Benefit for South Coast Surfboard Shaper Larry Ricci

Please join us at Raglan Public House in Ocean Beach on Tuesday, August 7th from 5pm-close!

There will be drink specials & raffles all night! All donations will go to benefit our dear friend, Larry Ricci, who is recovering from neck surgery.

Don’t miss out on raffle prizes that include a Rip Curl gift certificate, a beach cruiser, Smith & Sun Cloud sunglasses, Wine Tasting gift certificates, Hodad’s gift certificates and much more!

Raglan Public House is located at:
1851 Bacon St.
San Diego, CA 92107

For questions call South Coast Surf Shop Ocean Beach: 619-223-7017

South Coast recently went to Hodad’s new restaurant where to Padres play in Petco Park. They actually featured South Coast to make all their custom boards for them. South Coast Surf Shop in Ocean Beach is right across the street from the original Hodad’s restaurant. This is not the first and won’t be the last time South Coast teams up with Hodad’s and collaborates on something totally cool. It’s a really great honor so check it out!

Hey everyone at South Coast. Sorry it has been a while. Been busy finishing up school. I am finally done with school forever! Like most surfers I have always dreamed about shaping my own board and like most surfers, I never got around to doing it. That was until a few months ago. My last quarter of school I enrolled in a surfboard shaping class. Yes you heard correct, Cal Poly has a surfboard shaping class. I was hesitant at first, but I knew I would have fun.

I had gone to the Sacred Craft in Del Mar honoring Carl Ekstrom. After attending Sacred Craft, I knew I wanted to shape some sort of asymmetrical fish. The theory behind the asymmetrical surfboard justmakes sense to me. Our bodies are not perfectly symmetrical, our balance is not symmetrical, and the way we stand on a surfboard is not symmetrical. So why do our boards have to be symmetrical? We can apply more pressure on our toe side rail than on our heel side, because of the way our bodies are built. We can push harder and have better balance with the balls of our feet than with our heel. It makes perfect sense to shorten your heel side rail and add more curve to make transitions onto your heel side faster and more effortless.

I love the fish design and am inspired by people who are pushing the limits of the design. Daniel Thompson is one of those people. Tomos Hydrofoil range caught my eye years back. I really wanted to get my hands on one but never did. Around the time I was shaping the board, I was on Tomo’s website looking at the Hydrofoils. I noticed that if you combined the jet tail and raptor tail it made a nice clean asymmetrical tail. So I decided to go with it. I originally cut the template out with a full length nose. The board was like 5’10″ on the toe side and 5’7″ on the heel. After seeing some Tyler Warren and Ryan Burch’s new shapes I decided to hack off the nose, but keep the same general outline. After all was said and done she came out to 5’61/2″ / 5’4″ x 191/2″ x 21/4″. I though it was gonna paddle like shit, but it paddles like it’s a 5’10″. It just doesn’t have the unnecessary length and weight.

The first session on the board I have never felt more like a grom. I had an ear to ear grin the entire session. I didn’t even care if the board worked considering how bizarre it looks. I was just stoked that I was riding a board my hands shaped. The board ended up working. It had a lot of drive because of the straight outline on the toe side rail and transitioning onto the heel side was so quick and effortless. I have not felt an easier transition from toe side rail to heel side rail. I have ridden the board about 6 times now and every session feels like I have it more dialed. This video is from the second session on her. Surf was pretty small, but I still had that ear to ear grin. Here is the video. Enjoy : )

This board is my new favorite board right now. And that’s saying a lot cause my quiver is pretty solid right now. I have a magic little MR twinny, a magic bonzer that I love, plus all my fishes by Larry Ricci. I haven’t even thought about any of them this past week cause I have been on the Yucca Mofucca.

I was a little worried the board was gonna be too small for me. It is a 5’6″ x 19.5″ X 2.2″ and I am like 6′ 170lbs. I’ve surfed it about 4 or 5 times now and each session I am blown away by its capabilities. It floats different than a normal polyurethane board. Paddling it is more similar to swimming haha. The nose is real full and flat so it still gets into waves pretty easy. Once you get into one, that’s when the magic happens. Once your standing on the board, it feels way different than a standard PU surfboard. It has the glide feeling that people always talk about with wood surfboards.

The thing absolutely hauls ass and it releases off the top real nice with the twin fin setup. I love twins. I really like the twin fin/pin tail setup. I love my fishes (twins and quads) but all of mine have a really wide tail blocks, because they all have a super deep swallow/fish tails. I feel like the pin tail with the twin fin setup, gets rid of a lot of unnecessary foam, but the board still has the flowy glide feeling like the traditional twin fin fishes. Not having that center fin keeps the loose flow feeling fishes have, but adding the pin allows the board to surf more vertical and top to bottom… Then add the yucca aspect you it and you get even more glide and speed.

The Yucca Mofucca was shaped by Chad Jackson of Kaimanu Hemp Surfboards. Surfshot actually did a interview with Chad a few years ago talking about his boards. The board is solid yucca(agave) core, no foam. Instead of using fiberglass, a hemp cloth was used, with an additional hemp cloth deck patch. Instead of using toxic polyester resins, it was glassed using a less toxic epoxy resin. The fins are redwood twin fins handmade by Chad Jackson. I have been in contact with Chad the past few months, just talking about surfing and boards and whatnot. He is a super inspirational dude. He started his own clothing company too that is all eco friendly clothing and every product he sells, he plants a tree. Like I said, pretty inspirational dude. -Cory Edging

The Oompa was designed start to finish between one shaper’s desire to experiment with new templates and one rider’s frustrations.

First thing you should know is why this board was designed the way it was. I was tired of these oversized groveller boards that created tons of speed in average waves but refuse to snap a lip without having to throw out my back or pull a groin to do so. They tended to get stuck on a rail, so when the occasional section would steepen up there was too much delay to get the board to snap off the bottom in time for a tight top turn. I was also disappointed when in the presence of bowled out sections I’d have to wheelie my way down the face with flapping arms to stay centered over the low rocker deck. This effect was due to the tail and nose being too flat to allow a proper re-entry into the wave’s transition, rather than fit the curve of the wave’s pocket the board would stick out and force you to ride with all your weight shifted back or on your neck after pearling down into the flats. There were far too many cons than pros for me to ride these alternative boards much longer. Larry Ricci (South Coast Shaper and Shaper of my boards for over 3 years now) wanted to try and make something new so I shared my frustrations of current models with him in hopes of getting a more refined version of these trendy boards. We worked together on this one design for over a year doing our best to try and bridge the gap between the alternative weird shortboard and are typical fun-day ripstick.

My typical performance thruster is
5’10 x 2 1/8 x 18 ¼.

I wanted less swing weight in the nose so we chopped it down 3 inches. To compensate floatation we went 1/8 of an inch thicker at center and about 1/4 of an inch wider but left the rails thin to allow bite and precision in turns. This new design was 5’7 x 2 ¼ 18 ½. I didn’t want a flatter rocker; this board was meant to be surfed vertical in the pocket, not down a mushy line for a cutback. Waves, big or small, have a vertical pocket where a shortboard is meant to be surfed and this board was to be no different. The tail and nose are considered neutral in rocker compared to most boards but when you ride the same profile you’ve been riding with 3 less inches in-between the result is a highly responsive alternative shape.

The Oompa runs a fuller rail at the midpoint then tapers down to a knifed performance shortboard tail thickness. This allows you to flow the board through flat or racy sections with ease by having a high concentration of foam under the front foot. The harder you push down on the front foot, the more the board wants to squirt forward and ideally bounce off the bottom. The difference between the Oompa and these other alternative board shapes is the foil in the tail. The tail is just as thin as any performance shortboard. You can stomp your backfoot, submerge the squash with ease and pivot tight off the bottom to go for the sneaker lip that comes out of nowhere. The nose and tail kick eliminate having to wheelie back into sections or pearling down a hollow face. The shorter rail line lets you fit into corners your normal board might feel too long and clunky for during waist high windswell. The Oompa runs a very mild triple concave (A double concave between the fins which lies within a larger single concave through the majority of the board).

The template for the tail is slightly wider so adding that little spine between the fins lets the board transition more fluidly rail to rail; say goodbye to “sticky rails” and start nailing that last second closeout hit from each wave.

I’ll ride this board almost the same way I ride my shortboard. Let the wave build up to a wall in front of me, take a high line then drop it straight down using my front foot to force the thicker deck down the face. You can drive this board around a long section with a lot of pumping but it’s much more suited to straightening out into the flats and snapping off the bottom at a 180 for a quick lip slap. Don’t fret about getting stuck behind the section; the extra volume keeps you a bit higher above the water so upon reentry the Oompa can glide right around most sections that would otherwise cripple your length of ride. For the more progressive guys this shape has an insane amount of release, the shorter rail line translates to blowing out the tail and reversing turns your with the same effort of normal turns on a standard shortboard. Less mass to push around means less resistance, so start trying to surf above the lip since your rotations are going to spin a lot faster. If you surf with more power than tech start your turn a little sooner take some pressure off the tail in order draw the turn out from as much rail as possible.

Fin choice for any board is a very personal choice. It’s dependent on style, ability and wave condition.

My general rule of thumb with these smaller high volume boards has been to run bigger fins at the rail. There’s already less board in the water and without a bigger fin you’ll most likely feel a bit squirrelly when you try and hit the gas. I prefer the K2.1 setup in most beach breaks; the larger rail fins have extra surface area for more hold as you drive down the line while their lack of rake creates tight arced turns. The center fin is a bit smaller and balances out the extra hold with quick release at the lip, other fins that are of similar style from F.C.S. GAMs, AM-2s, and the newly released JW-1s.

What works for me however doesn’t work for everyone, so don’t be afraid to toss my advice out and try something completely different. Make yours a swallow tail, add a Vee at the tail, do a double barrel concave, toss some channels on and make it glow in the dark. That’s part of what the Oompa’s entire creation was about, stepping outside of what you’re told is possible and going for something you’re not even sure is there. Most importantly really talk with your shapers. There are a lot of untapped ideas that never get put into action as too few are willing to experiment, so next time you want to ride something different ask your favorite foam mower what they’ve been waitng to shape.

New South Coast Larry Ricci Surfboard Oompa Fabiano Sarmento

New South Coast Larry Ricci Surfboard

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

We love getting feedback like this from local boardriders who are doing big things in the world. We wanted to share this with everyone because of the great cause behind it. Be sure to check out the video and if you want to help click this link to purchase the song on itunes. Thanks Casey. Glad you love your SC Boards and we’ll pass that along to South Coast shaper Larry Ricci.

So I just recently got back from Indo…I got out of there before the tsunami hit the mentawais.

I’m in a local band here in SD called Stained Glass Saints and I also play out solo under my own name CASEY TURNER. We shot a music video in the mentawais and Bali 2 months ago and are donating all the proceeds to the itunes sales of that song to SURFAID to help the tsunami victims. Here is the link to the music vid. The song is called “Wayan and Friends”. Pass it on and maybe buy the song on itunes and help donate…if you are down. Maybe you can spread the word. There is a shot of an SC board on my scoooter in the begginning. I’m loving my new SC board Larry Ricci has some of the best shapes I surfed your boards the whole time I was out there. click on da link and check out the video.

Wayan and Friends (music video) – Casey Turner

Thanks

Casey

No, I’m not making up some weird name for a surfboard just to get your attention.  There is definitely nothing strange about the performance of this baby.  We continue our shaper series with one of South Coast’s newest board creations, the Chub.  Summer is upon us and shaper Larry Ricci has given us all a treat with this new design.  A board that will give one more performance than what you may be getting from your small wave shredder.

The Chub, as it is affectionately known, is designed for those surfers in mind that like a little more manueverability and speed than they may get from the traditional egg or longboard shape without sacrificing wave catching ability.  This board can also take the place of the fish, which also offers those elements as well.  The difference being, with the Chub, there isn’t as much volume as with a fish and can be a great transition from the short board design you might be currently riding.  It’s best heard from shaper Larry Ricci himself, so check out the video that goes along with this post. 

As with all of our South Coast shaped boards, you can demo the Chub at our South Coast Shops, free of charge.  A great way to test out a board before making the investment.  On June 20th, at Crystal Pier, all boards including the Chub, will be on display to demo.  To pick up the Chub, or any other surfboard that South Coast has to offer, stop by any of our five location in San Diego or shop online at southcoast.com. 

World Champion surfers, free swag, beautiful weather, and most importantly the chance to demo every surf board that South Coast Surf Shops has in it’s arsenal. Not just that, but you can also try out some of the best Rip Curl wetsuits they have in their surf line. The fun doesn’t stop there! Some of the great performance models of FCS Fins will be on hand for you to peruse. This sounds like a dream sequence that most people have before they wake up to screaming kids or blizzard like conditions, but on June 20th from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm at Crystal Pier in Pacific Beach, you have the chance to make that dream a reality. No really, our surf demo extravaganza will be a day you won’t forget.

South Coast surfboards have always been a main staple of the San Diego area, and this is your opportunity to feel American made boards beneath your feet. Everyone of our floor models from the longboard coaster all the way down to the high performance short boards will be available to ride and see what a quality made board feel like. Are you in the market for a board but don’t know what shape or skill level your ready for? Put those buying fears to rest. The sky’s the limit on this special day, where you’ll be able to test multiple models to get a better idea of what you might like to take home. Just bring and i.d. and all the boards are at your leisure. Not a surfer, but a fan of the beach? We have that covered too with some great swag giveaways and many extraordinary personalities.

South Coast is also honored to have surfing legend Tom Curren and current pro surfer Taylor Knox to share in fun. Tom Curren won 3 world championships on the world tour and his innovative surfing has inspired many future surf champions, including Kelly Slater. Taylor Knox has been a competitive surfer on the world tour, and is currently ranked 10th in his sixteenth season. Both surfers are California natives and great ambassadors for the sport of surfing. You might not be a big time surfer, but the chance to meet these amazing personalities will be well worth the experience. Tom and Taylor will also be ripping on some of the demo boards to show you the full potential that can come from our South Coast boards. Boards shaped and glassed in San Diego by Robin Prodanovich and Larry Ricci. Both shapers and glasser Mark Smith will be on hand to answer any questions about the boards and give you some great stories about their life experiences. If your still not sold by all this amazingness (yes, I made up that word), we will also be raffling off some amazing products from Dragon Sunglasses as well as Rip Curl goodies.

South Coast demo day will have a little for everyone. Don’t let the chance to try out our boards or meet some surfing legends pass you by. Bring the kids, your family, and some friendly strangers you might meet along the way. Mark your Calendar for June 20th from 8-12 at Crystal Pier, or come to the South Coast shop in Pacific Beach and they will point you in the right direction. We look forward to seeing you there!!

Summer is quickly approaching and you still haven’t picked up that surfboard that will set you apart from every “Joe Six Pack”, and visiting tourist from Iowa. You’ve checked out our shaper series over the past few weeks and have loved all the great big board designs, but are still left with that desire to break free from the monotony of traditional summer shapes. Maybe you even have a classic fish and have ridden that thing to death. Time to take a look at a design so new shaper Larry Ricci just generated a name to go along with it. A board born by “accident”, the Arrowhead Fish is upon us.

Sometimes shapers tinker with current designs and end up with a shape that they think will rip. Often, in most cases such as this one, a board is created when a shaper is reproducing a standard and gets a little too crazy with the foam. Larry Ricci had this happen to him recently while shaping a classic fish model and decided to run with it. After a few of the South Coast shop riders took it out, they fell in love with this beautiful “mess-up”. As you can see it has a pulled in nose for increased performance and a wider double wing cut. Both of these features as Larry mentions will turn a classic into a speed machine. Perfect for many wave conditions and just a fun board to substitute for the egg or noserider you might be currently ripping on.

All South Coast boards are proudly shaped and glassed in the United States. With quality built into all of our boards, you know that they will last longer and hold up better than new “pop-out” boards, or surfboards that are shaped in China. Support our economy as well as the local surf shop and pick up one at any of our five South Coast locations. This board is available for demo, so try one on before making that big investment. Stop in at South Coast.com to take a look at our large selection of South Coast surfboards or any of your surf accessory and clothing needs. Check back in the future for more from our shapers and boards they believe you will love.