30 LAGUNA BEACH CITY GUIDE
MAKING WAVES
TAKE YOUR STYLE FROM THE SHELVES TO THE SEA WITH THE HELP OF THESE LOCAL SHOPS .
BY ASHLEY RYAN
TOUTED AS AN ART COLONY , LAGUNA BEACH is just as heavily known for its history of water sports and ocean culture . Long-standing events like the Brooks Street Surfing Classic and The Vic skimboarding championship have not only solidified the town ’ s position as a prime location for active travelers , but also helped to promote and enhance these pastimes .
But where would modern surfers be without the many stellar surf shops that line the streets of Laguna ?
“ In some sense , the modern surf shop was born in Laguna
Beach ,” says Kris Carlow , brand manager for Hobie Surf Shops . “ Yes , [ surf legend ] Hobie Alter eventually moved to Dana Point to open his shop in 1954 , but the concept was born on the beach in Laguna . Here , discover what Laguna ’ s surf stores have to offer shoppers from near and far .
Billabong Laguna Find your summer uniform at this shop from a brand that launched across the world in Australia ’ s Gold Coast in the 1970s . Initially focusing on boardshorts that could withstand tough ocean conditions , Billabong has since expanded to feature a wide range of clothing for both men and women , including wetsuits , rash guards , bikinis and beach cover-ups in addition to casual tees and tanks plus accessories ranging from hats , backpacks and tote bags to towels and flip-flop sandals . .
CA Surf N Paddle Epic adventures await at this Pacific Coast Highway shop , whether you ’ re looking for gear , rentals or lessons . Owner Rod Greenup , who is also a surfboard shaper , is eager to help shoppers whenever he ’ s around . Established in 1985 , the store offers wetsuits and apparel for men , women and children in addition to accessories like towels , sunglasses and sandals . Surfboards — for adults as well as smaller versions for kids — and inflatable paddleboards can be purchased here while Greenup ’ s lessons are topnotch . He also creates custom boards , so buyers can help dream up an art-forward design that embodies the spirit of Laguna .
THIS SPREAD : ASHLEY RYAN