I have to relocate for work from Florida to Sacramento! Someone level with me, how far to the nearest San Onofre type wave? I’m a 53 year old surfer/shaper so I don’t need Mavericks, just a good longboard wave. I also want to continue shaping ( can’t stop, really) part time, can anyone recommend a good glasser or glass shop that’s fairly close? What the hell am I getting myself into here!!! HELP I NEED INFO FROM KNOWLEDGEABLE SOURCES! And no smart ass remarks, please, I have kids to raise, etc. …I HAVE to do this for now … Thanks, B. Ciero
Sorry to hear about your move. I know the feeling, it sucks. But you at least have options. I know the SUP thing is like a cancer for some people but it can be a way to get out onto the water and get a work out. The boards can be a challenge to make, can be used in rivers and lakes, and kids are naturals. I would also bet that there is a growing market for SUPs in that area. You could find yourself a niche and not worry about clogging the lineup at the local surf spot.
I paddled with a local outrigger canoe club in Sacramento years ago on a local lake below some famous jail. I can’t remember the name of the place but it was pretty nice to get out on the water. Paddling a SUP would have been a great way to stay in tune for surfing.
Have you thought about wakesurfing behind a boat. i am in the Sacramento area and we go out year round. Not quite SanO but great fun none the less. Send me a PM if you would like more information.
2-3 hour drive down to the bay area/santa cruz, not too bad.
Start wakeboarding?
Thanks for all the replies, good news is, the wife may have a job in Santa Rosa. I do Heating & Air when I’m not shaping, so I can work anywhere. She’s a graphic designer so it’s a little tougher for her. But after I told her being so far inland isn’t going to work, she said “Funny you should say that, I just talked to someone about a job in Santa Rosa, and their’s always the Bay Area …” I almost did an Archie Bunker on her, but … I’m STOKED! Thanks again, guys - can’t wait to get out there, it’s been a BAD year here for surf shops AND board makers (and new home construction)… Happy New Year to all!
By the way, she does some kick butt logo work, if anyone’s interested, drop me an email @ and I’ll send you some examples … Thanks again guys, Swaylocks rules!
Hey B.
Sorry to hear about your move. I’m from Sac-town, but don’t really miss it.
However, you should definitely check out Wakesurfing.
Here is one of my buddy on a board I shaped.
more here: http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/87668/515305.html?1194366673
There is a growing wakesurfing community in the sacramento area. Look for SurfdadCPA on sways. I’m sure he’d be happy to take you out and swap some ideas. I think he’s shaped over 50 wakesurfboards.
Other thing. Check out TAP Plastics. They have lots of board building supplies (fiberglass, resins, squegees, etc.) there are several in the sacto area.
Thanks smedman - The good news is that I’m doing interviews in Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa too, but if I get stuck in Sacramento temporarily, that’s cool - that wakesurfing photo stoked me!!! Now the only problem is my board building business here in Fla. is taking off! Go figure … Thanks again …
pray for cruz