Rusty Del Mar - RDM

Rusty Del Mar, or RDM as it’s known to most locals, opened its doors in 1987. That’s when surf industry legend Rusty Preisendorfer spotted the corner space while driving his favorite coastal route looking for waves. The fact that the store is one block from the beach and that you can see whitewater when the 15th Street reef is going off made Rusty realize it was the ideal location for his Del Mar store.

During the last 20 years, Rusty Del Mar has grown from 700 square feet to more than 2000. It has also become the epicenter of surf culture in Del Mar and the surrounding community. Don’t be surprised to walk in and see 10 groms spread out on the floor, some still in their wet wetsuits, watching the newest surf video.

If you have questions about who gives the best surf lessons in town, what’s the best board for a beginner, where the best spot is today or what board to buy for your trip to the South Pacific, call or email us. Most likely your questions will be answered by an employee who still has sand on his or her feet from the morning session.

We take pride in having a knowledgeable staff and an environment that welcomes wet bathing suits and boards leaning against the front door. Longtime owner Rick Lasch moved to the North Island of New Zealand with his wife and two boys. Del Mar native, Del Mar Lifeguard and longtime Rusty employee Zach Groban joined forces with Rusty Preisendorfer to run the store. We are proud to be locally owned and operated. Call us with all your surfing questions.