Bob Freeman Rejoins Ron Jon Surf Team After 44 Years

By  //  January 19, 2014

original member OF TEAM IN 1967

FREEMAN-580-1
Bob Freeman has rejoined the surf team on which he was an original member simply to demonstrate that surfing is a sport for all ages. (Image for Space Coast Medicine & Active Living)

BREVARD COUNTY • COCOA BEACH, FLORIDA – Bob Freeman isn’t your average surfer.  Sure, he’s ridden big waves around the globe, but the 65-year-old Cocoa Beach resident, and life-long surfer, is doing something not many his age can claim: He has rejoined the surf team on which he was an original member simply to demonstrate that surfing is a sport for all ages.

THE RON JON SURF TEAM, a group of surfers who are sponsored by Ron Jon Surf Shop and participate in a variety of surfing competitions around the world, is currently comprised of 14 surfers ranging in age from 9 to 36 years old.  Bob Freeman, above, was 19 when he joined the team for a two-year stint in 1967.
THE RON JON SURF TEAM, a group of surfers who are sponsored by Ron Jon Surf Shop and participate in a variety of surfing competitions around the world, is currently comprised of 14 surfers ranging in age from 9 to 36 years old. Bob Freeman, above, was 19 when he joined the team for a two-year stint in 1967.

The Ron Jon Surf Team, a group of surfers who are sponsored by Ron Jon Surf Shop and participate in a variety of surfing competitions around the world, is currently comprised of 14 surfers ranging in age from 9 to 36 years old.

Freeman was 19 when he joined the team for a two-year stint in 1967.

“I’ll be surfing alongside great people who could be my grand kids,” said Freeman.

“I want people to know that surfing is a sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.  Plus, I love a challenge and nothing makes me happier than being around surfers and competing out on the waves.”

Freeman decided to rejoin the team when he heard Ron Jon Shop Cocoa Beach recently celebrated its 50th anniversary.

“We are thrilled that Bob Freeman has rejoined the Ron Jon Surf Team. He is a unique individual who shares our passion for surfing,” said Debbie Harvey, Ron Jon Surf Shop’s president and COO. (Space CoastMedicine & Active Living)
“We are thrilled that Bob Freeman has rejoined the Ron Jon Surf Team. He is a unique individual who shares our passion for surfing,” said Debbie Harvey, Ron Jon Surf Shop’s president and COO. (Image for Space CoastMedicine & Active Living)

“We are thrilled that Bob Freeman has rejoined the Ron Jon Surf Team. He is a unique individual who shares our passion for surfing,” said Debbie Harvey, Ron Jon Surf Shop’s president and COO.

Through the years, Ron Jon Surf Shop’s Cocoa Beach location, with its colorful decor and larger than life sand sculptures in the storefront, has become one of the “Must See” destinations for vacationers to Central Florida.

In fact, millions of visitors from around the world have returned home from a vacation to Florida with a Ron Jon Surf Shop T-shirt in tow.

MYRIAD BILLBOARDS

Whether seeing its myriad billboards throughout the state, bumper stickers in all manner of places or the surf shop’s iconic logo on one of the T-shirts its loyal customers have purchased, there’s no denying that Ron Jon’s brand and Cocoa Beach location have become synonymous with not only surfing, but also Florida sunshine and summer fun.

Whether seeing its myriad billboards throughout the state, bumper stickers in all manner of places or the surf shop’s iconic logo on one of the T-shirts its loyal customers have purchased, there’s no denying that Ron Jon’s brand and Cocoa Beach location have become synonymous with not only surfing, but also Florida sunshine and summer fun. (Ron Jon image)
Whether seeing its myriad billboards throughout the state, bumper stickers in all manner of places or the surf shop’s iconic logo on one of the T-shirts its loyal customers have purchased, there’s no denying that Ron Jon’s brand and Cocoa Beach location have become synonymous with not only surfing, but also Florida sunshine and summer fun. (Ron Jon image)

The company has grown exponentially since its formation in 1959 and now includes locations throughout Florida as well as stores in Ocean City, Md. and Myrtle Beach, S.C.

The original location in New Jersey is now a four-story surf emporium home to one of the largest surfboards in the world.

WORLD’S LARGEST

The Cocoa Beach location, which has been dubbed “the world’s largest surf shop,” stands two stories and sprawls over 52,000 square feet.  The location operates 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

SURFIN’ BUDS: (left to right) Jack Kirschenbaum, Bob Freeman, Harry Greenfield and Dr. Don Stewart. This photo was taken during the 2007 Doctors Lawyers Weekend Warriors surf festival held at the Cocoa Beach Pier.  (Dan Mahoney image)
SURFIN’ BUDS: (left to right) Jack Kirschenbaum, Bob Freeman, Harry Greenfield and Dr. Don Stewart. This photo was taken during the 2007 Doctors Lawyers Weekend Warriors surf festival held at the Cocoa Beach Pier. (Dan Mahoney image)

Overflowing with almost every kind of surf-related product one could imagine, visitors will find literally thousands of surf and beach-related items splashed across the shelves of Ron Jon’s Cocoa Beach location.

Ron Jon Surf Shop was founded in 1959 by surfing enthusiast Ron DiMenna.  Two years later, he opened a tiny ocean side shop in Long Beach Island, N.J.

The lifestyle-apparel and board-sports-equipment retailer has since opened stores in Cocoa Beach, Clearwater, Ft. Lauderdale, Orlando, Ft. Myers, Key West, Panama City Beach, Fla., as well as Ocean City, Md. and Myrtle Beach, S.C.

The flagship store in Cocoa Beach is the world’s largest surf shop.  It operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. n

FOR MORE INFORMATION LOG ON TO RonJons.com