Surfing
Whether you’re new to the waves or you’re a seasoned pro, the top Florida surf shops offer everything you might need.
When you think of surfing on the East Coast, Florida’s picturesque beaches and breathtaking waves likely come to mind. The Sunshine State’s surf breaks certainly make for some big waves.
Whether you’re a Florida local, planning your next big surf trip or heading to Red Bull Foam Wreckers in Jacksonville Beach and Cocoa Beach, you’ll likely wind up visiting a Florida surf shop. Keep reading to learn all about the 10 top surf shops in Florida.
01
Ron Jon Surf Shop, multiple locations
Ron Jons are plentiful, with Clearwater Beach, Cocoa Beach, Fort Myers, Key West, Lake Buena Vista, Pensacola Beach, and Panama City Beach locations. The company is known across the country for its vast selection of surfboards of all lengths and styles, not to mention leashes, wax, and wetsuits. If you’re looking for another way to get around Florida, you can also browse Ron Jon’s stock of skateboards and accessories. Plus, if you’re visiting from out of state, iconic Ron Jon apparel makes for great souvenirs and gifts.
02
Red Dog Surf Shop, New Smyrna Beach
Established in 1989, this popular surf shop stays true to its mom-and-pop roots. “There is no hype or concern to cater beyond surfing,” reads one review. “[T]hey're here [because] they love it and I love that.”
With nearly 100 surfboards available in store, on their website, and for curbside pickup, you might find just what you need at Red Dog. If you’ve got your sights set on a particular board style, Red Dog’s custom order program is an added perk.
03
Sunrise Surf Shop, Jacksonville Beach
Sunrise Surf Shop in Jacksonville boasts a diverse collection of surf and swim gear, not to mention boards. With frequent sales and online shipping offers, this shop might be the right place to prepare for your next Sunshine State surfing trip. Sunrise also has some of the most visually-appealing apparel among the top surf shops in Florida. From quirky button-ups to floral boardshorts, you’re bound to be the most stylish surfer on the beach.
04
Island Water Sports, multiple locations
This shop has been family-owned and family-operated for 40 years, yet it functions like a big-box location. Beyond boards, this Deerfield Beach gem offers everything associated with surfing, including sunscreen and beach towels. The shop also offers surf camps and lessons for wave-riders of all experience levels. If you can’t make it out to the flagship Deerfield Beach location, you can swing by the Delray Beach and Boca Raton shops instead.
05
Pit Surf Shop, St. Augustine
With well-established roots in this northern Florida city, Pit Surf Shop is the perfect spot to find gear for the whole family, especially young surfers. The shop carries premium apparel from brands like Rip Curl and Lucy Love while making these items accessible with friendly service. If you’re in Florida for the entire summer, one of Pit’s camp programs might be a great fit. And if the rest of your crew isn’t as keen on surfing, the shop also offers bike and kayak rentals.
06
Aqua East Surf Shop, multiple locations
This shop, boasting Neptune Beach and St. Augustine Beach locations, is the perfect spot for all things surf. Launched in 1973, Aqua East Surf Shop has remained prominent as other stores have disappeared. “Growing up [at] the beach I've seen tons of surf shops come and go,” reads one review. “[B]ut they can't beat this place.” The shop, with its extensive collection of beach gear, apparel, and accessories, is also great for securing your souvenirs and gifts for the entire family.
07
BC Surf & Sport, multiple locations
If you’re new to the world of board shopping, BC Surf & Sport might be the right fit for you. The shop’s online board comparison engine, where you can view in-stock surfboards side-by-side, can increase your confidence as you look for the right board.
While BC is known in Fort Lauderdale, Wellington, and beyond for its surf equipment, the shop specializes in any sport that requires a board. Its collection of skateboarding and snowboarding gear is just as robust as its array of surf products.
08
Quiet Flight Surf Shop, multiple locations
With a notable location in Orlando’s Universal CityWalk, Quiet Flight Surf Shop is anything but a snoozefest. The shop began humbly in the founders’ Cocoa Beach garage, in 1972 and has developed into an empire carrying everything from fishes to funshapes. If you’re curious about Florida’s surfing, Quiet Flight’s blog explores competition coverage and local board manufacturers. Plus, if you’re looking for a more lowkey shopping experience, you can check out Quiet Flight’s New Smyrna Beach and Cape Canaveral locations.
09
Suncoast Surf Shop, Treasure Island
Established in 1966, Suncoast is the oldest surf shop on this list. History buffs and surfers alike might delight in learning about the founder’s come-up story, which Suncoast aptly describes as “Joe’s Legend.” Visitors have marveled when, according to one review, Joe “reminisced of his encounters with Ray Liotta, Paris Hilton, and even Jimmy Buffet!” Amid these brushes with celebrities, Suncoast Surf Shop has nevertheless stayed steadfast to its roots, only carrying high-quality surf, skate, skim, and paddleboards.
10
Surf Station, St. Augustine
At this surf staple, you can find the world’s largest collection of surfboards. Surf Station is also a great place to learn more about St. Augustine’s surf culture. While you’re gawking at the shop’s massive collection, you can also check out its selection of wetsuits and apparel. Plus, if you plan on catching a wave at nearby beaches, Surf Station’s website can come in handy with live weather, swell, and tide reporting.
Step up your game at a Florida surf shop
Whether you’re new to the waves or you’re a seasoned pro, the top Florida surf shops offer everything you might need. Paying a visit to any shop from this list is bound to give you a tantalizing taste of Florida’s vivid, historic surf culture. Plus, you might just find your next favorite board — or, at the very least, a stylish bucket hat to wear on the shore.
