By locals, for locals. These five surf shops have withstood the test of time and bring to the Coastal Virginia community a creative and exclusive selection of surf and skate gear. Whether you hang 10 or ride half-pipes, these retailers can service your every need.
Wave Riding Vehicles
Not only is Virginia Beach home to Wave Riding Vehicles’ global headquarters, but also exists as one of only five WRV locations in the world. For over 50 years, WRV has served as a leader in apparel and equipment for all things surf, skate and snow. WRV designs and sells a host of private label and brand-name products including outerwear, accessories, drinkware and children’s apparel. Perhaps most importantly, WRV creates custom surfboards running the gambit of longboards, alternative shorts, performance and more. WRV also offers surf lessons and skate camps.WaveRidingVehicles.com
Coastal Edge
Thirty years ago, Coastal Edge was born out of love for the surf and skate community and an affinity for Hawaii’s Aloha spirit. Today, Coastal Edge boasts seven locations across Virginia Beach and Chesapeake, each of which carries a wide range of popular surf and skate brands and products ranging from footwear, sun care and apparel to roller skates, helmets and car racks. Coastal Edge is also the lead sponsor of Virginia Beach’s foremost annual event, the Coastal Edge East Coast Surfing Championship. Shop.CoastalEdge.com
MAR Surf Exchange
MAR Surf Exchange takes board building to new heights with its open-to-the-public workshop. Professional board builders and novice shapers alike can explore their creativity beyond the waves. Their craftsmanship is on display too as MAR customers can watch builders work as they shop. The exchange also sells apparel, accessories and surf gear. MARSurfExchange.com
Pungo Board House
The PBH label is iconic among Sandbridge surfers. The bungalow-turned-surf shop offers something for every type of water lover from sunglasses and beach towels to boogie boards and wetsuits. Pungo Board House also performs professional ding repair on materials like epoxy, carbon fiber and polyurethane, and offers custom builds and a rentable fix-it-yourself station. If you’re an aspiring surfer, look to PBH’s summer surf camp to hone your skills. PungoBoardHouse.com
17th Street Surf Shop
Like many local surf shops, 17th Street is in it for the long haul. The esteemed retailer has served the Virginia Beach community since 1970 and has since expanded its services to Chesapeake, Wilmington, North Carolina and Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina. 17th Street is best known for its private label goods and its wide selection of gear including decks, wheels, bearings and trucks for skaters and leashes, booties, gloves and hoods for surfers. In addition to shopping, you can put your skills to the test at 17th Street’s Surf Camp or participate in the shop’s annual Stoke-a-Thon from June 27-30. 17thSt.com
Grace Silipigni
Grace Silipigni is an elementary school Spanish immersion teacher based in Virginia Beach and a regular contributor to Coastal Virginia Magazine, covering a wide range of topics such as health and wellness, education and learning, food and drink, happenings and events, travel and getaways and more.
