After 40 years of surfing, I thought I'd seen everything a surf shop could offer. Bird's proved me wrong. I came in looking for a new board and was fortunate enough to work directly with Bird himself. From the moment we started talking, it was clear this wasn't going to be a typical retail experience. He took real time to understand what boards I currently ride and -- more importantly -- what I'm actually trying to get out of a new one. Patient, knowledgeable, and completely free of the condescension that can sometimes creep into shops like this. No ego, just genuine expertise. We narrowed it down to two models, and here's where Bird's went from great to extraordinary: rather than push me toward a decision, Bird offered to loan me one of his own personal boards to try out first. In four decades of surfing, no shop has ever made me that offer. Ever. This is what a surf shop should be. Highest possible recommendation. read more

Thank you to Bird and crew for all of your help finding my husband his first surfboard! Bird was kind enough to demonstrate and give us a lesson in the back on how to surf. The value we got for the board where it came with a fin as well as getting guidance from a San Diego Surf Legend was incredible! We found a used board that was a perfect first board. It is so cool inside surrounded by so many surfboards with some being like a century old! You can tell that Bird and all staff are passionate about helping surfers as well as creating relationships. My husband absolutely loves his new board and is so excited to get out there to chase waves! We were really blown away by the experience by how kind everyone was as well as how encouraging and supportive they all were. Genuinely the best possible place we could have gone to when searching for a surfboard. We only have amazing things to say about Bird's Surf Shed and everyone who works there! We will definitely be back! read more

Bird's Surf Shed - Inside Bird's Surf Shed - Sporting Goods Near Me - San Diego, California

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Between my husband and I we have officially bought five boards from the shop! Most recently we bought two boards today, a 7'4 torque board and a 7'0 Tomo. We love coming to this place to buy our boards, one for the selection, two for the knowledgeable and honest staff. Most of our boards we have sought advice and guidance from Francois and today we had the pleasure of meeting Bird (the owner)! Which honestly I didn't realize was even the owner until after we left in my husband told me lol. I really enjoy how honest and knowledgeable the staff is it really has made my husband and I feel good about picking boards. Boards are not cheap, they are definitely an investment and the right technology size, length, type all can make a huge difference. So I don't trust anywhere else to go but this place! You can also do a demo rental at their OB shed location before you make a purchase! read more

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This is a must stop for anyone interested in surf boards and surf history. The collection is breathtaking. Bird was super cordial and took the time to highlight the collection and the history of numerous boards. He took time to look at photos of my collection on my phone and knew the history of each of my boards. He also took photos with me and my friends. The visit exceeded all expectations. read more

This place is RAD!!! I was looking for a particular Rusty board Bird's had in stock. I had never been to this shop before and I'm glad I took a drive down to check it out. The shop is like a surf museum with some really cool boards covering the walls and ceilings. The staff was also great. Very kind and knowledgeable. Rad stuff to see here. Rad stuff to buy here. Rad Shop. read more

I've listened to Bird's surf report for a decade, and just hearing his voice makes me grin, even out in the desert, no waves in sight. On our recent visit back to San Diego, we decided what the hell, let's be tourists and go check out the shed. Lo and behold, there was Eric "Bird" Huffman, working on a board alongside his son Jackson and dogs Hector and Django. Total wildest-dreams moment when Bird came over and chatted with us, posed for pictures, and told us about the shop, with details about the original graphics artwork ("board barrel" and more). Absolute fun in every way, and he and Jackson were as gracious, funny, and all-around kind as they could be. Whether you're a surfer or just an admirer, stop in, talk with Bird, play with Hector and Django, and fill up on merch and sticker swag. Beyond the amazing boards, there are plenty of beach essentials to check out too. I walked away totally stoked, having met the legend behind the voice and geared up with a hat, shirts, and a poster and stickers (also picked up a few goods at the sister shop, the Shed OB). Coolest stop you can make in all of San Diego -- "wow" all the way! read more

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"What just happened??" my son asked me as we walked out of Bird's, vintage surfboard tucked under his arm. We went to Bird's completely naive as to what we were going to experience. We met the nicest guy who told us all about Bird and his personal collection of 1,000+ boards. We learned history of SoCal surfing, where to surf, saw a surfboard signed by the Pope(!) and so much living history in surfboards and surf culture. My son's jaw hit the floor when we met Bird and was offered a vintage, pre-production board to borrow for a few days while we were in town. No rental, no credit card, just take it, surf, enjoy. Bird considers his quiver a library and lets people check out the boards. It was amazing and unlike any experience I've ever had. To non surfers this would be like taking the Mona Lisa to your house to see how she looks in your living room. I can not thank the crew enough. Amazing, amazing place full of history and stoke and mahalo. read more

Bird's Surf Shed - I'm in heaven - Sporting Goods Near Me - San Diego, California

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Best customer service ever! I am a beginner surfer graduating from a foam board. Was heading to look at a used board I found on fb marketplace but stopped at Bird's on my way to look at fins and to see what they had in stock. This was my first time in the store. They showed me a reasonably priced board which is just about exactly what I was looking at for my skill level. Bird and George were so helpful, kind, and knowledgeable. I am so excited to try out my new board tomorrow! Thank you guys so much for everything! I will be back! read more

Bought a board today at Bird's and Francois was so helpful! He answered all the questions I had and even the ones I didn't know to ask. He was knowledgeable about surf breaks on the east coast and helped me pick a board good for CA and VA surf conditions when I mentioned I was moving there. He even helped me search the web for specific fins and leashes when I had questions about other brands they didn't have in stock. He even recommended a movie to me and my friend we are watching right now:D read more

Bird's Surf Shed - Sporting Goods Near Me - San Diego, California

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I started surfing a year ago and I've always purchased from Birds. I stopped by today to pick up some wax and met Bird for the first time and spent a few minutes talking with him. He's awesome and has an awesome team around him. I luv this place. read more

Bird is the word, He always treats his customers like they are family. Great deals for all.

Best surf shop in San Diego. New to the surfing community here and the gents at birds were the best welcome I could ask for. Helped me fix up an old board that I had just bought and passed on great tips and wisdom along the way. Bird, George, Cooper and Hector were in and took phenomenal care of me. Can't wait to take my board out and come back soon. read more

Bird's Surf Shed - Sporting Goods Near Me - San Diego, California

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Went to go "Look" at new boards at The Shed, and as I'm looking around the Legend himself Birdman walks in. I started some small talk with him and next thing you know we're sitting Indian style on the floor looking over my old board that I bought there and he's giving me a Master Class on Surfboard design. An hour later I'm walking out with a New Board that he chose for me based on what I was looking for. Bird could not have been cooler or more cordial. I learned more from him in 1 hr than I had in 45 years of surfing. Bird is an absolute San Diego legend and I will ALWAYS go to the Shed for ALL my Surfing needs. Thank you Bird, very much appreciated read more

Shop goes above and beyond. I was un able to find the correct size of sweat shirt for my wife. Jackson, Bird's son, was able to locate the correct size. He had it the next day. Thanks! read more

Great shop, great staff, Great selection of classic and modern surfboards. It's a must stop for any surfer visiting San Diego. read more

I took my boyfriend there since he's a surfer and he love that place! The staffs are super cool & chill! They asked if anything we need and help ourselves look around to find any surfboard we like. A lot different brands, sizes and seem good price though! One of the staff gave us free sticker as souvenir and it was really nice of him! Have small parking lot at front or can park on street. Really rad artwork outside! read more

Bird's Surf Shed - View from entrance - Sporting Goods Near Me - San Diego, California

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This is a great place to see all kinds of boards. You gotta have $$$ to purchase one though. Majority of the boards looked like they were meant to be purchased as wall art. Maybe it's just me but I've never spent $1,000+ on a surfboard I'm taking out in the water. I highly recommend checking out all the boards though. Staff was nice to us while we were in there. read more

I have been going to the shed for few years now. Got 4 new boards from them along the years, 2 custom from Robin Prodanovich and 2 stock. Also got 2 used ones and sold few of mine as well.... Always a great experience, lot of help from the staff and Bird in person. A special thanks to Francois, always putting me in the right direction for choosing the right board for me. Never felt pressure to buy, if its not the right board for you he will tell you and make sure you leave with something that you will enjoy riding and will help you progress to the next level. read more

Bird is this man this is an awesome surf shop that Will absolutely get you what you need to get started without ripping you off. Got my first board from here and my ex girlfriend hit me over the head with it and there wasn't even a dent read more

Very friendly knowledgeable and decently priced. Sales rep helped me pick out a wetsuit and they gave me feedback on the size I needed. It's been 25 since I wore a wetsuit and I'm not a surfer but they treated just as nice as anybody. read more

I got recommended here by Mikey from pack ratt records in search of some vintage kneeboards and this place was great. Super cool Boards all over the place and the workers are super knowledgeable. If you're in the area definitely stop by read more

Bird is an avid water enthusiast, and gives back to the community. That alone speaks volumes. No matter what is going on, he always has time to answer questions about equipment. He is a super cool guy and treats kids like they are super stars! read more

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Great Shop! Been living in SD for 5 years now and finally got to check out Birds over the weekend! Unfortunately we didn't get to meet Bird that day, but we will definitely be back to have a good convo with him! So many nice boards, my husband is old school, started surfing in the 70s so he was stoked to see some many boards from his days! Staff was friendly, and knowledgeable, made us feel welcome... would definitely recommend checking it out, we were happy to purchase several shirts to support this locally owned business! read more

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Rad place full of a ton of new and used boards. Everyone here is super helpful, they even gave me some spare packing materials for free when I told them I planned to fly my longboard to hawaii and even gave me some tips on how to get it across without damaging my board. Great shop if you're looking to pick something up or just to see what they have. read more

I rarely write reviews, but I must say that my shopping experience with Bird's Surf Shed was outstanding! The staff were very knowledgeable, and didn't hesitate to give me all the time and help I needed as I looked through their selection. Ended up snagging this 6'0" diamond tail and I couldn't be happier! read more

Bird's Surf Shed - New board! - Sporting Goods Near Me - San Diego, California

As a beginner surfer I visited Bird's surf shed for the first time a couple weeks ago and not only left empty handed, but also feeling very unwelcome and discouraged. I've been wanting to upgrade to a new board since I've been using my Wavestorm for a year and really liked the Channel Islands board my friend let me try out, so I wanted to buy something similar. When I told this to the employee (middle aged man, can't remember his name), he kept interrupting me as soon as I said I was upgrading from a Wavestorm. His tone was very condescending and he didn't seem like he ACTUALLY wanted to help me out at all. My friend jumped in once he realized I was uncomfortable and started asking the employee questions about his surfboard. My friend is a much more advanced surfer than I am, but the employee didn't even bother to ask his skill level and just assumed he was a beginner as well. My friend told him which beach he usually surfs at and the employee straight up told him not to go there because it was too advanced for him??? how would he know this????? To be frank, I won't be coming back here ever again. Call me sensitive or a kook, but it goes for any type of business that the employees should have SOME small amount of respect for their customers. We weren't at all rude or snobby, we didn't say or do anything that would elicit this type of behavior. It's embarrassing being put down and talked down to in a store full of people. If you're coming here to buy a board, don't expect to just be able to walk in, pick a board, and buy it. If this particular employee is working you'll be interrogated and asked several questions to deem yourself worthy of buying the board. read more

Bird's is an institution and I don't think it needs another 5 star review... but I will say. Friendliest staff! I was looking for a 8' 6" Jim Ellington, and as soon as one came in a really nice lady called me on the phone and told me it came in! I went over and purchased immediately. They didn't have a used board bag that would fit, so they were nice enough to give me a discount on a new one. I'm not an advanced surfer by any means but they made me feel really welcomed + pumped to get out there! read more

I just bought my first surfboard here this past weekend and had an amazing experience. Bird himself helped me decide on the best fit for my level and Harry put the board together. This is THE place to go for surf boards and gear. I would give them 10 stars if I could. Thank you Bird and Harry, I love my new board and happy to call your shop my go to surf shop! read more

Bird was awesome and very knowledgeable of the surf gear. As I begin my surf journey I was looking for a form fitting wet suit that will keep me warm. He was attentive to all my request and broke down what I needed to know about the suit and how to properly put on and take off the suit. I recommend this local business to anyone in the area or for anyone passing thru. read more

Caring guys who love what they do that's what you find at Birds surf Shed. I had to ship a surfboard and had no box I did not know what to do I called a different place and they said sorry we can't help. I then Called Bird's and it was the best move I made. He said come over and we will help you out. That's just what happened Bird took care of me and told me lots of good stories. I don't even surf but after talking to bird I just might have to take a lesson or two. If you need something come here Bird has over 40 years in surfing not sure why you would go anywhere else. Great people who care and are here to help. The San Diego Padres say a Big Thank You to Bird's Surf Shed read more

Three generations of surfboards wrap up the walls like a huge, flowing wave, the half-circle quonset hut forming a massive 4000SF barrel chock full of used wave tools from the very earliest models to the latest ultra-super-whatever. Bird has brought home the goodies for his fledgling ocean riders sure to get an eyeful of colorful foam, fiberglass and wood candy. A personable man, Bird makes no allusions of his love for this sport, one like no other, he will talk forever about where a board came from, who rode it, why it performs the way it does. His nest is a combination museum, library, consignment store and school. He has a section just for building boards, another just for watching movies. Don't look for a wide selection of surf attire, UGG boots or wetsuits. This Bird is all about boards and tons of them. While parking might be an issue (we double-parked but didn't get popped), a huge lot across the street offers the space needed for overflow (we didn't know this before asking). This is one of those places where you can look, touch, talk and learn what makes these crazy surfers do the things they do. It's cowabunga cool in an old California airplane hanger. read more

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Bird's Surf Shed is THE BEST. Bird, the owner, is extremely helpful! I went into Bird's shop for the first time yesterday with my little cousin. I was in the hunt for a shorter board than what I've been on and my cousin was looking to buy her first board. Bird took us through the store and was very happy to show us around to what he had in stock. He has a huge selection of new and used boards in his shop. He has been surfing San Diego his whole life and is very knowledgeable. I ended up buying a used board from him. He gave me a 25 dollar discount and I didn't even ask for it! I am extremely happy with my purchase. My cousin couldn't find a board in the shop that matched her price range and what she was looking for. We asked Bird a few questions about some Craigslist postings and another board we found in a shop in PB. He gave us his cell phone number and told us to text him pictures of any boards we came across and he'd tell us if it's a good deal/if the board was of good quality. We texted him some pics about 30 minutes later and he said the board we found was no bueno. Then, we found a Craigslist posting for a decently priced board in Point Loma. We texted him the pic and he told us to get it ASAP! (I guess he knew the shaper or something) He helped us pick out a board for my cousin (even though we didn't get it in his shop!) I would definitely recommend Bird's Surf Shed. Even if you don't find what you're looking for, Bird is still very helpful. Even if you're not in the market for a new board, drop in and admire the ones he has in his shop! BIRD IS AWESOME! read more

Bird's Surf Shed - Bird's shed! - Sporting Goods Near Me - San Diego, California

My fiancé and I recently relocated to San Diego from the East Coast and wanted to learn to surf upon our arrival. We checked out a couple other shops and were delighted to make our final stop Bird's Surf Shed. We had the privilege of being helped by the owner - Bird - who talked us through the process and left us with a solid education on what to purchase. He even gave us an impromptu surf 101 lesson on the shop floor. We took him up on doing a demo at their OB location before making our purchase which made us feel comfortable in making the leap on a significant purchase. We left today with one board and can't wait for the second to arrive! read more

Starting up surfing after 35 years. What a fun place a wonderful staff. I got excellent service from a young lady who turned out to be the owners daughter. She picked out the perfect wetsuit and booties for me. I have been telling people what a neat experience I had there. Can't wait to get back in the water. Thanks you! read more

I've been to many surf shops in San DIego and this is by far the best. No matter if you are just starting out or have been surfing for years you will be taken care of. Bird and his staff are super knowledgable and will take the time to get to know you to find out what board is right for you....they aren't pushing you out the door to make a sale. I have been longboarding for a few years and didn't know what would be the best step down to learn shortborading. They got me exactly what I needed and couldn't be more happy. Go there...you won't regret it! read more

Bird's Surf Shed - You will walk out this place completely satisfied...Bird is incredibly knowledgable you won't be disappointed! - Sporting Goods Near Me - San Diego, California

We had a great experience. Bird spent so much time with our son and helped him choose a board that fit his needs at this time (PLNU student, newer to surfing, etc.) He hooked our son up with a used surfboard and used wetsuits. We will definitely be back when our son is ready to upgrade. Excellent business! read more

I'll keep this short and simple. Since Covid started businesses have been on edge, rude peeps, etc, etc, which I semi understand. So I walked in with low expectations or the typical getting ignored begging for help. However... I was so wrong. Walking into Birds Surf Shed was an experience that honestly I've never had. Bird and his staff helped us beyond anything I've encountered. Friendly, enthusiastic, a master, and passionate about what he's doing, he was never condescending or made us feel like idiots. Highly recommend. Can't wait to get my board and wetsuit from this business. And thanks for being so cool in a crappy time. read more

Randomly slid by on a Thursday to check out booties for myself and a possible wetsuit upgrade for my 3rd grade daughter. The guy helping me, Cooper I believe, set us up and got us on track! The best shop south of Santa Barbara! read more

The artwork, the way the surfboards cover the walls and ceilings and the owner are rad! If you call yourself a surfer. Drop by this shed. Tell them a little bird sent you. Surf's up Moon doggies and Gidgets! read more

Bird's Surf Shed - Surf Monkey! - Sporting Goods Near Me - San Diego, California

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For the Morena location - Went looking for board for newer surfer. The staff took the time to answer questions and provided a board to try out. Ended up buying a used board elsewhere, but will certainly go back to look at new ones next time. read more