PLUS: REMEMBERING JOHN OLVEY ONE OF CORPUS CHRISTI’S BELOVED SURFERS WILL BE KNOWN FOR MUCH MORE THAN SHREDDING WAVES
THE ENDLESS SUMMER
HOW GENERATIONS OF LOCALS CARVED OUT A LASTING SURF CULTURE IN THE COASTAL BEND
SUNDAY BRUNCH BUFFET
Join us at Switchgrass Landing for our Sunday Brunch Buffet from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., featuring bottomless mimosas, hot and cold buffet, carving stations, desserts, and more. Enjoy Coastal American cuisine with beautiful bay views at the Omni Corpus Christi Hotel and let us elevate your culinary experience.
Your student doesn't need to leave to succeed. At Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi our top-notch academics, small class sizes, award-winning faculty, and wellness-focused community provide the best environment for learning and growth — right here at home! All the opportunity; none of the mileage.
Surfing has been part of the Coastal Bend’s story since the 1960s, growing from a quiet pastime into a defining piece of local culture. In this feature, we look back at the early days, hear from surfers in today’s tight-knit community and explore the shops and stories that continue to shape the scene.
Orshi pursued her passion for design, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Throughout her career, she has worked on a diverse range of projects, including commercial, corporate, and high-end residential. Orshi enjoys immersing herself in each project, taking the time to cultivate the strong relationships that her clients deserve. Her approach focuses on creating interiors that are not only functional but also personalized and tailored to each client’s specific needs and lifestyle. She specializes in space planning, new construction, renovation, furniture selections, construction documents, 3D modeling and renderings.
ORSHI AMSTEL SERVICES
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Rachel Benavides
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Noah Hall
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Jim Quisenberry
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The Bend Magazine Volume 12 / Issue 6. The Bend Magazine is published by Bend Holdings Sub, LLC. Copyright © 2025 Bend Holdings Sub, LLC. No portion may be reproduced without express written consent. Editorial or advertising does not constitute advice, but is rather considered informative. The Bend is not responsible for the care of and/or return of unsolicited materials. The Bend reserves the right to refuse advertising deemed detrimental to the community's best interest or in questionable taste. Expressed opinions are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ownership.
Volume 12 / Issue 6, The Bend (periodicals 25150) is published monthly, 12 times a year, by Hilltop Media Group, 7309 Sugar Ridge Rd, Corpus Christi, TX 78413. Periodical postage paid at Corpus Christi, TX and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Bend, P.O. Box 16765, Hollywood, CA, 91615.
Time and Tide
In high school, one of my best friends got a surfboard for her birthday. She’d drive a gaggle of us out to the beach early on Saturday mornings just as the sun began to rise. The board barely fit in the car, perfectly wedged down the middle, tip to tip touching the windshield and the back window. We didn’t quite know what we were doing, and few waves (if any) were actually caught, but we’d take turns hauling the longboard out into the water, paddling, waiting and attempting to stand up when even the slightest wave came our way.
Though none of us became avid surfers, having those memories to look back on feels integral to growing up in a beach town like ours. I’d bet many of our readers have a memory or two like that. That’s the thing about the Coastal Bend’s surf culture—even if you weren’t fully ingrained into the scene, the effects of it were felt in many corners of the community.
When we decided to create a cover story focused on surf culture this year, our editorial team had many conversations about how to make it feel of service to our readers. If you’ve been surfing all your life, you don’t need us to give you tips and tricks. And if you’ve never touched a board, an infographic on surfboard types probably isn’t going to change your life and inspire you to paddle out. So, instead, we opted for an intergenerational take on what surfing means in our corner of the coast.
Starting on page 36, you’ll find a look at how surfing arrived in South Texas in the ’60s; insights from longtime players like Dockside Surf Shop owners Tippy and Patrick Kelley; resources for surf camps and lessons for those looking to give it a try; and reflections from young surfers on how growing up with surfing parents shaped their lives on the water.
A common theme in our conversations with folks in the scene was how welcoming the surf community is—how when you’re out there in the water, you’re family. As Needles & Fins owner Rachel Chaney says on page 45, “the water is for everyone.” Writer Vanessa Perez furthers that thought: “Threads of the surf community as a whole can be found in the different pockets of culture throughout the city. A multitude of surf and skate shops, as well as surf and coastal environmental clubs in schools, plant the seeds further sown and nurtured by the welcoming community. On North Padre, you’re as likely to see the drummer from your favorite local band as you are your high school English teacher chasing a wave.”
From the Texas Gulf Surfing Association’s efforts to promote and protect the sport across the state (pg. 16) to a wave-themed birthday party (pg. 32), much of this issue is dedicated to celebrating local surf culture.
We also honor the life of the late John Olvey, a beloved member of the Coastal Bend’s art and surf scenes. Remembered for far more than just being an incredible surfer and multimedia artist, Olvey’s life spent on the water is a testament to just how powerful the connection within the subculture can be. In fact, when the community came together to honor Olvey with the tradition of a “paddle out,” his wife Yvonne recalls many saying it was the largest any of them had ever seen.
We may not all be surfers, but we’ve all felt the tug of a tide, drawn in by something bigger than ourselves. This issue is a love letter to those who find freedom on the water, who build community on the coast and, in the least “t-shirt found in a souvenir shop way” possible, who remind us that the best waves are often the ones we ride together.
KYLIE COOPER, EDITOR IN CHIEF kylie@thebendmag.com
THREE HIGHLIGHTS
WHERE MEMORIES ARE MADE
What’s a “Surf Issue” without a peek inside a gorgeous beach house? Open House curator Elizabeth Welsh highlights the beautiful details in local architect Philip Ramirez’s home-away-fromhome in Port Aransas. Pg. 26
A LEARNING LEGACY
If you’ve been a longtime reader of The Bend, you’ll know the last editorial page of every month is dedicated to glimpses of our region’s history. Contributor Jillian Becquet is celebrating her 100th Looking Back column this month! Pg. 66
POI: KIYA VANCE Kiya Vance has been named Corpus Christi’s first Black Poet Laureate. I was thrilled to speak with Vance about what the appointment means to him, his vision for the role and his creative writing processes for this month’s Person of Interest section. Pg. 14
Corpus Christi’s first Black Poet Laureate shares his vision for the role and more
Kiya Vance
By Kylie Cooper Photo by Laro Pilartes
At just 24 years old, Kiya Vance has already become a defining voice in Corpus Christi’s literary community. Recently named the city’s first Black Poet Laureate, Vance’s love for the written word began in a sixth-grade English class, where writing offered him a sense of belonging and purpose.
Since then, he’s turned personal experiences into powerful spoken word and created inclusive spaces for others to do the same. Vance has done this most notably through Word of Mouth, a grassroots poetry night he co-founded. No stranger to filling voids in his community to allow others the feeling of representation, Vance is eager to use his new role as Poet Laureate to enhance the literary community and make the art of poetry more accessible.
KC: Let’s talk about Word of Mouth. How would you describe it to someone who has never heard of you/the project?
KV: At its core, Word of Mouth (WOM) adapts to be whatever the community needs at any given moment; sometimes we're like a label, other times a poetry organization or even marketing consultants for artists. Ultimately, WOM exists to bring diverse communities from all over town together. We aim to give local creatives opportunities to grow their crafts and connect with others who share their passion. Often, the very people we meet through our events become collaborators we work with to improve future events and give back even more effectively. Our focus has always been on giving far more than we take.
KC: What does it mean to you to be named Corpus Christi’s first Black Poet Laureate?
KV: Honestly, it feels a bit like when I won awards for academic decathlon or UIL competitions as a kid. While I am incredibly grateful, and I feel like I’ve finally made my family proud, I mainly see this as a stepping stone. There’s so much more I want to achieve in the future.
KC: How do you envision this role shaping the literary culture of Corpus Christi over the next year or two?
KV: I hope to bring more open minds into the literary community and get more people of all ages involved in becoming a well-read, well-informed city. Rap music is often stigmatized, but for some, it’s their primary engagement with the literary arts. Having a rapper as Poet Laureate is a significant opportunity to showcase that rap is more than capable of being recognized as a powerful art form, just like any other type of literature.
Think about it: If kids are writing lyrics and sharing music, their friends might start writing poetry too. What English teacher wouldn’t want their students discussing the intricacies of lyrics, analyzing literary techniques like double entendres, similes and descriptive language that can be on par with Shakespeare? All these elements are used in both rap and poetry. The more kids writing, the better. An open-minded, diverse community of writers benefits everyone involved.
Corpus Christi’s first Black Poet Laureate shares his vision for the role and more
IN CONVERSATION WITH
KC: You’ve mentioned a desire to make poetry more accessible. What does that look like in practice?
KV: Encouraging people to create and participate in local poetry events is definitely part of it, but that’s only one aspect. Real accessibility means showing artists, not just poets, how to properly market themselves and build a sustainable living from their amazing art. We need to demonstrate this through both action and consultation. It’s almost impossible to fully realize one’s skill and talent if they’re constantly worrying about bills and staying alive or even something as simple as working too many hours at work. I want to educate people and show them that it can be done in practice.
KC: How do your personal experiences and cultural background influence your voice as a writer and now as the city’s Poet Laureate?
KV: As a Black man in a city with relatively few Black men, I feel a strong responsibility. I want to help spark an ideological shift, contributing to a cultural landscape where people are truly seen as equals when it comes to whose art gets promoted and who receives support from their city, for better or for worse.
KC: What do you hope your legacy as Poet Laureate will be for the next generation of artists in Corpus Christi?
KV: I hope that after I move on from this position, my footsteps will have tilled the ground, making the path to positive change less hard and compacted for those who come after me. Maybe it’ll be easier for them to water those seeds of creativity we talked about earlier!
KC: Are there any projects you’re currently working on that we should keep an eye out for?
KV: I’m juggling about 10 different projects and albums right now, but the most important one, and the one coming up soonest, is my collaboration album titled ONE DAY NEVER. I have to give a huge shoutout to my team for helping make this dream a reality! Batotter Aiden Vara, and Boywise—a big thank you to them. Read full interview online.
CONTACT
@woml.poetry
www.moorespharmacy.com
Riding the Wave Since ’88
How Texas Gulf Surfing Association promotes, preserves and protects the sport of surfing
By Monique Dennis Photos provided by Texas Gulf Surfing Association
Founded in 1988, the Texas Gulf Surfing Association (TGSA) has played a pivotal role in nurturing the surfing community in the Coastal Bend. With a mission to promote, preserve and protect the sport of surfing along the Texas coast, TGSA offers a special space for surfers of all levels. With the longest-running tenure of any amateur surfing organization in the state, the non-profit’s commitment to developing local talent, from first-timers to seasoned riders, sets it apart.
Through competitions, coaching support and youth programs, TGSA trains and mentors curious young surfers to represent Texas in local and national competitions. At the heart of this mission is the TGSA All-Star Team, composed primarily of junior surfers who exemplify dedication, sportsmanship and skill. These young athletes carry the torch for the next generation of Texas surfing while reflecting the pride of the Coastal Bend community.
“We’re not just about riding waves,” shared TGSA President Kristen Darden. “We are about building character, supporting our coast and inspiring a lifelong connection to the ocean.”
In addition to competing, the surfers who make up the All-Star Team participate in fundraising activities and volunteer at events, further implementing the importance of accountability and getting involved with your community. Partnerships with groups such as the Surfrider Foundation bring environmental stewardship to the forefront of the organization.
Special recognition goes to Walter Sohl, Chris Hopkins and All-Star Head Coach Morgan Faulkner for their dedication to the cornerstone of the organization’s purpose. Retired head coach Cliff Schlabach continues educating surfers about environmental wellness and leads youth cleanup events. Schlabach and his wife, both TGSA pioneers, now help run Surfrider Foundation initiatives as the Texas Coastal Bend Chapter Executive Committee’s co-chair.
To become a member of TGSA or donate to the organization, visit the website.
The influence of TGSA alumni is felt far and wide. Many have gone on to become professional surfers, judges and mentors.
The late John Olvey, an awardwinning and widely recognized Texas surfer and artist, fiercely supported the organization. In his honor, the John Olvey Scholarship was established to encourage young surfers to achieve their professional dreams. TGSA identifies a student each season to award the scholarship, with the most recent $3,000 recipient in April 2025 being high school senior Keagan Sohl, who is headed off to college this fall.
TGSA’s events act as celebrations of surf culture, learning and legacy. Backed by dedicated volunteers, local sponsors and a tight-knit surf family, the organization continues to thrive.
“We want people to know that the TGSA is all-inclusive," Darden explained. "We are an amateur organization that caters to everyone, where they gain an entire surfing family and community.”
CONTACT
surftgsa.org | @surftgsa
MEN WHO COOK 2025
CATTLE BARON'S BALL 2025
Held in the backyard of the Ronald McDonald House on Apr. 11, the annual Men Who Cook 2025 fundraiser benefited Ronald McDonald House Charities South Texas. That evening, $650,000 was raised for the House and its vital programs.
The American Cancer Society’s 2025 Cattle Baron’s Ball brought the community together for an evening of dancing, dining and fundraising at the Richard M. Borchard Regional Fairgrounds. Guests enjoyed a night of Western-themed fun while supporting the fight against cancer.
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Hot & Cold & Zen All Over
Somos Yoga elevates a new ritual in wellness
By Leila Ydrogo
From the steamy heat of a traditional sauna to an ice-cold plunge, contrast therapy is gaining momentum as one of the more popular trends in health and wellness. For good reason, this recovery ritual has made its way to neighborhood yoga studios, like Somos Yoga.
“I like to stay up to par with the latest health and wellness trends,” said co-owner Ryan Adames—that’s how he discovered contrast therapy. Growing up an athlete, Adames was familiar with ice baths to recover after football games, but never really understood the science behind it.
When it started becoming the latest craze, Adames began researching the scientific benefits of the cold plunge. His research led him to discover the Wim Hof method and why it’s beneficial; he then realized he needed to incorporate it into the studio.
Contrast therapy is the alternation between heat and cold exposure. Somos Yoga incorporates an infrared sauna that heats your body directly, rather than a regular sauna, which heats the air around you.
“We learned so much information. [Some studies show] infrared sauna lessens your risk of heart attack and stroke by 50-61% if practiced two to three times per week for at least 20 minutes, which helps with the blood flow and circulation; combined with a cold plunge, which helps with inflammation in the body,” said Adames. Together, they release endorphins for ultimate relaxation and mental clarity. This experience offers tangible results that can help with anxiety, depression and stress management.
Adames and co-owner Maricela Gonzalez advocated for contrast therapy when they brought the service to their studio. It was a service they truly wanted their members to experience due to the potential benefits
the ritual has to offer. Alongside contrast therapy, Somos offers glow therapy and a salt cave that makes use of aroma and sound therapy. These services combined are a total reset for the whole body and mind, beyond the yoga mat.
Somos has two locations that each have their own personality. The OG studio in the Six Points area is a smaller, intimate location that practices a more traditional yoga, known as asana, at all temperatures and all levels. You can find the same practices at the Southside location, along with all the wellness therapies that are only offered there.
Thanks to Somos Yoga, this viral wellness trend is available for those looking to see what it’s all about. Supporting a local business while managing your stress and anxiety? That’s a win-win.
Contrast Therapy is only offered at Somos Yoga’s Southside location.
Trend Report
Feeling elevated and prepared with five essentials to kick off summer
By Natalie Werkhoven
I’ve always savored the early days of summer, and June still holds that same hopeful, freespirited energy it did when I was a child. There’s something positively fresh and fun about the season’s official start, and I try to hang on to that feeling as long as possible.
With that in mind, I’ve rounded up a mix of new finds and tried-and-true favorites to support you in moments when you need a boost for your mindset, your beauty routine or both.
Many of these picks have earned praise from others, and the rest have truly wowed me. So, let’s skip the small talk and dive right in.
FEELIN’ ANXIOUS AROMATHERAPY INHALER
Island Wellness and Nutrition, 14330 South Padre Island Drive, Suite 102
LET’S BE SOCIAL!
@Castor_and_Glow
I love local businesses, and I’d love to hear from you! Contact me on Instagram with recommendations for your local health and beauty business or product. I’d love to help spread the Coastal Bend's beauty and wellness bests.
THE ESSENTIALS
MERMAID FACIAL
Halcyon Med Spa
Shortly after Halcyon announced its new Mermaid Facial, I found myself in the chair, eager to experience this Italian-developed treatment said to target aging at the cellular level. A celeb favorite, also known as the “salmon sperm facial,” Halcyon is the first locally to offer it. Nurse Practitioner Victoria Duffy customized the process to fit my skin’s needs. Using microneedling, the facial delivers PDRN, a powerful compound that supports skin regeneration, followed by a mask to lock in benefits. Days later, my skin looked smoother, more radiant and refined. Fans rave about improved hydration, elasticity and collagen production.
ILIA EYE STYLUS SHADOW STICK iliabeauty.com
Ilia has triumphed with these gorgeous, versatile Shadow Sticks, all inspired by Renaissance oil paintings. The line launched in February, and I’ve already collected four favorite shades—Vignette, Filigree, Faun and Nymph—and plan to keep adding. The clean formula is safe for sensitive eyes, waterproof and crease-resistant, and lasts up to 12 hours. I’ve put them to the test and was not disappointed! They glide on effortlessly, with a slanted tip for washes of color or for lining and defining. You have under a minute to blend before they lock in.
Rose Nectar, Pure Rose
drinkpurerose.com
It’s hard to think of Rose Nectar without craving the refreshing drink I make with it. Pure Rose sources organic Bulgarian roses to craft this aromatic, antioxidant-rich nectar. Packed with polyphenols and flavonoids, it supports digestion, skin health and mood. I’ve been loving the monthly subscription and mix it daily with grapefruit and lime juice, raw honey and rosemary. The blush-pink hue is beautiful, and the taste is uplifting, calming and delicious year-round.
When Stacy Samuelson, owner of Island Wellness and Nutrition and one of my most treasured wellness guides, told me to breathe in deeply as I cupped Feelin’ Anxious beneath my nose, I exhaled knowing I’d be buying it. Not a traditional inhaler, it’s a handmade glass jar filled with an herbaceous, slightly sweet blend of certified organic essential oils and a bamboo overlay. I brought it on a girls’ trip and every friend who tried it sighed with delight. It’s now a staple in my car, especially for school drop-offs or mid-day meltdowns. A simple, soothing solution when life feels turbulent.
MAGIC MOLECULE magicmolecule.com
Nearly two weeks ago, my daughter was frolicking on a small island in the North Padre ski basin when she stepped on an oyster shell and cut her foot. Thankfully, I had just received my first shipment of Magic Molecule. Made with hypochlorous acid, a compound our white blood cells naturally produce to fight infection, this antimicrobial spray speeds up healing safely and effectively. We used it twice daily, and her cuts are now nearly invisible. From acne to sunburns, it’s useful for so many skin issues. The travel-size bottles are a must for vacation season. Always consult your healthcare provider first.
MY RECIPE: Makes 2 drinks
Juice of 1 organic grapefruit
Juice of 1 organic lime
3 Tbsp raw honey or to taste
2 Tbsp Rose Nectar
2 fresh rosemary sprigs
Whisk together juices, honey and Rose Nectar. Pour over ice and swirl to infuse and garnish with rosemary.
Where Memories are Made
A retreat for family and friends to come together
By Elizabeth Welsh, ASID Photos by Jason Page
Over a line of sea grass-sprinkled dunes sit rows of soft pastel beach houses atop beautifully manicured grounds. Children roam free-range among the multitude of nearby amenities, while the scent of barbecue, salty sea air and a chorus of laughter waft along the breeze in pleasant harmony. By now, most of the Coastal Bend is at least somewhat familiar with the idyllic Cinnamon Shore seaside planned communities. The area is truly an escape—whether coming from far and wide or just over the bridge—where families and weekenders can immerse themselves in coastal living.
Aside from the clear draw of such aesthetic surroundings, the scale of these homes demands attention. Built to accommodate a kaleidoscope of guests, they are designed with entertaining large groups in mind.
Corpus Christi residents Philip and Michelle Ramirez were looking for such a place to gather both of
their large (in town and out of state) families and friends in a close-but-not-too-close vacation spot. Their desire led to the perfect opportunity for Philip, Principal Architect at Turner | Ramirez Architects, to design what is now their ideal coastal home away from home.
“It was designed as a place where the people that matter the most to us could all gather under one roof,” reflected Ramirez, who planned a layout to accommodate multiple families with areas for both private respite and communal gathering.
And thus, La Mer was born. The three-story, sixbedroom home with multiple indoor and outdoor living areas centers around that idea of gathering. “Having a space where we can come together and share memories—that was the vision behind it,” Ramirez said.
Going through the architectural process with Cinnamon Shore’s New Urbanist design guidelines was an enjoyable challenge for Ramirez, especially meshing
Each bedroom was designed as a primary suite with an en-suite bathroom for guests to feel equally hosted, while cohesive bedding, tile and vanity cabinet color delineate one room’s personality from the other.
The main living area is the heart of the action. Open layout living, dining and kitchen flow seamlessly and allow for seating for the entire household.
A ring of Adirondack chairs encircles the gas fire pit, making a perfect spot for roasting s’mores and conversation.
A large island allows for congregating in the open layout kitchen, while distinctive weighted pendant lights illuminate the counter and emphasize the ceiling height and gourmet appliances.
The dining table bench doubles as extra seats to watch a game, while blue chairs against tall windows are perfect overlooks to check the surf.
traditional beach house elements with the couple's modern, clean-lined aesthetic. The Ramirezes engaged APD Construction, LLC, and interior design work by my firm, Elizabeth Welsh Interior Design, to execute the family’s vision and bring the structure to life.
The Ramirezes envisioned an open and airy aesthetic with spaces bathed in natural light and height from vaulted ceilings and two-tiered transom windows; there are 83 total in the home. Rather than approach the interiors with an overtly coastal aesthetic, I opted for a different approach via the use of color and textures: I selected shiplap, grass cloth wallcovering and irregularly surfaced tile to add depth to the materials and punctuated furnishings with intentional showcases of color for added intrigue.
“It gets a little funky; it’s not so serious,” mused Ramirez, thinking about certain playful elements from the décor, such as the figural surfboard artwork and
driftwood chandelier suspended over the living room and vintage cast concrete shorebird by the bar.
Each of the four guest bedrooms was designed as a primary suite with an adjoining bathroom, and is finished with an identifying color. “It’s interesting to see who gravitates toward which room,” Ramirez said. They each have their own color personality, which lends to the personalized vacation experience. The primary suite, which occupies the third floor, offers a sanctuary space with an adjoining reading room, a loft living area and a sunset porch.
For the Ramirezes, the desire for a gathering spot where all guests are comfortable under one roof was an opportunity for creativity in which they have been able to capture some of the sweet moments and memories only possible when not parting company at the end of an evening.
The curved rattan console, Gray Malin-style photography, vibrant bougainvillea and navy lantern reveal the home’s color story upon entry to the wide hallway, which runs the length of the house.
NOW GROWING
Firebush
Here’s how to grow the guardian of the forest here in the Coastal Bend
By Justin Butts
It can be difficult to find a plant that is easy to grow, looks beautiful and thrives in the heat of the Coastal Bend summer. The firebush checks all the boxes, and then some. Native to the tropics of Central America, this vibrant shrub with fiery red flowers, edible berries and medicinal properties thrives through Coastal Bend summers.
Firebush grows quickly, forming a full, lush shrub with lime-green foliage and bright red tubular flowers that attract butterflies, hummingbirds and other pollinators all season. In the fall, its leaves turn a bold crimson red, adding a burst of color to your garden before winter sets in. The berries, which grow in reddish-black clusters, are edible and can even be made into jelly.
This plant loves full sun and well-drained soil. Once established, it’s incredibly droughttolerant, often requiring no additional watering. Firebush loses its leaves in cold weather, so expect a bare spot in the garden during winter. Typically, it regenerates from the roots each spring, though ours did not return following the historic freeze of 2019.
Firebush also grows well in large pots. Just remember: Container plants are more vulnerable to freezing temperatures, so consider replanting annually in the spring for best results.
GARDENER'S NOTES
GROWING UP
As a specimen plant, space at 5'. For dense plantings, space at 3'. Height: 4' to 8'. Plant from transplant in full sun, as shaded plants grow slowly and bloom less. Add a few inches of organic compost around the base each spring, and fertilize with pastured poultry manure. Water until established, then let nature take the reins. Firebush is virtually pest-free and handles the harshest summer conditions with ease.
PROFILING
To create a dense, hedge-like appearance, plant firebush at closer spacing, around three feet. The branches grow intertwined, providing a gorgeous backdrop for white zinnias, copper canyon daisies and Texas gold columbine. It also pairs beautifully with other sun-loving perennials like firecracker plant, salvia, lantana, shrimp plant, flame acanthus and butterfly weed.
FUN FACTS
Firebush may be the most medicinal plant that you didn’t know was medicine. The Mayans referred to it as “the guardian of the forest,” using its leaves to treat skin irritations and bites and brewing a fermented drink from its fruit. Even today, tea made from firebush leaves and flowers is used to reduce pain and fevers, making this a beautiful plant with a powerful past.
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Surf's Up
Custom touches, local vendors and a whole lot of sunshine set the scene for a picture-perfect party by the water
By Jo Anne Howell Photos provided by Cora Johnson
This coastal birthday party made a splash with playful details and creative flair.
Hosted at the Corpus Christi Yacht Club, the event embraced a pastel surf theme brought to life with the help of local vendors such as Always in Bloom, Posh & Posy, Rachel & Rylie, Coastal Confections and Jennifer Rose Custom Cookies. The Motif, a laser acrylic studio out of Houston, helped with custom signage and decor, while Central Texas-based vendor Folk & Rowe aided in the perfect event rentals to set the scene. Guests stayed entertained with hands-on activities like decorating flip flops and sunglasses, creating fun keepsakes to take home.
Coastal Confections and Jennifer Rose Custom Cookies designed surf-inspired treats that wowed.
Surfboard and palm tree cut-outs from Posh & Posy floated in the pool for an added touch of fun and a photo-worthy moment.
A frozen drink wall with custom cups served chilled treats in style.
Marcinell L.
THE ENDLESS SUMMER
Surfing has long been woven into the fabric of life along the Coastal Bend. The local sport of surfing’s humble beginnings in the 1960s gave rise to something far greater: a lifestyle and shared identity that still thrives today.
In this feature, you'll hear from longtime locals, explore the surf shops that have supported generations of riders and get a glimpse into the stories and people that continue to define the scene. Paired with archival photos and contributions from local surf photographers, we're offering both a historical perspective and a look at where surfing in South Texas is headed.
BY JILLIAN BECQUET, JACQUELINE GONZALEZ, MANDY SHELTON AND VANESSA PEREZ
SHANE WIGGINS (PHOTO BY NOAH HALL)
The Birth of a Surf Culture
HOW A FEW SURFERS, A CALIFORNIA CONNECTION AND THE SHIFTING SANDS OF PADRE ISLAND LAUNCHED THE COASTAL BEND’S STILL-GROWING SURF SCENE
BY JILLIAN BECQUET
he Coastal Bend’s place in surfing history is written in the sand of Padre, San Jose and Mustang Island, and on the shoreline of Corpus Christi Bay. The stories are told in garages and surf shops and on the water, but rarely in our history books — in part because they’re still being written.
When America’s fascination with the Beach Boys grew, so did its interest in surfing. The Coastal Bend’s population had been growing steadily since the last century, but spotting a surfer in Coastal Bend waters was a rarity before the 1960s.
When Texans traveled to California and Hawaii and learned to surf, they didn’t just bring back memories of their trip. According to a 1965 interview in the Caller-Times, Cecil and Larry Laws fell in love with surfing in 1962, which led to ordering surf boards from California and starting a business to rent them to others near Bob Hall Pier. And more shops followed, as did surfboard makers, contests and clubs.
In the Coastal Bend, waves break on sandbars versus reefs or rocks. Sandbars are fundamentally different because they’re reactive to their environment, eroding and building in response to the water and manmade features. This gave humans the ability to control the waves in a way not possible in much of the world. The constant change in the Gulf’s sandy bottom means a different challenge every day for surfers in local waters.
DAWN OF A LIFESTYLE
1950 brought big changes to Padre Island with the opening of the $1.2 million Padre Island Causeway (now called JFK Memorial Causeway), a two-lane toll road that created an easy access point for both tourists and locals. For the first time, millions of people flowed onto Padre Island from Corpus Christi and followed the paved road to Gulf Beach Park, now known as Padre Balli Park, to the Gulf.
Both surfers and anglers found great success and community at the park’s Bob Hall Pier. The two sets of pilings produced reliably high-quality waves as the pier held the sand in place, allowing it to break more uniformly. Surfing and fishing can’t coexist in the same water, though, for safety’s sake. Surfers getting caught by hooks or hit with weights thrown by fishermen was not uncommon.
The dissonance between the two groups was so challenging that the city and county stepped in to negotiate a truce. An ordinance passed to ban surfing within 250 feet of the pier was a win for the anglers … but it didn’t work. The tension continued for decades.
After Bob Hall Pier and Horace Caldwell Pier in Port Aransas were damaged by Hurricane Allen in 1980, portions of them were salvaged and used to build a surfing pier, which opened in 1984. J.P. Luby’s advocacy and a community effort gave the surfers their own space, which came to bear Luby’s name in 1986. The 800-foot-long pier was unlike others in the area, which catered to birding or fishing—the design’s goal was to develop ideal conditions for Padre Island surfers.
The park brought 50,000 people during the first four days, including Texas’s first sanctioned professional surfing contest, the Sundek Texas Classic. “The sticks” was a favorite local spot until it was dismantled by 2005 for the reopening of Packery Channel.
STRENGTH IN NUMBERS
Surf clubs, often sponsored by surf shops, popped up as soon as surfing caught on in the ’60s. These more casual organizations were a valuable source of camaraderie for local surfers. The Coastal Bend Surfing Association and San Blas Surfing Association, along with Santana, Santa Monica, South Wind and Kanaka Surf Clubs, each had their own personality, logo and wardrobe. They surfed together and even won trophies here and across the state and country.
James Gill had a practical reason for joining his club, Santana. “I was 14 and I couldn’t drive to the beach,” he said, so the community was important to his participation in the sport. “I knew all the people at the beach, but I didn’t know anyone in high school. I didn’t skip class, but all I wanted to do was get down to the beach,” remembered Gill.
He received his first surfboard at age 12 in 1965 thanks to his sister’s connection to Larry Laws, who was selling surfboards he brought to Corpus Christi from Fry Surfboards in Houston. This got him into the surfing scene, and surfing is still a fixture of his life in retirement.
Plenty of surfers weren’t in clubs, though, and found camaraderie elsewhere, including in surf shops that became fixtures in the area. There were Copeland’s Dive and Surf, Dockside, Island Surf and Sunwear, Benjamin’s, Wind and Wave and more. Brad Lomax’s first surfboards came from Pat McGee’s. They formed a friendship that resulted in the foundation of the collection of the Texas Surf Museum, which now resides at TAMU-CC’s archives.
Lomax grew up traveling from San Antonio to surf; he said, “The Coastal Bend is not the Pacific, but it’s a hell of a lot closer; there are a lot more waves here than you’d imagine and a really great vibe.” That vibe was one that Lomax valued even as he and his friends entered an era of professional jobs and were busy with their young families.
A friend’s joke that they should “get the Executive Surf Club together and go surfing” turned into Lomax’s Corpus Christi downtown hangout, by the same name. Gill and Lomax’s love for the sport has taken them around the world, but when asked about surfing hurricanes and tropical systems in the Coastal Bend, excitement in both men’s voices was palpable, with an “Oh, as many as we could” from Gill and “It’s like Christmas and every other holiday wrapped into one” from Lomax. The vibe is alive and well.
BUILDING A LEGACY
The early Coastal Bend surfers weren’t just in it as a hobby; they were intensely passionate about both growing the popularity of surfing and bettering the experience of all who surfed here. One of the ways they accomplished this was by bringing surfing competitions to the Coastal Bend, including inviting some of the biggest names to surf local waters. They joined groups including the Gulf Coast Surfing Organization, the Texas Surfing Organization, the Gulf Surfing Association and the Texas Gulf Surfing Association. Sometimes, the big names in these contests were our local surfers. National championships were won by John Olvey, Tippy Kelley, Rita Crouch, Kevin Tansey, Donna Self and Julie Polansky. Coastal Bend surfers also joined national organizations and rose to leadership roles, including RoxAnne Bowen-Schlabach, who was head tabulator, and her husband, Cliff Schlabach, who served 12 years as vice president of the U.S. Surfing Federation, as well as Carolyn Adams, executive director of the National Scholastic Surfing Association. With over 60 years of surfing history in the Coastal Bend, generations have discovered surfing in our local waters. Surf shops, surf clubs, surfboard shapers and the surfers themselves have come and gone … but their legacies live on in a Coastal Bend that’s still an active surf destination.
Left: Surfers gear up for their heat near Horace Caldwell Pier in Port Aransas, including Doc Jones and Pat Magee. Right: Classic 1960s surfboards in Port Aransas. Tony Mierzwa, owner of Down South Surf Shop, and fellow judges atop a U-Haul during the 1966 Texas Surfing Championship. (Photos courtesy of the Texas Surf Museum Archives and Pat Magee)
The Dockside Legacy
FROM BOARDS TO BILLIE JEAN, THIS SHOP IS A COASTAL BEND BIRTHRIGHT
BY MANDY SHELTON
landlocked lot on the inbound side of South Padre Island Drive is an unlikely setting, but Dockside Surf Shop has been supplying the local saltwater scene “since before you were born.”
Patrick and Tippy Kelley, who celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this past December, have owned Dockside Surf Shop since 1994. They both learned to surf in junior high: Tippy attended Cullen but already knew Patrick, who went to Sundeen, by reputation. “He was in a little motorcycle gang; they rode Honda 150s and they thought they were bad,” Tippy recalled. “That was a long time ago,” Patrick explained. “There wasn’t a whole lot to do if you didn’t surf.”
At 12, he started catching rides to the waves with a friend’s brother-in-law. “He would take us to the beach if we would clean his car when we got through. We had one surfboard we shared with each other, but it took two of us to carry it anyway.”
“You learned to be tough. Either be tough, or you’re not gonna surf,” added Tippy, who taught herself when she was 13, riding the bus from Seaside Memorial Cemetery out to Bob Hall Pier. “I sat there and watched people, and I started in the whitewater and learned to stand up. I was well taken care of; everybody acted like they were my big brother.”
In that same wave of 1960s surf culture sweeping the Coastal Bend, Jerry and Cora Chisolm opened Dockside General Store and Emporium up the coast. “Dockside started in Port Aransas in ’68,” Tippy said of her shop’s lineage. A fire at the Port A store left Dockside dry-docked at a second location in downtown Corpus Christi.
Meanwhile, in Flour Bluff, a 1950s grocery store became the 1970s Surf Shack, with an old black hearse parked along the newly established SPID. “We’d camp out in the hearse, then we’d hitchhike to the beach in the morning,” Tippy reminisced about the commercial lot that would one day sponsor carloads of surf ambassadors. “So, ironically, I grew up here.”
The Chisolms bought the property in 1974, after “Hurricane Celia came along and flattened this place except for the cinder block,” explained Tippy, who was by then a champion surfer. She spent some time working at the iconic Island Surf & Sunwear in Sunrise Mall, often chasing endless summer south of the border. “She had a car that I wouldn’t drive across the bridge, and she drove it all the way down into Mexico,” Patrick mused.
Tippy would sometimes return to massive changes in the local seascape, like the opening of Fish Pass or chants of “Fair is fair” amid a beach scene that rivaled Spring Break. “We just got into town, we drove straight out to the beach and went to Bob Hall, and there were like 200 surfers on the beach and all this camera equipment,” she recalled. “Somebody came out and said, ‘Tippy, they’re filming this movie! You want to be in it?’”
She declined to appear in 1985’s cult classic TheLegendofBillieJean, as did her husband.
“I wouldn’t get my hair cut,” Patrick explained. “You had to get
your hair cut in this funky style, and I wasn’t going to do it.” The new wave Billie Jean styling left local surfers scratching their shaggy heads. “It was an ’80s haircut for that movie,” Patrick emphasized. “I knew the kids from the ’80s; nobody I knew hung out with that haircut.”
The shop, however, had just the look the filmmakers wanted.
The Chisolms’ Dockside Sail, Surf & Dive played itself in Billie Jean, though with a bit of movie magic, the building was transported back to its original location. “You’d open up the back door and you were in Port Aransas,” Patrick shrugged. “That’s movies.”
“I’m surprised they’ve never done a remake or a follow-up,” he said, adding that he would welcome Hollywood crews to set up souvenir tents and burn effigies of teen idols in the parking lot. “Now I do get people come in and ask me if I’m the old man that stole the mini bike,” Patrick jokes, his days in a pre-teen Honda gang coming back to haunt him in the form of movie location tourists.
Today, a soundtrack of KPUS 104.5 Classic Rock plays over the store stereo. The Kelleys removed the spiral staircase Billie Jean ascended in her pursuit of $608 worth of justice, but a “treasure hunt” of the shop’s historical artifacts includes a tiki carving, two giant clamshells and a pipe-smoking sentry at the front door. “He’s from the original Dockside,” Tippy said, “The Old Man and the Sea.”
Patrick, a vintage surfboard guru, points out a 1967 Weber Professional suspended from the ceiling. “This one, to my knowledge, has never been out of the shop. When we bought the store, these two boards were up in the attic,” he said, moving on to an adjacent Surfboard Hawaii Model A with distinct flowerchild vibes.
A respected judge on the competitive surfing circuit, Patrick spends less time on the waves these days. “My friend John Olvey, the artist who passed away recently, we did the math one time, and we figured that in 50-something years of surfing, we probably actually only surfed about two hours. The rest of the time you’re paddling.”
As for the future of the shop, “I leave it all up to her,” said Patrick, who also has a job on dry land. “It’s been her deal since the go. I come in here for a couple of hours on Sunday, so she can basically go to H-E-B.”
The shop is closed on Mondays, leaving Tippy time to hit the beach.
“It’s a challenge when you get older, but when you’re a surfer, it’s something that never leaves you,” she says. “I have surfed good waves all my life. I competed, I got a surf shop, I’ve been in business 31 years. Everything was connected to surfing, and surfing is my life. It’s still my life.”
Left: Tippy Kelley inside Dockside Surf Shop (Jason Page). Right, clockwise from top: Patrick Kelley leads the paddle out for his dear friend John Olvey (Mary Goldsmith); Tippy and Patrick Kelley (Scott Ellwood); Exterior of the Chisolms' Dockside Sail, Surf & Dive, as seen in The Legend of Billie Jean (1985, TriStar Pictures).
getting wave ready
SURF CAMPS ARE THE GATEWAY TO LOCAL CULTURE
BY JACQUELINE GONZALEZ
Whether just starting or looking to refine your skills, local surf camps and lessons provide the perfect opportunity to embrace the waves. Here’s an all-ages guide to navigating the surf scene in the Coastal Bend.
Texas Surf Camps
CORPUS CHRISTI & PORT ARANSAS
SEASON: YEAR-ROUND (BY APPOINTMENT)
361.749.6956 • TEXASSURFCAMPS.COM
Texas Surf Camps offers private surfing lessons for all ages and skill levels in Port Aransas and Corpus Christi; no experience needed. All equipment is provided, and lessons are available year-round by appointment. The camp emphasizes ocean safety, surf etiquette and marine biology, along with hands-on practice in the water. Activities include surf training, beach and ocean games and presentations from organizations like Surfrider Foundation and Texas Parks and Wildlife. Scheduling is subject to instructor availability, so it’s recommended to provide 24-48 hours’ notice for booking.
Padre Island Surf Camp
NORTH PADRE ISLAND SEAWALL
SEASON: YEAR-ROUND (BY APPOINTMENT)
361.774.2264 • PADREISLANDSURFCAMP.COM
Kiteboarding N. Padre Island
CORPUS CHRISTI
SEASON: YEAR-ROUND (BY APPOINTMENT)
KITEBOARDINGNORTHPADREISLAND.COM
Padre Island Surf Camp provides a variety of surfing programs, including day camps, after-school programs, spring break sessions and private/group lessons for surfers of all levels. Its core surfing class includes stretching, ocean safety and surf techniques, followed by hands-on water sessions. Campers can enjoy free surfing with instructors, along with beach games and educational discussions on ocean safety and environmental awareness. In addition to surfing lessons, the camp also features a Friday raffle, rewarding campers for their efforts with prizes based on trash pick-up, most improved surfer and participation in discussions. Private lessons and group packages are available by appointment year-round.
Shwiggy Surf
CORPUS CHRISTI
SEASON: YEAR-ROUND (BY APPOINTMENT) 361.658.1604 • @SHWIGGYSURF
Led by Shane Wiggins, Shwiggy Surf offers surf lessons, coaching and camps for all skill levels in Corpus Christi and surrounding areas. With over 20 years of experience surfing and swimming in the Gulf of Mexico, Wiggins provides personalized coaching and surf lessons tailored to each participant’s needs. Shwiggy Surf offers private lessons and camps to help you achieve your surfing goals in the Gulf’s perfect conditions.
In addition to kiteboarding, Kiteboarding North Padre Island offers personalized surfing lessons for all experience levels. Beginner lessons focus on mastering the basics and getting comfortable on the board, while intermediate lessons enhance technique and wave selection. For advanced surfers, lessons focus on challenging maneuvers and advanced surf techniques. With expert instructors and ideal surf conditions, it’s a great spot to improve your skillls.
Worldwinds Windsurfing
BIRD ISLAND BASIN & PADRE ISLAND NATIONAL SEASHORE SEASON: YEAR-ROUND 361.949-7472 • WORLDWINDS.NET
Worldwinds Windsurfing is one of the top windsurfing schools in the world, offering lessons for all skill levels. Its highly trained instructors bring years of experience to help you hone your skills. The calm, flat and shallow waters provide the perfect setting for safe and easy learning. Worldwinds offers daily lessons in a range of levels, including beginner, early intermediate, intermediate and advanced windsurfing, with specialized series tailored to each stage of skill development. Lessons can be conveniently booked in advance online or by phone, ensuring an experience tailored to your needs.
Photo provided by Texas Surf Camps
State of the Surf
MEET THE NEW GENERATION OF BEACH FREAKS AND FEMMES
BY VANESSA PEREZ
ou might be hard-pressed to encounter a surfer who doesn’t ask in the first five minutes of meeting if you’ve ever surfed—or if not, why not? This was a common thread among numerous conversations I had with local surfers, many of them scratching their heads at the idea that I have lived on the coast most of my life and have never dared to paddle out.
When I caught Nate Floyd on a balmy late afternoon at Wind and Wave, the watersports shop his family has owned and operated since 1987, he launched into his pitch. Not long ago, a woman in her mid-60s who had never surfed a day in her life came into the shop on a mission to begin her journey out into the waves. They talked about the craft, the community and the accessibility of the sport. “She bought a board that same day,” he said. And that’s how quickly it can happen for many people.
“Surfing is pretty welcoming,” he explained. “Corpus especially sees a lot of new faces”—not surprising, considering the possibilities ranging from adventure-seeking Air Force pilots on assignment to university students and tourists.
Many acknowledge surfing in Texas is one part opportunism and two heaping parts optimism. Windows of surf on the best days can be as brief as 30 minutes, and the best days may come maybe a handful of times a year. In a lifestyle largely dictated by the unpredictable and unforgiving patterns of the water, going with the flow isn’t a choice but rather a humbling exercise in patience and a trait of the lifestyle.
“An avid surfer becomes a meteorologist,” Floyd said while in front of an open tab on the shop’s computer, inspecting the upcoming coastal patterns around Costa Rica in anticipation of an upcoming trip. Most local surfers call JP Luby home, where the jetties conduct rip currents and break waves up into wedges, creating a hospitable environment for fishers and surfers alike.
Rachael Chaney, owner of Needles and Fins, said it’s not out of the ordinary to leave a sign on her shop door that simply says: “Out surfing, you should be too.”
Threads of the surf community as a whole can be found in the different pockets of culture throughout the city. A multitude of surf and skate shops, as well as surf and coastal environmental clubs in schools, plant the seeds further sown and nurtured by the welcoming community. On North Padre, you’re as likely to see the drummer from your favorite
local band as you are your high school English teacher chasing a wave.
This sentiment proves common throughout the surfing community, here and at large. As Chaney put it, "the water is for everyone." When people say surfing is a lifestyle, as much as it might sound like something pulled from a souvenir shop t-shirt, it holds true. Surfers have the special ability, by the nature of their craft, to do it—ideally—for most of their lives. This longevity is not something many sports can claim. By that virtue, a lot of the same players stay in the scene, bridging the intergenerational gap many subcultures can experience.
Chaney and Floyd both come from generational surfing families, with their parents also being notable figures in the surfing community, and have watched the scene evolve over the years.
“Both my parents were surfers, so I was always at the beach,” Chaney said, recalling her earliest memories on the beach with her parents. “It was either sit on the sand or paddle out.”
The scene in the Coastal Bend is full of young people like Chaney and Floyd, who hold deep respect for those who came before them, as well as an investment in keeping traditions in the community alive for the generations budding after them.
Floyd and his father, Frank, were vocal advocates for finding ways to save the beloved Bob Hall Pier, a favorite surfing locale that had incurred considerable damage from Hurricane Hanna in 2020. Many in the scene contributed their efforts to extensive research on fiscally feasible alternatives to a complete demolition of the historic landmark that had stood there for generations, since 1962.
While saving the pier was not the reality that came to pass, its reconstruction is expected to be complete at the end of 2025. The effort made to save it is just one of myriad examples of the community’s will to go the extra mile for the sanctity of history, tradition and the future of the scene.
Chaney dedicates her shop, Needles and Fins, to creating space for the worlds she inhabits to intersect and multiply, hosting surf movie nights and skate film premieres, on top of a slew of live music acts free of charge and for all ages. Her shop also favors carrying boards shaped by small, femmemade brands, something immensely important to her.
“One cool thing about the surf community in Corpus is there’s a lot of the same players around and it’s
very familiar,” Chaney said, adding that with the evolution of the scene, the gender gap has lessened. “There are more women in the water, and I see more people of color surfing these days, which is fantastic. To me, maybe that’s saying that resources that weren’t so readily available when I was learning are out there. There’s less gatekeeping and a lot more diversity, which is the ultimate goal.”
Left: Branden Green (Photo by Noah Hall). Right Top to Bottom: Nate Floyd (Photo by Scott Ellwood), Kelly Norton (Photo by Jim Quisenberry) and Stefan Lewis (Photo by Jim Quisenberry).
Tamara Lopez Conviva Respresentative
The Leader in Senior Primary Care
Ridley’s coastal brunch haven is rooted
Little Bites, Big Gains
Try these high-protein snacks to fuel your day
By Kayla Butts MS, RDN, LD Photos by Jason Page
High-protein snacks are game-changers when it comes to staying full, energized and on track with your health goals. Whether you’re trying to build muscle, lose weight or just avoid that mid-afternoon crash, these tasty treats can help. Take deviled eggs to the next level with jalapeno and bacon, or enjoy a creamy cheesecake parfait with almost 30 grams of protein. These snacks help keep you full longer and stabilize blood sugar levels; including them in your diet can improve workout recovery and support overall nutrition goals, making them a smart, satisfying choices.
Cottage Cheesecake Parfait
1-2 servings
PREP TIME: 15 minutes
COOK TIME: 5 minutes
INGREDIENTS:
1/2 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tbsp maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
BERRY TOPPING:
1 cup berries
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp lemon juice
GRANOLA CRUST:
1/3 cup granola
DIRECTIONS:
Combine berries, honey and lemon juice into a small saucepan over medium heat. Stirring occasionally, cook berry mixture until boiling and sauce begins to thicken. Remove from the heat and set aside.
Chop granola in a blender or food processor until fine. Transfer to a glass or serving dish. Blend cottage cheese, yogurt, syrup and vanilla in a blender or food processor until smooth. Spoon mixture on top of granola crust. Top with reserved berry syrup. Chill before serving or enjoy at room temperature.
RECIPE
Deluxe Deviled Eggs
Makes one dozen
PREP TIME: 15 minutes
COOK TIME: 15 minutes
INGREDIENTS:
6 eggs
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp pickled jalapenos, minced
1 tbsp sweet and spicy pickles, minced
2 tsp fresh dill, chopped
2 tsp green onion, minced
1 tsp Dijon mustard
4 slices bacon
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
DIRECTIONS:
Place eggs in the bottom of a medium saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring water to a rolling boil, then turn off the heat. Cover pan with a lid and let sit for 12 minutes.
Meanwhile, fry bacon in a single layer over medium-low heat for 8-12 minutes, until crispy. Transfer to paper-towel lined plate and let cool. Chop bacon.
Drain the eggs and rinse with cold water. Once cool enough to touch, peel the eggs and cut each in half lengthwise. Remove the yolks, transfer them to a medium mixing bowl and mash with a fork until smooth. To the yolks, add mayonnaise, jalapeno, pickle, dill, green onion, mustard, bacon, salt and pepper, and stir until wellcombined.
Spoon yolk mixture into egg white halves and refrigerate until ready to eat.
Your New Favorite Brunch
Ridley’s coastal brunch haven is rooted in community, good tastes and clean eating
By Lauren Pieper Photos by Deux Boheme
When it comes to the best meal of the weekend, the search for a new brunch spot to add to the regular rotation is always on. Since opening in January, Ridley’s has presented an enticing new option on the Island, where made-fromscratch brunch meets the charm of a coastal bakery.
Recognizing the Island’s potential niche as a brunch destination, owners David and Kim Parlasca established Ridley’s with a commitment to clean eating and high-quality ingredients. With help from their team, they’ve curated a menu that embraces today’s appetite for healthier contemporary flavors.
“We’re aware of concerns around food additives and want to lead the shift toward cleaner eating,” David shared. “We use minimal, healthy ingredients that let natural flavors in a dish shine, avoiding preservatives and sulfites common in jarred items,” Kim added.
Every dish, loaf of bread and baked treat is made in-house using King Arthur flour—an all-natural, unbleached flour prized for its digestive benefits and lack of artificial preservatives. A signature, Ridley’s freshly baked sourdough bread boasts a golden crust, airy crumb and balanced tang. Other house-made staples include B&B pickles and syrups.
Ridley's offers daily happy hour specials from 2-5 p.m.
Island influences shine in standout dishes like the Lobster Bennie, a creative twist on eggs Benedict served on Ridley’s signature sourdough, and the Kickin’ Shrimp Frittata, carefully crafted with a bold Cajun sauce. Ridley’s also pays tribute to Texas flavors with dishes like Pork Belly Grits, topped with bacon marmalade and a poached egg, and Brisket Hash, served with Hatch green chile potato hash and topped with smoked gouda.
On the sweeter side of the breakfast, brunch and bakery menus, highlights include Gone Bananas French Toast, made with house banana nut bread, and Pineapple Upside Down Pancakes, crowned with toasted coconut and glazed fruit. The bakery’s Carrot Cake and Pecan Pie pair perfectly with one of Ridley’s artisanal coffees made with Adelphos Espresso.
The craft bar rounds out the brunch experience with mimosa and bloody mary flights, inventive cocktails like the Seafood Bloody Mary, Spicy Pineapple Margarita and signature Boozy Milkshakes. Guests can also enjoy classic cocktails, wine, Nueces Brewing beer on draft, refreshing mocktails and even wellness shots.
Ridley’s is proud to have curated a community hub that embraces Island life with a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere for kids, dogs and beachgoers. David and Kim credit their early-rising, dedicated team for upholding the fresh, high-quality standards that define both their food and service. Committed to the city it serves, Ridley’s invites everyone to “cross the JFK Causeway and step into the good vibes at Ridley’s.” The Parlascas swear it’ll become your new favorite brunch spot.
CONTACT
11862 TX-361 | 361.589.4046
FOOD SPOTLIGHT CUISINE
Bien Mérité
FRENCH BAKERY
TABLE TALK NEWS
You can now shop Bien Merité's most popular macaron flavors at various H-E-B locations. Stop by the Flour Bluff, Roberts or Saratoga stores and treat yourself!
@bienmerite bienmerite.com
DINK & DRINK JUST OPENED @dinkandrinkcc
Pickleball in Corpus Christi just got a whole lot more exciting. Dink & Drink offers players both indoor and outdoor courts, along with craft cocktails and elevated bites to pair.
14325 NORTHWEST BLVD. CORPUS CHRISTI, TX
SCAN THE QR CODE TO ACCESS OUR WEBSITE AND DISCOVER EVEN MORE FOOD AND DRINK CONTENT THROUGHOUT THE COASTAL BEND.
SWEET TREAT
The Cookie Plot BAKED GOODS
This new local business combines two things that just make sense together: a good book and a good cookie. It even has a vegan and gluten-friendly chocolate chip cookie. 5830 McArdle Road Ste 11 $
DRINKS
Barrel Creek Cocktail Lounge COCKTAIL BAR
Barrel Creek Cocktail Lounge blends rustic charm with a modern edge, offering a cozy neighborhood spot to unwind. Guests can enjoy expertly crafted cocktails made with premium spirits and fresh ingredients. 6202 Yorktown Suite 105 $
LUNCH/DINNER
Trattoria Mamma Lina ITALIAN
From salmon croccante and lasagna to pinsa and pollo al gorgonzola, every dish at Trattoria Mamma Lina is made fresh in-house, reflecting the heartfelt memories Chef Francesco carries from cooking alongside his mother. 3815 S Alameda St. $$
Pistachio Macarons. Photo provided by Bien Mérité
Lobster Rolls in the Lone Star State
Meet Masshole Lobster Truck, a team leading a delicious invasion in South Texas
By Luis Arjona Photo by Laro Pilartes
Masshole: a term of endearment—no, pride—when talking about the residents of Massachusetts. It was born from blue-collar grit, forged in Fenway and baptized in drawn butter and shell-cracked knuckles. Being a Masshole isn’t so bad, especially when it comes with a lobster roll in hand.
In Texas, lobster rolls are not the local religion. We’re more known for our brisket, tacos and finding solace in our favorite TexMex spot. But, tucked into the folds of San Antonio and now Corpus Christi, something strange is happening. Something good. Something buttery.
Masshole Lobster Truck updates its social media pages weekly with new popup schedules.
Masshole Lobster Truck is rolling through with East Coast attitude and flavor, changing the tides one griddled bun at a time. You’ll find New England wrapped in a toasted split-top, served with a side of Texas hospitality.
Adam Bylicki, the original Masshole and founder of the food truck, is a former Army paratrooper who missed the lobster rolls of his Massachusetts childhood. During the pandemic, he fired up a food trailer in San Antonio with a menu full of lobster rolls and sandwiches inspired by the East Coast. It is the kind of food truck that does not beg for your attention, but rightfully earns it through every roll; not long ago it won best food truck in San Antonio.
Now, the local outpost is run by Tim and Justin Boone, brothers who were looking to not just open any business, but bring something unique to the Coastal Bend. And it wasn’t merely the rolls that sold them; it was Bylicki. “Justin saw an ad on Facebook,” Tim shared. “We drove to San Antonio, tried the food and met Adam. That was it.”
Now, the Masshole Lobster Truck is making fans in Corpus Christi. Locals are trying lobster—some for the first time— and walking away hooked. First-timers are steered toward the classics: The Maine, chilled and kissed with mayo, or The Connecticut, warm and glossed in melted butter.
And this is just the beginning. “We’ve been blessed and cannot imagine a better start to this venture,” said Tim.
The duo recently launched a Lobster Mac & Cheese that’s criminally good, with more menu heat on the horizon. Because when the food’s this good, it doesn’t matter where you’re from. You might just become a Masshole yourself.
CONTACT
361.290.5266 | @massholelobstertruck
AROUND THE BEND
Remembering John Olvey
One of Corpus Christi’s beloved surfers will be known for much more than shredding waves
By Evelyn Martinez Photos provided by Yvonne Olvey
In October of 2022, a pack of 300 mourning surfers dotted the blue swells of the North Packery Beach in Corpus Christi for a funeral rite known as a paddle out. Only days after Texan artist-surfer extraordinaire John Olvey rode his last wave on that very channel, family, friends and fellow surfers gathered for a final goodbye. His ashes became one with the sea that afternoon, but according to his loved ones, his soul had always been intertwined with the saltwater.
“I was told by many participants that John’s was one of the largest [paddle outs] they’d ever seen,” said Yvonne Olvey, his lifelong partner. Finding each other while working in the hotel industry in Houston in the ’80s, they fell into the kind of love unique to one’s youth—one that stayed between them for the next 40 years of their lives.
“I was in no condition to join in; John had only been gone nine days,” she continued. “I gave his best friend, Patrick Kelley, the owner of Dockside Surfshop, a biodegradable urn. He was in the center of the paddle out, and he let the ashes flow. I was able to witness that from the sidelines.”
Up until his final day, John rode on the backs of the coastal waters, picking up state and national titles throughout his 40-year career in professional surfing. His legacy, however, extends much further than his trophies, etched permanently onto his painted canvases and surfboard sculptures and within the cultural memory of the Corpus Christi community. By his untimely death, John had solidified his
Olvey's work displayed in the Water Street Gallery (2017), 1st place in Senior Longboard and Kneeboard at the USA Surfing Championships (1995).
memory as not only a generational local artist, but a humble community man.
“Everyone who knew John knew him for how giving he was,” explained Yvonne. “People knew they could count on him, and he was always humble about everything he did.”
The vibrancy found within his later artworks pulled from the passion he felt for the sport since the day he built his first surfboard at 10 years old. From canvas paintings and murals to the carved boards that became his signature medium, John’s work often portrayed a surfer’s paradise.
“His art was always tied to surfing and the ocean,” said Yvonne. “The waves and the ocean calmed him down, ever since he was a little kid. Surfing was his escape from work and his life at home.”
With the encouragement and entrepreneurial spirit of his wife, John left his unfulfilling career to dedicate himself fully to his artistry. Their home
on the Corpus shore transformed into an art studio where he brushed his first oil on canvas paintings. By the end of 2010, the two officially began to sell John Olvey originals. They embarked on the journey together—John in charge of channeling the city’s gorgeous beachfront and his life’s work out on the waves into art pieces, and Yvonne working behind the scenes managing his brand, his price sheets and his clientele.
Like any talented surfer, John’s eyes still remained fixed on the horizon, waiting patiently for the next wave. This time, that wave came in the shape of sculpture.
“He loved to paint tropical landscapes on canvas, so it made sense for him to move on to painting surfboards,” said Yvonne. “He had this surfboard that was broken in half, and one day he just decided to start carving it.”
As an established artist in the Coastal Bend, John made sure to give back to his
John and Yvonne Olvey with D’Anne Buquet and a wooden board with Corpus Christi landmarks (2022); John at an Executive Surf Club event (2019).
community through the donation of various works to surf organizations like the Texas Gulf Surfing Association and the Texas Surf Museum, volunteering his time at Church Unlimited and through coaching the next generation of surfers.
In the years since his death, Yvonne searches for solace in her grief by continuing her late husband’s philanthropic spirit. Started in his honor in 2023, the John Olvey Scholarship awards deserving student surfers funds to use toward their college educations. This past April, Yvonne presented the winner with her $3,000 check herself.
“My main goal is always keeping his memory and his work alive,” she said. “I’m happy to be able to keep doing what he loved, but it doesn’t bring him back. He’s still not here to see it, so it’s bittersweet.”
Though his loss reverberated through the surf and arts scene, John’s fingerprints still remain along the Gulf Coast. When she misses John, Yvonne visits his 12-foot-tall white cross sitting in the dunes of North Packery. His final work hangs in the lobby of the American Bank on Padre Island, and a permanent exhibit exists inside the Kokomo Yacht Club down the street. Along the beach he called home, his soul will remain embedded in the sea until the coast dries out.
CONTACT
johnolveyart.com
CALENDAR
JUN
JUNE 6
MURAL FEST 2025
The Downtown Management District hosts the third annual Mural Fest from 6 to 10 p.m. The festival will introduce four new murals to the downtown area, and include an ArtWalk takeover, self-guided tours and regular ArtWalk block party programming.
JUNE
6
PRIDE IN COLOR EXHIBITION
The Art Center of Corpus Christi opens its new exhibition, Pride in Color, this month with works showcasing the power of color, identity and inclusivity. Featuring work from local artists, the show runs through June 28 with an opening reception during Downtown Corpus Christi’s June ArtWalk.
JUNE 12
ARTRAGEOUS 2025
This year, the Art Museum of South Texas’s annual summer fundraiser takes on the theme “Art Against the Machine.” Join in for a journey into a brave new world where human creativity stands against the rise of AI. Enjoy a costume contest, food, drinks, entertainment and more.
JUNE 14
TEXAS JAZZ FESTIVAL’S FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL
The legendary Texas Jazz Festival hosts its inaugural Food Truck Festival this month. From noon to 10 p.m., guests can enjoy live music, an array of food trucks, local vendors and more, all at Water’s Edge Park.
JUNE 20-22
8TH ANNUAL COASTAL BEND JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL
Join TABPHE-CC for three days of festival fun celebrating Juneteenth! Hosted at Water’s Edge Park, this year’s festivities include food, vendors, family-friendly activities, presentations, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament and more. This year’s live music lineup includes Tonio Armani, Z-Ro and Carl Thomas.
EVENTS
JUNE 21
LUCY'S FIELD DAY
Lucy’s Snackbar is hosting the first-ever Downtown Field Day, inviting local businesses to face off in classic field day games. Held on Chaparral St., this free community event will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Coastal Bend, supporting vital youth programs in arts, music and athletics.
JUNE 25
PRIDE HOOKS NIGHT
Whataburger Field and PRIDE Corpus Christi join forces to host an evening of community, unity and fun. Starting at 5:15 p.m., watch as the CC Hooks take on the Northwest Arkansas Naturals and enjoy special surprises, activities and concessions.
Where Science Meets the Sea
The University of Texas’ oldest marine research facility works toward education and awareness
By Ava Coronado Photos provided by University of Texas’ Marine Science Institute
Resting on the coastline of Mustang Island in Port Aransas is the University of Texas’ Marine Science Institute (UTMSI), dedicated to enhancing the understanding of the world’s oceans and educating populations about marine environments. What was once a small shack in 1941 is now one of the most significant research facilities on the Texas coast.
UTMSI addresses worldwide issues while focusing on the coastal zone ecosystem within three categories: biogeochemistry, fish physiology and ecosystem dynamics. Through its three educational centers, UTMSI is dedicated to spreading knowledge about aquatic life with the local community.
“The importance is, we live here,” UTMSI Education Coordinator Adriana Reza said. “Our community loves the beach, but we do not often visit the beach because it is part of our lives. Highlighting research is important so that our community, visitors and tourists are aware of all the things going on here. The oceans and the estuaries are vital ecosystems, and they play a really great role in our lives.”
Located in Rockport, the Bay Education Center — one of UTMSI’s campuses — invites visitors to understand the importance of estuaries and coastal habitats through discoveries of the MissionAransas Estuary and the National Estuarine Research Reserve. Visitors can explore Science on a Sphere (SOS), an interactive 3D globe that brings Earth science to life from land, air, space and sea.
The newest addition to UTMSI’s reach is the Patton Center for Marine Science Education in Port Aransas. It offers eight large aquaria, interactive displays and its Estuary Explorium, designed for people of all ages to delve into the UTMSI research. The center features multiple walking trails, the Wetlands Education Center and the Water Wise Wildlife Garden, which demonstrates native coastal vegetation.
Volunteer and educational internship opportunities are available, and forms can be found online.
Then, there’s the 3.6-acre Wetlands Education Center—one of a kind in the state of Texas—and its trail lined with interpretive signage, designed to instruct about local coastal habitats. Visitors can acquire hands-on experience and take in the unique local plants and animals. Free guided tours are available twice weekly, and self-guided walks are open to the public from dawn to dusk.
“[The centers] help the mission by making that connection to our community, whether it is our locals in Port Aransas or our winter Texans. They remember the message they learned at MSI,” Reza said.
Free public educational programs, including lectures, nature crafts, teacher workshops, graduate student opportunities and a kids’ summer science program are also available.
UTMSI research, education and outreach emphasize the vital importance of the coastal ecosystems to our communities. Because our blue waters, at the end of the day, are more than just pretty scenery.
A Learning Legacy
Aalbert Heine dedicated his career to educating Corpus Christi
By Jillian Becquet Photo Courtesy of the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History
One hundred times now, I’ve come to you via the last page of The Bend with a little history about our city, in hopes it interests you and makes you curious to learn more. This time, I want to introduce you to one of the greatest teachers I never knew.
Aalbert Heine was the first director of the Corpus Christi Junior Museum, which we now know as the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History. He was a leader in the museum field during his 27-year tenure and published articles that were ahead of his time. In an era of everything being behind glass, he argued for the inclusion of hands-on artifacts, especially for teaching children. When he said, “A visit to the museum should be a day to observe the world from as many angles as possible,” he meant that literally and figuratively.
In a time before the internet, Heine introduced the children of Corpus Christi to the world—all of it. From the cultural practices of Guatemala to enormous spider crabs from Japan to yes, even a mummy (now resting in its homeland of Peru,
after repatriation in 2019), children learned from the real items shown at the museum.
I have had the pleasure of reading a lot of Heine’s writings, from the operational memos about building maintenance to his philosophical museology writings, and one stuck with me. In a memo about volunteering, Heine stated: “Whatever person or group you talk to, be pleasant—be stimulating—be scientifically correct.”
It’s simple advice but wise. It’s fun to learn new things, and we don’t need someone to trick us into learning. We just need to find the right teacher and the right presentation. Heine was that teacher for so many people during his career, and his legacy lives on at the Corpus Christi Museum and in all who have learned there for the past 68 years. Thank you for opening your mind to learning and experiencing the history around you, both at the museum and in this column. I hope you all have found these 100 stories pleasant, stimulating and (historically) correct. It’s been a pleasure, and I’ll see you next month.
Aalbert Heine (1920-2003), director of the Corpus Christi Museum from 1957 to 1984, gives a tour.
Providing Cosmetic surgery in Corpus Christi, TX and surrounding communities
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