I met Lisa years ago helping her find people interested in one of her inventions, the Cinch-Sac. It’s a great piece of surfing equipment that’s been copied many times. It’s a changing mat that cinches up to be a bag that hold your soaked wetsuit. Check it out in our products section.
What I quickly learned though was Lisa is more than an inventor, she's an avid surfer, a camper and traveler, a big fan of Westy’s (VW Westfalia vans), a business woman with a talent for sewing. Lisa makes hats, beanies, changing towels, hand bags, board bags, board carriers and does excellent work in Wetsuit Repair and alterations. Lisa does local work and even has accounts with major wetsuit builders for local warranty repair. She is solid at her work and you should look her up if you live in the area or if you are traveling in the area and need repairs. Lisa even has a little storefront in the town of Leucadia California where she stocks her creations as well as a couple other local brands like; Olive and Ivy Apparel (t-shirts and jewelry), Moondoggie Designs Sweatshirts and others.
This is the spot if you are traveling or if you are a local looking for a solid and reliable wet suit repair. Stop in to see Lisa when you are cruising PCH through Leucadia. Recently I had a little conversation with Lisa and here is what we talked about.
When did you start repairing wet suits?
I started in 1998 while living in San Francisco.
Was that before or after Bionic Labs and your other product creations?
It was before I started the Bionic Labs accessories but after I started making beanies
What’s your most popular product?
My most popular product is actually the service of repairing and altering wetsuits. That is the one thing that really has taken off successfully.
How long have you lived in San Diego and where?
I moved to Carlsbad in 2000 and now live in Leucadia since 2007.
How long have you been surfing?
12 years
What led you to surfing?
I was living in NYC working in the fashion industry and had a mid life crisis. Well, I guess it was a 1/4 life crisis. I new I didn’t want to be there and didn’t know what else to do so for some unknown reason I decided I wanted to learn how to surf. I moved to San Francisco and that’s where I started.
Who were some of your main influences?...to pursue surfing but also your surfing style.
I’m not sure if my surfing style was influenced by anyone. I’m not that concerned about how well I surf and have never really tried to improve my technique of surfing for any other reason than to catch more waves and have more fun. I do look at certain surfers and know they have a beautiful style or ability and I think the most beautiful style I have ever seen is still Tom Curren’s. There are many surfers who inspire me to live the surfing lifestyle and to live your dream. People like Woody Brown, Linda Benson, Bethany Hamilton and Jamilla Star have made big impressions on me.
What are you riding most right now?
I mostly ride this old beat up 6’2” Uncle Mike. It’s an X-fish. Since my van needs a new motor, I am riding my bike to go surf. I live close to Beacons and this board does well there.
Some of your favorite places to camp in California?
One of my favorite places in the world is Jalama. I also like to camp in Big Sur.
Is there Camping must have accessory that you suggest for camping on the coast in Baja and California?
The Cinch Sac of course!!! I’ve found many uses for it besides carrying your wet wetsuit! I’ve gathered firewood, rocks, groceries, laundry and use it to catch the dripping water from my wetsuit while it’s hanging in my van to dry while I’m driving.
Favorite hangs in Leucadia?
The beach, Le Papagayo where they always have live music.
Place or places for after surf Lunch?
Mozy Cafe
Organic fruits and veggies
Leucadia Farmers Market on Sundays
Where do you surf mostly (no need for specific spot unless it’s well known)?
Mostly in Leucadia and Encinitas.
Your Favorite swells for that/those spots?
I think it gets most fun in the winter on the northwest swells.
Pros or famous locals, surfers and artists that may visit your shop?
Kitt Horn who is a local, eternal 80 year old grom visits my shop.
New inventions or products on the way???
I’ve been asked by numerous people to make doggie wetsuits so I’m hoping that will be my next new product.
Swell Stuff
1114 N. Coast Hwy Encinitas, CA 92024 760.632.8653
For more information www.swell-stuff.com
