"Surfing Corpus Christi and Port Aransas" is a new book written by locals Dan Parker and Michelle Christenson, with the help of the Texas Surf Museum. It basically walks you through the history of surfing from way back in the 1950's, up through today.
This book is full of photos of the first surf shops, first surfers, first everything. For example, check out this picture of Benjamin’s from when it was still located on Padre Island in 1979 (click it to make it larger).
Here’s an old photo (look at how the people are dressed at the beach) of Bob Hall Pier in 1962.
This picture reminded me that people have been surfing at my favorite spots since before I was even born. It’s interesting to see what was going on at these spots before I was ever even thought of. Surf spots become “ours,” like we own them because we’re the ones who are out there surfing them all the time, but they were owned long ago; we’re not the first or the last.
Million Dollars Surf Spot in Corpus Christi, 1974:
This book is a must-have if you surf in Corpus Christi or Port Aransas because it’s the story of our life style. You’ll better understand the culture you’re dedicating your life to. Pretty much every page of this book has a photo that says a million things about the history of Texas surf. There are also stories about surfers, surf shops, and storms. There are a lot of pictures of storm surfing, competitions, board makers, you name it. I found a picture of a guy in there that I’ve been surfing along side for several years, and found out he’s been a major player in the South Texas surf culture for his whole life. Before I opened the book, he was just another guy in the lineup.
This book is sure to open your eyes to the fact that surfing in Texas is greater than our lives at the beach. It’s good to feel the connection between us and the past, and to realize we are now part of the story that future surfers will be looking back on.
The book comes out Monday, May 24 and can be purchased at the Texas Surf Museum or by going to this website: www.arcadiapublishing.com.
Here’s a flier that will tell you even more. Please click on the picture to make it large enough to easily read it. And if you get the book, come back here and put a comment telling everyone what pictures and stories you found in it that really interested you.
Know as Port A to locals, Port Aransas is a great place to stay and surf if you're headed to the gulf coast for a surf trip. It's a small beach town, and I'm pretty sure that every single person in Port Aransas knows every single other person in the town (the 2007 census counted 3775 residents).
Live Cam of Port Aransas:
The beach is very long, and has plenty of miles of driving, perfect if you like to drive the beach or want to find a secluded spot to camp out.
Port Aransas is about 45 minutes from Corpus Christi, and a lot more friendly (in my opinion). Corpus Christi is a city, and Port A is a small town, smaller than most. There are plenty of places to stay, including hotels and bed & breakfasts. The Dunes Condos are right on the beach; in fact, the cam view above is provided by The Dunes and the cam is on their building; the perfect place to stay for surfing.
There are also lots of places to eat, and several surf shops where you can buy or rent a surfboard, and get your sunblock and surf wax. For a surf trip, it’s perfect because of the island atmosphere, great waves, and proximity to the city (the city being Corpus Christi). In addition to surfing, there are lots of things to go and do. Here’s a calendar of events you’ll find very useful: Calendar of Events
Here’s a blog dedicated to Port Aransas. It has a lot of information and pictures that you’ll enjoy if you’re considering a trip there. Let’s Go to Port Aransas
This page provides lots of facts about the place. Port A Facts
Map and Directions: This website will help you navigate to Port Aransas; it also has a lot of information on local businesses you’ll want to take a look at to help plan your trip. Map to Port Aransas
Questions?
Post your questions about Port Aransas right here, just scroll down. We’ll help you get them answered so your trip goes smoothly. You don’t have to sign up on Texas Surfers to post a question; you can simply sign in with your Facebook account.
Port Aransas People:
Got a business in Port Aransas? Help tourists find you by putting a free comment below, on this web page. They need to know where to buy surf wax, what hotel to stay in, where to eat, where to buy souvenirs, and more. Help them and help yourself, free of charge, by simply posting a comment right now on this web page. They’ll be glad you did!
Craig Tanner has some amazing photos of Port Aransas Pier. I didn’t even know a pier could be so attractive, but it was difficult for me to pick out just three favorites. Here are mine. These are nice enough to put in your living room, especially the first photo. That could be sold as a 3 piece set, framed, and hung in your home.
These videos are provided by Texas Surf TV. On their website you can see a lot more surfing on the Gulf Coast. Really cool stuff, I like what they’re doing. Check it out:
