One of the newest trademarks of John Muir College closed shop during spring break, moving from UCSD premises to Garnet Avenue in Pacific Beach.
Since opening in August 2005, Muir Surf and Skate thrived in its location across from El Mercado and Redwood Lounge. Because of its close proximity to the renowned Black’s Beach, it was a first stop for surfers and skaters alike in meeting all equipment needs.
However, when UCSD Recreation Outback Adventures announced it would be opening its surf shop on campus April 24, Muir Surf and Skate manager Scott Lembach said he was compelled to relocate.
‘It wasn’t our initial intent to move,’ Lembach said. ‘But we cannot compete against a large organization such as Outback Adventures.’
Though Outback Adventures has been providing gear for outdoor sporting adventures since 1978, its interests never conflicted with the smaller surf and skate shop until the creation of Outback Adventures Surf Shop.
Set in the more central Price Center, Outback Adventures Surf Shop is expected to attract a lot more attention and customers than Muir Surf and Skate did in its isolated location.
‘Moving to Pacific Beach opened a realm of new changes,’ Lembach said. ‘The new location is significantly bigger, has more merchandise, and for the first time, is in the eye of the public.’
The sudden departure of Muir Surf and Skate from campus was met with surprise by frequenters of the shop.
‘It was always convenient and quick because it was right there,’ Muir College freshman and avid surfer Casey Owen said.
The store also played into the independent spirit of Muir College, which was known for being one of the only campuses in the country to boast its own surf shop.
Owen said that when he attended admit day as a prospective student, he received a good deal from Muir Surf and Skate on a wetsuit. Though it wasn’t his primary motivation to attend UCSD, he said that it factored into his decision and got him excited for college.
‘[I thought], I want to go there, there’s even a surf shop near the dorms,’ Owen said.
Though the shop is no longer on campus, it still provides the same services at its new location. UCSD students receive the same 15 percent discount on wetsuits, Rainbow sandals and other select items.
‘We still support UCSD,’ Lembach said. ‘We really enjoyed working with students, and love surfing and skating. We love doing what we do. Everything we have done in the past is the same, and we have not changed.’
Readers can contact Nisha Kurani at [email protected].