Our Story

It all started with this guy named Ken.

Ken Gallant grew up on LBI and started surfing in 1965, making his way through Australia, Latin America, the Caribbean, Hawaii and Europe.

Throughout his surfing expeditions he also found a passion for outrigger canoe racing and then surf ski, where he won a host of regional races.

Stand-Up Paddling (SUP) was a natural cross over and he helped pioneer paddling on the East Coast, encouraging others to try it.

Spending time on the waters around Long Beach Island are what this community is based on, from the waves on the Atlantic Ocean to the Barnegat Bay Watershed…

Ken saw a niche in Long Beach Island’s recreation offering that he could fill, and so opened South-End Surf 'N Paddle, to serve the growing enthusiasm for paddleboarding. In doing so the shop quickly became Beach Haven’s top SUP tour company and outfitter…

By 2010, he and his wife, Sheryl began operating South End Surf 'N Paddle.

The shop quickly became a hub for beach families. Surfers had a new option for longboards, mid-lengths, twin-fins, beginner boards and soft tops.

The shop grew the paddle racing community, offering fun events and gear for all levels. Folks with zero experience could take a lesson and be touring the Beach Haven Waterfront in minutes.

Surfing parents could find skateboards or skimboards for their kids. Everyone could get outfitted with trunks, bikinis and wetsuits at a fair price.

Traveling bands and shapers found a place to make music and surfboards while the movie nights and BBQs became legendary.

For the 2023 season, Gallant is passing the torch
to Matt Bekelja and Kristen (Labin) Bekelja as new owners,
a local couple who are raising their family here on the South End.

Kristen and her siblings all attended Beach Haven Elementary.
She and Matt are involved in the PTA and the Beach Haven Art Walk.
Fittingly, their favorite activities are longboard surfing and family paddles with the kids.

Matt and Kristen want to continue the traditions at South End.
They’ll be scraping wax, stocking shelves and helping you find exactly the right gear.

South End will continue to stock everything you need for the beach, the bay, summer swells, days on the boat and the LBI lifestyle.

And they will continue to be a trusted, independent shop in the heart of Beach Haven.