Sidetracked

Call me weird, but some times I just like to look at surfboards.

That weird?

I’m the same way with drums and guitars. I’ll go into a store, and I’ll just . . . feel them.

So it must have been quite a sight to see the entire stock of Central Coast Surf Boards being moved from its old building to the new location on Marsh Street. (That’s a photo of some of the movers above.)

CCS has been around for a while. But like many independent stores, its vitality could be impacted by corporations offering the same products for less. For instance, Costco sells boards, which, some have pointed out, are made in China. 

One would assume Wal-Mart will be next.

Anyway, I wasn’t planning on whining about China, the economy or Wal-Mart. Besides, it’s not like I have enough money to buy a new surfboard right now.  That economic stimulus check that’s coming?

Bills.

When I think of bills, what I really want to think about is surfing. And since a lot of bills are due this week, here are my favorite surf spots in SLO County:

1.) A-Beach. Even on the most crowded days, you can usually find a stretch of beach here that’s less busy, proving that this ain’t Southern California. And, of course, there’s always great views of the Rock from here. Speaking of:

2.) The Rock. Remember that movie where the guys yells, “I love the smell of bird crap in the morning!”  Okay, so I just made that up. True, there are lots of birds here. And true, birds tend to smell. But sometimes the power plant makes the water freakishly warm, which — while freaky — is kind of nice in the summer.

3.) Shell Beach. When it gets too big or windy everywhere else, it’s nice to escape to calmer conditions here. I prefer the old guy vibe of Silver Shoals, which is more of a longboard spot. Check out the gentle peeler to the right here. That’s Silver Shoals for you.

4.) Pismo Pier. This site took a big hit when the city decided to put meters in the parking lot. But the locals know where to go to avoid them. Since this place is pretty touristy in the summer, I usually hang in Morro Bay. But Pismo pier, even if it doesn’t have the greatest surf, offers a great SoCal feel.

5.) Cayucos pier. There are quite a few old timers here who are really good, so there’s an interesting (and a little intimidating) vibe. And it’s seldom really good here. But when it is, the place is just classic. When it’s mellow, it’s a nice retreat. But it can also toss you around on bigger days.

Photos: Nick Lucero, Dave Middlecamp, Joe Johnston, Jayson Mellom

Posted on July 2nd, 2008 by Pat
Filed under: Surf stuff