Surf's Up, Baby

Some tiny things should stay that way (Portuguese Man-o-war being just one), but others won’t remain miniature forever. Like your littlest surfer, who’ll quickly grow into tomorrow’s big wave rider.

To help today’s surfers and parents with this transition, North Shore musician and artist Shawn Livingston Moseley (also former Dread Ashanti keyboardist) has partnered with children’s activity instructor Sasha Leitner to create an innovative surf shop, just for kids.

Everything in the Haleiwa store is either Hawai‘i-made or designed, including Moseley’s Surf Child apparel line with clever sayings like These Little Piggies Hang Ten, onesies and tees by Kealopiko and Surf Dog, and Honey Girl’s bikini line for girls ages 1 to 14. Also look for soaps by Surf Child and Indigenous Soap, music from Moseley’s ‘Aumakua Records artists, fun surfboard and honu rugs, and even a few unique men’s and women’s tees.

While the adults look around, the little ones can happily play and learn in the Keiki Corner, watching Moseley’s surf instruction video or attending Wednesday story-hours. But that’s not all—the shop has ambitious plans for ongoing educational activities to promote literacy and ocean awareness, movie nights, and even an all-island after school surf program.

Sometimes starting small is the key to dreaming big.

Surf Child Surf Shop, 66-145 Kamehameha Hwy, Suite 3-7, Haleiwa Town Center, across the street from Kua Aina. 808. 637-GROM (4766) or www.surfchildhawaii.com