Sara Taylor and Ornella Pellizzari rolled down to Trestles on Thursday where they were greeted with the emptiest Lowers lineup they had ever seen. For an hour there was literally only one other person out. It was an all you can eat wave feast. Doesn’t get much better.

Music:
Lana Del Rey – Blue Jeans (PatrickReza Dubstep Remix)

Again seeking the an exit from the daily routine of wake up, fall into the shower, try not to spill your liquid adult energy drink of coffee all over your shirt, put a smile on at work, get into the working grind, limp tiredly to lunch, try to keep your eyes open around two-o’clock, make a few more phone calls or whatever you do, and then crest the smile on your face one more time as you let everyone know you’ll “see ‘em tomorrow,” you ponder if this is really the life you dreamed of living when you worked so hard all your life to find a good job.  Now I like my job, I do…but I don’t live to work…not at all!  I live to be a great dad and to surf.  Done and done!  I live to be that dad I always dreamed of being.  Giving my wife and kids the dream, whatever we, as a family, decide that should be.  I live for the storybook life (a surfer’s storybook) that I doodled in my notebook in high school and continued refining in college.

Now, fifteen years later, I still dream of the storybook beginning, middle, and end.  Obviously, the grind routine of work isn’t it, vacations are, which is why I work so hard to save up a little extra coin every couple months to open that book, and take a corporeal read through its pages.

So in this edition of California Trachts, we opened the book…the story book of Carmel, California.  From the crystal blue beach break peaks set in the waters off the legendary Pebble Beach golf course, to the Lamplighter Inn and Suites Bed and Breakfast, to the Flying Fish Grill and the Forge in the Forest restaurants, we moved, like fiction characters from one “wow” to the next in a town that seemed created by a story-teller for mom, dad, and the kids, surfer or not.

In Carmel, at least from what we’ve found as a surf family, if you want the ultimate storybook experience, you call the Lamplighter Inn Bed and Breakfast and book a room with the owner Bobby or one of his awesome staff, you just do!

Now if you’ve never been to Carmel, to me, and especially my wife, it is one of the most quaint towns coupled with one of the prettiest beaches we’ve ever been to in all our travels around the world.

Bobby is the owner of the Lamplighter Inn B & B and has become a friend of mine.  This is the exact reason why I always book rooms at his B & B, and why my wife and I love staying at B & B’s when we are scavenging for great locales of both waves and quaint family get-a-way towns up and down the coast.  When you stay at a B & B, you not only get a free breakfast, which is one of the best parts, but you become a part of the hotel for the night.  B & Bs are almost always family run, and their livelihood depends on the success of their Inn.  For that reason, owners, like Bobby, and the rest of the staff make you a friend even though you’re in a foreign town.

As far as the rooms at the Lamplighter, they are a legitimate 10 out of 10 in my book.  Storybook, English cottage styled on the outside, and, at least in our room, the Porpoise Room, the interior was sort of a Cape Cod decor that left my wife and I with jaws dropped and hearts warmed.  We walked into our room in awe, having not taken a vacation that inspired us in a long time… Then my three year old pushed passed us and threw his bag of cars on the floor and my baby cried, but that didn’t ruin the night, the mood was already set.

At night, the wood burning fire place in the room was great for smores until the kids went to bed, then as it simmered down, the burning coals helped keep the room warm to a evening cup of coffee.

As far as proximity to surfing, the Lamplighter Inn is the best place in town for a surfer.  It’s the closest hotel or Inn to Carmel Beach, only three blocks away.  Not to mention that it has a killer outdoor shower for when you are done with your session and you walk back up the street, feet sandy, and hands cold.  As for surf, this is one of my favorite beach breaks in California because of it’s crystal clear Hawaii-like water color, and the sublime backdrop of cascading wooded mountains to the south, on the Big Sur side.  On it’s day, glassy and head high, this wave produces barrels and speedy walls as good as any beachie I’ve ever surfed.  It’s often inconsistent, and when the wind comes up perfection is quickly eroded, but if you time the conditions right, this long beach has plenty of peaks to seek out a lonely wave to yourself.

On the romantic/stoke your wife and kids out side of things, proximity is also top-notch.  Being that the B & B is right on the main drag, Ocean Blvd, it’s just an easy stroll, within a few blocks to the main shopping area.

One of the great restaurants we found and loved was The Flying Fish Grill. It sits uniquely cascaded down a small stairwell on Ocean Ave. and Mission St.  The food represented an artistic display of seafood delicacies.  It is a great date restaurant, but the ambiance was fun with the kids as well in the early evening, around 5: 30pm, when we seemingly had the restaurant to ourselves.

Another one of our favorites restaurants, and maybe my son’s favorite due to desert cookie that was pan baked and as big as our plate,  The Forge in the Forest, was not only family romantic, but family friendly for our small group of four.  The service was friendly and relaxed, and the outdoor patio seating had a great forest-like feeling.  The food was well, comparable to a perfect tube ride.  The salmon left my wife stoked and thanking me for a great trip, and the t-bone steak melted in my mouth and hit the spot of a “man’s steak” after a good morning session down the hill surfing Carmel beach.

Shopping-wise, guys, you must take your girlfriend or wife to Lush, a soap and body store, and I was stoked on Liquid Surf Shop, the surf shop in town (if you go by, tell the owner Sean we said hi, he’s a killer guy).  As far as stoking out the kids, if they are old enough to surf and you want to get them out there in the water so you and the wife can have a couple minutes to yourself, send them to Learn to Surf with the Carmel Surf School” run by Noah Greenberg.  Noah is one of the best surfers in the area, and a few of his camp instructors are professional surfer’s too (Johnny Craft to name one).  Conversely, if you’re kids are small like ours, there is a quaint little toy store in the middle of town.

All in all, Carmel has become a go-to location for my family because of it’s quintessential vacation feel.  Your mental trajectory slides softly into to another world and the stresses of your everyday life become left behind. The town is quaint, clean, romantic, fun, and filled with epic beach break potential, which is why Carmel is sure to satisfy all qualms on the western front.

One of the great things about surfing is the accessibility of the true icons of the sport.  Computer geeks ain’t getting close to Bill Gates or Steve Jobs.  But we surf geeks can walk right into Stewart Surfboards and chat up Bill Stewart on any given day.  In case you don’t know, Bill has more than likely been a big part in developing some aspect of your quiver, whether it is the fin set-up, the airbrush technique or the actual shape of the board itself.

Born in Bowling Green Kentucky in 1951, Bill  Stewart moved to California and worked various jobs in the surfing industry before opening Stewart Surfboards in 1978.  For over four decades Bill has been creating one of a kind custom surfboards. Bill was the second person to ever airbrush on a surfboard and was voted best airbrusher by Surfer Magazine in 1980.   In 1984, he developed the Hydro Hull, a double concave design. A major positive influence on the modern longboard scene , Bill is the inventor of the 2+1 fin configuration, as well as co-inventor of the Futures Fins system box.  Surf any of the numerous breaks up and down the California coast and you will undoubtedly see someone riding equipment with the classic Stewart logo.

Stewart Surfboards has grown to become a worldwide recognized and respected brand. The company eventually moved to a bigger shop in San Clemente where they still reside today, just minutes from the world famous Trestles surf break and San Onofre.  I couldn’t wait to drop in and find out what new toys are coming down the pipe.

Tonto welcomes all to Stewart Surfboards

The first thing you notice when walking into Stewart Surfboards is that the staff is really nice.  No, not fake nice.  Real nice.  Friendly, but not over-bearing.  You are welcomed in to browse or ask questions, but not bothered and no hard sell.  No attitude here.  They have a used board section upstairs that rivals Craigslist pricing (plus you don’t have to go to some stranger’s house only to find some dinged up piece of you-know-what).  Downstairs is an impressive array of longboards, shortboards, old school fish designs and anything else you might need.

I was asking one of the employees about a product in the store when Bill Stewart came up and introduced himself to me as the guy who designed all this stuff.  I expected some old curmudgeon who had ingested way too much fiberglass dust and had a chip on his shoulder about the way the industry had lost it’s soul.  but instead I got a warm, friendly surfer who was just as passionate and excited to tell me about the history of Stewart Surfboards as he was to talk about his 1,250 square foot Man Cave and his new-found love for playing blues harp.

Bill shared the long history of success for his longboards, ranging from the CMP that won four longboard world titles to the all-time best selling Hydro Hull.  Lately Stewart’s has had a lot of success with the shortboards.  The five fin S-winger has everyone buzzing.  It comes stock with the Futures Scimitar fins and is meant to be ridden as a five fin rather than a convertible thruster/quad.  The word I kept hearing on the S-winger was “speed.”  Also sticking out from the crowd was the Fartknocker.  A short fat wide tailed quad that just looks like fun.  Bill suggests this one for smaller surf, although I heard rumblings of some fun sessions in overhead surf.  Each Fartknocker has it’s own custom airbrush design so you get a board that is uniquely yours.  For around $400 I couldn’t resist and picked one up for my quiver.

The Author's one-of-kind Fartknocker

But the board that really has Bill’s heart pumpin’ is the Redline 11.  Described as the love child of the CMP and the Hydro Hull, the Redline 11 only comes as a nine footer, so the trick is to move the foam around to complement the surfer.  Perfect, now you don’t have to decide between a good paddler, an high performance board and a nose rider.  It’s a dependable pick-up truck in the front and a Porsche in the back.  According to Bill Stewart, this one turns like an 8’6″, paddles like a 9’6″ and noserides like a 10’0″.  Why is it called the Redline 11?  Because this one goes to eleven (thanks for referencing an awesome Spinal Tap quote).

Bill Stewart with his new baby

How have the hardcore longboarders received the Redline 11?  Well, it’s already become the shop’s best seller at two to five orders a day, and recently won the Oceanside longboard nose-riding championship.  Don’t look for a rack of Redline 11′s.  They can’t keep them in stock, so you’re lucky if one or two are laying around waiting to for their owners to pick them up.  Don’t worry, they are making more.  Stewart Surfboards is even partnering up with Global Surf Industries to make the most popular models more available worldwide.  Expect to see Fartknockers, S-wingers, Hydro-hulls, CMP’s, and of course, Redline 11′s.

If that’s not enough to make you want to add a Stewart to your quiver, consider the fact that (According to Bill) no one has ever been bitten by a shark on a Stewart surfboard.  So buy one and you’ve got that going for you!

For more info on Bill Stewart and Stewart Surfboards, please visit www.stewartsurfboards.com.

Bill believes in the Redline 11 so much that he put it in writing

California Trachts: Malibu Edition

A Surf Escape Guide for Family Surfers

By Shawn Tracht

As a surfer, grazing daily at the newest surf magazines and internet websites, we are constantly elbowed in the face with more and more travel journals from guys and gals who have taken off around the world and scored perfect barrels in warm weather.  The problem with this for a family dad, is that the idea of surf travel begins to create an itch in you that can only be satiated by getting out there and finally taking a trip. That being said, when you have a family, ditching the wife and kids to go on an fully inclusive surf trip to Indo or Central America probably isn’t the best way to nourish a good family life.  Omniscient of that fact, some sort of surf escape get-a-way must be devised at least a couple times a year.

So… in an effort to help with some ideas to get you out there, and bring the family along, one answer is to to take off a couple hundred miles up or down your coastline to spots that you know are going off, and are also romantic for your significant other and are family oriented for the kids.

In this addition of California Trachts, we followed the South swells of summer to Malibu, and found just what we were looking for: an epic little Inn and restaurant steps from the beach and with in striking distance of Malibu’s legendary point breaks.

The Waves in Malibu

If you’ve never been to Malibu, it is the hippie scene of Los Angeles.  Even though the conglomeration and pandemonium of a city that houses almost 10 million people lies just over the hill, Malibu, is only accessible by the two-lane Pacific Coast Highway, so the slow drive from the city keeps many wannabe ocean-lifestyler’s stuck in the heat of the inland valley.  That being said, though the percentages of beach goers are low, near 10 million people thinking about the beach still crowds a perfect point break.  Over a hundred people strewn down the point is still a normal day at Malibu Point when the South Swells are pumping.  However, this is one of those places where when you get on the right wave, you’ll be racing and carving for 300 yards plus!

Malibu Is One Of The Gems Of The Californa Coast

Another thing about Malibu Point is that it has three main breaks, so even though the line-up looks unmanageable from the beach, if you spend a couple minutes studying the point, you can usually find your niche.  You’re probably not going to show up here and get thirty waves in two hours, but the few you ride can really be worth it…if you don’t get dropped in on that is.

First Point Malibu is closest to the road, and this is more of the longboard wave.  Second Point is further up, and is noticeable because of the big gap between the longboarders and where the shortboarders are sitting.  Third point is all the way up at the top, and is more beach breaky.  Some guys will even go left on a few a-frame peaks at third point.  Moreover, when your on vaction and the weather is hot, the water is warm, and the swells are pumping, the crowd sort of fades out of your mind because you’re not stuck at home in one foot slosh anymore.

The good news is that Malibu Point isn’t the only good wave in Malibu.  As long as you time a good South Swell, there are a few perfect cobble stone points right off of the highway.  Maybe my favorite is Leo Carillo.  North of Zuma Beach, it breaks right off of these two huge rocks that stick up out of the ocean, and the wave peels all the way to the beach.  When it’s big, the sets actually break behind the rocks, and the dudes sitting outback have to clear the rock section when they take off deep.  If you surf the place all day long, like I did, every hour or two a guy will get held up in the lip on take off and end up in the rocks, “awe dude, I just went through the cheese grader man, did you see that? …How’s my board?  I think I just ruined my wetsuit.”

Leo Carillo

My best bet for catching a lot of waves here was sitting just inside of the rocks, waiting for the guys on the outside to pull out of set waves that they were afraid of taking off on due to the rock factor.

Lastly, if the swell is small, County Line is a really fun beach break with a point that can also get going.  It’s located at the north end of Malibu.  As the swell gets over head, other spots like Big Dume and Super Tubes have been known to churn out some amazing barrels, however, these spots, like most good barrels, are localized.  Topanga Point is also a great wave, and if you don’t want to surf a main spot, Malibu is literally point break city, with random great points viewable from the highway and within a lengthy hike in.

Where to Stay

Lush grounds, Southern California warm weather and an ocean view completed the tri-fecta of a perfect vacation location.  At the Malibu Country Inn, a spacious suite with a fireplace and an ocean view made us feel free.  In the room, we had a jacuzzi tub and a king size bed.  This was perfect for the kids to bathe, my wife to be pampered, and a bed big enough to fit us all comfortably, which is unlike home where we all cram into our queen bed.

Ivy was the hotel manager, a Hawaiian who was born and raised with the Aloha spirit.  This is another reason I love going to small Inns and B & B’s.  The staff thrives only if the hotel does well, thus, they’re generally always friendly and welcoming.  The Malibu Country Inn was no different.  We were stoked with our room, and would just suggest you ask for one of the suites or the newly renovated rooms, as they were the best.

Steps from the Beach

Just steps from our suite was Zuma Beach, which pounded with some heavy beach break barrels.  Growing up in Southern California, I remember and miss the lengthy soft sand beaches scattered with lifeguard towers.  In the early morn, my son, on top of my shoulders, and I strolled down the hill and along some mini trails to the open beach.  Again, cell phones and electronic devices turned off and left at home, he got all of my attention, and we were both stoked.  We raced up and down the beach until I got tired, we sat on lifeguard towers gazing into the sea, and I told him about when I was a kid and how I thought life was best lived.  This time made me happy, and it made the whole trip worth it.   It is a memory that when I dream back of it right now, makes me jealous of my own past.

Our Favorite Place to Eat: Kristy’s Wood Oven And Wine Bar

Both because of it’s decadence, affordability for such a nice restaurant, and welcoming atmosphere, we always had lunch on the property of the Malibu Country Inn at Kristy’s.  The food was elegant, yet filling, which is core to a surfer’s appetite, and for lack of a better cliche, mouth-watering.  For me, taste and a full belly was essential. For my wife, presentation and taste…and all were fulfilled.

We started off with crispy calamari, stacked finely, and topped with a drizzle sauce.  Each bite reminded me of how proud I was to be the dad who could bring my family on a summer vacation and treat them to such a meal…even though I was just a middle class surfer.  From shrimp scampi to a burger that topped a good steak at most restaurants, we couldn’t have lived the dream any more than we did at Kristy’s Restaurant.

Ensuing Weeks After the Trip

Though a surfer always dreams of perfect waves in exotic foreign countries, taking off by yourself on those trips when you’re married with kids just doesn’t fit the genre of family life.  That being said, we surfer’s still need to fulfill our needs for great waves and travel, and this jaunt down the coast definitely did just that.

As for the family, they couldn’t have been more stoked on dad!  I was able to add variety and vibrancy compared to the summers in the past which were stagnant with normal routine.

In final, the ensuing month or so around home brought a renewed sense of companionship and fun with the family.  The memories of running the beach with my son and treating my wife to some romantic dinners kept the stoke of life alive.  I scored head high perfect waves, and even though it wasn’t in Indo, I didn’t really care.  I took care of my own needs as a surfer, as well as my family, which means I’ll hopefully be getting to do this mini surf travel thing a heck-of-a lot more, and hopefully you will too.

Happy Travels!

Contact Information:

Malibu Country Inn: malibucountryinn.com  (877) FUN-N-SUR (Reservations) – Telephone: (310) 457-9622

Kristys Wood Oven & Wine bar: malibucountryinn.com/kristys  Telephone: (310) 457-2602