An outpost of beach culture in the heart of Woodland Hills, Kennedy Surf Shop has been a second home to San Fernando Valley surfers for decades. Since 1972, owner Glen Kennedy has supplied beginners and diehards alike with a wide range of hand-shaped surfboards. A dedicated surfer himself, he's spent time chasing waves abroad in Hawaii and Australia, and he has the knowledge and expertise to shape boards of all kinds, from classic longboards to high-performance shortboards. The cramped shop on Ventura Boulevard is jam-packed with skate and surf gear, and chatty locals swapping surf stories usually occupy what little space is left. But what makes the shop exceptional is the service — whether a customer is just learning to surf or preparing for an extended surfari to Indonesia, Kennedy offers honest, judgment-free advice and guidance. —Stefan A. Slater

22755 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills, 91364. (818) 225-1999, kennedysurfshop.com.

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