Ron DiMenna, the trailblazing entrepreneur who turned surf culture into a global lifestyle phenomenon, passed away peacefully on September 6, 2025, at the age of 88. Celebrated for his adventurous spirit and deep affinity for the ocean, DiMenna leaves behind a legacy that continues to ripple through generations of beachgoers and wave riders.
🏄 From Jersey Shore Roots to Surfing Legend
Born near the shores of New Jersey, DiMenna’s love affair with surfing began in 1959. A casual remark from his father—“buy three, sell two at a profit, then yours will be free”—sparked a business idea that would shape the future of surf retail.
In 1961, at just 24, DiMenna opened the first Ron Jon Surf Shop in Ship Bottom on Long Beach Island. Housed in a humble cinder block building, the store quickly became a magnet for surfers and beach lovers, laying the foundation for a retail empire.
🌴 Building the Ron Jon Empire
By 1963, DiMenna expanded south to Cocoa Beach, Florida, launching what would become the flagship Ron Jon Surf Shop on the Canaveral Pier. Over the next six decades, the brand flourished, becoming the world’s largest surf retailer with locations stretching from Florida to Maryland and South Carolina.
Ron Jon Surf Shop evolved into more than just a store—it became a symbol of coastal freedom and adventure. DiMenna’s vision embraced not only surfboards but also apparel, gear, and a lifestyle that welcomed everyone to the beach. His influence helped transform surfing from a niche pastime into a multibillion-dollar industry.
🌱 A Legacy of Conservation and Giving
Together with his wife Lynne, DiMenna co-founded the Surfing’s Evolution & Preservation Foundation, a nonprofit committed to protecting Florida’s beaches and promoting sustainable coastal practices. Through initiatives like the Endless Summer® specialty license plate, the foundation funds environmental programs and beach ecology efforts across the state.
💬 Tributes to a Free Spirit
“Ron was known as a free spirit, and his love for the beach and the sport of surfing endured throughout his life,” said Michele Goodwin, President of Ron Jon Surf Shop. “He lived life on his own terms and created a retail empire that remains one of the most successful beach shopping destinations in the country.”
The company confirmed that operations will continue uninterrupted, guided by DiMenna’s enduring vision.
Ron DiMenna’s story is one of bold innovation, deep passion, and a lifelong connection to the sea. His legacy lives on in every wave caught, every board sold, and every visitor who steps into a Ron Jon Surf Shop—where the spirit of surf culture still thrives.
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