The weight of two class actions, a legal dispute with a major shareholder and an investigation by the corporate cop have proved too much for troubled online surf and skate retailer SurfStitch.

In the latest chapter in its tumultuous history, the group called in administrators for its listed and holding companies on Thursday, citing the "adverse impact" mounting legal action was having on its cash flow position.

"These challenges each bring high levels of uncertainty and material costs that are entirely outside the control of the group operational businesses," SurfStitch said in a statement to the ASX.

SurfStitch's operating businesses - the online stores SurfStitch, SurfDome and Swell, surf report site Magic Seaweed, and the magazine Stab - are not subject to the administration and will trade as usual. Customers would continue to receive orders, and suppliers and employees would be paid as normal, administrator FTI Consulting said.