Thalia Surf Shop

Address: 915 S Coast Highway Laguna Beach CA 92651

Phone: (949) 497-3292

Website: www.thaliasurf.com

Facebook: thaliasurf

Twitter: @thaliasurf

Instagram: @thaliasurf

Owner: Nick Cocores

Head Buyer/Creative: Corey Brindley

Store Bio:

Thalia Surf started in 2001 in Laguna Beach, CA. We soon ran into issues where we couldn’t stock any of the major surf brands, there were simply too many other shops in town. After grinding the gears for a bit, it finally clicked that we needed to get on the smaller brands that no one paid attention to, or even cared about for that matter.

It was all about the big five or whatever you want to call it. That was the turning point for Thalia Surf, although it took us a while to gain traction in a new niche market. Seedling and Sprout from T.moe were still fresh and showcasing a new breed of surfers. Meanwhile, The Surf Gallery was right next door and through the artists that were showcasing art there and our relationships with other artists and surfers, we found that people were down for something new.

The majority of people at the time didn’t even know there were ‘other surf brands’, pretty crazy to look back at it now. Now all the big companies want you to think they’re small, instead of the other way around. Anyways, fast forward 10-odd years and here we are, still doing whatever we want and somehow keeping it going.

It’s been a rad trip so far, especially when Vans Shoes took notice and gave us the opportunity to start the Vans by Thalia Surf, located right next door to our original brick and mortar. We don’t know how to design shoes, but it hasn’t stopped us from trying. Much like the way Thalia Surf was born.

Vibe?

Laid back, 60s & 70s, garage rock meets surf, dirty dogs and beer-soaked parties

What’s on the jukebox?

Top three local bars/restaurants?

The Stand, Marine Room Tavern, La Sirena Grill.

Local knowledge?

For an all-time dive bar, check out The Sandpiper Lounge aka The Dirty Bird, where one minute you’ll find yourself dancing with a cougar, only to turn around and find yourself sandwiched in-between her and a hobo. Legendary Reggae nights if you’re into that sorta thing.

For the healthy hippies, The Stand is right across the street from our shop, run by some lovely ladies who make strictly vegan and veggie  foods. Their smoothies are even better if you burn some incense.

Craft beer fan? Check out La Sirena Grill. They’ve got the best draft selection in town, about 20 craft and rare beers, mixed with an insane blackened salmon torts and you’ll find yourself not going back to work after lunch [happens to us too often].

Like live music? We host a once-a-month concert at The Marine Room, our oldest and most favourite watering hole in town. Cruise by the shop and we’ll keep you posted on the next one. It’s always a good time, featuring psych rock to garage to hillbilly, we’ve hosted bands there from White Fence to Spindrift, and Cosmonauts to Dirt Dress.

For beaches, stay away from Main Beach. Either cruise out back behind the shop to Thalia Beach, or get your ass down to 10th street or Tablerock for some local flavour and cove action.

Hiking? Check out El Moro Canyon, Alta Laguna, or just cruise the beach. (I took LSD and hiked El Moro Canyon back in the day, Michael Jackson died the same day. I have yet to forgive myself)

Visit http://www.thaliasurf.com for more details!