Last-minute surf hoodies at gate 37 in T2 West
Inside Terminal 2 West by gate 37, Rip Curl runs like a mini mall surf shop dropped into the concourse. It’s post-security, so you only see it after clearing TSA in T2. Think mostly apparel and accessories under the Rip Curl label, not shot glasses and fridge magnets.
Prices sit in the $$ airport range, noticeably higher than off-airport surf stores on Sports Arena Boulevard or in Mission Valley. Reviewers call out paying a few extra dollars on hoodies and hats compared with regular mall locations. Treat it as a convenience stop, not a bargain hunt.
The racks lean heavy on hoodies, t‑shirts, flip‑flops, and hats, with San Diego and surf branding front and center. One Google review mentions grabbing a Rip Curl hoodie here after forgetting a jacket, saying the selection was “decent” for an airport shop. Sizes for the most common pieces (M/L tops, popular hat styles) can thin out on busy summer weekends.
A Yelp review sums it up as “basically a mini surf shop inside the terminal, more clothing than souvenirs,” which fits what you see near gate 37. If you want standard SAN souvenirs, you’re better off at the neighboring newsstands; if you want beachwear with an actual surf label, this is the stronger bet in Terminal 2.
Regulars flying from San Diego to colder cities use Rip Curl as an emergency sweatshirt or beanie stop before boarding. It’s also handy if your flip‑flops blew out in Ocean Beach and you didn’t replace them before heading to the airport. Expect airport markups and plan around that.
Tip: If you care about size and color options, walk past before your meal near gate 37 and buy early; by evening departures, the most common sizes often disappear.