We are stoked to check out Sacred Craft this weekend – “the widest category range of surfboard designs ever assembled.” The expo features not only an incredible assortment of surfboard shapes, but also master shapers shaping live, and even fine art being painted and on display. There is a great summary of the weekend at SantaBarbaraSurfer.com.
See you in Ventura this weekend, April 10-11, 2010.
Legends like Gerry Lopez at Sacred Craft
Fine art like Glenn Gravett's "Solo Cojo" at Sacred Craft
It seems surfers often talk about how surfing is too commercialized, how the surf’s too crowded, or how the surf experience “ain’t what it used to be.” My response is, “Yeah, surfing’s popular! Deal.” The truth is, if you know where (and when) to look, you can still score good waves, uncrowded conditions, and magical moments. This shot was from just such a session two days before Easter on the Central Coast of California. An uncrowded lineup, good waves, and nature aplenty. Good surf is where you make it.
In between sets, getting ready to leap.
Surfing is a very personal and individualistic sport. Everyone has a slightly different style, different ability level, and different goals. The equipment you ride, therefore, should suit your ability and style. At a certain point in a surfer’s journey, it makes sense to get a custom surfboard. We recently paid a visit to Santa Cruz legend, and master shaper, Ward Coffey to find out what goes into a custom shape. Special thanks to Ward for the interview, and the Mattson2 for the groovy music that accompanies the piece. Enjoy!
This week Spring really hit the California coast — south swell hit too, but with it wind and an onshore flow! And while some parts of California were firing (San Diego and Santa Cruz), I found myself stuck in between with less than ideal conditions. Too much time behind the computer, and too little time in the great outdoors had me pining for a bust out workout by Friday afternoon. With swell in the water, but less-than-stellar conditions, I opted for a 20/20/20 workout: 20 minute run with my dog, 20 minute TRX, 20 minute surf. The run, though not surf-specific, is good for cardiovascular training (and a great way to get my dog out for some exercise). The TRX workout included many of the exercises from the Surf Stronger TRX workout, and the twenty minute surf would be in trunks and a top (the water’s about 60 degrees right now). Sometimes an hour workout can be monotonous; the great thing about this workout is that each segment is only 20 minutes — so you can get through each part knowing it isn’t very long, yet still get in a solid hour of activity. I gotta admit the surf sesh was way more paddling than surfing (as is usually the case), but I’m glad I got out there. The water felt great, and I never even got cold. We recommend mixing up your Surf Stronger workouts this Spring — throw in some skating, running, swimming, or surfing — and see how it goes.
Single leg reverse lunge - awesome for building leg strength and balance for surfing.
Sprinter jumps -- great for building lower body strength.
60 degree water doesn't feel too bad after a little workout.
Far more paddling than surfing, as is usually the case.
"You can't always get what you want ..."
Impressions from Sacred Craft 2010
Just back from Sacred Craft in Ventura, California. What a great show and scene. The show promised “the widest category range of surfboard designs ever assembled” and boy did it deliver! Heaps of beautiful surfboards — from historical 1940’s boards that were surfed at Rincon back in the day, to modern short boards, hulls, eggs, long boards — you name it.
The show is really focused on hand shaped, custom boards and as such, many shapers were on hand and were happily discussing board design with stoked attendees. Another interesting part of the show was the “Tribute to the Masters Shape-off” honoring legendary Santa Barbara shaper, Renny Yater. The shape-off featured six shapers (Todd Proctor, Wayne Rich, Matt Moore, Michel Junod, Nick Palandrani, Dennis Ryder) replicating a classic Yater Spoon. The shapers did their thing on the show room floor in a hermetically sealed shaping bay(!) while attendees could watch them shape in real time. The shaper who most closely replicated the classic spoon won $1,000.
Expo Director, Scott Bass, summed up the show best, stating “It is not fair and quite frankly rather impossible to pigeon-hole the exhibitors into any one category,” said Expo Director Scott Bass. “Really the only category on display at Sacred Craft is passion; a passion that manifests itself as a cornucopia of surf design ideas with limitless synergy.”
If you ever get the chance to check out Sacred Craft, do it, you won’t be disappointed.
Hulls seemed to be popular at the show. Here are some sweet Andreini hull surfboards.
Glenn Gravett painting on the show floor. Turned out great!
Boards from the 1940s.
Check out this Michel Junod single fin. Beautiful.
Veteran shapers Ward Coffey and Lauren Yater hanging at Sacred Craft. Some nice Michel Junod boards in the background.
Meeting Gerry Lopez AKA "Mr. Pipline". Super cool, super chill, just like you'd expect.
"Eco" or "Green" boards were not prevalent, but this exhibitor showed off 100% recyclable foam blanks.
Live shaping on display in the middle of the expo hall.