Action Watersports

I kept going back and forth on whether or not to write this review because local surf shops are becoming a novelty and I really used to like this one. I had bought several items from here and even a board. The issue arose when after a couple years my wife finally found the voucher she had been given for a returned skateboard. I had been so bummed for so long about this voucher because I thought it was completely lost but when we finally found it, I thought, «yes, I’ll put it towards a new surfboard or other big item.» Needless to say, the initial guy I talked to said he would have to run it by the manager. A couple weeks later, after calling several times and getting the run around, I walked in again and found the manager. He said it was no longer valid because it was not on their books and he had no way of verifying it. I showed him the voucher and the signature and he said it was there’s but he still could not accept it. Thus, they ended up with a skateboard that they were able to sell twice. I do realize that this is mostly my fault for having lost the voucher for so long but I just think that if I owned a business I would go out of my way to help out a customer like me just because it seems right and fair. Anyway, I always need gifts/​gear etc and always find myself driving past Action because of this incident. I’m definitely not saying don’t go there because they do have good stuff and most of the guys seem pretty good but I won’t be back. Bummer.

Terrible customer service along with terrible refund policies.
I bought a pair of Viper swim fins for $ 85, (which were horribly overpriced by the way) with these being my first pair of swim fins ever. I bring this up because I had no idea if they would be uncomfortable or not, only knowing the size I needed. I took them to my local pool to test them out for about 5 minutes before I knew they would be too uncomfortable to use at the beach. ZERO damage was caused to the fins, and I brought them back in the original packaging the next day to return them.
However, the cashier never gave me a receipt or anything, which was negligence on his part, and said that I couldn’t return them for the full price because «they didn’t know how much they cost originally.» Total load of B.S. if you ask me. They said they’d take them back though, but only gave me $ 20 of store credit. I was only able to buy a cheap little wet-​dry bag because of their poor selection of items. I cannot even bring myself to use it anymore because it has their logo on it, which I refuse to advertise. Overall negative experience with this place and will take my business elsewhere to more deserving shops.

Action Watersports was really helpful in letting me pick out an affordable used soft top board (8 ft). I just wanted something cheap that I could continue to learn on so they found me one for $ 80. They also sold me a used soft rack set and helped me strap my board onto my car. They were very efficient and friendly. I’d definitely recommend this place for anyone looking for quality water sporting equipment.

Picked up my first used board here recently. I expressed that I was a beginner looking for something that I could get up on a wave with but not too long for my 5′ 4″ stature. I had no idea what I was doing when it came to picking out a board but hey, that’s why I came to a surf shop with my questions, right? After taking it to the Pacific for a session I struggled for what seemed like too long. When trying a friend’s Longboard I found it 10x easier to catch waves. Having a week or so go by with only time spent on my friend’s Longboard it was time to bring back the 7’2″ non beginner friendly board in hopes of getting my money back or exchanging for something reletively close to my friend’s boards.
The manager gave me the run around again working his robbery magic that this store seems to emit.
I learned that returns are impossible (even when you are given the wrong board to begin with). If you want to return your already used board you are going to have to trade it or sell it for confinement in which case they will take somewhere between 20 and 30%.
I got my board and left heading to another shop where I learned my board was at least $ 100 over priced to begin with. Luckily this other shop genuinely helped me out with their board selection and wisdom.
Total I spent on my 7′ 2″ used Valencia with repairs and usual dings– 340
Total spent on flimsy used fins (robbed again, didn’t know they were horrible because what does a beginner know) — 45
Leash– 25
In conclusion, If your trying to be robbed and genuinely left in the cold as far as what equipment you need to have a good time on the water, send it to this place.
Nothing but disappointment here.

The best customer service, best prices, and best looking employees on the Westside! Haha. But seriously, I went to every shop in LA looking for a good paddle board as a gift for my boyfriend and they’re the best.

Bought an $ 800 inflatable kayak, they made me buy $ 70 pump for it. When kayak was delivered a pump was included and they wouldnt let me return the unused pump.
THEN the cheapest kayak paddle they had was $ 75…i went across the street to Marina Paddle and got same one for $ 40.

Very nice, helpful staff!

I have been shopping here for a long time but I haven’t been in quite some time. They were just as great as they always were. Let me return a surf rack that didn’t work. Helped me get a guy down on a consignment board and threw in a really nice fin just because that’s how they are. Great service great quality. Thanks so much!

They lied to me: I bought a used kayak. They told me it had been leak tested. Not true. I was on the water for an hour and picked up at least three gallons of water through a leak near the scupper hole. They won’t refund me. Their policy is no refunds, but I think if you send someone out on the water in a kayak that will sink, it’s only fair to make an exception. How can they sleep at night knowing that they’re selling defective stuff to people that live in their community? Shame.

It could just be me ;-) but I’ve found many surf shop employees to be sort of cold and unapproachable, so I was nervous walking in here to buy a board for my boyfriend’s birthday, knowing very little about surfing. There was no need. I felt right at home in Action Water Sports. Shawn and his staff are amazing!!! Not only did Shawn get me a really really good deal, but he was helpful, informative, kind, and passionate. His co-​worker even helped me strap the board to the roof of my car with a soft rack (since I had no idea how)! After my experience here and the board my boyfriend now has, I don’t think either one of us will ever shop elsewhere.

After doing a lot of research on paddles, kayaks, and paddle boards, we just happen to stop into this shop and Shawn was VERY knowledgable and helpful. I got an outstanding deal on a paddle board and went back a few weeks later to buy an awesome paddle. Their stock supply has a huge overturn and can be limited at times, but we got what we needed and had a great experience. We will definitely be coming back here again! Thanks Shawn!

I just got a used 7’6″ Blackboards and I’m stoked to break it in. The guys here are awesome! Customer service was way beyond expected and we were greeted right when we walked in. They had a solid selection of used and new boards and the prices were really reasonable. All and all I walked out right at 450 with a board, rack, leash and fins, not a bad day! Highly recommend this place and don’t be afraid to ask for help, the guys here are very knowledgable and approachable. Surfs up guys thanks for the help!

Went in at the suggestion of REI as I wanted to purchase an open water kayak. And I have to say… I did NOT have the experience I was expecting.
When I saw the store was being manned by three 20-​some (albeit adorable) surfer dudes, I figured I’d get blown off and basically ignored.
What I got was the most amazing shopping experience in a long time, from these young gentlemen (emphasis on gentlemen). And even though it was just before closing, they took the time to walk this 50-​yr-​old lady through the pros and cons of an open water kayak.
Shawn and Travis were courteous, knowledgeable, funny, patient, professional and they put a package together for me that had me walking out with not only a new kayak, but all the bells and whistles (including the most amazing carbon fiber paddle you’ve ever seen). They showed me how to put the rack onto my car (Shawn, you’re an angel), Travis showed me a trick to get the kayak onto my roof without killing myself (or others — thank you Travis) and they made sure I fully understood how to properly secure my new baby (Bobby Elvis) to my vehicle.
They also took my email address to put me on a list of folks who get together to paddle and kayak down in the area.
They gave me a competitive price, made sure I had the equipment I’d need to be safe on the open water and didn’t try to over-​sell me on crap I didn’t need. They made me feel like I could ask any questions (no matter how seemingly dumb) and they laughed at my jokes. Basically, they had me walking out the door GLAD I just dropped wad of cash on a midlife crisis kayak.
I highly recommend you go to these guys for your water sport needs. The world needs more Shawn’s and Travis’s. They really made my day and I will send them a positive vibe every time I take my Bobby Elvis out on the water.
Thank you gentlemen, you made this old lady one happy kayaker! Hope to see you on the water soon.

I went in yesterday to grab a wavestorm. I’m no freakin’ kook either! This establishment has the audacity to try and resell used wavestorms for the price they charge at Costco (next door) for $ 109. The employee even had the gut to tell me «Costco doesn’t carry this item any longer». They also sell some beat up ones for $ 70. Talk about a small business that takes advantage of customers.
Fact is they will try and sell you a wrecked Wavestorm for the price of a new one at Costco. On the other hand they could donate these to a charity that helps underprivileged children learn to surf. But I guess i’m dreaming, time for bed after all.
It’s a real pity this shop tried to gaffle me.

After seeing their ads repeatedly in Craigslist, I called Action to see if they’d be interested in selling my used SUP on consignment. They seemed eager and put a surprisingly high price on it.
Well after four months it didn’t sell. Never one call from them about the price or progress. When I went to collect my unsold SUP, I found out Action Watersports had lost my center fin, board bag and leash. They gave me another used fin (not a nice as the one they lost or sold) and said the consignment list didn’t mention a bag or leash. I don’t care about the leash but the bag was, and is, an issue. After complaining, they said the owner would call me. The phone never ran.
Action Watersports may be fine, or even great, for lessons or buying a board, but stay away from consignment sales.

I’ve bought a couple SUP’s here and a Walden longboard. They’ve got tons of great boards and they know their stuff with SUP’s. Got a deal with board, bag and paddle.
With my original SUP I bought a adjustable paddle (don’t recommend because of weight), I ended up breaking it using it. Shop was super cool and gave me a credit or replacement for it.

First, we were recommended this place by Sup With Wade professionals because people here are trustworthy and good.
Yes, they most certainly are. My boyfriend and I were beginner surfers looking to buy our first boards. We were helped immediately by Christoff who showed us different boards explained the advantages and disadvantages to them. We picked our boards.
He then matched us with fins and leashes for the boards, put the fins and leashes on for us, and helped us pick out racks for our minivan to hold them.
Christoff went outside with us to the parking lot and helped us assemble them. The quality of people here is outstanding.
I can’t wait to get those boards out into the water! Action Watersports is really great.

I was looking to transition from my 6’8 surfboard to something smaller, and on the recommendation of several friends who had bought boards from Action Water Sports decided to come here.
They had a great selection of both new and used boards, as well as other gear. The staff was really friendly and helpful with helping me choose the right board. I ended up getting an Ape Shapes 6’2 board from local shaper April Newman. They hooked me up with a good deal and cut the price back for me too. Got fins and a nice new leash to go with it. They even threw in a couple bars of surf wax which I accidentally forgot because I got so excited about the new board and taking pictures of it! Haha.
Anyways, I took the board out that same weekend and it caught and rode waves fabulously. So stoked about my new board and I definitely recommend to check these guys out! :)

Started surfing last fall and decided it was time to get of my foamie and get a board. After looking on Craigslist for used boards, asking friends, and going to a few other local surf shops I bought a great board from Russ at Action Water Sports last weekend. He is very friendly, helpful and honest. I got a new board for a great price and a great deal on a board bag. He even gave me a couple bars of wax! Price was a big deciding factor for buying my board here versus some of the other surf shops but also the friendly service.
I would definitely recommend coming here if you’re in the market for a surf board and accessories! Thanks Russ!

Been here a few times and every time is quick and easy thanks to the great guys they have working here. Knowledgeable and so helpful! First time I came here was to get my longboard and the guy helping us out was great — gave us great advice on sizing and quality. My boyfriend has also bought his leash and fins with here and everything’s been great.
They have a great selection of boards (longboards, shortboards, SUP — new and used), wetsuits, kayaks, and every possible accessory you could need. They also have snow and skate stuff. Everything you need in one place! Plus, I love that they don’t try to sell you things you don’t want or need! They’ve very helpful and don’t pressure you or act «too cool» like I’ve experienced at other surf shops. We’ve referred the store to a couple of friends and they’ve all had equally great experiences.