MN Surf Co.

MN Surf Co. is intent on converting Minnesota's richest natural resource—water—into pure adrenaline. The company has two locations in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, and both stock a wide variety of vessels and apparel to make days on the water exciting, stylish, and safe. First-timers can get their feet wet by renting a paddleboard, wake surfer, wakeboard, or kayak for up to seven days. MN Surf Co. also sells boards, plus wetsuits and tees suited for the beach.

Beyond supplying equipment, MN Surf Co. offers plenty of water-based instruction. Standup paddleboard lessons impart various techniques for mounting boards, paddling, and staying safe. Once students master the basics, instructors show them how to tone muscles with paddling workouts and test their knowledge of basic mathematical concepts by asking for a quick series of high-fives. With options for beginners and advanced water athletes, windsurfing lessons rely on a similar system of positive reinforcement as students learn to cut across the windswept surfaces of Lake Calhoun, Lake Minnetonka, and other Minnesota waterways.

When they aren't building students' self-esteem during group lessons, MN Surf Co.'s crew use the standup paddleboards for fishing expeditions and yoga classes to help fishermen work on their balance before being tugged around in circles by a disgruntled large-mouth bass.