It was 1959 when a young veteran named Ron DiMenna, began selling surfboards out of his parent’s attic on the Jersey Shore.
Surfing was just starting to boom in the U.S, and it was catching on fast. Glamorized in movies like “The Endless Summer,” “Where the Boys Are,” and “Gidget,” surfing started making big waves with teenagers all over the country. It became both pop-culture and an energetic lifestyle amplified with freewheeling music by groups like The Beach Boys, The Surfaris, and Jan & Dean.
Just about every major surf brand waxed their wares in California. It was THE place to go if you wanted one of the newest fiberglass boards. And that’s exactly what Ron DiMenna did.
The demand for custom surfboards on the East Coast was enormous, so Ron brought back not one but three fiberglass boards. He sold the extra two boards in a New Jersey minute and suddenly found himself at point break.
In 1961, Ron opened his first Ron Jon Surf Shop at a trailer park on Long Beach Island, New Jersey. The tiny shop not only sold fiberglass surfboards but also supplied customers with boards to sell out of their own surf shops.
Two years later, the spirited entrepreneur headed down to Florida to launch a “one of a kind” Ron Jon Surf Shop in Cocoa Beach. It was an instant success.
Since then, Ron Jon Surf Shop has become the world’s most renowned surf shop and has locations around the world, including right here in Key West. So if you’re looking to kick back in some relaxed island threads, the latest surf fashion, or some cool Ron Jon souvenirs, this place is your Perfect 10.
Find it at 533 Front Street. Info: 305-293-8880; ronjonsurfshop.com.
