ABOUT

Kevin Lawrence has a long history in sporting goods retail, which began 30 years ago in Winnipeg. That store became a specialty alpine ski shop 27 years ago, and Kevin was the key hardwear customer service/sales person, and also ran the repair and service shop, and assisted in buying for the store. Back in those early days in Manitoba, Kevin was also on the volunteer ski patrol.

In 1988 Kevin moved to the Comox Valley and worked at a general sporting goods store for three months, and then moved to a specialty ski and snowboard shop and worked there seasonally for three seasons, while working as a ski instructor on Mount Washington part-time, with a certification in ski coaching.

In 1989 started his own company, called Windsurfing Unlimited, ran that for 12 months a year out of his home and vehicle, commuting to various windy destinations; primarily Nimpkish lake and Goose Spit in Comox.

In 1991 the business was moved into a premise at Cliffe Avenue and 17th Street, that was once the home of a ski shop which was closing out. That year, Kevin bought the assets and changed the company name to Ski and Surf Shop. Along with windsurfing equipment, kayaks, plus the occasional canoe, these became the staple hard goods of the business. Beachwear, wetsuits, sandals, surf wear, sunglasses, body boards and skim boards also were added to the rapidly growing company.

Several enthusiastic employees were brought on to create a great team of keeners, helping to make the store a popular destination.

In 1996, the store was relocated to it’s present location at 333-5th Street, and has become more and more popular.