2 Verified Surf Shops

Surf Shops in San Jose

San Jose may be known as the tech capital of Silicon Valley, but it's also your gateway to some of Northern California's best surf breaks. The city's two verified surf shops serve as essential hubs for surfers heading to nearby Santa Cruz, Pacifica, and Half Moon Bay—all within 30-45 minutes. These shops stock quality boards, wetsuits built for cold Pacific waters, and provide honest beta about current conditions and which breaks are firing. Beyond surf gear, San Jose offers excellent year-round weather, a thriving food scene with everything from authentic taquerias to farm-to-table restaurants, and easy access to both mountain and coastal adventures. The shops here understand the local surf culture and can point you toward the right setup whether you're tackling Steamer Lane or mellow beach breaks. It's a practical base camp with urban amenities and serious surf shop expertise.

Back to all California shops

Why surfers love San Jose

Planning tips before you visit

San Jose is inland, so plan for a 45-60 minute drive to Santa Cruz County beaches like Pleasure Point or Waddell Creek. Summer offers smaller, consistent waves, ideal for beginners. Winter brings larger swells requiring more experience. Since local shops cater to a commuter crowd, booking lessons or gear rentals a day ahead is recommended, especially on weekends, to ensure availability before you make the drive.

Services & gear you'll find here

The limited local presence means shops primarily focus on essential gear sales and soft-top rentals suitable for the nearby coast. Expect standard offerings like wetsuit rentals, board bags, and basic wax. Full custom shaping services are rare this far inland; most shops facilitate orders through their affiliated shapers located closer to the ocean. Urgent ding repair might require dropping off gear and picking it up a few days later.

FAQs about surf shops in San Jose

The drive to the primary surf zones, such as Capitola or Pleasure Point in Santa Cruz, generally takes between 45 and 60 minutes without significant traffic. Weekday commutes can extend this, so account for potential delays, especially during morning or evening rush hours.

It is unlikely you will find a deep selection of high-performance shortboards for rent. Most San Jose-based shops stock beginner to intermediate foam boards and longboards suitable for the local Santa Cruz breaks. Reserve specialized gear directly from coastal shops.

Yes, given the cold Pacific water, most surf shops in the area stock rental wetsuits, usually 4/3mm thickness for year-round use. It is wise to call ahead to confirm sizing availability, particularly if you require less common larger or smaller fits.