The Mini Simmons is quickly becoming one of the most exciting and looked at surfboards in the industry right now. Ray Lucke of Backnine Surfboards out of Camarillo, California shaped us a Mini Simmons to test and document. More information will be posted soon!
Shawn Tracht nose riding a 5’3 Mini Simmons Photo: Brent Lieberman
What It Means to be a Surfwanderer
Ryan Lovelace with the Rabbits Foot finless surfboard Photo: Tracht
By Shawn Tracht
What does it mean to me to be a Surfwanderer? Well considering at this exact point in my life, as a surfer, I have two small kids and a full time job teaching, Surfwanderering for me is much different than my friend here, Ryan Lovelace. Where Ryan is traveling the world, surfing and shaping interesting surf crafts, like this finless Rabbits foot here, my family life has me surfwanderering a different way.
Like many of you, just trying to fit in a surf session everyday is not easy. So varying our surf spots becomes even tougher as our time does not lend all day beach days anymore. For me, to be a Surfwanderer is about the metaphysical journey as much as the corporeal one. By challenging myself with board design, I continue to stay highly motivated to surf the same ‘ole spots everyday…and I love it. See figuring out how to ride different surf crafts is the challenge that keeps my smile pure and grom-like. I would love to follow the surf around the world, never having to surf a shitty blown out day again. However, being a good father to my kids is ten times better than following the surf, so in that, staying home is just fine.
Being a Surfwanderer to me is having perspective of your whole life. Even though this time of my life maybe that of a one wave guy with a ten surfboard quiver, I know that as my son and daughter grow up and become surfers, which they must, my quick assault surf missions to the same beach everyday with a variety of surfboards to choose from, will become full day and full summer long (remember I’m a teacher) surf trips with a crazy quiver that I know how to use.
Lovelace hands Tracht is new Surfwanderering Vehicle
Many of you are probably more in this predicament, the job guy and girl, than the magazine dream, being a daily world traveler for waves. So to answer the question why I ride so many weird surfboards all the time, well, it’s for the ability to surf wander while staying at home.
In that, happy Surf wandering. If work is king, and you need some new surf stoke, go get funking with your next board, and continue Surfwanderering right at home!
Good Waves in Malibu: Malibu Point, Zuma Beach (the hotel sits 150 yards off Zuma Beach), Leo Carrillo, Big Dume (right up the hill), County Line
Attractions near by: Los Angeles, Santa Monica Ferris Wheel, Venice Beach, Hollywood, Dogdgers Baseball, Lakers Basketball, Getty Museum
Price: $130-340 night depending the room
Service/staff: Ivy is the main manager. She is super friendly and stoked on life. It makes checking in and being on the grounds a great atmosphere.
Airport/s Nearby: LAX is 36 miles from Malibu
About the Hotel:
The Malibu Country is a perfect vacation spot for a family, a couple, or a couple friends looking for a centralized location in Malibu. The grounds of the hotel are filled with flowers and trees that represent vacation and the good life. From many rooms, you can look down on Zuma Beach from your little deck and watch the sunset.
Currently, many of the rooms are being renovated, which is nice. A little fire place and quaint colors adorn these rooms.
The staff is a major plus, as well as as parking. Considering it’s very hard to find parking, and free parking at that at Zuma Beach, you are just a stroll down the hill, about 150 yards from the California good life.
Photos: Brent Lieberman
To Purchase Photos or See More, Go to : Photos805.com
Please, if you know surfers in this gallery, add there names into the comments below so that they can more easily find their photos! ’Shaka’ Surfwanderer
Happy New Year to all from all the Surfwanderer staff and family.
Photo: Jeff Pfost
Shane Stoneman shapes surfboards on the Central Coast, way, way up in the hills overlooking the ocean. Photo: Tracht
The Rally Racer by Shane Stoneman
Just the other day, Surfwanderer had the chance to meet up with Central Coast shaper Shane Stoneman to have a new board, The Rally Racer, shaped for the staff. We decided on this shortboard model that is a hair shorter than your normal shortboard, yet adds a little width and volume to help catch waves from 2ft to 2ft over head. This board can also be ordered on the longer side, which helps it become your step-up model.
Notice also the rounded tail, which is pulled in from the forward outline of the surfboard. That pulled in, more narrow rounded tail is built for sticking to the wave face on very critical bowly sections. This is Shane’s main go to surfboard right now for a couple reasons: one, the width and thickness help the board catch a lot more waves, and two, the pulled in round tail helps the board hold its line on steep bottom turns in bowly and/or sizeable surf.
In final, if you like a surfboard that is more on the performance side, yet you can only afford one surfboard, then the Rally Racer by Stoneman maybe a really good choice for your next board. Stay tuned for pictures of the crew riding this board in the coming month or so once it’s glassed and bestowed upon us.
Shaka,
Surfwanderer
See more from Shane Stoneman on his website at shanestoneman.com
Somewhere in Cali…Dec. 23rd, 2012
Photos by: Brent Lieberman
photos805.com
Photos: Charles Huard
To purchase or view on an iPad or iPhone: Click Here
Want to be a great shaper? Then get all the right grits of sandpaper. 40 grit, 60 grit, 80 grit, 120 grit, 180 grit, 220 grit, and 320 grit for glassing the board with a nice gloss and polish.
See more at jvpsurfboards.com
See more at peathead.blogspot.com
Eight surfers in three scapes of sublime exotica.
To Purchase the video full length: Click Here
Photo: Brian Peters
A Classic Surfwanderer Spot
It was one of those stuck at work but all I can think about is surf days. Lucky for me a nice SW was entering the SLO County window and the tide was approaching an unintimidating 1.5 foot low. Grabbed the biggest fish I could find and headed towards the water. When I got there I must have watched it for 30 minutes… wondering if I was wrong about the swell. Then one wave, and another, and pretty soon I was jogging back to my car. Snagged a few fun ones then got out to shoot this picture.
Camera Gear:
Nikon D40x
Camera Lens:
AF-S 18-135mm
Camera Settings:
f-stop: f/22
Shutter Speed: 1/50 sec
ISO: 100
Use of this photo without the expressed written consent of the photographer is prohibited..
See Taylor’s new website at : http://taybronzeseal.surfing.fm
1. Explain your love of your sport so that someone who doesn’t surf/skate/snowboard can understand your connection/obsession to it:
My love for surfing started with just the love for being at the beach, in and around the water and sand at a young age. Realizing that you can do more than just play and/or body surf in the waves, I wanted to try surfing. Getting up on a board and surfing at about 4 years old was great. I was gliding over the water as the wave was taking me and my rad stinkbug stance to shore. I just loved the feeling and wanted more. As the years went on, being in the water hours at a time and wiping out numerous times I realized hey, waves do not hurt, this is fun, and the bigger the better. And then why not try new surf breaks, board types, and tricks. Observing these new things you learn a lot, what I have learned is that surfing is ageless and timeless. The longer you have been surfing the more grace and style you will have. 60 year olds are out there ripping on their logs with such finesse. By the way, how old is Kelly Slater? Ya, over 40 years old and a shredder. Surfing is truly a great sport.
2. What about Summer Recap makes you stoked to build you’re own online presence for others/sponsors to see?
Who doesn’t want cool surf stuff and a chance to showcase your love for your sport?! I love surfing and want to be a standout in the industry I love.
3. Give Us a Short Bio of Yourself:
If I have my wetsuite, a Proctor surfboard under my arm, and an ocean nearbye, I’m set. I’m a 15 year old sophomore in high school and stoked on life. There’s nothing better than the season of summer where you get to surf everyday for hours on end…wait I take that back. I surf year round, two numbers for you, 4:3. I live to give God the glory and find joy everyday that I paddle out. After all it is His playground we are playing on.
Photos: Jeff Pfost
Surfer: Shawn Tracht
It’s always worth the early morning rise and the crusty eyed sunrise walk down a jagged cliff during the Fall time in Central California. Here’s a view of the rewards we’re accustomed to.
Surf on,
Surfwanderer.com
Photos: Charles Huard
To purchase or view on an iPhone or iPod Click Here
Somewhere in Cali…Abalone Reef
Photos: Brent Lieberman
To purchase photos or view on an ipad or iPod: Click Here
Yesterday I just had that feeling in my bones, that there would be good waves somewhere. So I woke up at 4:30 in the morning and immediately put on my weather radio to hear the buoys, something that I have been doing every morning for over 40 years! That little Radio Shack forecaster has made it a little easier for me to decide whether to head North or South, or even to hop back under the covers for some more shut eye, and believe me that is very easy to do at 4:30 AM!
Listening to my radio, I decided to head out to Abalone Reef. Driving through the canyon that early you are almost guaranteed to see something. This morning, I counted 13 Doe’s 5 Buck’s one Bobcat and no other cars driving in either direction.
Getting down to the Point around 7:00 am I wasn’t let down. There were plenty of waves and some bomber sets around 6′-8′ foot or maybe a tad larger. This session features Steve Price, Jazmine Ment, Tyler Staalberg, Pete Berkey, Vaughn Montgomery, Tony Romosanta and a few others.
It was a really fun and satisfying session for me. I hope you enjoy these images, and don’t forget what I always say “Stay Stoked and Stay Forever Young…..Da Lieb”
Without hope, what else do we have? Photo: Tracht
Bob Voglin and his son are both very close friends of Surfwanderer. Bob is a cancer survivor who has now created Surfing for Hope to inspire others to keep believing and stay strong. Please read about the first event below, and go the Surfing for hope website as well: Surfingforhope.com Thanks, SW
Surfing for Hope will take place on November 9th and 10th, 2012, in Avila Beach and Pismo Beach, California. This event is designed to help inspire people challenged by cancer through the positive energy of surfing. Surfing is the ideal format to help people in this situation by showing how positive and healthful our sport is and it gives the surfing community the opportunity to give back to people in need by sharing what we love.
All proceeds from Surfing for Hope will benefit the Hearst Cancer Resource Center (HCRC) at French Hospital Medical Center in San Luis Obispo, California.
The event will begin on Friday, November 9th with a memorial paddle out at Avila Beach to honor friends and loved ones who have lost their battle with cancer. After the paddle out, Benefit Dinner featuring foods and wines of the Central Coast, an auction, and live music will take place at the breathtaking Avila Beach Golf Resort.
On Saturday, November 10th, a longboard Surf Contest and Health Fair will be held at the Pismo Beach pier. The contest will have an assortment of age groups as well as a heat for doctors and cancer survivors. The Health Fair will focus on business and groups which support, educate and help people who are going through the cancer experience. The Health Fair will be held on the pier and the contest will be on the south side of the pier.
Members of the local community, including myself, have come together to support the HCRC by creating the Surf for Hope event. I feel this is a great opportunity for both the surfing world and the medical world to join up to support people who are challenged with this disease. We are very excited about this event and hope you will join us!
Sincerely,
Bob Voglin
Surfing for Hope Committee Member
About the Hearst Cancer Resource Center
The Hearst Cancer Resource Center (HCRC) is a one-of-a-kind resource on the Central Coast for those living with cancer and their families, where all services are provided at no charge. The HCRC provides the supportive and educational services necessary for cancer patients to understand their disease, tolerate treatment, and maintain dignity and quality of life throughout all aspects of their cancer experience. Located at the award winning, not-for-profit French Hospital Medical Center in San Luis Obispo, this unique resource aims to bring a sense of peace, calm, strength and positive energy to all who visit.
The HCRC is staffed by oncology professionals and houses the latest information on cancer treatment options, nutrition and stress reduction. The center hosts everything from laughing classes, to nutrition lectures, to yoga, and support groups. Since opening its doors in 2008, HCRC has experienced more than 28,000 visits and contacts from cancer patients and family members, as well as many community organizations.
For more information visit the HCRC webpage or call 805-542-6234.
Somewhere in Cali: Dreamland
Photos: Brent Lieberman
To purchase photos, see more, or view with an iphone or iPod, Go to : Photos805.com
This morning all the indicators online were showing the beginning of a new NW Swell, so off early to check out the Ocean. After driving for a while, I anxiously arrived at Dreamland, and I couldnt believe my eyes, about 6′ sets or better, offshore wind blowing, beautiful sun, and….no one there! After watching for about a half hour, I decided to just shoot some empty line up shots, as i was getting ready, one Surfer and one Bodyboarder went out in two different peaks. They were having a hard time with the consistent swell and sneaker bomber sets. I did however catch them both on at least one wave! This is why this spot is know as Dreamland, because you never know if its real or not, sometimes I dont know if Im even awake! I often see these kind of waves in my dreams, and sometimes for real! So, you figure it out, are these real, or is it just Dreamland! Always remember what I say “Stay Stoked and Stay Forever Young….Da Lieb”
Incase you didn’t know, our Senior Writer/Photographer, Shawn Tracht, is also our web designer here at Surfwanderer.com. In fact, building websites is one of his specialties. Whether you’re in the surf industry, or any other business needing a website, our webmaster can build you the highest level product, and we want to support him.
Contact: Shawn Tracht at makaisurf@me.com for a quote
He will work with you to not only help build the site, but also use his skills as a seasoned writer and photographer for many magazines worldwide to bring your new or existing website the most professional feel.
Whether you own a business, you’re an artist, or you just need a place to display your hobby, Shawn will take care of you with the utmost professionalism, as he has for us.
Here’s some examples:
Surfwanderer.com // Built by Shawn Tracht
PJ Wahl’s New Website
John Perry’s New Website
Shawn’s personal portfolio website
Shawn has just begun our Travel site, it is in progress now.
Somewhere in Cali: Da Piz
Here’s a few good nugs from Liebs recently on the Central Coast.
Hard to believe it’s already been a week since the loss of a friend, a family man, and a Surfwanderer, Francisco “Franny” Solorio, Jr. The tragic event deeply affected those who were close to him and touched the lives of everyone, not just surfers, all over the world. I didn’t have the pleasure to meet Franny, but I know I’m not the only one finding it hard to look at the recent waves without thinking of him.
More Words & Photos from Liebs
Tragedies like this connect us. The loss of a fellow surfer forces us take a step back and re-evaluate what’s important, what we take for granted, and what we can do to, well, live better.
So I propose a toast… to Franny. Let this Fall & Winter be dedicated to him. From looking at his photos and hearing all the awesome things that people have to say about him, it seems that Franny would want nothing more than to see his friends score some waves. Surf knowing that he is looking down on us sending as many fresh lines in as we can handle.
And as we head on into this holiday season don’t forget to about those people that matter to you. Tell them they matter. Life is short and crazy and you really never know.
RIP Francisco. We’ll all catch one for you.
The family has set up a memorial fund to help cover final expenses and ensure his daughters future.
Donations are being accepted at the Rabobank located at 519 East Main Street in Santa Maria under the “Francisco Solorio Memorial Fund #9502-342252″.
A private celebration of life “paddle out” will be held at Jalama Beach on Sunday.
