Haut Surf & Sailboards

I am getting back into surfing after a few decades off and picked up a used Haut 8’0″ pumpkin seed shaped board (rounded nose and pintail) about 2 months ago off of Craigslist. I was extremely impressed with the build quality and rideability of this board, so much so that I decided to go check out the shop. The shop has a classic feeling to it, small but packed with nice boards and some accessories/​gear. While I was there, I could see Doug busily shaping a board in the back room — awesome! Long story short, I walked out with another used Haut surfboard (in excellent shape for a great price) as I re-​explore my options these many year later.

Who’s in the house? The Haut shop and SCBBG are in the house! The finest by far, GLASS SHOP and Store front IN THE WORLD!!! Or at least in the top TWO!
The Haut shop is the storefront and Santa Cruz Board Buliders chills in the back. This place is one of the last shops to build in the back and sell in the front. It’s a dying breed.
These guys can have tough guy attitudes but, they are all genuine hearts. Speaking of heart, every single board displayed in the Haut shop is of the finest quality, and has great character, shape and an exceptional glass job.
I wouldn’t go anywhere else. I am honored to have purchased my first board here.
The store front has modest inventory, it’s all about the boards.
Thanks guys!!! Haut shop is the best, and well you know the rest.

My first board (the one I learned how to surf on) was a Haut. I didn’t buy it from them, I bought it used, but loved it. I learned how to surf back in the middle 80’s and spent a lot of time at the shop. I’m looking forward to picking up surfing again someday, and will do so on a Haut.

Everyone is very friendly and helpful. They’re easy to talk to and really know their stuff.

Doug Haut is one of the best craftsman in the business. The shop is a must see spot if you like surfboards, history and the smell of boards being glassed in back. Shops like this are few and far between. Doug is a saint and like I said if you have ever wondered what an old school surfshop is or was like, then stop in and say hi to the boys.

Great ding repair. No BS. Fair prices and great work. And super nice staff. Oh, great 1 eyed cat.

Im giving Haut five stars because its been there almost my whole life, It opened in 1969 six years after I was born and the same year I began to surf. Doug Haut is a great shaper, though he never shaped a board for me, I did use to buy all my wood 1970s skateboards from him. The shop offers surfboards, and you will not find all the surf fluff that O’neill’s offers – sandals, clothes, etc… Haut is pretty much boards and wax they way surf shops use to be. Haut has began to have his board shaped by computers instead of by hand and he did lease out his shaping shop in back. Times change but on the surface Haut’s shop still looks the same. Enjoy it, support local business.

There is a magical smell in the air on the westside, of fiberglass melting your brain mixing with the cool ocean air. Delectable.
In Carmel, people wander from the downtown, admiring the art galleries. Santa Cruzians ought to do the same with our local shapers.
I’m not sure how to right a review of a shaper’s shop like this. Shaping is a wonderful junction of art and craftsmanship; and the boards here often demonstrate that at its apex. This is more like stepping into a gallery than stepping into conventional store, like O’Neils.
There is a nice mixture of different styles, of simple, functional boards and «show» boards who might never be ridden. Some used boards as well. If you’re shopping for something particular or special, this is well worth the time.
I’ve had a great time out in Santa Cruz going to different surf shops and shapers and admiring what they have; Haut always stands out, both for the pure legitimacy of the place, and the fantastic boards there.
There is a small selection of shirts, wetsuits, and other equipment there. I doubt many people buy something here without really knowing what they want, looking for the board that is just right, or to commission it.

This is the surf shop of local shaper Steve Haut. Small selection of wetsuits, shirts, fins, etc.
Small town customer service: * * * * *
Selection: * *