Water-play opened in the early 1980s and became South Florida’s water-sports destination, serving all of South Florida, the Bahamas, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. Water-play achieved great success in Coconut Grove; first on Bayshore Dr. next to Montys, then on to Coral Way before settling into its final resting place on the corner of 27th Ave. and US 1 (directly behind Crook and Crook). During his search for the perfect spot in south Miami, Illan, water-play’s founder, managed to find time to open a second location on Federal Hwy. in the heart of Fort Lauderdale.

In the spring of 2007, the next chapter in Water-play’s story was written. Illan sold the Miami location to Liquid Surf and Sail, a Watersports retail company based in Northern Florida. Liquid Surf and Sail was started by Bobby Nabors in 2004 in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. For Liquid’s expansion into the South Florida market, Bobby needed a partner. He looked no further than Water-play Miami’s former manager and his longtime friend, Jim Desilva. Bobby and Jim formerly worked together at North Sports Inc. as sales representatives for North Windsurfing, Mistral, North Kiteboarding and the Yacht Club windsurfing program, “The Prodigy Project”.

While Liquid Surf and Sail was thriving in Miami, the opposite was happening for Evolve Water Sports in Fort Lauderdale. Ilan had subsequently sold the Fort Lauderdale business to Evolve Watersports which barely lasted 7 months. Ilan ceased the assets and again approached Liquid Surf and Sail about buying the business. Consequently, Liquid Surf and Sail Fort Lauderdale opened in August 1st, 2008. In less than four years Liquid has opened its third location in Florida. All three stores are thriving, and we are working especially hard to ensure all of our customers and former Water-play customers are given the highest level of service and respect. We offer the highest quality Watersports products from wake boards and banana boats to windsurfing and kiteboarding gear; kayaks, sail boats, and everything in between.

Currently Liquid Surf and Sail has two retail stores in two former Water-play locations, in addition to the Liquid Surf and Sail flagship store in Fort Walton Beach. We are constantly growing, and you will see an expanded Miami location in the near future! We certainly look forward to continuing our relationship with you and serving our loyal customers for years to come…in the Florida market and beyond.

Thank you for being our customer!

Liquid Team/October 2008