Friendly staff can answer any of your questions. They have a good selection of surf equipment for sale or for rent. Next to the Pacifica State beach, so it's very convenient to carry your rented surf board out to the ocean. Lessons available if it's your first time or you're looking to improve. read more

For anyone who is interested in surfing, I highly recommend taking lessons here. Everyone we interacted with was encouraging, welcoming, and helpful - from suiting us up to getting us upright in the water. Our instructor was clearly a pro, but he broke it down to the basics and made our group (all novices) feel confident going out. I am a 50-yr old SF native, and wish I did this earlier, but it made the perfect first-time experience to go with my 17-yr old daughter. Thanks to all at NorCal. read more

I've been stopping by this place for a number of years when I'm in the area. The staff is really friendly and knowledgeable! They won't get in your way if your just cruising by. read more

I rented gear from this place for years before buying my own wet suit and board. The staff were always very helpful with matching me up with the right gear. I bought my surf board there as well. Got it on sale and the staff was great about helping me get it water-ready. And I'm totally psyched with my board. They now have expanded so the boards are sold and rented in a separate space from the clothes and other gear, but they are just a few doors down from one another. The shop with the clothes and gear is lots of fun. Has a solid stock of essentials (boots, wet suits) as well as extras like jewelry and clothes. read more

There's almost always a sale on shoes, booties and/or wetsuits. Large selection of all the aforementioned. There's a small section upstairs where you can get the parts to build your own skateboard. They recently moved all their boards into the main shop. I like the way they hang 'em. read more

Always helpful, knowledgeable, and friendly every time we've been in the store, especially the quintessential surfer behind the counter. You'll instantly recognize him because we leave the store each time having the same reaction, woah... Any and every surfing question (equipment, repairs, etc) is answered and then some (advice, specific and complete instructions, etc.) pretty awesome. I guess we've been fortunate to have him there each time we've been in the store. Can't beat the location, right on the beach! read more

Did the surfing lesson with Rod and he was great! Super informative and supportive all throughout the lesson. You can tell he is passionate about surfing and really enjoys teaching it. Everyone in the shop was very kind and helpful. read more

I went here on the weekend to get a NorCal sweatshit, which is totally nice and warm! The main reason I went was to get something for my niece that was uniquely Northern California (she lives in WA). Nor Cal Surf Shop was a total chill environment. It's also pet friendly! read more

Great staff; Gordon always has good advice for picking out your rental gear to match your skill and the surf. A full day suit plus board is $36, half day is about $25 if you rent after 2pm. Couldn't ask for more. Only complaint is that they closed their original rent shop (that had a nice, easy access) and are now consolidated. The old rent shop was great! read more

Patrick was really helpful setting up a first time Surfer, $38 for wetsuit and board rental. He was all alone, and business is peaky so I guess you could expect long wait times where there are a lot of people in the shop. This is a standard small business issue and I don't consider it poor customer service but something you should expect when a 3500 sq ft shop with tons of merchandise that is run by a single person. By noon there was a second person behind the counter. plenty of merch if you need it. read more

This has been my local surf shop my entire life. This place is one of the few long time running, locally owned businesses left on the Coast. I hope they stay around to be my children's local surf shop. Support local business. read more

I've never written a bad review on yelp before but for the business owners sake, I think I should here. The shop seems great and has awesome stuff, but the service I've received inside the shop has been absolutely awful. The guy who is always behind the register is super unwelcoming and totally unhelpful. I went in once to purchase a surfboard, another time to buy new fins, and each time I left because I would never buy anything from someone who acts like thay. Your shop is losing business because of him and his rude, unhelpful attitude. Have a talk with him or find new help! read more

I bought a wetsuit from these guys maybe 3-6 months go for a pretty good price. Sad part was that the zipper broke last week, right as I was running out of sunlight for an after-work session. Fortunately, the nice people here helped process the warranty repair for me and, most importantly, hooked me up with a free loaner for a few hours (offered longer, but I have a spare at home) so I didn't have to go home sans surf sesh! Thanks for hooking me up and for taking care of your customers! read more

I love Nor Cal! I just joined a school surf team(!HMB!) and wanted to get a wetsuit and the staff(Ask for Shawn, he's GREAT!) were super helpful for people even on a budget like me! They have a great selection and good prices for rentals along with an amazing location right on the beach. Passing Nor Cal almost every week of my life, is an icon in my mind and a great place for beginners and pro's!!! read more

I had a great time, our instructor Rob was on point and involved the whole time! Pacifica is so close to the city, it was easy to get down and the lessons and board rental were very reasonable. I'm going to continue to come back as much as possible. read more

Great place to get your surf lessons especially is this is your first time ever. Ted was the teacher and he was great. He was patient and sincere. I highly recommend. read more

NorCal surf shop is absolutely great, but you have to take it for what it is. If you drop by on any given day, you'll probably see pets, kids running in and out, and people just hanging out in the shop. The staff are not going to run after you through the store and hover behind you waiting to help (in my opinion a good thing, because that's just annoying). It's a surf shop, the people working there are young, chill, and super easygoing. They are very knowledgeable, very willing to help, and very friendly. Hang out for a bit and just chat with some of the staff. The whole atmosphere is very chill and relaxed and they have good products (and a lot of them!). If you need help, just ask! If you are going to take surf lessons, I would recommend James. Not only is he a great and very experienced surfer, he is a good teacher. He explains things very clearly and is incredibly patient. He is also funny, easygoing, and kind. He is very positive and will nurture your self-confidence. Learning to surf can be a bit intimidating, but James makes you feel really good about yourself and your efforts. If you mess up, he will tell you (very nicely!) what you did wrong and how to do it right the next time. I can't say a single negative thing about my experience with James. He is a fantastic guy. read more

I rent a board + wetsuit with my friends today. We went to the store before 10am, so there are still plenty of choices. Most of the boards were gone when we got back in the early afternoon. so if you plan to rent the board/wetsuit and don't want to get the crappy ones with holes or tapes on it, maybe just come here earlier (but man, the water is really cold). The service is 3-star. But we met an instructor, Hide, that I would give him 5-star even though we even weren't taking any surfing class. He was being very friendly answering my questions about the board size and surf spot for the waves today. He even later found us in the water, and helped us got one or two waves since we were kinda struggling. indeed a very nice person. read more

We signed up for surf lessons in the middle of February so we were not sure what the conditions were going to be. The lesson was actually great! We had Rob for an instructor and he was patient and very clear on instruction. The conditions were not the best so he spent some extra time with us allowing us to catch a few more waves! We bought a few things from the shop afterwards, we had a great time, would definitely surf with Rob again! His pup is cute too! read more

JAMES IS THE BEST!!!! I signed up one of my sons for lessons and within 30 minutes, he was up on the board, surfing into the beach!!! James is kind, patient, extremely knowledgeable and...did I say patient??? A 5-year old, out in the cold at 8 a.m. can be a total disaster. James was a superstar, keeping things positive, giving breaks when needed and just generally totally in tune with my guy. My son was so excited to get back out the next day and surf again with James. His brothers (and my husband) were so jealous that next thing I knew, my 6-year old and my husband were taking lessons. They too were up in no time and having an absolute blast, all thanks to James. He knows just what pointers to give, how to time waves, what size waves to pick based on fatigue, "bravery-level", etc. My boys are hooked. I can't say enough positive things. I think learning to surf can be a little daunting and James' demeanor really had a calming, positive influence on my boys. They are absolutely loving their new sport, all thanks to a stellar teacher. As an aside, I thought everyone in the shops were very kind. I'm not sure what "attitude" some other reviewers were talking about. Yes, they're young but I found everyone helpful, really encouraging, and knowledgeable. read more

This review is for a group lesson with Rod Walcha. I'd been surfing before, without lessons and had some success. Rod went over the basics and then many of the small details that makes catching and riding waves much easier. He also gave me recommendations for the type of board that would be best for me, if I decide to buy a board. I would highly recommend anyone looking for more enjoyment with their time surfing, take a lesson with Rod. read more

Conveniently located so that you can just park & walk into the waves. Good service, good selection of rental gear that is in good condition. Good prices for a big chain. Haven't been here in a bit since I got my own board, but they were always good helping me or friends rent. read more

Aja was awesome! He gave me so much helpful info on our surf lesson. He taught me so much about water safety, surfing etiquette, and how to execute catching a wave/standing up. After two hours with him I was catching waves and standing up on my own! I went back a few days later to rent and the rest of the staff was very kind and helpful as well. read more

1st time surfing with Keith and he was AMAZING!

Good gear, I Dig the shirts, and and I usually don't leave here empty handed. I usually bring my girlfreind here and watch her try on 15 pairs of flip flops while deciding that the first pair were just perfect. Next time I am buying some sweet vans. read more

I took a lesson with James Tolentino and it was great. He broke it down into simple steps and drilled it in us. He was really positive, not intimidating and most of all reminded us to have fun. He gave us constructive pointers based on years of surf experience that he has gained surfing in big spots all over the world. I highly recommend it. I feel that with his pointers I will have plently of room to grow into the sport and get better and better. Hope to take another lesson with him when I get better so I can learn more. I'm practicing my popups everyday James! Well worth the money. read more

The first time I surfed (or should i say attempted to)I rented out my board and wetsuit from this place. The guys there are great they are friendly and give you tips. they always ask how your surf went.The first time I went the guy there was excited that it was my first time! ive rented out like 6 times now and everytime i go its a great experience. read more

This places rocks. I got a surf lesson from one of their instructors and June and have gone almost every other weekend since, sometimes more. The staff are friendly. I guess some people could say they are too laid back, but hey, they're surfers. Since we have become regulars, they always acknowledge us, suggest which board to buy when we're ready, etc. read more

What's not to like??? Great location, great products and super friendly knowledgable staff. I'd recogmend this spot to anyone from beginer to advanced. Plus its located by a great surf spot read more

I love NorCal! The location is prime, staff is super helpful and chill. You can tell that lately they've put more effort into keeping things organized. The last time I was here I remember it being pretty messy but I came in the other day and they've really gotten their act together. Keep it up NorCal! read more

I came in today to seek assistance to repair a tear in my wetsuit. Staff was very helpful. This shop is my go to surf shop in the Bay Area. Reasonable prices and walking distance to the beach which is very convenient. read more

Great day in Pacifica. Staff at NorCal SurfShop took great care of our boys. Surf instructor Rob taught my son to get up on his board. Paid great attention to group of 4 beginners. We will be back soon! read more

I got a lesson from Rob awhile ago. Taught me about understanding the ocean, wildlife and surf etiquette. Got me riding waves and gave everyone sterling attention and advice even though it was like 4 people. Made friends and I stayed out after the lesson with my new homies. Still goin out! Thank you Nor Cal!!! read more

Awesome selection of surf gear, they always have what I need here, unlike some other shops on the coast. From fin screws to wetsuits and everything in between, this shop is well stocked. Staff has been helpful every time I've been in as well! read more

I signed my 14 year old up for her first surfing lesson. Being the only teenager in the group she was kinda nervous. The instructor must have seen her timid behavior because he came right to us and started up conversation. By time they were ready to head out she was comfortable and ready! She loved the lesson and was so impressed at how well the instructor was able to give individual attention to all 5 people in the group. The experience was great and my only complaint is that I wasn't able to go too! Next time I will be out there with them. Best $ ever spent! read more

Great people, great store, great value. Booked online, easy process, confirmation emails and off to the races. I know Nor-Cal by reputation and have boards, hats and sweatshirts at the store so they were the first choice for lessons. I tried surfing over 25 years ago at Ocean Beach in SF. I had the wrong board at the wrong beach, failed, gave it up. Our instructor, Rob, made the lesson easy with his knowledge of the break at Pacifica. He gave us instruction on reading the ocean, swell and etiquette while surfing. After an overview and practicing pop-ups we were in the water. Had a great hour and grabbed a couple of waves standing up by the time I was done. Got the bug again and wished I'd started back sooner, with proper instruction. I'm 53 and starting a new, physical hobby so it's a little intimidating but these guys make it easy. Great workout and a lot of fun. Rob is very knowledgeable and knows the Pacifica beach intimately. We came in for a rest after an hour and while we chatted the tide and conditions changed for the worse. I didn't want to sit it out and wait for it to pick up as I had somewhere to be and knew I'd be back this week. It's a two hour lesson. I bought a wetsuit from their large selection and will be picking a board out (they have lots to choose from) once I dial in the best size for me. I plan on starting that process with a rental from Nor-Cal this week. It was a great day and a lot of fun. Definitely recommended. read more

Rob worked great with our 11 year old daughter who had never surfed. She was up and riding waves before the class was over.

What an excellent experience, staff was very knowledgeable on all the equipment friendly and professional. Patrick was able to fit us with a new wet suit with a glance. Keith was our instructor and he was a lot of fun and very informational. Thumbs-up Patrick, Keith and Nor-Cal surf shop. read more

Amazing experience all around. Keith is a pro and will get you up on the board with a smile on your face. He showed me the ropes but I'll definitely be back to learn more. read more

Friendly helpful staff. I love this place. Lots of selection. Yelp says my review is too short so I need to keep writing.