Atlantic Beach surf shops go beyond selling surfboards and beach gear – they are the heart of the coastal lifestyle community. These local shops blend expert knowledge with quality merchandise and authentic surf culture to give customers the perfect shopping experience, whether they’re beginners or seasoned wave riders.
Customers will find an amazing array of surf apparel, water sports equipment and beach accessories at each location. The top 10 shops along the Atlantic coast showcase the best surfing products and services. Bert’s Surf Shop stands out with its huge skateboard collection, while Kitty Hawk Surf Co. features premium brand selections. Each store’s exceptional customer service helps them maintain strong ties to their local surf communities.
Bert’s Surf Shop: A Coastal Institution
Bert’s Surf Shop has been the life-blood of the Carolina Coast surfing community since 1965. The business grew from a single store into a thriving chain of seven premier locations between Atlantic Beach, NC and North Myrtle Beach, SC.
Multiple locations
Bert’s Surf Shop welcomes customers at several prime beach destinations – Atlantic Beach, Emerald Isle, Surf City, Carolina Beach, and North Myrtle Beach. The company’s flagship store stands proudly at 304 West Fort Macon Road in Atlantic Beach and has become a favorite destination for surfers and beach enthusiasts.
Diverse product range
This shop meets all your beach and surf needs with a complete collection of:
- Signature Apparel: Custom t-shirts with local designs that showcase the popular Bogue Banks Surfer and Cape Lookout Light collections
- Beach Essentials: High-quality accessories ranging from trucker hats and visors to beach blankets
- Surf Gear: Reliable surfboards and water sports equipment suitable for beginners to experts
- Local Artisan Items: Creative stickers, decals, and custom designs that capture coastal culture
Skateboard section
Bert’s has been a legitimate skateboarding destination for 22 years. The shop stocks a complete selection of skateboarding equipment that attracts both surf and skate enthusiasts. Their expert staff gives valuable advice on both sports to help customers make informed decisions about their purchases.
Bert’s stands out because of its authentic surf culture. The shop differs from typical tourist stores by selling premium quality gear and genuine surf accessories instead of generic beach souvenirs. This steadfast dedication to the sport has helped revolutionize surfing from a niche activity into a respected pursuit that contributes billions annually to coastal communities.
The shop’s success comes from understanding both local and visiting customers’ needs deeply. Bert’s experienced team gives customized guidance backed by decades of coastal retail expertise to customers searching for their first surfboard or upgrading their gear.
50 South Surf Shop: Rentals and More
12 years old, 50 South Surf Shop represents owner Rocky Godwin’s dream. His lifelong passion for surfing evolved into a thriving family business that serves the Topsail Island and Surf City community.
Board rental options
The shop provides premium quality rental equipment that suits every water adventure. Their rental collection has:
- Surfboards for all skill levels
- Stand-up paddleboards with top-notch paddles
- Kayaks with delivery service
- Beach bikes and E-bikes with convenient accessories
Their rental service stands out because customers can use the equipment for up to seven hours. The shop’s complimentary delivery service makes equipment pickup easy for visitors staying anywhere on the island.
Beachwear and accessories
50 South Surf Shop carefully curates a selection of surf-inspired apparel for the whole family. The shop has:
- Custom shirts and stickers that showcase local style
- Quality beachwear designed for all ages
- Specialized water sports equipment
- Locally crafted products
Friendly staff expertise
Rocky Godwin leads a dedicated team that has built the shop’s reputation through exceptional service. The staff knows everything about local conditions and helps customers pick the right equipment. The team’s friendly approach and eagerness to help has earned glowing reviews from customers. A visitor shared, “Customer service was so great that we went two days in a row”.
The team takes pride in quick service and pays attention to every detail. Customers can get bike locks, handlebar bags, and expert advice about water sports 9. Fair prices and flexible rental options have created a loyal following, and customers keep coming back year after year.
50 South Surf Shop stands out as a true surf shop that values authentic surf culture more than tourist merchandise. Their all-encompassing approach to service, quality equipment, and local knowledge makes this shop perfect for everyone – from seasoned surfers to water sports beginners.
Kitty Hawk Surf Co.: Outer Banks’ Finest
Kitty Hawk Surf Co., now 58 years old, stands as the Outer Banks’ premier destination for water sports enthusiasts with multiple locations between Corolla and Rodanthe. Their extensive network of shops provides quality surf gear and expert guidance to both locals and visitors.
Brand name selections
Kitty Hawk Surf Co. showcases an impressive collection of premium surf lifestyle brands. Their carefully curated inventory has:
- Billabong, Quiksilver, and Roxy
- O’Neill and Patagonia
- The North Face and Hurley
- Volcom and TOMS
- OluKai and Reef footwear
The shop’s own branded apparel line has gained popularity among locals and tourists. Each piece captures the authentic Outer Banks surfing culture and meets high-quality standards.
Water sports equipment
The store stands out with its detailed water sports solutions and has both new and used equipment from leading brands like Hobie, Wilderness Systems, and BIC. Their wide selection has:
Rental Equipment:
- Top-quality surfboards from premium manufacturers
- Stand-up paddleboards suited for beginners to experts
- Kayaking gear that works in all water conditions
- Professional kiteboarding equipment
The shop’s group and private surf lessons are a great way to get ocean safety knowledge before you take on the waves. Kiteboarding enthusiasts can join specialized “fly and ride” classes at the Waves Village location to learn essential techniques.
Surf forecasts and reports
Kitty Hawk Surf Co. stands out with its detailed surf forecasting system. Their reports include:
| Forecast Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Swell Height | Measures significant wave height in open ocean |
| Swell Period | Tracks time between wave crests |
| Wave Energy | Calculated in kilojoules for accurate power assessment |
| Wind Conditions | Monitors speed and direction for optimal surfing |
The shop’s forecasting system gives surfers vital information about wave conditions that helps them make better decisions about their sessions. Regular updates throughout the day provide details from swell direction to expected wave energy levels.
Kitty Hawk Surf Co.’s connection to the local water sports community goes beyond retail. The shop sponsors several events, including the popular Outer Banks Kayak Fishing Tournament. Their steadfast dedication to the surfing lifestyle includes seaside adventures from parasailing in Duck to dolphin tours in Nags Head.
The shop’s mix of extensive brands, quality equipment, expert guidance, and detailed surf forecasting has earned them praise from happy customers. Many customers point to their exceptional service and detailed inventory as the main reasons for their satisfaction.
Hatteras Island Board sports: Island Vibes and Gear
Hatteras Island Board sports occupies more than 5,000 square feet of retail space filled with premium surf gear and beach essentials. The expansive shop provides evidence of authentic coastal culture and has become a premier destination for water sports enthusiasts who seek quality equipment and expert guidance.
Specialized in wind and kitesurfing
This shop stands as Hatteras Island’s pioneer in windsurfing, kiteboarding, and surfing with 50 years of expertise in the local water sports scene. Their detailed selection has:
- Premium surfboards from Sharp Eye and Channel Island
- Professional-grade kiteboarding equipment
- Top-tier windsurfing gear
- Specialized accessories for all skill levels
The shop demonstrates its excellence through a carefully selected collection of brand-name merchandise that has Billabong, Quiksilver, Volcom, Roxy, O’Neill, and Rip Curl. Their extensive sunglasses collection features hundreds of premium options from Costa, Oakley, Electric, and Ray-Ban.
Lessons and tours
Their detailed lesson program serves all skill levels with these options:
| Lesson Type | Duration | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group Lessons | 2 hours | $80/person | Equipment included |
| Semi-Private | 2 hours | $95/person | 2-4 people max |
| Private | 2 hours | $125/person | One-on-one instruction |
Each lesson has professional instruction and all equipment you need, plus wetsuits during cooler months. Expert instructors have taught thousands of students successfully, from children to adults, and they get newcomers up and riding waves quickly.
The shop’s rental service gets praise consistently for reliability and convenience. Customers love their efficient online booking system and can have equipment delivered right to their vacation rentals. A happy customer shared: “The rental was delivered and waiting for me at my rental unit. The items were in perfect working order and were top notch” .
Local artisan products
Hatteras Island Boardsports goes beyond typical surf gear and showcases the work of local craftsmen. The shop stocks:
- Custom-shaped surfboards
- Local artwork and designs
- Handcrafted accessories
- Unique coastal-inspired merchandise
The shop stands out because of its excellent customer service. The core team gets constant praise from customers for being knowledgeable and friendly. “Drew is always super kind and will help you with anything,” says one regular customer. The team knows more than just retail – they give great advice about the best surf spots and local attractions.
This trusted local resource keeps up with new trends while staying true to traditional surf culture. You’ll find the latest gear on their shelves, and the prices stay competitive. This mix of quality and value has created a strong following among locals and tourists alike.
The shop’s huge collection of surf wear and gear includes options for men, women, and children. Their dedication to water sports makes them the perfect stop for anyone wanting to live the coastal lifestyle – from first-time surfers to experienced wave riders.
Conclusion
The top surf shops in Atlantic Beach stand out with their unique specialties and detailed offerings. Bert’s Surf Shop brings decades of experience that naturally blends with 50 South Surf Shop’s excellent rental services. Kitty Hawk Surf Co.’s premium brands go together with Hatteras Island Boardsports’ water sports expertise. These shops deliver outstanding customer service and guide surfers of all skill levels.
These aren’t just stores – they’re community gathering spots that keep the authentic surf culture alive on the Atlantic coast. The core team, quality gear, and specialized services create a welcoming atmosphere where locals and tourists bond over their love for surfing. Their steadfast dedication to quality helps shape the region’s coastal lifestyle and supports upcoming surf enthusiasts.
FAQs : Atlantic Beach Surf Shops
What is the premier surfing location in Atlantic City?
States Avenue, nestled between the Garden Pier and the Steel Pier, is recognized as one of the top surf spots in Atlantic City. Located about 1.5 miles north of Bartram Avenue, it is ideal for surfers of all skill levels and offers the best conditions with a southeast swell during mid to high tide.
Which surf shop is the largest in the world?
Ron Jon Surf Shop in Cocoa Beach holds the title of the World’s Largest Surf Shop. This flagship store spans 52,000 square feet, packed with an extensive range of surf, skate, swim, and beach gear.
Who founded Bert’s Surf Shop?
Bert’s Surf Shop was founded in 1965 by Bertram and Gloria Pearson. Originally based in Kinston, North Carolina, the shop expanded to several locations across North Carolina beach towns and even to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Who is the owner of AB Surf Shop?
AB Surf Shop is owned and operated by the Morrow family. It is the oldest surf shop in North Carolina, started by Tommy Morrow at the age of 15. The shop has evolved from a basic surfboard retailer to a comprehensive surf and boutique destination.
