2013 South Bay Winter Recap Part 2
When the northwesterns come marching down the coast from the Aleutians in a waves of consequence format, there’s only a few South Bay battlegrounds and surfers capable of handling the assault. Here iconic lensmen Mike Balzer captures one of the breaks on a once-a-year day. Captions
2013 South Bay Winter Recap Part 1
Surf photographer, Brad Jacobson once said about one of his favorite subjects, Chris Wells, “If there’s a barrel breaking in the South Bay, odds are Wells is in it.” Well, if there’s a barrel breaking in the South Bay, odds are Jacobson is shooting it. It wasn’t the best winter, or the worst, but […]
Best of the Beach 2013: Winners announced!
Every year, our readers vote for their favorite people, places and things across the South Bay. Browse through the categories below to find out the winners and runner-ups of Best of the Beach 2013 contest. For a list of all winners, including 2012, click here. Dining Music & nightlife Shopping Health Sports Kids Hospitality Real estate […]
Best Shop Shaper: Dennis Jarvis, Spyder Surfboards
In the late ’70s, Sypder Surfboard shaper/owner Dennis Jarvis crafted boards for the likes of Mark Cuff, Matt Warshaw, Mark Theodore, Allen Sarlo, and a young Chris Frohoff. “I was shaping boards for competing surfers, and I was surfing against them,” Jarvis laughed, “We were all friends.” Spyder Surfboards’ retail shop opened up 1983. By […]
Best Underground Shaper: Dan Cobley
Dan Cobley 3-peats this year in the Best of the Beach’s “Underground Shaper” title, having won in both 2011 and 2012. “I’m very hands-on in all aspects of design,” Cobley said. “I work my best to make stunning customs that cater to my customer.” Since picking up the planer in 1996, Cobley has worked for […]
Best Golf Course: The Lakes
The Lakes is a municipal golf course owned by the City of El Segundo and has enjoyed tremendous success since it opened in June 1994. The facility includes a 9-hole, par 29 rye and bent grass executive golf course, a 10,000 sq. ft. natural grass putting green, a 58-hitting stall driving range and a 4,000 […]
Best Sports Store: Village Runner
A specialty running store that has served thousands of runners and walkers, Village Runner offers new running shoes, apparel and accessories at two locations in the South Bay. The knowledgeable staff help runners of all skill levels reduce the risk of leg, knee and foot injuries. For more than 19 years, the Village Runner has […]
Best Martial Arts: Elite
Located in Redondo Beach, the Elite Training Center provides self-defense and fitness to people of all ages, from the general public to the military, police officers and others who protect the public. Elite Training Center (formerly LOTAR Self Defense) teaches techniques such as LOTAR® (Close Quarter Battle techniques) and Krav Maga (intuitive self-defense independent of […]
Best Neighborhood Gym: Studio Pulse
Convenient to the South Bay in the Whole Foods Plaza in Redondo Beach, Studio Pulse, a Mad Dogg-licensed studio, offers Spinning(r), Strength Training, Core and Stretch classes. The window-lined, second floor Spinning room provides a great view from the saddle and the doors are open all day for fresh air circulation. Their calorie-busting Spinning classes […]
Best Health Club: Spectrum Athletic Clubs
Spectrum Athletic Clubs is a repeat winner that offers an array of amenities including pools, saunas, certified personal trainers, group fitness classes, a wide variety of exercise equipment and an Interactive Kids Club. The South Bay facility offers boxing and indoor cycling studios and a women’s only workout area. The club in Redondo Beach features […]
Best Bike Shop: Hermosa Cyclery
Hermosa Cyclery continues its reign as top Bike Shop. Founded in 1974 by Harold Schumaker, Hermosa Cyclery remains in the same tan, two-story structure fronting 13th Street near The Strand and is known as the place with the “free air,” where an air hose dangles outside the business so passing cyclers can fill their tires […]
Best Personal Trainer: Trent Mitchell
Training men and women, Mitchell is certified in a numerous area and uses a synergistic approach designed specifically around a person’s specific goals and needs. This is accomplished through proper medical screening, body diagnostics, performance testing, and finally placement into the correct program for each individual. Mitchell stresses the importance of all-around fitness. “When I […]
Best Sailing Lessons: South Bay Sailing
Wes Houston was in the 6th grade visiting a friend’s home when the friend’s dad got mad at his son, took the two sixth graders down to King Harbor and pushed them out to sea in a sabot. Houston had never sailed before. He hasn’t stopped since. When he was 16 he bought a Hobie […]
Best Surf Shop: ET Surf
In an era where a customer can get lost in surf shops that resembles a giant discount emporium or a pretentious art gallery and customers are forgotten by the smug help, ET Surf stays true to its 1972 roots. Last year’s South Bay Big Wave Challenge winner and ET Surf co-manager Dan Connel’s knowledge and […]
Best Running Race: Redondo Beach Super Bowl Sunday 10K/5K & Manhattan Beach 10K (TIE)
Drawing nearly 10,000 race enthusiasts, the Redondo Beach Super Bowl Sunday 10K/5K Run/Walk presented by Kaiser Permanente has become one of the largest Super Bowl celebrations in Southern California. Hosted by the Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau, the event celebrated its 35th year last month. Held adjacent to the Seaside Lagoon, yearly […]
Best dive shop: Dive N’ Surf
Dive master Tony Vanore said what he likes most about teaching at Dive N’ Surf is that it’s “an old fashion hometown dive shop.” Vanore has been a dive instructor since 1989, and has taught at the YMCA, Club Med and a large chain sports shop. Dive N’ Surf, he pointed out, is the only […]