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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.
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// 3 Surf shops listed
Boards, wetsuits, wax and ding repair — with ratings, phone numbers and directions for each.
Seasonal averages for Oregon — not a live surf report for this beach. Oregon surf seasons in full
// The Lineup
Ranked by rating confidence — review volume counts, not just the score.
1116 S Roosevelt Dr
1116 S Roosevelt Dr
Lessons · Rentals · Friendly staff
Auto-summary of reviews
Instructors, particularly Lauren, are consistently praised for being knowledgeable, patient, encouraging, enthusiastic, and personable, leading to…
Seaside stands as Oregon's original beach resort town, where three dedicated surf shops serve a thriving coastal community at the end of the historic Columbia River Highway. These shops provide essential cold-water gear, wetsuit rentals, and detailed knowledge of the challenging Pacific Northwest breaks that define this rugged coastline. You'll find staff who understand the nuances of surfing Oregon's powerful beach breaks, from The Cove's protected waves to more exposed stretches requiring serious equipment. Beyond the surf, Seaside offers the state's longest boardwalk, easy beach access, and a walkable downtown packed with seafood restaurants and vintage arcades. The town's proximity to Cannon Beach and Ecola State Park makes it an ideal base camp for exploring the northern Oregon coast while maintaining access to proper surf shop services and repair facilities.
Seaside, Oregon, offers consistent cold-water surfing year-round, though winter brings larger, more challenging swells. Shops often see peak demand on summer weekends; booking rentals or lessons a day ahead is advisable. Always check the local tide charts and water temperature, as conditions shift rapidly on the North Coast. Before going in, check the local beach forecast and talk to the lifeguard on duty (National Weather Service advice).
The documented shops in Seaside generally maintain robust rental fleets featuring thick wetsuits, boots, and gloves essential for Oregon waters. Expect availability of high-quality epoxy boards suitable for the often-mushy beach break. Most locations offer quick repair services for dings and pressure dents, crucial given the rocky areas near the jetties. While some shapers may operate locally, custom board orders usually require lead times extending several weeks, especially during the high season.
For winter surfing (November through March), a 5/4mm hooded wetsuit is the standard requirement. Supplementing this with 7mm booties and 5mm gloves is highly recommended to manage the near-freezing water temperatures common during this period.
Local surf shops often rely on NOAA buoys and specific North Oregon Coast models. Shops frequently post real-time updates regarding wave height and period on their social media or in-store whiteboards, offering more immediate insight than general regional forecasts.
Most shops allow package customization. If you have your own gear but need a board, or vice versa, inquire directly. Full packages are standard, but individual item rentals, particularly for boards, are usually accommodated if inventory allows.
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.
