Woodland Hills offers a unique surf shopping experience nestled in the San Fernando Valley, just a 30-minute drive from Malibu's legendary breaks. The local surf shop serves as your gateway to Southern California's diverse coastline, providing expert guidance on everything from Zuma Beach's consistent swells to Point Dume's reef breaks. You'll find knowledgeable staff who understand both beginner-friendly spots and advanced surf zones along the nearby Pacific Coast Highway. Beyond surf essentials, Woodland Hills delivers excellent dining along Ventura Boulevard, hiking access to the Santa Monica Mountains, and a relaxed Valley vibe that contrasts nicely with the coastal crowds. The shop stocks quality boards, wetsuits, and accessories while offering repair services and local break reports. It's an ideal stop for valley residents and visitors looking to dial in their gear before heading west to catch waves.
Woodland Hills is inland, meaning surf trips require travel, typically 30-45 minutes minimum to reach the closest breaks like Malibu or Leo Carrillo. Summer offers consistent, smaller swells ideal for beginners, while winter brings larger, more powerful waves demanding experience. Since the shop is not beachfront, call ahead to confirm current inventory levels, especially for popular board sizes, as local stock might fluctuate based on recent beach demand.
The single documented shop in Woodland Hills primarily serves as a strong retail hub and expert consultation point rather than a direct rental outpost for immediate water use. Expect comprehensive board sales, wetsuit fittings suitable for the cooler Pacific waters, and high-quality accessories. Inquire specifically about their repair services, as they often coordinate professional ding repair for surfers commuting from the Valley to the coast. Custom shaping inquiries should be directed early, as lead times can extend during peak seasonal ordering periods.
The closest reliable surf breaks, such as those near Malibu or Ventura County line, generally require a 30 to 45-minute drive depending on the specific destination and traffic conditions. Plan for significant weekend travel time, as the 101 corridor can become heavily congested.
Given its inland location, the Woodland Hills shop focuses more on sales and service rather than daily rentals. It is best to call ahead; they may offer longer-term rentals or direct you to partner rental services located closer to the actual beach breaks.
For year-round surfing near the Los Angeles coast, a 3/2mm full suit is standard for spring through fall. During the colder winter months (December through March), a 4/3mm thickness is strongly recommended for comfort and safety.
Woodland Hills offers a unique surf shopping experience nestled in the San Fernando Valley, just a 30-minute drive from Malibu's legendary breaks. The local surf shop serves as your gateway to Southern California's diverse coastline, providing expert guidance on everything from Zuma Beach's consistent swells to Point Dume's reef breaks. You'll find knowledgeable staff who understand both beginner-friendly spots and advanced surf zones along the nearby Pacific Coast Highway. Beyond surf essentials, Woodland Hills delivers excellent dining along Ventura Boulevard, hiking access to the Santa Monica Mountains, and a relaxed Valley vibe that contrasts nicely with the coastal crowds. The shop stocks quality boards, wetsuits, and accessories while offering repair services and local break reports. It's an ideal stop for valley residents and visitors looking to dial in their gear before heading west to catch waves.