Since 2023, Paul Nett has run Freeman Street Surf Shop in the Townsite neighborhood of Oceanside. Within the store, a variety of surfboard brands and occasionally skateboards are available.
The shop’s roots predominantly derive from Nett’s adolescence. He grew up surfing locally, starting in 1980, at around 10 years old.
“Growing up around San Diego, I can pretty much say I know the waves that most people are surfing around here, so I can help guide people into it,” Nett said.
Since then, surfing has remained a steady part of his life. It’s become more than just a sport for him; it is a way to give him a break from life’s demands.
“It’s always been something that I could count on to take pressure off of day-to-day life,” said Nett.
Surfing has always been important to Nett, so he decided to turn his passion into a business, continuing to do what he loves and giving back to the surf community.
The Freeman Street Surf Shop has been called by different names over the past few years, according to Nett.
“I’ve run this shop under Freeman Street Surf Studio or Surf Shop for the last four months, but before that, it was considered the Surf Crime flagship store, and then it converted over into Modern Beach Supply. So its had a couple of names.”
Even with all the name changes, Freeman Street Surf Shop continues to provide a variety of options for its customers.
The shop offers a diverse selection of items for surfers of all levels. Whether customers are looking for a new board or a different hat, the shop will have it in stock. Brands such as Surf Crime, Thunderbolt Technologies and boards designed by Mark CJ Nelson, a talented surfer from Santa Cruz, are readily available.
Nett is always open to helping beginners as well as experts find the perfect items for them. The shop was built with inclusivity in mind for a diverse range of customers.
“I’m open to helping people learn if they don’t know anything, or if you’re experienced, I can help people who are all on different levels of knowledge and surfing,” Nett said.
As he has grown older, his goals in surfing have changed.
“As you get older, what matters the most is not trying to rip so much anymore. You know, you just want to be able to enjoy it,” Nett said.
Tiffany Dalton is a frequent customer at Freeman’s. She has placed this establishment in her list of recommended surf shops in the general Oceanside area.
“I would recommend [this] to someone who’s like a beginner or new to the town,” Dalton said.
Dalton is openly positive towards the shop’s general customer service and their attentiveness towards buyers, especially with newcomers to the area or amateurs.
“As far as customer service goes, I’d say it’s definitely very attentive, very friendly. They definitely want to sell you something,” Dalton said.
Overall, the shop is a welcoming establishment that offers a variety of items, including surfboards, fins and apparel. Their colorful inventory allows for any new customer or usuals, such as Tiffany, to find the right board for them.
