London isn’t exactly well-known for its buzzing surf scene; in fact, it’s more about hipsters, punks and vintage fashion here in the capital. But what if you’re planning a trip? What if surf wear is your preferred style of choice? Surely, London – the capital of Europe, has something? Well, yes! Of course it does! And here’s your guide to the best it has to offer.
1. Ocean Leisure Water Sports Store – Embankment
Ocean Leisure is a bit of a “Jack of all trades” and offers something for everyone interested in watersports, whether it be sailing, diving or, of course, surfing. Considering they aren’t a speciality surf store they do carry a huge range of surfboards, wetsuits and surf clothing, including the token display of over-priced board shorts! Check it out!
Ocean leisure Watersports, 11-14 Northumberland Avenue, London
2. The Quicksilver Surf Store – Regent Street
Quicksilver has become a bit of a McDonalds kinda brand over the last decade or so, but it’s better than no surf brand at all and their store is something mighty beautiful! The Roxy, vintage inspired, boutique stocks a range of exclusive items that only this particular store has access to – it’s a special experience for surfers, and seeing as you can’t get in the water, this may be as close as you’ll get! As well as all of their colourful surf clothing designs they also stock wetsuits, boards and other essential hardware – ideal if you’re flying out of London and suddenly realise you’ve forgotten your leash , or something like that!
Quiksilver, 229 Regent Street, London W1
3. Volcom London Soho & Box Park
Volcom has hit the UK surf scene like a thousand tsunamis and its flagship London store has signalled that they have no intention of stopping now. With super edgy designs, Volcom has built a cult of loyal followers from the surf, snow, skate and alternative sports scenes across the globe – and now they’ve got a box at Boxpark I’m sure there’ll be one or two hipsters wearing some of their tighter-fitting numbers, too!
Volcom London, 7 Earlham Street, London, WC2H 9LL
BOXPARK box#13 Bishopsgate Goodsyard, Shoreditch, London E1
4. O’Neil Surf Store – Covent Garden
The legendary wetsuit makers have a very cool little store in the heart of Covent Garden – possibly as far away from its natural habitat as possible but who cares?! At least us surfers have somewhere to escape the hordes of tourists and wanna-be-hipsters in the city! The store sells a wide range of both men’s and women’s clothing and you’ll find a mean selection of hot-pink Type bikinis! Roll on summer! Have a look at holiday apartments Covent Garden London while you’re in the area.
O’Neil, 9-15 Neal Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9PU
5. Two Seasons
These guys seemed to have mastered “the art of the surf shop”. Their London store, located in Kingston, is their flagship store and offers everything a young surfer, skater or snow fanatic could ever dream of. The clothes are beautiful, the staff are beautiful, the store is beautiful – the prices, not so much! But still, check it out!
Two Seasons, 28-30 Castle Street, Kingston, Surrey, KT1 1SS
Websites
Of course, if you really are desperate for something in particular and the London stores don’t quite cut the mustard, check out a few of these awesome online surf stores – I’m sure one, if not all, of them will have what you need.
About the Author – Ben is a surf fanatic living in the big city and writes for Miinto – where you can find fashion and clothing inspiration online.
