Flames Destroy Surf Shop

The Beach Hut, a popular surf shop that became an institution for the tightly knit community in Ventura’s Pierpont district, was destroyed early Tuesday in a fire that authorities are calling suspicious.

The fire began about 3:45 a.m. in the store at Seaward Avenue and Pierpont Boulevard, with flames reaching 25 feet, Ventura Fire Battalion Chief Neil Gedney said.

“It was suspicious in nature,” Gedney said. “We don’t believe this was a naturally occurring fire.”

Everything inside the small, single-story shop was destroyed. Damage was estimated at $130,000.

Rich Shock, who lives next door, was awakened by breaking glass.

“This is a party spot, so you hear glass breaking all the time,” Shock said.

Shortly thereafter, a neighbor knocked on his door to alert him to the fire.

A jet of water from a fire hose smashed Shock’s window and soaked his carpet.

“I was up to my ankles in water in here,” he said. “Then I looked out and saw the fire.”

The colorfully painted Beach Hut, located about 100 yards from the ocean, sold and rented surfboards, shirts, wetsuits, wax and other surfing supplies.

The shop sponsored surf contests and various events for children over the years.

“It was the Beach Hut, man,” said one aging surfer riding past the damaged building. “Surf headquarters for all the good-looking, young things.”

Georgia Kodosh, manager of Surf Liquor, which shares a parking lot with the surf shop, said: “It’s a landmark. I’m heartbroken. I’m just sick.

“This is a real close-knit community here,” she said. “Everyone knew the Beach Hut.”

Residents say Sandy Crawford recently took over the business. She could not be reached for comment Tuesday.