A fixture in the San Diego surfing community for decades, Joe Roper will celebrate 50 years in the surfboard repair business this Sunday at his shop in Kearny Mesa. The milestone marks a half-century of dedication to the craft, from humble beginnings to international acclaim.
Roper began his journey in 1975 at San Diego Surf Shop in Pacific Beach, working under Barbara Dible. “I had an opportunity in 1975 with Barbara Dible to do repair service,” Roper recalled. What started as a modest repair operation quickly grew into a cornerstone of the local surf scene.
By 1977, Roper had earned recognition not only for his craftsmanship but also for his talent in the water. A member of the Gordon & Smith Skate Team, Roper gained national exposure when he was featured in Sports Illustrated. His reputation caught the attention of PB Surf Shop, which invited him to establish his repair services there.
The 1980s saw Roper’s profile expand globally. He appeared in multiple surf magazines and posters, and his business grew from a garage setup to a dedicated space at Diamond Glassing. By 1990, he had secured his own facility.
Central to that success has been Roper’s wife, Kim, who has overseen the business operations for years. “She’s always managed this whole operation from the business side—she’s the rock,” Roper said.
Today, Roper works alongside his son, JoJo, in what he calls his “dream shop” in Kearny Mesa. JoJo Roper has carved out his own reputation in the sport, most recently winning the Big Wave Paddle Award in 2024 for a 50-foot ride at Mavericks.
Reflecting on his father’s legacy, JoJo said, “You have to stop and think, this is pretty crazy. This is 50 years of Joe Roper’s. It’s a legacy far beyond ding repairs—it’s a lifestyle, a heritage for San Diego surfing that carries on.”
Sunday’s anniversary celebration will include a display of memorabilia chronicling Roper’s career, giving the public an opportunity to explore the impact of one of San Diego’s most influential figures in surf culture.
