Laval’s Sharks celebrates 40 years serving Quebec’s water sports community
A family-owned Laval business that began as a small windsurfing shop in the 1980s is celebrating a major milestone this year.
Sharks, a water sports retailer located on Cartier Boulevard, is marking its 40th anniversary after growing into one of Quebec’s largest specialty stores for water sports equipment and one of Canada’s leading retailers of wetsuits and neoprene products.
Founded in 1986 by Jean Prescott, the business has become a destination for water sports enthusiasts from across Quebec and beyond.
From a 600-square-foot shop to an international customer base
According to the company, Sharks began in a 600-square-foot storefront dedicated to windsurfing, one of the fastest-growing water sports of the 1980s.
In 1990, Jean Prescott’s wife, Marie-Carole Leduc, and longtime friend Michel Cousineau joined the business as partners.
The company expanded again in 1994 after purchasing a larger building on Cartier Boulevard, moving into a nearly 4,000-square-foot store inspired by surf shops found along the U.S. East Coast.
Its online store, launched in 2015, now accounts for approximately 20 per cent of total sales, with customers ordering products from across Canada, the United States and Europe.
Adapting to changing trends
Over four decades, the company has continuously adapted to changing trends in recreational water sports.
While windsurfing launched the business, Sharks now offers equipment for paddleboarding, kiteboarding, wakeboarding, wakesurfing, waterskiing, foil sports and other water activities.
According to the company, Quebec’s boating and water sports industry has also evolved significantly. Activities once associated primarily with luxury boat ownership have become increasingly accessible, with an estimated 2.5 million Quebecers now participating in water-based recreational activities.
The business says today’s consumers are placing greater value on experiences rather than ownership, a shift it considers one of the biggest changes in the industry since the 1980s.
A family business preparing its next generation
The company remains family-operated, with founders Jean Prescott and Marie-Carole Leduc continuing to work alongside their daughters, Maude and Maggy Prescott, who grew up in the business and now play active roles in its day-to-day operations.
According to the owners, the next generation is expected to gradually take over management of the company within the next two years.
“Our daughters have supported us throughout the years and represent the future of the business,” Marie-Carole Leduc said in a statement.
She added that one of the greatest rewards has been seeing longtime customers return to the store with their own children and grandchildren.
