where can i go to learn to shape surfboards in southern california?
340383
You have a variety of options:\n\n1. The newest thing is a place in Huntington Beach called Pravda Surf http://www.pravdasurf.com You know those places where you can brew your own beer or make your own pottery? It's like that. The guy's name is Valentin Shmidov. For around $325 he'll walk you through the entire process, all materials and tools included. He's featured in the May 2006 issue of Surfing  Magazine. \n\n2. You can simply walk into you local surfshop and ask them. Try to find someone older, and not one of the annoying punk kids. They should be able to connect you with one of their shapers or point you to some books and DVD's which walk you through the process.\n\n3. OR, you can take the DIY approach. Clear some room out of your garage, buy a planer and some blanks, and start blowing foam dust! There are some good books/DVDs available, as well as this wonderful tutorial from Surfline and Dave Parmenter http://www.surfline.com/mag/features/how_to_shape/ It has step-by-step instructions and tons of great video clips. \n\nHave fun!!!
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I would try IVL (http://www.ivlinc.com/) or City Beach (http://www.citybeach.com/sports/sports_volleyball.htm)
1061857
If you live in SoCal, Huntington Beach area--this might help. \n\nhttp://www.isurfing.com/links.pl/60/Cams,Weather&Reports\n\nSome of the surf shops (on the web) have links to daily wave and surf reports.
432188
try this:\n\nhttp://local.yahoo.com/results?stx=roller%20skates&csz=San%20Francisco+CA+&toggle=1&qry=roller+skates++San+Francisco&
1168710
go to www.warpedtour.com
1148270
Check out Lost Surfboards.
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use yellowbook.com it will give you stores and distance from your address. Search for surfboards.
1178143
Rectangular foam boards, called "blanks", are shaped into the design of the board, and then covered with layers of fiber glass and resin for strength. \n\nThis year the world's largest surfboard blank manufacturer, Clark Foam, closed it doors and caused and increase in surfboard prices around the world. It was a huge deal.\n\nPartly because of that, today there is more experimentation with different types of boards, especially epoxy, which is more durable than traditional foam and fiberglass models. The big company driving epoxy is called Surftech and a lot of big time shapers have signed on with them.\n\nLost Surfboards even makes a carbon fiber board now. It's great to see the new technology coming out, but let's hope it doesn't put all our local shapers out of business.
182116
www.state.ca.us and there might be a link or just try www.sanjose.com
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Speak to your local surf shop. Try out some few boards and see how they respond. These shops should be able to offer boards that people can test (i think you have to leave credit card details to prevent boards getting nicked). There's bound to be a shaper there, or they will know one so you know you'll get a good advice.\n\nTry the big foamie ones (yes, the beginner board). Otherwise, an egg-shaped board, around 7'6 will be good fun (example McTavish Egg). Find something with rounder rails. Your aim at this time is to catch more waves as much as you could to get your pop-ups perfect. Then do your bottom turn next, etc. \n\nAnd then you can progress to riding 6's (since you skateboard/snowboard, i gathered you're geared towards shortboard-riding?). But if you are a soul-surfer, then perhaps try a long board. Again, the type of boards you'll be riding is dependent on the type of waves you'll be surfing.\n\nHappy shopping.
570010
Hi there,\n\nHere are some great websites that explain the entire process:\n\nhttp://www.rcskim.com/makeaboard/How%20to%20build%20a%20skimboard.html\n\nhttp://www.skimonline.com/equipment/board_building.htm\n\nhttp://www.surfing-waves.com/howto/make_skimboard.htm
647313
Contact the Sportfishing landings, in So.Cal.\nThey use the same rods, as loaners, for tourists. They might have a plan to help you, or a suggestion on where to turn.
214395
The best spot is Crissy Field which is right near the Golden Gate Bridge. Other nice spots are Coyote Point about 30 minutes south of the city. Candlestick Park is also really good but has a rocky launch and is only 15 minutes south of the city.  There's 3rd Ave. near Coyote.  Some people windsurf at Treasure Island but I have not.  Berkeley Marina is a good place to learn.  If you're really expert and want waves you can always go to the coast.  Wadell Creek near Santa Cruz gets windsurfers and kiters. Have seen windsurfers at Ocean Beach but not too much.  My favorite is Crissy. Just be sure you know what the tide is doing and ask for assistance from the locals.
1175087
I'd recommend a Softop in the 7 foot range. If you're 5'1, then that will feel like a long board for you. \n\nA couple reasons Softops are good first boards:\n\n1) They're cheaper than regular fiberglass boards\n\n2) They're soft, so you won't crack your head on the board when you wipe out ( and as a beginner you can expect plenty of wipeouts).\n\nOnce you learn, you will want to get a fiberglass or epoxy board to take your surfing to the next level, but the softop will do the trick for now. I've had a couple friends who learned on them, and they worked out great.\n\nYou'll have to call your local shop to see if they carry them. Most do these days.\n\nOr check out their site.\n\nhttp://surftech.com/softops.php
527861
Well there are tons of grappling, Judo, and Jujitsu schools. Are you partial to a certain type of Jujitsu (BJJ, Hakko Ryu, Daito, Yoshitsune)? Anyways, I will throw in a few websites for you to check out, just to get you started. I'm not too familiar with Southern Ca but the Gracies are over in Torrance. I believe Gene Lebell's protege, Gokor Chivichyan is in LA. Believe it or not, Southern Ca is the best place to learn grappling. I'm just not sure where you are in relation to all the schools. Hope this helps!
389986
I think Kalmus beach in Hyannis, MA is the best but not for beginners becuase it is very crowded. You can also check out West Dennis Beach up the road.
613506
Check out the British Kite Surfing Associaton's website:\n\nhttp://www.kitesurfing.org\n\nThey'll point you in the right direction.