Boardsports California - Alameda, California

Kyle M

I had a great experience at the beginner wind surfing lesson. The instructor, Mark, really knew his stuff and was a great teacher. Only $50 for a 2 hour hire is also great.

Laura Wolz

Closing says 5. They stop rentals at 3:30. Equipment must be back by 4:30.
I don’t yet know enough about anything else. Seems like a great service to have available.

Perpetual Voyager

Bought my wing foil setup from Boardsports and spent about $4K. I did a LOT of research prior to purchasing and while they sell high quality gear, I was stupidly talked in to buying a setup that wasn’t what I’d initially planned and really doesn’t work for me. Seems as though they are trying to move certain inventory at the expense of people that are getting into the sport. Good to buy local and they seem like nice enough people… but don’t be dumb like me. Get a second opinion before purchasing and proceed with caution.

David Spragg

Fantastic business to work with if you're looking to goof off with wind sports. The team has set me up with just the right things to started, has amazing instructors, and has provided excellent guidance over the years. Don't wait, go play!

Sherif Mostafa

I can’t say enough great things about my experience with Boardsports California. They’re just great people, who know what they’re doing, are incredibly helpful and are committed to getting more people into the sport.

I took three 2h kitesurfing lessons (Noa and Fred were great instructors). Their focus on safety and fundamentals meant that I was independent with just those three lessons. Note: Not yet fully riding, but capable of safely practicing independently thereafter.

When Jesse heard that my lessons went well, he recommended I buy gear sooner rather than later, so I could spend more time practicing in the water, and spend less money towards lessons. He worked with me to understand my budget, and the next day emailed me his gear recommendations. When I had some questions about the difference between that gear and other options I was considering, Rebecca (one of the owners at Boardsports) sent me an incredibly detailed email explaining the difference and her guidance. It’s also worth noting that she didn’t try to push their gear except where it really mattered, like choosing a board that could handle the bay area chop well, or coming into the store to try different harnesses to find one that truly fits my back well. While I was buying gear, Jane was kind enough to give me pointers on her tips for how to check the wind forecast.

It’s thanks to their approach and guidance that I was able to practice shortly after my lessons, and start riding confidently within a few more days practicing in the water.

When I needed to buy a second kite to ride in stronger winds, Rebecca was once again super responsive and accommodating for an expedited pick-up. When I had an issue with my bar (which turned out to be my own error), they suggested I come into the shop to have it sorted out.

If you really want to get into kitesurfing, have the commitment and a realistic expectation of what it takes (lessons, gear), I highly recommend checking out Boardsports California.

Gabriel T

Best kiteboarding store in California !!!
Took a few lessons, now I'm a kiteboarder !!
Also, went to Barbados with them, and they are all amazing !!! Keep it up, Rebeca, Jane and Jessy ... !!
Highly recommended 🙂

David Evans

I've read so many great reviews about this place and have bought used equipment and learned loads from the other sailors. This location is ideal for beginners and the people here at the school have created a tight community of people who want to help others improve and maintain safety while being wary of pedestrians and entertained spectators!

Angelo Camarda

These folks are the best! Had taken lessons elsewhere and decided it was time to get committed. It was about 2 1/2 months ago now, so I can’t recall the names of the fabulous people that helped me, but they spent all the time I needed to assemble a Full kite gear setup for me. Every piece of equipment was thought out what would be best for me and explained thoroughly.

Never unnecessarily tried to upsell me, only ever encouraged. (For example, while choosing foot straps, I was given the choice of the cheaper or the pricier. In my head, I thought “eh, cheaper, beginner, better”. But I was so nicely shown by being allowed to slip my feet into both, to see the massive difference between basic starter straps and the next step up).

After completing the purchase, they then took the time to run through a full rigging practice of my new gear. Every last piece!

Can’t say enough good about these folks. I’ll surely be back.