I ordered over $270 worth of apparel for my husband for Christmas and I didn't pay attention to the order summary. One of the items was the wrong size. I contacted the number listed and it was answered unprofessional. I thought I called the wrong number. Whoever answered sounded like it was a personal phone and they just said "Hello". Once I asked if it was the right number and what I should do I immediately realized there was zero customer service experience and they directed me to the website for the return/refund policy. After ordering over $270 of merchandise you would think they would cover the shipping cost. I won't be ordering directly from them again. Go to a local surfboards shop where they have great customer service. read more

very cool store and the staff were fantastic. But I bought three T shirts do almost $100 which all looked amazing in store but after one wash the collars had stretched out to the point I just donated them to goodwill. Just something for people to be aware of. read more

Honestly the workers here kinda suck, they act way too cocky and have a disrespectful tone when asked a question. Yes they do ask if you need help looking for anything, other than that they make you feel stupid when you talk to them. This has happened almost every time I come in this shop. A couple people have great customer service, but the older guys who work here need an ego check. Your not better than us just cause you work at CI bud learn customer service, maybe get a real job, and stop acting like you are a surf bible. sick surfboards though, ultra light glassing sucks though dont buy them, waste of 900 dollars. read more

Today on my lunch break I had to go get a leash real quick for my significant other. Everyone was super nice and helpful but when I checked out the man said there was a glitch and to try again. I instantly checked my Apple Pay and it said the amount came out.. then I checked my bank account app and sure enough it came out. So I proceeded to tell the man that I was already charged the amount and I didn't feel like I needed to do it again. He then got his manager. His manager told me to call my bank (like it was my fault). I just stood there.. no I'm not going to call my bank and be put on hold when I only had twenty min left of my lunch break and still needed to eat. The manager said this happens all the time and that one amount will come out and the other will stay in my bank ? I was puzzled. Sounded so bizarre since I was already paid up. Then I asked if I would be able to return the leash if it wasn't the right one and he said no because I didn't have a receipt.. which is such a bummer because I wasn't sure if I was purchasing the correct leash for his board. I loved the store and the selection of clothes and planned on going back.. but after that experience I will deff not be going back there. It seemed like they were trying to scam me. read more

This is an awesome flagship store for Channel Islands Surfboards, it's a great surf shop in general but you won't find a better selection of surfboards than this shop. I went in to find a new board after I had been riding a different shaper boards my whole life. I felt it was time for a change and I'm glad I purchased from this store. The guy working in the boards section this evening 11/26/22 around 5pm was really helpful , knowledgeable and chill. He was always available to help answer questions when I needed it. Really appreciate this store and recommend you stop in and check it out. read more

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I am a beginning surfer and came in to shop for some warm surf boots. I went to the counter with a pair of Billabong boots that fit me perfectly. The guy at the counter said that if they fit well then I need to size down. Unfortunately they didn't have the billabong boots in that size, so he convinced me to get a pair of Rip Curl boots that were almost the same price. Those boots remained too small, and true to the name, one of them got a huge rip on the side on my first time out. The store would not do an exchange and instead referred me to contact Rip Curl to repair these obviously crappy boots that were recommended by their shop. I really hate to say it, but you will get better customer service ordering online then you will patronizing this store. read more

I had a board made it was sent the board arrived damaged fiber glass cracked. I reached out and they didn't even deem it necessary to return my calls or my emails. $1000 and change down the drain. read more

Channel Islands Surfboards - Cracked spot on board - Surf Shop Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Last night I went in looking for a new board for the summer. I took a year break from surfing, so I felt slightly disoriented walking into the plethora of boards CI has to offer. I used to work in the surf industry, and know how stuck up some fellow watermen can be. Hayden, 16, was just the opposite. This kid is rad. He was helpful, courteous, and just as stoked on the board I picked out, as I was. He was great with my 1 year old son and wife as well. I own a small business myself, and would hire Hayden in a heartbeat if I could. Thanks CI, and thanks Hayden for help with my new Average Joe. Your customer service was far above average... read more

Channel Islands Surfboards - Surf Shop Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

While unfortunately I am not a pro surfer, nor do I really enjoy being out freely in the ocean waters I still love this shop and come here quite often for things. My favorite products to get here are bikini tops and Sun Bum (aloe, sunscreen, and tanning oils). They also carry a variety of really cute, beachy clothing lines from all the popular brands amongst a few local designers. The prices are definitely high but they have sales every once and while and compared to other stores in Santa Barbara they are a little less expensive for the quality of products they provide. Their dressing rooms are small but cleanly. The decor is adorable and beachy. They have a small parking lot along the train tracks that can fit about 5-7 cars, or you can use street parking close by. All in all this is a probably a highly recommended custom, local surf shop with many sizes and options for boards. It's great for beach towels, bikinis, accessories, and clothing. Has equal amount of products for men and women, plus a little kids variety as well. Definitely worth a visit if you're a tourist and locals if you're looking for up and coming trendy bathing suits drop by and check this spot out. read more

Do not recommend this place. I went in there looking for a surfboard but instead came out with my car towed when I parked in their lot. I don't understand how it's possible to get my car towed when I went into the store and came back within 20 minutes. I definitely won't be buying a surfboard since I had to pay $600 to the tow company. They should fix this situation immediately if they want anyone to trust this business. read more

Realized that I needed a new shirt while cruising the Zone. Moments like that remind me that I'm a curmudgeonly coot who desperately needs a 21st century makeover. So I upgraded my casual left coast wardrobe here, with approving glances from sweetie and the kid. Nice stuff, decent bargains too. These days I have to remember that just because I think something looks cool, doesn't make it so (translation: attitude is not enough), and vice versa. read more

Do you know Al Merrick? Me neither, but the hand he's had in shaping (pun intended) modern surfing is known all over the world. If Kelly Slater and Rob Machado trust him, who am I to argue? My story: an impromptu surf trip to New Zealand lands in my lap a couple of weeks ago... YESSS!! Of course, I'll NEED (yeah, right - any excuse) a new board for sure. Something shorter, for ease of travel. Something that paddles easily, and catches anything - who knows what the waves'll be like in NZ? And it's gotta be easy to ride - why would I want to spend my whole trip getting used to a new board? ...found the board that fit the bill at cisurfboards.com. The Biscuit. I didn't choose it, it chose me... Whatever. On their easily navigable website, I found a list of all the retailers that sell CI's boards, and called every shop from Australia to Honolulu to up and down the West Coast. Come to find out the Biscuit's a brand new model - no one's gonna see one 'til June. LAME! Out of desperation, I called the shop, and spoke with Kim: Alan G: Kim, I NEED a new Biscuit for my trip to NZ, and I'm leaving in like, ten days. Kim: Let me check... (pause) Hmm, it doesn't seem like we've shipped any out yet. I know we've got a whole bunch here though. Alan G: I KNOW that you haven't shipped any out yet - can you just send me one? Kim: No. We have an agreement with all our local shops not to sell direct from here. Alan G: (covering the phone) SHIT! (uncovering the phone) So, there's no way then, huh? Kim: Well, I suppose if your local shop doesn't have any Biscuits, (Didn't she just tell me that NO ONE had any?) and they didn't mind us selling you one, Scott, the shop manager, MIGHT send one to you. So after about 30 minutes of nicing-up my local shop owner, (Thanks Jeff!) I got permission, and called Scott. Alan G: Scott, I just spoke with Kim. She said I should ask you to send me a Biscuit. Scott: We don't do that. Alan G: I know, but Kim said you MIGHT make an exception if I got permission from my local seller, and told you how much I really, REALLY wanted it for my trip to NZ. Scott: Your local shop is cool with that? Alan G: Yes. Scott: What size do you want? You like Future fins or FCS? When do you need it? Alan G: 5'8". Future. NOW. Six days later, and I'm pleased as punch. Got it in the mail today! read more

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Since was in Santa Barbara visiting from Hawaii, figure I come check out the shop. Girls seem to be working the shop, no greeting or even strike up a conversation if we needed help finding anything. Although I just wanted a shirt, didn't care. All surf shops in Hawaii the workers are nice. Sad to see a old time shapers shop run by "no care attitude generation ". I had to select a star to post review read more

Awesome vibes and customer service! The guys and gal who were on hooked me up with a great wetsuit. Stoked to paddle out and not freeze to death! read more

On one of my daily sunny Sunday strolls I briskly walked past the store I now call home. Channel Islands surf is the quintessential definition of the Californian dream. If i were to define this shop in 3 words it would be warming, peaceful, and serene, words you would see on a shirt from forever 21 or a cheesy coffee mug owned by a single 35 year old blonde girl. Ever since my discovery of this hidden Santa Barbara treasure I've purchased an 8foot water hog and a 6'2 pod mod Tall juice bods John and Mikey were very helpful and easy on the eyes. Don't forget to ask for the backroom special ;) read more

Needed some soft racks and they were super helpful! The sales associate was knowledgeable and knew exactly what I needed, and was also super friendly. Will definitely be back. read more

Horrible experience with the manager girl name Danielle, she have idea how to run a store and gain more costumers. Me and my buddies came all the way from Los Angeles to buy 5 surfboards and didn't buy NONE. We rather buy at the local store and pay few bucks more than dealing with this kind of attitude. Thanks but no thanks. read more

Any person that doesn't rate Channel Islands Surfboards 5 Stars, probably can't surf worth shitters. CI Surfboards, are wivout a doubt, the best sticks ever designed. Al Merrick, is arguably the greatest surfboard designer to ever shape a board, jus ask Tom Curren, one, if not of, the greatest surfers of all time, period! CI's selection of shortboards is absolutely epic. They've essentially designed, shaped, laminated and glassed boards for all levels of surfers. The fact that 11 time ASP World Champion, Kelly Slater rocks his own personlized CI board, speaks volumes to the quality of these sticks. I've owned CI surfboards, ever since I was a teen growing up in Western OZ. Yes, there's definitely other boards that compete and hold their own against CI, like another one of me favourites, Aussie based Firewire boards, which rock, along wiv JS, Chemistry Surfboards, and obviously Rusty. However, IMHO, CI boards are on the top of me list, for all around performance, feel, speed, and flow. I've owned, ridden or currently own, CI's Fred Rubble, DFR, Semi-Pro 12, Weirdo Flyer, The Neck Beard and Dumpster Diver. When you've grown up surfin', basically your whole life, you can never own too many surfboards, like girls wiv their shoe or purse fetish, this is mine! Plus they stack quite nicely in me garage, creating the perfect decor! Every board has it's own story to tell and the majority of them have won the Pulitzer Prize of surfin'. Cheers!!! read more

Reluctant to waste more of my time with a review but had to after my 3 in store visits to this this super corp surf shop. i put my name on wait list for board and whenever i checked they lost "list" , or watch them grab pieces of paper with no chronological order, or simply don't have time to help. When asked they said i just call the last name on a list, i was blown away, so disorganized. when asked if i'd like to add it for a third time i laughed, this place sells so many corp boards online they could care less about the locals, we're just wasting their time. when i called some surfing buddies they all said the same thing, they actually were bummed i wasn't shopping local from some great shapers instead of a computer driven factory. so i figured i'd post and get the truth out in the event you're looking for a board, suit or clothing. read more

Seems like the inventory is becoming increasing limited. They used to have more to offer for casual wear. Maybe the new location is driving walk-in biz down and now they cater more to board crowd. The Beach House around the corner has more to offer. read more

Not going to lie I was disappointed this time. Every year I come to SB I pick up a Channel Islands hoody, as they usually have tons of selection and options. This year, there was no female gear and only 3 hoodies for guys. Lots of other brands and so forth, but I wanted the channel islands gear. The hubs was able to stock up and get lots, and I picked up a baby shirt for my neice/nephew when it arrives. The cashier was a super hot Cali type girl, and that was pretty much the highlight. read more

So I drove up to pick up a 8'0" Water Hog mini tank last Friday. I ordered it online and was told to pick it up at the store. I showed up and walked around to check the shop as this was the first time for me. Boards from Kelly Slater's inc Pipe Master win are on the ceiling - nice. Parking was tight as this shop is adjacent to the railway tracks. Found parking after waiting a bit. No prob. I was greeted when I walked in by the pleasant girl at the counter - plus +. After checking out the boards with two board sales guys talking to one customer who was talking and talking (and BTW did not buy anything), I had to go back to the counter girl to ask for my board. When she brought it out, I asked if she could help me with a discount on rack pads for my roof rack. She said she would have to ask the manager (around 20 something guy darker completion with wavy mid length thick brown hair). He was one of the guys that did not acknowledge / ignored me when I was looking at the boards. I'm a middle aged surfer from Hawaii with 40 years surfing experience that lives in Huntington Beach. He then told me that because I ordered online that it was a separate company and he could not help me with any discount on any non Channel Islands gear. That I should have called and ordered from the retail shop. Mistake brudda, never tell anyone that just spent over $900 on a new board that they should have done something else, isn't Channel Islands Channel Islands, owned by Burton right? Sheeze. So I asked about new FCS2 fins since it turned out this board had FCS2 boxes (website did not say which), however I had brought FCS1 fins up with me and no discount, I even asked about the adapter kit for FCS2 to FCS1 and no freebie on that either but I did get a $2 discount. He said all new boards from CI with FCS boxes are FCS2. Uh, I recently bought a new CI Mid that has FCS1 Boxes. Well could you hook me up with some channel island stickers to throw in, again he could not do anything for me (this is Channel Islands brand stuff - hum). He did give me two bars of sticky bumps - whoopie! Come on folks where has the customer service and appreciation for business and customers (whether bought online or not) gone? I have told this to over 20 on my friends while visiting in Morro Bay and am sadly not stoked on CI as much as I'd wanted to be. I usually never post any negative reviews but this experience was really was so bad that I had to share with the Yelp community and hope that CI will work on their customer service and have compassion for customers that spend their hard earned money on their product and are / were loyal to their product. I'll continue to share this experience with all my surfing friends here and in Hawaii. It's funny to think that taking care of a customer who just spend a wad of cash with some small thank you discounts and a sticker or two would have changed this whole experience and review around 180. I remained civil and did not make a stink, but I honestly wanted to cancel my purchase. It's like buyer's remorse when I had not even left the store. Not Stoked, do not recommend, bad bad crappy made me fell like sh@t experience, buy from a small local surf shop, help those surf shapers that make magic board and have businesses that care and have a passion for the sport and it's surfers! Aloha. read more

This surf shop looks awesome inside as I entered I could not help being fixated on the ceiling that had the same shape as the counters that were placed in a circular format . I should have shot a picture for you folks but I was on a time table waiting for the tide to drop .They have a Hugh selection of new short boards in the back , I was pleased with there layout and cleanliness of the store and give them high marks. I encourage people to take a look for them self in beautiful Santa Barbara. read more

This review is for the surfboard inventory only, I usually don't go here to shop for any other retail merchandise. Your local surf shop will probably have a few Channel Island boards in stock but if you're really interested in a CI board then this is a great first stop. They usually have a wide variety of sizes of all the boards in the current and older catalogs, with a few rare gems along the racks, too. A huge selection. The staff rides the boards and they've always given me great feedback about what works for them and what doesn't, never afraid to tell me if they didn't like how a certain board handles, and I've always appreciated their honesty and advice. It's a great place to actually see and feel the different sizes and models that you're interested in so you can really get a feel for what fits your personal preference and ability. read more

This is not a very trustworthy store. I brought my 10 year old new surfer to the store to buy his first used surfboard and was told if there is any problem they would credit it to the next board no problem. This is not at all what happened!!! When we went back they said I had to buy a new board for twice the price and would only give us back the money after they sell the board. What a shame!! read more

Ci is the probably the best surf shop I've ever experienced. The staff is topnotch for any surfer or beach lover. They are very hospitable and knowledgeable for every level of surfer or beach goer. If you wanna feel stoked when you purchase or just browsing I highly recommend it. Whoever thinks different you were probably at a different store. That place rocks... read more

Although this isn't the largest surf shop in SB, they have the largest selection of short boards. The rafters and walls hold a treasure trove of historic boards and mementos from Kelly Slater and others. This is truly a special place. The staff for the most part is very knowledgeable about their boards and the differences between the various models, though you do sometimes have to engage with them first. read more

Little background, grew up in Newport, expert bodysurfer (ex Wedge guy, not too relevant), intermediate surfer (surfing is way cooler than bodysurfing, but that's another story). Anyway, surfed 5+ years growing up, now getting back into it. Always wanted a new CI board, now I can afford it (great treat to myself). Bought my 1st CI Fish at Jack's in NB and I buy T's & sweatshirts online regularly. Last year made a trip north to the CI Store in SB. Know the quality of their brand & products, I was kind of expecting it to be a dream surf shop (Al is a legend). The store, boards & help didn't disappoint. I had in mind the board I wanted, but the 2 guys in the shop took the time to help me thoroughly identify the best board & size. Turned out the one size we all agreed on was out of stock. I could have had one built, or find it in an OC shop. The guys were cool that I planned to leave without a board. I hung out total for an hour and found another board I could add to my small quiver and they gave me 30% off a board bag & a couple CI Ts (and free wax as expected). I've been in dozens of surf shops from Dana Point to LA (mostly HB & NB), and this store rocks. Can't wait to head north again this year, need a new 6' thruster (love the Happy, but my skill level is not there). Most surf shops I go to are friendly, but the SB CI store is special. read more

This is my favorite surfboard shop. Friendly, knowledgeable staff greet you when you enter the store. The surfboard stock is the main reason I go there as you can check out state-of-the-art designs. My wife enjoys browsing through the extensive clothing inventory. There is also a nice collection of surfboards used by top pros on display. Many of these were ridden during first place results in contests or appear in published photographs. Last August, I picked up an O'Neill fullsuit at a 30% discount. read more

Lots of merchandise and cool boards. Staff isn't helpful or gave regards to me as a customer. Come here if you know what you need but getting the helpful incite on products may be best left to doing your own internet searches. read more

in the eyes of many folks al merrick is to surfboards as thomas keller is to fine dining. al shapes boards for some of the most successful and popular pro surfers out there like kelly, machado, rising star dane reynolds, and women's champs sofia mulanovich and lisa anderson. in image-intensive southern california, people look at their merricks as status symbols rather than just a rip stick. but since the closure of clark foam and the switch that al made to walker foam, i've heard a lot of displeasure voiced by merrick loyalists. the grumbling bros seem to think that the walker blanks are too heavy. confirming evidence can be found in the used board sections of surf shops as more and more new merricks go back to the store. ey just because the CI stick in the local surf shop bears the same logo as the board that slater won all those world championships, in reality the board in the store had about as much in common with kelly's board as a monte carlo from the dealership has with the chevy nascar model. however the new eps boards are supposed to be rather bitchin. don't bother with surftech pop-outs. choose your weapons carefully. read more

Went in to CI today with the intentions of buying a board. I'm a novice so it can be a bit daunting trying to figure out what board might be best for me. I was hoping the staff at CI could answer a few questions and help point me in the right direction. Not the case. I looked at boards for 30 minutes and not one of the three people behind the counter even said hello. It's important to note that the store wasn't busy either. There were maybe 2 other people in the store at the time. I realize I could have asked for help, but it's the employees job to ask. I got home and my wife asked me where my new board was. I don't know, but I don't think it's at Channel Islands. read more

Nice selection of wetsuits for men and women. I like to see that, too many surf shops supply only men's. Shop looks great and the kids working there were nice. My honey purchased an Isurus wetty, we'll see how it works out for him! Thanks guys! read more

The board sponsor and supplier for all the greats from Slater to Machado to Taylor Knox to the top groms and juniors like Parker and Conner Coffin and now Evan Geiselman. More than that though, a company devoted to supporting their sport and to providing the highest-quality surfboards to the world. Evan Geiselman won the US Open Pro Junior contest on a Channel Islands board he bought right off the rack at his local surf shop, Red Dog, in Florida. This is someone who is a pro, whose father is a shaper, and who can get any damn board he wants . . . and he buys (before he was sponsored by CI) off the rack and wins the biggest contest of the year with it. When you have a young pro who doesn't have to pay a dime for his boards buying one and trusting it for a contest like that, it speaks volumes more than all the pros a company sponsors to me. Moreover, the Channel Islands folks are always a pleasure to deal with and their retailers are also. Good people making a great product--no complaints here whatsoever. read more

My fiancé and I stopped in here after stepping in tar on the beach- these guys saved the day and helped us out free of charge. We're not surfers, but they were so nice and helpful, they saved the day! They wouldn't accept any tip, but they deserve all the business! Great customer service and looked like a great selection of merchandise. read more

When I am buying a new board or having a custome board made in Santa Barbara there are two rules - 1) It must be an Al Merrik and 2) I must get it right here, period!! It's a tradition and for good reason. In the words of Biggie "and if you don't know, now you know!"Can also get used boards too, but I say BALLS TO THE WALL, get a new one if you wanna be a pimp! read more

Epic selection of boards. Great prices. Really friendly and knowledgable staff. Love this place read more

Channel Islands Surfboards - Surf Shop Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

I took two out of town buddies here so that they could buy some new surfing equipment. It happened to be their labor day sale so they made out with some great boards at a decent price. All in all, combined they spent over a thousand dollars that day. Something that was bothering and troublesome to them is that they did not receive a free bar of wax. Some might say that is not a big deal but the principle behind the wax ensures a customer for next time. The excuse was "since the deals are so good we are going to charge you for wax." Not the best business move. They have so much inventory in there they should be lucky people are buying their "older" brand new models. Something else to note the sticker of my buddies board he bought would not come off. It was the worst process trying to get that sticker off. Btw, you guys lost two buyers and possibly even myself for I was thinking of buying my very first board sometime this week. Kudos. read more

I ordered a custom board and even included a color, to-scale drawing. The color was totally wrong, wrong stringer, terrible sanding job, logo was in the wrong place and it was 2 weeks late. Shop said that was the 4th board that was wrong JUST IN THAT SHIPMENT. CI offered to discount it 50 bucks on a $760 board. Pretty lame. Or they will make a new one and I can wait another 3 months. I ordered it for a trip to Hawaii that happens in one week. Horrible business practices. They have 6 glass shops and many shapers. Anyone who points out that they make SLater's boards is foolish. The same people are not making boards for Rob and Kelly... clearly. If they can't even copy a color drawing should I trust that the technical specs are right? read more

Normally try to swing by when in town and pick up some gear. Always have had a great experience until now. Showed up at 10:58 and asked a female staffer on her way back into the store if my family and I could walk inside with her a little early. She acted like I was bugging her and said we don't open until 11. When I said that was in two minutes, she again rudely stated we "don't open until 11" and slammed the door in my face. Needless to say we passed on shopping there today. read more