Summer of 1978…
Kirk Cottrell had a vision of combining his love for Surfing, skateboarding and his community. With minimal seed money enabled Island Water Sports to become a reality. Established as a mission to help local youth support a healthy surfing lifestyle, Kirk opened IWS in Deerfield Beach in 1978 where it remains to this day – 42 years in the making.
Kirk and his wife Lucinda built a foundation for the surf and skate community in South Florida. Putting it on the map as a surf destination by hosting world class surf & skate events like the Wave Wizard Pro and the Sun Country Pro Am, where Tom Carrol won his world title. Today, the Cottrell kids Cheyne, Karly & Linsey run the shop and share the same dedication to their community as their parents did. They have positioned the business to continue to grow in the ever changing retail environment but have stood fast on what is important to them. Surfing, skateboarding and their community.
As the days of locally-owned stores fade away, Island Water Sports remains a staple in the industry and the Cottrell’s vow to keep Kirk’s original dream alive. They have held up the 42 year old tradition of hosting Free surf & SUP lessons every Saturday morning, carried on hosting surf and skate camps, hosted huge events that raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for local charities and on November 21st 2020, The City of Deerfield beach will be unveiling a new beach pavilion named after Capt Kirk himself.
"Our relationship with the community that supports us will always be our priority. because at the end of the day people will remember you for the way you made them feel, or the way you encouraged them to pursue their passion, not by the product you sold them."
~ Linsey Cottrell, Co-Owner, Island Water Sports