CivicCouch

Years Surfing:
My Dad would bring us to the beach at Marine Street, Manhattan Beach, when we lived in Baldwin Hills. I’m guessing that was around 1965. My brothers and I would rent the blue and yellow canvas mats from “Lee’s Marine and Strand” and we each learned how to surf on those. So doing the math, I’ve been surfing 45+ years...jeez!!!

With so many people shaping, what makes your boards stand out?

Favorite SB Spot:

The North end of Manhattan, around 32nd street, works best for me on a daily basis. I have parking at my buddy Mike Lee’s house, my brother lives on 33rd Street in Manhattan, my Dad lives on 27th street in Manhattan and there are consistent El Porto like waves there, minus the El Porto crowd. The locals that surf in that area are all very nice and considerate in the water as well. It’s a good vibe out there! That said, I am a true blue 1st street MB local as that’s where I grew up surfing with my friends and have many cool memories from there. When the waves get big and the North end is basically un-ridable, my go-to spot is the Redondo Breakwater. If the Wall is not happening, I will head up to PV and check Exiles which holds a giant North West swell.

Ride:

Currently I’m riding a 6’4 Firewire Dominator which I’m having a lot of fun on. I just broke in half my 6’4 Channel Islands Pod, which I loved and rode for two years. When the waves get big, I dust off my red 7’6 Becker, which has been a magic board for me for 25+ years. That says a lot about Phil Becker’s shaping talent! I have in waiting, a 10’6 Pat Reardon Elephant Gun, but the waves have not gotten big enough for that blade yet!

Travels:
I’ve been lucky enough to surf in countries such as Australia, Fiji, Morocco, Mexico, Spain, Portugal, France, and England.

Wheels:
I drive a 1999 Toyota 4-Runner, but have a 1962 Rambler American as a back-up

Inspiration:
First and foremost-- My Dad. He’s an incredible man who I can not say enough praise about. He’s 80 years old now and in better shape than I am. He still gets in the water for a paddle and occasional wave. He’s my go-to when I need any sort of advice. We see each other weekly for lunch and breakfast-- times which I cherish. Next would be my brother Mark. Surfing-wise, I’ve been in his shadow all my life. He still rips! His surfing is smooth and stylish, as it was in 1974 when he won the United States Surfing Championships. We surf together all the time and he still pushes me. He is also a sucker when it comes to picking up the breakfast tab. ike Purpus has been my hero since I started surfing. My surfing, in every aspect, has Mike Purpus’s hand-print on it. He was a huge influence on me.

Next Trip:
Oh man... Bali, The Maldives,The Mentawais, Java, Jeffrey’s Bay.. That’d be a good start to that wish list!

Occupation:
I’m a Chiropractor and also own a real estate firm with my friend, Jeff Horn. I “Crack Your Back and Sell Your Shack!”

Words of Advise:
Gerry Lopez said,” The best surfer in the water is the one with the biggest smile”. I subscribe to this philosophy. I try to keep cool in the water, be friendly, share waves, help teach, and encourage. When I do these things, I find myself surfing with a smile.