My experience lived up to the hype. My wife and I (along with a friend of my wife's) headed out this morning to Ballard Surf. We each grabbed a paddle and a board and headed a block away to the less than warm temperatures of the Puget Sound. Our instructor - Brian - gave us 5 minutes of instructions on the beach before we headed out to our Yoga spot. The boards were easy enough to get used to by kneeling on them and gently paddling out on the water. Immediately all 6 of us had big goofy grins on our faces. There is something about getting on a board and paddling on a large body of water that just makes you feel happy. To read the full review please go directly to the posting: http://www.fitorfake.com/archives/450 www.FitorFake.com read more

Never been sup before, what a great time! The staff was very cool and friendly. They were really helpful in getting my wife and I setup on paddle boards and patient with the lessons. I would definitely recommend these guys. Some of the other shops we called were not particularly interested in helping us out. read more

On Memorial Day weekend reserved my paddle board with a friend. At 11 am on Saturday. It was cloudy and rainy and we arrived at the Surf Ballard shop. Logan was few min early to open the place. He greeted us with great energy and a smile. We chatted about the weather and he offered a rain check for another day, however we all decided that it was just fine to paddle on a cloudy morning with almost nobody around. Logan was helpful with board choices, offered surf booties for no extra charge, gave us extra time for a cloudy day ... We had a great time paddling, returned and Logan run from the shop to help us out with boards and rinsing the gear, chatting and smiling. Awesome first time experience. Be back. Highly recommend. read more

Surf Ballard is THE place to go for paddleboard yoga. Over the years I've set up three private classes for my friends and I, as well as joined their regularly scheduled classes from time to time. There are now many competitors for the paddleboard yoga market in Seattle, but Surf Ballard is the original. They are professional, know what they're doing, and there's the joy of being in the Sound, not the lakes. Hasna, our instructor, who I've had now several times, took time to teach the beginners in our group the ins and outs of SUPing, but also taught an absolutely gorgeous yoga practice that brought us together with our unexplainably beautiful surroundings. Andrew, who coordinated our group, had to deal w me changing the number several times, and several of us arriving right under the wire due to some crazy traffic issues - all the while with a smile and helpful attitude. Again - if you're looking for a SUP yoga experience - Surf Ballard is the place to try!!!!! Beginners and experienced yogis alike!!! read more

Went to stand up paddling, it was great. Low rating because the 1 staff didn't go through safety briefing with al the first timers, 2 I told the staff I can't swim at all and she didn't think it's necessary to wear lifevest. I really regreted following her advise after seeing 4 people in our group fell into Puget Sound 3 the staff didn't care to listen to customer feedback read more

I very much wanted to write a good review for these guys but find that I just can't. Considering that all I can talk about is how rude the guy who helped us was when people ask me about my experience. A friend and I purchased amazon local deals and were so excited to try it together. But that feeling was gone right when we walked in the door. We signed up for the first reservation at 11:00a. And although we showed up 15 minutes early like the website said were greeted by a cold surfer shoulder. Which I didn't think was possible! Gear was fine and didn't really mind the walk. Though my arms were screaming on the way back. Wouldn't go back or reccomend. read more

Late review for paddle boarding in July. 5 stars for the nice, friendly bearded boat man who was extremely gracious (and did not charge us extra $$$$$$) when we went 1.5 hours over the return time due to drifting too far from the wind. Thank you!!!!!!!!! Please follow his instructions of where to paddle board exactly, and not go off course like we did! read more

Did not have a good experience. We saw this place on Groupon and thought the deal was good so we bought the 2 hours for 2 people SUP package. First of all, my cousin and I showed up 15 minutes early, like the website said, and nobody was there. We waited another 15 minutes past our initial start time and finally the lady showed up, saying that her earlier appointment ran late so we were like okay as long as we still get our full 2 hours. We were granted the full 2 hours but what we didn't know was that we had to carry our SUP boards across the street and down to the beach and from there trudge through SO MUCH SEAWEED. The beach is covered in gross seaweed and the current of the ocean was so strong that my cousin and I could hardly paddle. It was almost like for every one foot we paddled, we'd get pushed back two. Just and FYI, the seaweed/kelp is under you in the ocean so you just can't get rid of it. We didn't even end up using our full two hours because if this. If you're fine with seaweed, carrying a heavy board for a while, and have strong enough arms to paddle through the water, then I'd say you'd be fine with this place. read more

Andrew is a rude person! His classes sucks! I miss shawn he was great, friendly and nice teacher. I would recomend shawn if you wanna lear how to paddle board at www.stokeharvester.com read more

To the owner of this place, INVEST money putting signs for your clients, you were kinda of snob! Your investment could avoid people like me trying to find parking. read more

Fantastic Fun!!! Andrew was so cool and made the whole paddle boarding experience excellent. The instruction was sweet and simple. Our first time out and we stood up! After a little practice, we were paddling around near Shilshole Marina. We could see Ray's Boathouse, Anthony's, Ballard Locks, boats coming and going, and the marina. My husband can't wait to do it again. It was a great date night for sure!! Sherry - from Mill Creek, WA read more

Visiting from Florida in June. Went to Ballard Surf to pick up some T-shirts for our kids and myself. Bought two shirts and paid for a third shirt they didnot have in the right size but said they would get it in and mail it to me. After two months and multiple phone calls to the shop I still have not received the shirt. Not a good way to do business!! read more

When I want to paddle, this is where I go. I drive from Columbia City-basically as far away as I can get and still be in Seattle. Everyone who works here is cool, they've got a great spot for paddling (a variety of different routes/adventures) and if you're hungry after, Paseo is next door. It's an all around win. read more

My fiancee lived in Ballard for years before we moved out to the midwest and when I was trying to find a special way to propose my concierge at Thompson Seattle recommended Surf Ballard. Kia, Logan, and the rest of the crew there were amazing and helped plan the perfect engagement. They were in on the whole thing and discretely directed us across the sound to a secluded beach with wild blackberries where they had helped plant a cooler with champagne and snacks. They let me borrow a waterproof holder for my phone to snaps some photos. I can't think of a more gorgeous place to paddle board and along the way a couple of seals came to play with us, it beats lake Washington or Lake Union in my opinion. Can't wait for our next visit to Seattle to do some more paddle boarding. read more

My wife and I decided to try paddle boarding and went to surf Ballard. We couldn't have been happier that we did! Amazing experience! Fantastic staff that never made us feel silly having never done paddle boarding before. Friendly, warm, and helpful staff along with an absolute amazing afternoon paddle on the water. We look forward to doing it again soon! read more

Great place to rent SUP and get out on the water. Helpful staff, laid back atmosphere, and good equipment

I'm so impressed with Surf Ballard. Jeff was SO helpful...not to mention quite attractive. I will definitely going back for all the great gear...but also the eye candy. ;) Thanks Surf Ballard for the great service, quality products and attractive employees ! read more

SUP was so much fun and the area around Surf Ballard is perfect on a nice day in Seattle. We found the staff pretty rude and inattentive as well as unorganized but it was a busy day so maybe that had something to do with it. Carrying the board across the street was very difficult as well and thankfully people (not affiliated with Surf Ballard) saw us struggling and helped us out. Will probably go somewhere else next time. read more

Signed up for a 3 class pass at SUP Yoga (operated out of Surf Ballard). Took my first one today and it was one of the coolest, most exhilarating thing I've ever done! I felt like I was vacationing in a little surf town when I stepped foot in here. I was definitely scared before going in, I had the yoga experience but not the paddle board. I think the instructor did an okay job, she gave some guidelines off the water, but not a lot inside. Luckily, friends helped me figure it out. Took a while to get used to, but we got extremely lucky with the weather. So much fun, can't wait to go back!! read more

I had a great experince with Surf Ballard! It was my first time paddle boarding and they were extremely helpful! We had reserved the wrong day, but they fit us in anyways! Can't ask for better service and nicer guys! read more

super nice guys-excellent gear. Best place to go if you are looking into paddle boarding. super cool.

Jeff was nice and friendly, really helpful getting my nine year old set up to go. Thanks for a nice first time trying SUP.

Took the paddleboard lessons this weekend. Nice job of making adjustments on the fly to account for extra people. Quick to get everyone suited up. I have done a bit of surfing and paddleboarding before but it was the first time for my friend. He thought the quick pointers on land were clear and useful and then learn in the water by doing. I really liked how the tour was organized to allow everyone to enjoy the day: fast-slow and everyone in between. Knowledgable, friendly staff. Very helpful and very mellow (a surfshop is not a department store or a fast food place). Definitely will be back to the kiddos hooked. er if you need a strong cup of joe, there is a good place across the street. read more

I buy all my surf gear here. Andrew is a stand up dude and has a wealth of knowledge and experience. He will get you on track and give great advice to people inexperienced in Northwest waters. It's also a great launching location for some relaxing stand up paddle action! read more

I can't say enough good about Surf Ballard. The staff is laid back and friendly. They make it super easy to rent a board and hit the water. I go back as often as possible. read more

Tried stand-up paddle boarding for the first time yesterday. Had a solo lesson with Andrew, who explained everything really well, got me up and going in no time, and was funny and fun as a bonus! The shop provides everything you need, including a wetsuit for those colder mornings or if you think you might fall in. Thanks to Andrew's guidance, there was no falling in--just a beautiful morning on the Sound with lots of otters, seals, and awesomeness. I think you can make paddle boarding as easy or hard as you like, depending on wind, waves, and the pace you set for yourself. A super-versatile and gorgeous way to explore the Sound, and Surf Ballard is an ideal place to start. Highly recommend. read more

These guys are genuinely good guys. We needed to rent some surfing gear outside of their regular hours and they came down to the shop and got us what we needed. We emailed again to rent after hours recently and got a email back in short order offering to help- although we didn't end up going. Awesome customer service and a great shop. read more

Great place, rented my first SUP from there two weeks ago and had the time of my life. I have been wanting to try paddleboarding for awhile, looking around a groupons, etc. and am very happy that I went with them. I am now looking to try out paddleboard yoga ASAP. read more

My boyfriend and are a fairly active couple and we both wanted to give paddleboarding a try! We first went to Surf Ballard in 2010 and the gal at the desk was helpful and efficient. (you have to carry the boards across the street, and she gave us precise instructions and did a great job of matching us with boards and wetsuits). We had a ball. We didn't have a chance to paddleboard again until this year and our experience was different. The guy who helped us (I think he was the owner) was surprisingly rude! We thought he was kidding at first. Once they set us up with boards, I asked for a wetsuit. He was very annoyed. "it's really hot outside why do you want one?" I told him I am sensitive to cold water, which I am. Plus it was 65 degrees and we would be Puget Sound! We aren't in Honolulu! He looked me up and down, decided what wetsuit size I would be and shouted for another worker to get me a suit. Then he said, do you have watches? We didn't. He pulled out two rubber watches and handed them to us. We told him thank you, and he laughed and said, Believe me, they aren't for you, they are for me. I need these boards back ON TIME." Yes sir! We went out and had a ball paddleboarding, only to get a snide comment when we returned the boards. "I told you you would be too hot in a wetsuit," he said. I ignored that and just thanked him again for getting one out for me and told him I was comfortable, especially when I fell in the water. I would go again- because the location is great and it is fun. Don't be shy about asking for a wetsuit! It is part of the price and for pete's sake- donning a wetsuit in Puget Sound is not a horrible idea! Especially when you are learning and a bit tippy! read more

Surf Ballard is the Last Place i would recommend in Seattle, especially for tourists or those new to the area. My friend and I wanted to try SUP for the first time and I had seen Surf Ballard run several Groupon / Living Social promos, plus it was pretty close to my house. Being unfamiliar w/ the area, we were unaware of the shipping channel so near the launch point. Thanks to some helpful and watchful pleasure boaters, we narrowly missed being run down by a barge. When we told Surf Ballard about our experience, they laughed it off and told us not to worry about it. We happened to be there again later the same day waiting for an SUP yoga class when we recognized the boater who had warned us about the barge pulling up to Surf Ballard. The owner had a completely different story for this guy and told him that the two idiots that morning had no idea what they were doing. I had no idea what was going on because Surf Ballard gave me absolutely no indication of any hazards to be aware of on the water. Thanks to our near miss, I will certainly be more aware on my next SUP trip, but thanks to the two-faced nature of the Surf Ballard personnel, I will be renting elsewhere. read more

I went along with some friends who were going paddle boarding here. I had never paddle boarded before and didn't know what to expect. The owner asked if we were newbies and complained about having to tell people how to paddle board over and over again all day, like it was a real nuisance to him. He said something about making a video so he wouldn't have to deal with that, but it wasn't ready yet. He handed us off to another employee who gave a quick, cursory explanation of how to paddle before pointing to the boards and basically saying, "See you later." I had never carried a surfboard before and as a small person, found it both heavy and cumbersome to carry across the street and down the rocky path to the beach. The employees didn't offer to help. When I returned the board, it turned out there was a gash in the bottom, for which I was charged an extra $40. I don't know how that happened, but it must have had something to do with not being able to properly handle the board due to my size and inexperience and the poor instruction and lack of assistance from the staff. If their equipment is that fragile, then the place should put more effort into educating their customers and making sure they're comfortable using it instead of treating them like they're a bother and rushing them off. Reading some of the other reviews suggests this is fairly typical behavior for the owner of this establishment. I would NOT recommend Surf Ballard to anyone for their first paddle boarding experience. This place soured me on the whole activity. read more