Ron Jon Surf Shop
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Retail |
| Founded | 1959 in Ship Bottom, New Jersey, United States |
| Founder | Ron DiMenna |
| Headquarters | Cocoa Beach , United States |
Area served | United States, Grand Turk, Cozumel (Mexico) |
Key people | Michele Goodwin (president) |
| Products | Surfing and bodyboarding gear |
Number of employees | 13 stores (locations) |
Ron Jon Surf Shop is a retail chain inspired by surf culture, established in 1959 by Ron DiMenna in Ship Bottom, New Jersey. The first store, known as "The Original" Ron Jon Surf Shop, opened its doors in 1961 on Long Beach Island, New Jersey. The company focuses on gear for surfing and bodyboarding, with its Cocoa Beach, Florida location recognized as the largest surf shop worldwide. Michele Goodwin holds the position of president.
The business maintains 13 outlets throughout the United States, including sites in Ship Bottom, Cocoa Beach, Orange Beach (Alabama), Orlando, Pensacola, Key West, Fort Myers, Panama City Beach, Clearwater Beach (Florida), Myrtle Beach (South Carolina), Long Beach Island (New Jersey), and Ocean City (Maryland). On the international front, Ron Jon operates stores in Grand Turk and Cozumel, Mexico. The company has previously shuttered locations in Orange, California (2009), and Sawgrass Mills in Sunrise, Florida (2019). Furthermore, the brand encompasses a separately owned Ron Jon Surf School based in Cocoa Beach.
A proposed surf park project at the Orlando location was abandoned due to complications with its design. The flagship store in Cocoa Beach spans more than 52,000 square feet and remains open every day.
In popular culture
The animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005–2008) features a character named Ruon-Jian, whose name is derived from this surf shop. Pronounced Ron-Jon, the character portrays a classic surfer stereotype.