Wandersurf Board Company

Meet Jason Gonzales of WanderSurf Board Company in San Diego, California

Hi Jason, could you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Coming from a corporate job where I just got burned out with the corporate lifestyle, I wanted to do something different and and decided to return to my roots - 30 years of surfing - and start a business where I could be on the water. I bought my first SUP about 10 years ago and started my company, WanderSurf, 2.5 years ago. I wanted to get people on the water and love the health benefits of SUP and wanted to make it my job. We sell our own boards, paddles, leashes, etc with an online shop but also do SUP lessons, sunrise, and sunset tours in Mission bay, SD. I do drop off and pick up board rentals too

Tell us a little more about your experience with paddleboarding
I've been surfing for 30 years which lead to a really easy transition into Paddleboarding. 10 years on a SUP and SUP surfing. I also like to participate in local races.

Location Overview - Tell us about your water environment
Mission Bay Crown Point Park area is a great place to see the sunrise! Sunset paddles with lights under the board and on top are best in Bonita Cove, also in Mission bay, but down towards the ocean side - less boat traffic, and great for seeing bat rays, and sea lions. Both paddles are about 2.5 miles

Do you have any signature services or paddle activities?
Definitely, The Mission Bay Sunrise and Sunset paddle are the most popular. We offer glow tours too which are a real crowd pleaser.

What is your season?
Year-round but September, October and even November is great for paddling. We love early morning paddles to beat the wind and see the sunrise colors

Are there any local attractions paddlers may also be interested in?
May - October we have a better chance of seeing bat rays, sting rays and sea lions - just more of them around. Towards the winter months they are still there but not as many.

Are there any other cool or interesting activities in the area?
Go hike Torrey pines; Balboa park area for museums and great places to walk around; Ax throwing (bulls-eye!) right on Pacific Beach - seriously, it's a thing and it's super fun!

Do you have any recommendations for local food and drinks?
Bonita Cove is in South mission beach and The Sandbar bar and restaurant has great views and food. In Pacific Beach, right on the boardwalk, I like Woodies - super mellow - for breakfast and really good coffee, and it's right on the beach. Mavericks bar and restaurant has lots of energy and fun beach games to play, outdoor seating, great bar and food. Taco Surf is amazing! Choose your own custom taco and burrito and it's also a vintage surf museum - super cool SoCal thing to do. It's Mom and Pop run and the people are super nice

Local places to stay?
Air B and B is a great place to start - tons of them down by the beach. Campland by the Bay on Mission bay for camping