Wave Rave Opens a New Location in Los Angeles

Words and Photos: Todd Robertson / @rndmmedia

On Friday November 5, 2021, Wave Rave Los Angeles opened its doors and transformed the South Bay into the newest snowboard retail hub for customers seeking out the industry’s best gear. Wave Rave LA is the third snowboard shop owned and operated by Steve Klassen who founded Wave Rave Mammoth in 1989 and the Bishop Wave Rave Outlet in 2013. The LA store, located between Torrance and Carson, is a collaborative deal between Klassen and Jon Hirshberg, owner of JR286 and Dakine operating partner. Wave Rave LA will be the first retail location in the new JR286 complex (also home to Dakine’s new headquarters) in exchange for relaunching the waverave.com online business, slated for 2022-23. The majority of brands carried in the Mammoth location, including Volcom, Dakine, Electric, ThirtyTwo, 686, Vans, Dragon, Burton, and more were readily available at the LA launch.

First board sale to Ben Brooks (center) with WRLA GM Alex Carlson and Steve Klassen — The first board sale was to Ben Brooks (center) with WRLA GM Alex Carlson and Steve Klassen.

The store is staffed by several Mammoth store alumni, including Wave Rave LA general manager Alex Carlson, who all bring formidable retail experience and a deep passion for snowboarding and skateboarding with them. The small crew miraculously pulled off the build-out of the new location in just a month’s time following a year of planning, design work, and construction delays. Several additional Mammoth staff came down to help accomplish this feat, including Wave Rave veteran John Scobie, who constructed the store’s impressive 24-foot exterior marquee from recycled snowboards that wowed guests as they arrived. Inside, several brands have built out their own sections, creating a unique and more tailored shopping experience. Volcom seized this opportunity by hiring snowboarding legend Jamie Lynn to paint a stunning centerpiece mural that quickly became a must-take photo for visitors.

The grand opening party was well attended with a number of brands creating a welcoming atmosphere in the front parking lot with games, prizes, food, and more. The evening was capped off by local bands Spliff Riff, The Alive, and Seacliff adding heavy-rock sound that kept the energy high. If you’re in the South Bay, drop by Wave Rave Los Angeles to check out an incredible selection of gear and to experience Wave Rave in a new but familiar way and follow @wave_rave_la on Instagram for more.

19400 Harborgate Way
Los Angeles CA 90501
(424)291-9506