Surfing
Surfing
Top surf shops in California
Read ahead for a guide to the top surf shops in California up and down the state, from San Francisco to San Diego.
California has been a surfing epicenter for roughly a century, producing icons of the sport generation after generation. In fact, Red Bull surfer and California native Griffin Colapinto witnessed many top surfers in his area during his formative years. “I grew up in San Clemente watching guys like the Gudauskas brothers and Kolohe Andino, who all have really sick styles,” he said.
Griffin Colapinto
© Trevor Moran / Red Bull Content Pool
Colapinto isn’t the only one to fall in love with surfing after getting a taste of Southern California's surfing culture. And while inspiration usually strikes close to the water, California’s surfing community thrives off the beach too. For decades, surf shops in California have been a hub for the best surf gear and a great place to connect with fellow wave riders. Read ahead for a guide to the top surf shops in California up and down the state, from San Francisco to San Diego.
01
Jack's Surfboards, Huntington Beach
Vans US Open 2022 in Huntington Beach, California
© Sean Evans / Red Bull Contact Pool
This shop in Huntington Beach (affectionately known by locals as Surf City USA) opened its doors in 1957. The store’s founder, Jack Hokanson, was inspired to launch his business after seeing that many local board shops didn’t carry essential surfing gear like wetsuits.
Although Hokanson gave up his ownership in 1974, his legacy lives on today, with Jack’s Surfboard shops located throughout Southern California. The original shop at 101 Main Street in Huntington Beach remains a landmark of surfing culture. Today, the shop offers an array of both surf and skate gear, from surfboard bags to traction pads.
02
Rip Curl Surf Center, San Clemente
Rip Curl has become a globally recognized brand in the surfing community, and its roots were first planted in San Clemente. The company’s flagship Trestles store is located just a short distance from the new shop at 3801 South El Camino Real. Rip Curl’s surf store is also just a short drive from San Onofre Beach, one of the best surfing spots in California.
In addition to selling a range of surf gear and apparel, the San Clemente Rip Curl Surf Center is known for excellent customer service. If you’re outfitting a brand-new board, the shop’s team can install fins and deck pads too.
03
Infinity Surfboards, Dana Point
This Orange County surf shop has been in business at 24382 Del Prado for over 50 years. The company’s hand-shaped surfboards are designed by an award-winning team and include a range of short, long, and SUP (standup paddle) boards. You can also rent surfboards if you want to enjoy a day at nearby Dana Strands Beach or Doheny State Beach.
04
Mollusk Surf Shop, San Francisco
The Bay Area’s Mollusk Surf Shop is a staple in the San Francisco surfing scene. In addition to a selection of boards and apparel, you can find surfing books, a gallery space, and on the right night, live music. Southern Californians can get a taste of the Mollusk Surf brand too, with locations in Santa Barbara and Venice Beach. That said, the original San Francisco location at 4500 Irving Street will always be one of a kind.
05
Surf Ride, Oceanside
Established in 1974, this San Diego County surf shop has drawn in some of the world’s greatest surfers as customers, including Kelly Slater. You can find this family-owned business at 1909 South Coast Highway, along with a second location in Solana Beach. Both shops can be found along the Pacific Coast Highway, also known as the Interstate 5 freeway. In addition to an impressive inventory of surfboards, gear, and apparel, Surf Ride also sponsors a summer camp for young surfers to learn the fundamentals.
06
Proof Lab Surf Shop, Mill Valley
Proof Lab’s Northern California store was meant to be more than just a surf shop. Founders Nate McCarthy and Will Hutchinson created the store as a haven for the local community, and people other than surfers are welcome. In fact, you’ll find an epic skateboarding bowl, pottery studio, and plant nursery at 244 Shoreline Highway.
Of course, Proof Lab is still a dream spot for surfers, with hundreds of surfboard brands to buy or rent. If you're new to surfing, Proof Lab will also help with recommendations for surf teachers so that you can reach pro status in no time.
07
Hansen Surfboards, Encinitas
The legacy of Hansen Surfboards began in the 1960s as surfing entered the mainstream. Founder Don Hansen got his start shaping surfboards in Hawaii along Oahu’s North Shore. In the 1970s, he opened the Hansen Surfboards Encinitas location, which has since grown into San Diego County’s largest surf shop.
With 20,000 square feet of wall-to-wall apparel and gear, Hansen shoppers can find just about anything they might need. The company’s staff of passionate surfers is happy to help you find whatever surf gear you might need.
08
ZJ Boarding House, Santa Monica
ZJ Boarding House has been a mainstay of Los Angeles surfing culture since 1988. Founders Mikke Pierson and Todd Roberts originally set up shop in Malibu in collaboration with Zuma Jay Surf Shop. Eventually, ZJ Boarding House relocated to Santa Monica, where it now lives at 2619 Main Street. If you’re in Santa Monica, you can find a variety of boards, apparel, and wetsuits at ZJ’s.
09
Spyder Surfboards, Hermosa Beach
Spyder Surfboards has been providing Hermosa Beach with top-notch surf, skate, and snow gear since 1978. The company operates two stores in the South Bay Los Angeles neighborhood, at 65 Pier Avenue and the original location at 2461 East Pacific Coast Highway. Additionally, Spyder Surfboards has recently expanded to Manhattan Beach. It offers custom board designs, so you can get the exact surfboard of your dreams, alongside the latest and greatest in surf gear and apparel.
10
O’Neill Surf Shop, Santa Cruz
Surfing legend Jack O’Neill founded this shop at 110 Cooper Street in the heart of downtown Santa Cruz. O’Neill brand wetsuits are made with the same techniques that the store’s founder and renowned surf apparel innovator used decades ago.
You can find additional O’Neill Surf Shops close to the Santa Cruz Boardwalk. That said, nothing quite beats visiting the Cooper Street location before hitting the waves at nearby Steamer Lane, an iconic Santa Cruz surf spot.
Surf’s up in California
Surfers in California looking for their next board or a better-fitted wetsuit have no shortage of shops to choose from. From Northern to Southern California, the Golden State is brimming with surf stores offering cutting-edge surf gear. Whether you’re getting your feet wet in Santa Cruz or you’re a pro in Huntington Beach, the top California surf shops offer whatever you need.
