Surf Shop History
The Catalyst building was constructed in the mid 20th century. Its original use was a church, thus the long narrow shape. It was later turned into a print shop and was filled with old school Heidelburgs (vintage printing press). Finally, in about 1970, Steve Boehne leased the building and put the first Infinity Surfboards shop and board factory in there. This lasted a couple years until Rick James and the infamous James Gang took over and the name changed to Rick James Surf Shop. Rick James is the former Greg Noll employee who cut his thumb off while making boards for Greg in the early 60's. Rick's Thumb is now forever entombed by Greg in a cup of resin. It's safely held by Greg to this day. It is a full chapter in Greg's memoirs.
Brands
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Locations
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Services
- Boardroom
- Skate Team
- Surf Team
Products From Catalyst Surfshop
More About Catalyst Surfshop
An interview with Catalyst Surfshop
When did you start your business?
I’ve been around since balsa wood, but recently got a facelift. I was a church at one time, but have been serving as a home base to the San Clemente community for over 4 decades. I have been owned by several legends over the years, including Herbie Fletcher, Rick James and Jimmy f$%kin Nudo. In August ’05, Mike and Matt—the original founders and current owners of Lost—inherited me. Now I am Catalyst and my tradition carries on from the days of Herbie Fletcher Surf Shop and San Clemente Surf Co. If my walls could speak, there’d be people in jail. I’m pretty sure I’m the only shop that has ever kicked out Kelly Slater. Now I am filled with over 300 new boards including Lost polyesters and XTR’s (new epoxy technology), Lost/Aviso Carbon Fibers, Lost/Soloman S-Core models, Mark Richards, San Clemente Surf Co., Placebo (new Flexlite technology that Corey Lopez is riding), and a ton of used boards, many of which are team rider trades. And, of course, I am filled with all the latest Lost and Lost Girl clothing and videos.
Do you consider the location of your shop a key factor to the business’s success?
This location has been a surf shop since the 70s. You can’t buy history.
If a total Barney walks in do you treat him with the same respect as a full on loc?
As much as you can with someone you have nothing in common with.
What is the dumbest question a customer has ever asked?
Do you sell RVCA?
Do you have a mascot (ex. - An animal that roams freely throughout the building)?
Yes. His name is Randall. You might have seen him in some of our movies.
Have you ever had any type of celeb roll in and make a purchase?
Does Randall count? Wait he doesn’t buy anything anyways.
Who is your favorite surfer and why?
Cheeseburger. Because he is cheeseburger.
Has a customer trying on clothes ever walked out completely naked?
No, but sometimes the bums walk in naked.
Has a person ever walked in totally blitzkrieged (really intoxicated) and tried to make a purchase? If so elaborate.
Has a customer ever walked in NOT blitzkrieged is a better question.
And last but not least tell us one of the craziest shop stories you can remember?
Nothing crazy ever goes on at Catalyst.