PART 1 OF 3 OF OUR COSTA MESA BLOG SPOTLIGHT SERIES.
When you think “surf city,” you probably picture somewhere with beach breaks, salt air, and sand-covered parking lots. But what if we told you one of the most influential places in modern surf culture isn’t even on the coast? Yep—welcome to Costa Mesa, California, the landlocked city that’s been at the heart of the surf industry for decades.
As a brand born from deep roots in surf, we at IPD Surf have always been inspired by the heritage, grit, and creativity that defines Costa Mesa. This city isn’t just part of surf history—it’s a place where surf culture was reimagined, rebuilt, and redefined.
A Short Drive from the Lineup, But Deep in the Scene
Costa Mesa might not have its own wave, but you’re only a few minutes from Newport Beach and some of the most consistent breaks in Orange County. Blackies, 56th Street, The Wedge—they’re all within striking distance. For generations of surfers, Costa Mesa has been the spot to wake up, grab a board from the garage, and hit dawn patrol before the workday starts.
That proximity created something special: a city built for surfers, by surfers. And what started as a bedroom community for wave-chasers quickly turned into the beating heart of surf’s creative and business energy.
Home to the Industry's Heavy Hitters
Costa Mesa is the HQ for some of the biggest names in the game. We’re talking legacy brands that shaped the look, feel, and business of modern surf: Hurley, Volcom, RVCA, Rip Curl—all of them have called Costa Mesa home.
In the early days, Bob Hurley was shaping boards and distributing Billabong USA out of a humble warehouse before launching his own namesake brand in 1998. Volcom came onto the scene in the early ‘90s with a rebellious energy that bridged surf, skate, and snow. RVCA followed, bringing a creative, counterculture ethos that blurred the lines between streetwear, surf, and art.
These weren’t just brands. They were movements, and they all came to life right here in Costa Mesa.
Wahoo’s Fish Taco and the Soul of Surf Culture
You can’t talk about Costa Mesa’s surf history without mentioning Wahoo’s Fish Taco. Opened in 1988 by the Lee brothers—Chinese-Brazilian surfers who fused their heritage with a SoCal vibe—Wahoo’s became the unofficial lunch spot for everyone in the industry.
From surf team riders to brand founders and creatives, people met here to talk shop, swap stories, and make moves. The walls were (and still are) covered in brand stickers, old photos, and the kind of memorabilia that tells you this place is part of the culture—not just serving it.
The Makers, the Shapers, and the Creators
Costa Mesa is more than just big brands. It’s also where independent labels, board builders, and creatives have thrived. From boutique board makers like Almond Surfboards to screen printers, tailors, photographers, and upstart designers, this city has always been fertile ground for surf culture to grow in all its raw, authentic glory.
It’s the kind of place where people aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty—whether it’s glassing a board, screen-printing tees in a garage, or launching a new line out of a backyard studio.
That DIY energy is exactly what inspired us at IPD Surf. Our roots are right here. We’re part of this community, and we’re proud to help carry the torch.
Events, Art, and Action
Costa Mesa didn’t just sit back and let the surf industry happen—it leaned in. From the OC Fairgrounds to pop-up art shows and skate contests in warehouse parks, Costa Mesa is constantly blending action sports, music, and art in a way that few places can.
Take the Action Sports Arena at the OC Fair, or the mix of murals, galleries, and design studios peppered through the SoBeCa district. The city lives and breathes creativity, and that spills into every corner of the surf scene.
A Surf City With No Shoreline
Here’s the kicker: Costa Mesa has no beach. And yet, it’s influenced generations of surfers more than some coastal cities ever could. It’s a place of progress, not pretense—where surf culture doesn’t need an ocean view to be authentic.
It’s where the future of surf gets imagined—in design studios, shaping bays, boardrooms, and backyards. It’s where style, innovation, and heritage all intersect.
At IPD Surf, we’re stoked to be part of this history. We’re building on the legacy of Costa Mesa, staying true to the roots while pushing surf forward. Whether you’re a grom picking up your first board or a lifer chasing swells and chasing ideas, there’s something about Costa Mesa that sticks with you.
It’s not just where surf lives. It’s where it evolves.
Surf, skate, and create.
– IPD Surf
