4655 N Ocean Blvd, Boynton Beach, FL 33435
1968: Where It All Began
Nomad Surf Shop has been woven into the fabric of South Florida surf culture since 1968, when surfer and board builder Ron Heavyside opened a small surfboard showroom along A1A in Boynton Beach. At a time when Florida’s surf scene was still finding its footing, Nomad became a gathering place for the growing community of surfers chasing swells along the Palm Beach coastline. What began as a surfboard shop quickly earned a reputation for craftsmanship, authenticity, and a deep understanding of the local waters.
Built by Surfers, Shaped by Community
Over the years, Nomad grew alongside the community it served. Surfers stopped in for custom boards, ding repairs, surf reports, and conversations that often lasted longer than they planned. The shop expanded to include beachwear and lifestyle apparel, welcoming generations of beach lovers while staying true to its roots. Through changing trends, booming development, and the evolution of the sport itself, Nomad remained a constant presence on A1A, built on relationships, local knowledge, and a genuine love for surfing.
Continuing the Legacy
Today, that legacy continues with Ronnie and Ryan Heavyside, who grew up surrounded by surfboards, shaping tools, and the culture their father helped cultivate. Together with Ryan’s wife, Taylor, and a team that shares the same passion for the ocean, they continue to guide Nomad into its next chapter while honoring the values that have defined it from the beginning. Board shaping remains at the heart of the business, carrying forward a tradition of craftsmanship that has connected Nomad to generations of surfers for more than five decades. Alongside their custom boards, the family continues to create original apparel, collaborate with local artists, and curate products that reflect the character of the South Florida coast.
More Than a Surf Shop
While much has changed since 1968, Nomad remains proudly independent, family owned, and deeply rooted in the community that helped build it. More than a surf shop, it has become a local institution where longtime customers return with their children and grandchildren, where visitors discover a piece of authentic Florida surf culture, and where a passion for the ocean continues to bring people together. For nearly sixty years, Nomad has remained dedicated to the same simple idea that inspired its beginnings: serving the surf community with craftsmanship, integrity, and a lasting connection to life on the water.
legends never die
