A different surf shop experience is now open for business in West Malibu, close to Westward and Zuma Beach. SeaNSoul Surf Shop is an extension of the SeaNSoul website, which is fast becoming the place for surfers, bikers, skiers and outdoor people to buy and sell used equipment: Surfboards, wetsuits, snowboards, skateboards – everything.
SeaNSoul founder John Kozlowski is originally from Missouri and Texas, growing up playing football in rural towns far from the ocean. Living and working in New York City for many decades as an executive for Ralph Lauren, Kozlowski fell in love with all things surfing and ocean: “We had a weekend house in the Springs, the bohemian part of East Hampton and close to Montauk where I would surf literally every weeknd year round.”
After 20 years of bright lights, big city, Kozlowski and his wife Erica heard the call of the surf and sun and moved with their two children to Malibu. (Please follow the jump for the rest of the story.)
His first project was to ramp up a website for second hand outdoor gear.
Kozlowski describes SeaNSoul.com as
“…the leading social marketplace for outdoor gear and apparel. Sort of the Poshmark of Outdoor adventure gear and clothing. Our users can buy and sell items such as surfboards, wetsuits, skateboards, bikes, snowboards clothing etc….You can also learn about how to become involved as an activist for the outdoors through our partnerships with Surfrider foundation and the Outdoor Alliance.”
The SeaNSoul Surf Shop is evolving in a space previously occupied by Clout, Drill and Radfish. Just under a thousand square feet of thoroughly modern surf style, just under Spruzzos, and just under 1400 feet from the water’s edge at Zuma and in the path of tens of thousands of cars zooming past on PCH every day.
Kozlowski explained: “My good friend David Olan called me one day and said, ‘Hey there is a retail spot that is open in Zuma Beach Plaza and I think you should open a surf shop there and if you do I will be your partner in the venture,’ and that’s exactly what happened.”
The space has been a surf shop for over 30 years with various owners and versions of. It’s now our turn and we hope to carve a little niche and provide a place for people to gather, meet, talk surf, art, trips they have taken and plan to take..etc……and enjoy the space.”
Dave Olan is a long-time Malibu surfer/attorney who testifies: “Meeting John was such an epiphany. We just kept on running into each other in random places. I met John and his wife Erica with their baby Sailor about a year and a half ago while I was buying a mandolin. I’ve been in Malibu a long time and was telling them things about how this place operates. He called me about his new online business, SeaNSoul, for some advice. I was giving him some insight both as an attorney and a long time Malibu surfer. I knew about the history of both Clout and Radfish at Zuma Plaza. I called John and told him he needed a location and I would help him with contacts and financially. It has always been a dream of mine to have a high-end surf shop with other desirable and unique items, particularly vintage collectibles.
A lot of surfing happens in West Malibu from Point Dume to the Ventura County Line but that side of town is underserved, surf shop-wise. Zuma Plaza is anchored by Malibu Fitness, Spruzzos and the liquor store so there is lots of foot traffic,and also people heading to the beach for a day: “I helped him negotiate the lease,” Olan said. “The landlord and property manager knew the benefit of having a high-end store there. Everything has been so seamless from least negotiation to build out and getting fabulous merchandise from the contacts both John and I know. John and Erica worked so hard to put everything together. For us it has been a labor of love. We are very excited about this venture for a place that the community can come and enjoy. We want our friends to come in and hang out, grab a cup of coffee and, of course, support the shop and the community.”
Kozlowski describes SeaNSoul Surf as a different surf shop experience: “I love surf shops and the vibe they have,” Kozlowski said. “But I have always had a difficult time finding exactly what I imagined. I mean I am what most people would consider middle aged and therefore I don’t feel comfortable wearing the clothes found in traditional surf shops. But at the same time I still love the beach, surfing and the lifestyle that comes with it. So we set out to create a surf and coastal lifestyle boutique. One might say we are a sophisticated soul surfers shop.
We feature hand-shaped boards in a rainbow of colors. A lot of singlefin and fish boards by shapers who are not available at other shops in the area. Our apparel selection is more lifestyle a little less logod than specifically surf apparel. We offer both men’s and womens’ apparel. We want to dress the Malibu woman for much more than just a day at the beach. We hope to be the place to go to when searching for just that right dress for date night and full-moon surf sacrifices and other special occasions.”
In addition to being a different kind of soul surf shop. SeaNSoul will soon offer coffee and pressed juice: “As soon as our equipment gets delivered from Italy.”
Which sounds promising.
The shop is very tres chic and what you would expect from someone who orbited in the upper atmosphere of fashion for so many years. Art and neon signs adorn the walls, including a cool interpretation of the Malibu Pier and First Point: “Our first installation on the chalkboard is by a Malibu local artist Daniel George,” Kozlowski said. “He is also an avid surfer and surfboard shaper. We are fortunate to have a couple of his surfboards in our rack. Daniel takes old boards that are no longer in use and strips them down to the foam and then recreates and shapes a new board from it. A complete 360 recycle. This is something that is very important to our ethos and DNA. We make choices to work with artists and brands that have a responsibility and respect mother earth.”
SeaNSoul had a soft opening on the first weekend of June and now they are open and ready to satisfy your soul.
Be there. Aloha.
Shop website is: seansoulsurf.com
Hours are: 7:30am to 6pm daily
Shop phone is: 424-235-2430
