John began his love for board building in the 1960's under the tutelage of Skip Frye and the Gordon and Smith factory in San Diego. John refined his skills and moved to Hawaii's fabled North Shore on Oahu. Soon thereafter, John's wife Kim decided to start a family and chose Santa Cruz, California as their home.
In 1969 the Mel's started their family run business, Freeline Surf Shop. The same year Freeline opened it's doors they also welcomed the birth of their son, Peter Mel. As John and Kim sold surfboards out of their living room, young Peter would learn to grow up in the eclectic environment of Santa Cruz and one of it's communities revered Surf Shops.
In 1969 the Mel's started their family run business, Freeline Surf Shop. The same year Freeline opened it's doors they also welcomed the birth of their son, Peter Mel. As John and Kim sold surfboards out of their living room, young Peter would learn to grow up in the eclectic environment of Santa Cruz and one of it's communities revered Surf Shops.
Reviews (26)
J. H. K.
Jan 25, 2022
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I'm all about supporting a local surf shop. And I give Freeline 5 stars for the following reasons:
1. Variety of selection of both surfboards (new and used) and skateboards. I ended up buying 2 news surfboards and 1 Carver skate.
2. Knowledgeable staff, namely Anthony. He was very patient in answering all my concerns and questions and offered a variety of suggestions/options that I didn't consider before.
3. Good customer service. In addition to what I said in #2, Anthony gave me the full attention without rushing me though there were other customers and assembled all my gear. That&apos
1. Variety of selection of both surfboards (new and used) and skateboards. I ended up buying 2 news surfboards and 1 Carver skate.
2. Knowledgeable staff, namely Anthony. He was very patient in answering all my concerns and questions and offered a variety of suggestions/options that I didn't consider before.
3. Good customer service. In addition to what I said in #2, Anthony gave me the full attention without rushing me though there were other customers and assembled all my gear. That&apos
Mike Wahl
Jan 16, 2022
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Dr. Neta Caspi
Jan 07, 2022
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I came in to let them know that my (very old) freeline leash had broken, injuring my hand. I wanted to point out what I thought might be a construction defect, so that they could factor that into future designs, but honestly it was probably just old. The guy at the counter handed me a new leash, totally unexpectedly, which was a nice surprise.
Elad Nava
Dec 24, 2021
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Steven Mcconnon
Nov 15, 2021
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Great selection of Carver Surf Skateboards!
I talked to multiple staff members who were totally cool and had good advice. I saw them ask everyone multiple times if they need anything!
I get the feeling everyone here actually surfs and skates and TBH this place feels like home, not to mention it's ran by a legendary pro surfer...
They also gave me like 3 free stickers which is epic!!!
I talked to multiple staff members who were totally cool and had good advice. I saw them ask everyone multiple times if they need anything!
I get the feeling everyone here actually surfs and skates and TBH this place feels like home, not to mention it's ran by a legendary pro surfer...
They also gave me like 3 free stickers which is epic!!!
Jenni B.
Oct 06, 2021
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Super helpful and quick with wetsuit and boogie board rentals! Plus gave a great recommendation of where to go for a good mix of mid-level surf spots plus boogie boarding for the youngest.
Priced fairly! Highly recommend if your looking to rent or buy wetsuits, surfboards, or boogie boards in the area.
Priced fairly! Highly recommend if your looking to rent or buy wetsuits, surfboards, or boogie boards in the area.
Jackson Wehrli
Sep 04, 2021
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Andrew Shaw
Aug 28, 2021
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Eric V.
Aug 09, 2021
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Justin Lipper
Jul 31, 2021
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If you go anywhere, but here, they either don't carry what you're looking for (unlikely), or you're an insane person who doesn't like the best service.
They care more about you here, than they do about selling a product that you don't really need. I've gone here a number of times now and I wouldn't recommend any other place.
They care more about you here, than they do about selling a product that you don't really need. I've gone here a number of times now and I wouldn't recommend any other place.
Anabel G.
Jul 14, 2021
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Veronica O.
May 25, 2021
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Just...WOW! I had such a great experience purchasing my first "real" board here. All of the staff members were super friendly, and the employees specifically helping with the board were very knowledgable in knowing exactly what type of board would be best/what fins worked/what the board was going to offer or not offer etc. I did not feel pressured to make any decisions but I feel like my questions were getting answered, and that I was not just "brushed off" like sometimes you can feel in a shop.
Taylor S.
May 25, 2021
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Harry M.
May 17, 2021
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Cruzanbum
Apr 23, 2021
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Kayleen C.
Apr 08, 2021
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I had such an amazing experience at Freeline. From resources to rentals this shop had everything I could need for a surf day in Santa Cruz. The customer service was top notch and I had a great experience with each staff member I interacted with. Really looking forward to visiting this shop again and highly recommend a visit if you're in the area!
Kangs Taekwondo
Mar 23, 2021
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This was the only surf shop that was able to help my family with our SUP needs. All the other shops said that
they could not help us but Anthony told me to bring in our boards and that they would figure something out for us...
We were able to enjoy paddle boarding and not let our boys down, all thanks to the father and son team, Peter and Anthony. 🙏
Not only did they do what no one else could or would do, they were very reasonable, quick and all around good guys! This will be our go to shop for all our future needs in the area and we highly recommend this place to everyone.
Thanks again
they could not help us but Anthony told me to bring in our boards and that they would figure something out for us...
We were able to enjoy paddle boarding and not let our boys down, all thanks to the father and son team, Peter and Anthony. 🙏
Not only did they do what no one else could or would do, they were very reasonable, quick and all around good guys! This will be our go to shop for all our future needs in the area and we highly recommend this place to everyone.
Thanks again
Brian P.
Mar 12, 2021
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Jason K.
Dec 05, 2020
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Flyeast J.
Nov 19, 2020
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This is a family surf shop that is a landmark of surfing gear and resources right in the heart of some of the best and consistent surfing on the western NorAm coast. I've rented boards here to try something new, bought ding repair supplies, fin upgrades, wetsuits, etc. I can imagine it's tough running a retail shop these days especially during Covid but these guys have consistently gone above and beyond to answer questions and give helpful opinions on options in surfing gear. A recent fin upgrade for my trusty performance longboard is an example - they had some great ideas and thoughts
Cy K.
Oct 13, 2020
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Ken F.
Oct 01, 2020
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Dee D.
Aug 18, 2020
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From my first phone call to our actual pickup of boards, these guys were helpful and professional!
Peter helped our group with our board rentals and we couldn't be happier. He even helped strap the boards on our car! Excellent selection of boards, gear, clothing, etc. We'll definitely be back!!! Thanks Freeline!
Peter helped our group with our board rentals and we couldn't be happier. He even helped strap the boards on our car! Excellent selection of boards, gear, clothing, etc. We'll definitely be back!!! Thanks Freeline!
Nicole C.
Aug 13, 2020
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Couldn't be anymore happier. First we called around to find a place to rent a surfboard for our boy who just started surfing. Mia was so helpful on the phone and that is why we choose Freeline. Once we walked in Tyler helped us, he answered all our questions. A few that were probably annoying but he did it with a smile. We really appreciate both of them and will definitely be returning.
Annie D.
Jun 10, 2020
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I came in to buy a surfboard and the workers here were ready to help right away. I got a discount on my leash, fin, and sock and they threw in some wax for free. They even let me wax up my board in the shop. They helped me put my board into my car, too. All in all, great vibe and I am definitely coming again next time I need something.
Loraine W.
Jul 02, 2018
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