Surfing Gift Guide
We’ve curated a short list of our favorite surfing gifts and local San Diego surfboard shapers. Not sure which to get? Start with giving the gift of warmth with a Mamala Surf Gift Card and consider the most memorable gift, a new surfboard or skateboard. Learn more about each favorite by scrolling down.
Our favorite San Diego surfboard shapers:
1. Surf With Amigas: Women’s Surf & Yoga Retreats
Founded and led by women, Surf With Amigas has been facilitating surf-travel adventures for women since 2010. Our mission is to create empowering experiences and connect a community. At our retreats, participants enjoy surfing, rejuvenate with daily yoga, savor delicious regionally sourced food, give back to the local community, and share in wild adventures together.
2. Big Wave Babes merchandise or HI training
Big Wave Babes was founded by professional big wave surfer Polly Ralda, is a women’s collective dedicated to empowering one another to conquer the biggest waves of their lives, both in and out of the water. Offering a range of surf-focused training sessions and retreats in Hawaii and other parts of the world. Big Wave Babes provides the tools, support, and community for women to push their limits.
If you're looking for a killer skateboard (or just a few parts), Soul Grind Skate Shop is the spot! They can build you a custom set-up or grab you one off the rack. Soul Grind Skate Shop is a family-owned and operated business in Pacific Beach, San Diego since 1993.
4. Favorite San Diego Surfboard Shapers
Donald Takayama Surfboards
Donald designed surfboards for over 55 years and was a past US Champ x 5! Donald taught himself how to shape in the backyard out of necesity. Takayama is famous for his progressive designs that combine both traditional and high-performance aspects. Summer Romero model featured above (Mamala Rider).
Dane Perlee is the wizard behind Osprey Surfboards hand built custom surf craft. Dane grew up in West Port, WA and developed his skill for shaping from mentor Bob Pearson of Pearson Arrow surfboards based in Santa Cruz. Dane now resides in San Diego and makes all types of custom surfboards. Be warned that if you watch Dane surf or demo one of his boards, you may not order another board from anyone else.
Born and rasied in San Diego, Josh blends tradition with modern design. Josh has been hand building beautiful, functional boards for decades. Josh has a complete board building factory near Old Town San Diego named Shoreline Glassing. Josh was a past apprentice of Skip Frye since the age of 18.
Michael Surfboards
Michael custom surfboards are handmade in Oceanside, California by Michael Takayama, nephew of Donald Takayama. Michael has incorporated much of Uncle Donald’s style in his use of nose and tail rocker, rail contours and outlines, while adding his own personal touch to each of his beautiful custom surfboards.
Blackbird Surfboards
Blackbird was founded in 2007 by Tim Crozier, an industry veteran with decades of experience at other board manufacturers. Tim has had the luck to learn from many of the world’s top shapers including Brewer, Anderson, Yater, Eckstrom, Lopez, Rich, Rawson and many others.
5. Zilly Hair
Zilly Conditioning Hair Spritz is a weightless and hydrating leave-in conditioner created for surfers, beach goers + weekend warriors.
6. Wayfarer Bread - Breakfast Sandwhich Pop-Up by Jen Smith
Wayfarer Bread is one of San Diego’s best bakeries, proven by their daily short line out their door. Mamala Surf rider, Jen Smith has parntered with Wayfarer to bring you epic breakfast sandwhiches for pre-order, available for pickup every Monday. These are not to miss, a bucket list eat.
7. Rinse Kit
Rinse Kit is a portable shower for outdoors — featuring a 4 gallon capacity, 4-6 month battery charge, 5 year battery life, cube shaped, tie-downs. 4 Gallon Battery pressurized portable shower. Rinse Kit is easy to use, strong and offers consistent pressure.