Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Surf Shop in Corpus Christi
Established in 1968, Dockside Surf Shop has been a cornerstone of the Gulf Coast surf community for over five decades. Our journey began as Dockside General Store and Emporium in Port Aransas before relocating to Corpus Christi, where we evolved into a dedicated surf shop that blends tradition with modern innovation. As the oldest true surf shop in Texas, we pride ourselves on curating top-tier surfboards, wetsuits, and beachwear from industry-leading brands while preserving local surf culture. Our team of seasoned professionals brings decades of collective experience in surf equipment and coastal lifestyle products. We maintain partnerships with global surfboard manufacturers and local artisans to ensure our inventory reflects both cutting-edge technology and time-tested reliability.Our store's unique history includes being a filming location for the 1985 cult classic 'The Legend of Billie Jean,' further cementing our status as a cultural landmark. We remain committed to providing personalized service, expert advice, and competitive pricing that keeps our customers returning year after year. Our Corpus Christi location serves as both a retail destination and a community hub for surf enthusiasts of all skill levels. Through generations of ownership transitions, we've maintained our core mission: delivering authentic surf culture experiences to both seasoned wave riders and newcomers to the sport.
Services
Surfboards
Wetsuits
Beachwear
Sunglasses
Sandals
Surf Accessories
Rashguards
Booties
Skimboards
Used Surfboards
Details
- Year established: 1968
Highlights and features
- We have over 50 years of experience serving Gulf Coast surfers since 1968
- Our inventory includes top surf brands and exclusive local surf history collections
- We maintain partnerships with global surfboard manufacturers and local artisans
- Our team provides expert equipment advice for all skill levels
- We combine traditional surf culture with modern product innovations
What people say
Extensive surfboard selection
Expert equipment advice
Historic surf culture hub
Quality wetsuit options
Friendly staff
Services
Surfboards
We offer a comprehensive selection of surfboards from leading manufacturers and custom builders. Our inventory includes shortboards, longboards, and specialty boards for all wave conditions. Expert staff provide personalized recommendations based on skill level and surfing style.
Wetsuits
Our wetsuit collection features premium brands in various thicknesses and styles. We carry fullsuits, springsuits, and accessories like booties and gloves. Staff assist with proper sizing and material selection for Gulf Coast water temperatures.
Beachwear
We stock extensive beachwear including boardshorts, bikinis, and rashguards from major surf brands. Our selection combines functionality with coastal style for both water activities and casual wear.
Sunglasses
Our sunglass collection features polarized lenses from top brands like Dragon and Electric. Designed for coastal conditions, these sunglasses provide UV protection while maintaining style and durability.
Sandals
We carry men's, women's, and children's sandals from Reef, Sanuk, and Rainbow. Our selection balances comfort and durability for beach environments and casual wear.
People
Cora Chisolm
Founder
Co-founded Dockside Surf Shop in 1968, establishing its legacy as Texas' oldest surf shop. Pioneered the transition from general store to dedicated surf shop in Corpus Christi.
Jerry Chisolm
Founder
Co-founder who helped establish Dockside Surf Shop's reputation for quality surf equipment. Instrumental in relocating the business to Corpus Christi after the Port Aransas fire.
Patrick Kelley
Current Owner
Acquired Dockside Surf Shop in 1994, maintaining its authentic surf culture while modernizing operations. Focuses on preserving the shop's historical significance and community connections.
Tippy Kelley
Current Owner
Expanded the shop's 'core surf' identity since 1994. Curates inventory to maintain the classic surf shop experience while ensuring relevance in modern surf culture.
Jake Jalufka
Global Ambassador
Professional surfer representing Dockside Surf Shop worldwide. Competes on the shop's sponsored team while promoting Gulf Coast surf conditions to international audiences.
Questions
What makes Dockside Surf Shop unique?
We're Texas' oldest surf shop with over 50 years of history, including being a filming location for 'The Legend of Billie Jean'.
Do you carry both new and used surfboards?
Yes, we offer new surfboards from top brands and a selection of quality used surfboards for all skill levels.
Are custom surfboard orders available?
We partner with local shapers like Joey Martinez to offer custom surfboard building services tailored to your preferences.
What surf apparel brands do you carry?
Our inventory includes major surf brands like Dakine, Futures, and FCS, along with specialty items from regional designers.
Do you offer surf lessons?
While we focus on equipment sales, we can recommend local instructors and connect you with Gulf Coast surf conditions information.
What are your store hours during summer?
We're open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-6pm and Sunday 10am-2pm. Closed Mondays for restocking and staff training.
