RIP Christian de la Iglesia
Miami Beach, FL – September 26, 2019 – World Red Eye is saddened by the the death of Christian de la Iglesia. Miami Beach’s surf community lost another trailblazer, Christian de la Iglesia partner of F1RST Surf Shop.
In 2008, Christian de la Iglesia and business partner Mark Gamez launched F1RST Surf Shop in the South of Fifth district of South Beach. With over 20 years of experience in the surf and skateboard industries, Mark and Chris decided that South Beach needed a true surf shop owned and operated by local surfers. Their approach was simple – offer the local surf community a hub where they felt part of the shop and lifestyle, a place where they could talk shop with the owners and knowledgeable staff. In the summer of 2010, F1RST Surf Shop relocated to 40 South Pointe Drive in South Beach at the Continuum Building. Chris was the wax that kept the Miami Beach surfing community together.
Most recently in November of 2017, Chris, Mark, and famed tattoo artist Ami James, opened Division Wynwood is a collective space of F1RST Surf Shop that combines surfing, skateboarding, and Love Hate tattoo shop all under one roof. In 2017, we interviewed the business partners to get a closer look to see what the new collective space has to offer Miami. World Red Eye has gathered some of our favorite moments with Christian for family and friends to reflect on. The WRE family will miss your loving spirit.
Please click here to donate, as contributions will be used to cover immediate household expenses and education for Gigi. Christian was the primary provider for this household and this is one of the reasons they’re asking for your help.
I met Chris about over fifteen years ago through surfing and mutual friends while he was working at Quiksilver. We’ve been business partners for 10 years.
Mark Gamez
Christian De La Iglesia & Mark Gamez at F1RST Surf Supply Company Relaunch on June 20, 2013
“Mark and I are stoked to offer brands that you won’t easily find in your everyday shops. A lot of our companies come from Bali, Australia and, of course, California, such as The Critical Slide Society, Deus Ex Machina, Iron & Resin, The Brothers Marshall, Vans Brixton and Insight. We only offer the best surfboards available on the market such as Super Brand, Channel Islands, Wave Riding Vehicles, Firewire, and Lost Surfboards. We also exclusively carry JP Australia SUP’s. Over 100 models are available in house, and we have the capabilities to custom-order any surfboard you are looking for.”
– Christian de la Iglesia on June 20, 2013
I met Mark in the early 2000’s when I was running the Quiksilver stores in Miami Beach and he was launching The Shack Surf Shop with a couple of friends. After a few years of friendship and the opportunity popped up, I approached Mark in the summer of 2008 about having a surf shop again in South Beach.
Christian de la Iglesia
Mark Gamez & Christian de la Iglesia at F1RST Surf Shop x Herschel Supply Co. on February 15, 2014
Craig Hamlin & Christian de la Iglesia at F1RST Surf Shop x Herschel Supply Co. on February 15, 2014
Christian de la Iglesia & Rene Pereda at Dillon Francis at Los Altos Fridays on December 14, 2018
Chris was a special dude, he always said yes to everyone and anything. I called him the “yes man” at times he was too nice some people took advantage of that. He knew it though, he could see through them and it didn’t even phase him. Imagine being nice to a person that you knew was taking advantage of your kindness. He fought to keep the surf community afloat event though the flat spells were terribly hurting the business. He was a great salesman, he could sell water to a well. He brought the surf community together over and over again, didn’t matter if they were beginners, rippers or just people that wanted into the scene. His arms were always open. He loved his family and his lil girl Gigi more than life. I speak for all of us when I say we love him and will miss him greatly.
– Flip Falca
