Wave Rave Snowboard Shop

5.0 star rating
32 reviews Rating Details

Category: Outdoor Gear  [Edit]

3203 Main St
Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
(760) 934-2471
Price Range:
$$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Private Lot
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Review Highlights   

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"Great vibe and knowledgeable staff." (in 4 reviews)
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"Super helpful fixing up a buddy's bindings." (in 4 reviews)
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"...always stop in here and check out their stuff a few times..." (in 4 reviews)
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32 reviews in English

  • Review from Katie K.

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    • 36 friends
    • 26 reviews

    Oak View, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/27/2011

    I always thought a ski resort was NOT the place to buy my ski equipment. Figured it would be extremely overpriced, and have always opted for the Patagonia outlet near my house for long underwear, helmets, jacket shells ect.
    Recently while in Mammoth I needed to purchase another set of long underwear and a Helmet for my daughter. The place came recommended in town so i thought i would check it out, had to buy this over-priced gear somewhere after all.
    Not only was this place affordable, the staff helpful and friendly and the merchandise top quality. but you can also order online, for home delivery or pick up in the store as long as you communicate with them. This place is the best place to buy your winter outdoor gear anywhere, including any outlets you know of.  Great selection, affordable pricing and friendly staff, i am SOLD.

  • Review from Schel X.

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    • 100 friends
    • 236 reviews

    Temple City, CA

    4.0 star rating
    1/6/2012

    I really struggle with my opinion on Wave Rave. I have for years and years. If not for the longevity and quality of the gear I had bought there, I would likely mark this place as a 2 star. They appear to have some really nice gear, but some really expensive prices. Over the years there have been varying levels of Customer Service as well.

    In the end the fact that I have a Wave Rave shell jacket that I purchased in January 1997 that has only recently started to have the pocket internal waterproofing disintegrate was the deciding factor. I had purchased the jacket (wave raves brand and logo) on clearance sale for $125-150. Like I said its expensive. However I used the jacket during NYE weekend in Mammoth in 2011-2012. So think about that for a second a 15 year old jacket which gets trashed while snowboarding and skiing yet its still in great shape. That is definite quality.

    I have always felt that the staff were a bit elitist though. The always seem to speak down to you, unlike some of the other shops in town.

    I hate that 90% of their gear seems to be in the 80-100% most expensive categories, especially when compared to other shops. However what do you expect from a shop in a resort town?

    Seriously, I sooo want to give a 2 star to everything but the quality of their product...

  • Review from Eryn G.

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    • 18 friends
    • 15 reviews

    Austin, TX

    4.0 star rating
    1/15/2012

    Did not have wire for Boa system repair, so I had to go somewhere else.
    Otherwise good customer service and have been happy with all other services.

  • Review from Fred F.

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    • 4 friends
    • 21 reviews

    Playa del Rey, CA

    5.0 star rating
    1/15/2012

    Good, attentive and cheerful customer service. Great selection. Prices are about what you should expect in a ski town.

  • Review from Johnny C.

    Santa Monica, CA

    5.0 star rating
    5/2/2011

    Super helpful fixing up a buddy's bindings.

    Lots of inventory, and plenty of selection of equipment for rental.

    Staff always around to help out.

  • Review from Steven L.

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    • 82 friends
    • 355 reviews

    Eagle Rock, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/15/2010 1 Check-in Here

    This is one of the best snowboarding shop in the Mammoth Village area. They have the largest selections and also has alot of great prices. They carry a huge selections of snowboards that other local shop can not get a hold off. They also have a large selections of snowboarding jackets, pants, gears and accessories. Ask for MJ if he is in. MJ is also one of the instruction at Mammoth Resort and he has been in the business for over 15 years so he will give you the best advice base on your needs. MJ will not try to sell you junk or make some fast cash from you. He takes the time to listen to your and understand your needs and then he then will give you a few options plus explaining all the pros and cons between your choices.

    They also have a huge selections of snowboarding helmets which is fantastic. Whether you need new gears or forgot yours at home, Wave Rave will totally have the right stuff to hook you up.

    And if you need an amazing snowboarding lesson, stop by and ask for MJ so you can check his availability before you book your lesson with Mammoth with MJ.

    Cheers!

  • Review from Romy I.

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    • 41 friends
    • 100 reviews

    Oakland, CA

    5.0 star rating
    6/3/2010

    I have this very epic tale to tell about how picky I am about snowboarding boots, but the condensed Readers Digest version goes like this: I was on vacation with some college friends and we went home and my boots were jammed. They went off to the hot tub, but my biggest fear was that i'd have to wire cut my boots and then end up with rentals the next day, a thought which drove me through throes of agony.

    I was sent to WaveRave on a mission to save the next day's riding from my hotel desk. First, I'm glad I was stressed out, because there is so much eye candy in the store, especially the old school Alva skateboard decks on the wall and the obscenity of snowboard gear. I'm on a snowboarding purchase diet at the moment, so places like this are really dangerous for people with snowboarding and skatebaording addictions like me.

    The videos alone, well, I think I need to figure out a way to invent an anti-snowboarding patch like those people quitting smoking wear.

    The people working here were really nice even though I was frazzled, and we solved the mystery of my boots. Like the other shops I've been to they were really patient and explained the tools they used, and they even tried to figure out what was wrong and ended up fixing everything perfectly.

    Watch out for the upstairs because there's even more gear up there, but at least the videos are downstairs and hidden behind a glass case.

    I'm not sure how people can live in snowboarding towns or next door to skateboards and do things like eat, sleep and go to work or study. I've already sprained my ankle from overdoing things. They must be made out of some kind of superior moral standard.

    It's very good to know that there are people like the people who work here that are able to exhibit some form of self-control lead normal lives while living so close to places like Mammoth Mountain and not snowboard their lives away.  Just kidding.

    Very inspiring. This is a nice store, and watch out, there's great gear here!

  • Review from Rod C.

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    • 181 friends
    • 231 reviews

    Camarillo, CA

    5.0 star rating
    1/23/2009

    A guaranteed stopover while your in town.  While there are many shops in Mammoth, this place seems to draw the crowd.  From sampling out new equipment to apparel to gloves to beanies to bags, it seems like they have just about everything you would need to attack the mountain or the activites all aorund.
    The place is pretty big, with two levels.  The first one having the counter with accessories, rentals, light outdoor apparel and much more.  The upstairs section having the helmets, boards, skis, heavy snow apparel, hats, beanies, boots and did I mention snow apparel?  Wave Rave is a pretty sweet spot with their location right in the middle of town.
    The service is super, good technical know-how and availability. I definately recommend this place, even if you're not active in snow sports.

  • Review from David G.

    Orange, CA

    5.0 star rating
    1/10/2008

    Wave Rave is the mecca for snowboarding.  It's purely a store dedicated to snowboarding.  Thank the heavens.

    You won't find deals or bargains here during the season, but you will find all the gear that'll make you drool.  Stuff that you wished your local major sport retail stores or surf/skate shops would carry.

    If you've been drooling over the new gear at Burton's website and haven't found it any of your common sports shops/website, you'll find it here.  Wave Rave is an authorized Burton dealer so they'll have practically all items from their Coalition and Series 13 lines in stock.

    I may no longer be a Toys R Us kid, but it's hard not to feel giddy coming in here.  I'd so bring my mommy here just so I can throw a tantrum in public and con her into buying me a new snowboard setup.  And considering the prices, I'll have to go full throttle and do that lying down kicking the floor while still holding her hand routine as well.

    If your fashion runway is in the form of snow instead of a catwalk, you'll find all the latest and stylish snowboard apparel here.  Dude, seriously.  Damn the cost!  Just buy it already!  Your friends will hate you for it.  I will hate you for it.  So will my mommy.

    Waaaaaaaaaah!

  • Review from James M.

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    • 100 friends
    • 143 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    1/14/2008

    Now, I'm not an avid boarder, but I did grow up in Mammoth during my formative years.

    As huge as the sport has become, Steve Klassen opened this place in 1988, way before Mammoth Mountain even ALLOWED snowboarding.  I met Steve briefly at the time, when I was around 10 years old, because my dad helped him open the store.  And for who Steve is (truly a founder and legend of snowboarding) he was one of the nicest most down-to-earth guys and a true visionary of the sport.  He even gave me a bunch of free "wave rave" stickers at the time that I promptly put on my trapper keeper and became the coolest kid in town.  

    The first time I ever tried the sport, I rented my equipment here.  Which, of course, did not involve snowboarding boots, because they hadn't been invented yet.  I wore Sorrels and had to drive to June Mountain to try it out.  I  asked for my first snowboard for Christmas that year, which was a Look Lamar (the one with the crazy looking tip?  Remember that thing?)  

    This place has grown exponentially over the years but has never developed a snobby attitude.

    If you ever come to Mammoth, drop into Mecca.

  • Review from Stephanie W.

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    • 84 friends
    • 203 reviews

    Venice, CA

    5.0 star rating
    11/22/2008

    "I've always wanted to try snowboarding" I said.

    "You doing anything next week...let's go to Mammoth for a couple of days before the peak of the season starts" friend said. "OK."

    Already overwhelmed with the thought of crashing off the mountain, the Wave Rave guys were extremely helpful and friendly when I stopped by to rent the gear. They were patient and asked a handful of questions to make sure I was always comfortable with the fit and position of the boots and bindings. For $25, I was ready to go (and I rocked it!!).

    Wave Rave provides everything you need to ski, board, or whatever you're up for in Mammoth. Stop by the next time you are there.

  • Review from s r.

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    • 184 friends
    • 373 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    12/26/2007

    There is no denying, this shop has just about everything/anything you need for a day of riding on the mountain....and you will pay a price for this sort of convenience so close to the slopes.  

    Yes, one of the great things about Wave Rave is that it's right on Main street, on your way up to the Main Lodge or the Canyon Lodge loop.  Thus, if you have forgotten/lost something, you can stop here and pick it up.  If you really need it, you'll be glad Wave Rave is so close by.  

    At the end of the season, they do have some pretty good sales if you can get there before everything gets picked over.  Aside from that, the gear they have is pretty rad.  They seem to carry a lot of Burton, and I'm not a fan of the Burton buisness model, but that might appeal to you.

    I'll always stop in here and check out their stuff a few times each season.  They are open late, too.

  • Review from shopaholic v.

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    • 56 friends
    • 196 reviews

    Irvine, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/5/2009

    So you wanna be a bad-ass snowboarder, or at least look like you're one?  Stop in at Wave Rave and they'll set you up to be the fliest snowbunny or shredder on the slopes!

    The ULTIMATE snowboarder's shop - you'll be hard-pressed to find a better selection of gear anywhere (at least in this town)!  They carry a wide range of brands that truly focus on preformance and technical features.  Though the prices are quite steep... no one said snowboarding was for the poor ... if you can make it to the annual Memorial Day sidewalk sales you can find some incredible deals!  Burton, 686, Holden, and Roxy (some of my fave girlier brands) are all well-represented.  Can't help with the dudes since my DH is a ski-bum.

    As for boards and boots, they have really knowledgeable staff.  Jess helped me try on about 7 pairs of boots before I chose one pair, AND I decided to Demo them first. $20/day to demo and I could use that credit towards the purchase if I decided to get them.  Unfortunately, the boots still were not a good fit, but I had 4 more staff members helped with advice on finding boots that fit.  Board selection is seriously the best - but also pricey in season.

    Rentals - waaay cheaper than at Main Lodge (Mammoth Resort).  $20 for boots, $40/board, bindings, boots.  

    Staff - Like I said before, couldn't find a group of nicer, more knowledgeable snowboarding staff in town. Love 'em.

  • Review from S. B.

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    • 0 friends
    • 58 reviews

    Surprise, AZ

    5.0 star rating
    5/19/2011

    Great shop, better stocked than any I have very seen.
    I bought my first snowboard there in 1989? I can't remember for sure.
    Every year the store is more packed.

  • Review from Mike N.

    Irvine, CA

    4.0 star rating
    6/30/2008

    Very great knowledgeable staff, they were friendly and very helpful to the beginners, I hardly ever see such patient staffs.

    They were nice enough to let us get an extra day on the rental for free because the lifts were shut down due to snow storms!

  • Review from Elyse K.

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    • 158 friends
    • 263 reviews

    CA

    4.0 star rating
    1/18/2008

    For the first 3 years of our Mammoth trips, Tobin would have to rent boards and always chose Wave Rave.  They are knowledgeable and cool without any attitude.  They open nice and early, so you can still stop in on your way to the mountain and make it on the lift for the first run.

    They carry a good selection of rentals and demos as well as almost everything you could want for purchase from boards to jackets, gloves to goggles.  They even have an apparel section complete with snow-bunny gear from Volcom, Paul Frank, Obey, etc.  Select from a million beanies to complete your mountain-mama look.  They also carry a great selection of Nixon watches.  

    Prices are standard and check out is easy.

  • Review from Chip A.

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    • 4 friends
    • 15 reviews

    Long Beach, CA

    5.0 star rating
    4/17/2008

    Growing up in Mammoth I was always spoiled with this shop 2 min from my house. Back in the day we had this and Storm Riders to choose from, I liked them equally....Storm Riders is long gone and Wave Rave is going strong!  These days Mammoth has defintly changed, not all for the better....but I do look foward to getting up there to dial in my gear for the season...don't even waste your time or money at another shop..this is the one.

    I miss the summertime death tranny ramps in the back.
    R.I.P. JLA!

  • Review from Kevin D.

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    • 6 friends
    • 95 reviews

    Felton, CA

    5.0 star rating
    9/7/2010

    This place has a great vibe, I was drawn to it while driving down the street. Bought some Eco-friendly lip balm and a souvenir magnet. The staff was awesome, and helped me find what I needed. They cares about the environment, so you should support the store when in Mammoth.

    P.S. Gas in Mammoth Lakes is $4.00 a gallon, so fill up on the way to town.

  • Review from Robert H.

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    • 41 friends
    • 28 reviews

    Glendora, CA

    5.0 star rating
    6/30/2010

    Wave Rave always gets 5 stars in my book.  The staff is always awesome and up to date on the latest.  They have a huge selection of everything and carry anything you might need or want.  Their service and repair shop is quick and affordable.  Their prices are average and their sales are UNBELIEVABLE!   rock on guys.  Keep it up!

  • Review from Sara F.

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    • 29 friends
    • 61 reviews

    Breckenridge, CO

    4.0 star rating
    12/10/2010

    This place has a larger selection of both hard and soft goods than most towns in Colorado! If there is a particular jacket, glove, sock or brand of wax you are seeking, this shop probably has it.  Staff is very friendly and helpful too, beware of prices that are rather high, which is to be expected for any shop in the village of an exclusive ski town.  Still, if you are in a bind and need to get a wax or some new gear, this is the place to go.

  • Review from Jim D.

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    • 0 friends
    • 5 reviews

    Redondo Beach, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/2/2010

    Great shop where the employees are helpful and know their products very well.  The selection of gear is better than any other snowboard shop... anywhere!
    I went in to replace my old (but awesome) Burton gloves.  I looked everywhere in L.A. but could not find new gloves like my old ones.  No employee at the stores in L.A. knew the products or seemed to want to help me look for something similar.
    From the second I walked into Wave Rave a staff member was helping me out, and dug through tons of gloves to find exactly what I wanted.  I wore my new gloves today and I am stoked.  Thanks Wave Rave for having what I needed, and helping me find it.

  • Review from Jen G.

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    • 76 friends
    • 275 reviews

    New York, NY

    5.0 star rating
    2/10/2010

    Best......board........shop........on........EARTH . The end.

  • Review from andrew m.

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    • 47 friends
    • 430 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 11/30/2009 13 Check-ins Here

    rivals us outdoor in pdx as my favorite snowboard shop in the galaxy

    p.s. check out the new limited edition wave rave signature new era's!

    Was this review …?

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 5.0 star rating
      3/25/2007 First to Review

      wave rave got just about everything you need to shred the mountain. or at least look like you know… Read more »

  • Review from James P.

    Thousand Oaks, CA

    5.0 star rating
    4/13/2008

    Wave Rave is hands down the best all around snowboard shop in California.  Very knowledgeable staff, great products, and sometimes at the end of the year, some great deals.  I have spent hours trying on boots here, and the staff has always been accommodating.  Go in May and they usually have some great stuff at about 50% off retail.  The deals are better when they have a crappy snowfall year like 06/07.

  • Review from Geoff C.

    Santa Monica, CA

    5.0 star rating
    2/9/2009

    These guys repaired my bindings for free with a smile.  Great vibe and knowledgeable staff.  Big props to Wave Rave.

  • Review from kris k.

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    • 35 friends
    • 36 reviews

    Santa Monica, CA

    5.0 star rating
    4/30/2010

    This is the greatest snowboard shop in the world. Be warned though, walking in there is kind of like what I imagine being a crack head walking into Tony Montana's house would be like. Impossible not to buy something. If you walk out with only one thing, good for you you have better willpower then I do.

  • Review from sharon f.

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    • 45 friends
    • 78 reviews

    Valencia, CA

    5.0 star rating
    1/27/2009

    If you're a boarder this is a definite stop when you're in town.  They always have the latest gear (2 stories worth of stuff) and knowledgeable dude-bro staff to help you spend your cash. Every time I'm in town they always manage to separate me from a few bucks...

  • Review from Jon B.

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    • 9 friends
    • 49 reviews

    La Puente, CA

    5.0 star rating
    3/16/2009

    I am gonna keep this short. If you're in Mammoth and you ride then dont take your gear anywhere else. If you need something they have it. And if they dont you probably should upgrade your gear. Go in and try to fond something fred cannot fix on your snowboard.

  • Review from Darren S.

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    • 2 friends
    • 65 reviews

    Cerritos, CA

    5.0 star rating
    7/21/2008

    This is absolutely my favorite store in the world.  I love going there every time we're in Mammoth; we'll even hit it up two or three times on a weekend.  The staff is great.  They are friendly, helpful and super knowledgeable.  If  you're in Mammoth, even in the summer, you gotta stop by and check it out!

  • Review from Tom M.

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    • 0 friends
    • 7 reviews

    Colorado Springs, CO

    5.0 star rating
    3/19/2010

    Short and simple - this place rocks.  These guys know snowboards  and have great customer service.  Not the cheapest, but the best!

  • Review from Leina'ala K.

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    • 1 friend
    • 7 reviews

    Mammoth Lakes, CA

    5.0 star rating
    1/31/2010

    They're awesome!

  • Review from nicol m.

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    • 21 friends
    • 33 reviews

    Irvine, CA

    4.0 star rating
    4/6/2009

    fabulous shop!  knowledgable staff and super-nice to boot!  we wondered in here late needing some gloves and our friends ended up making several purchases.  they had no problems staying open a little late for us, and we never felt rushed.  loads of choices, so it's worth waiting until you get to mammoth to purchase some great gear at reasonable prices.

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