The West Coast Surf Shop Surf Camp in Holmes Beach is underway this month and everyone from toddlers to teens is learning to surf, with the cooperation of the Gulf of Mexico’s gentle waves, courtesy of Tropical Storm Elsa. The campers are known by their surf nicknames.
Shimmer rides it in to the beach.
Panda pumps the wave to gain speed.
Boogie caught the outside break all morning.
Sweet Pea catches a big wave.
Noserider Nick works on his form.
Shreddley McGnarley works up to the nose, with former surf camper, now instructor, Ethan Isaac (aka Bear) keeping the balance.
Who says there are no waves on the west coast of Florida? Not these surf groms at the West Coast Surf Shop Surf Camp, which is in full swing on Holmes Beach this month.
HOLMES BEACH – The West Coast Surf Shop may be down, but it has not lost its stoke.
Brandi Brady, the daughter of owners Jim and Ronee Brady, plans to hold the annual surf camp on Mondays on June 25, July 2, July 9 and July 16 on the beach in front of the shop, 3902 Gulf Drive.
An April 15 electrical fire caused an estimated $250,000 in damage to the shop, one of Anna Maria Island’s oldest businesses, destroying the contents and much of the building and forcing the Bradys to refuse shipments of spring inventory. No one was hurt in the blaze thanks to quick action by three employees.
The Bradys are ready to start rebuilding the shop and the two rental apartments above it as soon as insurance issues are sorted out, Ronee Brady said, estimating four to six months before the shop will reopen.
Meanwhile, the crew intends to keep calm and surf on.
The surf camp has no age restrictions, but campers must be good swimmers and have good attention spans, she said. To register, call 941-778-1001.