// Free Gear Checklist
Our free Beginner's Surf Guide has the exact gear checklist — what to buy first, what to skip, and how to pick a board and wetsuit that won't hold you back. Free, instant.
No spam · Instant delivery · Unsubscribe anytime
// 1 Surf shop listed
Boards, wetsuits, wax and ding repair — with ratings, phone numbers and directions for each.
Seasonal averages for California — not a live surf report for this beach. California surf seasons in full
// The Lineup
Ranked by rating confidence — review volume counts, not just the score.
From 8 reviews
550 San Anselmo Ave
Apparel · Friendly staff
San Anselmo offers a unique inland surf culture in Marin County, serving as a convenient stop for surfers heading to nearby coastal breaks at Stinson Beach, Bolinas, and Point Reyes. The town's surf shop provides essential gear, repairs, and valuable local beta about North Bay wave conditions—critical intel for navigating the region's temperamental swells and fog patterns. Beyond surf essentials, San Anselmo charms with its walkable downtown featuring independent bookstores, cafes, and farm-to-table restaurants along San Anselmo Avenue. The town sits perfectly positioned for exploring Marin's outdoor offerings, from Mount Tamalpais trails to the dramatic Pacific coastline just 30 minutes west. Stop in to dial in your wetsuit thickness for Northern California's cold water, grab wax, or get a ding repaired before chasing waves along the rugged Marin coast.
San Anselmo is inland, requiring a drive to access ocean breaks like Stinson Beach or Bolinas. Local shops often operate on standard retail hours, but calling ahead is recommended, especially outside peak weekend times. Plan your gear acquisition before heading to the coast to avoid delays. Before going in, check the local beach forecast and talk to the lifeguard on duty (National Weather Service advice).
The single documented surf shop in San Anselmo focuses on supporting the Marin County surfing community. Expect comprehensive rental packages including wetsuits appropriate for the cold Pacific waters, typically 4/3mm thickness year-round. While major repairs might be outsourced, basic ding repair kits and essential accessories like wax and leashes are standard stock. Inquire about local knowledge regarding current conditions at nearby beaches, as this regional expertise is a key perk.
San Anselmo itself is inland, but nearby coastal spots like Stinson Beach maintain cold temperatures year-round. Expect water readings between 52°F in winter and 62°F in late summer. A quality 4/3mm wetsuit is generally the minimum requirement for comfort.
No. San Anselmo is situated in Ross Valley, requiring a significant drive, usually 30-45 minutes minimum, to reach the nearest reliable ocean access points such as Stinson Beach or Muir Beach. Plan travel time accordingly.
The National Weather Service's advice applies here: only swim at a beach with lifeguards, check the local beach forecast and talk to the lifeguard before going in, and remember that rip currents often form on calm, sunny days. If one catches you, don't fight it: relax and float, wave and yell for help, or swim parallel to the beach until you're out of the pull.
