Finding your passion is not always easy after the loss of a father. Still, twins Sammy and Steve Roberts fell in love with the water when their mother bought a ski boat and a house on the lake. This passion became a recreational life they would always share and still enjoy together today. Being very competitive, as brothers are, they challenged each other in every aspect of watersports such as skiing, barefoot, trick and jump. Sammy and Steve spent every moment possible on the water.
After graduation, Steve married Donna, the love of his life, and went on to become very successful in the IT world. Sammy, as his brother would say, went on to be a professional ski bum. Sammy was determined to continue his journey as a water sports enthusiast. USA waterski member and waterski Hall of Fame inductee Ken White took him under his wing to launch him into the industry. Competing in tournaments, everything from water ski, jump and trick, working in local dealerships and pro shops, Sammy loved every minute. His dream was to have a full-time career in the watersports industry, which he thought would never be possible. While working a Pro Shop Booth at the Tulsa boat show Sammy found love. He met April, whose background was also the marine industry; boats were destined to be in their future. Hard work and dedication paid off as his dream became a reality with Nautique boats.
In 2001 the vision expanded as Sammy approached his wife April to purchase a building on the water. And that is how it all got started. This on-the-water pro shop became known to the locals as Sammy’s Place throughout the Waterski and Wakeboard community in Oklahoma. It was the go-to place for lessons, tournaments and equipment. It was a family adventure with their sons alongside them creating logos, designs, and assisting in running the Pro Shop. The business continued to grow and, with Wake Surfing coming on the scene, this hidden treasure became Sammy’s Surf Shop on Lake Eufaula in Oklahoma.
After a visit back to Oklahoma, twin brothers teamed up again to bring Sammy’s Surf Shop to Florida. So, two families joined together on a new venture. April and Donna run the day-to-day operations as family members work alongside in all elements of the business. Steve and Donna have lived in Pasco County for 11 amazing years, and witnessed the changes in Downtown New Port Richey first-hand. They wanted to share their love of the water and boating with their community, and have done so by bringing Sammy’s Surf Shop to downtown NPR. Donna, along with daughters Mercedees and Macie, can be found anytime at Sammy’s Surf Shop on Main Street in Downtown.
