Island Water Sports

Surf Central

Kirk Cottrell first opened Island Water Sports in October, 1978 in Pompano Beach. Within a year, they moved to Deerfield Beach. Providing surf gear, surf clothing, surf boards and surf culture; the shop quickly became “Surf Central” in Deerfield Beach.

The business boomed during the 1980’s. IWS began to franchise and expanded to 26 stores. However, when the economy took a dive in the 1990’s so did their business. Through it all, Kirk remained strong in his belief in Jesus Christ. He returned to his surfing roots and in 5 short years was miraculously able to re-establish the business with a more conservative approach.

In 1997 he and his family moved to South Africa to do the work of a Christian missionary. Island Water Sports continued as “Surf Central” in Deerfield Beach. In July of 2001 Kirk tragically died in a surfing accident off the coast of Cape Town. His son, Cheyne, took his first steps as a child inside the store and now Cheyne oversees the operation with the help of his mom, sisters and close family friends.