Nickname: Guru

Based now: Pleasure Point, Santa Cruz, CA

Stance: Regular

Where were you born and raised?

Ventura County, Oxnard. My parents lived at Silver Strand until I was about 1 when they moved back up north to Santa Cruz.

What do you like about where you live now?

Mountains, sea, sunshine, and community.

When and how did you start surfing?

I grew up going to the beach with Dad.

Where is your go-to surf spot?

If I'm not surfing around the neighborhood I am always chasing waves up and down the coast looking for quality waves and solitude when possible.

Please tell us about the surfboard you usually ride. Brand, shaper, dimensions, fin setup, etc.

Mostly I have been working with Stretch Surfboards on a variety of contemporary twin fins which have been modified to go really well into the good waves range. Ryan Lovelace has made me some beautiful boards as well: a sidecut Twin Keel Fish, v.Bowl, F | M twinzer. Also, I have been very blessed to work with Marc Andreini, Doug Haut, and Travis Reynolds in recent years.

Where are your favorite surf spots that you've been to?

Have had some great trips to Ireland, Central America, Baja California and Mainland Mexico, the Pacific North-West, and the Hawaiian Islands.

Where are the surf spots you want to visit in the future that you've never been to?

So much beauty in the world! Would love to make it over to Scotland, Jeffreys Bay, Morocco, New Zealand, and Australia.

Which do you like more, Air or Tube?

It sure is fun to fly, but tube traveling is transcendental.

Which do you like more, Noseride or Maneuver?

It's all fun! Stand there and smile or dance your heart out.

Which one video would you highlight in this playlist and why?

"HERE NOW: PAST & PRESENT" was a really fun and different project to work on with Kyle Buthman. The older I get, the more interested I have become in the past. Luckily for us, some of these shapers from the Golden Era of surfing are still accessible. It's a highly valuable opportunity to absorb a little bit of their wisdom and share experiences together along the way.

Who are the surfers that inspire you?

Tom Curren, Dave Rastovich, George Greenough, Nat Young, Derek Hynd, Travers Adler

What are the surf films/videos that inspire you?

SEARCHING FOR TOM CURREN, Litmus, Sprout, Yi- Wo (Thomas Campbell's soon-to-be-released film.) Most regularly I really enjoy the older surf films from the 60's and 70's like Golden Breed, Free and Easy, Hot Generation, Evolution, Sea of Joy, Innermost Limits of Pure Fun, Crystal Voyager, and Free Ride.

What are the films/movies that inspire you? (other than surf films)

Music documentaries are fun! Crossfire Hurricane (Rolling Stones documentary), A Joyful Noise- a Sun Ra Film. I don't spend too much time binging on shows or movies really.

Other than surfing, what are you passionate about?

At this point in life, I am passionate about raising my children and getting out into the natural world. Yoga, reading books, spending time with loved ones. A simple life is preferable.

Who are your favorite bands and musicians?

Oh boy that's tough, I am a little all over the place with Music.

Tracks you love?

Spotify Playlist: This Is Darshan Gooch

1. "Instrumental" by Galaxie 500
2. "I'm a King Bee" by Pink Floyd
3. "Meet Me in the City" by Junior Kimbrough
4. "Baby Blue" by The Chocolate Watchband
5. "I Had an Excellent Dream" by The Dentists
6. "Growing Faith" by White Fence
7. "It's All over Now Baby" by The Chocolate Watchband
8. "Mazy" by Le Peep Show
9. "Door of the Cosmos" by Sun Ra
10. "Journey In Satchidananda" by Alice Coltrane
11. "I'm Gonna Move Right In" by The Velvet Underground