Killer Dana Surf Shop's second location in the Dana Point Harbor at 34483 Golden Lantern, Dana Point CA 92629.

Nestled inside the Dana Point Harbor, local surf shop, Killer Dana, has officially opened its doors. Tried-and-true shop owners, Mike Foster and Carrie Bloom are thrilled to call the Harbor home to their second Killer Dana store. With Dana Point’s roots buried deep within its core, this historic surf shop welcomes you with open arms. 

The original Killer Dana Surf Shop located on Del Prado in Dana Point, CA. 

What was once known as Orange County’s best surf, hosting 12 to 15-foot swells, Killer Dana holds some of the greatest surf legend’s most treasured waves. Standing under a massive sepia-colored photo inside the newly opened surf shop, owner Mike Foster explains how this killer surf destination got its name. “People used to surf right here. It was called Killer Dana because back then, they didn’t have leashes for surfboards yet and you can see how rocky it is. That being said, if you lost your board, the rocks would kill your board. The really good guys surfed out towards the rock pile and the beginners stuck more around Doheny. When they decided to put the harbor in, it really broke the hearts of the locals and everyone who had ever been lucky enough to surf here,” said Foster.

Early 1960’s photo of the original Killer Dana Surf Break, courtesy of Killer Dana Surf Shop.

Photo by Leroy Grannis of Killer Dana before the 1966 demolition of the much beloved wave.

In 1966, construction of the Dana Point Harbor began, quickly turning this dreamy Orange County gem into a distant memory. In hopes to keep the infamous surf destination alive, Foster and Bloom are dedicated to sharing its rich history and tragically unforgiving story through their surf shop. “We truly love the history of Killer Dana and sharing its story with every person that walks in the door. We have lots of old pictures, even an old sign from 29 years ago hanging in our store today,” says Bloom. 

The original Killer Dana sign from first store hangs proudly 29 years later in their new Harbor location. 

Not only does this dynamic duo work tirelessly to maintain a true local Southern California surf shop, but they take pride in creating an environment that every person wants to be a part of. “Even with our employees, we work hard to teach them that it’s important how we make people feel when they walk in. We don’t know what they have going on in their life or what challenges they are going through. It’s important that we make everyone feel welcomed and important,” Foster explains. Both locations offer a great selection of surfboards, bodyboards, skimboards, wetsuits, and all the surf must-haves. The new location is intricately merchandised with a large selection of beach accessories for men, women, and children. Along with this, they have expanded their rental offerings from paddleboards and surfboards to umbrellas and beach chairs, with an option to utilize their Killer Dana Surf Shop shuttle service to and from the beach.

Beachgoers can rent wetsuits, paddleboards, umbrellas and other beach necessities from both Killer Dana locations.

Located on Del Prado, also home to the Redo Market, sits the original Killer Dana Surf Shop. With wetsuits hanging outside the door and boards ready to cruise a Pacific Ocean wave, you will be fully immersed in its rich surf heritage. “The community has rallied behind us, which is why we work so hard to keep the old Dana Point roots. To me, that is the most rewarding thing,” Foster said. You can plan to stop by and say hello at the next Redo Market. The original shop is located at 24621 Del Prado Ave.