Dean Schoonover is your direct wholesale sales representative for Fahlo, Xcel Wesuits, Channel Islands Surfboards, and other leading brands in the Northeast. One call opens multiple brand accounts.
Skip the corporate runaround. Work directly with an experienced sales rep who knows your market and handles all the details.
As your wholesale sales rep, I provide direct access to these established international brands
Wildlife Tracking Bracelets & Plush: Each Fahlo product connects customers with real wildlife through interactive tracking experiences. Every purchase supports conservation efforts, with 10% of net proceeds donated to trusted partner organizations. With options for both bracelets and plush, the line appeals to all ages and genders.
These items are perfect for gift shops, wildlife stores, card shops, specialty retailers, aquariums, zoos, and museums. Priced at $16.99 with a 60% margin, they’re proven high-turnover products with strong reorder rates.
Industry-Leading Performance: Proven performance from the most extreme Arctic conditions to tropical waters — Xcel Wetsuits delivers award-winning wetsuits and UV protection apparel trusted by professionals worldwide. Multiple SIMA Wetsuit of the Year awards demonstrate the brand's commitment to innovation and quality. Inclusive sizing and styles make Xcel Wetsuits a fit for surfers, swimmers, and water enthusiasts of all ages, genders, and skill levels.
Superior fit and durability create loyal customers who consistently return. The UV protection line extends market reach beyond core surfers to paddleboarders, swimmers, and sun-conscious consumers of all ages.
Legendary Surf Heritage: Channel Islands Surfboards represents the pinnacle of surfboard design, with shapes trusted by world champions and beginners alike. The brand's iconic hexagon logo is more than just a symbol — it reflects decades of innovation, style, and cultural relevance in surf communities around the world.
CI offers a diverse range of boards, from performance shortboards to playful funboards, designed to suit every age, skill level, and style of rider — from kids to pros. The brand also features a standout apparel line, known for its clean custom artwork and surf-driven aesthetic.
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Original Surf-Skate Innovation: Carver created the surfskate category — and still leads it — with patented truck systems that deliver the smooth, rail-to-rail feel of surfing on pavement. The CX and C7 systems offer two distinct ride styles, trusted by surfers for cross-training and loved by riders of all ages for their fluid motion.
With price points ranging from $279 to $300, Carver completes offer premium quality and strong margins. Their inclusive appeal makes them popular with kids, teens, adult riders, and fitness-focused shoppers alike.
The Original Surf Watch Since 1981: Freestyle has defined the surf watch category since 1981, offering waterproof, durable timepieces built for life in and around the water. The collection includes both tide and dive options, with styles ranging from bold classics to updated mini versions — all designed to match today’s retro-inspired look.
With price points from $65 to $150, Freestyle watches are strong impulse buys that deliver high-margin, gift-friendly sales. Their broad appeal spans generations, genders, and lifestyles — from surfers and swimmers to everyday beachgoers.
Elevated Surf-Inspired Fashion: AVVA creates premium streetwear clothing that authentically blends Hawaiian surf heritage with contemporary California style. High-quality construction and unique designs differentiate the brand from mass-market alternatives.
While AVVA appeals to trend-conscious shoppers, its easy, versatile style connects with a wide range of people — from beach locals and creatives to travelers and everyday wearers who appreciate thoughtful design and feel-good clothes.
Work with an experienced sales rep who makes wholesale buying simple
Contact Dean Schoonover to discuss your store's unique needs and customer base. This personalized approach ensures brand recommendations align with your market and business goals.
Each brand maintains specific distribution strategies. Coastal Connections provides transparent information about brand availability in your location, ensuring clear expectations from the start.
Dean Schoonover personally manages all aspects of the partnership. This direct relationship approach ensures efficient communication, quick problem resolution, and ongoing support for your success.
Comprehensive support backed by decades of industry expertise
Dean Schoonover brings deep product expertise to every partnership, ensuring your staff can confidently communicate features and benefits to customers.
Access professional marketing materials, product imagery, and seasonal promotional campaigns designed to amplify your retail presence.
Data-driven recommendations based on regional sales patterns and seasonal trends specific to your market.
Dean Schoonover serves as your liaison to brand corporate teams, facilitating special requests and ensuring efficient communication.
Coastal Connections connects quality brands with retailers who understand their markets. The company specializes in straightforward wholesale partnerships built on mutual success and decades of industry relationships.
Dean Schoonover has spent the last 40 years immersed in the surf industry — not just as a rep, but as someone whose life and work have always revolved around surfing. From competing in local ESA contests to shaping the retail landscape across the East Coast, Dean’s path has been defined by hands-on experience and long-term relationships.
Starting as an aspiring East Coast surfer featured in early surf magazines, Dean went on to represent major international brands, contribute to product development, and support retailers ranging from core surf shops like Eastern Lines to large coastal retail chains. He’s also credited with influencing key gear decisions — including the now-preferred front-zip wetsuit system from Xcel.
In June 2025, Dean was inducted into the New Jersey Surfing Hall of Fame — a recognition of his lifelong commitment to the sport and the community behind it. He continues to serve as Secretary of the Hall and previously served nine years on the Board of Education, including seven years as President.
Retailers who partner with Coastal Connections work directly with Dean. He personally manages each account, offering responsive communication, flexible deliverables, and strategic support based on your market and needs. His knowledge of brand operations, combined with trusted relationships at the corporate level, ensures efficient solutions and fast turnarounds.
Dean has built his reputation on accessibility, product knowledge, and a deep understanding of regional retail dynamics since 1985.
"Dean Schoonover has been integral in our success by representing and informing our board designs through the years. His surfing ability and admirable disposition have been an invaluable asset to both CI and NJ surf culture."
"From the very start Dean impressed me with his work ethic, passion for surfing, products and his surfing skills. Over the years he continues to represent XCEL at its highest level and contributes to Xcel's success and surfing's success in N.J."
"Dean has had an accomplished career as a Competitive Surfer as well as helping to support the surfing community and industry. He managed to maximize his surfing experiences as well as managing to make a living in Surfing."
Connect with Dean Schoonover to discuss partnership opportunities
Sales Representative | Coastal Connections Corp
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM EST
Dean maintains flexibility for retail partners who operate beyond traditional business hours.
Based in New Jersey, serving retailers throughout the Northeast and beyond.