The Top 10 Surf Shops To Support In 2026

In 1952 Jack O'Neill opened the first-ever "surf shop" in Santa Cruz, a novel idea that soon spread throughout California and Hawaii. It took some years more before there was enough demand to warrant an industry but Mr. O'Neill was ahead of the curve in many ways.

Today there thousands of surf shops around the world and it ain't exactly easy to stay afloat. Competition from online shopping, gentrification of coastal areas and the rising rent and real estate costs, and soft tops from Costco all threaten the existence of independently owned shops.

So next time you find yourself needing a new leash, a new or used board, a wet suit, a bar of wax, or a gift for a friend, swing by your local shop and be sure to give these shops a look if they're in your area.

Your Board Santa Cruz — Santa Cruz, CA 

There aren’t many brick-and-mortar places that specialize in selling secondhand surfboards. You have to be a real fanatic about foam and fiberglass to pull it off. Luckily for the Santa Cruz surfing community, former pro Adam Replogle is downright obsessed. When Adam isn’t ripping the right points around his hometown, he’s managing Your Board Surf Shop on 41st Avenue. The space may be small, but every square inch is occupied by a quality surfboard. The range runs the gamut: rare vintage models, proper step-ups, (almost) new high-performance shortboards and fun fishes. New arrivals often include barely ridden Channel Islands, Mayhems, Pyzel, Timmy Pattersons, and even the occasional Album board. You can view the inventory here and stay up to date via Instagram here. I highly recommend the latter. Adam’s a hoot. 

CORE — Wailua, HI

You may have read or heard about the Center of Radical Education over the past year as the shop/museum/art gallery has gotten on its feet in the historic Waialua Sugar Mill on Oahu's North Shore. This is also a place where you can get used boards, although the selection skews to big wave boards ranging from shapers like Dick Brewer and Gerry Lopez. Young guns like Ryan Lovelace, Barrett Miller and Josh Peterson can be found crafting custom blades in Dick's old shaping room when they're on island. There's an extensive selection of old surf magazines including the full SURFER archives, prints and artwork from Drew Toonz, and vintage clothing. The hours aren't exactly standard but you can find someone most days between 11 - 6 and there's almost always something happening on the weekends. Events include film premieres with Coco Ho and Tosh Tudor, talk story with legends like Derek Doerner and Shaun Tomson, and live music events. You can buy merch here to support the museum.

Surf Exchange Co — Narragansett, RI

A new adventure blending Rhode Island’s food and surf culture under one roof. Come for the exceptional coffee and pastries, and stay for the weekly events, lively energy, and great company. The shop is more of a community exchange marketplace where you can list your goods for sale or peruse for treasures new and used from a curated selection of brands and creators with an emphasis on sustainable goods. Whether you're looking for some gear, a bite after the surf, or a place to hang with the gang on the weekend, you can't go wrong with a visit to Surf Exchange Co. You can check their menu and shop here (they've got boards for as low as $150).

Bing Surf Shop — Encinitas, CA

Taking a trip to the Bing Surf Shop is like walking into a candy store for surf addicts and board fiends--a multi-colored galaxy of logs, mids, gliders, twins, and single fins that all beckon the imagination. As one of the most historic brands in California, the history runs decades deep from the days of Bing Copeland to the modern revival thanks to the Calvani family. In addition to the jaw-dropping selection of boards, Bing offers their own brand of clothing and a curated selection from brands like Manera, Rhythm, RAEN, FARO, and more. I personally love their wide selection of books and they've got all the right accessories. Bonus points for the killer grinds next door at Coffee Coffee.

Glide — Asbury Park, NJ

Glide has been holding it down with one of the finest collections of surfboards on the East Coast and an overall selection of goods that will please even the most discerning customer. They partner with shapers like Ryan Lovelace, Wayne Rich, Ah Vessels (Ashton Pickle), Michael Arenal, John Simon, Jeff McCallum and more to keep the shop full of a stellar rotation of blades. They just recently collabed with NJ-based artist, Patrick Barnickel, for a wild collection of airbrushed beauties.  Barnickel grew up surfing the Jersey Shore started his tattoo career in 2018 at Electric Tattoo, but only began experimenting with airbrushing on surfboards earlier this year—bringing his artistic vision full circle by blending his love for surfing with his skills as a tattoo artist. Look at the quiver below and check out the rest here.

Daydream Surf Shop — Newport Beach, CA

Holding it down in Orange County is Daydream Surf Shop & Cafe. One of my favorite things about Daydream, in addition to the delicious coffee and food options, is the experimental quiver known as the Daydream Research Center. They keep a rotating selection of used boards available for demos which is a killer way to try before you buy. You can opt for a single-day use or become a member and grab the board for the week. Beyond their in-store experience, the Daydream Field Notes series is a great way to get familiar with different shapers and boards of all shapes and sizes. Later this year Daydream will open up shop in Japan as a result of so much mutual respect and affinity for their craft and style.

Mollusk — Santa Barbara, CA

To be clear, Mollusk has two other locations--San Francisco and Venice Beach--but they're Santa Barbara Shop has the largest selection of boards and goods. At any of their shops you'll find their signature line of clothing ranging from hemp tees to wetsuits and an assortment of other goods from rad brands. You'll also be wowed by the beautiful boards from shapers like Bob Mitsven, Beau Difore, Grant Noble, Troy Elmore, Tyler Warren, Jeff Svoboda, and many more.

3rd Stone & Wailua Surf Shop —Wailua, HI

Back on the North Shore, 3rd Stone holds it down with a huge selection of original boards and brands like Blak Bear Surf Club, Florence, and original merch featuring the artwork of Drew Toonz. Want to get a tee-shirt or print for a family member who loves Hawaii? 3rd Stone in the place. Looking for a board to get the wave of your life on? 3rd Stone is the place. Pick up a new Owl Chapman to charge Sunset or peruse the used selection that features blades from most of your favorite pro surfers. Unique residencies bring in boards from foreign legends like Tristan Mausse of Fantastic Acid.

Drifter Surf — Bali, Indonesia + Encinitas, CA

As the very first specialty surf shop and brand to come out of Bali, Drifter has always danced to the beat of their own drum, with a left-of-center approach to a concept they call: The Art of Surf. Part surf shop, part museum, book store, and cafe with an emphasis on healthy living, their location in Uluwatu is the kind of place you wouldn't mind riding out the end of days. They recently opened up an outpost in Encinitas, CA, and have been steadily adding to the legacy of their Bali shops with incredible content like their film Nusantara: The Waveriders of Indonesia.

Pilgrim Surf + Supply — New York, NY

With a residency program that could very well top the list as the best in the world, Pilgrim has brought in everyone from Ellis Ericson, Ryan Burch, Neal Purchase Jr. Fantastic Acid, Derek Disney, Josh Peterson, Kobe Hughes, and more. They're longstanding relationship with Japan (they have a shop in Tokyo) and location in a fashion hub like New York means their apparel isn't quite like you'll find at other shops. They're on another level when it comes to design and price point yet they hold it down for the community with a heavy roster of unique events. If you're a surfer going to NYC, a visit to this shop may as well be a Pilgrimage.