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Paddleboarding and Wake Surfing in Dallas/ Fort Worth

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tyler@dfwsurf.com

Doggie Paddle- How to SUP with your PUP

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You have tried paddleboarding.  Now you want to try paddleboarding with your best friend …  Here is what we recommend:

  1. Safety First!  Make sure that both you and your dog are equipped for the water with a life jacket.  Did you know that paddleboards have been deemed a “vessel” by the US Coast Guard?  This means that every person on a paddleboard or on a boat has to also have a life jacket on board (if you are 12 years of age or younger you have to wear a jacket at all times).  Dogs, however, are an exception and whether they wear a life jacket or not is completely up to you as the owner.  We definitely recommend a life jacket for your dog with a grab handle.  At some point your dog will either fall off the board or will want to go for a swim and having a grab handle is a great way to help your dog get back on board.  Dog Life Jacket Grab Handle for paddleboarding
  2. Land Drills–  We have hosted several clinics over the years with certified dog instructors who start each session with land drills.  Place the paddleboard on land and have your dog get used to getting on and off the board.  This process should take up to 15 minutes and during this time the dog will become more acquainted with his or her new home and where they need to be sitting.  The front of the board is usually the best spot for your dog and some boards include an extended deck pad like the YOLO Board- Dogwood or you can always order one online from companies like Pupdeck.com                                  Paddleboard Dog on a YOLO Board Dogwood Inflatable 
  3. Move to the Water–  Following the land drills it’s time to hit the water!  Proceed to a shallow spot where you can stand with the board next to you and have your dog swim out to the board.  For a beach, lake or land start we recommend turning your board around so that the fin is away from the land and that the nose of the board touches the ground.  You can pick up your dog and place them near the nose of the board where they sat during the land drills.  Positive reinforcement and treats are recommended here

BE SAFE, HAVE FUN

Paddleboarding with your Dog- How To

#paddlewithyourpooch  #supwithyourpup  #doggiepaddle

Surf The Lake- Malibu Moments

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Those Malibu Moments at this year’s Surf The Lake Wakesurfing Contest

The HIGH- FIVES …

THE COMRADERY …  

THE SHREDDING …

THE AWARD CEREMONY  …   Special thanks to all the surfers, judges, volunteers, and our sponsors- Malibu Boats, Waterski America, Autonation Chevrolet and more

SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!!  More photos, head over to our SURF THE LAKE facebook page

Meet Matt Edmondson- New Director of “Surf The Lake”

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We are stoked to have Matt Edmondson on board as the new Director for our annual wakesurfing contest- “Surf the Lake.”  Matt is an industry veteran and the former Director for the US Open of Wakesurfing in Fort Worth.  Matt is passionate about supporting the sport of wakesurfing, its fans, athletes and every day surfers and we look forward to making this year’s event bigger and better than ever.

About SURF THE LAKE:  Surf the Lake is a day of wakesurfing for the 99% of wakesurfers who like to get on the boat with their friends and have some fun.  Formerly known as the DFW Surf Open, this is an open event for all types of surfers- from first timers to 360’s.  It has always been a laid back grassroots event and as the sport continues to grow so has the amount of competitors and divisions.  Surf the Lake is backed by, once again, the best surf boats on the planet thanks to Waterski America and Malibu Boats.

Stay tuned for Open Registration for our 2018- Surf the Lake to be held once again at DFW Surf- Frisco @ Hidden Cove Park and Marina on September 14-15, 2018.

For vendor and sponsorship opportunities contact matt@doomswell.com

Check out the new event FACEBOOK page for more updates

Meet Surf + Skate Coach Todd Johnson

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Todd Johnson Surf and Skate Coach

At only 34 years of age it might be safe to say that Todd Johnson is “a legend.”  Lol.  We love you Toddi J aka Coach Todd, Todd Johnson former pro surfer turned pro wakesurfer/ board shaper.  Todd has coached some big names in the industry- Chris Wolter, World Champs Ashley Kidd and Raleigh Hager to name a few.  He has also shaped boards for hundreds of surfers and wakesurfers and today he continues to do what he loves and see the progression with his surf and skate camps and students.  Check out his company – Surf Camp Pacifica- in action:

When Todd is not at Surf Camp in Cali he is back at DFW Surf coaching in one of our weekly surf classes or hosting longboarding clinics.  It is exciting to have someone with an ocean background who can offer a different perspective to wakesurfing and at the same time be able to relate to our customers from California, Hawaii and Florida.  Check out his blog post:  “Wakesurfing Tips for Surfers.”  

Todd Johnson Turn Heads Open Minds

We look forward to 2018 and years to come with Toddi J on our team of professional watermen at DFW Surf.

If you are interested in private skate or surf lessons please send an email to:  toddi_j@johnsonboardco.com

 

Let There Be Surf: Remembering the First Decade at DFW SURF

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DFW Surf Remembering 2007-2017

We Did It!  “Is that a surfboard?” they asked; “looks like your boat has a flat tire,” they said, “you can do yoga on a paddleboard?”  10 years later and you might be the one who is crazy if you do not know what is happening on the lakes in your backyard.  

DFW Surf would not have been possible without our amazing team of professional coaches, athletes and surf-bassadors.  Determination For Watersports near Dallas, Texas.  We were determined to pioneer a new branch of watersports aka inland surf sports- wakesurfing and stand up paddle boarding.  Year after year we got one more person to get on board and “drink the kool aid” as we called it.  This could not have been possible without the “kings of kool,” “lake rats,” “surf snobs” aka the DFW Surf Crew |  Team DFW Surf.  

Me + You:  This photo album is dedicated to all of those special moments on the water.  Wakesurfing and stand up paddle are, most importantly, social sports that can not happen without me and you.  Special thanks to all of our customers over the years and a huge thanks to all of our DFW Surf Club members.  So many great relationships, so many good times …  on the water with each other.  Community.

We also remember some of our first videos:

We remember, R.I.P, the first ever inland floating surf shop in the U.S- The DFW Surf Shop on Lake Lewisville at Pier 121 Marina.  After the great flood of 2015 we moved our surf shop to a new location just north to Hidden Cove Park and Marina.

 

Wakesurf Wipeouts

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Special thanks to Caleb Mcelhaney for tons of great videos this year.  Here’s a special compilation called “Wakesurf Wipeouts” a surf, crash, repeat- short film featuring the DFW Surf Club in action.  Special thanks to Malibu Boats for pumpin out those huge waves.  If your not fallin, your not tryin.

About DFW Surf Club:  https://dfwsurf.com/dfwsurfclub/

YOLO Board to Sponsor Womens Watermen

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Womens Watermen Yolo Board Frisco TX

Two great American surf lifestyle companies were born in 2007-  YOLO Board and DFW Surf, and now in their 10th seasons, they are joining forces together for one annual event- The Womens Watermen.

“Women make up 65% of the standup paddleboarding market, which is why we wanted to create an event for them,” says event founders and Texas SUP Champs Konae Nowell and Tyler Marshall.

The event will take place once again at DFW Surf- Frisco, Hidden Cove Park and Marina on Lake Lewisville.  Sorry fellows, women paddlers only!  Competitors will race around the infamous “You Only Live Once Island” and back to the start near Rockin’ S Bar and Grill.  2 divisions this year:  Beginner- 1 Lap and Open- 2 Laps (12’6 boards only, no 14′).

Here’s some exciting action from our first year:

See you next Sunday, October 22nd!

Hey Ladies, here’s the event registration link:  https://fareharbor.com/dfwsurffrisco/items/29436/

Parker and Perry Representing Dallas/Fort Worth Surfers

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Parker Payne and Perry Morrison DFW Surf Wakesurfers

Huge weekends for both Parker Payne and Perry Morrison.  Who would have thought that two kids from Dallas/Fort Worth would be two of the most dominant athletes in the sport of wakesurfing.  Parker, from Richardson, is looking to have another decorative year with a great start at the Pro Wakesurf Tour.  Meanwhile Perry, from Grapevine, is arguably the best amateur wakesurfer and took 1st place over the weekend at the Arizona Wakesurf Open.

Perry Morrison 1st Place at the Arizona Wakesurf Open
Perry Morrison 1st Place at the Arizona Wakesurf Open

Seems like only yesterday when we shot this video of these two on Lake Lewisville.  We look forward to seeing both these guys in action and representing DFW for years to come.

Learn more about Parker at parkerpayne.com.  

Surf with Perry on Grapevine Lake every Tuesday.  Learn more here:  dfwsurf.com/tige-tuesdays-kids-surf-free/

DFW Surf + Waterski America and Malibu Boats

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DFW Surf + Waterski America + Malibu Boats

“As we enter our 10th season we are proud to announce a partnership with Premier Ski Boat Corporation- Waterski America and Malibu Boats.  Working with the crew at Waterski America (WSA), guys like Frank, Rusty and owner/founder Tim Cvar has been great.  Having a solid local dealership, the top inboard service department and most importantly, the best surfing experience, makes life easier for our surf school and customers; it is the reason why Malibu Boats is the #1 selling wakeboard boat and Waterski America is the #1 dealer in the country.  We are excited to team up with the best and look forward to many great years to come for the sport of wakesurfing in Texas”

-Tyler Marshall  DFW Surf Owner/Founder

About Waterski America:

Waterski America is an authorized Axis Wake and Malibu dealership serving the Lewisville, Texas area. We have been in business for 25 years, and that means we know how to exceed your expectations. We are proud to carry an unparalleled selection of new boats that will impress both first time and seasoned buyers. We also have one of the largest selections of pre-owned boats including Malibu, Axis Wake, MasterCraft, Tige, Supra, Nautique, Moomba and more! You don’t live in Texas? No problem! We have the ability to sell our pre-owned boats anywhere in the country! Our friendly and knowledgeable sales, financing, service and parts departments are prepared to make sure your experience is outstanding, from assisting while you’re making your choice to ongoing maintenance and customization. At Waterski America, we value the opportunity to create a long term relationship with our customers.

About Malibu Boats:

Malibu Boats is the world’s largest manufacturer of watersports towboats, known for leading the industry with major innovations, including the first onboard computer system in 1993, the ingenious Power Wedge hydrofoil in 2006 (completely redesigned in 2014), the industry’s first wake-maximizing hull in 2000, and Surf Gate, the innovation that changed the face of wakesurfing forever, in 2012. Malibu markets the Wakesetter and Response models—as well as the Axis Wake Research brand—through a worldwide dealer network. With some 450 employees and three manufacturing facilities, in California, Tennessee, and Australia, Malibu builds boats to help you live a #lifewithoutlimits on the water.

Celebrating 10 Years on the Water!

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DFW Surf 10 Year Anniversary Blog Post

Wow!  What an amazing journey that all started back in 2007 right here on Lake Grapevine near DFW Airport.  1o years later here we are, still doing what we love and continuing to introduce North Texans to an outdoor lifestyle of relaxation and adventure.  Water is therapy and we founded a company supported by athlete coach therapists who have laid the foundation for a community that people call “home.”  We look forward to many more years to come and we invite you to also join our surfing community- the DFW Surf Club.

Rafi Margolies Wakesurfing Lake Grapevine
One of the very first wakesurfing clients was Rafi and his Dad Mike Margolies from Dallas

In 2007 we entered the scene via wakesurfinglessons.com and helped pioneer a new way to surf and that same year we produced the first ever wakesurfing events in Texas including the Land Locked Surf Fest at Texas Mastercraft in Fort Worth.  The new sport of wakesurfing was very much in its infancy and it was our goal to spread the word- one person at a time.  Today the sport of wakesurfing is in full swing and it is amazing to see how many people are doing it compared to its predecessors- waterskiing and wakeboarding.

But wait … there was another sport where you can hop on an oversized surfboard and walk on water?  Stand up paddleboarding (SUP) was the opportunity we had been waiting for.  From Hawaii to California and Florida to Texas and the rest of the world- BOOM!!- this was what the world was waiting for and a chance for anyone and everyone to call themselves a “surfer.”  You can use a “SUP Board” to paddle from point A to point B, you can surf it, you can do yoga, you can even surf with your dog.

SUP with your PUP at DFW Surf
Huge thanks to Danny Braught for all his help over the years. We even decided to create a national magazine about the inland surf movement- check us out at boardersmag.com

Our original location near DFW Airport on Lake Grapevine grew quickly across the metroplex.  The goal was to continue to introduce as many people as possible to the new “lake life”- from kayaking and waterskiing to inland surf sports- wakesurf and SUP.  We opened up the first ever floating surf shop at Pier 121 Marina along with various other locations.  If there was water, indoors or outdoors, we wanted to be on it, from lakes to rivers to aquatic centers like LifeTime Fitness.

Jenn Bodnar SUP Yoga at LifeTime Fitness
Huge thanks to Jenn Bodnar, co-founder of Yoga Digest, who helped pioneer the aquatic sup yoga and fitness movement at local indoor pools and aquatics centers like Life Time Fitness and the JCC

As we enter into our 10th season we can’t help but think about all the amazing people we have met along the way.  Special thanks to some of our original founders and crew from the early years including:  Chad Rakestraw, Kyle Rutkowski, David Lawrence, Daniel Goldware, Katie Whitaker, Nate Richard, David Marold, Dirk and Natalie Tailford, Mike Kekoa, Don Anderson.  Moving into the early SUP years:  Tim Marek, Cody Forgy, Mike Fitzpatrick, Danny Braught, Steven Boylson, Sean Reavis, Justin Hammond, Jenn Bodnar, Konae Nowell, Jeff Stearns, Ashley Anderson, Ryan White, Sarah and Jake Nelson and Jeremy Reiber.  Special thanks to Pam McWhorter for fostering our Womens Wednesday club surf night program.  Special thanks to Team DFW Surf from over the years including:  Alyssa Mize, Nate Richard, Ashley Kidd, Parker Payne and Perry Morrison.  Special thank to our DFW Surf Club members and original members including:  Kristen McGregory, Dwight Mullins.  To our web designers, graphics and videographers including Russ Ryan, Michael Zeyda, Tim Marek Photography, Andra Dunn, Parker Dunagan, Spencer Smith, Max Fuerst and tech ninja Kevin Patel.  For Grant “Ole G” and Scott Mccurry Band musical gatherings.  Special thanks to all of our sponsors over the years including:  Epic Boats, Scott Pellaton and Sanger Boats, Freedom Powersports and Centurion Boats, Fly High Fat Sacs, Kona Brewing Company, Weinbergers Deli, Sun and Ski Sports, Vernor Surfboards, Bomber Floating Eyewear, Red Bull, Bounce SUP and Yolo Board.  For 2017 big ups to Waterski America and Malibu Boats.  Special thanks to my family- Joe and Dixie Marshall, Alan, Thu, Tiffany, Eric, Taylor and Garon Marshall, Scott and Shelly Souder and Daddy Bill and Gigi Souder.

Here’s to another 10 years on the water!

Tyler Marshall
Founder

Our Favorite Surf-Themed Restaurants Around Dallas

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Best Restaurants in Dallas?

Here are some of our favorite, “go-to” local restaurants with a surfing flavor.  What is great is that many of these spots are near a DFW Surf location near you.  Imagine a great day of surfing and paddling on the lake followed by some chill music, people and flavors at a nearby surf-themed restaurant like Peace Burger or Towers Tap House?  So, what can you expect?  A surfy-surfy vibe, surfboard ornaments, tacos and margaritas at a marginal price.

Peace Burger

Peace Burger Best Surf Themed Restaurant in Grapevine TX

This is one of our favorite low-key relaxed surf inspired restaurants to go to. Located just minutes from Grapevine lake it is a great spot to go after being out on the boat, paddleboarding, or kayaking.  The food is always on point with options from Texas style burgers to our favorite, the Surf & Turf tacos.  Taco Tuesday is always a hit here with great tasting margaritas to match the tacos.

Peace. Love. & Burgers!  (photo via Peace Burger Facebook).  Address: 1228 William D Tate Ave Grapevine, TX  76051 | Phone: 817.410.4074.  http://www.peaceburger.net

Towers Tap House

Towers Tap House in Little Elm Outdoor Restaurant and Hydrous Cable Park

Towers boasts a great laid-back vibe with a perfect patio/beer garden to watch wakeboarders flying around the Hydrous Wake Cable Park.  Towers is one of our favorite hangouts during the summer with great live music and other special events.  Our favorite items on the menu:  Turkey Burger & Chicken Quesadilla.

Address: 290 E. Eldorado Pkwy – Little Elm, TX 75068 | Phone: (214) 483-1356.  http://www.towerstaphouse.com

Sandbar Cantina and Grill 

Sandbar Volleyball Venue near Deep Ellum Dallas

Sandbar also know as the “Beach Ellum” is located just minutes away from downtown Dallas.  They offer a unique concept that brings a tropical vibe with a large amount of sand volleyball courts, patio seating, and a great bar and restaurant.  This is our go-to spot after a Thursday night “Rock n Paddle” on White Rock Lake (Get involved via our Meetup group).  Our favorite items on the menu:  Avocado Fries & Build Your Own Burger.

Address: 317 S. 2nd Ave, Dallas, Texas 75226 | Phone: (214) 647-1424 .  http://sandbarcantina.com

So-Cal Tacos 

So-Cal Tacos food truck and restaurant in Colleyville

Mobile food truck turned restaurant.  This cozy little taco joint nestled in the Grapevine-Colleyville border off of 114 brings a SoCal mentality to N. Texas.  They serve delicious tacos, burritos, cervezas and margaritas.  Our favorites on the menu:  Gamechanger Tacos & Gnarly Nachos.

Address: 2140 Hall Johnson Road, Suite 118 Grapevine, Texas 76051 | Phone: (682) 223-1316.  http://www.eatsocaltacos.com/

Dive Coastal Cuisine 

Dive Coastal Cuisine Ceviche

Step up your coastal dining a notch in the DFW area with Dive Costal Cuisine. Featuring great local organic produce, seasonal seafood (fresh seafood everyday) and an array of other fresh choices from juices to creative salads. Our favorites on the menu: Ceviche, Seared Ahi Tuna Wrap, Pei Mussels, & Key Lime Pie to finish it off.

Address: 3404 Rankin St. Dallas, TX 75205 | Phone: 214-891-1700.  http://www.dive-dallas.com

Hula Hut

Hula Hut Patio - Little Elm

Hula Hut is new to the DFW area and has been one of favorite places to visit in Austin for years.  The restaurant is a Mexonsian (Hawaiian/Mexican) style restaurant that has a great vibe before you even enter the building.  From the moment you pull up you feel like you are in a water lovers paradise with all of the used vintage watersports gear displayed all over the building.  Hula Hut in Little Elm is build out over their own private lake on a pier with a view of lake Lewisville and Hydrous Cable Park.  Our favorites on the menu: Coconut Shrimp, Hawaiian Fajitas, & the Kawaikini Stuffed Avocado.

Address: 210 Eldorado Pkwy Little Elm, TX 75068 | Phone: 214-618-4852

 

by Danny Braught

Trinity River Park and the Future of Outdoor Activities in Dallas

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Trinity River Park Running and Paddlesports Paradise

Recent plans for the 155 acre development- Dallas’s Trinity River Park Project- include walking trails and a river landscape and will be the perfect place for future outdoor activities and events in Dallas.  The park will be named Harold Simmons Park in honor of the late Harold Simmons and courtesy of a 50 million dollar donation from wife- Annette Simmons.  This will be “one of America’s greatest urban parks” according to Dallas mayor Mike Rawlings.

The Park would be 11 times the size of New York City’s Central Park.  Below is a post project rendering released by the City of Dallas that shows the walking trails along with new paddle trails and even several images of kayakers.  The question remains:  so what does this mean for DFW paddlers?  Will the Trinity River be easily accessible and open to paddlesports like kayaking and canoeing as well as the popular sport of standup paddle boarding?

Dallas Trinity River Kayaking

Several other renderings of the Trinity River Project include pictures of paddlesports- kayaking and canoeing, which leads us to believe that, YES, paddle craft will be allowed on the river.  How this will be regulated or permitted, where will the paddle launching be, will there be paddlesport rentals and many more questions are still up in the air.  If the river is anything like other City of Dallas Parks and Rec waterways then you can be assured that no swimming will be allowed (just like White Rock Lake and Bachman Lake).  Yet, if paddleboarding is allowed on White Rock and Bachman then it is safe to say that you can paddle here too.  And if the great floods of 2007 and 2015 happen again there is even a plan for that too.  (Below is a shot of Coach Dingo paddling on the Trinity during the great flood of 2015, as you can see everything would be submerged in water and the park would be closed, just as most other lake parks around the metroplex would be closed too):

Trinity River Dallas Flood 2015

Other renderings of the Park can be viewed on Google when you type in “Trinity River Corridor Project.”  One of the images shows a boat similar to a pontoon boat and the river looks pretty and blue and as wide as Lake Austin.

Trinity River Corridor Project image

Dallas can expect great things with the new Trinity River Project, a culmination of Dallas West side urban development over the last decade.  If you travel over to the West side today the culminating landmark is the new urban bridge, home of local events like “Yoga on the Bridge.”

Yoga on the Bridge Event photo over Trinity River Park

Imagine a paddlesports event that could be witnessed from the bridge.  Imagine a 5K or 10K running event that could utilize the bridge and the park below.  For the outdoor enthusiast, the new Trinity River Park means new places to explore.  For the Dallas economist, it means no more North/South and East/West barriers (originally the bridges were created as a dividing line between two socio-economic areas of Dallas).

Fall-Winter Paddleboarding Tips

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Paddle with Flare.  Especially if you are paddling alone or with a small group, it is very important to paddle with bright colored clothing.  Also known as the peacock effect, flare is basically another term for standing out.  So why is it important to stand out on the water?  The same way that it is important to stand out on the mountain slopes and especially for back country skiing-  SAFETY.  With low light conditions of fall and winter paddling you will want to be seen on the water by an oncoming boat, your paddle partner or in a rescue situation.  We recommend picking up a bright neon or pink DFW Surf hat for $20 and then you will be safe on the water by day and an attention grabbing peacock at night. (pictured below is national canoe champ Rich Stewart and Dallas Surfer/Socialite Austin McDaniel).

Off-Season paddle boarding tips picture of Rich Stewart and Dallas Socialite Austin McDaniel

Paddle with a Partner or with a Group.  Even more essential for off-season paddling is to paddle with others.  Why?  Because there are significantly less boaters and sailers on the lake in the off-season.  If something goes wrong, who is going to know?  And paddling with others is more enjoyable not to mention more motivating if you are training to be a sup racer.  Pictured below is our die hard first year paddlers who are still making an appearance at Womens Wednesdays week after week.

fall-paddling-in-north-texas-dfw-surf

Gear Up, Dress Up.  If it is cold outside, then wear something warm.  If you are a beginner paddler and have a good possibility of falling in the water then wear a wetsuit.  If you are a confident paddler you will at least need to throw on a pair of booties to keep your feet warm.  If it is an extremely cold day your life will be miserable if you don’t have gloves.  Watch the video of DFW Surf founder Tyler Marshall below try to paddle in the snow with no gloves and see how long he lasts.

Learn more about paddling with flare with top paddle athletes HERE

Made in Texas: Supporting Texas Local Shapers

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made-in-texas-wakesurfboard-shapes

Inland Texas shapes!  As the sport of wakesurfing continues to grow in popularity so too will the boards from the hands of new local surf companies like Tuk Tuk (Austin) and Fitzpatrick Surf (Fort Worth).  Along with the addition of new surf parks- NLand Surf Park in Austin and American Wave Machines at BSR (Barefoot Ski Ranch) in Waco, not to mention the ever growing popularity of SUP, Texas based shapers like Tom Haney (Tuk Tuk), Alec Wood (Waterloo), Brock Dumoit (Doomswell), Nick Wiersema (Chaos Surf) and Mike Fitzpatrick (Fitzpatrick Surf) have expanded their reach.  A surfboard is a means to surf, it is a piece of art and most importantly, it is a relationship.  The growth of wakesurfing in Texas goes hand in hand with the support of local Texas shapers, local athletes and local surf shops.

Doomswell Boarding Co

The good news is that each of these shapers is doing a pretty darn good job at representing Texas.  Some, like Brock Dumoit (Houston), with Doomswell Boarding Co, have grown beyond their production capabilities and have expanded into a global market.

“It’s insane seeing how our company grew from a garage in 2010 into where it is today.  We have now refined our manufacturing process to be more streamline and can now scale to meet our dealers and customers expectations in a timely manner.  At the same time, the sport is continuing to flourish in all directions and inland surf parks is a growing market we hope to dive into and back to our Texas ocean surfing roots.”

Surfboards by Fitzpatrick

Born in raised in Colleyville, TX and a shaping room in his parents backyard, Mike Fitzpatrick, 31, has even added handplanes to his list of shapes, both for Texans and beyond.  Here’s a fun little video of Mike in the shaping room:

Tuk Tuk

Tuk Tuk, another Austin based wakesurf company, and its founder/shaper- Tom Haney, enjoy playing around with new shapes and new materials for wake/surf boards in the shaping room equipped with a C and C machine near Steiner Ranch where the annual Barrel Boss wakesurfing competition is held.

tuk-tuk-surfboards-austin-tx

Waterloo

Meanwhile Alec with Waterloo Soul Craft is enjoying the growth of longboard wakesurfing and shaping the walking blocks of the next big division in the sport, for athletes like their team rider Tegan Gainan.  Nose riding behind the boat?  Yep!

Chaos Surf Co.

Nick Wiersema, Austin based shaper for nearly a decade, has seen the benefit of being a Texas based company for years through Chaos and Shredstixx customs.  For Nick, buying from a local shaper is

“about building a relationship, a family, community.  You buy local because there is something intrinsically pure about working directly with your shaper.  You can accomplish this at a distance with modern technology, but nothing beats sitting down face to face with a true craftsman and letting him walk you through a series of questions which will illuminate the type of surfer you are and the surfer you can be.”

Nick Wiersema Chaos Surfboards and Shredstixx

As you take your next step to buying your first wakesurfboard, we would definitely recommend developing a relationship with a local shaper like one of these guys.  Staying local and supporting local has always been a Texas sized trend, from music artists like Willie Nelson to local homebrews like Shiner Bock and Titos.  Although these shapers will never be as big as Willie Nelson that is exactly the benefit you will receive through your first shape-  small and personable.

Chevy’s New Hurley Surf Truck

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chevrolet-hurley-surf-mobile

Chevy’s new Z71 concept truck was just introduced at the SEMA trade show in Las Vegas.  In collaboration with surf brand, Hurley, the new Chevy Z71 is one of the first surf specific mid-sized pickups.  Features include a snorkel that allows the truck to be submerged in water, which is great for your adventure surfing needs as well as watersport towing needs- jet ski or boat.

According to media.chevrolet.com: “This ultimate wave wanderer, which also serves as a mobile beach command center, is decked out with a custom surfboard rack, storage systems and even water-resistant seat covers made from advanced ventiprene, a breathable material similar to the neoprene used in surfing wetsuits.”  The concept according to Ryan Hurley was about functionality, designing a truck for John John Florence to use that would make sense for surfers.

Even better yet is a waterproof bracelet can be used to unlock the car.  Wear your bracelet while you surf or wakesurf and then hold it up to the tailgate to unlock.  Very similar to the new Malibu Boats Surf Watch used while wakesurfing to shape your perfect wave.

chevrolet-surf-truck-with-thule-rack-system

Surf mobile?!  Awesome, but what about a more practical truck for the inland surfer and standup paddle board enthusiast?  I guess we will have to wait and see …