Stray Boards

Outstanding service and selection for literally the entire family, including infants. This shop has…read moreeverything that an adventurous family is looking for. What makes this place so amazing, is the personal touch and the incredible ability to listen to what you are looking for and to go above and beyond in explaining what you are purchasing and how it's used. Highly recommend this place!

Bought a new set of snow skis, bindings and boots but needed a shop to install my bindings…read more Found SoCal Surf Shop via Yelp, went there and was I completely surprised at the level of great customer service, knowledge, and attention to detail that Paul and his staff provided. It has been a while since I have walked into a store front and be met with genuine care for the customers needs, no pressure to buy something or up sold, and just be friendly by conversing with one another. It is a place that I can see why so many enjoy going to because SoCal Surf Shop gives you a vibe of all is welcome regardless of your activity preference or skill level. The shop has everything you need for surfing and snowboarding ( uh um, carry more ski stuff for us old schoolers ), the prices I looked at you will definitely get a good deal, and then you have a shop who really cares about its community and the people they serve. I am so incredibly happy and grateful that I found my go to place for all things sand and snow. Thank you Paul and staff for being so kind and rad

Business card

Paul, helpful, knowledgeable owner

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They have everything you will ever need and for the entire family!

Sun Diego Boardshop

4.9(29 reviews)

Also wanted to shout out Riley!! She deserves a promotion or a pay raise. She is always making sure…read moreeveryone has been helped and the store looks amazing. She always makes sure I'm good to go especially all the new latest and greatest when it comes to the shoe department. Always happy to come in and have a conversation! Great store great staff!!! The San Clemente store is the best!! Definitely better than the others I've been to!

Sidney (store manager) is an absolute legend. I needed a specific pair of boots for my Dad that…read moreweren't in stock at any location other than Pacific Beach and I was on a tight timeline. Sidney went above and beyond by having them transferred to the Vista location where she then personally went and picked them up and brought them back to San Clemente for me. This was so unexpected, I didn't ask her to do any of this. She did this of her own accord because she's amazing. Hands down the best customer service I've ever received. The store as a whole is also super cute, lots of options, great prices, and all of the staff were lovely and polite.

Santa's elf in search! LOL!

Package arrived before Christmas - mind blown!

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Surfs Up!

Catalyst

4.5(24 reviews)

2.0 mi

On vacation with hubs, stopped in to check it out and loved it. The kids working there were very…read morefriendly and helpful. Sam helped me. She was very friendly and sweet. I was more impressed when she told me it was her first job! Never would've guessed it. I tried on and purchased a maxi dress that is to die for, and socks for the kids. Hey, gotta get the kids something!! Lol I would definitely shop here for myself again.

Was shopping apparel on a visit to an old stomping ground San Clemente surf shop. Picked up some…read morevery attractive surf shirt designs by a company called Vissla I had never heard of. Vissla is off sized overpriced complete foreign hodad knock off junk manufactured in China & Korea. Very disappointed. Buyer beware! Vaya Con Dios, to the Catalyst.

Lost items

Surf!

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Coolbreaze Boardworks

3.8(6 reviews)

We are so happy with the excellent service from Brian at Coolbreaze Boardworks. He is an excellent…read moremechanic with bikes and boards. Our bikes had been neglected and needed a serious tuneup. Just a couple of days and they were back to us with new tubes and tires and ready to roll. We now plan to bring our surfboards in for ding repair and tune up. It's great to have a friend with skills, parts and tools to hook us up and bring our gear up to standard. Great service at an affordable price. On my way back now to get our board dings repaired.

Been using Brian for 10 years for my ding repair. Quality work, fair prices, and a stand up guy…read more I'm always pleased with the work . You won't be disappointed using him for ding repair. if you want a quicker turn around, just make sure your board is dried out before you bring it in. unlike some of the other morons who wrote reviews not understanding.

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Walk-in service that can't be beat!

Jack's Surfboards

3.4(76 reviews)

4.8 mi

Large store with a great selection of clothes, shoes, boards, and equipment. Unfortunately, the…read morecustomer service was very disappointing. Despite several employees being on the floor, none of them acknowledged customers or even made eye contact. We ended up purchasing a pair of shoes and a shirt, but the overall experience felt unwelcoming.

Bro!!! Dylan was awesome at the Garage. He hooked me up and we got my 4 year old his first set up…read more Dylan showed him everything and how to build his first skateboard. Great price. Employees like Dylan.will keep customers coming back. I've been coming here since I was a youngster now i get to bring my son. Thanks Dylan!

Dylan showing my son how to build his first skateboard

The manager Jack surf shop did accuse me of stealing when I didn't and followed me across the parking lot to tell me that

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Outdoor sale items

Catalyst

3.9(28 reviews)

1.7 mi

I ordered. A new board online and when they called to tell me it was finished. I made plans to…read morehead down to San Clemente. I was pleasantly surprised by how big the store was, yet how small it felt like an old school surf shop like the one I used to hang out at back in Venice and Santa Monica. Obviously the times have changed and the equipment has become better, and the prices have gore accordingly. One of the best things about the Catalyst shop besides the online customer support team, was how friendly and knowledge the staff was. They answered any questions I had about the new was of measuring surfboards... by Liters. I'm and American, and have no idea what the metric system is! Al kidding aside they explain it to me in a little more detail, and that was enough for me. Back to the point, the Catlayst shop on El Camino was a throwback to the 80s and 90s and in my old age, that is a huge compliment. Thanks. Shout out to Camden and Eric for their help more recently.

I agree with a previous review that the online store is garbage.. or their protocol for dealing…read morewith boards damaged during shipment at least. My custom board was received with multiple dings and scratches. They used foam wrap at the ends of the board which isn't sufficient at all when UPS is handling the delivery. They offered a measly $200 refund while they probably pocketed the rest of the UPS claim money for the board.

Cheeseburger

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Holesom

5.0(1 review)

I have known about this company and used their longboards for over a decade. The owner is super…read morefriendly and involved in the longboarding scene and is very innovative with his designs. It's amazing to see a small company be successful. Keep up the good work David!

Sgt Shred slide gloves w world famous Holesom pucks

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Tucker buttering a Holesom Biscuit in a Rancho Santa Margerita bowl

SkateFit

5.0(1 review)

1.0 mi

The SkateFit trainers take the time to explain how to get the best workout while having fun and…read moreskating safe. The SkateFit training session focuses on using the proper technique so you can see results with just 30 minutes a Day. It's easy to track your results using the phone App and share it with other SkateFit team members. There are even opportunities for weekly group SkateFit sessions and weekend destination skates. I really enjoy achieving my fitness goals while also having the opportunity to socialize with like minded people.

What a great way to learn to skate and get fit!

Are you making plans to achieve your fitness goals? Why not make SkateFit your path to low impact cardio and fun?

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Used Surf

4.8(75 reviews)

The owners and employees of use Surf have always been courteous and thoughtful to businesses around…read morethem. People love going there because people get what they want value at a low price another small business that deserves five stars

I started following the shop on instagram because of Jonathan Freeman. Then decided to buy a board…read morebag online because it was so cheap. It arrived within the week, BUT I ordered the wrong bag. I reached out by email and asked about a return via email. Matt replied and was SUPER helpful! He linked the exact bag I needed for my board. Some shops are too cool for everyone, and make you feel as though you're bothering them. Matt, excellent job! You guys have my business!! Keep up the excellent service! And, keep using Jonathan, we need middle aged men with that old school wisdom and humor!!

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9'4 SHIFT Zenned out, old fart and a bike.

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43 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Vincent A.

3 years ago

Commitment to excellent customer service, devotion to selling high quality products and passion for surfing are the endearing qualities of Stray Boards. Today. I visited this shop with the assistance of 2 buddies (veteran surfers) looking to buy my first real surfboard - stepping up from a 10' foam board and 9'6 "hand me down" experimental board. Right before my visit today, I just finished my 2nd surf session after a 7-month hiatus due to a knee injury. I'm a 200 pound "beginner" - beginner as it gets. After describing my humble beginnings in surfing, lack of knowledge on surfboards and reluctance to ask dumb questions, especially at a local surf shop, Don spent valuable time with me - listening deeply to my surfing journey (school of hard knocks), educating me on surf board construction/geometry and providing customized recommendations at very affordable prices. There was no pressure to buy. After making my decision (9'6 Stewart CA Noserider), Bobby gave me a class on installing the accessories (leash & fin), waxing the board (he assisted me with waxing the entire board) and lashing/securing the board in my truck bed. Don & Bobby set me up perfectly - preparing me to drive immediately back to Doheny to catch 1 more surf session before going home. The board performed outstanding - way easier to paddle out & catch waves. I'm super stoked about my experience and of course, my board. Appreciate you guys, Don & Bobby, for taking care of me today....thank you!! read more

James O.

4 years ago

Took my daughter in for her first "real" (non-foam) short board for her 19th birthday. I gave them the budget, and they worked with her. She was treated absolutely perfectly. They talked to her about her favorite surf spots, her experience level, what she liked and didn't like as a peer and fellow surfer. they showed her a selection of 5 boards, all within the pre approved range, and worked through those and others as they talked and refined her options based on their experience and her feedback. the service was so good, I ended up spending nearly twice the agreed upon budget without complaint. No up selling by the staff, nor pushing high priced items. In fact, the only disappointing part of the experience is that they were out of XXL long sleeve tee shirts with their logo. But the large hoodie is still being worn by my petite daughter. Great experience all around, and I'm sure we'll be back again!! read more

Shyan A.

7 months ago

The guys at Stray Boards did an awesome job repairing my board. From the start they were super communicative and kept me updated throughout the whole process. The repair was finished in a really reasonable amount of time, especially considering the work that needed to be done. When I picked it up the board looked great. The customer service was also top tier. Everyone there was friendly, helpful, and clearly knew what they were doing. You can tell they actually care about the boards and the people coming in. Their shop also has a really sick selection of both new and used boards. Tons of options if you're looking to upgrade or just browse around. Definitely a spot worth checking out if you need a repair or a new board read more

Blake L.

2 years ago

From the moment I walked in, the staff was incredibly welcoming and helpful. They took the time to understand my needs and skill level, guiding me to the perfect board. The quality of the surfboards at Stray Boards is top-notch, and I was impressed by the variety and condition of their selection. What really stood out to me was the affordability. I was able to find a high-quality board that fits my budget perfectly. The staff's expertise and genuine enthusiasm for surfing made the whole process enjoyable and stress-free. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced surfer, Stray Boards is the place to go for excellent service and great deals on used surfboards. Highly recommend! read more

Suzanne A.

3 years ago

We had a great experience at Stray Boards. I know nothing about surfing, but I took my son in to speak with Don, and after chatting knew exactly what my son was looking for. He showed us all of our options, and explained the pluses and possible minuses of each board for what we needed. Once we chose a board, Don then gave my son a lesson in how to set up his board, and how to care for it in the future. he really took the time to make sure that my son understood. It was good value, and the customer service can't be beaten, would thoroughly recommend, and will be back in the future! read more

Cienna L.

1 year ago

Stray Boards and its ppl have a permanent place in my surfer heart. A true gem of a shop, I can't thank them enough! As someone with a big passion for surfing but not much knowledge about it, Don and Zale gave me so much insight and were beyond helpful in getting me set up with a new (used) board and accessories. Their combination of patience and stoke made me feel welcomed and at home in a setting that's completely new to me. Thank you both!! Show some love n support to this one of a kind family owned business, you won't be sorry! read more

Briena P.

1 year ago

I've been on the hunt for a new board for a while and ended up getting a long board here. All of the boards were in amazing shape and reasonable priced. Don was super nice and helpful in finding the right board for me. As a newer surfer, I explained where I was at and what I struggled with. On my old water logged board I was struggling to catch any waves. Took my new board out and immediately caught the first wave I went for. The board makes a huge difference! So happy with my new board and my experience here. Worth the drive! read more

Spencer B.

2 years ago

Everything about this place is awesome! The boards, ding repair, people, the dogs hangin at the shop, literally everything. I live in Huntington but always will make the drive down here to get ding repairs or sell a board or two. Extremely reasonable and offers and very straight up and honest. Always a go to when I'm in the market to try and find a new board. Just picked up my board today after needing a few little dings fixed and now it's like the dings were never there, best ding repair I've gotten. Definitely recommend! read more

Alicia G.

195

2 years ago

We recently purchased a custom surfboard from Stray Boards to use as a menu display for our Buzzbox events, and it's perfect! The board is beautifully crafted, capturing the authentic look we wanted. The service was exceptional--friendly, helpful, and efficient throughout the process. If you're looking for high-quality, genuine boards, for a great price Stray Boards is the place to go. Highly recommend! read more

Ben S.

3 years ago

Awesome - highly recommend. Sometimes feels sketchy buying a used board online but these guys so good and upfront. Quality of board was exactly as described (better than expected actually!) and great value - plus shipped cross country at epic price. Guys in shop fast to answer questions and good dudes. Don't waste cash buying new buy here! Thanks again guys until next time. read more

Robert F.

3 years ago

I was impressed when I walked in the store. The boards were organized by size and design. Stray Surfboards has a very open and welcoming feel. Don and his staff are very friendly and knowledgeable. I purchased a used longboard in very good condition. I highly recommend checking out before you buy your next surfboard. read more

Gary B.

3 years ago

I've never seen a surf shop with a better selection of used boards at such great prices. We found a great board at a great price, and Don went out of his way to help us out with where to go in San Clemente. Can't recommend highly enough if you're looking for a surfb or surf accessories in the San Clemente area. read more

Ron M.

7 months ago

Super Friendly! Very helpful. I traded in my Stewart and bought another one. The used board was in great shape. Loving the new board! I'll be heading to Stray Boards next time I need another board. Great selection and all their stuff looks quality. No pressure, just surfers who get it! read more

Jula O.

3 years ago

Only can recommend these guys for anyone looking for a board! They had a great selection of new boards by local shapers as well as some amazing used boards. Prices were also super fair and their knowledge and recommendations gold. Def would go there again anytime!!! read more

Jeff R.

1 year ago

Everything about this business is excellent. I can't say enough about how great they are. I highly recommend them if you're looking for a board and the owner is straight up and very honest with your questions. I wish all businesses were this ethical and honest. read more

Mike L.

6 months ago

Was visiting from cocoa beach Florida and stop by to check out Stray Boards I saw them on line. Had a great time talking with the people there. They had a good selection of boards. I ended up buying a trailer fin super helpful. You should check them out. read more

Harrison P.

2 years ago

This is an amazing place amazing people amazing vibe. We came in just to check it out some surfboard and they needed up fixing my brothers board for free twice. All the boards are in great condition and well priced. Definitely check this place out. read more

Rich A.

2 years ago

I had a great experience here. Don answered all of my questions and made sure the board I wanted was good fit for me. They have a great selection of boards and accessories. I can't wait to finally take my Gypsy out tomorrow after work! Thanks Don! read more

gary S.

3 years ago

What a great find. A great, low-keyed, knowledgeable, honest staff that is more focused on your needs (rather than just selling you something). Don and the entire staff were great to work with. This is a very clean, well stocked shop. read more

Lucky B.

8 months ago

This company is 5plus!! Their service and follow through efficient and impressive! They even gifted me a hoodie as a bonus! Old school customer service that is a treasure and lost art form! I'm now a loyal fan and customer for life! read more

Stray Boards - surfshop - Updated September 2026

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What a local gem. I got some ding repair done and a couple of surf bags. Ding repair was 4 stars,…read morecash only and fairly expensive. He was also a little messy, he left a drip of clear on my board. Besides that he did solid work. As far as the store is concerned, this place is amazing. I want to come and spend thousands of dollars and buy new boards and fill up the garage! Friendly workers, perfect corner location in North beach SC and tons of board, wetsuit, and bag options. They also look like they had a solid representation of Surf clothing. PS bought a new Fish surfboard today. Easiest buying experience ever. They had a deal, if you buy a board you get a free bag too. Love this place, a hidden gem for all things surf in SC!

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Erik Leines was reccomended by surfboard shaper Cordell Miller to repair a Hypto Krypto I bought…read morethat was damaged. I reached out to Erik and he said to bring the board by the shop. He found that it needed a fin box repair and a stripped screw replacement. He fixed the issues, and also did a re-repair of a small hole the board had, which had a sloppy repair, without me even asking. He made the repair totally smooth and good as new. So if you ever buy a beater board or just need a repair, bring it by this shop. And then yesterday I picked up a new board that Cordell made me, and he reccomended heading down to Stewart to buy some fins for it, so I did. Everyone was super nice in the shop. Very cool spot, too.

Updated 6.27.2025 Amazing service, knowledgeable, and…read moreproduct performance. Over the last year I bought 3 surfboards. Best boards for me I ever had. The Bird longboard, a Wild Bill mid length, and a Fartknocker SBD short board/groveler. Former Pro surfer Jeff Kramer went above and beyond figuring out the right boards for me at my age, level of physical fitness, and surfing skill ability. And, Eric the store owner, Jacob "Jack of all trades " were also extremely helpful. Jacob even helped me customize and install surfboard carrier racks on my e-Bike. Unbelievable!! 6.27.2025 The stoke continues!! I have now bought a total of 5 brand new boards from Stewart and love them so much! I've bought other popular trending brands of boards and they did not compare to Stewart. I sold them, ha ha, and bought these two new ones: The Bird 9'4 Longboard. Insane! Surfs and turns like a shortboard. So fun! Next step, learn to nose ride it. And not even officially released yet, the new Hydro Hull Fish. So sick! Feels so good under my feet, like a skateboard, fast, controlled, tight on rail. Thanks Eric for personally shaping it and the beautiful custom art. Super grateful to Stewart Surfboards for giving me the right equipment to take my surfing to the next level and most importantly have more fun!

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