Fantastic boards, customer service and pricing. Super happy with the purchase. Highly recommended!

This shop is so great. Mark is such a solid guy, stoked he set up his surf shop in mid-city SD. He's a local surfer that knows all the breaks, he applies this knowledge to helping you figure out which boards will perform best for your interests. He's got such an interesting collection of old school boom boxes, record players, Persian rugs and of course the most beautiful boards- eggs, logs, fishes, Bonzer's, all the good stuff made by local shapers. read more

All products are carefully selected to support the shapers and hard work in surf culture. The shop is a gem in Southern California and definitely worth checking out. Great selection of boards from the brand and local shapers, and beautiful custom apparel. Fantastic story behind Happy Battle; Mark being a very welcoming and super genuine dude, highly recommend. read more

I was looking for a new to him surfboard for my son when I found a board listed by Mark that seemed great. I contacted him and he agreed to hold the board for us while we drove down from Encinitas. I brought my son's damaged board (I had been quoted $70 to $100 to fix which didn't seem worth it)... to donate to the nonprofit Mark supports. Mark met us wearing a mask (which I greatly appreciated). First thing he said when he saw my son's board was he thought we could totally fix the board ourselves..even though that could have cancelled the sale! He had the board I called about out ready for us to see. He asked some questions (how much does he weigh, goofy or regular, types of waves he likes to ride, etc) and agreed he thought it would be a good board for him. I asked about other, more expensive, boards but he said he thought the one we had come for was the best option. I am giving the details because I was so impressed with how honest Mark is and how he clearly wants customers to get the right board for them. He was a total no pressure salesman! I can't recommend Mark and Happy Battle enough! He earns every 5 star recommendation he has! Totally worth the drive from anywhere in San Diego. In addition, I love the vibe of his shop.. he has some really cool antiques in there. read more

Mark was very insightful about my needs when choosing a longboard and recommend a custom. I went ahead and ordered. I was able to get a nice design also glassed by G&S . It came out better than expected. I would shop here again . read more

Let me tell you! mark is truly an amazing man, he's just one of those guy's that truly cares about you as an individual and not just some random customer. if you're looking for great insight on anything surf related stop by happy battle! read more

I found this place on a craigslist ad and I'm really happy I found this place and Mark (owner). I was very specific on how I was progressing, my goals in style, and what I needed work on and he never tried to rip me off or sell big name brands that are currently being mass marketed and pushed in shops all over San Diego like FireWire, Torq, etc... (be wary that a lot of shops in SD are getting some cut of the money in pushing these brands). It's not huge like a typical over-commercialized store; but it's a genuine and true surf shop with a genuine guy there to help you get into the real and non-commercialized surf culture. Very humble and great man. Mark was all about tradition and believing that it's only good karma to do the right thing and gauge where his clients are in their surfing to give you an appropriate board (and no, he won't shove you towards a mass produced popout board, unless he, politely, thinks you should try the sport on a super small budget first on that type of board). He has a very spiritual and open and good outlook on surfing: just having genuine fun in the water (not aggressive competition like other aggro surfers), and only supporting local surfboard shapers (I think he keeps in contact with about 11 local San Diego surfboard shapers, and he treats his customers like a shaper would too, in working hard towards finding the right board for you). He just doesn't buy into pushing big name brands to make a quick buck. He even would help you by talking to the shapers in SD to build you a decent board. His prices were more than fair and really low since he's really in-land, and away from the beaches. He has a big variety of boards that are diverse and knows all the little, subtle details that separate two seemingly similar shapes, down to the contours (like a great surfer and board owner should). And most importantly, almost all his boards were real hand-made and shaped boards; you won't find many bad quality mass-produced costco boards - and like I said, he doesn't charge outrageous prices. He laid out a few options for me, and never tried to sway me to get the more expensive boards; he gave me his opinion on which boards he thought I was ready for, regardless of lower profits he would make, and which boards I probably wasn't ready for yet. He even helped me for like 2-3 hours just talking about which breaks would be optimal for my board, what types of boards I might be progressing towards, what to look for in shapes, and even some waxing techniques to get better bumps in your board. He's all about loving the surf culture and making a fair life from it; never felt an uneasy feeling of getting a little ripped off. You can tell his love for not the sport, but the surf life, and making fair business from those who are willing to learn and who need someone they can trust along the way in their surf life/career to give them the boards they need. He's the first person I'll think about for my next board. I've visited a few shops that were nice but you could see past them for just being purely a business; Mark felt like a true surfer with a small shop just trying to live the good life by just being who he is. read more

Great little hole-in-the-wall surf shop. I found out about this shop when I ran across one of their ads on craigslist for a longboard bag. Haven't had the chance to really put the bag to the test due to all the recent rains but the bag seems like it'll do a good job of keeping my board tucked away and protected. The reason for the 5 star review is because of my experience with Mark during my visit to the shop. I came in looking simply looking for a bag but ended up hanging around the shop a little longer than planned to talk surf with mark. He really knows his stuff and gave me some really useful information on what board I should to add to my quiver and what kind of fin I should upgrade to for my longboard. At this point, I haven't purchased board a new board or fin at but when I ultimately do, I'll make sure to buy it from Happy Battle Surf. read more

Mark, thanks for the knowledge, the honesty, and of course thanks for setting me up with a board I'll ride as long as it will let me! Happy battle surf Co. has a beautiful collection of locally shaped boards. Don't t hesitate to at least drop in and chat with Mark. He has something for you! Great shop, great people! read more

Happy Battle Surf - 8' 0" Ellington. Couldn't be happier with my new board. - Sports Wear Near Me - San Diego, California

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Sometimes you gotta head east before you head west. My jaunt down El Cajon Boulevard was worth it for this gold mine of surfing glory. I mean, they have a pineapple as their logo...say no more. I had planned on just "looking" at a board but I couldn't quite leave the shop without it in my arms. The owner Mark chatted with me as I went back and forth about the type of board I wanted. I uber appreciated his lack of trying to sell me on anything, which made me want to buy from this lovely surf shop even more. Whether you surf or not, this place is well worth a visit. Support your local biznasss! read more

Happy Battle Surf - This logo though - Sports Wear Near Me - San Diego, California

If you are looking for a quality, locally made, hand shaped and glassed board, this is the place. Mark is extremely well connected to the local SD surf scene, despite his location on El Cajon Blvd. Mark truly cares about the products he carries in his shop and the manufacturers he supports with it. Mark sells his product well, and will get you set up with a quality ride. I respect Mark for the values he holds in his business and what he has taught me in the surf industry. I also highly respect his journey of how he has gotten to where he is now. This is a gem of a place you have to seek to find. I highly recommend this surf shop for your board, fin, and surf talk pleasures. read more

Can't say enough good things about Happy Battle! Mark was so welcoming, his shop has a great vibe, and their board selection is top notch. Mark was very generous in terms of what he offered me for my used boards and went out of his way to give me a deal on a new board. Will for sure be back to Happy Battle in the future!! read more

The nicest surf shop I have ever been to. They helped me pick out a board and told me I could try it out and bring it back if it didn't work out. I've been to a lot of surf shops in San Diego and they had he best selection and price on used boards. read more

Hands down, Mark is the man and Happy Battle Surf Co is the best surf I have ever been too. If you haven't been, get there now. He's a solid dude. Completely committed to making sure you get a board that fits you. And if you aren't happy he will take the board back and set you up with another one. Unreal service. Don't go anywhere else Seriously. read more

The first thing you will think is this surf shop is a long way from the beach so maybe it isn't any good. Wrong. Worth the drive. A great shop with an owner who loves his product, sport and his customers. If you are a beginner this is a great place to go and they will hook you up right. If you are a shredder, you will be surprised at the quality of boards they have in stock. Make the drive, you will be glad you did. read more

Mark is great dude. Fair priced, really kept me feeling welcome . Love this surf shop. All boards and board related stuff I'm sticking to happy battle surf co. read more

Stoked to find this shop because of the good prices , knowledge and love for our sport

I met Mark after researching an organization that takes used board donations, and gives them to young surfers in need in the Philippines. He took a couple of boards off my hands, and was one of the nicest, most genuine people I've ever met. I recently came back to purchase a fin for a new longboard. Again I was treated with kindness and respect. Mark gives back to the community, knows his craft inside and out, and practices what he preaches. He only sells handmade equipment from local shapers. I can't recommend Happy Battle enough! read more

Super-cool shop with a great selection of new, hand-shaped boards by master local shapers including Larry Mabile, Hank Byzak and many others, plus some used boards. Lots of nice logs, fishes, mid-lengths etc. Mark is extremely friendly and knowledgeable and his shop is all about the craft of hand-shaping. Check it out! read more

By far my favorite shop in SD. Excellent vibe and Mark is super helpful and a super nice dude. Always takes the time to break down options if you don't know exactly what you're looking for and has zero attitude and zero pushiness to buy something you don't want. Can't recommend it enough read more

Amazing little surf shop! The owner Mark is extremely friendly and helpful! Mark is close with the shapers who sell their boards at his shop which you do not come across too often! Will definitely continue to shop here and spread the word!! read more

This is an awesome contribution to the community! Exceptional product and nice vibe.

Super cool surf shop. Mark worked hard helping me pick the right board for me. Thanks Mark. Can't wait to try out my new longboard.

I dropped in here because there are only a few surf shops in east county. I was not planning on buying a board. I saw exactly what is was looking for and I felt Mark tried his best to hit my price point. He was very helpful and knowledgeable. I would recommend this surf shop. read more

I didn't even buy a board here...yet. But went in there because of a Craigslist ad. They didn't have the board in the ad. But the kid....yes...he was like 14...naw maybe a little older, took me through the entire surf process. Looked a few dinged up boards, but the kid knew his stuff. Never surfed a day in my life, but literally this sales man knew everything there was to know about the boards, surf stuff, and repair. I'll be back. Just thought the initial experience needed to be said. Hopefully I can get a good board when I return. read more

So stoked I found out about Happy Battle Surf !!! If you're looking for stellar customer service and somebody who delivers on promises, Mark is the man! I was looking for a longboard with specific dimensions that would suit my daughters size and weight. What I was looking for did not exist in any of the surf shops that I called from San Diego to San Clemente. Most shops told me I needed to order a custom and it would take anywhere from 6 to 11 weeks to have it ready. After looking on craigslist for used boards, I came across Happy Battle Surf co listings. I decided to give them a call. I spoke to Mark and talked about the specifications I was looking for and my timeline. I was blown away when he told me he could have the board ready in two weeks... Naturally I was extremely skeptical based on previous Boards I've had shaped. I decided take a leap of faith went down and gave him my deposit and in less than two weeks as promised my daughters board was ready for pick up. The board looked absolutely amazing when I picked it up ... both aesthetically and functionally. Huge thank you to the shaper Chris Ruddy, and Mark for delivering such an awesome board as promised. read more

Love that there is a great surf shop that sells boards from local shapers in mid city! Mark is super friendly and incredibly helpful whether your buying a brand new board from a local shaper or looking for a used board (great selection). If you live inland in SD you have to check it out! read more

Wow, we were really impressed with this shop and the quality of the boards and other products. The owner, Mark, was so nice and so incredibly helpful! He showed us how to repair dings on our board and we purchased a great quality used board from him. He even helped us get it on to our car. This is a great shop and we will be back! read more

I agree with the other reviews..Mark is super nice. I got the board I wanted at a great price and some excellent conservation...I highly recommend this surf shop and I hope he does so much business he'll have to find a larger place. read more

Always so helpful. Always remembers my name. Never tries to sell me something that won't work for me. In fact tried to talk me out of a new board and into something used and less expensive. Honestly just wants to put people on the right gear and get people on some waves read more

Happy Battle is such an awesome surf shop! Mark, the owner, really makes this place special. We had been buying used boards from Mark when he was still selling out of his garage and couldn't be happier to see him open up this beautiful shop. He sells boards created by local shapers, and we just purchased a gorgeous 8' Ellington this past weekend. Mark couldn't be more friendly or knowledgeable. I feel really lucky to have this great shop close by! read more

I typically only post reviews if a business really impresses me so I feel like I should give credit when it's due! I came across this surf shop by a Yelp search for shops near me and came in recently to take a look at some used longboards. Although I'm very beginner I felt like it was time to step it up from the foam board I'd been using. The owner Mark was incredibly friendly and answered all my questions and helped me pick out a board that would suit my needs. I went to some other bigger shops to check out their selection as well but did not get the same customer service and one on one attention I got here. At most other shops the employees seemed to be more dismissive and judgy once they found out I was not an experienced surfer which is discouraging to say the least. Mark was very encouraging and even checked in with me after I bought the board to see what I thought after taking it out. I'm very happy I ended up purchasing from this small mom and pop shop..it feels good to support a local business with an owner that is so dedicated and enthusiastic. Thanks Mark! read more

Fantastic service and genuine business! Mark, the owner, is friendly, honest, and a straight shooter. Wish there were more people and businesses out there like Happy Battle!! Definitely coming back read more

I did a double take when I drove by and saw a surf shop on El Cajon Blvd; so I quickly did a U-turn and parked, I had to check the place out. The owner is super cool he has a great selection of QUALITY boards. Lost of awesome longboards and alternative shapes. If you're looking for a new board (they cary used boards too), or surf racks, or fins etc. I would definitely check this place out. Prices are really fair and they pretty much only carry the good stuff. Place has a good surf vibes \m/ read more

Mark gave me a run down of his products as soon as I came in. Awesome store and would highly recommend.