Longmont offers a unique landlocked surf culture where passionate boardsport enthusiasts have cultivated a thriving scene despite being hundreds of miles from the ocean. The city's two verified surf shops serve a dedicated community of surfers who train locally and travel to coasts, providing expert gear selection, board repairs, and invaluable knowledge about destination breaks. These shops stock quality surfboards, wetsuits, and accessories while offering professional ding repair services to keep your quiver ready for your next coastal trip. Beyond the surf shops, Longmont delivers genuine Colorado charm with its historic downtown, craft brewery scene, and proximity to outdoor recreation in the Front Range. The city's laid-back vibe and knowledgeable shop staff make it an excellent stop for surfers passing through Colorado or locals preparing for their next wave-chasing adventure.
Longmont's surf scene is landlocked, focusing on river surfing and wake surfing opportunities when water levels permit, primarily in late spring through early fall. Local shops often pivot to supporting flow sports like skateboarding or paddleboarding during off-peak river seasons. Booking lessons or gear reservations is highly recommended, especially around summer weekends, as inventory for river-specific equipment can be limited compared to traditional ocean destinations. Check local flow reports before planning a trip.
The two documented shops primarily cater to the landlocked market, offering robust selections of wakesurf boards and river surfing accessories suitable for nearby river features. Expect services to include board tuning, leash repair, and potentially drysuit rentals for colder water conditions. Custom shaping services are rare but sometimes available through direct consultation with specialized staff. Insider perks often involve local knowledge on accessing uncrowded river breaks or discounts on related mountain/skate gear.
While Longmont itself lacks a consistent, accessible man-made feature, the closest established river surfing opportunities are often found downstream or via specific local knowledge regarding the St. Vrain Creek or features near Denver/Boulder. Always verify current flow rates and local access rules before attempting to surf any creek or river.
Given the location, ocean board rentals are highly unlikely. The shops focus inventory on wakesurfing, river surfing gear, and related board sports like skateboarding or paddleboarding. If you require ocean equipment, you must travel significantly west to the coast or arrange specialized cross-country shipping.
The prime season aligns with snowmelt runoff, generally late May through July, when water volume is highest and temperatures are manageable. Shops will have their best selection of river-specific gear during this period. Always exercise caution regarding water temperature and debris levels.
Longmont offers a unique landlocked surf culture where passionate boardsport enthusiasts have cultivated a thriving scene despite being hundreds of miles from the ocean. The city's two verified surf shops serve a dedicated community of surfers who train locally and travel to coasts, providing expert gear selection, board repairs, and invaluable knowledge about destination breaks. These shops stock quality surfboards, wetsuits, and accessories while offering professional ding repair services to keep your quiver ready for your next coastal trip. Beyond the surf shops, Longmont delivers genuine Colorado charm with its historic downtown, craft brewery scene, and proximity to outdoor recreation in the Front Range. The city's laid-back vibe and knowledgeable shop staff make it an excellent stop for surfers passing through Colorado or locals preparing for their next wave-chasing adventure.