Last updated on April 13th, 2024 at 02:47 pm
If you are looking for a surf shop in San Francisco, you came to the right place. In this post, you will find our list of the most recommended surf shops in San Francisco, where you can purchase a new surfboard, surf gear, and different kinds of surf accessories.
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About Surf Shops in San Francisco
San Francisco is a fantastic surfing location with iconic landmarks and rolling hills. Due to its proximity to various excellent surf spots, many surfers, both local and foreign, hang out here.
A common question surfers ask is, “Where can I buy good surfing equipment?” Since countless excellent surf shops in San Francisco sell surfing gear, it can be tricky to decide which one is best. So, we have made a list of the top surf shops in San Francisco.
Whether you are an experienced wave rider looking for a new surfboard, a beginner seeking the right wetsuit, or a tourist needing rental gear, these stores have got you covered. From sleek and modern outlets to charming, vintage-style stores, San Francisco’s surf shops are well-stocked and richly diverse, offering the ultimate surf apparel.
So, let’s get right to it and examine the best surf shops in San Francisco.
The Best Surf Shops in San Francisco
1. Mollusk Surf Shop
Address – 4500 Irving St, San Francisco 94122.
Contact – 415-564-6300.
Opening Hours – Mon-Sat 10 am-6:30 pm; Sun 10 am-6 pm.
Website- mollusksurfshop.com.
In San Francisco’s heart, Mollusk Surf Shop is a lovely place for all surf lovers. Founded about a decade ago, it is one of the best surf shops in San Francisco. Here, you can purchase surfboards, gear, clothing, and other items like surf zines and sunscreen. The store space is decorated with colorful area rugs, globe paper lanterns, and tree houses. There is a wide selection of boards made by famous shapers such as Christenson, Campbell Brothers, Tanner, and Gary Hanel.
2. Aqua Surf Shop
Address – 3847 Judah St, San Francisco, CA 94122, USA.
Contact – (415) 242-9283.
Opening Hours – Daily 10 am – 6 pm.
Website- aquasurfshop.com.
This iconic surf shop has been serving the Bay Area since 1991 and has become a staple in the surfing community of San Francisco. For over 14 years, it has provided high-quality surfing gear to local surfers. Additionally, they have organized numerous events, including foggy back-lot barbecues, surf swaps, art shows, movie nights, benefits, skate jams, and board demos.
At Aqua Surf Shop, you can find top brands of swimsuits, surfboards, and surf accessories. It also offers the option to rent wetsuits and boards for 24 hours if you are not yet prepared to make a purchase.
3. Sonlight Surfshop
Address – 575 Crespi Dr., Suite 1, Pacifica, CA 94044, USA.
Contact -(650) 359 5471.
Opening Hours – Mon to Fri 9:30 am – 5:30 pm, Sat 9:00 am – 5:30 pm, Sunday 11:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Website- sonlightsurfshop.com.
This local gem has served surfers of all ages and skill levels since 1985. They focus on quality products and have a strong sense of community. The shop is situated in the Pacifica Bach area, close to some of the most famous surf spots.
The selection of boards and apparel is excellent, offering many top-of-the-line brands. The shop is colorful and well-stocked, making it easy to find the essentials for your surfing adventures. You will find boards, wetsuits, accessories, and apparel from the best brands, all in one place.
Sonlight also offers board rentals, lessons, repairs, and advice to customers of all levels. So, if you’re looking for a reliable and knowledgeable shop near Pacifica Beach, San Francisco, look no further than Sonlight.
4. Norcal Surf Shop
Address – 5540 Pacific Coast Hwy Pacifica 94044.
Contact – 650-738-9283.
Opening Hours – Sun-Thu 9 am-6 pm, Fri 9 am-7 pm, Sat 8 am-7 pm.
Website- norcalsurfshop.com.
In the dawn of the ’90s, Shawn Rhodes and Greg Savin established Norcal. Known for affordable surfboards and bodyboard rentals with flexible half or full-day rates, it is a highly recommended place to rent surf equipment. Their experienced instructors offer private and group surfing lessons, accommodating beginners and experts alike. In addition, as a skate shop, they boast a range of surf and skateboards for sale and a fashion line featuring popular Norcal-branded tees, hoodies, and hats.
5. Proof Lab Surf Shop
Address – 254 Shoreline Hwy Mill Valley 94941.
Contact – 415-380-8900.
Opening Hours – Mon-Sun 10 am-6 pm.
Website- prooflab.com.
Proof Lab Surf Shop in San Francisco is among the coolest places to hang out if you are into surfing or just love the beach vibes. Here, you can find everything you need to hit the waves, from boards and wetsuits to wax and sunscreen. In addition, they have awesome apparel. Proof Lab is a local business committed to sustainability and giving back to the community.
6. Live Water Surf Shop
Address – Stinson Beach, CA 94970.
Contact – (415) 868-0333.
Opening Hours – Daily 10 am – 5 pm.
Website- livewatersurfshop.com.
Whether you are a seasoned surfer or just looking to try it out for the first time, the friendly and wise staff at Live Water Surf Shop is here for all your surfing needs. They also offer lessons for surfers of all skill levels. The shop’s impressive and colorful structure makes it a must-visit destination for anyone looking for the best surfing gear.
7. Roark Surf Shop
Address – 1808 Fourth St, Berkeley, CA 94710.
Contact – (510) 984-0328.
Opening Hours – Daily 10 am – 6 pm.
Website- roark.com.
With a cool and elegant vibe, this surf shop is ideal for browsing the latest surf gear and apparel. Situated in the heart of the San Francisco Bay area, Roark creates collections influenced by the stories, climate, people, and local textiles of beautiful surf destinations. So, if you are a beachgoer looking for a vibrant surf shop in San Francisco, Roark Beach Surf Shop is an excellent choice.
8. Sunset Shapers
Address – 3896 Noriega St, San Francisco 94122.
Contact – 415 665-7873.
Opening Hours – Tue 2-7 pm; Wed-Sat 10:30 am-6 pm; Sun 10:30 am-5 pm.
Sunset Shapers Surf Shop in San Francisco is an immaculate spot for surf enthusiasts looking to catch some waves in the city. With its laid-back vibe and friendly staff, this cozy shop is the place for all surf-related gear. At the back of the store, surfboard shapers Gordon Guptill and Chase Davenport are available to repair dings and offer one-on-one board shaping lessons for those who prefer hands-on assistance. In the front, there are various surfboards available for either purchase or rent, as well as wax and accessories for both surfing and skateboarding.
9. Calikites
Address – 350 Hayes Street, San Francisco, CA, 94102.
Contact – 415-922-5483.
Opening Hour – Mon-Sun, 11 am – 5 pm.
Website- calikites.com.
For more than ten years, the team at Calikites has been providing surfers and kiteboarders with high-quality surf gear, including brands like DUOTONE, ION, NORTH, MYSTIC, CABRINHA, WMFG, DAKINE, and XCEL WETSUITS. The shop is located in the center of San Francisco and is dedicated primarily to kiteboarding. The staff has extensive knowledge of kiteboarding and kitesurfing equipment and excellent customer service. You can visit this store for information on the best local kiteboarding spots or to check out the newest kiteboarding gear.
10. O’Neill Surf Shop
Address – 1115 41st Ave, Capitola, CA 95010.
Contact – (855) 554-5930.
Opening Hours (Weekdays excluded): Monday through Thursday, 9 am-5 pm, Friday, 9 am-2 pm.
Website- us.oneill.com.
This shop was first opened in 1952 and was founded by Jack O’Neill, known for inventing the wetsuit and being a prominent figure in the sport. Visiting the shop is an opportunity to own a piece of history and get well-selected surf gear and clothing options. The relaxed atmosphere makes it a great place to visit. Here, you can find almost all the surfing gear you need, from wetsuits to board shorts to leashes and more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What can I find at the Surf Shops In San Francisco?
At the surf shops in San Francisco, you will discover a broad range of surf equipment, from boards of all types and sizes to an assortment of surf apparel and accessories. You can get high-quality gear suitable for both beginners and experienced wave riders. In addition, you can pick up beachwear, which is perfect for lounging on Venice Beach or Ocean Beach.
Do the surf shops in San Francisco sell skate gear?
Many of San Francisco’s surf shops, such as Norcal Surf Shop and Sunset Shapers, also have a comprehensive collection of skate gear. These hybrid surf and skate shops are your one-stop shop for all boarding needs, reflecting the strong ties between the beach surf community and the city’s vibrant skate scene.
What are the best surf rental shops in San Francisco?
Some of the most famous surf rental shops in San Francisco are Aqua Surf Shop, Sonlight, Norcal, and Sunset Shapers Surf Shop. These shops offer a wide selection of surfboards, wetsuits, and accessories for rent, making it easy for you to get into the water without having to buy your own equipment.
Which surf shop offers the best deals in San Francisco?
Well, this is subjective, but Mollusk, Sunlight, and Aqua Surf Shop are some of the city’s most reputable and well-stocked stores. They all specialize in providing a wide range of surf gear, from boards and wetsuits to waxes and leashes.
Do surf shops in San Francisco sell used surfboards?
Absolutely, some of the top surf shops in San Francisco stock used and new boards. However, you may need to check with the shop before buying a used board to ensure it hasn’t been damaged or worn out. The prices of used boards are much lower than those of new ones.
Conclusion – A Few Final Words
To sum up, San Francisco offers fantastic beach spots and an even better selection of surf shops, making it one of the best places to surf in the United States. Whether you are an expert or just starting out, some of the most fabulous shops offer various gear and necessities for all your surfing needs.
So, if you want to catch some waves or get kitted out in some of the best surf gear available, you can check out our list. We have shortlisted all the shops based on their quality of products, services, customer service, and location. We hope this guide has helped find the perfect shop for you.
For more surf shops, check out our post about the best surf shops in San Diego or the one about surf shops in Los Angeles.
