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Ahh, to be a goofy footer on the Gulf Coast! We are coming up on that time of year where the predictable east winds will open up a playground for those who enjoy going left.. On the other hand, if you are a regular footer and happen to be a little bit timid on going backside(left), there are two ways of looking at it: either with dread or optimism. Of course, for most regular footers going frontside(right) is where we feel more comfortable, but is staying in your comfort zone going to make you a more well rounded surfer? This fall/ winter might be the perfect time to open up your arms and welcome in those drifty sessions and view them more as opportunities to improve your surfing rather than it being a thorn in your side. I know, it can be a little daunting, but the more time you put in the water challenging yourself, the higher the chances are that it'll get better and feel more natural. 

See ya down the beach!

Here is one of our resident goofy-footers, Henry Bonar, enjoying a typical easterly wind swell with more days just like this on the horizon.

Photos - @shellfilm

When the surf is pumping there are more options than just jumping straight to a shortboard. Sure, shortboards are typically the most "rippable" way to go, but what about when the surf lacks the power needed for them? We've all been there—looking out from the beach it seems like it's going to be the most epic session, but hours later you might only have a handful of waves under your belt, if that... The Gulf can be a tricky place and if you are looking to increase your wave count mid-lengths might be the answer. Mid-lengths are typically in the 6'8 -8' range and come in a variety of shapes and can be surfed in a wide range of conditions. One quality these boards typically share is greater paddle power compared to a standard shortboard, thanks to their length and volume. This means you'll catch more waves, and yes, you can still rip on them! At the end of the day, the name of the game is having fun, and increasing your wave count through out your sessions will surely lead to that. Check out this video from Katin where Devon Howard demonstrates how rippable mid-lengths can be.

Check out one of the most popular styles of Firewire's that we carry, The Mashup.

Two minds combined.

Rob Machado and Dan Mann have created the Mashup: A melding of each of their most popular designs; the Seaside and the Spitfire.

Both board designers have spent time mixing and matching their favorite elements of each shape, and they’ve landed at something that goes fast in weak waves as well as a Seaside, and also drives vertically in good waves as well as the Spitfire.

The Mashup is the ultimate groveler. And the ultimate everyday board as well.

Call the shop for current stock or to special order yours today: 850-932-5134

These beach days in winter got us feeling Springy! Team Rider Cher leading the charge with the crew enjoying a beautiful day at the Pensacola Beach pier!

Serving the Gulf Coast’s boarding needs for 50 years!!!

Our goal is to truly earn our title as The Surfer’s Surf Shop. We’ve grown up with the surf industry and because of that we know products and services inside out and strive to be on the cutting edge of the latest trends and technologies. We’ve got five stores to provide the best level of support possible for the Gulf Coast’s boarding and beach-going communities.  Started in 1969 by founder Yancy Spencer (who changed the name to Innerlight in 1972), Innerlight grew from a 400 sq ft cinder block building…into 4 locations from Pensacola, FL to Destin, FL.  Yancy co-owned Innerlight with his brother JB (Spencer) Schluter.  Yancy passed away in February of 2011 after surfing all day at one of his favorite spots in California.  Since then the torch has been passed on to his family to continue in the same path.  Innerlight is very involved with it’s community and sponsors many events, schools, and teams.  Stop by any location and you will see why many people see Innerlight as a second home.

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