Shopping on Martha’s Vineyard for your water sport needs

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Nicole Corbo of Aloha Paddle Martha's Vineyard. — Photo by Katryn Yerdon

Summer brings bright sunshine and warm water around the Island — and plenty of fun options on the water.

If you are a boat owner, your to-do list may be limitless: boats seem to require constant maintenance. Lucky for you, the Island has some great marine and boating supply stores.

For a one-stop-shop, whether it is for cleaning supplies, mechanical hardware like a bilge pump, service/repair, launching, hauling, and even storage, Edgartown Marine in Katama on Herring Creek Road is your place. They even have a summer store for your convenience located at 1 Morse Street at North Wharf in Edgartown. To find out more, visit them daily beginning at 7:30 am, call them at 508-627-6500, or visit edgartownmarine.com.

On Beach Road in Vineyard Haven and seasonally at Dock Street in Edgartown, find the Martha’s Vineyard Shipyard. In business since 1856, they service everything from dinghies to large yachts. The year-round Vineyard Haven Marine Store is open seven days a week in summer, while the seasonal Edgartown store is open every day but Sunday. They are authorized dealers of such reliable brands as Yamaha and Zodiac. Both stores are accessible from land or water; just make sure to call them first on VHF channel 73 if approaching from the water. You may also reach them by phone at 508-693-0400 in Vineyard Haven and 508-627-6000 in Edgartown, or visit the website: mvshipyard.com

For a quick stop to grab boating essentials, along with some fun-in-the-sun accessories such as tubes, kayaks, and the new hot trend, paddle boards, try West Marine Express at 52 Beach Road in Vineyard Haven. Feel free to contact them directly at 508-693-2906.

If the newest wave to hit the water sports, SUP (Stand Up Paddle) boarding is more in line with your desires, there are ample places to find them.

New to the water sports scene is Aloha Paddle MV, which offers SUP lessons, tours, and fitness classes. If you have always wanted to try it or is someone who has enjoyed kayaking for years and is looking to try something new, call Nicole at 808-640-6935 or 508-955-9050, or visit her on the web at alohapaddlemv.com. Aloha Paddle MV has twice weekly Paddle Fit Exercise Classes and kids courses available, along with private and group instruction. They are located in Aquinnah, but will travel throughout the Island. They are Island’s only retailer for Yolo boards, which they have in stock ready for you to take home with your free lesson that comes with purchase.

Also new this year is WuzSUP Sports, which provides rentals, lessons, tours, and SUP Fitness. To learn more, call them directly at 508-684-4860 or visit them on the web at wuzsupsports.com.

Another excellent option is the well-established Island Spirit Kayak, located on the Oak Bluffs side of the Little Bridge on Beach Road, which runs along the barrier beach between Sengekontacket Pond and Nantucket Sound. They will also come to you Island wide as well. Call them to book your time at 508-693-9727 or visit them on the web at islandspiritkayak.com, where you will find a schedule of tours and rental information, along with information about their venture into paddle boarding, which includes lessons and Paddle Board Yoga.

Finally, the ever-present Wind’s Up has joined the SUP wave with sales, lessons, and rentals. Stop by their fully stocked shop and rental area at 199 Beach Road in Vineyard Haven or call them at 508-693-4252. You may also visit them on the web at windsupmv.com.

Weekend events:

Here are two shopping opportunities you might want to try out. Tonight, Thursday July 12 from 8 to 10 pm, Islander Ashley Chase is having a Sea, Love Sample Sale at Slip 77, which is across from Nancy’s in Oak Bluffs. Come see her original swim and beachwear designs.

On Saturday July 14 from 10 to 5 pm, Midnight Farm, at 18 Water-Cromwell Lane, which is between Main Street and the Stop & Shop in Vineyard Haven, will host a trunk show featuring John Robshaw. Mr. Robshaw, a textile and home décor designer, is well known for his hand selected bedding, linens, pillows, and vintage treasures. For more information, please call Midnight Farm at 508-693-1997.