Hamel’s Surf Shop

Rented bikes from this place and the service was terrible. One bike ended up with a flat and another had a malfunction and wasn’t rideable. We tried calling several times, but no answer. After we repaired the flat at our own expense at Surf Monkey (which by the way gave us exceptional service) the store clerk refused to offer us a refund for what we paid to fix the bike and was less than cordial. For the price, you can rent better bikes in the area.

Terrible bikes and terrible service — I would NOT recommend. I was a part of a group that rented 5 bikes. 2 of theses bikes ended up with issues that made them un-​rideable. Our group had to spend an extra $ 11 in order to make one function to avoid having to walk it back the 2+ miles. The other bike did require walking back. We tried to contact this shop on both the regular and the emergency number multiple times. No answer…
When we arrived back at the shop and told the manager what had happened, he was less than cordial. He would not refund any of the money spent and insinuated that we had done the damage to the bikes ourselves. With the multiple other bike shops out there with similar rates, I would highly recommend another shop.
The shop Surf Monkey helped repair one of the broken bikes. They were excellent from a service perspective, had quality bikes, and similar prices. Check them out.

I was in front of this bike surf shop for like 20 seconds and the guy is trying to hustle me over to get air he was checking the sidewall of my tire on my bike he said he was a professional. I told him u don’t check air pressure on the side wall and then he said I’m just trying to help you and then said don’t use my air and got rude with in about 10 more seconds so within 30 seconds completely lost a potential customer he didn’t even know what I was looking for. Actually was looking for bike rentals for family that’s in town and I saw a bunch of cool college team bicycles but you better get a tetanus shot first cuz they r pretty poor condition I don’t want to rent from this guy anyway. must be the manager probably worked there for years I’m guessing bald and sunglasses look for him he’s a real sweetheart. I’ll never go to this place again nor will I send any of my family who comes here constantly… what a jerk

Great price for a bike rental! We have always rented here and today I had a flat for the first time! I didn’t get an extra charge and they even gave me a water because I ended up having to walk the bike back about ½ mile. Great service!

DUUUUDE! Everything you could want to rent for a day at the beach is here! Inside are all the tshirts and knick knacks you could want to signify your trip to San Diego. Hamel’s has been an institution forever and owns the best property in SD! Great prices, friendly service, go here… you will thank me!

It was nice that the basket is included into the all day ride deal of $ 8! However, I got a lame bike that didn’t have a lot of air in the tires; flat rides are no fun!

My first time in San Diego. $ 8 all day rentals on surfboards, skateboards, and everything else. It was the best price I saw around and the guy working the counter was awesome. Highly recommend.

My second time renting bikes here. I should probably just buy a bike but after getting a bike rack, etcetera it just won’t be worth it for me compared to my twice yearly rentals from Hamel’s.
I compared the bike rental prices at Hamel’s to a few more shops down the boardwalk/​along mission bay drive but the prices at Hamel’s are the best.
It may take a few minutes for you to be helped because they sell and rent lots of things at Hamel’s (boogie boards, wet suits, t shirts, towels, etc) but the sales people are super friendly so it’s worth the wait.
I enjoy riding along the Mission and PB boardwalks on my beach cruiser and I always ask for the complimentary basket to hold my belongings.
All in all a great experience.

We passed by Hamel’s on our way to the beach and decided to buy extra towels. An employee came over to greet us and showed us to two towels for $ 12.99. When we went to check out, our receipt showed that they over charged us so we questioned it with the cashier-​Adam. The manager-​a blonde guy with a crew cut-​said he wouldn’t refund the over charge because the employee «had been wrong about the amount and it wasn’t his fault.» The way the manager talked to us, in front of other people in the store was honestly shocking. I’ve never been so insulted by a complete stranger, who coincidentally wouldn’t give his name. Just crazy that this guy is responsible for managing other employees. Never going back.

I was in desperate need of a new pair of sunglasses and there wasn’t anything in this area that looked decent or was affordable. The $ 10 – 20 glasses shops were very cheap quality. Plus they looked lame. Other places had designer brand names for several hundred dollars. I just needed short term solution that didn’t have flames on them or weren’t too expensive.
— Good service (helpful with sunglass selection and opening cabinets).
— A lot of female shoppers wearing bikinis looking like they were up to no good, which wasn’t a bad thing. heh heh
Glad I stumbled upon this place.

Alan and jessica were fantastic! My 4yr old had a blast! Best place to come!

One of the best beach surf shop’s that I’ve been to. I’m a native of Ca, and I was from this area. This place has been here for years, I would go here quite often when the family would vacation here, and we’ll be going again this Summer. This is a fun spot for beach/​surf wear.

I really like this store. The staff is friendly and they have a lot to choose from with decent prices. They’re at a great location too. Not much else to say!

Easy to rent bikes from here but not the cheapest at all. Two hours was 12 dollars, but if you go up the block (cross the main intersection), there’s a store there that rent them for 12 dollar for the whole day.

I have been trying for 2 weeks to have someone from this store contact me — I received a gift from them and have to return it — I live in the San Francisco Bay Area and have 2 phones # for them and they do not answer either line
Please provide an email address or a good phone # to reach out

Hamel’s in Mission Beach as been a fixture here for as long as I can remember. I remember when I was 13 years old coming out here just to watch the local pro skateboards jump off quarter pipes. Those were the days and no worries.
My purpose now is to rent bikes for the boardwalk. My friends bring their own bikes for the boardwalk, but since I’m bikeless I have to rent them. For $ 8 an hour, it’s not bad. The bikes are in just okay condition and the staff is great. Regardless how great the bike is or how the service was, nothing beats a nice ride up and down San Diego’s beautiful boardwalk.

Great spot right in front of the beach in Mission Bay across from the coaster. They are a surf shop/​gift shop. Place is always busy with plenty of choices. I also noticed that they have a deli. The sandwiches and smoothies are really good. They also have soda, candy, and Dippin’ Dots Ice Cream.

I have been in this shop a number of times through the 70’s 80’s 90’s thru today! w ay before Unilocal ever was around! great stuff. great service and great selections.
Sal is a great guy! He’s one of the reasons I’ll be coming back for more! Thanks Hamels. San Diego is less San Diego without you!

Twas a beautiful day in San Diego, so what better way to enjoy the sun than to go to the beach? Since we haven’t quite reached our Hot Toddy Beach Bodies yet, my sister, niece and I decided to work toward it by renting bikes. The most convenient place was at Hamel’s since we were driving to Mission Beach anyway. Hamel’s is right on the beach across from Belmont Park.
The guys that worked there were really cool. The rate was $ 16 for 4 hours (not bad), but we only needed the rental for a two (2) hours. They weren’t big ding dongs about it, so the two hour rate was $ 12 (I would’ve paid the $ 16, but hey, I like discounts, too!). The line in the back to to rent wasn’t long, but the wait was long. Not sure why? Again, there were really nice when it was our turn to be helped and didn’t feel rushed. Hm, maybe that’s why?
So, we rented 3 bikes, a bike lock and a basket; because my niece decided that she wanted to ride a bike with her Coach purse. When we got the bikes, they were beach cruisers, but somewhat rusted. Don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t expecting a Huffy or anything, I just think that the bikes should be more cared for. But oh well, I rode it anyway!
When returning the bikes, again, they were cool. Very quick in checking out. My sister bought a water that she never drank, and the guy offered her to get a cold one out of the cooler. He didn’t have to, but nice gesture.
Overall experience at Hamel’s: Very Good. I would’ve given it 5 stars if the bikes were more well-​kept. Still, I rode it.

The easiest place to find… right on the corner of the main drag and the bike path. We stopped in and rented some bikes.
Not great quality, but they certainly fit the bill. Pretty cheap prices for a 3 hour tour… a 3 hour tour…
The dudes working there are not the brightest bulbs but they were nice and efficient. Hey, come on, this is a surf shop, not a bike store.
We had a fantastic ride around Mission Bay and had a blast.