Spotlight - Inside Grandview Surf Shop with Josh // Leucadia

May 8, 2025

grandview surf shop, leucadia, josh, encinitas, 101

Just steps from the lineup at Grandview Beach, you’ll find Grandview Surf Shop, one of the newest surf shops in Leucadia and the brainchild of Josh Arias.

Josh is a lifelong surfer whose passion for the ocean started during his childhood in Hong Kong and deepened when his family moved to San Diego. After undergoing a double hip replacement in 2023, Josh used his recovery to bring a long-time dream to life, opening Grandview Surf Shop. Rooted in community, creativity, and a love for the water, the shop has quickly become a neighborhood staple.

We’re especially stoked to share that Grandview is First Light Surf Club’s very first retail partner, and we’re proud to work with Josh as he continues building something authentic in the heart of Leucadia.

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Q. Can you start by telling us a bit about yourself and how you got into surfing?

Josh - Sure! My name is Josh & I am 31. I have been married to my wife for 3 years and together we have a dog. When I was 12 years old, my family moved to Hong Kong and there that I bought and jumped on my first surfboard. A few years later, we moved to San Diego, which really ignited my excitement for the sport and the second-nature need for being near the ocean and in the water.

Q. What inspired you to open Grandview Surf Shop, and how did the idea come to life?

Josh - In 2023, after seeking care for what I assumed was a muscle strain while on a surf trip in Mexico, I was unfortunately diagnosed with a condition that required I get both of my hips replaced fairly quickly. This kept me out of the water for about a year as I healed from back to back surgeries & it was during the later part of my recovery that I started toying around with the idea of opening a shop & photo studio. Honestly, it was during this recovery in my life that I recognized how much surfing (as often as possible) was directly correlated with my mental health. So I jumped on the opportunity when the perfect space became available in our neighborhood. From there, things began to unfold pretty organically. Whether it was working with Tim (Blackbird Surfboards), Willie (Chemistry Surfboards) or Austin (Manera), the space began to take shape with intentional partnerships with brands that I know and trust. I hope that authenticity is felt by customers who visit the shop.

Q. When life gets hectic, how does surfing and being in the ocean influence your mood and mindset?

Josh - Being in the ocean is the greatest stress reliever and frankly, I appreciate the privilege of just getting in the water and standing on a board.

Q. Your shop is located right on the 101, just steps away from Grandview Beach. What do you love most about the location and the community of Leucadia?

Josh - Grandview, specifically, has long been a favorite spot of mine and Leucadia offers the best of both worlds, it has its proximity to Encinitas proper, while being just a bit more quiet and laid back.

Q. Grandview Surf Shop has a focused product selection, including brands like Chemistry Surfboards, Blackbird Surfboards, Manera Wetsuits, and First Light Surf Club Apparel (in addition to your shop-branded apparel). How did you decide on the brands you carry?

Josh - First and foremost, they have to be brands I believe in and can stand behind! I don't want to carry things just for the sake of covering more floor space or selling more products. I thoroughly enjoy working with and stand behind every brand I carry and will continue to operate as such. By leading with this intention, I hope to curate the experience to each individual that walks through the doors, no matter where someone is with their surfing journey.

Q. When you’re not working or at the shop, what does your perfect day in Leucadia look like?

Josh - Well those off days are fewer and far between these days, but when I do get them you will probably find me starting the day with a walk to Bump or Coffee Coffee with my wife and pup. My wife and I will then try to hit the beach to spend the day surfing & reading. We’ll usually end the day with Fish 101 (which I admittedly frequent far too many times) or splitting a pizza at Corner Pizza. And of course, we always end the day with watching the sunset at from anywhere we can.

Q. For those discovering Grandview Surf Shop for the first time, is there anything else you’d like them to know?

Josh - Just cruise in! Regardless of someone's level of surfing, I love talking to people and helping them get set up for success in the water. Even non-surfers can find something that will catch their eye, from our own brand's apparel or one of the brands we carry, there is something for everyone! Additionally, our studio space is picking up traction - whether you're starting your own brand and need product photography, fresh headshots or a space to record a podcast, our space can easily flex to your needs. And as we move into Spring/Summer, we are most looking forward to hosting some community events through demo days, pop-up’s, movie premiers, and more.