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Rob Owen and Mary Carol (MC) Chenet’s passion for surfing took them on frequent trips to Florida, during which they often found themselves needing to stop for surf supplies along the way. A former marketer and dance teacher respectively, the couple decided to become entrepreneurs and opened the New Orleans Surf Shop in 2004.

Is there a place for a surf shop in New Orleans? Absolutely! The local surfing community is comprised of natives as well as transplants who recognize N.O. Surf Shop as more than simply a store—it is a meeting place for surfing enthusiasts.

What’s more, the shop doesn’t merely sell surf boards, but also clothing, sandals, and accessories of the lifestyle. New Orleans certainly has the appropriate climate for surf-inspired clothing, which accounts for the largest portion of sales. As for those not quite ready for water, the shop also sells skateboards. Rob describes surf fashion as “very user-friendly, as is our shop.”

Surfing season lasts year-round, and those willing to wear a wetsuit are rewarded as the waves in the winter are the best. While most surf locales are three to five hours away, such as those in Florida and Texas, there are places to surf nearby in Louisiana with under two hours of travel time. These locations include Grande Isle, Fourchon, and Chandeleur Islands. “If you time it right,” says Rob, “You can even catch shoulder-high waves on Lake Pontchartrain!”

Having opened a mere nine months pre-Katrina, MC and Rob, like every other business owner in the area, feared for their business. However, hurricanes allow for great surfing depending on location in relation to the storm. Rob described the conditions in Texas as epic during Katrina. Indeed, the owners were somewhat reluctant to evacuate immediately, due to the sudden increase in demand. With two small daughters, however, they chose safety over sales.

Upon returning to the city and reopening, business was promising. Especially popular were N.O. Surf Shop’s t-shirts, specifically those with reference to New Orleans on them. Everyone wanted something that said New Orleans. “Once residents received FEMA checks they were quick to buy clothing from the shop,” says MC.

Originally on Magazine Street, N.O. Surf Shop relocated to Maple Street in February 2008. The new location provides more foot traffic and is also closer to home for the owners. In the tradition of Oak and Magazine Streets, the Owens coined “More on Maple” and are in the process of starting a website.

With surf videos playing on the television and attractive merchandise all around, walking into N.O. Surf Shop gives you the same feeling as that perfect day on the beach. With the shop’s chill vibe and friendly environment, you can be confident they will have everything you need to hit the waves (or even the streets) in style.

N.O. Surf Shop
7722 Maple Street
NOLA 70118
(504) 866-6030
Open Monday – Saturday: 11-5:30
Nosurfshop.com