Falling Whistles: Stop War with a Whistle

Come watch the South Coast Fashion show and support Change for Charity this Thursday, October 20th at the Ivy Nightclub.

All patrons are encouraged to bring all loose change to the venue to donate.

South Coast Surf Shop Fashion Show

SPECIAL ONE-NIGHT ONLY PHOTOBOOTH: get a chance to put your face behind history and give your support to the Falling Whistles Campaign.

Falling Whistles is a campaign for peace in the Congo. Wear your protest and become a Whistleblower! Whistles available at South Coast Wahines shop in Pacific Beach.

Last week Falling Whistles and the Surf Resource Network put on a charity fashion show at the Ivy and they featured clothing from South Coast. Here are some pictures from the show we thought it would be a good idea to put up on the website.

Photo Gallery

Woodshed Films, Patagonia, and Nixon Present Keith Malloy’s Latest Film Project. A Portion of Tour Proceeds Will Benefit the Plastic Pollution Coalition.

Come Hell or High Water International Tour
September 2011-December 2011:

Sept. 15-17
New York, NY. @ New York Surf Film Festival
Ticket information: newyorksurffilmfestival.com

Sept. 23
Encinitas, CA. @ La Paloma Theatre

Sept. 29
Newport Beach, CA. @ Lido Theatre

Sept 29-Oct.1
Halifax, Nova Scotia @ Canadian Surf Film Festival
Ticket Information: canadiansurffilmfestival.com

Oct. 7
Ventura, CA. @ Patagonia Headquarters

Oct. 8-9
San Diego, CA. @ Bird’s Surf Shop

Oct. 13-15
Riverside Studios, Hammersmith, London @ London Surf Film Festival
Ticket Information: londonsurffilmfestival.com

Oct. 21
Cardiff, CA. @ Patagonia Store

Oct.22
San Clemente, CA. @ Surfing Heritage

Nov. 4
San Francisco, CA. @ Save the Waves Film Festival, Victoria Theatre

Nov. 4
York, ME. @ Grain Surfboards

Nov. 5
Mill Valley, CA. @ Proof Lab

Dec. 1
Wilmington, NC. @ The Brooklyn Arts Center

The Oakley Sunglasses Rolling O Lab will be at South Coast Surf Shop in PB THIS WEEKEND August 20th and 21st 2012.

Oakley Sunglasses Rolling O Lab

Oakley Sunglasses for a long time has been producing some of the industries top optics. They are so confident in the design and technology behind their sunglasses that they have rolled out a North America tour to show the country what makes them the best in optics. If you browse the gallery below you can see that the ‘Oakley Rolling O-Lab’ is a very eye-catching. Pun intended. Come down to our shops this weekend where you will be blown away at what sets Oakley’s latest technology apart from other top industry competitors. You can test your sunglasses against theirs in multiple different test that they are confident will show you the quality of Oakley products.

The Oakley Rolling O Lab will be at 720 Felspar in Pacific Beach all day Saturday and until around 3pm Sunday. Make sure you make it down as South Coast will also be having a sample sale this weekend with huge discounts on brands like Quiksilver, Von Zipper, Element, Nixon and RVCA. Lots of reason to come down the the South Coast PB shop this weekend.

Photographer Michael Barrus Interview with South Coast

Michael Barrus describes himself as a UCSD nerd who ended up hanging out in La Jolla too much. Michael was born in Boston, raised in the Bay area, and cut his teeth in cold, oversized waves in Northern California. Barrus has spent more time trying to survive in the ocean than most people have, and way too much time with a camera. We at South Coast first got in touch with Michael Barrus through shop rider John Noris; which the two of them have been on quite the adventure lately as far as world travel to surf goes. Read more about why we wanted to share this talented surf photographer with you in this interview.

Hometown:

What’s that? I’ve lived in twelve houses in my twenty-two years. I’m currently shacking up in La Jolla, been here for five years.

Years Shooting Photos:

Going on four years now.

How did you get into photography?

I played with cameras occasionally growing up, but I never properly fell in love until I was eighteen on nineteen. I spent about three months on crutches, and being out of the water was driving me insane. I couldn’t stand being away from the ocean for long, so I started bringing a digital camera down to the beach instead of a board. I eventually got off the crutches but I didn’t put the camera down; at that point, I loved it as much as I did surfing. I’ve been glued to a viewfinder since then, though I’m finally beginning to surf as much as I shoot these days.

Do you enjoy working with film or primarily digital?

Digital. It’s so much easier. Film is beautiful and has depth and tones that you don’t see in digital photos, but every photo costs money and money is not something I have very much of.

Do you have any role model photographers or artists?

Of course. You can’t progress in any activity unless you have examples that you’re working towards. The people that have blown my mind (not necessarily in order of mind-blowingness) are Charles Bergquist, Chris Burkard, Morgan Maassen, Henri Cartier-Bressant, Todd Glaser, Steve Sherman, Patrick O’Dell, Terry Richardson, Robert Capa and Weegee.

Bergquist is a local media genius who lets me tool around his studio whenever I’m in town, which isn’t actually very often. He taught me pretty much everything I know about editing photos. He deserves a lot of recognition, and I owe him for being open and friendly and helpful.

Massen and Burkard are a couple of the best surf photographers there are. They’re both good photographers period, and they’re taking surf photography the direction it needs to go to be considered a legitimate breed of photography rather than just a shoddy documentation of a sport. There’s so much beauty in surfing, but so much surf photography is so bad (from a photographic standpoint). Burkard was really the first person I’ve seen to buck conventions and start treating surf photography from a more detached perspective- as photography and then documentation. I think he’s opened a lot of doors for more artistic approaches to surfing, not just blue water/black wetsuit/white board/midday sun. Google the rest of those names, you won’t regret it.

Favorite Subject(s):

Waves, drunk girls, people surfing waves, and sober girls, not necessarily in that order.

Equipment:

Nikon D200. Retro, as far as digital cameras go.

Travels:

Anywhere with Johnny Noris. In the last year, we’ve gone to Canada, Mainland Mexico, Baja, France, Spain, Washington, Oregon, Northern California, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Maine. I’ve spent a little time in Japan, Central America and Indonesia on my own.

What makes your photography different or unique?

I hope it’s unique. That’s a serious claim to make about your own work. I’d like to think that I spend more time studying photography outside of the surf world than most “surf photographers” do. Like I said earlier, most surf photography is pretty straightforward- someone doing a turn, as seen from eye level through a 600mm lens. It’s just kinda boring after a while, especially if you don’t surf. My goal is to take photos that people find interesting, even if they don’t know a thing about surfing. I don’t want to need people to understand the difference between certain types of airs or whatever to like my shots. I want photos that are visually stunning enough that people stop and stare, even if they’ve never seen the ocean before. I try to incorporate techniques I see in lifestyle photography, landscape photography, candids, fashion photography, whatever, into surfing-related photos. I’d like to think that people can look at my photographs and appreciate them as photographs, as aesthetically pleasing objects regardless of the subject matter, which isn’t something that can be said of most surf photography.

How would you describe your photography style?

Rich colors, pulled-back framing, high-contrast, grainy. I think there is this theme of alienation that kind of runs through my work. I don’t really show a lot of faces; you don’t see the front of people very often in my photographs. I think photos are kind of invasive, that taking a photo of someone’s face is kind of voyeuristic. I like photographing people, but it’s more their presence in a photo than the details about them that I enjoy.

Where has your photography been seen?

Wherever there’s an internet connection? I don’t really print very much. I’ve shown some photos in bars and little student galleries. I really only contribute to Surfline, as I have a pretty good relationship with those guys. I’m not really much of a hustler; I’m not good at selling myself. I’d love to spread my photos around though. People are always welcome to get in touch with me if they want to use me or my photos for any purpose.

You just returned from France? How was it shooting there?

France was fucking mental. France is literally the best place I’ve ever been- the culture, the historical artifacts, the architecture, the waves, the Nutella, the girls, the social scene, the beaches, the cities, the roads, the natural environment. The country is incredible. Johnny Noris and I went without knowing where we were going to stay, who we were going to stay with or what we were going to do for the two weeks we were there. We met some French surfers the first day we were there and ended up rallying around southern France with them for a week before heading inland and north where I knew some people. We literally spent three days surfing and two weeks exploring the country, and I don’t think either of us missed the ocean at all. It was the most interesting place I’ve ever been.

The waves were incredible, but the currents were devastating. I had to get out of the water and run up the sand every three minutes. It was such a tease to see these perfect waves barreling down the beach with no one out and know that the currents were going to keep me from getting near them. I’d go back in a second. We got great shots in almost no time. I can’t imagine what we would get if we went in season and had a couple weeks to shoot.

What makes surf photography challenging compared to other subject matter?

The medium, for sure. Being in the ocean. It’s so hard to shoot a good photograph while you’re trying to swim with a camera in one hand and negotiate all the elements at the same time. It’s stressful. It’s distracting. It’s much harder to predict where the wave are going to be, where your subject is going to be. It think it has held surfing photography back in a lot of ways. Surf photography isn’t like skate photography or snowboarding photography where everything is static and you can set up and then have the athlete hit the same kicker or section over and over again. It’s hard. You don’t get that many chances.

In-water or on Beach?

In the water. Always. Surfing just looks better when you’re right there, floating with the surfers.. The only time I really enjoy shooting from the beach is when the waves are empty and perfect and the surrounding environment is beautiful. A good line-up shot is classic.

When the waves are really pushing would you rather score barrels or photos of your buddies deep inside barrels?

Such a hard call. I love to surf, and I love to get barreled, but I’ve chosen shooting instead of surfing. It’s hard to watch waves roll through and know that you have to be the photographer, but it’s worth it to me to go home and know that you’ve nailed the shot. I love having something I can look at and play with after our session is over.

Have you ever broken equipment while shooting or traveling?

Yeah. I had to cut my first trip to Canada short because I dropped my camera while changing lenses on a boat. My housing stopped working a month into a two month trip to Puerto Escondido. I’ve smashed lenses, scratched ports, broken sensors, killed memory cards and ruined film. I’ve done it all. It’s part of the game.

What plans and/or projects are you looking forward to?

Going to Baja at the end of this week for abut a month. I’m excited to spend some time in the dirt. It gets my life back in order- I go to bed early, wake up early, and spend the whole day in the water. I love it.

What drives you to continue shooting photography?

I get tired of the photos I have in my archives and I want to improve them. I want to fill out my portfolio. I want to be better than I was last month. I just want to be better than I am.

Michael Barrus

We at South Coast Surf Shops would like to thank Michael Barrus for answering these question and providing us with some of his amazing and inspiring photography. We are way thrilled to have such an accomplished in-water and lifestyle photographer to continue to build a relationship with. We are sure there will be more to come (Michael just left for Baja for a month) so check back here and expect to see more of his beautiful work. Until then make sure you check out his website and flickr listed below.

www.michaelbarrus.com

www.flickr.com/photos/michaelbarrus/

Today marks Sector 9′s 6th annual Go Skateboard Day Poker Run. The event kicks off today at 12pm with registration of the first 100 people at crown point park. The free registration entails receiving your first of four cards along the 3.5 mile way to the south Mission Beach jetty. The skate starts at 2pm and activities will continue in Mission Beach until 5pm. Whoever has the best poker hand at the end of the push wins cash prizes and brand new skateboards from Sector 9. Free food for all participants from Wahoo’s Fish Tacos along with more fun games at the jetty on the beach.

If you’re lucky enough to take the day off work then get down the Crown Point Park and pick up your first card. Bring all your luck and any skateboard will do and come join the fun.

Helmets are not required for this event although safety is always a concern and we always recommend you wear helmet when skating. Skate safe. Skate smart.

It’s always a good feeling when we receive positive feedback from those who have been down the the beach to experience our shops all these years. A quick read through these comments give us an idea of how South Coast Surf Shops has impacted the lives of beach people and those who visit our communities. Thank you for all the positive energy, love and support all this time.

Be sure to check out the Surfline Article where we scavenged this comment chain SURF SHOPS: SOUTH COAST SURF SHOP By Mike Cianciulli

bucket chucker 05/05/2009 09:36 PM
south coast ob and long boards are awsome. perfect staff perfect vibe… keep it up rob!
Riptide Right 04/27/2009 12:56 PM
Shoutout to Larry Ricci and Robin P. for shaping boards for employees and local shredders you are the ones who deserve all credit and dont get enough! Much respect and thanks for the boards over the years. keep on keeping it soul!
Joelle Blessing-Bo PC,Utah 04/22/2009 08:40 AM
Hey Robbie, Back in the 80′s I use to work part time at Dream Girls… Kathleen Inga and I were best friends(Sisss-ter’s). I remember when her and I would love going into your shop and shootin the breeze with you in the good ole days. It’s wonderful to read about all your success! We were in CA last April & got to purchase some great things from a couple of your shops not to mention the excellent customer service!!! Hope to see you in the near future!
ob g 04/21/2009 07:02 AM
christmas & birthdays would be dismal in the 1502 if it wasnt for u.
Phil M. 04/20/2009 09:27 PM
Also gotta remember S.C. shaper Rick Holt. He was a icon though the 80′s, shaping tons of boards for all the best, right out back next to the clubhouse. As teenagers our lives revolved around that place…..
kent smith 04/20/2009 10:11 AM
Good times hangin-out at the shop in the mid ’80′s, Way to go Rob.
Gabe Mangino 04/20/2009 09:31 AM
Though I’m admittedly a former “fake” local who was living on Niagara for awhile- I really felt the vibe of San Diegan authenticity at your shop…and yes the employees were for the most part knowledgeable and polite- Keep up the good work! Your boards have always worked well.
Steve “rippin” Wilson 04/19/2009 01:04 PM
Way to go SouthCoast, you guys are the best. I moved to OB for school and you guys really hooked me up with my gear. I’ve bought all my gear from you guys, gloves,hood,wetsuit,booties, and don’t forget the longboard! You guys even did a custom paintjob for me! I’ll be back, gettin my girlfriend all hooked up too!
Jimmy Jean 04/17/2009 06:42 PM
Rob, met you in OB in the 80′s when I lived in Pt Loma. Still life long buddies with Billy Pendejo ( Billy Page) He introduced me to all the locals back in the day and I still have some great freinds to this day Terry Sonsvabich (Gosowich.) I have been going through your store since the 70′s when OB was’nt so agro. Great shop, great people, you guys are really what shaped surf culture here in SD. Keep Truckin. PS: call me or my bro Spike,when in need for SUP or epoxy blanks. Thanks
IB LOCAL 04/17/2009 01:43 PM
Love South Coast, and OB. Just hate that everybody that moves to OB acts like they are locals. Hardly any real San Diegans live in OB, just a bunch of transplants who claim to be locals. Remember youre not a local unless you are from Diego. Rob, Bird you guys rock thanks for all you do!
Jeffrey Hegness 04/17/2009 07:49 AM * PREMIUM MEMBER – Real Name
Worked there from 00-02… cool cats and good memories in the back of the shop in Timmys van ripping phatties… Nate those are some kind words… South Coast holds it down…. Hopefully in the near future we will get to see Nates shop as part of this ongoing Surfline shop check… 1903 for Life…
Jerry Mowe 04/16/2009 08:39 PM
Hey Rob, Glad to see your still going strong. It’s been along time. Jerry Mowe, South Shore Surfboards
Larry Howard_Ventura, CA 04/16/2009 06:09 PM
I rode SouthCoast boards exclusively while living in OB from ’77-’85. My first twin-fins (non-fish), first thrusters and first multi-fin longboards were all shaped in the back of your shop (by Rick__?) I have great memories of those times and your shop.
Edward Arikian 04/16/2009 11:23 AM * PREMIUM MEMBER – Real Name
Hey Rob, Love you and your shop, too…Ed “Zippy” Arikian…say hi to Bird and all the boys in San Diego!!!
m padilla 04/16/2009 08:31 AM
my thanks to rob & shary for the love &support in sponsoring my fundraising efforts for the M. S. society for the last 9 yrs. way to reach out to the community south coast! love the padilla family.
Ty Zulim 04/16/2009 08:19 AM * PREMIUM MEMBER – Real Name
Bird is a huge reason the store has done so well. Congrads to you Brother….
john stevens 04/14/2009 11:07 PM
thank you south coast! i bought 5 boards from you guys last year and now my family is very happy surfing. your store has the best and friendly customer service. thank you so much. john stevens
Miguel 04/14/2009 03:16 PM
Great shop! Went in there the other day looking for a fin key and they gave me one for free.
Steve (Grantville) Phillips 04/14/2009 02:58 PM
Many great memories of softball at the OB School against the South Coast crew; always a tough bunch! Congrats on the great article, Rob.
Billy D 04/14/2009 01:20 PM
SC Windansea staff holds it down. CK Comp is the highest performing long-board model i’ve ever ridden. keep it up guys!
mike 04/13/2009 10:31 PM
shops are great, keep it up. the guys over at the windansea shop are so helpful. thanks for the new ck comp, stoked
Dylan Niau 04/13/2009 03:05 PM
Hey yo. Mr surf shop owner… i was wondering if you could give me a job, im 17 and i live on the island of hawaii in the state of hawaii, and im moving over there in September or November, hook it up for sure k brah,,, Aloha
Rob Supple 04/13/2009 01:55 PM
Rob, Sheri and the rest of the staff at the South Coast stores provide great service – the Nordstroms of surf shops. My quiver has some good wave tools, but I usually grab my South Coast Swegg.
Will Mitchell 04/13/2009 01:47 PM * PREMIUM MEMBER – Real Name
My son Ryan and I have both pulled paychecks from SC working behind tne counter. Those were the days, no worries for sure. Grew up and had the honor of teaming up with Greg Styles to build out SC Windansea when Rob teamed up with Bird. I built Bird’s house and his shop in the same year. Both these guys are great brothers, friends and advisors to myself and Ryan over the years. Our surf trips wouldn’t have been the same without great board shapes and equipment. Love you guys!!!
Nathan Cintas 04/13/2009 01:01 PM * PREMIUM MEMBER – Real Name
Nice article Rob. I am happy for you and my brother Birdman. Thanks for the 10 years of sponosrship. I wish you future success, Point Loma Boardroom.
Faz from NY_SD_NY 04/13/2009 12:13 PM
Southcost Boards are the best. I started surfing there boards in 1989. Had to move back East in 01 and brought my Southcoast 7’10″ Egg to Long Island left 2 southcoast short boards in San Diego for my many visits back to SD.. My Egg Rides great even in weak 2 ft Gilgo or Pumping Ditch Plains…
brahda kine 04/13/2009 12:02 AM
birdman is the man. i didnt know about south coast till i met that guy. really mellow and has a lots of aloha. you is one epic guy birdman.
pure vibes 04/11/2009 02:50 PM
Bird is the real man !!
“J” 04/10/2009 10:20 PM
Dig the soul vibe at the longboard store, good humble surfers that are knowledgible and honest! wish more shops were like that. keep it that way!
Arthur Scheele 04/10/2009 06:28 PM
I’ve knowen Robbie since 76 when he offered me a sponsorship. Which I excepted of course. Robbie has always treated me very well, as he has all his team riders. He has been able to keep it real with integrety, honesty, and self pride. Robbie your the ROCK, the BOMB,and your just sick with it! What can I say. LOVE YA BRO. Harry
P.J. and Jack 04/10/2009 05:48 PM
Nice article, Rob. You’ve worked hard to achieve a quality product at good prices, and an awesome staff. We’re proud of you!!! )
debbie 04/10/2009 05:08 PM
what about bird?
JaySD 04/10/2009 02:36 PM
Great article Rob! I bought my first board from South Coast when I moved from the midwest, and haven’t changed from South Coast boards ever since. Relaxed place to shop with friendly staff and very knowlegeable. Keep up the amazing work.
SurfCA 04/10/2009 02:33 PM
I shop at SC Wahines religiously, Mandie is always helpful and points out the latest trends. The staff at the OB location was great the last time I was in there! Keep up the great work guys!
jackie 04/10/2009 12:39 PM
i have a south coast quad fin fish. love it even all the way up here in santa cruz!!!
localsd 04/10/2009 12:24 PM
the guy in picture 16 is a cool dude, very good staff. just got a 6’0″ South Coast Quad for summer from there two weeks ago.
Mark Weber 04/10/2009 11:19 AM * PREMIUM MEMBER – Real Name
South Coast has so much heritage, and is such a relaxing, inviting place to shop. They make you feel like family every time you walk in the door.
Greg Del Campo 04/10/2009 10:55 AM * PREMIUM MEMBER – Real Name
Nice job Rob!
Robbdogg 04/10/2009 10:54 AM
South Coast has always been there for me to pickup perfect boards off the rack. And they’ll put a bro-deal package together with the accessories. I still ride a CR3 shlong that I purchased in 1997. The CK longboard rides awesome. Every time you go in the store there is a new board you want.

Leave your own comment here or click on either of the links below. Thanks again and we look forward to many more great years of service ahead.

In 2010, Quiksilver brought a new special boardshort collaboration stateside that had been previously successful over in Europe. The Concept:

Under the moniker “Union Boardshort Collection” Quiksilver worked directly with seven key accounts—one from each region of the U.S.—to create a capsule line of collaborative boardshorts that highlight each of the store’s unique regions and heritage. -Transworld Business

2011 Quiksilver Union Boardshorts

South Coast Started as a small surfboard company in 1974 by Rob Ard – who is still involved in its everyday operation. The surf industry was in it’s infancy back then and South Coast grew and formed lifelong relationships with the leading brands. This boardshort collaboration with Quiksilver is a new expression of those lasting relationships. South Coast’s commitment to the local beach community and the surf culture over the years has made it one of the West Coast’s premier surf shops. Infact, the inspiration for the design of this boardshort depicts that commitment as most of the images are from actual photos of local surf spots, waves, employees at the beach playing music, and a team rider skating with his new South Coast board.

Hopefully you will enjoy these boardshorts and live you surf lifestyle as fully as South Coast has enjoyed being part of that culture.

Quiksilver and South Coast

These Quiksilver Union boardshorts were design in collaboration with South Coast’s Artist and Community member Tim Lowman of Lowman Kustoms.

Quiksilver Union Boardshort

STONE Brewery Expansion

San Diego’s largest craft brewer STONE has announced $26.6 million in expansions which includes a brewery restaurant in Point Loma. Thirsty Southern San Diego beer fans rejoice as cab rides will now be affordable home after enjoying a fine afternoon at the new Liberty Station STONE brewery location set for opening late 2012. Along with the new restaurant STONE will also be opening a shop in South Park’s ‘Beer Corridor’, Acquiring an organic farm in north county as well as doubling the footprint of the main STONE Brewery in Escondido. All of this while they also attempt to be the first American company to open a craft brewery in Europe. It is safe to say STONE Brewery is taking over the world.

Point Loma’s Liberty Station is the perfect central location for STONE’s new 400-seat restaurant. The new location is set to feature bocce courts, outdoor movie screening area, 19,000 sq ft beer garden and small brewery. This place should be nothing short of its big brother in Escondido.

Future Liberty Station STONE Brewery Location in Point Loma

The recently acquired 18.7 acre farm for organic produce for both of the brewer’s restaurant locations. The new 30th Street shop in South Park will sell bottles, kegs and growlers of STONE’s fine brew. Making growler ownership a must in south San Diego.

As STONE’s aspiration of a European brewery opening are held up by legal restrictions the company has made some big moves in supplementary expansion. 250 more employees, purchasing 35 more acres, adding 125,000-plus square feet of work space and at a cost of almost $27 million very big moves for the craft brewer. South Coast is glad to hear that the craft brew industry isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Thriving through tough economic times it’s good to know that no matter how broke people may be they are still drinking fine brew from the makers at STONE Brewery!

STONE Brewery

Channel Islands Surfboards
West Coast Tour Dates

Come on down and ride the latest models from Al Merrick and Channel Islands Surfboards…

San Diego CI Surfboards Demo Pacific Beach Pier June 4th

All demos are free bring ID. Call or stop in South Coast for details on this event or to browse our full selection of Channel Islands Surfboards.

Since 1969, Channel Islands Surfboards has been dedicated to performance and quality through hard work, innovation, and originality. Over the last 38 years, Channel Islands has grown from a local grass-roots operation to a cutting edge organization, catering to the best surfers in the world. It started with hard-core surfing and quality in mind and these guidelines have brought us through three decades of constant change in the surf industry. Channel Islands will shape the new millennium with innovative design and quality as our main focus.

“The driving force behind Channel Islands Surfboards is the demand on design created by the world’s greatest surfers, allowing for the highest performance surfing possible. To provide the most dedicated surfers with the most advanced, performance designs is my passion” - Al Merrick, Designer/Shaper

Channel Islands Surfboards