3363 Ocean Front Walk: Gordon & Smith

3363 Ocean Front Walk is the physical link in the lives of four individuals who crossed paths at the Mission Beach residence of Charles R. Magel, retired philosophy professor and animal rights pioneer.

Many days were spent surfing at dawn in front of the house, sharing waves, skating on the boardwalk, watching the sky change colors at sunset, and sharing vegetarian meals with the Professor.

The House, a classic San Diego beach shack built in 1954, had a living room view of the Pacific and breaking waves. It was a life-changing crossroad for many who entered its threshold and came to know Charley, discover yoga, vegetarianism, and a life-long relationship with the ocean.

The 92 year-old professor passed away, the old house has been demolished, and another piece of Mission Beach history has disappeared. Fortunately, the memories will be safe as well as a long lasting friendship forged by those wonderful days at the beach.

Monday, May 19, 2008

Gordon & Smith

G&S 7'8" Single Fin, Replica.

Photo: Cliffsrider

After a few weeks of lousy weather, a phantom swell gracefully made its appearance along the San Diego coast. A jetstream of high pressure kept conditions prestine and water temps in the upper 70's. The unusual wind absence allowed me to surf in the early afternoon hours: glassy, chest high, perfect lines softly breaking all over the county. No suits needed.

It turned out to be the ideal weekend to test the 7'8" Gordon & Smith Single fin for what eventually turned out to be a full retro-fest when Ari and Eric joined me with their vintage "tools of the trade" (Single Fin Hayward & Single Fin Caster). The final count gave one session on Saturday (Cliffs) and 2 sessions on Sunday (Cliffs and PB for glass-off).

3363 Ocean Front Walk

Monday, May 19, 2008

Gordon & Smith

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