Concord offers a unique inland surf scene centered around wake surfing and water sports at nearby Lake Norman and other regional lakes. The city's two dedicated surf shops cater to both traditional ocean surfers planning coastal trips and the growing community of wake surf enthusiasts. These shops stock quality boards, wetsuits, and accessories while providing expert advice on the best surf breaks along North Carolina's coast, just a few hours' drive away. Beyond surf gear, Concord delivers small-town charm with big-city amenities—home to Charlotte Motor Speedway, a revitalized downtown with local breweries and restaurants, and proximity to Charlotte's urban attractions. The shops here understand the needs of traveling surfers heading to the Outer Banks or Wrightsville Beach, offering board rentals, wax, and insider knowledge on current conditions. Whether you're gearing up for a coastal road trip or exploring lake-based surf alternatives, Concord's surf community welcomes you.
Concord, NC, is landlocked, meaning surf trips require travel, typically toward the coast (Outer Banks or Wilmington). Summer months see the highest demand for general water sports gear and lessons inland. Book any specialized board demos or custom shaping consultations well in advance, especially outside of the immediate metro area where inventory may be limited. Weekday visits to the two documented shops are generally less crowded than weekend rush.
The two documented shops in Concord focus primarily on hard goods, apparel, and accessories suitable for travel or local river/lake activities. Expect availability of standard shortboards and funboards for purchase, though rentals may be less common than in coastal towns. Repair services are often available for ding fixes, utilizing standard resin kits. Custom shaping inquiries should be directed to specific shops, as this service is typically appointment-based and highly specialized.
No. Concord is situated inland. Surfing requires a significant drive, usually 3.5 to 4 hours, to reach the nearest ocean breaks along the North Carolina coast, such as those near Wilmington or the Outer Banks.
Given the travel distance, most local buyers opt for versatile boards. A reliable 6'0" to 6'6" performance shortboard or a manageable hybrid is often recommended for tackling varied Atlantic conditions encountered on day trips.
While primarily surf-focused, inland shops often stock gear relevant to towed water sports. Inquire specifically about wakesurfing boards, as they are more applicable to local lakes than river surfing equipment, which is rare in this region.
Concord offers a unique inland surf scene centered around wake surfing and water sports at nearby Lake Norman and other regional lakes. The city's two dedicated surf shops cater to both traditional ocean surfers planning coastal trips and the growing community of wake surf enthusiasts. These shops stock quality boards, wetsuits, and accessories while providing expert advice on the best surf breaks along North Carolina's coast, just a few hours' drive away. Beyond surf gear, Concord delivers small-town charm with big-city amenities—home to Charlotte Motor Speedway, a revitalized downtown with local breweries and restaurants, and proximity to Charlotte's urban attractions. The shops here understand the needs of traveling surfers heading to the Outer Banks or Wrightsville Beach, offering board rentals, wax, and insider knowledge on current conditions. Whether you're gearing up for a coastal road trip or exploring lake-based surf alternatives, Concord's surf community welcomes you.