Anything you want to cater your inner surfer girl or boy. First time visiting yesterday even though I have visited Solana a million times never entered at this store thinking it was some sort of man can. In fact, there are so many items for women, the most variety of bikinis and dreamy summer dresses. That on top of palgxards, candles, jewelry and many more. All focused on the surfer life but also space for the tourist and vacationer. read more

See all

I had such a great experience here. Everyone who works there is incredibly knowledgeable and genuinely helpful. You can tell they actually surf and really understand the gear, which makes a huge difference when you're trying to make the right decision. Their inventory is massive -- boards, wetsuits, accessories -- everything you could possibly need, and all high quality. What really stood out to me was the customer service. They take their time, answer every question, and make you feel taken care of without any pressure. I honestly wouldn't shop anywhere else. This is the kind of surf shop every town should have. read more

Went here with some friends who were visiting from out of town. We were walking hwy 101 after an awesome brunch at Claire's on Cedros. Said friends needed the restroom and we needed to get out of the hot sun, they also were looking to do some souvenir shopping. Thankfully this place did have a restroom, A/C and lots of beachy wares to buy from. Here is why they receive one-star... There were to POC, myself and my friend, there were 3 non-POC with us. Not once did a single employee or owner ask me and my POC friend if we needed something. I was browsing, I was looking, I had to WALK UP to the front to ask if they had something in a different size for rainbow sandals... That's a $50+ purchase and yet they were 0% helpful or enthusiastic. The teenagers working there were so focused on flirting with one another and jerking around that they didn't offer any customer service either... I truly truly didn't want my friends to spend ANY money at this establishment because they did not deserve their money. THAT being said, my friends chose to spend a decent amount of money here which was their prerogative but I will be sure to avoid this place at ALL costs. read more

Pretty new to surfing and have had nothing but positive experiences here. The first time I went in for a wetsuit, the slightly older dude sized me by eyesight alone and helped me find something good in my price range. This past Saturday I went in for a leash and wax and ended up chopping it up with the homie Miles who also explained in detail how to pick the correct leash and proper waxing technique. Went home and the wax job came out hella better than usual since I didn't know you need a basecoat. Respect for the shop, this place is now my go-to for surf gear. read more

The best customer service I've ever had! These guys were so accommodating and helpful. We rented a surfboard and a wetsuit for my 16 year old son and they were so nice. They answered all our questions and gave us great advice. Their board and wetsuit were great quality and they didn't charge us extra when we were a few minutes late bringing it back. I highly recommend Surf Ride. read more

If Wal-Mart got into the surfing industry, this might be what their store would look like. Wait, that's not fair. I mean an REI dedicated exclusively to board sports. Rows upon rows of shiny surf things toned down with racks and racks of surfy clothing, shoes and accessories. Oh, don't surf? How about SUP? They have everything you need to get wet and while I like that and always enjoy looking at boards, I miss the soul of the local surf shops. There was a time when anyone entering any surf shop was overwhelmed with the smell of resin drying on foam and knew they were right where they belonged. Now, it's the smell of high-end clothes, boutique candles and Drakkar. If that's what floats your boat, welcome to Surf Ride. P.S., apparently Kelly Slater has friends here so if that inspires you to spend money...you'll be best buddies. (but you will never, ever surf like him no matter how much you spend. Nope, not even the Oakleys will help). read more

See all

I truly believe that Surf Ride is the best surf shop in San Diego county. I was looking for AL Merrick n4 6.0 all over the San Diego County. Checked all the stores in pb, mb and rest of San diego. My surf buddy recommended to drive to Encinitas. I called them in advance and within a minute I was informed that they have my desired model in store. Within next hour I was there. Guys helped me selecting tight fins, leash and cover and helped me waxed really quick and within next 30 minutes I was already putting my wetsuit on. The board us just super great. I don't regret spending $800+ for the whole package. Customer service was great. Selection of wetsuits and surfboard is the best that I be seen anywhere in San Diego county. Also got a discount on few items. I really loved Surf Ride and everything about this store. I will without a doubt come here again for my next surfboard and wetsuit. read more

Surf Ride - My AL Merrick - Sporting Goods Near Me - Solana Beach, California

I loved how Surfride and Hansens used to support and encourage good grades for local students. Surfride has stopped doing this Too greedy? I'll support Hansen's since they support the kids read more

I like their stores here. I came in the other day to find some things for my trip to Catalina and I was greeted by so many people! They are so friendly here! I needed help finding spring suits and rash guards and they said what they thought was best for what I was going out for! I love that they kinda always have a sale going on but the things here do get pricy! They are after all a surf shop and the surf brands don't come cheap. What really annoyed me was that upon checking in I noticed that their business was offering a check in offer for 10% off your purchase. I just happened to come in during the start of Memorial Day sale and their entire store was on sale. They didn't combine their check-in offer with their store sale and the sales girl just didn't show any kind of sorry or seem very apologetic. She was kind of just a cold heart "yeah no, we don't do that today because of the sale" attitude. read more

Surf Ride - Appreciate the free water! - Sporting Goods Near Me - Solana Beach, California

Good guys, very knowledgeable and cool. Helped me pick out some killer new fins for my used board and had excellent pointers concerning my height/weight and type of board they were going on. Highly recommend for any surfing needs and they have a huge selection of the latest Firewire, CI, and other boards to salivate over. Five Starfish all around. Concerning surfer "attitude": For those that didn't get a good vibe (below), just remember that most peeps that work at surf shops (esp pro level ones like this) are usually hard core surfers and can seem a bit aloof, esp if you are a newbie/"kook"/whatever, but if you study up on what you are looking for, and/or have a huge passion for the sport, that (perceived) attitude will change instantly: 97% of all surfers love ANYone that gets stoked about the ocean and wave riding, so don't be intimidated :) read more

Second year in a row that we have rented wetsuits and boogie boards for our kids for the week during our annual vacation to Solana Beach. They have quality rentals (not as worn out or damaged like other places) and competitive rental fees. Everyone was friendly and the store has a ton of selection of clothes and other Cali vibe items. We will be back next year! read more

Surf Ride - Sporting Goods Near Me - Solana Beach, California

The staff was very helpful when we purchased our 5 year old first wet suit. The shop has an excellent selection. And location is convenient. read more

Surf Ride - Outside - Sporting Goods Near Me - Solana Beach, California

Great place! Rented wet suits and wake boards for cheap. Nice guys in there too. $15 half day wet suit, $15 board.

When in the area, Surf Ride Solana Beach should be your 'go-to' surf store (as it is mine)! The store is top-notch: the selection and inventory of boards, wetsuits, clothing, accessories, etc. is great, and the sales staff is helpful and knowledgeable (John Ennis in particular). And if per chance they don't have EXACTLY what you want on hand - they will search for it, find it, and get it for you (as they did for me)! Spend you hard earned money here, and you will be happy in the long run. Thank you Surf Ride Solana Beach. read more

Big shoutout to the legends (specifically John & Tyler) at Surf Ride Solana. My new-ish 3/2 Xcel Drylock developed a small tear on the wrist. With their connections, they were able to replace the suit with a new one from Xcel within a couple days. They were both knowledgeable and easy to work with. Thanks again. read more

I was in dire need of a new wetsuit. I was wearing my tattered suit because I thought all surf shops were closed. I went on yelp and saw Surf Ride Solana Beach was open. They just reopened. They are doing a great job with social distancing. They only allow a few customers in the store at the same time and all staff and customers were wearing masks. I've always known Surf Ride to have great products and the staff is very good. They are also great dealing with returns. I'm so glad they're open and I appreciate their safety measures. read more

Super friendly and helpful young lady at the front desk. She was very knowledgeable about their products and services, and helped us find exactly what we needed. We also rented a wetsuit, too, and the price was very reasonable. Definitely recommend! read more

In the past 15 years, surfing has become less of a counter-culture lifestyle choice and more of a soulless carbon-copy replica of what it once was based on the excessive marketing machines driven by large publicly-traded corporations. But I'm not bitter about it...Really, I'm not. :| Just walk through a mall in suburban South Dakota, 1500 miles from the nearest ocean and you'll find stores like Hollister Co., Pac-Sun and Zumies catering to all of the land-locked teenagers that think looking like a surfer is the coolest thing ever. These kids walk around sporting their Quiksilver and Volcom t-shirts, their plaid shorts and their multi-colored print hoodies, while the only surfing they've ever done is on the Internet. They unfortunately end up looking like little clowns in their polychrome surfer clothes while it's -30° outside. What happened to the soul? Luckily there are some really good surf shops in and around San Diego that are more about the soul and less about the dough. Surf Ride is a pretty legit surf shop. They have a large selection of shortboards, longboards and in-betweeners. Their clothing selection is decent and although anyone can dress themselves like a clown given your level of fashion retardation, you probably will come out with some excellent pieces. They have the standard surf videos playing on TVs around the store- while the staff stare at the screens and dream of warm water, a hollow break and a tropical beach. The whole place smells like a heavenly combo of coconut and freesia surf wax. I've picked up some incredible deals from their clothing clearance rack like a Hurley quilted hoodie for HALF PRICE! Only $40.00! Good stuff for when you're on a budget! Surf Ride is a real surf shop, not like those knock-off, soulless factories in Iowa that churn out little Midwest poseur surf zombies. read more

The employees are rude and make you feel like you're wasting their time when you ask for help. I will never go back to Surf Ride if I can help it. read more

The smell of fresh resin surfboards brings tears to my eyes. I love that about surf shops. Reminds me O' the days of ditching school hitting the waves drinking beer on the beach and bonfires. All that great stuff they depict us Californians doing in commercials and movies but have since banned for the sake of the 1 percentile who own property on the sands edge and don't care for people treading on their beach. As if they now own that too. Gone are the days of groovy beach parties so profound of our coastal culture. Oh how I miss those days, the sun, sand and surf. It was who I was and we were it. We were all "it". We all understood what life was about - the ocean, the youth, the excitement, the breeze, the freedom of life. It's just not the same these days. But it could be again. Those reminiscent thoughts flood back to my senses every time I step inside Surf Ride Surf Shops. That smell of surfboard wax, wet suits, freshly curing resin surfboards lined up in racks. Lay one down, stand to the side and envision it under your feet. You can see the shape of performance as you conjure up a wave in your head. You snapping a clean crisp flowing cutback. Back hand cutting a line in the glassy water as you peel around and snap off the cresting lip. You are in the zone and yet haven't even hit the water yet. This is what surfing is, was and will always be to those who made it their passion and their life. Surf Ride can help you bring it back. Maybe it's been a while. Maybe you are a bit rusty, a bit older or a bit new to all this. No matter. It's still there. It's all still there. This is Southern California. You can have it year round and though summer is the best of times for most, our ocean is the best year round. Get it on! - again. Let Surf Ride bring it all back to you. I did. I went in after years of excuses - "I'm tired, I don't have time, I'll go this weekend" and so on. So many hurdles you feel are in the way but you can - you must - rinse them away with that refreshing salt water and sunshine. There's a reason Californians age slower than most. It's the expression of youthful thinking and activity we are privileged to have at our finger tips. Again, "Surf Ride Surf Shops" has what you need to get it. Boards, wet suits, bathing suits, the bikini's - don't get me started on the girls in bikini's - Yes summer is here and the surf is up. Well maybe it is and maybe it isn't but who cares. The beach is the best place on earth. Surf Ride has every thing you need and reasonably priced. What are you waiting for? Have a beach party. Save for the alcohol and bonfire, there''s still good times ahead. Hit up this place and get ready to get your head in the water. You will thank me. Or you will thank yourself. Either way, you are welcome. You are always welcome. read more

From Bad to Good: I originally wrote a review on Surf Ride that wasn't so positive, but I've been in a few times since and the place has grown on me...big time...especially after going in this week. A little history...I moved to San Diego from New England (Now I'm actually moving back). I bought a board there a while back and I came home somewhat crabby because they didn't offer a free leash. I've been in a trillion surf shops and this place is hands down the best on planet earth. Why a change of heart? They actually sent me an email apologizing for the leash thing and offered me a gift certificate. I didn't take it, but that goes a long way regarding customer service. However, this is NOT why I've changed my opinion. I noticed a few things that totally won me over... Fast Forward to this week: I went into Surf Ride to buy some goods and I noticed some dude buying shades. The chick behind the counter was super helpful and giving the guy legit feedback on what shades looked good on him, with no pressure. She was actually giving him very detailed feedback on how the shades fit, the brand, style, etc.... I was trying on shoes next to them for about 10 minutes and I was just thinking that she knew all the shades, brands, styles and what looked good on that guy. It wasn't the creepy sales pitch you would get at the mall. The customer service was good. I ran upstairs to check out the boards and the kids working up there were cool, yet not all over me. Another +. What I like about this place is as follows: 1. The staff knows what they are doing. The crew that posts up in the board room understands surfboard design. The girls and guys posted up in the clothing sections are helpful, yet not in your face. This goes for both locations. I noticed the guy who runs Solana Beach is always super friendly with a no pressure attitude. This is worth its weight in gold. 2. Board Selection: I know of no other surf shop on earth that has the selection of the Oceanside location. I've literally been to every coastal state in the US and I've surfed in all of them. There is simply no shop that has the boards that this place has....period. My transplanted east coast to west coast friends all agree. If you wanna buy a board of the rack, you will find it here. Solana Beach has a sick selection as well. If CI cuts a new shape, these guys will have it first. 3. Promos: These guys have something going on at all times. The surfboard demos are beyond insane. Island Water Sports in Florida comes close, but this place is better. 4. Website: This site is as legit as they come. They have the web business dialed and I will continue to buy from the site when I'm back on the east coast. 5. Customer service: Let's forget the nice email they sent me. I was in Oceanside this week and the staff was super focused on making sure folks in line were getting their orders processed. Attitudes were friendly, which goes a million miles in my book. Customer service is everything in this type of business and the vibe here is just right. 6. Layout: Both of these shops are laid out in a way that just works. When I think of "big" shops that do a lot of volume I think of IWS in Deerfield Beach, FL...Jacks in HB....Warm Winds in New England, etc....but when you map these against Surf Ride they all have inherent problems. They layout of all those shops is disjointed. Surf Ride has tons of product, but you can still find your way around and identify what you are looking for. 7. I've met tons of surf shop employees over the years and I sometimes wonder why shops would hire people who aren't super informed and don't actually surf. Whenever I'm in Surf Ride I notice the staff is dialed into the movies playing and discussions they are having with people. I recently went into another store and the guy working there didn't surf. if you surf...you can just tell if someone actually surfs or not within the first 10 seconds of talking to them. I wouldn't want that person selling me a board. if this isn't enough, I will leave you with the 3 worst quotes I've heard surf shop employees say at other shops over the years (None were directed at me, but I was a witness) 1. Shop employee sells $800 longboard to beginner customer: Customer: Cool, so where should I ride this thing? Shop Employee: I can't tell you that, as the locals would be pissed at the store. 2. Customer: I need a set of FCS fins. Shop Owner: What kind of board to you ride? Customer: Xanadu: Shop Owner: We don't sell fins to people who ride Xanadus... 3. Shop Owner: This color of this board fits you, especially the sides. Customer: You mean the rails? Net result...I'm now a loyal customer of Surf Ride...They have the business dialed. Johnny read more

Great board selection, very cocky staff... the kind of people that assume that they are better surfers than you! I went there to pick an order, nothing was ready wasted 45mn, the board I order was still on the rack with the other boards for sale. It's the first surf shop I've ever been where after you buy a board, traction pad, fins... for about $1.000!!! They don't even give you a couple of wax packs! Not a good experience and I will avoid moving forward, you are not a tourist looking for souvenirs you only go there once! read more

One of my favorite places to shop for school clothes. The clothing clearance rack is HUGE and constantly getting bigger. Brands the store carries: Clothing - Honolua, Analog, Rip Curl, O'Neil, Volcom, Billabong, RVCA, Jedidiah, Roxy, Quiksilver, and a few smaller Nordstrom-selling brands. Shoes - DC, Globe, Etnies, ipath, Adio, Circa, DVS, Es, Emerica, Fallen, Vans, Volcom, Lakai, Quiksilver, Reef, Naughty Monkey (womens), Roxy, and Ugg. Sandals - Reef, Cobian, Ocean Minded, Rainbow, Quiksilver, O'Neil, Havianas, and Sanuk. On top of all of this, Surf Ride sells: sunglasses, watches, new surf boards, leashes, used surfboards, deck pads, wax, surfboard deck cleaning and repair supplies, boogie boards, softboards (for surfing...made by INT or Roxy), epoxy surf boards, surf carrying bags and travel bags, DVDs, skate decks and all accessories, skate completes (including Sector 9 boards), skim boards, wall racks for surfboards, wetsuits of all kinds, surf and skate magazines, surf art and jewelry, purses and backpacks, and much more. On top of all of this, if you're in search of the perfect gift for a surfer...ask the front counter staff about the newest DVDs. Those DVDs make awesome gifts, and they range in price from $20-$35. read more

Fantastic Used Board Selection, a great shop and a personable staff. The guys are knowledgeable and ready to help and they have a cool Skateboard shop next door if you're looking for some shoes and/or revisiting your child-hood... They also have very competitive prices on new equipment and rent boards on a daily basis if you want to try something out. I can not say enough about this store... read more

I really like this shop for the size of board selection, used and new. They have just about all of the top board makers with some exotic selections as well as some longboards. Some clothes and accessories make this a good place to pop into every once in a while. Prices are a bit on the high side, hence 4 stars. But high rating for a shop that has a great selection of surfboards. read more

I had a great experience here. I wish I could remember the guys name that helped me, but he was awesome! Surf shops can come with a lot of attitude which reflects poorly on the shop, however, this isn't always the shops fault. I've read some of the other reviews on here and I think most of the poor reviews are more towards the person and not the business as a whole. Here are the factors I took into consideration when writing my review: Board, fin, and wetsuit selection- The selection of boards really can't be beat; no matter what your size and skill level, they have something for you! They have fins of all types for any board. If you can't find a wetsuit here then you'd probably need something extremely special. I have a very difficult build to fit into almost any wetsuit. Not only did they have a good selection but the guy was super patient and helped me find one that's perfect for ME! Overall this is a great shop. If you get some attitude from someone just ask someone else. There are a lot of people working there and I highly doubt they are making tons of money so don't feel that just because you are spending a lot of money that you are entitled to having someone spoon feed you. Ask questions until you get the answers/help you need! One thing to consider is the service you'd get if you had to order this stuff; it's pretty incredible to be able to drive 10 mins and have the ability to see, touch, and feel so many awesome products! That alone is worth a few stars! read more

Big(ish) surf shop with lot's of stuff and decent prices. They have a good board selection but canned their most knowledgeable board guy a few months back. Prices are pretty much retail. Overall I would say Surfride is an average shop and if they have a good sale going on... it may be worth swinging by. read more

Ok I don't surf. Should I be writing this? Debatable. But if i surfed here's what i'd think..... But man is this stuff expensive. What's up with surf fashion? A bit Tacky. Lots of inventory though. If you need it, they probably have it. But I don't need it so.... read more

Don't waste time lurking other shops. This is the best. They have the most inventory, friendly and knowledgeable staff. Check the Solana Beach or Oceanside locations. read more

I went into surf ride picked out a wetsuit was in a hurry and the guy selling me the suit said no worries if it doesn't fit bring it back. The next day I took it back and the manager some skinny dude with the beard said all sales are final. I explain what happened to him and he just got very combative had the IQ of a bowling ball and made no sense. After hurling insults at me I realized this guy has no business etiquette and no business servicing customers. That was another guy there baldheaded dude stepped up and was extremely nice and took care of me. Bottom line I would NOT shop there again they don't honor their word and their lack of business etiquette is testimony of how badly out of touch they are with surfers. JB~ read more

For several months I've had a running list of things I needed for the water: a wetsuit jacket for hubby, a spring suit for me, a bikini top that stayed on, and super duper sunscreen. A few months ago we went to Clairemont Surf Shop after reading yelp reviews and didn't find anything we needed and since no one offered to help us we left. Surf Side was recommended by a friend of my husband who's a long time surfer and lives up in that area. We went up on a weekday, in the middle of the day and the drive was easy from La Mesa and just a few customers in the store. We headed back to the wetsuits and the girl (Kalina?) in charge of that area was super helpful. After explaining what I wanted she (correctly) guessed my size and gave me a few to try on. Unfortunately for me, the one that fit the best had the most boring colors (black, black and more black). After I tried on every suit I came out of the dressing room and the salesgirl could tell me in a split second if it fit or not. After the 3rd suit I was worn out--taking those things on and off is tiring! While I was in the dressing room I heard the salesgirl explaining how to put on a very expensive winter wetsuit to another customer. She was very nice and thorough and patient with every one. Both my suit and husband's jacket were 20% off, which was very nice. Considering we're 6 months past summer the selection was still decent enough. I also found the bikini top I needed and it was 50% off. They had a text message coupon that'll give you 10% off regular priced merchandise too--just make sure to unsubscribe. We used the 10% off on two bottles of sunscreen. The only downside were the two guys at the front of the store. A customer came in who had been at their Oceanside store looking for booties when the O'side store called the Solana Beach store and put them on hold. He had driven down and the SB store couldn't find the booties. The booties were finally found under someone's desk but the guys up front were so preoccupied with the missing booties that you had to stare at them and finally ask them to get help (the sunscreen was under lock and key) and check out. read more

Awesome surf Shop!!!!! We drove all the way from la Jolla one afternoon searching for viper find, & we roll always come here when we need anything ocean related. The staff was great. Very helpful & patient. Best surf shop we've been in!!!!! read more

The crew over at Surf Ride our great to work with. They are very knowledgeable. John works hard to keep everybody happy. read more

Hands down my go to surf shop for all my needs. With many surf shops really only selling clothes these days, Surf Ride still has just about everything one could need. Great board selection, all the surfing accouterments, clothes, wetsuits and even a decent shoe collection. Plus, they have some cool local shop swag as well. read more

This is an upscale surf shop stocking mostly name brands. In addition to surf gear they cater to the lifestyle when you are out of the water. You'll find clothes by Roxy, Quicksilver, Billabong, Hurley and more. These are items exclusively made for surf shops and not the large department stores. You pay more as well. They also have a skateshop within this store as well as accessories for both sports. A bit more posh than its Oceanside sister that also comes with good service devoted to getting you in the right gear. You can also buy through their online store: http://www.surfride.com read more

1 FIREWire board equals -$800 (ouch).... Love the board, the young guy that helped me out was great and super patient since parting with my money isn't easy. He talked me out of another board that was a few more dollars and worked me into the FIREWire. A decent surf shop if you have the free time but make sure you have a few beers at the Pizza Port up the street first. It makes parting with 800 smackers a little easier. read more

Tons of wetsuits all brands lots of top name boards the customer service is great. And you can check stuff out without being pressured so much that you want to leave. I think they may have more wetsuits than the frog house even. we always go by and check the store out when were in the area read more

Sort of the McMaster-Carr of surf shops... It definitely has everything you would need but it will come at a cost. Better to shop elsewhere first and use it as a resort. But very friendly while you are there. read more

I love it here. Great clothing with a big selection for girls and guys. If you can't find a bikini you like here, you may not find one this season. Huge selection of shoes, watches, bags, surf and skate accessories and large inventory of boards and decks. Amazing sales on 4th of July and Labor Day. If you're looking for it they will have it. read more

Terrible customer service. I just called to see if i could make a return for 2 pieces that i didn't end up wearing. Tags still intact but my receipt literally flew out of my car when the windows were down. They don't have the capability of looking up a card used on their computer service to make the return. NEVER SHOPPING HERE AGAIN. read more