It sits on the side of the Pacific Coast Highway, a rather infamous stretch of pavement that has transported surf seekers since the early 1940s. It's unassuming from the outside. A grey(ish) blue building with a small sign in the window. But when you walk in, the tall ceilings and exposed air ducting, the assorted surfing shapes on one side, clothing and accoutrements on the other, you realize this isn't going to be an ordinary experience. And then there's Dave. A handsome young man in his late-twenties, Dave couldn't have been more inviting. He showed us around the shop; boards and bikes and small wooden skateboards and all kinds of clothing. He talked about crafting things in California, his passion for producing. He smiled when we explained what it's like to be a surfer from Seattle. Genuine is what I would say. A damn fine dude.
We spent three or four hours inside their shop. Karissa found a few things she couldn't live without, including a Pepto-Bismol pink Lumberjack that was hiding in the corner (unfortunately she couldn't afford to keep it). We walked out with that warm fuzzy feeling you can acquire only when you surround yourself with the stoked. People that honestly appreciate our salty lifestyle. So-Cal or anywhere else. We seek the same thing. And the guys at Almond Surfboards and Designs are doing their part to keep people interested in our ideals.
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