When you walk into Hansen Surfboards on Coast Highway 101, you’re stepping into more than just a shop. You’re entering a piece of California surf history that has been riding the waves since 1961. This family-owned and operated business has spent over 60 years serving the Encinitas community, and it shows in every corner of its massive 20,000-square-foot retail space.
From South Dakota to the North Shore
The Hansen Surfboards story starts in an unlikely place: Redfield, South Dakota. Founder Don Hansen grew up learning the value of hard work on the Great Plains, but everything changed when he saw classic surf films while attending the University of South Dakota. Those images of surfers gliding across waves pulled him westward, and he bravely hitchhiked to California to chase that dream.
Don didn’t just want to ride waves; he wanted to shape them. After a stint in the army, he apprenticed under surfing legend Jack O’Neill in Santa Cruz and shaped boards for icons like Hobie and Jacobs. Then in 1961, he took the ultimate leap and headed to the North Shore of Oahu, where he launched Hansen Surfboards in a small shack at the end of a dirt road.
Don wasn’t just shaping boards there; he was competing and winning, including taking home the Tandem National Surfing Championships and landing a Surfer Magazine cover at Haleiwa.
Building a Surf Legacy in Encinitas
After his epic North Shore season, Don brought his surfboard label back to Southern California, first setting up in Cardiff by the Sea before moving to Encinitas. The demand for his handcrafted boards exploded, and Hansen Surfboards became one of the most sought-after surfboard manufacturers worldwide. Don sponsored some of surfing’s most progressive athletes, including Mike Doyle, John Peck, Linda Benson, and Margo Godfrey.
By the early 1970s, Hansen’s had evolved into a full retail operation, and it quickly became one of Southern California’s most respected surf shops. Today, Hansen Surfboards remains the largest surf shop in San Diego County, and it’s still family-owned and operated with those same independent values at its core.
Your Complete Surf Shop Experience
What makes Hansen’s special? It’s the all-inclusive shopping experience, whether you’re a core surfer or just starting out. The shop carries everything from surfboards and wetsuits to boardshorts, sunglasses, and accessories. But it’s not just about surfing anymore. Hansen’s has expanded to include skate, ski, and snowboard gear, making it a year-round destination for action sports fans.
Classic surfboard models like the 50/50, Competitor, Classic, and Superlight that Don created decades ago are still in production today, proving that great design never goes out of style. The shop’s commitment to quality and customer service has earned it loyal fans throughout the community.
Why Encinitas Locals Keep Coming Back
Hansen Surfboards isn’t just a place to buy gear, it’s a community hub where generations of surfers have gathered to talk waves, check conditions, and share stories. The shop sponsors local events and supports the neighborhood in meaningful ways. When you shop at Hansen’s, you’re supporting local jobs and a business that has invested six decades into making Encinitas the surf town it is today.
The shop is conveniently located at 1105 South Coast Highway 101 and open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 7pm, and Sundays from 10am to 5pm. You can reach them at 760 753 6595 or toll-free at 1 800 480 4754.
Discover more amazing local businesses that make our community special by checking out other featured neighborhood favorites right here in Encinitas.
Whether you’re looking for your first surfboard, upgrading your wetsuit, or just want to soak up some authentic California surf culture, Hansen Surfboards delivers an experience that only comes from 60-plus years of family tradition. Stop by and see why this Encinitas institution continues to be San Diego County’s premier surf retailer.
Sources: hansensurf.com, yelp.com, Hansen Surfboards Facebook Page, Hansen Surfboards Instagram Page, encinitascoastalconnections.com
Header Image Source: visitencinitasca.com
