SURFRIDER SURF SHOP by BEN PFEFFER

      In 1964 Mr. Pfeffer took his family on a trip to California.  While traveling down the California Coast, the family spent their time visiting surf shops there.  The sport of surfing was wildly exploding in popularity, and the Pfeffers’ decided to open a surf shop back home in Texas.   The major brandname surf boards were represented in Houston by local companies that were in the surf shop business. 

      Mr. Pfeffer established relationships with Del Cannon (a premier surf board shaper), Roberts Boards and Challenger. Mr. Pfeffer chose to open his surf shop in the Southeast area of Houston at 7900 Park Place near Interstate 45.  Originally the “Inland Surf Shop” but the name quickly changed to “Surfriders Surf Shop.” The Surfriders Surf Shop was an old garage with a large lot in front for parking.  Mr. Pfeffer had a wide selection of surfboards including new and used.  He would put the boards outdoors on the side of the shop to display products. Surfers hung out, bought wax, t-shirts and swim clothing at the shop.  Mr. Pfeffer ran the shop and was always there to showcase his product.  Many people in Southeast Houston purchased their first surfboards at the Surfriders shop.

      The shop existed on Park Place between 1965-1970.  During that time Mr. Pfeffer entered an agreement with Steve Tiau, and in the back of the shop they made Surfboards with the brand name of East of Hawaii  ( see SURFBOARDS EAST OF HAWAII page on this website). After the early 1970’s the shop moved to West Houston for a few years.  In 1974 Mr. Pfeffer had a bad car accident in which he had a 1year recovery.   Mr. Pfeffer passed away in 1997 at the age of 81 with the same spirit and joy he conveyed to all the surfers who visited his shop and beachside demonstrations.