Intro
If you've ever found yourself down on the Texas coast in Corpus Christi, chances are you've heard of Wind & Wave Watersports. Nate Floyd and his family have been outfitting the Texas Coastal Bend for nearly 40 years with some of the best gear you can get your hands on. His father Frank opened the doors in the summer of 1987, and Nate grew up right in the middle of it. After following the swell from California to Kauai, he eventually found his way back to the Lone Star State to help carry the family legacy forward. The shop is home to the largest surfboard inventory in South Texas, a tight-knit local customer base, and a genuine commitment to giving back to the community. When he's not chasing waves or helping customers find the right board, you'll find him behind a camera, painting beachscapes, or out on the jetties fishing with the shop dog Mana. We've been to Wind & Wave more times than we can count, and if you find yourself down on the Texas coast, stop in and shop local.
Q&A
What is your profession? And did you always know this is what you would end up doing, or was it something you stumbled into?
I work with my pops at our family-run surf shop, Wind & Wave Watersports. The business is turning 40 years old in the summer of 2027. I grew up in the surf industry and always knew I would be a part of it, I just didn't realize I'd be back in Texas so quickly after living in California and Kauai. It's a true treat to work with family and live here in Texas with such a solid community that supports us. It's so great building on what my father has already created.
When you’re not doing your core pursuit, what else do you enjoy doing?
When I'm not surfing or actively pursuing waves in some far-flung destination, I'm typically painting or doing beachscape photography. I've always loved cameras since I was young. I still get out on the water and jetties from time to time for some fishing, and I spend time with the shop dog Mana. She is rad.
How do you incorporate music into your life?
Music is a large part of my life. I love catching live shows. I'm not musically talented, but I have a wide array of instruments at home that are fun to mess around with. I use music to get through the work day, amp me up for a surf, or just get down the road in style. Growing up watching surf movies from a young age, I was introduced to a wide variety of genres. My shuffle can change the vibe at any moment.
What does “Live Free” mean to you?
"Live Free" simply means to do what you want to do. And do what makes you happiest. Wherever you find inspiration in life, heed that call and follow that path. Living free leads to a life well lived.
Any guilty pleasures?
A nice ice cold bottle of beer always does the trick. I've got a little bit of a sweet tooth as well. Scoring good waves when no one else is around also feels really good, which almost never happens though.
What’s your hottest take or most controversial opinion?
More of a pet peeve than a hot take: Use the shoulder to turn into a parking lot or another road. Do not turn from the normal driving lane! People are getting crazy out there!
What’s the craziest thing that’s happened to you in the wild/on tour?
I got a circle hook through my foot while surfing in Texas. It was broken off and wrapped around a piling at Bob Hall Pier and I got hooked while paddling out. I was in chest-deep water, hopping on one foot trying to fight the current while yelling for a fisherman to come over and drop scissors off the pier. I caught the scissors mid-air and cut myself free. It was pretty intense.
Who is your favorite musical artist? Or what are you listening to right now?
It's very hard to pick a favorite artist. My top three genres that I always go back to are Reggae Love Rock, Psychedelic Zamrock, and a tie between Texas Country and old school hip hop and cumbia is always good for dancing.
Favorite Turtlebox speaker and why? How do you use it?
The Ranger for ease of traveling. The OG stays in the truck for tailgating and beach days. And I just started using the Cub, which has been great around the house and on vacation.
