I ordered. A new board online and when they called to tell me it was finished. I made plans to head down to San Clemente. I was pleasantly surprised by how big the store was, yet how small it felt like an old school surf shop like the one I used to hang out at back in Venice and Santa Monica. Obviously the times have changed and the equipment has become better, and the prices have gore accordingly. One of the best things about the Catalyst shop besides the online customer support team, was how friendly and knowledge the staff was. They answered any questions I had about the new was of measuring surfboards... by Liters. I'm and American, and have no idea what the metric system is! Al kidding aside they explain it to me in a little more detail, and that was enough for me. Back to the point, the Catlayst shop on El Camino was a throwback to the 80s and 90s and in my old age, that is a huge compliment. Thanks. Shout out to Camden and Eric for their help more recently. read more

I agree with a previous review that the online store is garbage.. or their protocol for dealing with boards damaged during shipment at least. My custom board was received with multiple dings and scratches. They used foam wrap at the ends of the board which isn't sufficient at all when UPS is handling the delivery. They offered a measly $200 refund while they probably pocketed the rest of the UPS claim money for the board. read more

Custom Board Ordering has some problems. Not much interest in improving the system. If mistakes are made they are not fixed. If you try to talk to someone you are told that the problem is your fault. They don't care if your board comes out right. They don't care about you. If you pick up your board at the shop you are not supposed to pay the $150 shipping fee, but the won't deduct it. They probably get their friends boards right. read more

The hours say open until 8pm and we tried to go at 6:45 and it was locked and closed. If it's not open then the hours need to reflect that!

Online store is garbage. Ordered a shirt and waited 10 days, only for someone to reach out and say they didn't have it any more. I thought "fair enough" but then checked their online store only to see it still said it was in stock. Lame. Just update your online store. read more

Employees didn't look at or acknowledge us when we walked in. Stared at their phones as we walked in and out. Icons of Surf down the street was a completely different experience. Thank god for people who give a sh**. read more

I'm new to the area literally the most welcoming surf shop I've ever been to Highly recommend this will be the only surf shop I visit in San Clemente from here on out, hooked me up with some free wax You could tell the main priority of the shop is to make sure you have fun and get in the water cheers and thank you guys. I appreciate you. read more

Super nice people I came in there asking to buy wax and they gave it to me on the house

Shipped me my board dingless so pretty happyWas the best price and only one with the Lost I wanted in stock

Drove 50 miles to get here but it was worth it. Everyone was pretty cool and helpful. I got my first board and was given advice on what to get. They also took the time to set everything up. Super sick first experience at a surf shop. Definitely worth drive. Shoutout the two people working there plus K? and his homie for helping set up the fins on my board read more

I have never had such a positive, consultative experience buying a surfboard! Kevin listened to what I was looking for in a board and broke down aspects of a few options that made complete sense and gave realistic expectations of each one. Not only did I find a board I'm super stoked on but I learned so much great info about surfboard construction and what you should be looking for when shopping. S/o the homie, Kevin! read more

Some of the most helpful and insightful guidance when ordering a recent custom board. Waits are brutally long right now but reached out a ton of times and Camden always got back to immediately with an update of where my board was in the process. Thanks for the rad board! read more

I took a board here for minor ding repair. I was told it would cost around $60, they took my info and I left. After a couple months of not being contacted, I became concerned whether the repair had been done, so I decided to show up to the shop. The person who was working gave me attitude and said I had not left any contact info and charged me $160 for a very minor repair. I feel like Catalyst took advantage of the situation and over charged me significantly. I would NOT bring my business here again and would NOT recommend it to anyone else Since then I've gone to other surf shops where the prices were far more reasonable and customer service oriented. read more

This review is late, but still well deserved. I went to Catalyst with my son to get a new board for him a while back. He was transitioning from a soft-top to a lower-volume hardboard. I have been surfing almost my entire life so I thought I knew what we were looking for. Kevin recommended a different board and explained his reasoning so well that we went with his recommendation. Over a year later, I can say he was absolutely right. My son loves that board and it has definitely allowed him to progress in his surfing. I saw Mayhem in the store a little later and I told him that Kevin is the most knowledgeable person I have ever dealt with when buying a board in a surf shop with respect to surfboard design and how to match that with a surfer's ability and style. That may have been an exaggeration. He's probably the second best. The best was Al Merrick though, so...come on. read more

Great customs - all around LOST is awesome !! I have been almost exclusively buying LOST for decades for a reason, the reason is the boards are bad a**. You either know or you don't - Matt has it dialed in. read more

We've been shopping at the Lost shack for years and went to Catalyst's downtown location on 7/8/2017. I asked the young man during checkout if I could use their restroom, and he turned to the woman next to him at the counter and asked her if they had a restroom "[I] could use." The woman looked me over and rudely said no. If store policy is no restroom use for customers, fine. But they clearly have a restroom and apparently who can use it is based on this woman's judgement of you. If Lost is going corporate as this store appears, they can at least provide restrooms for customers without discrimination. We won't be returning. read more

The best surf shop in socal. The staff is the most personable and sweet. They treat each person as a friend and help any customer with anything. My husband has purchased many surf boards through catalyst and lost. We are locals that appreciate local businesses! read more

Catalyst - Fin selection - Sports Wear Near Me - San Clemente, California

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Kevin helped me tonight and was beyond customer orientated. Went above and beyond with his manners, attitude and problem solving. Very much an asset to this shop read more

Best surf shop in SC. Best selection of the best boards on the planet. Lost Surfboards!

We were so impressed by the staff. We drove from San Diego because of the selection of boards. The knowledge of the staff was exceptional. Sam helped us the first time and she was friendly, professional and very helpful. Kevin helped us the second time and we can honestly say that he gave us the best tutorial and comparison on boards than we have ever had. We are not young and he listened to our needs and provided very informed advice. He was professional and did not talk down to us or with an attitude that some young surfers adopt. My husband bought a Lost board today. We will absolutely consult with this staff whenever we buy boards. read more

The young guy working here this afternoon (Friday Oct 15th 2021) was engaging, helpful, and full of positive energy. Love the good vibe.

Kevin helped me pick and order my perfect board. Kevin Gave me multiple options and recommendations. He is Enthusiastic and knowledgeable! Thanks read more

Great shop but the point of this review is to give huge props to Kevin who works there. Catalyst is lucky to have this guy. Kind, knowledgeable and no attitude whatsoever. From the first time my daughter and I walked into this shop he made us feel at home and went out of his way to help us. He's also a legend in the water. Thanks for everything, Kevin. read more

Nico and Kevin took super good care of us, really patient and helpful and cool. Couldn't have asked for a better experience today, huge props to these guys and this shop:)!. read more

I'm a huge lost fan boy and bought several boards here, both the guys and girls that work here are super chill and don't have that douchey vibe that a lot of kids from other surf shops have. read more

This place is EPIC just went shopping there a few minutes ago. Was greeted when I entered with an aloha super helpful guy with a blue shirt... ended up getting all the stuff for my Christmas shopping while getting what I needed on the side for me that's how it usually goes down when I enter this place. I can't help to see all the things I want and what I want for others too. Either way I'll be back soon ready to do this again. Prices are good, people are super friendly and I'm stoked! read more

I stopped I the other day to hopefully purchase a puddle jumper. However the one staff member present said Hi and nothing more. How can you not have anyone there to help sell surfboards in a surf shop? read more

Love stopping in this surf store! They always have the cutest women's bathing suits/ clothes, huge board selection, and great customer service. Everyone is very helpful and friendly. read more

Such an inviting store to walk into. the set up was very nice and the displays were impeccable. the staff represented a local surf shop perfectly. i was greeted especially by a girl named Sydney. she made me feel so confident about the bikini I wanted to buy with her uplifting and positive compliments. will be back for the business of my little boys and friends soon. read more