Clairemont Surf Shop

The girl was super rude and negative. I asked for swimsuits and she said no and I’m glad we don’t it would make my life hell. If you can’t be happy and help people work somewhere else.

I’ve been getting surf gear, clothes and shoes at Clairemont Surf for almost 15 years now. It is my go to spot for anything surf related and I usually hit it up at least twice a year for their big sale events. Over the years I have seen staff come and go, but it surprises me how long some of the people work there (one nice dude worked here on and off for ~8 years and always recognized me and was happy to talk shop when i stopped by every 6 months or so).
The Good: The staff at this shop are usually super friendly and helpful, you can tell they get some customer service training before the start work here. Kooks don’t get shamed by elitist staff like at some shops. Prices are better than other shops I’ve been too also. The email newsletter is cool as they clue you into sales and other events at the shop. I live in the area so location is great for me. They have a large selection of surfboards (and carry some really cool/​unusual shapes) for how small the place is. I have bought a couple wetsuits and surfboards here over the years and have never been disappointed (my current goto board came off the consignment rack here).
The Bad: Don’t really have anything bad to say, I’ve never had any issues at this shop
The Ugly: I got jipped by the Jiffy Lube in the parking lot by this shop years ago. Has nothing to do with C-​mont surf, but hey it was still ugly.
Overall this is a great surf shop. Everyone I have told about it now goes here, driving from other areas around the county as their prices usually make it worth it. I still like going to Hansons and Surf Ride to look/​drool at boards, but I do all my buying at Clairemont Surf.

One of the oldest surf shops in San Diego. Good prices on surfboards and the selection is nice. You can find limited surfboards that you won’t find at other shops. Staff is real friendly and it’s a family owned business. Can’t go wrong with the membership they have going either, you’ll save money over time.

Awesome store, awesome people. I’ve bought 2 surfboards from Clairemont Surf Shop and they are always friendly. They genuinely try to help you out and have a good selection to choose from.

My husband guided me here to purchase his Father’s Day gift. It’s located in a strip mall and the place is rather small.
As soon as I walked in I was greeted. I started browsing around and the more I browsed the more I thought that my husband had sent me here to purchase items for myself! You see, a lot of their clothing was SD inspired with similar San Diego Chargers & Padres colors and retro logos. I quickly found a shirt that I liked. My husband is from the Bay Area and doesn’t do SD sports teams so my options for him were limited. I also noticed that the women’s section had a very limited variety. I did also find some gadgets for my GoPro as well as a rash guard for myself. I would go back to this place but they do need to have more of a selection for women.

This place is the best! Walked in knowing nothing except that I wanted to start surfing and Vito got me set up something proper. And all within my budget. I’ll be a customer for life.

I keep finding myself coming here for sex… SEX WAX (you know, used on surf boards), and flip flops… and THE coolest socks I have ever seen — so cool I’ve started to wear socks again! Clairemont Surf Shop is authentic — they carry the best: surf boards, clothes, skateboards, wetsuits — and all at a totally convenient location.
The other thing is… I still need to learn how to surf… and yet there’s no judgment — the workers are SO COOL, and so kind and welcoming — I feel right at home.
Clairemont Surf Shop has a membership program and excellent discounts. Parking is so easy.

Disclaimer: I’m completely new to surfing. I work on the Silver Strand (kayaking, sailing, etc.) and can use the boards at my work for free, but only during certain times. I wanted to get my own board so I could practice on my own time for my job.
Ok, so I walked in and was super overwhelmed because I had been CL shopping at first/​considered a Wavestorm for Costco (but wanted to get a better investment, because I could see myself surfing for a long time).
I got in line and waited my turn for one of the three guys to help me. He showed me the Torq Surfboards, which were beautiful, but way out of my price range (college student woes). I was honest with him and told him my exact situation. He showed my the used boards and explained to me which ones would be good, why, and all the lovely information I could need.
I’m seriously floored and impressed with the customer service. Not only did he give me the best information/​tips possible, he waxed my new board for me and helped me get it secured to my car (which he totally didn’t have to do).
I am now a loyal customer to Clairemont Surf Shop! Thanks so much, guys!

Been going here ever since the bus allows me to ride in it. Danny’s great and keeping it local but visitors welcome of course.

One of the best local surf & skate shops around. They are family owned and operated and are real surfer and skaters, unlike your typical mall chain stores.
I bought my first Sector 9 from these guys and they gave me a great deal. I’ve been coming to them for years to get various other things and it’s always good to know that I’m supporting the local economy.
The sales that they hold throughout the year are a great way to get high quality schwag at prices that are nice.

I love this shop and the people who work here. I feel very welcome and taken care of by the staff here. I have bought boards, wetsuits, booties, supplies, and bags here. I take advantage of the member discounts too.
This is my favorite surf shop. Thanks guys.

Went in to buy a new wetsuit. Told the guy what I was looking for and he picked out the right suit immediately. The suit was a great fit and had a good price. If you sign up to be a member you get a better price on stuff and get a free t-​shirt. Nice guys there, and the owner is cool too.

This place is so SWEET… I just want to eat the air inside it… come on… who never wants to eat some SEX WAX or STicky BUMPS? its so YUMMY SMELLIN… for Houlies slow your roll… SEX WAX ain’t nothing you find in HUSTLer, it’s a type of wax to keep you slippin from yo surf board…
Aloha So Cal… the specials that help you out inside da shop are pretty epic themselves… always kind and ready to help even if you Houlie or NOT… it’s okay… it’s not your fault. you just tryin to get your surf on… it is ALL good…
This place is rAdDDD… a San Diego STAple, Straight down Balboa… you drop into Surf Town PAcific BEACH
Yellin in my Ear… Sound System Says… CLAIREMONT SURF SHOP… A LITTLE NICHE OF LEGITIMATE GOODNESS amongst the plastic boobs and superfical Sun in San Diego … buy or sell your stick (surfboard for houlies) at Clairemont… I mean… this place has a whole FIN display for your surfboard… I mean… where else can you buy yourself some Hawaiian print socks and a Sticky BUMPS air freshener along with some CREATURE WEAR… come on… find WHAT TO WEAR… your Ma will be proud back in Kentucky…
Houlie or not tip… buy yourself the membership… it will save you some mad DUCATS…

I bought my wet suit here. They’ve got a great selection of surf boards, boogie boards, and paddle boards along with other accessories for water sports. Hats, California Love sweaters and hats, sun shades, watches, key chains, men/​women/​kids sports apparel. Surf booties and wet suits are sold here for kids and adult sizes. it’s not exactly next to the beach, but the store is big enough so that you’ll find what you need most of the time.

I love this place. Feels like home. They were all very helpful. I love my O’Neil full wetsuit and will buy a half suit when spring comes around. If they don’t have your size, they can order one. Currently trying out boards to figure out which one I’m comfortable on. They are very lenient on using their demos. Wish they had more women clothes and selection though

I live in PB and drive past about 5 surf shops to go to CSS. It’s an institution and almost an icon here in SD. Been coming here for over 25 years. Danny and SteveO are the best, and the staff the place with helpful, nice, knowledgeable staff, which is rare in retail and even more rare in surf shops.
I’ve bought boards, wetsuits, and clothes here and each time it’s been awesome.
The member discounts are great. too. 40 more years guys!

Can’t tell who works there and who doesn’t, I get it’s a surf shop, but a name tag with a logo would help. I came in for some shoes but nobody was in the back to help. I weirdly had to ask people nearby if they worked here or not bc I wanted to check out a pair. Made my way up front and asked if I could get some help:
«ok. ya. :/​«.
(Sheesh, sorry to bother you :|. I’d get them myself if you just show me.)

I’ve never reviewed a surf shop before because quite honestly, I’ve not once had a significant experience to warrant one. And what I mean by this is dealing with sales people that listen to you and help you find the right board. I’m in Sales, so I know my way around customer service and what it takes to truly make a customer happy. Danny happened to be the sales guy who approached me on my visit. I knew the type of board I was looking for and he agreed, but also confirmed the size and volume that I thought was what I needed. I tested a demo, loved it, and bought one
! He also helped differentiating amongst fins I had questions about. I never felt pressured or rushed. He is very knowledgeable and it was obvious he wants you to have the right equipment.
Bonus about this store? Demos! Boards and fins and you get a credit to put towards a store purchase. Someone reviewed that their boards were overpriced compared to others and I have to disagree. I do a lot of research when finding my next board, and I’m getting mine for less than what I’ve seen around. Their prices are in line or better.

Decent prices and a decent selection.
Lots of good skateboard wheels to choose from wish they had more old school parts.
Cool shoe collection.

Great local business that has been around for years! I live across the street and go here for my surf/​body-​board/​ocean needs. Just went in today so my girl could get her first wetsuit (she is a transplant from back east, and we wanted to go snorkeling today… cool SD water, even in the summer requires a shorty suit to be comfortable).
They were totally busy, but we got help fast and she found the perfect suit at a great price! Most excellent quality on the O’Neill wetsuit too!
Service is always top notch and prices are always great too. Even if they are a couple bucks higher than you can find online, it’s worth it to support a local business, get it same day, and get great service.
Long live CSS!!!