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Funky Beach Surf & Vape in Myrtle Beach: Boardwalk Shopping for Swimwear and More

What Funky Beach Surf & Vape Sells and Where to Find It

Funky Beach Surf & Vape is a retail shop on the Myrtle Beach boardwalk that carries swimwear, surf gear, and vaping products under one roof. The store sits in the heart of the tourist district, making it a convenient stop if you're already walking the oceanfront or staying nearby. You'll find it among the cluster of shops and restaurants that line the boardwalk between 14th and 15th Avenue North.

The shop stocks a mix of inventory aimed at both casual beachgoers and people with specific interests in surfing culture. Swimwear ranges from standard beach trunks and one-pieces to board shorts and rashguards designed for water sports. Beyond swimwear, the store carries surfboards, wetsuits, and other equipment for people planning to get in the water. The vaping section occupies shelf space alongside the beach merchandise, reflecting the dual-purpose nature of the business.

Hours and exact product availability can shift seasonally, especially during peak summer tourism and slower winter months. If you're planning a specific purchase—particularly something less common like a particular board size or specialty wetsuit—calling ahead makes sense before making the trip.

Key Takeaways

  • Funky Beach Surf & Vape sits on the Myrtle Beach boardwalk near 14th–15th Avenue North, within walking distance of hotels and restaurants.
  • The store carries swimwear, surfboards, wetsuits, and other beach and water sports gear alongside vaping products.
  • Inventory includes both casual beach wear and equipment for people who plan to surf or spend extended time in the water.
  • Seasonal hours and product availability vary, so contacting the shop ahead of time helps if you're looking for something specific.

Swimwear Selection and Fit

The swimwear section includes standard vacation options—basic trunks, solid-color one-pieces, and patterned swim shorts—as well as performance-oriented pieces. Board shorts designed for surfing tend to have reinforced seams, secure waistbands, and cuts that won't shift during paddling or wave riding. Rashguards, which are fitted shirts worn in the water, come in short-sleeve and long-sleeve versions and protect skin from sun and friction.

Sizing runs the typical retail spectrum, though specialty items like extended sizes or hard-to-find cuts may not always be in stock. The boardwalk location means the shop caters to walk-in traffic, so inventory reflects what tourists and locals commonly buy rather than a deep selection of niche items. If you wear an unusual size or have specific preferences—compression fits, particular color schemes, or brands you prefer—you may need to check availability before visiting.

Surfboards and Water Sports Gear

Beyond swimwear, Funky Beach carries surfboards in various sizes and styles, from beginner-friendly soft-top boards to more advanced fiberglass designs. Wetsuits range from spring suits (thin, short-sleeved) to full suits for cooler water conditions. The shop also stocks smaller items like board wax, fins, leashes, and repair kits that surfers and bodyboarders use regularly.

Myrtle Beach's Atlantic waters are warmest in summer and coolest in winter, so wetsuit thickness matters depending on when you visit. Staff can point you toward appropriate gear for the season, though serious surfers often have preferences based on experience. If you're renting a board elsewhere or already own equipment, you can still stop in for consumables like wax or a replacement leash.

Boardwalk Location and Nearby Attractions

The boardwalk itself is Myrtle Beach's primary pedestrian spine, stretching for miles along the oceanfront. Funky Beach Surf & Vape sits in the central section where foot traffic is heaviest, near hotels, restaurants, and other retail shops. This location makes it easy to combine a shopping trip with a walk, a meal, or time on the beach itself.

The area around 14th–15th Avenue North includes the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade, which features public beach access, a playground, and regular events during summer months. If you're staying in a nearby hotel or visiting the boardwalk for entertainment, stopping in to browse or pick up gear takes minimal extra time. Parking is available in nearby lots and garages, though boardwalk parking fills quickly during peak season.

Shopping During Peak and Off-Season

Summer (June through August) brings the heaviest tourist traffic to Myrtle Beach, which means the boardwalk shops are busiest and inventory is typically well-stocked. Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded than weekends and evenings. If you prefer a quieter shopping experience, visiting early in the day or during shoulder seasons (April–May or September–October) reduces wait times.

Winter months see fewer tourists, which can mean reduced hours or limited inventory at some boardwalk shops. If you're visiting between November and March, confirming the shop's hours ahead of time prevents a wasted trip. The trade-off is that you'll have more space to browse and may get more attention from staff if you have questions about gear or fit.

What to Bring and How to Plan Your Visit

If you're buying swimwear, knowing your size in advance saves time. Bring a measuring tape or check your usual size at home before you shop. For wetsuits, water temperature and your tolerance for cold matter more than anything else—staff can advise based on the current season and conditions.

If you're planning to surf or spend significant time in the water, visiting the shop before heading to the beach lets you pick up any missing gear or last-minute items. Many people grab a new board wax, check their leash, or swap out a worn rashguard before a session. Having cash or a card ready speeds checkout, especially during busy periods when lines can form.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return or exchange swimwear if it doesn't fit?

Return and exchange policies vary by retailer and item type. Contact Funky Beach Surf & Vape directly to ask about their specific policy on swimwear returns, whether items must have tags attached, and what timeframe applies. Most boardwalk shops have stricter policies than mall retailers due to the high volume of tourist traffic.

Do they rent surfboards or wetsuits?

Funky Beach Surf & Vape is primarily a retail shop, not a rental operation. If you need to rent equipment, other businesses along the boardwalk and in the surrounding area offer board and wetsuit rentals by the day or hour. Staff at the shop can point you toward rental options if you ask.

What's the best time to visit if I want to avoid crowds?

Weekday mornings, especially before 10 a.m., are typically quieter than evenings and weekends. Off-season months (November through March) see fewer tourists overall, though some shops reduce hours during winter. Calling ahead to confirm hours is a good idea if you're visiting during slower months.

Do they carry brands I can order online elsewhere?

The shop stocks a mix of brands common in surf and beach retail, though selection is limited compared to larger online retailers. If you're looking for a specific brand or hard-to-find item, you may have better luck ordering online. The advantage of visiting in person is trying on fit and getting immediate advice from staff.

Is there parking near the shop?

Parking is available in nearby lots and garages throughout the central boardwalk area. During peak summer season, parking fills quickly and may require circling or using a paid garage. Arriving early in the day or during off-peak times makes finding a spot easier.