#27 of 2026 27 down, 4 more to go to end January with 31 reviews! I'm def loving this newly discovered area of Mill Valley. My husband and I love Hook Fish. One day while I was waiting for him to meet me, I decided to peruse the store next door. It was one of those stores that sold pretty much everything from puzzles and socks to apparel and candles. I ended up leaving with this national parks puzzle my husband and I completed December 2025. Very cool just to walk in and see what they got. Gave me Roxy, Vans, Hot Topic vibes but California centered if you catch my drift. Only thing I wish is they're open past 6pm. read more

Delicious beers and cider on tap Outdoor seating as well, nice casual ambiance l, Highly recommend with the fish tacos from Hook Fish read more

Proof Lab Surf shop is in Mill Valley on Highway 1. It is right on the way to Muir Beach and Stinson Beach. They sell women's and men's clothing, surf boards, skateboards, swimsuits, and accessories. They even rent wetsuits, surfboards, and skim/boogie boards. They have two shops. The one facing the street is mostly clothing. The sizes and styles vary which is nice since my junior fit days are long gone. The other shop is tucked in the back and can't be seen from the main road. That's the shop with all the boards and rentals along with more men and women clothing. They have an inventory of over 500 surfboards. They aren't all stocked on the sales floor but it sure looks like it though. They have an area with multiple racks of boards. The staff is knowledgeable and welcoming. I am. I am not a surfer and they were able to explain the boards in lingo that I can even understand. A notable thing to mention is that the main shop and back parking lot is a bit tricky to get to. The lot entrance is one way and it's to the right side of Equator Coffee. If you overshoot the entrance, the front shop has a few parking spots that you can get to off the main road. read more

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I have been all over the East Coast and the West Coast and this is The best surf shop north of Huntington Beach.

I've been here several times and the employees have always been extremely knowledgeable, helpful, honest and have never pressured me to buy anything. This shop has a great selection which caters to all levels of surfers. If they don't have what you need, they'll tell you, or get it for you, instead of trying to sell you the wrong thing. Great employees, great shop. read more

Great selection, chill vibes. It's always a fun stop on the weekends. Parking is tight but always seems to work out.

Great brands and quality materials sold here. If you're visiting CA, then this is the place to grab a signature sweater, shirt or hat to take back home with you. read more

Largest selection in the area, can serve most serious surf needs. Friendly employees who are very helpful with wetsuits. I really like one of the owners. Also best selection of clothes at a surf shop in the area, but also maybe period. It was initially a very highly curated selection when it was just in the little front space. Now there are way more options which to me leaves it feeling a bit watered down but for most people it's probably nice to have more options. It's cool to be able to walk in and have a high likelihood of being able to score my mom the exact pair or flip flops I have in mind, which wouldn't have been possible if they hadn't filled in the selection with the additional options. Also the restaurant is good. It kind of feels like they've managed to create a scene from nothing in the area, impressive little community they've built. read more

A rare five star review for a clothing store. This is a fantastic surf shop. All sorts of unique clothing. Not inexpensive, but you get what you pay for. read more

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Store manager Julia was very rude and confrontational. Unacceptable customer service. Will absolutely never shop here and warn friends and family against giving this store their money. Also came to this store during normal business hours on a weekday and it was closed? Needs better management. read more

Everything is five stars about this place except for one incident I had there. I had emailed Cody and asked him to order a Lost surfboard for me. He gave me a price for the board. When the board arrived 5 months later, I went to pick it up. Noah got my board and said that it was going to be $150 more than the amount Cody had told me. Hmmm... He said it wasn't a stock board (it was just like the board in the photo on the Lost website). Just in case, I had printed the email conversation I had with Cody. I showed him the email. He spoke with Cody. They messed up, but I was being penalized. In the end, we split the difference. He was trying to make up for it by giving me wax and a Proof Lab pad. I was disappointed by this entire process but had a beautiful new board. I will be back - partially because they have a lot of great gear and because there aren't really any other shops in Marin. read more

Stopped by Proof Lab because I'm a lip balm addict and I forgot mine at home. This place takes the COVID precautions: Limited number of people inside, a pump of hand sanitizer on the way in, and social distancing stickers on the floor. Found a good assortment of lip balms near the cash register for both surfers (waterproof and SPF) and non surfers (Pina Colada flavored) alike. Checkout was efficient and friendly. Thumbs up! read more

Pretty hopeless. Asked for help picking out a wet suit on arrival. Watched one of the staff grumpily help an elderly lady with wetsuits. After about 15 minutes another guy got up from his seat and ambled over to us, and was so weirdly unhelpful that we felt like we'd upset him so we left. One of those places that feels like it's run by teenagers. read more

They are cool! I rented my boyfriend his first wetsuit for his first time ever here and their men's collection is solid. The women's wetsuits aren't bad, too much Roxy and the xcel is buried under crappy floral print wetsuits. I wish they'd feature the quality women's stuff and stop stocking the crud but it's surfing Sometimes they have indie pop ups for fashion which never seem to make their way into the women's apparel but maybe it's corporate Roxy making all surf shops dress like women during Alabama rush week tiktok??? Jk. If you go to the separate outdoor gear Building there's more functional stuff that's prettier for women like Patagonia. The skate ramp is cool and I sat in seeing some talent skate there !!! There are great surfboards there support the shop! read more

I love passing Proof Lab Surf Station and their Proof Lab Surf Shop, whenever we're headed up North. Even from the road - you can tell how well curated this store is, by their colorful outdoor clothing rack displays. Though not cheap, Proof Lab Station (a different entity from their Proof Lab Surf Shop located just next to it) has a superb collection of fashionable camping/outdoor wear and supplies. With brands like Patagonia, Filson, Pendleton, Yeti, and Gravel and Gold - they have mastered a beautiful balance of being both practical and stylish. It's evident that Proof Lab is a community oriented business. If you take a look at their website - they're deeply immersed in a slew of local organizations and events. They're truly a fantastic creative hub for the community. If you happen to be in the area definitely stop in here. I guarantee that it will be hard to walk out empty-handed. Trust. read more

Y'all, I bought a backpack over the phone and Kristin met me nearer my house in SF to deliver it in person and save me the trip across the bridge. What absolutely phenomenal personalized customer service. This is the kind of interaction that fills with you much needed hope in the human experience while suffocating under the boot heel of racial capitalism. read more

Great surf shop, with everything you need and beyond, and the service is impeccable. Cody is the best! He helped me pick a surfboard, after listening to my endless questions. Thank you Cody! read more

Iona,was awesome at helping me and my brother pick new skateboards for our birthday. And she made really cool designs on our boards upon request. *free stickers* read more

Found some great swim trunks and surf tee shirts for my son. Staff was friendly and helpful!

Just a really cool place! Such a great selection of cool stuff, even as a non-surfer I have found a lot of cool clothing, hats, and accessories that I had to buy. I love the skateboard room...very tempted to get an old-school Santa Cruz board, but know I'd break my neck. Fun to just to and browse even if you don't *need* anything. I want 90% of the store. read more

The staff here is so friendly and helpful. I got some great gifts and Jewlery for my kiddos. Best surf shop

Coolest trip of stores on the West Coast. Perfectly curated for the discriminating outdoors person, and not as expensive as they could be, out in this upscale beach town. Somewhat secretive and old school, ie. no online sales and that's the way they like it. Patient, super-friendly, helpful salespeople. Slightly hipster Ish, but not too bad. read more

Proof Lab is a very cool Mill Valley surf shop. I particularly like when they host sales outside of their store. My bf and I were lucky enough to stop by when they were having a sidewalk sale. He picked up a great t-shirt for $5 and a new favorite pair of jeans for $20. I also found a cute dress on a 50% rack for $20. Everyone was also super sweet to my dog, Ruggles, and even offered to hold onto him outside while we tried on merchandise inside. I found a sweatshirt that I loved but it was $60... I'll probably be back if I keep thinking about it... read more

Service here is great and very helpful. They have a wide variety of surf and skate clothing and accessories. Check it out if you're in the area. read more

Proof lab is a great shop. I think I have been to all of their locations and each one has amazing customer service and a great selection of clothing! If you are looking for a new hat (as I often am) this is the spot to check out to support local and have a fun time doing it. A++ read more

I've purchased several things from Proof Lab over the years and all have been of good quality. However, a month ago I purchased a gray proof lab logo front zip sweatshirt (the older prof lab logo) and washed it once and it is unwearable. I followed the care instructions, but the quality of the material was sub par and the shape dramatically changed. Certainly not worth the $50+ price tag. Fine, whatever, I figured I couldn't return it. I emailed Proof Lab customer service more than a week ago just to mention that they should consider discontinuing that sweatshirt. Unfortunately, they did not respond. I expected more from this shop and probably won't return because it doesn't seem like they stand behind their products or focus on maintaining loyal local customers. Update 2016: Went back to Proof Lab because they offered me a store credit (took a few years...but not complaining). Got some great shirts and a hoodie. The quality of their hoodies has improved. Thank you! read more

Proof Lab Surf Shop - Sporting Goods Near Me - Mill Valley, California

Ione, in the women's department, is amazing. She helped my daughter pick out some great clothes over a two-hour stretch. Made it fun, which is always nice. Proof Lab is lucky to have such as smart, informed pro like her. See you again soon. When will the Proof Lab fashion shows start at the Beer garden? read more

Your staff is so incredibly nice and helpful. No matter if I come in with my kids or by myself everyone is super nice and very helpful. Not all surf and skate shops can say that. We have purchased skate stuff here in the past so when it came time to order my first surf board I had to buy it here. Ordered a last minute special over the phone. They had every right to be short and give me a hard time but were patient and walk me through everything. Keep up the great work. read more

Maybe my new favorite store in Marin. They have an amazing collection of cool shirts, jeans and shoes and all at really reasonable prices. We spent a good hour in there recently and came home with some great items. I love that a lot of it is from local companies like Tellason jeans. Bought a nice pair here and they do free alterations. Good stuff. They've also got the proper gear here if you're a surfer. There were some pretty serious surfer dude there while we were there. Interesting crowd of people and great goods. Love this place. Super nice people working here too. read more

This is a happening spot with all the major surf needs of supplies, food, and coffee. Plenty of cool events that go on here. A must stop off the 1 and 101. The shop also carries some real cool shapers boards that are pretty exclusive you won't find many other places and will be waiting some time to get a custom from. I will keep names to myself for the reason for you to explore and minimize the advertising these guys aren't necessarily after. Plenty of wetsuits, used board room, good sale room, and indoor skatepark that's surprisingly only 3 dollars to use (I have paid much more to others). The staff that works here is friendly and passionate about the industry as well and fun to talk with. read more

Honestly the fact that you only carry XS-M in women's clothing so a tall size 8/10 can't buy literally anything is embarrassing

The staff is super helpful and non-pushy at all. I had an awesome shopping experience with Jack. He is really knowledgeable seller and surfer. I went to the shop just to buy one board and ended up buying two and a bunch of equipment for a great price. As english my second language, I was never able to explain what I needed, but at this time, Jack not only recommended exactly what I was looking for, but also chose the best deal in boards. I feel that in another surf shop, I would have spent more money and I would have taken home a board that I don't really need. For my next surfboard or surf gears, I will for sure go back to Proof Lab Surf Shop and I recommend all of you to do the same!! read more

It's almost impossible [for me] to get a coffee at Equator and not wander into Proof Lab. Takes me back to being 16 and pretending that I was a skateboarder - lulz (now I'm just betraying my age). The staff is very chill and non-pushy and not in your face during any point, ideal for a skate/surf shop. Moreover if you need help you'll have to track someone down, usually at the cashier. One of the big sells of this place to me is the local designs like "keep sausalito salty" shirts and stickers. But it's also a huge skateboarding and surf shop with just a bunch of stuff, which is legit. Great selection of skateboarding brands, shoes (including some we hadn't seen in other stores), decks (including discounted ones). There is either an indoor skateboard park or training center in the back. When the weather is nice (usually, because this is Marin) they have a little tent with discounted items out the front. I ended up bringing most visitors I had in California to the store. No, it's not a great attraction. But sipping on a cappuccino while looking through super soft t-shirts with topographical maps of Muir Woods or old salty sailors turns out to be relaxing. And some came away with a nice reminder of their visit. Proof Lab contributed to the already majestic area (only a few miles away from Tennessee Valley Beach) with an art mural and a vertical green house. Kudos. read more

All these five-star and five-plus-star reviews got me wondering why my experience was just aye-okee-dokey. Here are a few ideas: The price. Sweet mojo mamma coppin' Hay Zoos. How on earth do you buy two women's swimsuits, one pair of shorts and lose three hundred u.s. dollars? I'm kissing the ground that my daughter has no interest in surfing; the boards must cost about what an entry-level Nissan runs. The vibe. Four guys, all "working" there, at the same time. One takes a passing interest in our presence, then they all get started on the lunch orders. My living God. The detail. The nuance. The sheer effort they were willing to put into ordering burritos. A half hour, spent on that one lunch decision. Is there a Rosetta Stone for Spicolli? (Granted, I'm not your demographic. But I did walk in, with money, and walked out, with less money. You got by far the better end of that transaction.) read more

Sweet surf/skate shop! I recently hopped in here prior to aa Bolinas surf trip w/ a friend. I didn't know much about what I needed, but they sure did. They quickly picked out a board for me, and sized me in a size 6 wetsuit (yes, did i metion they are charming :) There's also a hefty selection of girls and guys clothing, as well as some skate shoes. and an extremely colorful exterior. It all feels very SoCal, i love it! No more proof needed for this lab, it's the real deal. Shaka!! read more

Great store usually but I had horrible customer service today. What happened to the sweet ladies who used to work there? Younger gentleman today was dismissive and rude. I drove over an hour to be greeted like this? I will take my money elsewhere. read more

New flip flops and a private skate lesson for the kid. I recommend Jeremy Boucher though I'm sure Proof Lab only refers great teachers. Helpful staff and a great selection of clothing and gear. read more

Proof Lab Surf Shop - All ages wanting to learn should absolutely start with a lesson. So helpful! - Sporting Goods Near Me - Mill Valley, California

"Dude, this place is awesome...better than what we got ..." my friend's exact quote. He lives in HB, so there are surf shops everywhere around where he lives; some well-known big shops. BUT what this shop offers where others lack is PEOPLE skill! My friend and I reckon, everyone at the Lab is friendly, laid back, very helpful...and they listen to what you are looking for and they are so knowledgeable that they know exactly what you should get. My friend wasn't looking for anything particular, but I told him about this shop and he just wanted to check it out. Well, he ended up getting a wet suit so that we could head to cron for the afternoon sess after our hiking. This shop is much more than a 'shop', making connection with the community and its people who share the common love and interest!!! Doesn't everyone agree? read more

Proof Lab Surf Shop - Totally happening! - Sporting Goods Near Me - Mill Valley, California

Good guys and no attitude. Carry SUP paddles, wood carbon variety at a good price. Very helpful. One of the guys is usually at Stinson or Cron, good to hit up for a report. read more

Heart and soul of Skateboarding & Surfing. ONE: This place is owned and operated by people who have been and will surf/skate their whole lives. TWO: Great selection of hardgoods, clothing, hats, sunglasses, pads/helmets, wetsuits, shoes, sandals, stickers, magazines dvds and more. THREE: They support a team of riders keeping the sport alive and giving back to the community with contests and demos and bbqs and art shows featuring prizes: cash and product. FOUR: They have a freakin halfpipe. You have to support a shop with a halfpipe.. who else has the balls to do that? Go skate, break your board, kill your shoes, rip your shirt. Then go inside and buy new gear. FIVE: They always have rad art on display from artist who ride themselves. Rotating frequently many of the peices are for sale. read more