Wet Mitten Surf Shop, a specialty water sports retailer started by brothers John and Ben McNeil, is the new kid on the beach in Grand Haven. Joining a strong community of existing retailers and water sports enthusiasts, Wet Mitten seeks to support and capitalize on a ideal location and the increasing popularity of these activities.
According to one of the brothers, Ben McNeil, "kite-boarding is really taking off, as is stand-up paddling. Many wind surfers are getting into kite boards and stand-up paddling is for anyone." He says this is important because it increases the customer base beyond the more adventurous sports.
McNeil explains their operation is multifaceted. It includes an online store, a retail outlet and a wholesale distributorship for the
Blade brand of kite boards.
"We just opened up over a month ago and we want to be a full service surf shop," he says. "We are full-on into stand-up paddling, surfing, boogie boards, skim boards, skate boards and long boards."
Besides selling the boards and equipment, the duo will share their expertise and passion for water sports through lessons and equipment rental.
McNeil encourages everyone to take a dip into Lake Michigan this summer and to check out their store. You can visit their website
here, and join their
Facebook page.(For those who do not remember "Surfin' Safari" and don't know what a woodie is, just Google it!)
Source: Ben McNeil, Wet Mitten
Writer: John Rumery, Innovation and Jobs Editor
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