Spent some of the best years of my life there…can anyone say for sure if the shop still exists, or Rod still around?
The shop is closed
Another one of those blast from the past! For a few years I lived in a house that was close to the old Auga Shop on 101. I could see the shop from my front door on Vulcan Ave.
I was told that Rod closed the shop and retired to someplace in Mexico.
This does bring back some good memories of Leucadia/Encinitas. Rod closed the shop and moved North, sure where he is now. I stay in close contact with G.H. who laminated all Rod’s boards when he was doing it all on site, behind the shop on Hwy 101. If you PM me I’ll put you in touch with Gary who is still nearby and said he’ll help you with the board.
Tom S.
HEY Tom,
Thank you,
I sent a PM.
I really love the shape of this Agua board a bought. Anyone know what type of foam Rod used ? I have a 7" 1995 ‘o2 drop’ that i need to repair a bit but i am not sure what type of foam.
Rod lives out on the East Cape of Baja. In front of a fun, quality surf break.
Does not get much better than that!
I was so bummed when Rod closed up and moved to Mex. We went to high school together and over the years, I’ve had many boards built by Rod and also watched him shape many boards just hanging out at the shop. I always knew I would love every board I got because Rod and I had similar surfing styles and were about the same size and I would just have him make me one of what he was riding at the time and it always seemed to work out. The board pictured here was one of the magic longboards he made for me back in about 88 or 89 judging from my daughters age at the time. Yep, Rod worked long and hard to earn his retirement in Mexico, and I couldn’t be happier for him, and for the record, his last name is spelled Sorensen.
When I was a kid, My mom would take me to his old surfshop on the 101. Years later after I got my first job at Brewer in Oceanside, I went to Rods and showed him my shapes. He was so encuraging and gave me tons of tips. I later went to work for him laminating, finning and doing some airbrush work for him. I got to work along side of Rocky, Steve Struthers, Geoff Prindle, and Bryan Friedricks. Rod was one of the most versitile shapers I have ever met. Taught me some really useful tips. And gave me some of his personall templates which I still use today! Hands down the coolest guy I have worked for. Enjoy Mex. Rod, Barry
Tom I would like to set the record right , im sure you mean well with your prase of GH , but the facts are Gary has not laminated for me sice about 1980 we have had several great laminaters in the years , Barry snyder Jeff prindal of prindal cat fame ,steve williams it goes on and on we have contued to build boards on site since 1975 , but since 2000 i retired and clased the shop , Rod Agua
R.O.S. where are you these days ? From watching you shape boards for me and from hanging out watching you shape, I caught the bug and started making my own. I still rely on the memories of your shaping methods and my boards are starting to come out decent. I just want to thank you being my inspiration to shape…Kyle Stuart
Hi Rod, I hope all is well and wonderful in your life. You most likely won’t remember me but you may remember my brother Steve. We lived in Encintas/Leucadia in the late 70’s and you were a good friend to Steve. We’ve talked of you many times over the years and Steve has tried to find you. He is doing great! We’ll be in Encinitas early September 2013. Sure would LOVE to surprise him with a message from you.
If you have an interest in reconnecting with him, please reply to this. ~ Linda Matossian