Degree 33 Surfboards

North County’s Best-Kept Secret

If you’ve been surfing North County since 2006, chances are you’ve seen the label Degree 33 under the feet of local surfers. I remember the first time I spotted one—I had three questions:

• How do they surf?

• Why the name?

• Are they affordable?

  
  

  

  
  

As time went on, I started seeing more and more legit surfers ripping on Degree 33 boards of all shapes and sizes. Surfers can be cliquey—we know this. New brands without big media coverage or pro endorsements often get overlooked. So I decided to dig in and see what Degree 33 was all about.

To my surprise, their retail warehouse is located right here in Carlsbad, just minutes from the water. Even cooler? The name Degree 33 comes from our spot on the map—33 degrees latitude—which runs through Del Mar to Oceanside. (Coincidentally, that’s Local Break Magazine territory, too.)

When I stopped by the shop, I wondered why I hadn’t come sooner. The staff was kind, knowledgeable, and super helpful. Their showroom has a laid-back, surf-first vibe—surf flicks playing on the wall, a couch to chill on, and a lineup of boards that had me frothing. So many shapes, sizes, and styles for all levels. I felt like a kid in a candy store.

Click to watch a review of the Speed Egg.

Degree 33 has teamed up with shaping legend Bill Minard, who brings over 50 years of experience. Their boards are thoughtfully designed and built to perform.

Trevor, the owner, suggested I try the Speed Egg. I’ve ridden a lot of mid-sized eggs over the years. They’re fun but often blend together. This 6’8” exceeded my expectations. It is very well balanced and paddled like a much bigger board but turned with the sharpness of something shorter. Extremely user friendly, from cheater fives to shreddy cutbacks, the board felt dialed from the first wave to the last. The entire thing is a sweet spot.

Degree 33 also leads the pack with some industry-firsts. They offer a “Ride-It Guarantee”, letting you test your board with confidence. Even better—they let you surf your board before it’s fully paid off. Who does that?

Best of all, the pricing is solid. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned shredder, there’s something here for you. Friendly faces, thoughtful design, and performance you can trust—Degree 33 just might be the best-kept secret in North County. Definitely worth dropping in.

Instagram: @degree33surfboards

Website: degree33surfboards.com