Almond Surfboards

BUYER BEWARE. PAY ATTENTION TO THE OTHER NEGATIVE REVIEWS! I had a very frustrating experience with Almond Surfboards in Newport Beach. My board took significantly longer than expected, but the real issue was the pricing. We were given a specific quote upfront and even paid half of it. When we returned to finish the transaction—DOCUMENTATION IN HAND—they refused to honor the original price they had agreed to. What followed was an excessive amount of back-and-forth: emails, phone calls, and explanations, all over $40. Instead of simply honoring their own written price, they offered some free apparel but still wouldn’t budge on the amount. For a brand that positions itself as premium and charges premium prices, the lack of basic customer service was shocking. If Almond wants to be seen as a top-tier brand catering to high-end customers, they need to act like it. You’d think keeping their word—and avoiding a negative review like this—would be worth $40 to them, who runs this place? We spent over $1800 on a surfboard and a pair of trunks!! I will NEVER go back, and I definitely would not recommend Almond Surfboards. I hope this review helps just one person end up somewhere more down to earth and helpful! Overpriced, slow, and absolutely no customer service follow-through.

I ordered a “made for me” stock board, a 9’4” WoW, and initially faced some challenges. Around the 6 week mark, I checked in with Almond, and it seemed unlikely I would receive my board in time for my planned surf trip. Almond made some adjustments and managed to get a board to me with time to spare. My heart sank when it arrived with two significant dings from the shipping company, despite being labeled as fragile and well-packaged. I accepted not having a board for my trip, contacted the Almond team to see what options I had, and they truly exceeded my expectations. They flew a board out to me, arriving a day before my departure. The owner, Dave, even reached out and got involved to ensure everything was resolved. I noticed some negative reviews on Almond from a few years ago, and it caused me to hesitate, however, my experience was quite different. Those reviews may have been someone’s opinion at the time, but they aren’t always reflective of the ways that companies make adjustments, evolve and improve on issues that come up as they do in business with lots of personalities and expectations. The Almond team bent over backwards to take care of a request, and that to me is excellent customer service. I highly recommend giving them your business, you won’t be disappointed. Oh yeah.. the board… it’s a masterpiece, the craftsmanship is impeccable. And as a decent surfer it has truly unlocked a new level of surfing for me, the perfect board to get me officially nose riding and stable enough to step up my footwork, yet loose enough to have some fun. Great people, great board, great experience.

Love this place. I've purchased a surfboard and some t-shirts for my son and I, they're always helpful. Small businesses like this one are what make this town special.

Ordered a custom Big Bueno Fish on November 28th, board was ready for pickup about 2 months later on January 22nd. Turned out exactly how I wanted, came with fins and a shirt or hat. Worked with Cole, he was great. I requested a change in rocker color and deck patch design about two weeks into submitting my custom order form, it made it into the final product without issues. I'm a happy customer, my only feedback is they could provide updates as your board progresses through the shaping process so that you know it's too late to make a certain change (dims, color, design) , and also to keep you in the loop that your board is being worked on and it's status. Thanks again Almond team!

I ordered a custom Almond Joy in October. I asked if it could look like another one of their boards (a Cash-Yew II) that recently sold which had a green camo resin tint. I provided pictures (from their website) of the board, and Almond confirmed via email that they would make my Joy look exactly like it. After 11 weeks they called and let me know the board was ready. I came in the next day, and it looked absolutely nothing like what I ordered. Instead of camo green, it was a tanish-orange/peach/mint color. It literally did not have any green on it, let alone be remotely close to what I ordered. Attached to this review are the green camo I ordered and whatever it is that they made. I'm really disappointed and upset for a few reasons. First, they obviously screwed up the resin tint. What makes my disappointment turn to frustration is that they clearly have no QC when it comes to custom orders. How did nobody catch that the resin tint was completely wrong before the board made it to the store? Why didn't they tell me on the phone that they got the color wrong before they had me drive to the store to see it? Almond offered me three options: (1) buy the board at a discount, (2) rush order a new board in the color I actually ordered which would take 6-8 weeks, or (3) a full refund. While I appreciate the flexibility in options, none of these have any way of making me happy. I don't like the board they made, waiting another 6-8 weeks is unacceptable, and I honestly don't want a refund to start a custom process somewhere else that will likely take 10-12 weeks. After emailing to express my disappointment and asked if they could complete the rush sooner than 6 weeks, Almond decided to refund me my deposit and make the decision for me. I guess they figured "how could we make this situation any worse" and then went with that option. I ordered from Almond because based on what I read, they make quality stuff. Almond not only did not make what I ordered, but their customer service is beyond horrible. They don't communicate well with customers, and don't do a good job of resolving errors they make on their orders. I would never do business with Almond again.

Thrilled with my new surfboard wall rack! The order came so fast and was packed with care. It was easy to install and the craftsmanship is above and beyond anything else out there. Plus, it’s made right here in California by Zach Crawford!

I love the Almond’s special mood❤️ My husband loves this brand and shop sooo much!!!

The entire process of ordering a custom board from Almond has been a lesson in frustration. I ordered my board on 12/26/23. I understand that custom boards take time. But it didn't arrive until 3/29/24, after numerous emails asking for status updates. It arrived In perfect condition but the absolute wrong color. I ordered a tan mini WoW, but what arrived was yellow. It was also supposed to arrive with a fin but didn't. Kudos to Austin for being responsive and sending me a fin of my choice. Re: the color, Almond's solution was to send me a free T-shirt. When asked if that was meant to be some sort of consolation for sending the wrong board color, Austin asked what they could do to “make things right”. I suggested $200, a small price considering I spent $1,600+ incl. shipping. Crickets. There were so many gaslighting moments throughout this entire process that are too numerous to mention (and frankly I don't want to relive) that I do wonder if I would have been treated differently if I'd been a dude. But based on the negative reviews, it sounds like Almond inability to color match to their own specs crosses genders.

Let me start off by saying, I don't surf, but my husband was an avid surfer who surfed Cardiff, spots in Mexico and big waves on Kauai, Hawaii. I've been looking for someone to re-glass his board that he got from Billy Hamilton. It was one of Billy Hamilton's personal longboards. It's extremely special to my husband, who was friends with Billy when we lived in Kauai,HI. That's how my husband was able to attain such a board. It has Billy's first label, Bear Boards on it. Priceless and a priceless friendship. So, what does this have to do with Almond Boards? It has to do with that surfer comradely spirit, that every surfer knows. It's about that wave, that once experienced, is told about and never forgotten. It's that wave that leads to the search for the next one. Did Almond Boards re-glass Billy's personal board? No, but they were kind enough to point to someone who had that expertise and remember the Bear. They also give tips for caring for your board on their website. Thank you, Almond Boards! You could have just shined me on, when I asked, but you didn't. You offered help you knew of, even a competitor. That's Aloha! .

If you want 10/10 customer service, talk to Austin!!! He went above and beyond helping me with an international shipment, making sure the order was delivered to the right address and getting on the phone himself to discuss the situation with DHL, the provider. Thanks again to Austin, Almond Surfboards is lucky to have him on the team!

The entire process of ordering a custom board from Almond has been a lesson in frustration. I ordered my board on 12/26/23. I understand that custom boards take time. But it didn't arrive until 3/29/24, after numerous emails asking for status updates. It arrived In perfect condition but the absolute wrong color. I ordered a tan mini WoW, but what arrived was yellow. It was also supposed to arrive with a fin but didn't. Kudos to Austin for being responsive and sending me a fin of my choice. Re: the color, Almond's solution was to send me a free T-shirt. There were so many gaslighting moments throughout this entire process that are too numerous to mention (and frankly I don't want to relive) that I do wonder if I would have been treated differently if I'd been a dude. But based on the negative reviews, it sounds like Almond inability to color match to their own specs crosses genders.

They have some fun boards I've only tried the 5'4" Secret Menu R-Series board. It rides and paddles like a longboard but it carves like a short board with the quad fin set up. Added bonus it's recyclable at the end of its life, how many boards in your quiver can do that. I've talked to two others who had the pleasant pheasant version and they seemed stoked as well. Good selection of boards for so cal surfing.

I ordered a stock surfboard online, they charged my cc but 3 weeks later... NO surfboard.. for the first 2 weeks, they responded via email and gave me false promises of getting the board packed up and shipped... the 3rd week they ghosted me.. I asked them to credit back my card.. crickets.. please note this and try to get a commitment from them prior to sending them $$.. It is a real bummer as I really wanted that board

I own 2 boards from them and in terms of fun they're great boards, they do a great job aesthetically with all their boards. I decided to order my second board from them (custom) and was disappointed when I showed up at the shop and it was the wrong color. Obviously, this doesn't change the way it rides (currently my favorite board) but when your order a "custom" board, you hope that it's what you ordered. They offered to make a new one, but that would have taken another 2 months. They ended up throwing the fins in for free (although I thought the quote included fins, as you specify the type of fins on the order form). Things that were off with the board: completely wrong color, shape of transition line was off, order form Included type of fin...but apparently that is not reflected in the quote they give you. Overall, I thought their communication via email was extremely poor. They didn't do a good job answering all questions prior to my order, and were not clear in terms of pricing. Nice aesthetic products, but they need to do a better job with communication with their customers.

Almond is keeping the original spirit of surfing alive. Super friendly and helpful staff. Their products are top quality, original, and very innovative. These guys get a 10/10.

I ordered a custom Almond Joy in October. I asked if it could look like another one of their boards (a Cash-Yew II) that recently sold which had a green camo resin tint. I provided pictures (from their website) of the board, and Almond confirmed via email that they would make my Joy look exactly like it. After 11 weeks they called and let me know the board was ready. I came in the next day, and it looked absolutely nothing like what I ordered. Instead of camo green, it was a tanish-orange/peach/mint color. It literally did not have any green on it, let alone be remotely close to what I ordered. Attached to this review are the green camo I ordered and whatever it is that they made. I'm really disappointed and upset for a few reasons. First, they obviously screwed up the resin tint. What makes my disappointment turn to frustration is that they clearly have no QC when it comes to custom orders. How did nobody catch that the resin tint was completely wrong before the board made it to the store? Why didn't they tell me on the phone that they got the color wrong before they had me drive to the store to see it? Almond offered me three options: (1) buy the board at a discount, (2) rush order a new board in the color I actually ordered which would take 6-8 weeks, or (3) a full refund. While I appreciate the flexibility in options, none of these have any way of making me happy. I don't like the board they made, waiting another 6-8 weeks is unacceptable, and I honestly don't want a refund to start a custom process somewhere else that will likely take 10-12 weeks. After emailing to express my disappointment and asked if they could complete the rush sooner than 6 weeks, Almond decided to refund me my deposit and make the decision for me. I guess they figured "how could we make this situation any worse" and then went with that option. I ordered from Almond because based on what I read, they make quality stuff. Almond not only did not make what I ordered, but their customer service is beyond horrible. They don't communicate well with customers, and don't do a good job of resolving errors they make on their orders. If you are reading this and thinking of placing a custom order - I'd recommend going somewhere else. I noticed there's another review that's very similar to mine about a custom color and design that was incorrect as well.

I ordered a board received the board with a dinged nose. Almonds Surf shop policy says I need to file a claim with the shipping company; I was a paying customer, I shouldn't be responsible for anything shipping-related, just as the shop is not responsible for any damage after I receive the board. Update: After reaching out, I received a 45 dollar refund, that doesn't rectify the issue and I still feel taken advantage of, but in the end, when I buy another board, I'll have to look around. That said, the effort merits a 3-star minimum, and I'll still get to catch the surf. Let's see if FedEx comes through then, it might make it to 4.

I bought a 8'0 all black Joy surfboard from this shop. It's cute and quaint. I love the board. Only reason I took away a Star was because it gives me crazy rash burn every time I ride it. Other than that the guy there seemed nice and the board is sweet!

Excellent experience. Staff was accommodating and helpful and knowledgeable. Super cool about me coming in last minute and hooked it up as well. I'm glad it's far enough from me because I would be broke if I lived in Costa Mesa. I want everything in the shop. I have been obsessing over a new longboard for 2 years now and couldn't make up my mind but I had to get one with some more length. I picked up a beautiful Logistic in grey which came with a fin and I gotta say I haven't been this happy with a board ever. Just wanna drop a thank you, keep it up. Yeeee

Great customer service and my husband loves his board! Everyone is very friendly and professional.

Almond Surf is so kind and chill. They totally let you have some r and r on the block. Thanks

These guys have some fantastic surfboards. The shop is gorgeous, and service is top notch. Love popping in here to see what new designs are in. Definitely recommend giving this shop a visit, or better yet getting a good shred shesh on one of their boards.

I first contacted you on Nov. 8 about the second mechanical defect with my r-series board, which has only been used a handful of times. After the logo came off the board the first time that I used it, the leash plug came off on use #5. This is an extremely dangerous defect in the board. I was promised that a replacement leash plug would arrive in the mail. That never happened, despite numerous emails sent to customer service, countless phone calls to the store, and even a trip down to the physical location in Orange County, all the way from LA. It's now one month after I reported the fact that the leash broke off on the board's fifth use, and customer service has been unresponsive. I wish I had never used my hard-earned money on this apparent prototype (not ready for prime time) to support a store that doesn't care about the safety of its customers.

The best surfshop!!! I was soo intimidated because I'm a beginner but the guys at the shop helped me picked the right board and gave me tips to start the right way. If you're starting go with the Joy R-series, i just cath my first wave and the feeling is indescribable.

Ok... so I don't surf or really know anything about surfing for that matter, but I love this store, the boards are really beautiful and if I did surf, I would want one of these boards. Chad who was working that day was really friendly and explained the basics of the boards to me!

What I like about Almond is that they place the same emphasis on craftsmanship, aesthetic, and function into everything that they make. Whether it is a surfboard or a piece of clothing, it all is cohesive and looks great. I don't buy something every time I go into the shop but I always leave inspired in some way. I am looking forward to getting my own custom surfboard though very soon!

By far, my favorite surf shop in OC. They have the best quality hand-crafted goods on the market and the best possible customer service. On one occasion, a t-shirt got stained in the shipment and Almond Customer Service was happy to send a brand new one without having to return the damaged one. A second time, I messed up my order and they were nice enough to cancel my order and send me the product I wanted without any additional fees or hassling at all. Not to mention, they have nicer boards, accessories, and apparel than all other leading corporate surf brands, in my opinion. Support your local surf shop guys!

I'm not sure what the right word is to describe Almond but it's essentially a surf shop with the focus almost completely being on clothes and boards. However, while most surf shops that are more clothes shops house Hurley, Billabong, and the other similar brands, Almond focuses on their own stuff which is nice. There are plenty of similar boutique shops like Almond in the richer neighborhoods of LA and the OC but with Almond being a fashion surf shop, it helps to separate them from the rest.

first off I want to say that I'm highly impressed in the level of quality products almond s b & d makes whether it's their Boards, shirts, or hats. Their shop is very clean and is a very welcoming environment. Jeff and another kind gentleman I think his name was David ? Sorry I don't remember man!! But any way these two guys were so nice and rad! "David" went out of his way to grab me the Shaka deck pad for the R Series foamy to send me home stoked ! All and all this company is awesome! And also I'm loving my R series board so far, thing feels like I'm actually skating on the wave and oh my going frontside has never felt so good!

I wanted to support local and feel like I was helping a store that was serving the community. I was wrong. No customer service. They weren't open on Saturday. No note excusing the absence, just a blank store staring back at me. Doesn't feel like they are a local store serving the public if they only cater to the non 9-5 workers in the community. Maybe I have to be a jobless freeloader to show up and get their "homie customer experience" between Monday and Friday? Place is overpriced and reflects that they are losing business faster than the next generation of suckers can grow up and spend their parent's money. save yourself the trouble. go somewhere that's actually open.

Hard to find nicer surfboards than Almond. The founder and his young brother run their quaint shop with great attitude. They have a small line of clothing that complements nicely their surfboards. Their small boutique on PCH is by far one of the most interesting stores in Newport Beach.

I just recently got a new custom surfboard from almond and I have to say that I'm in love with the results. In regards to their service, Dave and his brother Jeff couldn't be more helpful. They were really informative and willing to walk through the board design process down to every detail. They said that my board would be ready in 6-8 weeks and they had my board ready to go right on the 6 week mark. Overall I can say that I had a really good experience with these guys and the brand's aesthetic is simply beautiful.

Almond has a very unique style to their brand of both boards and clothing. They are very talented in their glassing jobs and color schemes to their boards. They have a good niche in such a large surfing market.

By far one of the best surf shops I've been to. I spent weeks researching and looking in different surf shops for a custom longboard. The moment I walked into Almond i got an authentic and genuine surf / retro classic style just from the design and interior. After talking with Wes (who was extremely friendly and nice) and actually seeing some of the boards they had made I was sold. After getting the board back today I felt compelled to write this review because of how amazing the board looks. Everything I ever wanted it to look like and even more. Just absolutely amazing. Going to be hard getting boards from other shapers when I know I have friends at Almond, 6/5 stars