Shout Out To A Local Surf Shop - Another Ride

I love surf shops. When I travel, it is always on the list to stop off along the way when we cross paths with a surf shop and check out the place. You never quite know what you’ll come across. Some have great vibes and feel very inviting, others make you feel like you have just trespassed.

I am a self-admitted surfboard addict, so I always like to see what’s on the shelves, or even better, the ones hanging on the ceiling that are not for sale. The shops with nice collections are proud of their fleet and it always makes for fun conversation pieces. It breaks the ice as well, and you and the person who collected these wonderful pieces of art soon realize you are of the same blood and spirit.

Many shops are very commercial and have the same stuff you can find anywhere else. These are not my cup of tea, but to each is own. I am looking for a real old school style surf shop, owned and operated by a real surfer. There are plenty of these as well and they are always a great find.

My local community has a good mix of both and I have nothing bad to say about any shops and will always support local shops in my hometown. We have a few shops with amazing board selections and it is like Christmas to walk into. I have to be strong and stay away many times, as the chances of me leaving with another board are too great. Not that this is a bad thing, but I am kind of maxed out on boards. Still, there is always room for at least one more, and so on.

One shop in particular is my favorite - Another Ride Surf Shop. It is not the biggest shop around and it doesn’t have the most boards. What it does have is a vibe that makes you know this shop was created from a love of surfing. It also has a lot of cool boards hanging from the ceiling, which all have a story to tell.

The owner, Kelly, also works with shapers to design his own models that are hand built locally and they are awesome boards. This is becoming a lost art and we should really always consider local shapers when purchasing a board. It would be very sad to have imported boards as our only option in the future. The shop has a very nice selection of new and used boards.

The owner is very knowledgeable and welcoming. It is a no glitz and glamour type of shop and reminiscent of how surf shops looked when I was a kid, so that sings to me

So, next time you are in Brevard County, FL and cruising the beaches, stop and check out Another Ride Surf Shop and go see Kelly. Buy a board or get some Another Ride gear. I even hear they have this awesome local brand in there…AquaGlyph!

Just wanted to say thanks to my GO-TO shop; and remember, wherever you live or travel to, go say hi to some shops and spend a few bucks. A few small purchases help keep the love of surfing alive and well. Cheers!!!