San Francisco - August 15, 2006

Shell Shock

Mollusk Surf Shop

These days adding a hyphen to your profession seems like the only way to get ahead. (Damn those plumber-electricians, model-actresses, and socialite-stylists.) Some crossbreeds, however, are more lovable than others.

Like the surfer-artist.

Three blocks from the beach in the Outer Sunset, Mollusk Surf Shop is HQ for the wave rider with an artistic soul.

Bright and airy, the market stocks hand-shaped boards, including Crème, Christenson, and Andreini (absolutely nothing machine made), and houses a mini gallery devoted to shows that rotate monthly. To experience a true fusion of art and sport, demo one of local designer Danny Hess’s gorgeous hollow wood boards or save your ducats for a Mandala Custom Shapes design.

Betties find bikinis by Zoe, Havaianas, and killer T-shirts with graphics by owner John McCambridge and his in-house crew. Surf wax, Vans, movies, and other essentials are on hand, as well as hand-stitched board bags made with vintage fabric.

Even if you don’t hang ten, it’s a great space for chilling out with some cute surfer dudes.

Which would make you a loiterer-groupie.

Mollusk Surf Shop, 4500 Irving Street, at 46th Avenue (415-564-6300 or mollusksurf.com).