Stopped in the shop today to get some advice about a skateboard deck that I've had laying around. Jonathan was extremely affable and quick to educate me on what I needed to get it going. Really enjoyed the experience and will be back for a T-shirt in the near future. Thank you for a great experience experience and customer service. read more

McGill's Skate Shop - Came out Bitchen - Sports Wear Near Me - Encinitas, California

We always have such a good experience. I have no skate background but my daughters are getting into it and we have gotten all their gear here. James helped set the girls up with their boards, helmets, pads and he is always so knowledgable and nice. He was patient with my young daughters and let them take their time picking out grip tape and helped explain the board as he put it together. Definitely recommend this shop :) read more

Boards stacked wall to wall Legends built this shop with care Locals keep it strong Helmet snug and light Pads wrap firm, no bulk no slip Ready for first falls Everything well made Five stars match the shop's respect Quality runs deep read more

It's hands down the best skate shop around he's got everything that has to do with skateboarding you never know who you might run into there it's the mecca of skateboard shops in San Diego if you haven't been there and you know what's good and what's garbage and you don't want to buy trash from wallmart or Tillie's and want your skateboarding money to go to skateboarders and not some corporation that is just trying to cash in on skateboarding...you should probably get your ass to Encinitas and check it out.. read more

McGill's Skate Shop - Sports Wear Near Me - Encinitas, California

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I really wanted to figure out how to make my skateboard trucks looser and the two dudes that were working were super kind, they helped me out and they also explained different parts of the boar. great vibes at McGill's Skate Shop! I'll definitely be back when I have questions regarding my board! read more

We've been coming here for years. Each time the staff is super helpful and always kind to my kids. They' always take the time answer their questions. Years ago they taught my kids how to put their boards together. We always leave feeling appreciated as customers supporting a local business. WE LOVE this store! New location has much better parking. McGills 4 EVA. read more

We're so glad we came to McGills for getting my son's first "real" skateboard. McGills' staff were so helpful and friendly explaining what size of board my son needed for proper balance, the type of wheels and the quality of trucks. We ended up with a custom board that was just under $100. I was going to pay $50 or so online for something that was highly recommended by some skate websites. But now that McGills educated me on what was important for my son's enjoyment and safety, the extra premium was well worth it. read more

If you love Skateboarding there is no question and no need to talk about McGill's... just to show you how cool is the shop, call them and if you type 3 you can talk to our legend! Anyway, for almost a decade I love to swing buy anytime I need a new board for me or my kids. James at the front is the guy you need if you are buying your board for your very first time. If you're lucky you will see other legends such as Cab or Staab... I just a new board, a sweet Santa Cruz for my son Cruz! I got a free grip and got my board set up in 10min! Do not order on Amazon for your kiddos, get the experience of a real skate shop... and support your local businesses at that big time! Thanks McGill Skateshop that new set up that I will put under the tree... read more

McGill's Skate Shop - Brandon setting up our new deck - Sports Wear Near Me - Encinitas, California

Really nice board selections and there clothes are fire a little expensive but that's just me.

This is probably the best skate shop I have visited with their focus on retail. Huge selection, fair prices and a shop owned by a pro and run by skaters. read more

We had a good experience. The staff really know their stuff. If you don't have any clue on how to select your own skate gear, definitely give this place a try. My only hesitation in giving this place my business in the future is that their prices seem rather high. It was an expensive visit for my family. read more

Going to a skate shop is usually pretty intimidating but the guys over there were really helpful and loved to help out anyone they can. They went above and beyond for us. Thanks so much McGills! read more

Our 8 year old daughter skates, I do not and I know nothing. Going to a shop is super intimidating but Cooper was awesome and totally helped us out. No pressure to buy anything we didn't need, super informative, and general positive atmosphere. read more

Came here to get my first ever custom skateboard, and the service was fantastic! Not sure if he was the owner, but the guy who helped me out was so kind and explained everything very thoroughly. 10/10 recommend, would definitely go back! read more

This is a great shop!!! Went in here with our son, to get his new deck set up. As parents, we don't know a ton about skating. Was so nice to have the guys here, James and Merick (Sorry if I'm spelling his name wrong), be SUPER helpful and didn't make us feel 'uncool' for not knowing the ins and outs of options. Definitely will be back! read more

McGill's Skate Shop - Sports Wear Near Me - Encinitas, California

Best skate shop in the land! The people there are always helpful, and willing to lend a hard. When I bought my son his first board, they allowed him to go behind the counter and try to build it himself, and whenever I buy something, they allow me to install it there as well. They have a large selection of boards, wheels, trucks, and accessories, and you might even catch the legend himself, Mike McGill... read more

Wow, this place is an excellent skate shop and the guys in there couldn't be more friendly or helpful! My son needed some new wheels for his board and they showed us and told us about every option. Gave us guidance on all the bearing options and let us hem and haw about the decision for a half hour. They didn't pressure us to buy anything and when they did make a recommendation, it was always toward be least expensive option as my son is just a beginner. Very impressed, we will make McGills our first option for skate shops from now on! read more

Passing through from Huntington Beach en route to San Diego is McGill's skate shop where the owner himself has a piece in skateboarding history. Just look him up and you will see how his love for this "lifestyle" has inspired this skate shop to exist....support the local shop and thanks for carrying the Lakai collaboration of my Bruce Lee T-shirt!!!! read more

McGill's Skate Shop - Sports Wear Near Me - Encinitas, California

It's too bad Yelp doesn't have a category for skateboarding as it seems that this is one of California's premiere sports. Former 80's pro skater Mike McGill opened his shop back in 1987 to serve the burgeoning skateboarding community in Encinitas. This shop prides itself on being owned and run by skateboarders who know the goods and live the skateboarding lifestyle everyday. This is a dedicated shop to providing you with the best information so that you can make the right choices for your skating lifestyle. read more

On 6-4-2021 we came in to purchase a new board for our 12 year old daughter. We were so happy that you took the time to double check the trucks/ wheels for safety as our daughter's safety is a big priority for us. We were never rushed not realizing you were about to close for the day....and purchased a new helmet as well and you even made sure she had the right perfect fit! We do not live in the area but will make the drive just to purchase from you. Quality products and service is worth it!!! You are worth it! We will tell everyone we know where to go, even our grown son who still skates every now and then. It was a pleasure to meet you. Until next time....the Gutierrez Family from Menifee CA read more

McGill's Skate Shop - Exhausted after breaking in her new board - Sports Wear Near Me - Encinitas, California

Great shop and super knowledgeable people with the best environment and demeanor. It has been 40 years since I skated (and took my sons to purchase their first boards) and I felt like a kid again! read more

Very personable people. The owner is easy to talk to and knowledgeable. Which makes it easier to understand buying a skateboard for the first time. read more

This is an old school skate shop where they just sell decks, parts, and clothes. The staff are skaters they knew how hard the wheels were and what they are used for. So many places no longer understand the craft of knowing a product. No matter if you are street, ramp, freestyle this is the place for your hardware. For just over a $100 you could get yourself a very good setup. read more

Great pricing. Skateboard and a tee shirt. I'll be back. This is for my son, Bryan. Hopefully he'll put this to good use sooner than later. Great customer service too. Thanks guys. read more

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The younger guy working there today helped me out. Seemed very knowledgeable and was very helpful. Without even asking he threw the grip tape on the newly purchased board that I purchased for my daughter and transferred all the old stuff from her old board which was a huge help. Definitely will be coming back! read more

I met Mike again at the Irvine Active store meet and greet (April 8,2017) and I totally blew it. I wanted to thank him, but I was nervous as hell and there was a long line of people eager to meet Mike too. But the board I bought that was autographed by him (which I spoke about in my earlier review) was supposed to be a gift to my older brother for his birthday. Unfortunately, my brother passed away one week before that birthday and I never got to give it to him. I contacted Mike and asked for a favor. I asked if he could write a short message to my brother on that board and I could present it to his wife and kids. Mike was so gracious and he immediately took care of it. Mind you, I don't live in Encinitas. I shipped it to him and he shipped it right back as fast as he could. The message he wrote was perfect. My brother who idolized McGill (we all did) would have been so stoked!! I'm kicking myself for not thanking him in person so that's why I had to write again. Mike McGill is the RADDEST dude ever. I still can't believe a person of his stature can be so humble and cool. Thank you, Mike. Just wanted everyone to know what kind of guy McGill really is. read more

Great selection of decks, gear, stickers, etc. The employees are very knowledgeable and helpful. Prices are reasonable and competitive. Two thumbs up! read more

Didn't even check back to see for another size after he mentioned shoes are new and no one has asked for them....

Amazing shop! This place is what it is all about. I took my son there to pick up a few things and he was in heaven. The guy working was great with him. He took time to answer all his questions and provided some great advice as well. They have a massive selection of gear and the prices are right as well. read more

It's so sad what happens when I walk in to skate shops... What just because I'm not dressed like some young, thrashing skater you don't serve me? it never ceases to amaze me how a sport that people love so much, can be so biased... yet that is what furthers the sport itself! I have been looking for a sweet longboard, and as you know a nice longboard is a pretty-penny usually. I found this place on Yelp and drove up North to check out. (I live down in SD). Such positive reviews I was stoked! Boy was I wrong :( if you look at my reviews, I'm pretty even keel across the board... And rarely if ever do I slam someone because at the end of the day - it's not that big of a deal. Emotions can run high, and if it isn't warranted it can really affect a small business. And one thing I LOVE to do is support the Mom&Pop places :) I went in on Sunday Sept 28th and I had over $200 cash in my pocket. Like I said I AM buying a board, NOT just window shopping. Saw the board I wanted to get, but you aren't getting my business!!! what a WOW experience... THIS review is deserved. The young guy behind the counter didn't even say hi, didn't acknowledge me, didn't ask if I needed help, and yet I was looking at boards that were surrounding his counter. Even moved the ladder to get something, and stuck it in my way right where I was shopping the longboards behind your counter. WOW. Could have just told me to leave hahaha, it would have been the same thing lol. I had to move the ladder out of the way 10 feet through the jam packed little isle just to be able to go back to the place I was looking at boards. That's seriously just a little ridiculous... (Jerk!) You could've at least said hi. Ya know I get how you could potentially not want to help me. You were busy servicing a board, and somebody with their kid was looking at shoes with another employee I believe?, and you closed in about 18 mins. But dang man - a hello goes a long way. And ignorance and an attitude goes even further... TO YELP! Lol The saddest thing is that I find this happens often: It's like there's some sort of arrogance about "being a skater" and what that 'should' entail. More sad, as laid-back & "no worries" SoCal is, about 1/2 the skate shops I go into just because I don't look the part, I don't even get a hello let alone service. In fact I usually get criticism if I am approached at all. What just because I had on a nice outfit and would better fit in strolling the art galleries of La Jolla on a Sunday afternoon you don't help me? You did see me standing on the boards, trying their flex and angles of the trucks, & even went nose up on a little cruiser with a kick tail (stationary and on the carpet of course ;) well geez I'd have thought that was cool!!! Some random guy not fitting "the part" shopping in my store checking out longboards! Well guess what: I can board, I do cruise, can pop a few boards here and there and carve with the rest of them - and I love it! I'm no tony hawk or James Kelly or XGames pro... But I can hold my own. Well bozo, some guy just walked out of your store with a pocket full of cash and now you are getting a bad review. Thanks for nothing but really it's your loss because there are other places that will serve me. AND FOUND ONE I DID. AMAZING GUY WHO APPRECIATED ME FOR WHO I WAS - A CUSTOMER. even handed me over FIVE demo boards and said "go have fun out front and let me know what you think". WOW!!!!!! Even came out and watched me for a hot second to see how I skated and offer tips on better boarding AND finding the right board. YOU JUST MADE A LIFETIME - REPEAT L I F E T I M E customer! Sorry MGills, that was just such bad show, I'm shocked. You know the even craziest ending to this saga? As I was leaving the store and walking around towards the door, I look directly at you and you just kept your head down. BUT - you glanced up for a second with your eyes, just long enough to make brief momentary eye contact, and right back down to what you were doing as if I wasn't worth your time. Seriously? LOL. I think you need to go for a long skate sesh homie!!! Ha ha ha. But who knows. Maybe this kid had a terrible day, maybe his dog ran away, his girlfriend dumped him, or someone close to him died. You jus never know and I try to keep an open perspective. You just really never know what is going on in someone's life. Look at Robin Williams. Maybe this kid has something going on too. So I emotionally checked off the bad experience because it just isn't worth my time and hey, you never know. Life is too short to waste on this malarky. (Btw to all you young bucks- I'm sorry but it's true. I hated it and now I'm doing it. Once you hit your thirties and above, anyone under 30 is a kid lol). Just try and keep this in mind: life is short. Things happen. And at the end of the day, all in all it's really not that bad the fact that someone actually wants to buy something in your store ha ha Ha. The end read more

From experience, I know a lot of shops could be intimidating for newcomers or parents. Not the case with McGill's. Pure skate, decent selection and very friendly staff. No one eyeing you up as you walk in to see if you fit the bill. In terms of price, you get what you pay for. A skateboard from Target is like buying a car from Wal-Mart. Sure, it's a car.... And if you have a budget in mind and maybe don't want the top-level gear, tell them and they'll be able to work with you. Genuinely nice people. A lot of surf shops could learn a thing or two from these guys way of treating customers. Note to parents: They have gift certs if you're not sure what your little ripper really wants. read more

I wish I could give this place 10 stars. EVERY employee is an avid skater with knowledge and experience. Their customer service is real! I am a mom to a 7 year old that is a skateboard fanatic. After visiting 3 other, so called, skate shops...there was no comparison to McGills. The gentleman that helped today, guided me to the BEST option for my little guy. He listened and asked every question to put together the perfect set up my son. I will ALWAYS shop only McGills for anything skateboard related! Thank you for such a wonderful experience! read more

Usually grip tape is free at skate shops if you get a new board. Not here. Also the decks are More expensive than other shops.

If you need some guidance figuring out exactly what skate gear to buy your kids - beginner or expert - go to McGill's! Even as someone who grew up skating I was out of my element choosing just the right full board setup for my son and daughter. If you didn't know , Mike McGill is an icon in the industry. He helped pave the way for the California skateboard culture/lifestyle that we know today. As you walk around his shop and interact with staff you'll see and feel the authenticity of the culture, the deep expertise in all things skateboarding. Skip the urge to try and save a dollar online or have your gear show up at your door - drive to McGill's, support them, and experience skateboarding at its core! read more

McGill's Skate Shop - Sports Wear Near Me - Encinitas, California

Honestly one of the best skate shops I've been too. I was looking for a longboard to cruise around college with, and this was the place to go. They have boards by Sector 9, Gravity, Carver, Penny, and others as well. One of the coolest features of this shop, instead of just buying the board, they have demo boards you can ride in the parking lot! Helped me reverse my choice in board. Also, they price match boards! They helped me save 25$! Guys that were working, thank you for helping me get the newer Sector 9 board and getting it out of the back for me! Would definitely return. 10/10 read more

Amazing service people there knew what they were talking about. reasonable prices as well love my board I copped there and they put the grip tape on for you. Recommend coming here to get your board if your looking to start skating or get back into. read more

Great atmosphere at this skate shop. My daughter came out with a new deck, something she can call her own instead of my old decks.

Awesome staff and great selection! I went in there to pick up up a board after not skating since in was 12 (I'm 30) and they answered all my questions about the differences between all of the setups. They even had demo boards to take out into their parking lot. I ended up with a really sweet bamboo longboard and they made sure I got the absolute best price on it. I would recommend them to anyone and everyone. Thanks for the above and and beyond customer service, guys! read more

I visited the shop last Sunday. Truth be told, as a 50 year old, I was a bit apprehensive. I totally thought that I was going to get the judgmental grom treatment from the employees. Well, that couldn't be farther from what I experienced. I had the pleasure of dealing with an employee named Nate. Holy cow, the guy was awesome. Super knowledgeable, professional and really cool to deal with. My visit to McGill's was a fantastic experience and I will definitely be going back. Great selection of all things skate (including shoes) as well as an awesome staff. Thanks guys! read more

My son got his first board here. We were helped by the nicest young man, Brandon. He talked to my 8 year old like an equal and was so helpful. My son felt so encouraged! He helped him build a custom board that he loves. We got all his related paraphernalia there too. It was a great spot with everything we needed. Highly recommend! read more