach has been an incredibly positive experience, as the family has felt incredibly welcomed by the City, the CRA and the community. Making the transition even smoother is the fact that the family has hired Travis Bailey, the manager of the former tenant, Salt Life, along with many of the staff, to be part of this new venture.
“This has been a monumental experience, and we are so thankful for the outpouring of love and support,” Linsey stated.
The CRA will be working with Island Water Sports on the grand opening event, which will be announced shortly, so stay tuned to social media!
