Best Surf Shop
Swell.com
As all serious surfers know, the last place you want to buy a surfboard is at a surf shop. They're basically overpriced window dressings aimed at making customers think they're buying into the surfing lifestyle when they're really interested in shopping for clothes, which is what makes up the bulk of sales revenue at any so-called "surf shop." Which is why we're going with Swell.com as our favorite this year. The company, based in San Clemente, has been around since 1999. Now, of course, Swell.com is not a surf shop per se—though they do have a headquarters you can visit—and if you want to shop, you'll have to do it online. The good news: not having to pay salaries to gum-chewing, disgruntled skateboarders means you can buy their wares for a lot less than what you find in an actual store.
bob 07/28/2009 3:59:17 PM
being a surfer and subsequently looking for a surfboard or pair of boardshorts has nothing to do with saving a dollar by buying something online (which you make up for in shipping prices) and everything to do with the culture. surf shops are part of the culture. going into a surf shop and supporting the guys and local businesses that keep you stoked are more important than anything. if you want a good deal go to costco and buy a pop out. order a leash from swell. then take the board somewhere like huntington beach and shoot the pier.