Our Story

Ocean Experience introduced Southern California’s first surf school when the director of a San Diego school’s PE program took some of his classes to go surfing. Legend says the kids loved their time in the water so much that they banded together and formed a small but mighty surf club, which became the Ocean Experience Surf Camp in 1990. Ten years later, Ocean Beach Surf and Skate opened its doors as a home base for the school. Our address has changed a few times since then but our mission has remained the same -

To provide everyone equal opportunity to enjoy the wonders of surfing and learn about its rich history.

We have changed addresses many times with countless remodels

For over three decades we have been thrilled to create positive, meaningful experiences to all clients, patrons and associates and maintain incredible relationships with the family that has been created through the shop. We hold ourselves to the highest personal and professional standards, ensuring all business is completed with the highest standards of service, integrity and quality. 

OBSS embodies the Southern California lifestyle while providing the essential needs to surfers and skateboarders alike. We offer top quality training, technology, surf, and skateboarding equipment.

Since our founding 32 years ago we have provided tens of thousands of individuals the knowledge and equipment to surf for a lifetime, hosted dozens of fundraisers for our local schools, broadened our classroom to Baja through Baja Experience Tours, and founded the Peninsula Surf Club, a 503(c) nonprofit to help give back to our community.

Since 2010 Ocean Beach Surf and Skate has hosted the annual Skate For the Kids Fundraiser for Ocean Beach Elementary, raising tens of thousands of dollars that is used to keep their students active and engaged with the community.

Skate for the kids 2022

So if you’re looking to learn to surf, gain access to the best parts of Southern California and Baja, connect with our community, or just say hi, stop by our shop at 4740 Newport Ave and you’ll be sure to experience Surf and Skate culture at its finest. See you soon!