About Us

Ocean Pulse Surfboards was founded in 1989, after three years of “just for fun” backyard board-building met with unplanned success. The retail store in downtown Newport opened in April 1991, just as Newport Surf Designs closed its doors. Owners Tom McNamara and Greg Niles bring a combined 67 years of surfing experience to work each day. Their 20-year age difference provides a broad perspective on the industry, which is shown in the depth of products and services they offer to surfers, skaters and snowboarders.

The original Ocean Pulse surfboards are hand-made right here in Lincoln County by Tom, with seasonal help from his son, Tyler. Every style of board that has worked over the last 5 decades is available, from tiny fish to massive tankers and guns. This is old school, one at a time hand shaping, and it is still the only way to get a truly custom board. Recently, a line of imported, private-label, price-point surfboards was added to the store’s selection. The exciting new Carbon Fiber Epoxy hollow boards from Aviso mark the other end of the price scale. Other new surfboard brands at Ocean Pulse include epoxy models from Surftech and epoxy and polyester boards from Global Surf Industries. Al Merrick’s designs are now available under his Anacapa label, making the world’s most sought-after shapes available to customers at very competitive prices.

Skateboarding has always been a strong business in the Pacific Northwest, and Ocean Pulse has supported skating from day one. Some of the older crew will remember sessions on their double half-pipe at the old factory. Over one hundred decks are available, plus an impressive inventory of hardware and shoes. Only the highest quality equipment makes the cut at Ocean Pulse, where domestic, North American hardwood decks line the wall. Skaters from far and wide visit this area for the world-class parks in Lincoln County, and visiting Pros are a common sight.

It’s supposed to be fun, as they say. That’s how it started, and that remains the most valid reason for any of this. As the most complete Board Shop on the Central Oregon Coast, Ocean Pulse continues its long tradition of outstanding customer service. The owners and staff encourage all riders of any age or level of experience to check out their store and get acquainted.