Topsail Island, NC · since 1997

First in, last out.

George Howard has surfed Topsail for 35+ years and shaped boards here since 1997. Lessons, rentals, ding repair and custom boards, all out of the shop on Roland Ave.

Book a lesson (910) 328-2232

★4.7 on GoogleLessons from $65Open every day

Topsail Island

Howard Custom Boards

Shaped by George.

Every custom board starts as a foam blank in the back of the shop. Scroll and watch one get made.

01
Foam blankA polyurethane blank with a wood stringer down the middle. Your height, weight and the waves you ride decide which one.
02
OutlineGeorge traces the outline on the blank: length, nose and tail shape, the widest point.
03
ShapePlaner, then hand sanding. Rocker, rails, concave and foil, measured and re-measured.
04
GlassFiberglass and resin, fin boxes set, hot coat, sand, done. Then it goes in the water.

Ask about a custom board

Foam blank

A group lesson on the beach, everyone in red rash guards standing on soft-top boards

Lessons

Up on your first wave.

Two hours, one on one, board and rash guard included. Surf or stand-up paddle, by appointment, every day in season.

$65two-hour private lesson, equipment included

Kids, adults and total beginners
Board, leash and rash guard included
Small groups and family lessons available
Sign the waiver online before you come

"My 8, 10 and 12 year olds all caught waves on their first try."
A parent on Tripadvisor

Book a lesson Lesson waiver (PDF)

Book online

Pick a day. George does the rest.

Lessons and rentals book right here, on your phone, without texting back and forth. You get a confirmation and a calendar link; George gets a ping.

Lessons · $65 · 2 hours

Book a surf or SUP lesson

Two-hour private surf or SUP lesson. Board and rash guard included. Pick a morning or afternoon.

Book a lesson

Rentals · pay at pickup

Reserve a rental

Reserve a surfboard, paddle board, kayak or beach cruiser. Choose a pickup time, pay at the shop.

Reserve a rental

Ocean looking flat or stormy? George texts you to move it. No charge.

Rentals

Grab a board and go.

Day and week rentals. Call or stop by for today's rates, and ask about delivery to your beach access.

Surfboards

Soft-tops for beginners, longboards and shortboards for everyone else.

Reserve online

Paddle boards

Stand-up paddle boards with paddle and leash. Flat sound water a block away.

Reserve online

Kayaks

Single and double kayaks for the marsh creeks behind the island.

Reserve online

Beach cruisers

Cruisers with baskets for the ride to the pier and back.

Reserve online

Off-season rentals: call or stop by the shop.(910) 328-2232

A group of paddle boarders setting off from the dock on the sound

Kayakers paddling the marsh toward the old swing bridge

Board repair

Dings fixed.

Pressure dings, cracked rails, snapped fins, delam. Drop the board at the shop and we'll call you with a quote.

Fiberglass and epoxy boards
Fin box and fin repair
Color-matched when it matters
Snapped boards: bring both halves

"George makes amazing boards."
A customer on Tripadvisor

Call about a repair Howard Custom Boards

A young surfer holding a board at an ESA contest

Drop off any day we're open

Since 1997

Twenty-plus years on Roland Ave.

George and his wife opened On Shore in 1997, after moving the family to Surf City years earlier to shape boards and surf. Their daughter Britney grew up behind the counter.

The On Shore Surf Shop sign on the building it shares with East Coast Sports

1997

The first shop

Opened in the old mini golf and arcade lot, where the Trailer Bar sits today.

The art gallery

Moved into the old art gallery next to East Coast Sports.

The On Shore Surf Shop van, Pray for surf painted on the hood

Fran

The hurricane

Fran came through and changed everything. About a year to rebuild.

2000

Home

Moved in with East Coast Sports at 409 Roland Ave. Still here.

"First in, last out."

The shop's motto

Surf report

Check it before you drive.

Live cams on the Surf City pier, the NWS marine forecast, or just call the shop. Somebody has usually already been in the water.

Live pier cams NWS forecast Call for the morning report

Today's report:
ask whoever just got out of the water.

Open every day, 9 to 6 (longer in summer, shorter in winter)

Events

Contest season.

01
Earth & Surf FestEvery year on the island. Music, vendors, and the surf contest.
02
King of the PeakThe shop's contest. Updates posted at the shop and on the surf report.
03
ESA district contestsOn Shore helped bring both Eastern Surfing Association districts' contests to Topsail.
04
Surfers HealingSurf camp for kids with autism. The shop shows up every year.

Two Surfers Healing volunteers in red shirts on the beach

Google reviews

4.7 from 58 reviews.

4.758 reviews on Google

"The boards were in great shape and the service was excellent. The overall vibe is that everyone who works there wants to be there and genuinely wants to help you."
Stacey P.Google

"I was looking for my first surf board because I am a beginner. George was great and helping me select a board."
Catherine M.Google

"Friendly, funny, competent, and attentive to our needs."
Charlotte H.Tripadvisor

"Bought my first board from George. They make me feel like a local."
Larry R.Tripadvisor

Quotes from public Google and Tripadvisor reviews. Read all 58 on Google.

The shop's motto

“First in, last out.”

George HowardOwner and shaper, since 1997

Book a lesson

Ask George

Ask about anything.

Lessons, rentals, a custom board, a ding. Tap what fits and George texts you back.

Call (910) 328-2232 Text us instead

Visit

Before the bridge, on the right.

Status

Checking hours…

Hours change with the season. Call ahead in the off season.

Address

409 Roland Ave
Surf City, NC 28445Same building as East Coast Sports, just before the bridge

Phone

(910) 328-2232

@onshoresurfshop · Facebook

Directions Call Text

The On Shore Surf Shop sign over the red door

409 Roland Ave