Bodega Bay Surf Shack

When did you start your business?

1989

Do you consider the location of your shop a key factor to the business’s success?

If success means to love your job because your close to what you love to do, surfing, and if you make a little money, then definitely yes.

Who is your average buyer?

Our average buyer is actually 50/50. 50% is curiosity and inspiration to surf and the other 50% are the people with the passion who love to surf.

If a total Barney walks in do you treat him with the same respect as a full on loc?

Yes I guess I do. That sucks. In here he’s my friend, but not in the water.

What is the dumbest question that a customer has ever asked?

I was at the beach once right by my shop and a person pulled up in a car and asked “what lake is this?” I told them the Pacific Ocean Lake.

Do you have a mascot (ex. - An animal that roams freely throughout the building)?

I would say – Bula. He’s a 13 year old lab. He’s retired now though. He’s on my front porch.

What is the craziest return a customer has ever tried to make?

A bikini that was bought and they tried to return it the next day, saying it didn’t fit, but it was wet.

Does your store support any local surfers or have a surf team?

We support all of the local surfers in the Bodega Bay area.

What is your most annoying grom story?

We don’t have tons of groms actually. The average age of a grom surfer on our coast are 15-16 year olds so they’re not actually that annoying because they’re a little older than the average grom.

Have you ever had any type of celeb roll in and make a purchase?

Yes we have, but I think it’d be kinda lame to name drop.

Have you ever pulled a hot chick/guy solely due to the fact that you own/manage a surf shop?

Yes absolutely, my wife.

How many days a week do you surf now compared to before you owned/managed a surf shop?

I surf a little less now, but I surf quality now no matter what. If it’s on I’m on. That’s why there’s no shop sign on the door with hours.

Who is your favorite surfer and why?

My favorite surfer is my friend Scott because if I wasn’t as blessed as I am in my situation in having a wife that surfs and owning a shop I’d do exactly what Scott does.

Has a customer trying on clothes ever walked out completely naked?

No, but I’ve been doi8ng this a long time so I’ve seen plenty of exposed bodies in thye dressing room.

Has a person ever walked in totally blitzkrieged (really intoxicated) and tried to make a purchase? If so elaborate.

Totally wasted yes. Tried to make a purchase I can’t really think of any in particular stories that stick in my mind. We do get tons of drunkards though because there’s a restaurant next door.

Every store has to deal with shoplifting. What is your most memorable experience and what is your shoplifting policy?

There’s no shoplifting policy. If you get caught shoplifting you never get to come back. I never want to see you again. I followed this family out of the shop once after I knew for a fact that they stole some stuff. When I followed them to their car I called out the mom and she turned around and showed me a big knife in her Corona sweatshirt and said – “I’ll cut you!”

And last but not least tell us one of the craziest shop stories you can remember?

The craziest shop story is I that one time I opened a beer at 4:45 instead of 5:00 when the shop actually closes. Totally crazy. (I have a feeling Bob is hiding something here)