By: Tristan Larrabee
On any given day in St. Augustine Beach, there is a high chance surfers can be found swapping stories before heading out to the water. Often, those conversations begin inside Where Salt Meets Soul, a local surf shop that has grown into a gathering place for the local surfing community.
For years, the shop has been a one stop destination for surfers- offering boards, apparel and accessories, and even a thrift section teeming with donated goods. However, the store’s deeper, lasting impact comes from the vision of the person behind it—Kayla Zappone.
Zappone says the idea started early in her life as a kindergartener when she told her class she wanted to open a surf shop in St. Augustine Beach.Today, that vision has created a space that reflects the diverse local surf culture.
According to Zappone, longtime residents, college students, transplants, and children new to surfing can all find their own place within the community. The shop offers surf lessons for kids of all ages and experience levels, encouraging participation without competitive pressure.
Rather than focusing on performance alone, Zappone emphasizes self-expression, creativity and connection. Surfing can be a way to interact with nature and build confidence, alongside creative outlets like art and music. Beginners and advanced surfers alike are supported through individualized instruction that prioritizes personal growth.
More than a retail store, Where Salt Meets Soul functions as a cultural hub where stories are shared and traditions are passed down. For locals, it stands as a reminder that surfing begins with community, long before anyone paddles out into the waves.