Surfing
Surfing
Top surf shops in Texas
Along the state’s Gulf Coast area, local and out-of-town surfers alike can access resources and support from all kinds of surf shops.
From Galveston to South Padre Island, the Texas Gulf Coast is full of surfing treasures. With a unique regional surf culture based on more than surfing, the spring swell season is one of the Lone Star State’s best-kept secrets. And near many of the best surfing spots in Texas, you’ll find great surf shops with unparalleled service and local recommendations.
If you’re gearing up to surf in Texas, a visit to one of these spots is a must. Read ahead for a guide to the top surf shops in Texas, where you can find beach apparel and surf lessons for just about anyone.
01
Surfside Surf Station, Surfside Beach
This Texas surf shop is owned by Surfside Beach native and Psychoside Surf Industries founder Austin Campbell, who’s been shaping custom boards since 2014. The shop is committed to supporting local surf brands, and it sells new and used surfboards alongside apparel and wetsuits. The staff here will gladly help you find rentals, repair your current surfboard, or design a brand-new one. You can browse Surfside in person at 402 Murex Street or reach out online with whatever your needs might be.
Campbell also co-owns the School of Surf with fellow surfer Margarey Valdez, and aspiring surfers of any age can take lessons. Parents of graduating surf students have commended the duo’s patient teaching approach, meeting each surf student at their level.
02
Third Coast Beach Company, Corpus Christi
Located at 14501 South Padre Island Drive, this surf shop is a portal into the Corpus Christi surfing community. Snap some photos with the giant shark guarding the entrance, and then head inside for several aisles of surf gear and souvenirs. In addition to a wide selection of Padre Island mementos, you can find gear from brands including Zap Skimboards and Rip Curl. You can also get shirts custom-made onsite, with a catalog of hundreds of original designs to choose from.
03
Picnic Surf Shapes, Galveston
Founded by Texas artist Gregory Ruppe, Picnic Surf Shapes has been crafting custom surfboards in Dallas for only a few years. With a focus on sustainable materials, traditional surfboard craftsmanship and a DIY aesthetic, Picnic Surf Shapes provides one-of-a-kind hollow-core wooden creations.
Ruppe opened Picnic’s first brick-and-mortar shop in February in Dallas, next to his other home at the Power Station art collective. Picnic Surf Shapes’ latest journey has brought the shop closer to the water, with a new location at 2510 Market Street in Galveston. If you want Picnic’s artists to create an original design just for you, finished with a unique cartoon print, stop by for a chat.
04
Island Surf Rentals, Port Aransas
If you’re eager to explore the beaches of Port Aransas, this rental shop has you covered for just about anything you might need. Tour the area with a golf cart, take a kayak out on the water, or get the staff’s help finding the right board. You’ll encounter all shapes and sizes of skim, boogie, stand up paddle, and surfboards, not to mention top-tier customer service. It’s no wonder regulars keep coming back to this shop, located at 130 East Avenue G, before hitting those Port A Gulf Coast waves.
05
South Padre Surf Company, South Padre Island
As the first surf school in Texas, South Padre Surf Company is dedicated to helping novice surfers achieve their goals in a low-pressure environment. Located at 1 Bait Shop Road, this shop doesn’t call itself a conventional surf shop, but you can rent soft surfboards with an advance reservation.
South Padre Surf Company’s main mission is to make unforgettable surfing experiences available to everyone. Sign up for a cultural safari to find the best spots in town or enroll in the shop’s all-ages surf camp. You can even bring your furry friends along for the ride, as this shop offers dog surf lessons too. And if your pup gets cold feet, don’t worry — in that case, there’s no charge.
06
Island Native Surf House, South Padre Island
In addition to offering surfboards for every need, Island Native plays an important role in the local surf community. This shop sponsors rising Texas surf talents and provides surf lessons for all ages. You can visit the shop at 700-A Padre Boulevard in South Padre Island for surf gear, beach apparel, skateboards, and bikes.
07
Wind & Wave Watersports, Corpus Christi
Established in 1987, Wind & Wave offers stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, surfboards, and first-class customer service. Rent or buy a kayak for a day of fishing and test it out before you commit, with demos completely free of charge. Snag surfboards from brands including Slater Designs and Channel Islands — the staff here is happy to help you find the right board.
You can find this family-owned and operated shop at 10721 South Padre Island Drive in Corpus Christi. And if you want to know the conditions for the day, Wind & Wave provides a daily surf report.
08
The BoardHouse Surf & Skate, Port Aransas
This surf and skate shop at 509 North Alister Street in Port Aransas is home to new and used surfboards galore. Here, you can buy a board from brands including Firewire, Torq, and Hank Warner. Alternatively, you can rent a board for the day, with models made of poly, epoxy, or soft top. You can also rent body and stand-up paddle boards, and if your surfboard needs repair, this shop can fix it. Whether you’re a grom or seasoned surfer, BoardHouse can also hook you up with private classes or group lessons through Texas Surf Camps.
Texas is home to hidden surfing gems
The Lone Star State’s beaches have fostered another culture entirely: a thriving surf community. Along the state’s Gulf Coast area, local and out-of-town surfers alike can access resources and support from all kinds of surf shops. Check out any of the shops on this list for local surf gear — and Texas-sized hospitality.
