I am not a yelper but had to come and leave a review for WRV. I had a quality issue with a large purchase that was not going away. After a couple of emails things got lost in the shuffle. I was really disappointed and decided to call the HQ in VA Beach. I was put in touch with Jen the director of their surfboard department and my experience was completely turned around. Jen was professional, listened to my plight and went above and beyond to make things right. She put me in touch with Chris the manager in the obx shop and he carried the torch to the finish line. While speaking to Jen I discovered that they try to use American made products and materials as often as possible. That they really care about their employees and have a deep bench of experienced people that have been with them for many years. WRV is a large company and after the email shuffle I was sure that I wasn't important enough for my problems to be addressed. Jen completely proved me wrong and made me feel that not only was I important as a customer but everyone that works for them and the community around our beaches and in the lineup are number one when it comes to their business. WRV has made a believer out of me when it comes to great people and a solid business model. I will be a lifelong customer after this experience. read more

When you pay cash and come back with a receipt they will not give you the cash back! You just receive a store credit and not in a gift card, they give you a lousy store receipt that is easily lost, was told they could look it up Later and doesn't expire, fine I get it, lots of people running scams, but when you spend thousands per year at a store this is a bullshit policy. You lose customers when you treat everyone like a criminal! read more

NO MENTION OF 30 DAY RETURNS ON RECEIPT ?! Return policy needs to be updated on their receipts & CSAs need to be trained to FULLY read receipt. I'm a VB native that has been purchasing boards and clothing since WRV located on Norfolk Ave. I now live out of the area and only make it down a few times a year and when I do, I typically purchase WRV clothing for my three children since they're known as the "Beach Kids" in our mountain community & still manage to easily spend a few hundred dollars annually between VB & OBX locations annually. I attempted to exchange (& spend more) an unworn with tag intact logo tank top that my son did not like10 weeks after purchase. Associate told me I was past 30 day return window but he will allow it. I was a bit shocked because I knew I did not see any mention of this on the receipt, but I didn't have my readers when I was in the store. I also found a recent OBX receipt that does indeed list a 30 day return policy. Website has a bit of a contradiction for period of return/exchange. Just wanna let management know so they can decide what their policy truly is and updated on the receipt, website, and train their employees. read more

Wave Riding Vehicles - So which is it? - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

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Wow. What a huge store! I've stopped by a few times to browse the sales and peak my head inside - everyone is familiar with this huge building What I didn't realize until last weekend - is just how huge this building and store really is - it's gigantic! Tons and tons of ladies and men's clothing and accessories. Not just swim and wetsuits in here - they have full-on clothing and jewelry and shoes and sunglasses and multiple areas with clothes and sales for both ladies and men inside. Additionally, they have all the swim items and water sport things you could ever need. I know they have summer camp and other water sport options as well though we have yet to try any. Staff are always super friendly and helpful and they always have items on sale outside as they turn over merchandise. read more

A pillar of the community, stop here for those fancy stickers everyone seems to have on their daddies Forerunner. Great, chill staff

It's a bit chaotic inside but the diversity of wares offered is good, the staff a little laid-back, and the prices aren't terrible. Would go again. read more

Great selection of surf, skate, beach equipment and apparel! The employees are super friendly and will help you with anything you need. I've been shopping at WRV for years and can't remember anything I've bought being sub par. WRV merchandise is worth the price read more

My nieces and nephews had attended the surf camp with Wave Riding Vehicles (WRV) last year and loved it, so when my brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law signed them up for camp again this year, we signed up our kids to join their cousins upon arrival in CoVa. The surf camp was 5 days, frm 8 -12 pm.My nieces and nephews had attended the surf camp with Wave Riding Vehicles (WRV) last year and loved it, so when my brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law signed them up for camp again this year, we signed up our kids to join their cousins upon arrival in the 757. The surf camp took place at the Virginia Beach oceanfront, over 5 days, from 8am -12 pm. The kids are provided with WRV branded rash guards to keep the camp kids well identified (and there were a lot of kids). The weather wasn't the greatest for the week of our kids' camp. Some days it rained and other days the waves seemed a bit too rough, and almost all days, it was chilly! But what can you do with Mother Nature? She has a mind of her own. No fault of WRV. The instructors made the best of it by leading warm ups, games and generally keeping the kids occupied and entertained. Once the kids hit the waves, they had fun and it was fun for us parents to watch them surf. On the last day, after surfing in the morning, WRV threw a pizza party for the campers. We were all invited back to the store on Cypress where they had tents set up in the back with random patio chairs for seating. They ordered Domino's pizzas and provided drinks. Kids also picked up a complimentary WRV t-shirt at the party. The store is MASSIVE and seems to carry just about everything. Overall, great experience! The kids had fun and that's all that matters. However, I think next year, we might just go the private group route since we have 5 kids combined between all the cousins. Private group lessons would make it more flexible with all of our schedules and for next year, we might wait another month and hold it in July. - Things to note - *some of the rash guards are adult size, so if you have small kids, bring an elastic hair tie to tie it at the bottom to make it more comfortable for your child *don't forget to put sunscreen on your kids before they get there. Pack a bottle of water, a towel and a small snack *a photographer came on site on one of the days to take an individual shot of each child and then one big group shot. These photos will be emailed to you *my brother-in-law booked the camp so he paid for all of it in advance for us, so we never saw the original bill, so I can't say for certain, but I believe they provide either a military discount or a group discount (there were 5 cousins total). Stay safe, Friends! read more

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Picked up some of this gear from the VA Beach shop! Jen was awesome picking out everything I needed for my daughters and myself! Thanks again Jen! read more

Wave Riding Vehicles - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

The costumer service is horrible. They single out all the kids cussing us out telling us we are stealing, screaming "what the f*** are you doing" when looking at skateboard wheels to buy. They follow is around the store like we are baby's running from their mother. I have spent thousands of dollars there went to but new shoes and are treating me like I'm going to steal them or rob the store. I have complained multiple times and no one does anything. This has been going on for 4 years now. read more

This is a big store with lots of different options for surf boards, paddle boards, boogie boards etc.. They had a lot of options for clothing and sizes for everyone. I thought we were going to just run in and take a peak but it ended up being more of a thorough discovery of their goods. As a side note... they have an incredible Yucca plant in the front of the store that's worth just getting a peak at. read more

Wave Riding Vehicles - Ukes - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

This store has EVERYTHING you could ever need and more. If that don't have it in stock they will get it for you. My husband and I purchased 2 wetsuits from WRV over Memorial Day. They are top quality. We use them to swim in Lewes, DE where the water is ice cold. They also protect us from the unfortunate and unexpected swarm of jellyfish they had this year. It was a nice added benefit of the suits. The only place I cot stung was the top of my foot. Which happened to be the only exposed area between my fin and the suit. I was pretty happy with that all things considered. The staff is awesome! They know their products, all of them. They know the sizing and what to get you based upon how you will use it so you get exactly what you need. Our associate was extremely helpful and the entire staff there was very friendly. Our entire shopping experience was wonderful. I'm looking forward to going back the next time we are in VA Beach. There is always something to buy. (PS. I did want to thank the staff for all their help with the suits. I absolutely love my suit. It works wonderfully. Thank you all so much!) read more

Wave Riding Vehicles - This is the wetsuit I purchased from WRV. I have used it several times now and its WONDERFUL!!! - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

Awesome store with plenty of shopping to do since it has grown so much!!! Plenty of boards to choose from !!!! Gals and guys apparel available. Great customer service to take care if you and assist you in finding what you need. read more

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WRV is one of the main standbys of the Virginia Beach and Outer Banks surf scene. They've supported surfing in the area for decades. Growing up in the area, I consider WRV the best locally-owned surf shop. Probably because it's one of the only local shops with a good board selection. You'll see many locals with their dolphin-circle logo sticker on their cars. You can't say the same for 17th Street. I've never had a bad customer service experience there like the other reviewers have mentioned. The store is usually busy and it's huge, so I can see how that might be a problem. But I can usually get help to try things on and check out without a problem. The prices are reasonable, but you're not going to get any steals. I really like the Juniors clothing selection. read more

Wave Riding Vehicles - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

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awful, everyone will stare at you as if you're stealing and act very snooty even after you spend over 100 dollars on a shirt you could literally make at home read more

Great shop . Great folks . Always kind & polite . I used to buy boards from here . I now bring my kid down here to buy stuff . I'm from VB, but live in DC .... this place is a VB landmark. Let's all remember that! read more

I love visiting this store. Great employees and great selection of new/used boards and products. The employees have been so great it would take another 20 minutes to explain how well they serve their customers and how they take time to make sure you are happy with your purchase. Awesome place and people. A+ read more

I love this store. I kinda miss California and this store kinda reminds me of that. Great selection of women's clothing and accessories not to mention the only decent array of ladies board shorts in the area. Maybe it was just because I wasn't there "in season" friendly staff too read more

Not so great here, they were a good surf shop years ago, but others beat them a zillion times in CUSTOMER SERVICE, of which this store knows NOTHING!!! Rude, uninterested sales clerks, young and old ones alike, would rather have you out the door than to (...argh) HELP you with something!!! This has happened to us 3 or 4 times already, so not an isolated incidence.... Rather look up Freedom Surf shop, friendly helpful and knowledgeable about SURFING etc. EDIT: 1/5/2015 So the owner contacted me and assured me that they have changed over there, so next time I'm on that side I'll stop by and see for myself. read more

In the past, I wasn't as impressed with the service I received at WRV, but this time I went in and had a whole new experience. Maybe it's because I was there for snowboarding equipment, but the guy I was talking to was very passionate, very attentive, and knew what he was talking about. He was able to give some sound advice for riding with a GoPro, setting up bindings, and the technical differences in the snowboarding boots that they offered. They've got a ton of apparel there too. They have a Nike SB account and boat loads of clothes to look through. I never spend time just looking through racks to clothes. I usually know what I want, get in and get out, and their service helped me do exactly that. read more

Even if you're not surfer or a skater, you've surely heard of Wave Riding Vehicles (WRV). One of the biggest surf shops in the area and a trademark building on the Oceanfront, WRV is fashion central for the serious beach set young and old. From sexy swimsuits, to trendy board shorts and actual surfboards WRV has all the essentials to make even a poser look like a genuine surfer. Striving to be more than just a store, WRV has a small half-pipe outside and is a hangout for beach kids. Lounging around the building like pets, kids decorate the outside of this building and give a hint of the beach culture spearheaded by this store. Yes, the store is on the expensive side, but it's as authentic a surf shop as you'll find on the east coast. read more

Wave Riding Vehicles has one of the biggest surf shops in Virginia Beach, but you'll pay for the convenience, for sure. They have absolutely every kind of everything you could want for your beach or street action. Surfboards (duh), skateboards and clothing galore, you couldn't even think of something more to ask for. They make incredible surfboards at all sizes, some specifically designed for the waves (or lack of) at our beaches, but you'll pay the price. If I had the money to throw away I would shop here, but I just don't. Hit up the clothing sales and stock up on bikinis at the end of the summer, though. You'll save a bundle and get some wonderful finds. read more

I recently was there and customer service was on point for me. They all asked me over and over again if I needed help etc. The only reason I gave 4 stars is because of the prices. They had a swim cover up that was so pretty but it was $92 and you can find same one online for around $10....so yea. The manager was knowledgeable, friendly, customer service oriented. The facility is clean and well stocked. The camp instructors are VERY friendly and VERY good with the clients. I guess they have seen the reviews and are trying to put effort into changing their customer service image. Yet with that said, (it was my first time in the store) but I had been to the other events and never had a problem with the employees being rude etc. read more

Wave Riding Vehicles - Skateboard camp - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

Oh my gosh. This is my happy place and the style I'm into. And the gals here are so sweet and nice! They didn't bug me a lot cuz they really do have tons of stuff to look at. Brands I've never even heard of. And a misunderstanding on my end, I did end up spending more than $50, and I asked if I got to get the free tattoos. The gal said it was only for Billabong items and spend $50 and get the free tattoos that are all the rave now. But I said ok I want to try it so I'll pay for it. But she gave it to me for free. What service! This visit entailed finding Toms wedged heels that were on sale for 36.99 and they have their sizes available on the bottom of a sticker, so nice to know; no guessing. And they were comfy and well within my range. These will be my graduation ceremony shoes. And first Toms!!! Be sure to take your time when you do visit because there are so many nooks to look at and their sales are combed in with regular priced stuff!! Lots of surf stuff, tanning lotion, MAUI BABE COME ON!!!! This is stuff for the beach goddesses and gods. It's $20. Stickers, clothes, bathing suits, flip flops, and I didn't venture into the men's side, but I think mayhap they had skate boards. Across the street they have a makeshift skate park in the parking lot so that's a cool hang out too. read more

Love this place! The staff members were all so nice and knowledgeable! I came in a little nervous and unsure because I didn't know much about my new board and they helped me find a new fin for it and fix a couple dings on it. Such a great place with great workers! read more

Super awesome staff. I came in looking for some information on some winter wetsuits cause I'm new to virginia and "real" winter weather. I wish I remembered his name but he spent about 20 minutes explaining virginia water temps and wetsuits available for those times of year. He made it extremely easy to deliberate my choices without making me feel pressured to purchase anything on the spot. read more

Snow Riding Vehicle? This year we celebrated our 4 year anniversary @ Wintergreen, where my BF & I had our 1st date. We decided to invite all our friends & family to stay @ the mountain house for the weekend. I have not been snowboarding since then and I refuse to buy all the gear (board & boots $$$) WRV is located across from my office so I went ahead of time & tried on boots and a board for size to rent for the weekend. I love that you can and reserve gear ahead of time. Just call them up! I ended up with a Roxy snowboard with an awesome pixelated graphic. They set up my bindings for my "goofy" stance and were super patient when I wanted my boots to match my outfit. (Insert eye roll) I ended up with a black pair of Nike, Vapen. These retail for over $270.00....I was ecstatic when my total for all the gear came to $35+ for the weekend. (They let you have 3 days total. One day to pick up, one day to use, and one day to return) Amazing. I also ended up with a new pair of boys (I'm short!) Volcom snowboarding pants that were under $100.00 on sale and a new Roxy beanie. The BF was able to pick up a pair of electric goggles with the winter sale also..... Overall I was more than impressed and plan to use WRV again for my next trip, which I hope to make an annual event! read more

Bought a couple of boards (one new, one used) from Geoff at WRV yesterday... Awesome experience!!! Geoff and staff were great and patient, answering all my questions, explaining what was best for me and my wife, and even helped us put the rack and boards on car! Geoff truly cares about his customers!!! Thanks WRV! read more

A Va. Beach icon since 1967. The staff are all knowledgeable and friendly. Great selection of merchandise!

I came here a few months ago and tried to return a pair of cold weather booties. I was told that that was not possible by the staff. Kinda shut down before I could explain why I wanted to exchange/return.Let me say Dave Lewis is the man. He reached out and made it right. I was contacted by him multiple times to ensure that I was satisfied. The product was exchanged for store credit for a smaller size. Customer service means everything. Knowing that a GM really cares about customer service will make me continue shopping here read more

Wave Riding Vehicles has saved the day! I would give these guys 10 Stars if the app would let me. I entered the store tonight a bit distraught because my Thule surf racks had a broken strap and due to my own ignorance lost one of the clips that holds the straps on. After explaining my situation LG, took the time to find a solution to provide service to me today instead of telling me to go online or do something he patiently went over found an accessory that contained the pieces I needed and sold me the pieces and reorder them to make his product whole again. A lot of the competitors in the area would have told me they could order it and have it in a couple of weeks ..... that would not have helped me this weekend. A huge shout-out to LG general manager Dave and the incredible friendly crew at Wave Riding Vehicles at 19th and Cyprus check them out! read more

Have to agree with what everyone else is saying....nonexistent customer service. I've lived in VB for 13 years and it's kept going down hill. You can't get help to save your life. If you manage to get someone's attention they have a attitude like you're lucky you're in there. WRV's selection isn't even good. There are so many surf shops in VB now you'd think they'd try and compete for your business. Nope. They couldn't care less. read more

I've been surfing for over 20 years. I've been all over the planet surfing top breaks. I go back to my hometown of Virginia Beach and visit WRV and what happens? They snub me even when I ask for help! While buying a ding repair kit, the sales clerk walks away from me while I am talking to him! I wanted to buy a watch, sat there for 10 minutes until I had to ask someone for help. (Who was standing next to us doing inventory the whole time). I ended up buying sunglasses which were $200.00. No help there, we had to wait about 10 minutes before I finally asked someone. For a pair of $200.00 sunglasses, I would like the case. They didn't even find me the correct case. Didn't even look for it! My sister made the bad mistake of giving me a gift certificate there. I would have rather gone to Freedom Surf Shop. The best surf shop at the beach! Even while out in the water, other surfers tell me that WRV has lost its status as the best shop at the beach. WRV, get back to the basics: LEARN HOW TO RESPECT YOUR CUSTOMERS AND GET RID OF THE I'M TOO COOL FOR YOU ATTITUDE! EDIT: 8/8/2011 Went back twice to RV since my last visit and the attitude has changed! People were nice and asked to help me out both times. Very attentive and polite. Maybe things have changed. I'll come back now. read more

I have been a WRV fan for close to 20 years, and time and time again, I experience great customer service from them. This most recent occurrence came when I ordered a shirt that was out of stock. I had ordered the shirt when WRV was offering free shipping for Black Friday. When I was told the shirt was out of stock, I was also told that I could essentially swap out the out of stock shirt for an in stock one. Unfortunately, due to the holidays, I waited too long to respond, and I was told that my card would have to be re-run for the swapped shirt. This wasn't an issue, but I lost out on the free shipping offer that occurred during the Black Friday weekend. When I brought this up to Liza, she was very understanding and accommodating, and told me she would take care of it on the backend. When I told her what shirt I would like to swap out the out of stock one for, I didn't realize there was a price difference between the shirts. She had already said the swap was fine, and told me not to worry about the price difference at all, and that she would, again, take care of it. To me, this is above and beyond what I expected. A company that was so willing to honor the original price and shipping discount, even after ordering almost a week after the original purchase, and allowing the swap with a slightly higher priced shirt, is AMAZING! It's stuff like this that keep me coming back again and again. I have loved WRV's products for a very long time, and this great customer service will have me coming back for a very long time to come! Thank you Liza, and thank you WRV! read more

The store is huge and could be a bit overwhelming! I didn't really experience any of the bad customer service issues that most of the people on this thread experienced and even had someone open up another register while I was waiting in line...and there were only two of us in line! WRV definitely has the better decals and t-shirt designs than the other surfs stores in Virginia Beach. I scored a really cool Virginia Tech surf tee as well as some long sleeve shirts. WRV has a larger selection than most of the other stores and its pretty easy to find your size since they rack everything up by both size and color. Definitely check it out if you are in town! read more

I have been surfing for about seven years and finally wanted to bite the bullet and buy a brand new board. I must have called them three or four times to talk about the best board for me given my longboard experience and wanting to step down. Never once did they sound perturbed at my calls asking some of the same questions I am sure. I ended up buying a beautiful 7'2" Nugget online. I had one minor issue and they responded not only quickly, but completely exceeded my expectations on a resolution. I can say without question they are a six out of five stars and I will only buy new boards from WRV!! read more

I'm s local, avid surfer. This is definitely the place to go! From tourist newbies to pros. You can fine all you need and genuine people

OK, service could be improved but I can say that overall I enjoy going here - would you rather be constantly hounded by an obsequious salesperson? I go back to the days of Bob White and his shop next to the Kart Track on 17th, the store on Norfolk Ave and the one before that next to the toll road (they shaped a twin fin for me back in the early 70s)....so I'm a little biased......clothing here is cool (to the extent that any of it fits me anyway) and my daughter loves the surf chick stuff......good skateboard parts and used board inventory has been pretty good in the past.......then, of course, Smith & Holland used to give them a run for the money....... read more

Lots of surfboards, gear, clothing, flops...ok prices. Employees are generally rude and full of themselves, with a rare exception. If you're willing to pay full retail, they've got plenty to choose from. read more

Solid local surf and skate shop. It is nice to see hand shaped surfboards instead of sub standard factory boards from China. The staff was a little too cool for school but the managers knew their stuff. I think it is hard to manage a bunch of surfers and skaters. The guys had good local knowledge of the waves and breaks. The skate park across the street is kind of cheap O but you get what you pay for. (FREE). My girlfriend loved the girls section. read more