WINTER SALE: Save up to $862 on our trips! Book now and secure your adventure!

This shopping capital caters to surf companies seeking a prime location for local exposure, allowing New York surfers to reap the benefits. Here are the ten best surf shops in the concrete jungle.

Pilgrim Surf + Supply

This Williamsburg surf shop carries apparel and equipment for a stylish day out on the water. Swimsuits, Vans, boards, books, and a ding repair service to mend damaged boards are available at Pilgrim Surf + Supply.

Pilgrim Surf + Supply

Salt Surf

Salt Surf is an online store based out of New York that creates SALT surfboards, delivering quality, cutting-edge boards designed for the New York City surfer. The SALT Showroom in Brooklyn is open to the public by appointment.

Breakwater Surf Co.

Directly across from one of the two surf beaches in New York City, Breakwater Surf Co. has stationed itself as a valuable resource for desperate surfers seeking quick relief near the water. The store is operated and run by two long-time local surf experts who are driven by the desire to give back to New York’s surf community. Surfboards, tangle-free leashes, wax, board shorts, as well as skate gear— grips, wheels, and bearings— fill the shop. Men’s and women’s apparel is also available along with long, short, soft, ply, and epoxy surfboards, paddleboards, boogie boards, and beater board rentals. Wetsuits, booties, and gloves are also available for rent. The shop offers surf and stand-up paddleboard lessons for riders of all ages and abilities.

Locals Surf School

Locals Surf School is not a place for goods; it’s a place for practice. Standing directly on Rockaway Beach, where urban and surf cultures collide, Locals plants its residence in a black tent in front of the ocean. Offering an assortment of surf classes ranging from group lessons, semi-private, private, package lessons, and kids surf camp, Locals has become one of the most esteemed surf schools in the area.

Aegir Boardworks

Setting its home in DUMBO, Aegir Boardworks strives to give an under-served demographic in New York something that is usually found near a mountain, or a few blocks away from the beach. Aegir Boardworks is a full service board shop specializing in surf, skate, and snow goods and also features stylish and trendy street clothes for men and women. Accommodating the New York surfer, the store sells Superbrand, Modern Blackfish, and Haydenshapes boards, O’Neill wetsuits, and fins from Futures, Captain Fin Co, and FCS, as well as an assortment of leashes.

Rockaway Beach Surf Shop

For 37 years Rockaway Beach Surf Shop has been fueling New York’s surf community as the oldest family-run surf business in New York, and one of the oldest on East Coast. Living up to its long-time residence, the shop specializes in handmade surfboards, fiberglass skim boards, and accessories like surfboard leashes and wetsuits. Rockaway Beach Surf Shop is a reliable go-to spot for all basic surfing needs.

Boarders

For surfers at all levels, Boarders caters to all crowds offering surfboards and body boards for rental and for purchase. Boarders caters to the old-school surf enthusiasts by incorporating Matador surfboards for advanced riders in their line, but it also stocks hand-shaped boards for those seeking quality, homemade products. Boarders is equipped with all the essentials needed for a day on the water. This is the only shop to offer surfboard lockers and showers with 24/7 access. Boarders stocks primarily hand shaped surfboards such as Matador, WRV and St. James, but feature a full line of Global Surf Industries surfboards.

They are a full service “core” shop aimed at getting you in the water and providing everything you need to get a true New York Surf experience

Courtesy of Boarders

Imaginary Surf Co.

Tailor-made for NYC-based surf enthusiasts with an environmental conscience, Imaginary Surf Co. produces handcrafted boards that are thoughtfully constructed from start to finish. Using the finest quality materials, each board is designed and constructed locally in their Brooklyn shop to offer a top-notch surfing experience with minimal environmental consequence and maximum performance. Offering a uniquely personal experience, Imaginary Surf Co. will repair your first ‘ding’ at no extra cost, reuse and recycle any broken materials, and offer a discount should you break your board.

Imaginary Surf Co.

Billabong-Element

Attracting tourists from around the globe, the Billabong-Element collaboration store in Times Square draws in beach enthusiasts seeking trendy clothes and beach accessories. Despite the surfboards dangling from the ceiling, there are no boards for sale at this location. Instead, the stored caters to all clothing needs suitable for an active day out on the water, such as board shorts, wetsuits, and eco-friendly t-shirts. Beach and surf accessories are also included in their product line.

Billabong Element

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

About the author

Laura Farrell is a Contributor for The Culture Trip based out of New York City. She is an American journalist, writer, and photographer.

If you click on a link in this story, we may earn affiliate revenue. All recommendations have been independently sourced by Culture Trip.
close-ad