Randy Schaefer owns Wave-
Front, one of the most celebrated
surf shops in Ventura
County. In 1985, the former transmission
business was converted into
a windsurf store, which then became
a surf shop two years later as
windsurfing lost popularity. Schaefer
took the helm in 2005 with the goal
of turning a then-failing Waveline
Surf Shop around.
“Growing up, I always hung out at
local surf shops, and now I get to do it
everyday,” says Schaefer. “It’s not a job,
but a way of life.”
Schaefer’s love for surfing began
many decades ago. “Riding my first
wave in 1965, surfing is a lifelong passion
for me,” he says. “Growing up with
my Yater longboard, then turning to
the shortboard, I’ve come full circle for
my passion with the longboard again.”
Currently Schaefer rides a 9’ 8” model
that professional shaper Dennis Ryder
custom-built just for him. The board
gets him on the water as much as time
permits; the rest he spends at the shop.
He started with the concept that his
new WaveFront store would retain core
products for true surfers, like his favorite
shops of old. It would carry boards,
trunks, wetsuits, sandals, t-shirts and a
wide range of sunglasses — without resorting
to boutique-level prices or fads.
Still, stocking local goods was crucial
to Schaefer, so he contacted shapers
Ryder, Clyde Beatty Jr. and Orbicular
Surfboards to maintain community ties.
Inventory soon expanded with T-Patterson,
Stewart Surfboards and Davenport
Surfboards, who each created standout
boards for Ventura’s waves.
The other essential feature in
founding a successful shop would be
their committed customer service. “We
pride ourselves in taking the time to
help each of our customer’s full needs,”
says Schaefer. “It’s not uncommon for
us to spend an hour with a customer
helping them find the right surfboard or
wetsuit.” They see both first-timers and
experienced locals, but carry a selection
of gear that caters to all skill levels. “I
always find time just to talk to locals and
visitors about their latest surf story,” he says.
By sharing wave stories and surf
knowledge with shoppers, Schaefer
helps draw the community closer to his
passion. “When someone new starts
surfing, they quickly learn that surfing is
a lifestyle, not a sport,” he says. “Most
beginners that feel the stoke will surf
the rest of their lives, always searching
for the next great swell.”
WaveFront supports a host of local
events year-round, but has a deep
connection with the annual C-Street
Longboard Contest run by the nonprofit
Ventura Surf Club in September.
The contest is free to the public
and devoted surfers participate from
all over California.
For more information, visit Wave-
Front at 154 East Thompson Blvd in
Ventura, 805-652-2201