Surf Shack Outfitters now open on Forgotten Mile

Ron and Bernadette Dawson used to own a surf shop in Fenwick Island, but left that retail business to focus on their wholesale business. Now, at the urging of their four kids, the couple has moved back into retail with Surf Shack Outfitters on the Forgotten Mile, just outside Dewey Beach.

“We’ve always wanted to get back into owning a surf shop,” said Ron, standing in the recently remodeled building.

Located on Route 1, directly across from The Dunes Rehoboth Beach, Ron said he and his wife purposely steered away from some of the larger name brands and stocked the store with more traditional surfing brands. On the men’s side there’s Vissla Surf, Maui & Sons and Toes on the Nose. On the women’s side, there’s Sisstrevolution, Amuse Society, Angie and Malvados sandals. There’s also a selection of boating and fishing apparel - Hooked Soul and What The Fin.

“We’re strong on the bathing suits and bikinis,” said Ron.

Topping off the clothing and accessory options is Summer Tide, the in-house label created by the Dawsons last year.

Dawson said Surf Shack Outfitters will soon carry a wide selection of boards. Like everything else, he said, there was a delay because of coronavirus.

“Everything got screwed up, but we’re in a good place now,” said Dawson.

In addition to outfitting the local beachgoers, Dawson said Surf Shack Outfitters is going to be feeding them too. The entrance to the retail store faces Route 1, but a walk-up food window has been opened up on the side of the building facing Quality Inn & Suites.

Dawson said there will be easy, good food that people can eat before hitting the beach for the day. For now, the menu is mostly geared toward breakfast food, but there will be lunch offerings in the future, he said.

Surf Shack Outfitters, 20905 Coastal Highway, is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. For more information call 302-258-8144 or go to www.surfshackco.com.