Expensive low quality goods. Owners are petulant and arrogant. Many other better options in Capitola. Shop elsewhere.

Should be 0 stars! Stef called me and verbally harassed me. Told me to "Go fuck myself" and "Go to hell." All this happened because I asked the front desk staff to ask their manager if they could put up my work flyer in the store. Steff proceeded to tell me off then told me my flyers were "some crap" and that she would " Rip down all my flyers in Capitola and throw them in the trash." Not to mention the nasty voicemail she left me... Thanks Steff. I'm a teenager and this woman is an adult. As a local, I know families wouldn't want their kids and teens getting verbally harassed at a local surf shop. I'd avoid going to Free Ride Surf Shop In general. Absolutely terrible experience. read more

Fun vibe I usually just buy wax here but I've gotten a few cute gifts etc for friends. Pleasant customer service. And they My pup who comes with me to shop everywhere they never have minded. In fact they are all really sweet to him. Which makes me love them even more read more

I came here for a trucker's hat because I lost my last one in a big wipeout while surfing. The store is small but they have a good selection of clothing, surf gear and surfboards. The guy behind the counter was very friendly and gave off a good, mellow vibe. He was knowledgeable with the surf in the area. He showed me his cheapest trucker hat and I was on my way to surf with my new hat. I just read the other review and I'm bummed that I missed the opportunity for a free beer :-( Next time I am surfing, I'll definitely be taking advantage of that free beer :-) Check this shop out, It's locally owned and worth the stroll inside. read more

Would not recommend this Surf Shop. A bunch of cheap boards made from China and Mexico. Owner is very preoccupied with whatever he's reading and rude if you ask any questions read more

If you're looking for a breath of fresh air in Capitola go visit Vince at the shop. If you are looking for an alternative to the surf shops with an attitude towards beginners then this is definitely your place. As the sign says he will entertain you....and if you ask he'll even teach you how to surf... Great selection of pretty much anything you will need for surfing and just for hanging out on the beach. Great selection of cool t-shirts, surfing kitsch and what have you. Remember to ask for a free beer...:-) read more

We had a surprisingly awesome experience here. Generally shops on the beach feel like tourist traps to us, we know we can get better prices and service elsewhere, we just like window shopping. At free to ride the vibe was different and super welcoming, we had been considering a skim board for a few weeks for my 13 year old daughter but hadn't committed yet. DREW was so amazing that we couldn't say No! From the moment he greated us, he was friendly and genuine and super duper knowledgeable. He helped my kid find the right size board and the left us alone to look at designs. When we decided, he waxes her board and gave her a few pointers. He took his time explaining a few things to her and made sure we were happy and comfortable with our purchase as he filled us in in the return policy. Everyone knows it's the people who make a business, Drew is really making an impact here! We are telling all our friends and we will be back for any beach needs in the future! read more

Most people on my Christmas list don't surf, but they want to LOOK like they do! Free to Ride has cool stuff for the teenagers on my list.

Lots of great surf items here!! You can get surfboards, surf clothing, and a whole lot of other things. The staff is very friendly and accommodating. It's very close to the beach, so if you're surfer who has forgotten something, they have it all! Bravo! read more

Came here after my 3 year old needed a set of dry shorts after playing on the beach. The cashier was very friendly and even suggested to let my son run around the store to see which shorts felt more comfortable on him. I do wish they had a larger selection on toddler clothes but the cashier said they get sold out fast. read more

They had a cool selection of clothes, shirts, sweatshirts, skateboards, surfboards. And it was all reasonably priced. I picked up a FTR hat and it was only around $25 dollars. It's not like one of those stores where they don't care about the customers and only care about the money, they want you to find good deals and good quality products read more

Free To Ride Surf Shop - Sticker selection - Sporting Goods Near Me - Capitola, California

See all

We stopped by here on our way to the Boardwalk to look for t shirts. Found them and stickers. Great shop, people are so warm and welcoming there. It's a must stop each time were in the area. There are really cool T-shirts even kid sizes it's a great place to shop. So friendly and knowledgeable. Beer is cold too. Cheers read more

I just bought my very first surfboard today. I went to several local shops and got no where. Clay at FTR was amazing. He took his time understanding what I wanted, what I wanted to get out of my board and helped me make the right choice. He didn't try to up sell me and he was as stoked as I was to buy a new board. Nice work Clay thank you. Cheers! read more

Free To Ride Surf Shop - Sporting Goods Near Me - Capitola, California

I have never before made a review, but after the experience my family and I had here today, as a business owner myself, I felt compelled to share my horrible experience. I called the store at 10:45 to check hours, specifically what time the store opened. A young lady who answered said 11 a.m. I showed up at 11:00, and waited outside the store with my husband and two kids for her to open (other customers also waiting outside the store). Around 11:10-11:15, my husband knocked on the door to ask if she was open, or what time would she plan to open. She ignored him, so he knocked again. She eventually came to the door furious, yelling at us not to knock because obviously she wasn't open yet and that we should take our business elsewhere. We were astounded at her appalling behavior! We have never experienced anything like this in a place of business before and felt that we should contact the owner. His response was unfortunately complacent. He made excuses for her behavior stating that she wasn't feeling well and probably had Covid. Naturally, our concerns went from bad to worse, since she approached us within 2 feet shouting and without a mask!!! Customers Beware! read more

Amazing service, great merchandise, a real jewel of a shop in Capitola Village!

Awesome shop, i have bought two surf boards and the new wave skate board from Vince the owner. Great place love the bikini wall photo's you will know what i mean if you go there. read more

Some friends and I we're on a long road trip from las vegas and passed through Capitola. We went into the free ride surf shop where we met Frankie, she was awesome! I have never been in an establishment where somebody was so nice and friendly and offered up the best customer service I have ever had. I was amazed when I asked her if she was the owner and she replied that she was not the owner. I told her that her boss was very lucky to have someone like her working for there. She owned it like a boss... thanks frankie! read more

The owners are very cool, one even is a real surfer, Everytime we go into the village, we have to stop by free to ride and say hello, They have a ton of local knowledge, the boards and wetsuits are great, everything you need to catch some waves, one stop shop !!!, read more

So you surf and you need wax/gear/etc., but you hate the generic corporate surf experience? Guys like this keep the real surf scene alive. I recently moved from San Diego and learned that I need booties up here in the bay area. I went to this shop specifically because I knew they sold xcel stuff. I walked and immediately loved that I received help from who I believe is the owner himself and not some 15 year old who thinks he's too cool for me. He gave me a good amount of options for booties, and was just the right amount of attentive without being pushy. He offered me a my gf a beer and we just sat and talked with him while we tried stuff on. He then told us about some different swells in the capitola area because, as I mentioned, we aren't from here. Then we sat and watched some vid's he'd taken on his GoPro from earlier in the day and talked about different things. All of this is completely relevant because this is what I love about the surf scene, not trying to act cool and giving money to big bosses who probably dont know the difference between a fish and a mini-mal. All in all, great experience, this guy's rad, we will go back, you should too. read more

Free To Ride Surf Shop is AWESOME! Locally owned by a very friendly couple. Vince and Kelly have excellent customer service, and lots of knowledge about surf kulture. Looking for a one of a kind surfboard? Free To Ride features locally crafted Source and GP boards that will have your friends drooling with envy. Need some sunscreen, an umbrella, or just some cool beach wear while in Capitola? Be sure to stop by for all your necessities. Coolest little surf shop around! Not snooty at all like some of the big guys, so no need to feel intimidated if you're a beginning surfer. read more