Traveler Surf Club Malibu!

Our 2nd Traveler Surf Club & Coastal Outpost is open in Malibu! With surfboard storage, beach lockers, changing rooms, rinse-off station, restrooms, complimentary coffee/tea, WiFi lounge, fiberglass board rentals, and community vibes, we are stoked to be bringing, the Traveler stoke to Malibu. The Surf Club is a membership based community with monthly rates. Members get after-hours access to their boards along with 10% off in-store. We also offer Day Passes for folks just wanting to use the amenities for the day.

Our shop includes west coast brands including Silver Lining Bespoke, Patagonia, Carve Designs, Betsy & Iya, Bathing Culture, The Seea, Stacia and more. You don’t have to be a surfer to come shop with us, just a sense of adventure.

Come by and say hi!

Forbes: The Woman Behind the Coolest Surf Club in Northern California

Jo PiazzaContributor

ForbesWomenI write about women pushing limits of creativity & entrepreneurship.

Former professional surfer Julie Cox opened the Traveler Surf Club to fulfill her own unmet needs. PRESTON RICHARDSON

I may not be much of a surfer, but I sure like to float on a board on a bluebird day. That's how I discovered the Traveler Surf Club in Pacifica, a woman-founded and operated surf club that offers rentals, lessons, storage, showers, hot coffee and the sweetest little beachside apparel shop for surfers and wannabe surfers like me.

Julie Cox, a professional surfer and former director of the California Surf Museum, launched Traveler in 2017 out of necessity. Even though surfers from around the world have long flocked to the breaks at Linda Mar state beach in Pacifica, the amenities are seriously lacking. Aside from the world's most scenic Taco Bell and a couple of shops, there was no where for surfers to hang, get dry, get warm and chat.

Traveler Surf Club is mere steps from the Linda Mar beach in Pacific. ANNA SIMONE

Julie Cox, a former professional surfer and former director of the California Surf Museum, launched Traveler in 2017 out of necessity. Even though surfers from around the world have long flocked to the breaks at Linda Mar state beach in Pacifica, the amenities are seriously lacking. Aside from the world's most scenic Taco Bell and a couple of shops, there was no where for surfers to hang, get dry, get warm and chat.

"It was partly out of a need to get warm after surfing in the cold waters of the Pacific ocean," Cox said. "Buying a home steps from the beach was not in the cards, so we started to brainstorm on how to create a 'shareable beach shack' experience that could work for other city surfers.  The idea for a place to clean up, grab a hot shower and get on to the next activity while connecting with others  was the seed for Traveler Surf Club."

It's no secret that the surf industry has long been a boys' club and Cox was well aware of that fact when she opened Traveler.

"We've certainly had our share of guff from some salty surf bros who just want to keep the status quo and crow about how hardcore they are," Cox said. But she's been pleasantly surprised that those voices are actually pretty few and far-between compared to the support they've received. "The upside is that I have clear insight into how many male-focused sports  businesses fail to properly serve their female audience. Women command huge buying power, even in sports- so tuning in to that is just good business."

Cox, who has been surfing since she was eight-years-old, has always been a bit of a tom boy and even though the business is woman-owned, she aims to keep the space gender neutral.

Julie Cox, a former professional surfer, has been surfing since she was eight-years-old. LESLIE MUIRHEAD

"It definitely makes for a more open and welcoming environment for both men and women.  Surfing can be an especially intimidating sport, but our goal has always been to send out good vibes and promote our love of the ocean and outdoors rather than being highly competitive with our counterparts. I think people respect that and find it refreshing," Cox said.

Even though Cox had worked in the surf and retail industries for most of her career starting her own business was daunting.

"Everything was a steep learning curve including figuring out how to raise capital, learning the building permit process on the fly, hiring great staff and hoping that we could prove out a concept that didn't previously exist. We just kept putting one foot in front of the other and moving ahead until things fell into place. And it worked," Cox said, with no small measure of surprise.

Traveler's motto is "surf more, get warm, be happy" and that translates into solving several key problems for the urban cold-water surfer. Cox's ultimate goal is to make it easier for her members to spend more time riding waves and less time dealing with the cumbersome logistics of the sport. The business woman in her realized that they needed to create a monthly membership model much like any fitness facility as well as day-use passes for folks who are 'travelers' looking to upgrade their day at the beach. I was one of those travelers. I'm a surf novice, used to resort surfing, the kind where a nice man who works for the hotel I'm stayed at paddles out next to me and gives me a big push when a wave is coming up behind me.

Traveler lets you store and rent boards and wet suits. ANITA YUNG

Traveler was incredibly accommodating to my abilities, or lack thereof. And they provided the thing I want most in a surf experience, a warm shower, a sauna and a butt-warming bench in a beautiful Instagram-worthy courtyard post-surf. Traveler may be gender neutral, but it knows how to provide comfort in a way that the male-operated surf clubs I've been to haven't. It's a small difference, but an important one, especially as more and more women are flocking to the sport and the surf industry.

"I tell other women that the  surf industry is ripe for innovation and new ideas. I'd recommend thinking outside the box and trying to bring a different perspective to a historically homogeneous market," Cox says. "Similar to when you're out in the water, you won't necessarily have the best experience paddling out into a crowded spot and wait for the biggest waves to come, you have to scan the horizon, keep your eyes open, and be ready to catch the right wave that is coming just for you." 

Jo Piazza is a bestselling author. Her new novel, Charlotte Walsh Likes to Win, a searing story of political ambition, marriage, class and sexual politics, comes out in July.

Traveler Feature in Surfer Magazine

OUR KIND OF SURF CLUB

PACIFICA’S “TRAVELER” IS THE COZY SURF HANGOUT WE NEED

JANUARY 19, 2018 BY JUSTIN HOUSMAN   

About 15 minutes south of San Francisco lies Linda Mar, a curious surf spot in the hamlet of Pacifica, equal parts maddening, hilarious, terrifying, embarrassing, beautiful, necessary and peaceful. Sometimes all on the same day. It's one of the only two beginner-friendly waves anywhere near the Bay Area, not including Santa Cruz, and one of the few sheltered spots offering a playful refuge in the winter when west swells roar into Ocean Beach. It also boasts two very fine longboard peaks, again, rarities in this part of California.

That last part drew the attention of Julie Cox, a one-time competitive longboarder, who'd relocated to San Francisco after growing up surfing Malibu, before attending college at UC Santa Cruz, then bouncing back to Southern California, then finally being drawn back north by the area’s natural beauty in recent years.

Cox loved the soft lefts along the southern section of Linda Mar, and would schlep her massive log from her apartment in SF's bustling Mission District to her car, then drive down Highway One to Pacifica, only to do it all over again on the way home, often shivering and freezing in a soaked wetsuit.

Finally, she had enough of the hassle and wondered if she could do something about it. She envisioned a surf club near Linda Mar where surfers could stash boards, come in from the surf and warm up with a hot shower, commune with fellow wave riders, maybe do a little board shopping. And with that, in October 2016, Traveler Surf and Swim Club was born.

Traveler's Julie Cox, steps to the nose just steps from her club. Photo: Muirhead

"I got so tired of dragging my board from San Francisco to Linda Mar all the time and I figured that if I'm dealing with this, surely there are other people who would enjoy a hot shower and a place to keep a board," Cox told me on a recent sun-dappled afternoon in Traveler's charming patio. "This place came from my own wants and needs, really."

The front of Traveler is a rootsy, hipster-chic surf shop, complete with beautiful handmade logs, quality clothes, Pendleton blankets, jewelry, and a kickass surf library with comfy couches. Coffee and tea are available and it is excellent. The back of the space, though, is where the magic lies.

Members get a code to a gate that swings open to reveal a gorgeously manicured, open-air sanctuary. There are board lockers, heated benches, and beautiful outdoor showers. When I was there, a charming wooden sauna had been wheeled in on a trial basis.

I quickly fell in love with the idea of a bitterly cold Linda Mar session on a stormy, south-wind day, then a frozen-footed stroll through the gates at Traveler, followed by a hot shower and a mug of fair trade, while leafing through a magazine on a heated bench.

Cozy reading nook? Check. Photo: Simone

Why aren't there more of these places? It's the sort of hangout you didn't even realize you were missing until you get a little taste for yourself, then it seems like the most obvious thing in the whole world and you wondered how you lived without it.

"It's so cold in Northern California, most surfers seem to get in their cars and just drive home after a surf," Cox said. "I missed the community of hanging at the beach. I wanted to create an inviting, cool space where people could transition from the ocean to land."

From the surf to the shower to the warm. Photo: Simone

Obviously, the housing market is absurd in San Francisco, and surfers can't always choose where they get to live, sometimes stuck with a big, not-surfboard-friendly apartment building. The ability to leave surf stuff at a favored beach is a real draw for surfers in the area.

Memberships run around $75/month, a little more if you keep your board there. Day passes are available too (the author received no special treatment for this piece, btw). Traveler hosts movie nights, talks, and all kinds of cool surfy stuff. Plus, Cox is a joy to talk surf with.

If you're in Pacifica, cruise by and say hi. If you're not, but still like the idea of a charming surf club at your beach, well, stay tuned to see what’s coming next for Traveler.

Surfboards for Pacifica

Linda Mar in Pacifica can be a really fun beach break wave with hints of point breaks on the south end.  What board to ride at Linda Mar? Good question... it of course depends on what type of surfing you aspire to do, your height, weight, and ability.  Ashley Lloyd Thompson and Jed Noll recently shaped a few boards for my shop, Traveler, with Pacifica in mind.  They are mostly eggs and longboards to support lots of wave catching :). Stop by the shop and we can chat more about your needs.  

The Best Wetsuits for Surfing in Northern California

My experience as a wetsuit wearing surfer, working retail in the surf industry for 15+ years, and now owning my own shop has given me a lot of time to think about wetsuits and what makes them great, or not so great.  The not so great ones fall apart quickly, which makes for colder sessions and wasted money. 

Fit, stretch, warmth, durability are all things you should (and can!) find in a new wetsuit.

The Matuse D’Arc 4/3mm is my new favorite.  Oh the buttery softness, the stretch, warmth, and fit are amazing, especially for a $310 price point!  Another awesome suit with retro styling, zippers on the legs for easy in and out is the Nineplus Catsuit in 4/3mm. This suit is a little more delicate, than the Matuse, but if you have a slightly higher budget, this suit is worth the $400 for its warmth and styling.

 Vissla makes an amazing front zip and back zip suit for guys. It is buttery soft and warm.  

If you run cold, like I do, you'll want to add booties, which also protect your feet against the rocks and make you last longer in the colder water temps. Patagonia 3mm booties are tough and durable, though I have found them to fit one size too small. Vissla 3mm booties are comfy and lower price point. All booties are unisex so make sure you try them on and find the ones that fit your foot best. Some might fit more wide or more narrow.  

On really chilly days, I like to have a cap or insertable hood on hand at all times too in case the wind is strong or if the waves are bigger and I know I'll be getting submerged a lot.  Vissla makes a nice wetsuit cap as well. Again, it is all about the fit. If you feel like you’re chocking, it is probably too tight and will give you a headache in the water. If the cap is too loose, water will flush and you will be stuck with a piece of equipment that isn’t right for you.

Whatever you choose, hopefully owning your own wetsuit and accessories will make surfing more fun for you! 

Traveler Surf & Swim Club in Pacifica Now Open!

The Traveler Surf & Swim Club opened Feb. 1st, 2017. The Club's mission is to encourage ocean lovers to spend more time doing what they love and to provide a friendly, warm, and inviting space to transition to and from the ocean.  We aspire to create a community among ocean-goers of all levels and the community is growing! 

The Surf & Swim Club amenities include: hot outdoor showers, surfboard lockers, personal lockers to store valuables while you surf, changing rooms, coffee/tea/ water fill-up station, heated outdoor furniture by Galanter & Jones, and monthly members receive 10% off in store. 

If you've been wondering: Where can I store my surfboard near the beach? Where do you get changed at the beach? Is there a surf club or beach club in the San Francisco Bay Area? Are there hot showers at the beach? Look no further, the Traveler Surf & Swim Club was created for you! 

Traveler Grand Opening & Holiday Party!

Join me from Noon-8pm for Traveler's Grand Opening & Holiday Party! The shop is part surf, part outdoor adventure, part home goods, part gift, part community event space with yoga. You have to come see if for yourself!  Sneak peaks of the Surf & Swim Club will also be happening along with live music, gift with purchase, festive drinks and more. Location: 5450 Coast Hwy, Pacifica, CA 94044

Traveler is OPEN!

My new store, Traveler, is open!  Located at 5450 Coast Hwy in Pacifica, CA, our ours are Mon-Fri 10am-6pm and weekends 9am-6pm.

The online store is also live at travelersf.com.  Because it's a new site, I'd love any feedback on how it is working! Feel free to let me know by emailing hello@travelersf.com  You guys are the best!

Also, coming Dec. 2016 is the Traveler Surf and Swim Club with lockers, hot showers, and amenities to ease your transition from land to water, water back to land. Stay tuned for that or email me if you're interested in a discounted pre-sale membership. Space is limited.

Hope everyone is enjoying their fall. I love this time of year!

My New Store "Traveler"!

I'm super excited to announce that I'm opening my own store this October 2016 in Pacifica, CA! Three plus years in the making, "Traveler Shop and Traveler Surf Club", is the product of ideas I've had for a unique retail space and my experience in surf, outdoor, non-profit/museum, hospitality, and retail industries. Here's more:

"Traveler is an outdoor and adventure inspired retail store located just steps from Linda Mar Beach in Pacifica, California.  Founded by former pro surfer and outdoor enthusiast, Julie Cox, Traveler's mission is to build community by bringing people together through events, education, and a by offering a selection of quality handcrafted goods. 

Coming 2017, Traveler Surf Club is a membership based community for surfers, swimmers, and beach goers.   Located in the backyard of the shop, we provide a peaceful re-entry point from the chilly Pacific Ocean which includes hot showers, secure lockers, surfboard storage, zen garden, and restrooms.  Everything you need to go from land to ocean, to warmth and happiness".

Location:

5450 Coast Hwy

Pacifica, CA 94044

Email Traveler related inquiries to: info@ travelersf. com

Mexi Log Fest

I'm honored and excited to be a judge at this years Mexi Log Fest surf contest in Sayulita, Mexico Feb 19-21, 2016.  A talented group of surfers will be in attendance this year and though surfing is my number one fave thing to do... watching surfing is my second favorite thing to do ;)  Head to the Mexi Log Fest website for more info on the event, competitors, and action surrounding the weekend.  Thanks to Israel Preciado for organizing this awesome contest.

Yoga for Surfing - 3 Recommended Videos

Surfing is my main form of exercise, but I find that if I don't keep up with a regular yoga practice (even just 10 minutes per day) I my muscles are tight and it is more difficult to spring into surf action when I need to. It's no mystery that keeping your body in great physical shape is one of the keys to great surfing.  So, to prepare for a surf session or to stay loose after a session I take advantage of the wonderful world wide web to keep me on track with the yoga videos below.  These are just suggestions, so find a yoga instructor and style you like and bookmark it!

Above: Morning yoga for flexibility (9 mins)

Above: Pre-surf yoga (17 mins)

Above: Post-surf yoga (11 mins)

What are some of your favorite yoga videos? Drop me a line or comment here. Namaste!

Sealevel TV's - "Worm Dreams Big" (Keep-A-Breast & Women's Logger Malibu Footage)

Erin “Worm” Ashley’s has a big dream: raise awareness about the importance of early breast cancer detection by partnering with The Keep A Breast Foundation and throwing a good, old fashioned style surf contest with the best women longboarders in the world at First Point, Malibu, California. Worm, professional logger and aloha gladiator, has a truly unique vision that run counter to the high-pressure, stress-inducing, modern surf contest rules. She believes (and proves) that rewarding surfers for skillfully sharing waves is the perfect recipe for celebration and revelry. Worm’s states, “Share in the good times, thow[ing] down zero bad vibes...that’s what I’m trying to maximize”. “We haven’t gone so far as to call it a contest. We’re more hanging out, having a good surf. One of the things we miss is...sharing a wave together...it takes a lot of the contest out of contest. Showcasing women’s longboarding...is an epic thing. But to be able to do it for an incredibly rad cause is more important.” “My big picture at the beginning had nothing to do with the the surfing aspect...I wanted Keep A Breast to be a part of it. Shaney Jo [Darden, Co-Founder, Keep A Breast] is this amazingly compassionate human being. I wanted to be more actively good as a human as less passively good” Women's surfing has a long-standing, ardent history with The Keep A Breast Foundation according to co-founder, Shaney Jo Darden, going back more than fifteen years. So it was not by change that Worm’s dream concept fit flawlessly with Keep A Breast’s inspired, remarkable time-honored activism focused on the benfits of regular breast exams and early detection.

Erin Ashley aka "Worm" was the contest director for the recent Women's Logger Invitational at Malibu Surfrider Beach.  She's an awesome gal and so is Shaney-Jo the Founder of Keep-A-Breast a non-profit geared toward early detection of breast cancer.  This video takes a look into what Keep-A-Breast is all about while highlighting scenes from the contest. 

Women's Logger Invitational - Malibu Surfrider Beach Sept. 11, 2015

"Sixteen of the best women’s traditional longboarders invited to share the stoke, trade waves and cheer each other whilst showcasing beauty, style, grace, and maximum shreddage within the platform of friendly competition."

I got an invite to surf in this special event coming September 11th at Surfrider Beach, Malibu.  The Women's Logger Invitational is a new contest style produced by members of the Malibu Surfing Association. Thanks to Erin Ashley for the invite and organization efforts! CAN"T WAIT to surf this prestigious event and share in the fun. Aloha!

A Good Read

If you're looking for an interesting educational read this summer, pick up The World in the Curl: An Unconventional History of Surfing.  Written by two professors at UC Santa Barbara, Peter Westwick and Peter Neushul, the World in the Curl takes a fascinating look at surfing through the lenses of anthropology, geology, culture, race, gender, and class.  You'll gain a much deeper understanding of surfing from a fresh perspective.   I really enjoyed it and think you will too!