Hey folks, OK the wife and I have planned a trip to San Diego in the last two weeks of August. I’d love to meet up with some fellow Swaylockians and maybe share some ideas on board design and perhaps a session or two, I’ll bring the beer. Can anyone let me know the best place to pick up Clark blanks would be? Shipping to Canada is always so expensive and I thought I’d try to pick up some blanks on my way home. Hope to see some of you while I’m down.
As well if anyone knows of a spot I might be able to park the truck and camper for a night or two that would be most appreciated. It’s just a small import truck with camper on top and pretty self contained just don’t know where I can overnight park in the San Diego area.
Thanks and look forward to meeting some of you.
No problem, come on down. Maybe we’ll plan a shaping get-together while you’re here too. Surf tends to be small but fun in August. Clark blanks, try Mitch’s in La Jolla or Solana Beach.
Hey Hydroglyder,
I’ll take a stab at this, but I’m sure the SoCal guys will have more to say.
Blanks: for Clark Foam, there’s Mitch’s in La Jolla and Solana Beach. A bit further north, Basham’s in San Clemente has a good, and possibly cheaper, selection. You might want to think about pre-ordering the blanks so they’re waiting for you when you get there.
You can also get Walker blanks at Windansea in Mission Beach. Their number is 858 488-9374.
There are some nice campsites in North County, but summer can be tough for reservations. San Elijo campground (Cardiff-By-The-Sea) puts you in a prime location for waves (1 minute walk from your site), including Cardiff Reef, Pipes, Swamis…etc. They have a lottery system if they’re booked, so ask them about it of they tell you they’re full.
Further north, San-O has a mammoth campground with plenty of dirt, but there’s a mellower spot just up the road called San Mateo that’s quieter and has actual trees.
You can book dates on all these campgrounds at reserveamerica.com.
Have a great trip–you might even be able to whip out the boardshorts!
Thanks guys, I’ll look into the loto thing at the campground as they do seem to be pretty booked up already. Keith I’d love to get a shaping session in that would be great. Canada is a little backwoods as far as shaping goes so all I have for resources is this forum. I’d love to see an experienced shaper at work and exchange some ideas. Maybe even learn to use a planer; I’ve been doing everything by hand so far. I know the waves will be a little small; we were down in September last year briefly. We still had some great sessions and I loved shedding the 5mils of wet suit. I spent all day in the water in just board shorts and loved it. To be completely honest I like small waves people tend to have more fun when they’re not jockeying to prove themselves. I can’t wait to get back down there.