Factory at Bashams

When did you start your business?

Bashams has been around forever selling blanks, resin, cloth, fins, etc. It was One of the largest Clark Foam distributors. I had started Usedsurf, a used surfboard shop inside of bashams, about 4 years ago. When Clark Foam closed we started more of a retail shop called, THE FACTORY, here at Bashams. This summer will be our 2nd year.

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

The good part is so many people know us through the years. We are in the heart of the San Clemente's surfboard manufacturing section. Lost, T.Patterson, Hamish, Weber, Cole, Ellis, the list goes on - they are all a stones throw from our place. It makes for a cool and real setting as far as surfboard retails go. As soon as you pull up you smell the resin.

Who is your average buyer?

Too hard to say - Our buyer ranges from the guy who is looking for a "magic" fin for his single fin to somebody that wants a good high performance shortboard. But our average buyer are people that kinda know what they want, or need, but want to discuss, dial in, and explore their options of what would be the best fit for them fin or shape wise.

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

Everyone is welcome!

What is the dumbest question a customer has ever asked?

There are no dumb questions. It is better to ask and not be dumb anymore than to never ask and stay dumb.

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

We have a handful of guys that we help out and we work with board label EDIT and hook those riders up too.

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

We build all the Teen Choice Award surfboards for ZUMA JAY and sometimes you will come across a board for Jessica Alba or somebody. I would love for her to come pick it up personally but that has yet to happen. Surf celebs come in here though a lot. Nathan Fletcher and Mike Losness come in from time to time and buy resin and stuff. We built the PIPE MASTERS trophy this year and Lopez came in and did some photos and stuff. Brad Gerlach and the guys from Primo Beer came around no too long ago and brought everyone beer. Good Times!

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

I surf everyday just about. But i will say i am noticing that the waves have to be better these days to get me out there. We open at 12pm so it leaves plenty of time to get a session in before going to work.

Who is your favorite surfer and why?

Tom Curren. Slater for a ton of reasons. But i have been loving Aaron "Gorkin" Cormican. He is so fun to watch and inspiring with what he does with the wave. I dig how well he surfs and what he is able to do with smaller waves. He is a favorite for sure!!!