Paddle Surf RI, Westerly

When Brian Kodzis, a local surf enthusiast, met Lisa, a dharma-yoga instructor, it ignited a romance that led to regular winter vacations in Hawaii, a place where they could both enjoy their athletic passions unimpeded by the New England cold. These tropical sojourns inspired Brian and Lisa to make surfing and paddleboarding a part of their lives year-round, so they launched Paddle Surf RI. Today, the husband-and-wife team oversees water-sports enthusiasts, who sell, rent, and repair surfboards and standup paddleboards as well as lead lessons for beginner- and intermediate-level boarders. Additionally, Brian and Lisa coordinate events—such as youth surf camps—and even invite clients to join them on their annual surfing and yoga vacations in Hawaii.