Surfers not only enjoy surf shops, but they consistently need new accessories, wax, and leashes. Sometimes, they even need new surfboards. San Clemente has no shortage of surf shops, and they all have their own strengths and specialties. These are some of our favorites and what makes them useful.
Where to buy surf gear in San Clemente
Whether you’re looking for surf essentials or a new board, here’s a short rundown of local shops, the ones we use most. Not all inclusive. In alphabetic order.
Walking into this shop feels like a highly curated experience where quality is valued over quantity. It's a surfboard showroom of short (and short-ish) boards that beckons a fine art gallery experience. That said, they don't carry every surf accessory on the market so if you're looking for something specific, you might strike out.
If you're into high-performance design, this is the place for you.
This shop makes and sells surfboards in the Los Molinos Business District (northern end of San Clemente). They also carry surf essentials from wax (in the glass counter near the front) to leashes and sandals. You can also find a good selection of DIY materials to build or fix your own board.
It's a cool, industrial space always worthy of a visit and if you're feeling inspired, you may also splurge on a new board designed by surf phenom Tommy Witt.
Catalyst has a rich history in San Clemente and several locations to show their wares. Their shop in Downtown San Clemente on El Camino Real is stocked to the gills with surf accessories and boards. The OG location (northern end of El Camino Real) is, well, the original space, also fully stocked with surf gear.
If you're into shortboards, put this (these) shop(s) on your to-do list. But you probably already knew that.
Reliable ding repair in the Los Molinos district in San Clemente. As his web page says, "Thank you for not wearing a leash." The rocks of the San Clemente shoreline wreak havoc on the rails of surfboards. Surf accordingly. When in need, call Brian.
Jack’s Surfboards — SC Outlet
Jack's Outlet in San Clemente sells a range of surf equipment, much of it for a discount price. The store is centrally located on Avenida Del Mar, across the street from Hobie, and is packed full with soft tops, wet suits, leashes, swim suits, and casual attire. In Dana Point, the overall selection of the retail store is bigger and the experience a little more pleasant, but you won't find as many discounted items.
The San Clemente shop is where you want to go if you need something fast and cheap. However, you're likely to find something more useful in the Dana Point location (or any of the other locations).
The store on Del Mar in downtown San Clemente has a full supply of clothing, books, and accessories. They also have a few surfboards up front and a small selection of wet suits in the back. Hobie makes excellent boards. This store is not a showroom dedicated to their boards.
Probably not your first stop if you need to restock surf gear, but worth a browse if you're killing time on Del Mar.
Indeed, this is an iconic surf shop with a beautiful collection of new and used boards. Think quality over quantity. The main show here are the boards. They also sell a small selection of surf essentials, wet suits, and specialty items. You may also rent boards, so consider that option if you're looking for something new.
This is the Soho boutique of surf shops in San Clemente. Pristine displays with plenty of space to admire from afar.
Located in the Trestles area, this retail store carries a healthy assortment of wet suits, swim suits, board shorts, and surf attire.
Down the street from the Rip Curl retail store in the Trestles neighborhood, the outlet is a reliable stop to get a good deal on a wet suit (with a decent selection of summer suits), swim suits, or other surf attire. You're not guaranteed to find what you're seeking, but if you do find something, it's going to be a good price.
It's a large space almost always worth the stop.
This is a good one stop shop located in the southern end of San Clemente. Founded in 1978, Stewart has been based at this location for many years. They have a large inventory of new and used boards, as well as surf equipment, accessories (wax is down in the board room), (a limited selection of) Excel wetsuits, and clothing. They also rent surfboards -- softtops as well as hand-shaped boards -- and wet suits.
A solid all-around surf shop that's likely to have the surf gear you need.
This is a small (but well-stocked) shop with a full array of short boards. They have a limited selection of surf gear and supplies but that's not the main attraction here.
If Timmy Patterson is your jam, then you probably already know the deal.
The main showroom is fully stocked with used boards of all types. They also sell surf essentials and rent boards and wet suits. You might find what you need at this shop.
You should know this shop exists and if you're going to Basham's across the street, it's also a convenient stop in the Los Molinos Business District. Otherwise, after many visits, you may have actually only purchased a random surf accessory, such as a wax remover.
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