to add spot to watch list
17th Street Board Shop is owned and operated by surfing legend Bud Llamas. We got to hang out and chat with Bud in his shop on 17th and Orange in Huntington Beach the other day, and Bud was just as stoked to talk shop as we were.
That’s right, we walked in, and were able to just talk shop with one of surfing legends – no egos, no agents, no entourage. Just a couple of Solspot interns and a surfing legend… I love this sport. For those who didn’t know Bud is considered the unofficial mayor of HB and is always being stopped in town by groms and surfers who just “know” and he loves it. Bud has a robust surfing resume but we were able unearth a VHS tape of him going head-to-head with Kelly Slater in the finals of the 1990 Lowers Pro. Check this killer video out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGbWrbn2BmI
The last time Solspot spoke with Bud, he and Jerry Mulford were partners with the shop. Today, Bud solely owns and operates 17th Street Board Shop, but he was quick to say, “Jerry is still rocking the shops logo on his boards, and he comes in all the time to hang out”.
Walking into 17th Street Board Shop as a surfer or a skater, you truly feel home. Schools out, surf sucks, you got kicked out of the local skate spot— you don’t want to go home to your nagging mom who’s on your case about your chores! Where do you go? 17th Street Board Shop and chill with Bud! The shop’s open, there’s a DVD on the TV, and you can talk with the mayor.
Bud and 17th Street Board Shop is all about the deep soul and core of the local surf and skate scene, he welcomes all surfers and skaters to come in and chill for however long they want. “It’s all about the community”, Bud say’s as he stops in the middle of our talk to assist his customer’s.
Tommy DeMaria, HB local and avid surfer stopped by. Tommy had nothing but great things to say about 17th, “It’s a cool shop man. It’s what a shop should feel like. It’s welcoming and it’s a cool location because it’s NOT on Main Street. The shop really has its own identity and its own scene”, says Tommy. He also tipped us off, “17th does the best ding repair in HB”. All you HB locals store that one in your hip pocket.
In Buds shop you’ll find boards like, Roger Baltierra, DS, Promer, and James Vartanian… Just to name a few. Bud has new and used boards, and also does consignment. Take advantage of Buds ding repairs, 17th does proficient, timely work. I have seen their work myself.
Bud’s soft goods are immense with a purpose and a great cause. You’ll find gear from companies like Mauli Ola Foundation. The foundation uses surfing as a natural treatment to help people with cystic fibrosis (CF). You can also find in Bud’s shop, F*ck Cancer apparel. The F*ck Cancer foundation raises awareness, funds studies, and assists and supports families dealing with the cancer epidemic. These foundations are for an amazing and positive purpose, and it’s awesome to see local shops like 17th rocking them.
When you’re in HB next time, or if you live in HB, head into Buds shop and check it out. The shop is flooded with skateboards, surfboards, amazing art and pictures of Bud tearing it up in the water.
Web: http://17thstreetboardshop.com/
Location: 414 17th St. Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Phone: 714.536.6200
Article written by Alec Hunt and Matt Marbach
