Pacific Beach Surf Shop Since 1962

San Diego’s oldest surf shop!  Celebrating 47 years in business

Pacific Beach Surf Shop is the shop where surfing got its start in San Diego. The love affair with surfing and with this shop still lives on today. The store originated on Pacific Beach Drive.

In 1959, the shop opened as Fun & Sun by the Main family. To this day, former owner, “Church” Main still comes into the store. A few years later his father sold the store to a family by the name of Kaputz. With the growing momentum of surfing, in 1962 the Kaputz family changed the name to Pacific Beach Surf Shop. Butch Cornelius, a young surfer in the 10th grade at Mission Bay High School, designed the Pacific Beach Surf Shop logo which is still being used today.

In 1967, Larry Gordon bought the store. With the popularity of G&S Surfboards, and some of the biggest names in the surfing and skateboarding world, the foundation was set. Bill Andrews guided the store through these years, and Joe Roper opened his ding repair shop next door.

In the 1970’s and 1980’s, surfing and the surfing market saw many changes; boards got shorter, more and more surf shops opened, and the classic PBSS logo was retired.

In 1992, Larry Gordon sold the shop to JK (who also owns “Surf Club”), and later Jeff decided to stick to his other shop, and closed the doors in 1993.

In 1994, brothers Randy and Jeff Strunk bought the shop and did some remodeling. One year later, Randy and Larry were talking, and Larry asked if Randy would like to bring it back as Pacific Beach Surf Shop. Today, Pacific Beach Surf Shop is the oldest surf shop in San Diego. The address remained the same since it opened its doors in 1959.

In 2001, The Blue Sea Lodge (Best Western Hotels) set forth to expand the hotel by 26 rooms and add a parking structure. Unfortunately, the plan included the demolition of our big, little shop at Pacific Beach Drive, and we lost our lease. We were very fortunate though, because we found a much larger space available right next door in the Pacific Promenade. In May 2001, we opened our doors at 4150 Mission Blvd., Suite 161. Sadly, in November of 2001, it only took a matter of days for the historical 747 Pacific Beach Drive location to be destroyed. The memories and the stories can never be destroyed; they will live on forever.

Surf School History

For nearly as long as Pacific Beach Surf Shop has been opened, curious surf enthusiasts have inquired about surf lessons. The inherent romance and adventure with surfing has always attracted a considerable consumer demand for surf lessons. In the past, this service was informal and patrons were referred to a surf shop employee, or local in need of a little extra cash. Over time, methods were shared and we adopted to better teach surfing, but there was no formal service or curriculum.

In 1995, by popular demand, Randy Strunk and Mark Fitzgerald created Pacific Beach Surf School. Flyers were printed, and a formal curriculum was developed. Since then surfing has seen many changes. Today surfing is more accessible than ever. Now everyone is trying it; all ages, genders, and ethnicities.

Over the last 10 years, our curriculum has evolved as well. Each of the instructors and directors has added their own touch. Pacific Beach Surf School would like to thank our instructors and our past directors; Mark Fitzgerald, Mari Fukushima, Colin Briers, Bill Keys, and Deborah Hoyt for their valuable contributions.  Without these individuals we would not be what we are today. Mahalo Nui Loa!