While Sydney has hundreds of surf branded shops, most are outfitted with a couple of prop 'surfboards' to help sell their surf fashion. The staff may have never ever paddled past the shore break. If you are after a real surf shop, you will find a handful dedicated to the needs of the surfer with operators that can help with advice gleaned from years of surfing.

Real Surf Shops in Sydney
Northern Beaches Surfshops
Aloha Manly
A surfer's surf shop just walking distance to the beach front. They have a big range of boards that will make you drool from the likes of Firewire, JS, DHD, Channel Islands, Lost and more. Tim, the manager is also the keen observer behind the coastal watch Manly surf report.
Drippin Wet
Directly opposite the North Steyne Surf Life Saving Club is Drippin Wet, a large surf shop right by the beach. They stock all kinds of surfboards, bodyboards and anything you can ride a wave with. Drippin Wet also do surfboard, wetsuit, and locker hires.
Deus Ex Machina Manly
Deus Ex Machina's Manly outpost features their signature surf x customs art and fashion. Ogle the beautiful handshaped surfboards while sipping on a brew at the in-store cafe.
Keel Surf Supply Co
Located on the main drag in Freshwater, Keel stocks a range of alternative surf shapes and curated produce for the surfing lifestyle. Amongst what you will find are Vouch surfboards, Gentemstick snowboards, surf related art and books. Look out for cool prints by surfer illustrator Jonas Claesson.
Hayden Shapes Surfboards
Renowned surf shaper Hayden Shapes Flagship store in Mona Vale is a futuristic shop cum exhibit of the brand's surfing, art and design inspiration. Take a look at the future of surfing.
Soul Surf Mona Vale
Soul Surf in Mona Vale functions as a gallery and shop for vintage and retro surf crafts made by renowned shapers. An on site cafe dishes up grub and coffee for local punters.
Wicks Surf Shop
Wicks surf shop has been locally owned and runned since 1975. Originally started by Anthony “Wicka” Hardwick for surfers, Wicks now stocks all manner of surfing and bodyboarding hardware and accessories, beach fashion and clothing.
Patagonia Manly
Set a couple of streets back from the beach, Patagonia offers their own range of premium wetsuits and surf attire, as well as hand shaped surfboards and hand planes. All products here echo the brands ethos for minimal consumption and eco conservation.
Bodyboard King
If bodyboarding is your thing, you don't want to go to a shop where bodyboards are an afterthought. Bodyboard King in Brookvale offers the largest range of bodyboards and accessories with expert advice.
surfing
Southern Beaches Surf Shops
Saturdays NYC
Hailing from New York Saturdays Bondi brings its own unique brand of surf style to Bondi. You will find high end fashion and boards in a minimal modern setting together with an onsite cafe serving brews made with beans from local roasters.
Sunburnt Mess
Sunburnt Mess offers alternative surf shapes with an emphasis on the ride. Here you will find surfboards from master shapers like McTavish, Gato Heroi and Chris Christenson. They also stock wetsuits from niche brands and you can even get one custom made.
The Critical Slide Society
Surf fashion label the Critical Slide Society have opened a shop on Bondi Road. You will find their boardshorts, wetsuits and tees alongside an assortment of gear for your wave riding needs. Handcrafted boards from well known shapers, hand planes and swim fins. An in cafe counter operated by Will & Co serves up coffee and pastries.
Surf Culture
On the way to Bondi Beach you will find Surf Culture - Bondi's biggest surf shop. They have a large selection of the the latest surfboards, softboards and accessories for the modern surfer.