Surfing Heritage and Culture Center — Attraction in San Clemente

I learned about SHACC through an excellent multi-episode interview with Dick Metz on David Scales' Surf Splendor podcast (highly recommended). As a lifelong East Coast surfer, I jumped at the chance to visit when my wife attended a conference in San Diego.

It would be difficult to overstate the impact of seeing first hand this extensive and thoughtfully presented collection of boards, surf history and surf culture. Like surfing itself, it's not something you can describe, you have to experience it.

If you have a chance to visit, take my advice and don't hesitate - do it. I visited SHACC in the Encinitas location, which is beautiful, and they're moving to Laguna, which will be even bigger, better, and closer to the waves.

Admission, unbelievably, is free, but they accept donations, and trust me, a donation is money...

I recently visited this great surf museum with a patient of mine. We both enjoyed the history made surfboards and literature that is displayed throughout. I only have one complaint and that was with the receptionist. Not sure why she had a less than friendly person. She might have just had a bad day and we just happened to catch it. Other than that, this was a great time, especially the couch area where my patient could read the magazines that were available for consumption (haha). I want to thank the staff and I will definitely bring my other Alzheimer/Dementia patients to visit and relive...

We came up from San Diego for the Big Wednesday book signing. I was amazed at the number of classic boards and memorabilia on display. All of the people there were super nice and ready to answer any questions. Denny Aaberg was there to sign his book and Peter Townend was there to tell some really cool stories about the making of Big Wednesday. It was a great night and well worth the drive up from SD. Great group of...