Our Story
Aqua East Surf Shop was opened in 1973 by surfer and skater Sandy Forsyth, who was passionate about the sport at the time. Sandy started surfing in the summer of 8th grade in 1967 on a 9'6" Velzy that he bought from a department store.
Yes, back then there were few surf shops, but surfboards were carried in some men's clothing, hardware, and department stores that were located in coastal cities. A few years later during the short board evolution, Sandy started building surfboards in his parent's garage and on April 1, 1973 he opened Aqua East Surf Shop in a small store about the size of a bedroom.
Sandy soon found that building boards and running a shop did not leave much time for surfing and skating, so he stopped building boards to concentrate on making his store the best possible and allowing him more time to surf, skate, and test the product.
Growth and Evolution
Sandy's vision kept growing and growing until, in the summer of 1988, Sandy opened his superstore in Neptune Beach and then in August of 1999 Sandy opened a superstore in St. Augustine Beach, the two stores well known today in Northeast Florida.
Over the years, Sandy had added other categories of merchandise besides the surfboards, skateboards, and wetsuits; men's, women's, and children's clothing, footwear, accessories, and even some home décor and gift items that fit his surf and skate lifestyle image. He has made his stores a one-stop destination for anyone who loves the beach, surf, and skate lifestyle.
Our Commitment
Today, Aqua East Surf Shop continues to serve the Jacksonville community with the same passion and dedication that Sandy Forsyth brought to the business over 50 years ago. We remain committed to providing quality products, expert knowledge, and exceptional customer service to every person who walks through our doors.
Whether you're a seasoned surfer, a beginner looking to catch your first wave, or simply someone who loves the coastal lifestyle, Aqua East Surf Shop is here to support your journey. We're more than just a store – we're a part of the local surf and skate community, and we're proud to continue this tradition for generations to come.