The Islander: 77 Surf

New Island Business

77 Surf, Erica Lerma de Macauley.

There's a new surf shop in town, and local surfers run it. Erica Lerma de Macauley runs the shop alongside her husband Ryan Macauley, who share a love of surfing. "We are a surf shop created by surfers who grew up here on the island. We're trying to cater to people trying to learn how to surf or who already surf and want to improve and better equipment. We're here for that."

Ryan, a native from Laguna Vista, and Erica, an island native, both had early starts to surfing. Ryan has been surfing his whole life and began teaching surfing as a teenager inspired by his surfer dad, Steve Macaulay. In Erica's teenage years, she picked up surfing and surfed on SPI and Hawai'i islands during her time in law school.

Before opening the business, 77 Surf on West Bahama St, the couple started their journey by running a non-profit offering free surf lessons for members of the community Sunday mornings at ten. Ryan soon began offering one-on-one services, and more people kept asking where they could get surfboards. "So, then we thought maybe we can open a storefront so that people can find surfboards," said Erica.

Steve Macaulay (left) Ryan Macauley (right).

77 Surf offers private lessons, photography, and video with your surf lesson. "Sometimes people want to see what they're doing to become better. We also do surfboard repair."

Erica Lerma de Macauley riding waves.

Ryan Macauley riding waves.

Opening 77 Surf has been a dream for Ryan. "Quality boards are hard to find," said Erica. Quality boards aren't easily accessible, and they're still waiting on some inventory. "Our mission is to find the best surfboards globally and bring them here. My husband just picked some up from Hawaii. He had to drive to San Antonio to get them."

With plans to expand, Erica admitted it was hard to find a retail space on the island. But, staying positive, Erica is set to continue her photography business located in the 77 Surf shop, law, and hopes to open a food truck to offer more healthy food options. "All to continue to keep SPI surf-viving."

The Macauley family, Iliasis Muniz Photography. 

77 Surf, Erica Lerma de Macauley.

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