San Diego is a mecca for surfing so it’s no surprise there are numerous surf brands in San Diego. Whether started by local surfers or larger parent companies, the surf brands and companies based in San Diego are another thread of local surf culture.
Surf Brands vs Surf Shops
First, it’s helpful to determine the distinction between surf brands and surf shops.
Surf brands are typically associated as the manufacturer of surf products whether it be surfboards, wetsuits, or accessories. On the other hand, surf shops are simply the sellers of these products. While surf shops may have their own branded apparel; they are not part of this list featuring surf brands in San Diego.
If you are looking for a list of popular surf shops in San Diego, check out our local surf shop list.
List of Surf Brands Based in San Diego
In no particular order, a list of surf brands in San Diego…
Surfboard Brands
Pyzel – One of my favorite, if not favorite surfboard brands. The craftsmanship and performance of their lineup is unmatched. I personally ride the Pyzel Phantom in San Diego. Pyzel has a factory in Oceanside.
Degree 33 Surfboards – Based in Carlsbad, Degree 33 has some of the funnest boards built for every level of surfer. Their epoxysoft boards are fun, durable, and don’t need wax! Check out my interview with Degree 33.
Rusty Surfboards – A local San Diegan, Rusty began shaping in the 70s. Today, it’s a huge business with a versatile quiver of boards.
Rob Machado Surfboards – A brand created by the legendary pro surfer Rob Machado out of Cardiff by the Sea. All of Machado’s boards drip his style and have his personal touch in each one.
Isle SUP – Originally a paddleboard manufacturer, ISLE has now expanded to surfboards and kayaks. For an ocean worthy craft, check these guys out.
Tower Paddleboards – An impressive line up of both hard top and inflatable SUP models. Every design you could need from flat water paddling to surf SUP. Tower is famous for being on Shark Tank and winning over Mark Cuban as an investor.
Wetsuit Brands
Matuse – Based in San Diego, Matuse has been pumping out eco friendly wetsuits since 2006. They use Geoprene, an eco friendly Japanese limestone rubber which is an alternative to the traditional neoprene. The Matuse styles are also pretty rad.
Xterra Surf – Xterra only sells directly to consumers online to save the consumer costs. They use top of the line materials + technology in their wetsuits.
Driftline – Driftline aka Drifties are boardshorts with a slim wetsuit liner. They are amazing for retaining a little extra warmth when the water is cooler but you aren’t quite ready for a wetsuit. Drifties also protect against chafing!
Clothing Brands
Reef – Another brand in Carlsbad, Reef is primarily a footwear and sandal company. However, they also have a great line of clothing!
Brixton – Starting out of a garage in Oceanside, Brixton now has a flagship office in Solana Beach. Brixton brings classic California style to their clothing line.
Surf Accessory Brands
Nixon – Straight outta Encinitas, this time telling (watches) brand creates classic time pieces and digital, waterproof surf watches.
Sticky Bumps – You can’t surf without wax! Sticky Bumps has been sticking surfers to boards in San Diego and worldwide since the 1970s. This surf wax company is widely recognized as one of the major surf wax brands.
SurfDurt – This company is cool. They make reef safe sunscreen.
RinseKit – The best way to rinse off after a surf session using this portable shower. I also personally know the owner, use this product, and can vouch for it!
Sand Cloud – These are ‘sand free’ towels that basically repel the sand to keep them clean, and they dry quickly. 10% of their sales go back to marine conservation. Another good local brand to support.
Amfibion – Stylish stow away bags and changing mats. Great for wetsuit storage on the drive home after a surf!
Blenders – This sunglass company has recently grown into a massive brand. It’s super cool that they began in San Diego focused on the surf, skate, and snow culture.
Support Local Surf Brands in San Diego
Bottomline, supporting local surf brands in San Diego is the best! They are creating rad products and in many cases giving back to their communities or the ocean environments that we enjoy. So, let’s give back to them and support our local San Diego brands. Many of these brands are also included in my Recommended Surf Gear Guide.
