Kona Surf Company in the Wildwoods, NJ Nominated for ‘Best Surf Shop’ in USA Today’s 2026 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards
The Wildwoods, NJ – April 22, 2026 – Kona Surf Company in the Wildwoods, NJ is in the running for ‘Best Surf Shop’ in the country in 2026 USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice awards. Kona is a staple in the Wildwoods, serving as the hub for surf supplies and local surf culture on the island for nearly six decades.
Fans and supporters are encouraged to vote online for the Kona Surf Company, once a day, every day, until the voting period ends on Monday, May 18 at 11:59 a.m. The top 10 winners for ‘Best Surf Shop’ will be announced on Wednesday, May 27 at noon.
Founded by New Jersey Surf Hall of Fame inductee Mike Sciarra in 1969, Kona has been on a mission to create a shop with positive vibes and premium products at affordable prices for all surfers. Today, Kona Surf Company is more than a surf shop. It’s a thriving, multi-dimensional brand that honors its deep East Coast roots while embracing a global community. The flagship Wildwood store is a destination in itself, featuring in-house collections, exclusive collaborations, and events that celebrate the intersection of surf, skate, style, and community. What began with a surfer and a dream has become a respected name in surf and a legacy shaped by passion, dedication, and staying true to the motto: follow the waves.
This nomination follows other major recognition for the destination, as the Wildwoods were recently named ‘Best Boardwalk’ in the United States in the 2026 USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice contest for the second consecutive year, further solidifying the area as a premier beach destination. Additionally, the Wildwoods are currently nominated for the ‘Best Beach in New Jersey’ in the current 2026 USA Today contest. The Wildwoods won the #1 spot on the ‘Best Beach’ list for the past two consecutive years. Voting for the ‘Best Beach’ contest ends Monday, May 18.
Other recent accolades include multiple Wildwoods attractions being named to national ‘Best Of’ lists in 2025, including the Wildwoods Beach, Boardwalk, Starlux Mini Golf, and The Madison Resort Wildwood Crest.
USA Today’s 10Best provides users with original, unbiased, and experiential travel content of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world. Created by a team of local travel experts: a well-traveled and well-educated group who are not only experts in their fields – and their cities – but discriminating in their tastes. These local experts live in the city they write about so the content is constantly updated.
The Wildwoods offer everything a family could ever want in a fun, affordable vacation destination at the New Jersey Shore. With FREE Events, FREE Beaches, FREE Fireworks, and FREE Live Music throughout the summer, the Wildwoods offer the best family vacation value at the Jersey shore.
For additional information on Kona Surf Co., visit KonaSurfCo.com
For additional information about the Wildwoods, visit WildwoodsNJ.com or call 800-992-9732.
