Yeah, this is a bit of a teaser, but come on in the store this weekend for big savings on all your favorite brands like Roxy, Reef, Quiksilver, O’Neill, Volcom and more!  The Maui Nix Summer Tent Sale…it only happens once per year, and you don’t want to miss this for some early (and discounted) back-to-school shopping.  Oh, and don’t worry, it’s not really under a tent, it’s in our nice, air conditioned store on A1A in Daytona!

Summer sun blinding you as it bounces off the waves and surf?  Come grab a pair of the latest sunglasses and get 20% of any pair that retail for $50 or more. We’ve got all the latest styles and brands, but to get this deal you’ve gotta print that coupon (download a nice PDF version here) and bring it into anyone of our stores before we close on August 8th!

You can experience the excitement of the big city one day and chill out by the beach the next.

Click here to see beaches: www.daytonabeach.com/cam.com

This Sunday, we celebrate Father’s Day to honor all the Dads out there. Show your gratitude for all your dad has done with fun out door activities, thoughtful gestures and a Father’s Day present he will love.

Don’t have a clue where to start? Here are a few ideas:

1. Wake up early and make breakfast

2 . Spend a day at the beach

3. Have a backyard BBQ

4. Wash his ride

If you still haven’t gotten  Dad a gift, drop by your local Maui Nix Surf Shop and get him something he’d appreciate. Skip the tie this year and opt for a soft surf tee, new flops or baggies. Toys are another great gift idea for Dad. Check out our huge Surf and Skate departments for the ultimate Father’s Day surprise!

We asked you what made your Dad so awesome and here is what some of you had to say.

• “My dad is the best because he’s supportive in everything I do and forgives my mistakes even though I mess up a lot.”  Hunter Sazier
• “My dad is the coolest dad because he allows me to wear his spy sunglasses and he shops at Maui Nix.” Unknown
• “My dad is the best because he works hard to make sure that my mom, sisters and I are taken care of.” Justice Wall
• “He takes me out in the ocean past the sandbar and teaches me about how the waves break so when I get bigger I can go surfing with him.” Hunter Mottola
• “My Dad always makes us have fun wherever we go because he is funny and he always makes me laugh.” Kyler Cole
• ” My dad is athletic, smart and work’s hard for my family, and is a stylish guy.” Emily Truelove
• “My daddy is cool because he takes me surfing, teaches me awesome stuff, and loves to play with me. ” Morgan Murray

So here is to all the Dads…Thanks for everything you do and have a Happy Father’s Day!

Maui Nix has expanded again, this time with two new stores in Clearwater Beach, FL. Our new locations allow us the opportunity to serve up some fresh threads and hot new boards to the Clearwater community.

So why Clearwater Beach? We spoke with Maui Nix owner George Karamitos to get the scoop. Here’s what he had to say:

Maui Nix: Why open stores in Clearwater Beach?
George: I have been visiting Clearwater Beach since the late 70’s and have watched the beach evolve through the years. I felt that after all the construction the area had gone through, the area was ready. There is a need for better retail along the beach and hopefully we can help fill it. Plus, we’re stoked to be part of the area’s surf and skate culture!

Maui Nix: How are you getting hooked into the local scene?
George: We are promoting the opening of our shops using many methods. We’ve started with word of mouth to friends and family. You’ll see us on local cable throughout Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough counties. In addition, we plan on supporting local athletes and will work on supporting and planning events geared to skating, surfing and skim. Look for the same high level type of events and sponsorships we’ve done in Daytona, now that we’ve got our feet on the ground.

Check out photos of both stores on our Facebook page, and swing in to get the scoop on upcoming events or to see the latest from brands like O’Neil, Billabong, Roxy and more!

Maui Nix is a proud sponsor of the Daytona Beach Surf School, run by former Eastern Surfing Association Champion Tim Gilley (left) and world surfer Frankie Senese (right). Between the two, they’ve competed in hundreds of events and have been teaching surfing lessons for over a decade.

The surf school offers classes from June 9^th through August 20^th. Participants’ ages range from 7 to 17 years old. On your first day, don’t be surprised if you are catching the waves and riding in to the shore. You might even learn some tips and pointers that some surfers discovers only after years in the water.

The school provides students with soft boards, lessons on how to understand weather trends, predict tides and read the waves.

Maui Nix ran into Frankie and here’s what he has to say about the Daytona Beach Surf School.

MAUI NIX: Do Daytona’s small summer waves make it hard to teach surfing?

FRANKIE: Actually for younger kids, Daytona’s smaller waves make learning easier. Even though they may look small from the shore most waves are big enough to ride. There were two days last summer where we couldn’t surf, and we use that time to focus on paddling and other skills. Sometimes, we even have paddle races.

MAUI NIX: How many kids do you have in a class?

FRANKIE: Typically there 15 to 25 students per week and we’ll have four to six instructors to be sure everyone gets the proper attention. Many of our instructors have been with us since the school began 10 years ago. These guys really know the local surf and what they’re doing. Surf school also makes a great birthday present for your kids, nieces and nephews. For more visit http://dytnasurfschool.homestead.com or call (386) 441-1110.

Choosing the right swim suit is a challenge. It’s one almost as daunting as what should I wear and we are faced with that question each day. This summer make sure you are prepared to soak up the sun looking stylish and hot.

Pop Quiz:

Q. What is the hottest trend in swimwear for 2010?

A. Color, color and more color!

Make smart choices for your body type. Swimwear has evolved over the years and there is an endless array of choices to cover all shapes, sizes and self-confidence levels.

If you’re looking to add a little oomph try a bandeau top or increase feminine details in your chosen look with ruffles, which enhance a smaller frame. To pull off this frilly trend without looking like you’re in summer camp, opt for ruffles on the top or bottom. Don’t try this look from head to toe.

Another great choice is the cut out suit. This style is extremely popular because it gives you the power to show some skin while feeling comfortable doing so. These figure flattering suits can range on the modest meter from a one shoulder to a daring deep V-cut.

The choices in swimsuit wear are endless and it’s nearly impossible to make the wrong one. Selections that feature saturated jewel tones, pretty pastels, 80’s neon, metallic, are all in fashion for this summer. You can also never go wrong with classic colors such as black, white and navy. Do your homework prior to diving into a color catastrophe to explore which color combinations work best with your hair and skin tone in a natural lighting. Try adding playful accessories like jewelry, a floppy hat or printed beach bag as another way to bring color into your look.

Shop your local Maui Nix Surf Shop or visit us online at www.mauinix.com to find everything you need to complete your summer look. We offer a huge selection in swim and beach wear with the hottest brands from Volcom to Vitamin C.

Moving on to our next must have, denim shorts. This season, shorts have gone through a much needed update; new washes, be-dazzles, and lots of stitching.  They are short and cut off…but that’s ok …you been working hard on those legs. We have some great shorts starting at $19.50 (that is not a typo!)

Speaking of getting physical, have you guys checked out the Roxy Athletix line?  It’s Roxy’s new line of fitness wear, made from great fabrics with all the technology.  Great shorts and bras for running or yoga. The boys might just howl at you in down-dog pose…

My head is spinning..that’s it for now…time to meditate….OMMMM!
- M

Hannah Reynolds is a local sophomore at Spruce Creek High School and is Maui Nix’s only sponsored girl surfer.  We shot her a few questions to see what it’s like being an elite female surfer in high school.

MAUI NIX: How did you get into surfing? When did you start?
My dad got me into surfing at a very young age. I was three years old and pretty much deathly afraid of getting water in my eyes. But as the years went on I grew accustom to it.

MN: Do you have a lot of girlfriends that are into it, or do you end up surfing mostly with guys?
I have a group of about four or five girls that I surf with. We try to surf together as much as possible but usually it’s just me and the guys.

MN: Do you compete, or just surf for fun?
I am a competitor, I started when I was in about 5th grade. I enjoy doing the contests because I get to see all of my friends and we have a great time but some people just take it too serious. Sure winning is a great feeling but it’s not everything.

Does your competitive surfing and travel interfere with your school work? If so, how have you handled both simultaneously?
No, competitive surfing doesn’t really interfere. I have to take a few days off of school here and there but I always make sure I have all of my work done before hand, my teachers are usually pretty understanding. When I know I’m going to be out of school I ask for the work we are going to be doing. I get it finished and turned in.

MN: How many boards in your quiver?
Currently I have five boards: two short boards, a fish, and two long boards.

MN: In your opinion, does the industry to a good job of bringing women into the sport as participants? What do they do that’s positive? What could they do better?
There are definitely a handful of companies such Roxy and Smart Girls Who Surf that truly believe women are competitors, not just bikini models. There are more companies that are sponsoring women’s contests but they are few and far between. If you look at any surf magazine there are countless photos of guys surfing but how many girls pictures do you see? I personally believe if the pro women were making as much as the men there might be a few more girls paddling out for their first wave.

MN: Are there surfboards made specifically for women? Is there a need for such a thing?
I do recall seeing some “girls surfboards” in the magazines but I think the only difference is the color. I don’t see the need for “female-friendly” surfboards, although having a shaper who knows your ability and needs regardless of gender is a must.

MN: Where’s the best spot you’ve ever surfed?
I have been traveling to Puerto Rico for the past two years, Surfers Beach and Wilderness without a doubt!

MN: What do you think of the local Daytona surf culture?
Daytona has a pretty laid back surf community. Ponce and New Smyrna have their locals who regulate but nothing like California or Hawaii. Last summer I was surfing Lowers when a kid probably 10 years old told me I was wasting my time surfing there then later threatened by a grown man to leave. As long as you show up with respect for locals and the beach you won’t have a problem.

What are your plans after high school?
I am in the finance academy (at Spruce Creek) studying business and marketing which I hope to continue studying in college.

What are your plans for the future with regards to competitive surfing?
My plans are to continue with the ESA and other contests such as the Tommy Tant in Flagler and Sisters of the Sea in Jacksonville. I seem to have a lot of fun at the Arnette All Day Antics contests that Travis Ajay has been running.

We’ve just received a fresh shipment of the latest sticks from JS Industries, Channel Islands and …Lost Enterprises, come on in and check them out.

Our new collection of boards includes hot models like the redesigned Parko Signature boards (above), featuring a slightly shorter and thicker body with a double concave bottom.

Or check out the Scorcher and Rocket from …Lost Enterprises.  The Scorcher combines the best properties of the Stealth and SD2 for a board that propelled Kolohe Andino to THREE national titles at Lowers last Summer.

The Rocket is designed with “wide forward outline with round forgiving rails, flat deck and a wide  rocket tail,” perfect for riders that like a shorter, wider board but still like to carve hard arcs.  Of course, we’ve got the ever popular Stealth board, too.

From Channel Islands comes the new Proton (left) and Whip for more advanced surfers.  The Proton carries a concave bottom through to a flat tail and is made for paunchy knee- to double-overhead surf…it’s the board of choice for Dane Reynolds.    The Whip is Kelly Slater’s board when the surf ain’t so pretty. He runs it short and fast, and now you can, too.  We’ve also got the new Biscuit, Flyer and Pop, among others!

Come on in, there’s way too many new boards to show them all here.