Pilgrim Lands In Amagansett Square

Chris Gentile, owner of Pilgrim Surf + Supply in Williamsburg, is setting up a second shop in Amagansett square. The space, at 4 Amagansett Square Dr, formerly occupied by Innersleeve Records has been empty since the Fourth of July weekend, but if all goes according to plan, the new shop should be open by mid-August.

“We’re hoping to open August 10,” Gentile said, “But worse case scenario is August 17.” 

Gentile, who started surfing with his uncles at age 9 while growing up in Rhode Island, opened Pilgrim in Williamsburg, Brooklyn in 2007. Though surfing essentials are sold, like boards and wetsuits, Gentile has focused on providing a more artisanal selection of hand crafted boards from California and Hawaii, as well as generalized lifestyle materials. In his mind, Pilgrim is a combination clubhouse and surf hardware store. 

“We’re not the prototypical surf shop,” Gentile said, “I feel like a lot of the big surfing brands haven’t grown up with their customers. They don’t have much to offer.”

Gentile carries items from places as far afield as Japan and Copenhagen, Denmark, and is particularly proud to carry Armor-Lux, a French company that sells maritime clothing like teeshirts and boatnecks.

“We love the challenge of finding these things that no one else carries,” Gentile said, “but we also know how hard it is to keep a brick and mortar mom and pop shop open. We’re really not looking to overlap with the other surf shops out here.”

Gentile has been coming out to the East End since moving to New York in 2000, but has always been staying with friends, many of whom were customers at the Williamsburg location. Now that he’s opening up a full time shop in Amagansett, he hopes to find a place to rent with his wife and two children.

“I think Amagansett is a natural fit for us. It’s got a wonderful sense of community. It’s not bourgeois, it’s very grounded,” Gentile said, “Sure, it’s a chance to expand the business, but I’m also really looking to contribute to the community.” 

After the opening, Gentile plans to host the premiere screening of Tin Ojeda’s surf film “Daughter” all shot in 16mm black and white film in Amagansett square. Plans for the future include the sort of events he’s become known for in Brooklyn like book signings, magazine launches and question and answer sessions with professional surfers.

Gentile plans to keep Pilgrim open year round, but admits that this could present something of a challenge. “We’ve never had to deal with seasonal clientele,” Gentile said, “We may lose our shirt for a little bit over the winter, but it’s important to serve the community in Amagansett like we do in Brooklyn.”

Keep an eye out in Amagansett Square for the new arrival.