I have always in the back of my mind wanted to surf. Living in Ontario though I just assumed it would remain one of those dreams that you let go as the years passed by. Well Antonio and his surf crue at Surf the greats have made that dream a reality. Literally from the time I walked into STG in spring of this year and until I caught my first wave just last week in September, right here in Lake Ontario I have felt supported in making it a reality. I started with the Carver skateboarding lessons to help condition surfing type movements on land during the summer. I've never been on a skateboard in my life and this in itself was another testimonial to the well planned navigation from dreaming of surf to being on surf. I also took the Flat water course which helped teach all the theory of paddling, turtle rolls, popping up and envisioning the soon to come waves. And lastly I took the forecasting workshop so that I new what to look for in weather patterns as predicting waves on Lake Ontario is not the same as the Ocean. With attentiveness and care I was matched with a surfboard and wet suit and gear.. and have been on the waves right here in my home town of Toronto. From the shop, to the land to the lake, Antonio and his crue were always there to ask for support and through his classes have also given me the chance to meet a bunch of new friends whom I hope to surf with all winter long. Thank you to everyone at Surf the Greats, you've made a lifelong dream come true.

Cool shop, super friendly staff with a ton of local surf info. Purchased a wetsuit, boots and mitts here without an issue, been back many times since. They also have great coffee.

My girlfriend and I had a beginner session March 19, I didn't think much of it at first, but the 2 hours flew by and no falls or scrapes !! I'm the type that likes learning on my own without instructors but TOBY our instructor was the nicest guy ever, the absolute best instructor, super patient, made us feel comfortable and honestly he made the entire experience the best, wish the entire session was with him, but it was 1 hour with him and 1 hour on our own. In the second half, Chevaan, I hope I spelled it right, one of the female instructors came over to give us some tips, or mainly me because I sucked compared to my girl lol, she was super chill as well and the followed us on her board and recorded us like a drone and that was the best videos we had of the day. Chevaan and ESPECIALLY our instructor TOBY thanks for making this a fun experience. Will definitely be spreading the word about you guys to people we know and hope to see you another time. Ask for Toby as your instructor and guarantee you'll go back again because of him !!!

I live in Toronto and recently learned to surf (and fell in love with it!) so I was delighted to find the thriving local surf community and camaraderie that is thoughtfully nurtured via Surf The Greats. It can be intimidating to learn to surf as a woman in my 30s, but the folks at Surf The Greats are super welcoming, inclusive and incredibly knowledgable. My first visit to the shop was to join their Tidal Flow yoga class - which is a really great way to built flexibility and strength needed for surf moves (plus you practice muscle memory for things like: pop ups, bottom turns and duck dives). I also joined their wave forecasting workshop, which was super informative and helped me feel more confident about understanding where and how to get out into some waves here on the lakes. They helped me choose a Carver surf/skate that was right for my goals and size. They have a great selection of surf related books. And, since COVID-10, I've really appreciated their guided meditations. I can happily and easily recommend them to anyone interested in getting gear, getting started or looking to find a local surf community here in Toronto. Thank you Antonio, Lucas, and the rest of the team!

I just took their introduction to surfing course, aka Flat Water Intro to Surf, and it was AMAZING! I've surfed before in Mexico quite a few times but never had any formal training. This was exactly what I needed. The instructors were experts and helped create an open discussion atmosphere where all felt welcomed no matter their age or experience. The lesson itself was insightful and you not only had group activities, but they made sure each participant had some one-on-one guidance as well. I learned more than I thought I would and also got more time in the water than I assumed would happen. It was a jam-packed hour and change and 100% worth the money. I'll be going back for more lessons.

The best experience you get when you walk into Surf The Greats surf shop to me is that you'll get a huge amount of knowledge, passion, honest advise, friendly crew and I do love how much they support the community... Surf The Greats have all that and beyond since day one or actually even before they started. I saw the perfect people who cares a bunch for the community and environment, the love for surfing is almost crazy and they'll make sure you'll start surfing in the most friendly and safe environment with all the tools and knowledge you cant get anywhere else..from custom shaped and world class surfboards, wetties, accessories, beer and coffee and super fun events! what else! I'm stoke and so proud to see them growing strong in the community, always giving back double with tons of love. You must surf the Great Lakes soon so get in touch with them! Cheers

Well if you seek surf gear in Ontario I cannot say enough positive things about the team here. Kind, Friendly, willingness to go over and above, knowledge, and prompt. Alex has true passion and it comes thru. Thanks for all of your help getting kit for what will be a very memorable trip.

I can confidently say that the customer service here is remarkable. Deal with these folks in confidence, they will work with you to make sure you’re satisfied. Thanks again dudes.

Just competed a great customer experience with Surf the Greats. I had preordered a cold water wetsuit. There were some delays with COVID and the suit when it arrived wasn't quite what I expected. I have had lots of wetsuits and was being a little picky, however at the end of the day the suit ended up being an improvement over the previous editions of the suit and I'm quite pleased. My only suggestion was a pocket that fits a key card.

Love this surf shop! Everyone is super helpful and knowledgeable. Beautiful equipment! Did a lake surfing lesson with Tobi earlier in the year, provided the full kit and took us to a great beginner friendly spot. Tobi is passionate about surfing and will keep you safe, and also will make sure you are having a great time! Defo suggest a lesson with him if you are thinking to try lake surfing !

Went out with the STG instructors in early December to give lake surfing a shot. It was incredible! We got great conditions and Maddie & Tobi were awesome instructors to be in the water with. Very happy to have dipped a toe and will be saving up to buy a wetsuit and board so I can get in more often!

I signed up for the Carver Clinic Level 1 - Surf The Greats School to learn how to surfskate. I travelled 2 hours to do this and it was so worth it! I had a blast and learned so much and progressed more in 1 hour than I have in a few months of learning on my own. The instructor Tobi was awesome! He provided great direction, feedback, and support. Can’t wait to sign up for Carver Clinic Level 2.

Last minute Fall Surf Lesson with Waves with Tobi was amazing. He is so knowledgable and patient with a VERY new surfer. Everything was just the right pace and the information and encouragement was just what I needed to fully enjoy a day on the lake. Definitely will be joining again.

Epic staff, they really know their stuff and took the time to explain everything from surfing, to buying carver boards, disc golf, and more. Great vibes all around would highly recommend if you are looking to get started and take classes, looking to gear up, or just connect with solid humans this is your place to stop in Leslieville

I've had many surfing lessons around the world. This was the best surfing class I've ever taken. I was also with the group Brown Girl Outdoor World and we had a blast. I will definitely come back. Great job Izzy and Brad!

Magical Experience from instructors that really care and go over and above for their students!! Wish I could give 100 stars - I've never met kinder instructors in my life. 1) My life's dream was to learn to surf and viola!! There I was, on the beach, thanks to Surf the Greats. Isabella and Tobi are amazing instructors, who are not just experienced and knowledgeable but have a very gentle instruction style which really put me at ease as, clearly, I'm not the swiftest learner of the bunch..lol and they go over and above to help you to have the best experience ever. This is the best instruction/ class I have ever received. I had seen many "surfing pop up" videos and even attempted it a couple of times on my yoga mat (unsucessfully) then after watching Isabella and Tobi, they slowed it down and took us through the technique with ease and guess what?? I was actually (slowly but definitely) popping up on the Surf board on the sand; the water was a whole other ball game!! I'm yet to conquer that. They are super patient, kind, helpful and really care about each student. I encourage EVERYONE to take at least one lesson because it's a magical experience you will never forget. It seems daunting at first but once you get there, the instructors put you right at ease and it's just a fun time after that. I even stayed in the water after my lesson. 2) I have purchased items from this store before and the products are really good quality, the sizes fit perfectly and delivery was fast. Overall, Surf the Greats is one of my most treasured discoveries yet. A hidden Gem in Toronto. Thank you both for the time of my life.

I’ve taken a few classes with Surf the Greats. All have been great, and I’ve definitely improved. I felt welcome to join the surf community, and encouraged to try and get out there on my own!

I took the Flatwater Intro on the weekend, and I really enjoyed it. Toby and Brad were great. I am looking forward to Surfing with Waves.

Fantastic shopping experience. Staff were so kind and knowledgeable and most of all welcoming to a sport that is so new to me. Helped me with resources outside the store and I left with a wet suit and fantastic bathing suit. I’ll be back!

The Intro to Surf Lesson we did with them this weekend was EXCELLENT. The teacher-to-student ratio was ideal, instruction was super thorough and thoughtful, with attention to safety/technique and fun, and the staff were so kind and caring with the varying needs of the group! Gear was in great condition and suited to everyone. I was very impressed at what we fit in in that short amount of time and how much you can (and probably should) do on flat water before hitting the waves! This was anything but your beach-vacation, push the clients into the water surf lesson. Though it was very much as advertised: a basic intro session, they went into detail and really want to prepare you to start surfing. AND it could have also been a fun one-off if that's as far as you wanted to go with your surfing! I am stoked and ready to surf this coming season and feel so supported in that with this lesson and the further resources offered by Surf the Greats.

One step closer to surfing Lake Ontario having completed the Flat Water Clinic. I appreciate the ease with which Surf the Greats made this happen. I showed up and a board and wetsuit were laid out for me and the instruction began. Had great laughs with the instructor and the other participants and feel I’ve joined. new community.

Took the flat water intro to surf lesson at Surf The Greats yesterday and it was awesome!!! The instructors were amazing!! They really took the time to show everyone propper technique and to make everyone feel at ease. Definitely a fun way to spend a Saturday morning in the city!!

As a Bay of Fundy paddler with limited local access to specialized gear, I wasn't keen about shopping on-line. I had been looking at SURF THE GREATS website for the last couple of years: enjoying reading their stories, viewing videos, and studying different wetsuit options, In December, I picked-up the phone and got to talk with Toby, one of the store's reps; he was friendly, patient and knowledgeable. Following the call, I ordered a Rip Curl 5/4 on-line, along with socks, booties and mitts. It turned out my size in the Rip Curl was gone already but one was available in a Quicksilver 5/4/3 Sessions. All products came rapidly in one carefully packed box. Everything fits really well. And now life along the Bay of Fundy will never be the same. Since mostly paddling outriggers, I've begun to really enjoy playing with SUPs in the last couple of years, and I want to learn to surf shore breaks--as opposed to open ocean surf, hence the wetsuit ... but I digress! Just want to say Merci/Mahalo for the friendly help and super service.

Got some gloves from here that I’ve been looking for, for a few months. Super fast shopping , and to top it off they sent me a killer post card and sticker with a personal handwritten message on it! It’s relieving to see that there are still companies out there with caring personal courtesy! I will be purchasing from them again!

14 days refund policy won’t let me return. Not gunnna use the store credit. Too strict most places r 30 day

Always love going to Surf the Greats! Wonderful staff, safe and spacious space and fantastic selection of products.

I am amazed by their awesome service! Good job to the team at Surf the Great!

Went in to try some wetsuits. The customer service rep put the suit I chose on hold to give me 24-48 hours to finalize my purchase. This was helpful because the extra time allowed me to verify the choice in wetsuit was correct for me (refund policy is store credit only). Within six hours I recieved an email informing me that the suit was sold online and not available anymore. This is disappointing because I was ready to purchase the suit after talking over my decision with some friends. All in all I understand mistakes happen. Just feeling a bit sad and will have to wait until stock arrives or shop elsewhere.