Best Outdoor Gear Stores In Baltimore

Now that one of the coldest winters has passed, it's time to fight cabin fever by getting outside. What better way to have fun than skating, surfing, biking or fishing? These local shops will supply you with everything you need for your favorite outdoor sport. There are even ski shops for those who prefer a snowy climate.

Fells Point Surf Co.
1631 Thames St.
Baltimore, Md. 21231
(410) 276-7873
www.fpsurfco.com

The beach culture was brought further inland with the opening of Fells Point Surf Co. in 2003. This rad store specializes in an array of surfboards including familiar brands like Billabong and The North Face, as well as top brands Rusty, O'Neill and more. It also provides wax and combs to maintain your board. Make your trip to the shore complete with beach apparel, from board shorts and hoodies for guys to sundresses and flip flops for girls. Stock up on shades, jewelry, bags, hats, footwear and, of course, sunscreen to protect the skin. The location at the Shops at Kenilworth in Towson offers plenty of options for children and infant clothing. Whether you are familiar with the waves or are a new surfer, Fells Point Surf Co. is the place to visit, with friendly staff on hand to help.

Twenty 20 Cycling Co.
725 W. 36th St.
Baltimore, Md. 21211
(443) 759-5620
www.twenty20cycling.com

Have you been looking for a way to maintain that New Year's resolution to stay fit? Or would you like to spend more time with the family outdoors? The welcoming staff at Twenty 20 Cycling, founded in 2010, will help you find the perfect bike for your needs, whether for the road, mountain cycling, triathlons and more. New bikes come with a two-year warranty plan, and you can rent a bike too. Experienced mechanics are on site to perform quality repairs and keep your bike running as good as new. Helmets are for sale, of course, but you may also purchase sunglasses, safety reflective lights, tools and energy-boosting drinks, in addition to cycling clothing by brands like American Apparel, Osprey and Swiftwick. Best of all, the shop hosts weekly rides for cyclists of all levels, as well as casual rides around the community.

Tochterman's Fishing Tackle and Fly Shop
1925 Eastern Ave.
Baltimore, Md. 21224
(410) 327-6942
www.tochtermansfishingtackle.net

Not all outdoor sports require that you work up a sweat. Sometimes it's nice to just lie back and go fishing. Tochterman's has been a family owned and operated business for almost 100 years, spanning three generations. It prides itself on customer service and competitive pricing at a convenient location. Here, you'll find a wide assortment of quality fishing equipment including rods, reels, lines, tackle, fly boxes, bait and more. The knowledgeable staff will always point you in the right direction, helping to put together an inexpensive, basic kit for beginners. Sign up for the upcoming Striper Trolling classes March 29 and April 12, and learn about local tournaments though the oldest family-run tackle store in the country.

A Way of Life - AWOL
5310 East Drive
Arbutus, Md. 21227
(410) 788-2965
www.marylandskateboarding.com

You may have heard of AWOL since it is a top partner of Skatepark of Baltimore, located at Roosevelt Park. Rider owned and operated since 2007, the skate shop recently moved from Catonsville to Arbutus. There are always plenty of sales as the shop deals directly with distributors like Spitfire, Flip, Kryptonics, Creature and more. AWOL supplies you with completed boards, as well as customizable decks, trucks and wheels. Check out popular apparel and accessories, in addition to surfboards, skiing and snowboarding equipment.

Baltimore Ski Warehouse
7038 Aviation Blvd.
Glen Burnie, Md. 21061
(410) 590-4604
www.baltimoreski.com

Though many welcome the warmer weather, it's never too early for snow enthusiasts to get a head start on purchasing gear for next year. The Baltimore Ski Warehouse holds a large inventory all year long of both new and gently used boots, boards, ski poles, helmets, goggles, pants, hats and gloves for prices you can't beat. You can literally own a setup for less than the cost of a ski lease, or bring your own equipment for mounting, binding, waxing, sharpening and repair. The staff can provide valuable information on local mountains and ski clubs, as well as those within neighboring states.

Pam Smith graduated from Penn State with a B.A. in English and a passion for writing. Her adaptive nature led her to work in the scientific, energy supply, and business industries while writing on a multitude of topics for various online media. Pam currently resides in Baltimore County. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.