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Best Outdoor Gear Stores In Los Angeles

Three surfers wait to catch the swell at 610 header
(credit: JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)

Los Angeles is full of sunny days and nothing says SoCal like outdoor activities. Whether you are on the water or on a mountain, navigating the best gear for your outdoor festivities can sometimes be a bit overwhelming. From one end of the city to the other, Los Angeles has a variety of gear shops that will outfit you for whichever alfresco endeavor is next on your "to do" list.

ZJ Boarding Houses hopfront2012
(credit: Austin Squire)

ZJ Boarding House
2619 Main St.
Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 392-5646
www.zjboardinghouse.com

You really can't live in Southern Cali without surfing at least once. Since the late 80s, ZJ Boarding House has equipped both veteran and novice surfers with knowledge and proper gear to catch a wave. A go–to spot for Ocean Park locals, ZJ Boarding House gives its customers one-on-one service that reflects the staff's passion for servicing the community. Catering to all skill levels, ZJ Boarding House carries a wide range of brands including Billabong and Hurley. In addition to surfing gear, the board shop features skateboards and stand-up paddle boards.

Poseidon Paddle & Surf
(credit: Poseidon Paddle & Surf)

Poseidon Paddle Boards
1654 Ocean Ave.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 694-8428
www.poseidonstandup.com

Made famous 10 years ago when surfer Laird Hamilton stood on an oversized surfboard using a kayak paddle to move across the water, paddle boarding is now a spectacle often seen while driving on the coastline. Stand-up paddleboarding, also known as SUP, is an outdoor activity that has put Poseidon Paddle Boards on the map. Featuring The Poseidon Cruiser Series, the shop will set you up with gear that can take you onto the water for an afternoon adventure you'll never forget. The Cruiser Series is perfect for your first time out and perfect for lake or river paddling. In addition, the SUP store carries the bestselling Kanaha Quickblade SUP Paddle and the Quickblade SUP Paddles.

Related: Best Places To Get Scuba Diving Lessons In Los Angeles

VeloLove_9143web
(credit: Velo Love)

Velo Love
3421 Verdugo Road
Los Angeles, CA 90065
(323) 257-1096
www.swrve.us

Once you have your road bike, you will need apparel to go with it. Designing cycling apparel that mimics street wear, Swrve creates clothing made to withstand the many hours spent riding in the great outdoors. The clothing collection is all about functionality, while at the same time providing an urbane style that allows you to ride to work and still look professional for the day. The unpretentious cycling apparel was created with the bike rider in mind and uses fabrics that allow your body to breathe and the freedom of movement. Whether the style is jeans or a skinny fit, Swrve's fabrics come in different textures and weights to suit your needs, including stretch cotton, lightweight water and wind resistant, double-weave and bamboo fabric.

hollywood divers
(credit: Hollywood Divers)

Hollywood Divers
3575 Cahuenga Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90068
(323) 969-9666
www.hollywooddivers.com

Scuba diving is popular amongst Los Angeles natives and Hollywood Divers is the place for you to buy or rent your equipment. Known for its under-the-radar approach of working with locals and entertainment industry execs alike, Hollywood Divers' expert staff consists of certified divers and instructors that will consult with you on the kind of gear you need. As a PADI, NAUI, TDI, DAN and GUE Divers Emporium, Hollywood Divers can train you from the basics to the most complex outings and prepare you with top-of-the-line equipment for your adventure. Brands sold at Hollywood Divers include GO Pro, Nauticam, Halcyon, Sea and Sea, Dive Rite, Ikelite, Scubapro, Aquatica Housings, Light and Motion, Canon, Olympus, Aqualung, Shearwater Dive Computers, Hollis Scuba and Re-Breathers.

Fishing accessories gear
(credit: istockphoto)

Pro Tackle Solutions
29021 Ave. Sherman, Suite 111
Valencia, CA 91355
(661) 775-7749
www.protacklesolutions.com

Pro Tackle Solutions has fulfilled a niche in the fishing gear industry in Santa Clarita. What began as a hobby for owner Wayne Martin has snowballed into a successful fishing shop that focuses on tackle and the enthusiastic angler. Pro Tackle Solutions offers all kinds of tackle and fishing paraphernalia including Reaction Strike Fluttertail Jr in several colors and Gary Yamamoto Craw. In addition, you can also find fishing apparel, Onyx Life Preserver Flotation Jacket and the Onyx Neoprene Pet Vest. Pro Tackle Solutions is also known for its inventory of accessories such as Mustad Forceps, Daiwa Needle Nose Oiler and Reel Oil and Mend-It Soft Bait Glue.

Related: Best Places For Fishing Near Los Angeles

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Jennifer Geisman is a freelance writer and faithful beauty junkie living in Los Angeles. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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