PRESENTED BY
@SAKS_MENS
YOUR GOOD GUY TO KNOW
Wesley Francis, Surfer
True, Francis’s charmingly homey (seriously, it’s a house) surf shop isn’t in LA proper — you’ll find it a short jaunt south, in Costa Mesa. But once you get a load of the jaw-dropping, glossy wave sticks Almond Surfboards is churning out, you’ll be damn glad you made the trip. Handbuilt craftsmanship, timeless design and style that’ll look damn good hanging on your wall when it’s not carrying you across a wall of water.
And while you wouldn’t immediately peg a floral camp shirt like this as the most versatile item on the rack, you’ll find that not only can it add a dose of personality to a professional getup, but also anchor a decidedly fashion-forward ensemble as well. We’ll call it the sleeper go-to.
SOLID SOCAL SURF BREAK?
“
San Onofre. I not only like San-O because of how fun a wave it is, but also the whole idea behind it: I love how people go and set up camp all day out of their vans and go until dark and then start up the bonfires. It’s the quintessential California beach scene and it’s hard not to love.
”
TIPS FOR A SURFING NOVICE?
“
Keep a low center of gravity and lead with your head and shoulders — 90% of surfing follows that simple rule. Don’t go anywhere in public in a wetsuit. Be aware of surfing etiquette and who has priority on a wave. Take it one step at a time — figure out paddling, then catching waves, then standing up. And just keep doing it. There will be times where you get discouraged, but no one’s great at anything the first time they do it. Be patient and invest the time.
”
QUALITY SURF INSTAGRAM TO FOLLOW?
“
Jeffrey O’neil, one of my buddies from home who lives down in Hatteras, filming for Brett Barley and other local rippers. This kid’s so dedicated I don’t think he’s missed a swell down there, ever — no matter what the weather conditions. If you want to see how good it gets in Hatteras, check him out.
”