Bunger Surf Camp at Gilgo Beach for Summer 2025
November 19, 2024
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- (800) 698-7873
- 50 East Main Street Babylon, New York 11702
- Bunger Surfcam
Charlie Bunger, Sr. was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. Born in 1941, he started surfing at the age of 18 after moving to Lindenhurst, Long Island. His favorite surf spot was nearby Gilgo Beach; it was a very popular break in the ’60s, once hosting the East Coast Championships.
As was often the case, Bunger Surfboards had a humble beginning. In 1961–at the age of 20–Charlie started shaping surfboards as a hobby for neighborhood kids.
As the popularity of surfing continued to grow and word got out about Charlie’s work, orders for his surfboards began to accumulate. After just six months, demand drove Charlie to move his operation from his basement into the two-car garage in his back yard. Soon thereafter, Bunger hired Pat Calabrese–his first employee–to help with production. In the summer of 1962, Charlie moved Bunger Surfboards into a 2,000 square foot building in Lindenhurst and opened his first retail store in nearby Copiague. The store proved to be an ideal venue for Charlie to display is wares, which fueled even greater demand for Bunger Surfboards on the East Coast. Within just a few years, Charlie was cranking out 1,500 boards a season.
Since the passing of our beloved Charlie Bunger Sr., in 2018, his spirit lives on through the unwavering commitment of his family – Charlie Jr., Theresa, and Tommy.
At Bunger Surf Shop, we cherish the bonds with our long-time patrons while extending a warm welcome to newcomers seeking the finest gear for their beach and surfing adventures. Our ethos revolves around community, where every interaction is a chance to share our love for the waves and the lifestyle they inspire.
The Bunger Surf Classic contest remains a cherished tradition, organized by the Bunger family, uniting the mid-Long Island surf community for a day of exhilarating competition and camaraderie.
Beyond the waves, we’re deeply invested in preserving surfing’s rich heritage on Long Island. Our passion project includes the development and promotion of the Long Island Surf Museum, a tribute to the roots and evolution of surfing in our region.
More than just a business, Bunger Surf Shop is a gateway to joy and connection through surfing. We are committed to providing an informed and welcoming environment where enthusiasts of all levels can find their place in the surf culture.
The newest Bunger team rider is Alex Fawess, whose father rode for Bunger Surfboards in the ’70s and early ’80s and won a U.S. Surfing Championships title. Alex placed fifth in the 2004 East Coast Championships and finished second in the longboard division.
Just as Charlie’s first store was in 1962, today’s Bunger surf shop is a great place to hang out, talk about Right Coast surfing with locals, check out some great memorabilia and buy current surf products. The surfing museum Charlie opened in 1990 is now a part of the shop and features classic old photos, an original Tom Blake paddleboard and boards from the Bunger family collection of some 150 vintage boards. For those of you who aren’t in the neighborhood, visit the Bunger Surfboards website at www.bungersurf.com. After more than 40 years in the business, Charlie Bunger certainly deserves a place in surf history.
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