When it comes to surf shops in America, there are many notable and well-respected establishments. However, one shop stands out as perhaps the most famous surf shop in the country: Jack’s Surfboards.
Founded in 1957 by Jack Hokanson, Jack’s Surfboards has become an iconic part of the Southern California surf scene. The shop was originally located in Anaheim, California, but later moved to Huntington Beach, where it still operates today.
Over the years, Jack’s Surfboards has grown to become one of the largest and most well-respected surf shops in the world. The shop offers a huge selection of surfboards, wetsuits, clothing, and accessories from a wide variety of brands and manufacturers.

But Jack’s Surfboards is more than just a surf shop – it’s a cultural institution. The shop has played a central role in the development of surf culture in Southern California and beyond, and has been a gathering place for surfers and beachgoers for generations.
Jack’s Surfboards has also been a favorite of professional surfers over the years, and many of the sport’s biggest names have been known to frequent the shop. From legends like Phil Edwards and Mike Doyle to modern-day stars like Carissa Moore and John John Florence, Jack’s Surfboards has always been a hub for the world’s best surfers.
Today, Jack’s Surfboards remains a beloved and iconic part of the Southern California surf scene. The shop continues to offer a huge selection of surf gear and accessories, as well as a commitment to community involvement and outreach. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, Jack’s Surfboards is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves surfing and beach culture.
Who Started Jack’s Surfboards and What Should I Know About Him?
Jack’s Surfboards was founded by Jack Hokanson in 1957 in Anaheim, California, as previously mentioned. Hokanson was a surfer himself and had a passion for the sport and the culture that surrounded it. He saw an opportunity to share that passion with others and decided to open a surf shop.
The original Jack’s Surfboards location was a small storefront in Anaheim that offered a limited selection of surfboards and accessories. However, as the popularity of surfing grew throughout the 1960s and 1970s, so too did Jack’s Surfboards. The shop moved to a larger location in Huntington Beach and began to offer a wider selection of gear and accessories. Throughout the years, Jack’s Surfboards has remained a family-owned and operated business. Hokanson’s son, Mark, took over the shop in the 1980s and has since grown it into one of the largest and most well-respected surf shops in the world.
Today, Jack’s Surfboards remains a central hub for the Southern California surf community. The shop has played a central role in the development of surf culture in the region, and has been a gathering place for surfers and beachgoers for generations. From its early beginnings as a small storefront in Anaheim to its current status as a global surf brand, Jack’s Surfboards has always been about sharing a passion for surfing and beach culture with others.
What Is Another Famous Surf Shop?
While Jack’s Surfboards may be the most famous surf shop in America, there is another shop that deserves mention: Ron Jon Surf Shop.
Founded in 1959 in Long Beach Island, New Jersey, Ron Jon Surf Shop has since grown to become a global surf and beach lifestyle brand. The shop is known for its iconic logo – a stylized image of a surfer riding a wave – which has become synonymous with surf culture and beach life. Today, Ron Jon Surf Shop has locations throughout the United States, as well as a growing online presence. The shop offers a huge selection of surfboards, wetsuits, clothing, and accessories, as well as a range of beach gear and souvenirs.
What sets Ron Jon Surf Shop apart is its commitment to customer service and community involvement. The shop has a dedicated team of knowledgeable staff who are always happy to offer advice and guidance on the best surf gear and accessories for your needs. Ron Jon Surf Shop also hosts numerous events and contests throughout the year, and is actively involved in supporting environmental and social causes.
Over the years, Ron Jon Surf Shop has become a beloved and iconic part of the surf and beach culture in the United States and beyond. The shop’s distinctive logo and commitment to quality and customer service have helped to cement its place in the hearts and minds of surfers and beachgoers everywhere.
While Jack’s Surfboards and Ron Jon Surf Shop may be two of the most famous surf shops in America, there are many other shops and brands that have played a central role in shaping surf culture and beach life over the years. Here are some worth mentioning:
- Surf Ride: Surf Ride is a surf shop based in Oceanside, California. The shop offers a huge selection of surfboards, wetsuits, and accessories, as well as a surfboard rental program and surf lessons.
- Hansen Surfboards: Hansen Surfboards is a family-owned and operated surf shop located in Encinitas, California. The shop has been in business for over 55 years and offers a wide selection of surfboards, wetsuits, and accessories.
- ZJ Boarding House: ZJ Boarding House is a surf shop located in Santa Monica, California. The shop offers a variety of surfboards, wetsuits, and accessories, as well as a surfboard rental program and surf lessons.
- Surf Diva: Surf Diva is a surf shop and surf school located in La Jolla, California. The shop offers a wide selection of surf gear and accessories, as well as surf lessons for women and children.
Whether you’re a die-hard surfer or just love the beach lifestyle, these shops are sure to offer everything you need to enjoy the waves and the sun in style.
