a. Islands Surf Camp

I went to five or six different surf shops in santa monica and none compared to this one. They made me feel welcome and helped me out with everything. They new what I was looking for and steered me in the right direction. Other surf shops, like ZJ and Horizons West weren't near as helpful. Santa Monica/Islands Surf Shop - or whatever they decide to call themselves - is the place to go. It's not near as expensive as the others either. If you don't at least check it out, don't blame me when you have buyer's remorse. more

This place is great! Real surf shop with great staff. Nice equipment, good selection, both progressive and classic inventory. That one guy Niko (spell) is an idiot. He is probably the manager at ZJ. more

Nikao, suck one. You think your all legit and stuff. I bet you are a super ripper who can just shred the gnar better than all others. You have no idea dude. Islands/SMSS is the best shop around, they have the best deals on everything, super friendly service and they know exactly what they are talking about. Its a great atmosphere, there is no pressure to buy anything and they don't make you feel unwelcome like some other surf shop (I won't mention because that would be way unclassy- ZJ surfshop). They will give you the best deals on the best equipment. Also, check out their concerts. Timmy Curran is a beast and he rocks. Next time you need some surf stuff, definitely hit up SMSS. more

Staff is awesome and are actual surfers unlike their competitors. They have soul and care about their customer. They know what they're talking about when selling their boards, wetsuits and other products. I have been in so many other surf shops including the one Nikao mentions were the kids barely surf and have no clue. They are NOT the "Macy's of surf shops". more

Great shop with good stuff. They have a great selection of boards with a great staff who is always more then helpful and they all surf good. I always go to this shop for all my gear. Always good quality product. Good clothes, good wetsuits, and good boards. And the new girls section is great cause I don't feel so bad when I look at boards for too long when my girlfriend is with me. I highly recommend this shop to anyone. Its got soul. Oh yeah, and they put on great events too. I saw my hero Tom Curren play an acoustic set at the shop and Timmy Curren with his band played a show at the shop as well and both were amazing! Love this shop! more

I go in there i get a smile from the friendly very approachable staff. They know everything about the products and are not pushy. I have been surfing for 30 years and just started going in there the last couple years, its cool because they know my name and are really great about getting me what ever I need. My wife just started to surf and they had everything she needed and even offered to lend her their personal stuff to make sure she really wants to try it. They try to give deals wherever they can and I never got that from any other shop. Plus the staff is awesome, and are pro/am surfers. They open up surf mags and show pictures of themselves in Surfer/longboard etc. I just bought a new Anderson Longboard from there and it was the kids own model. I highly recommend this shop to anyone who surfs. more

Santa Monica Surf Shop is a classic surf shop with great staff. Found everything I needed @ good prices. Totally disagree with "Nikao" - people who work there are true surfers, check them out @ local breaks - they rip; unlike other shops they are polite to beginners. Agree with other comments, it's all about the fun and the'yre there to make it happen. Clay A. more

Nikao obviously you must be a shredder you sound like a real surfer to me, you now all talk and stuff. Islands is changing to Santa Monica Surf Shop and they have great deals and a great board selection shaped by great shapers maybe even a few legend surfers who know a few things about surfing.Anyways we have found all our needs met at the surf shop and have found a great and staff on hand to help with any questions. I highly recomend Islands/Santa Monica surf to surfers at all levels of the sport. Its all about the fun! I agree with Bill. more

Islands surf shop, which seems to be changing its name to Santa Monica Surf Shop, is a wonderful store. The staff has always been super helpful and are willing to negotiate on price. I have found that I can order Tuflite surfboards at somewhat of a discount compared to other stores. They are very kind and ethical, and allow you to keep 90% of store credit when placing a surfboard on consignment. I rate this as the best surfshop on the westside. more

Are you learning how to surf? Do you want to rent a board and a wetsuit? Go for it. It's aight to do it at Islands. Are you shopping for a good deal on a board? Are you looking to not overpay on that new wetsuit you've been eyeing? Um, go elsewhere. This shop is small, has limited selection, higher than average prices and does not cater to the diverse array of needs for a real surfer. Sure, I'll hit up Islands for wax and check out the discount bin, but for anything else, I go to the big shop on Main St. (I won't bring up the direct competitor to Islands nor name it in this review, as that'd be classless -- ZJ Boarding House). Islands, historically, has been invariably out of stock with my particular needs -- I totally understand tho' -- with high rental prices and low margins due to limited negotiating power, it doesn't surprise me. However, Islands manages to eke out a living due to the Yuppies who roll up in their Audis and are willing to spend the big bucks on their aspirational recreational activities. more