Home Improvement

The modern miracle of electronics has a measured place in our dream space. A full computer work station with access to timely weather and cam views seems only logical, with the proper stereo, DVD and corner-mounted TV screens. Several phones, a small refrigerator for those cold refrescos, a microwave and maybe a smoothie blender. You want the ability to dig in without having to ditch out.

High on any designer's list would be comfort. Bright lighting, apt heating for the winter's projects, an adjoining bathroom with full shower facilities and reading materials.

In an area incorporated not far from the workbench, we'd see an overstuffed leather La-Z-Boy next to a sofa/bed combo, as visitors need a place to recline and strike up meaningful conversation as well as crash while in town for a swell. And make no mistake, hang time and next-trip planning is a big part of any space like this. Next to the Owner's Chair, a ceiling-high bookshelf would be filled with reference books and a coffee table centered among the circle to support this month's reading. As much as visitors and chance worshippers to the shrine would utilize this comfort zone, it would be set up for simple reading and general down time for the thoughtful owner, as this garage would be equal parts retreat and storage.

Ambiance...? At this level, a garage has got to literally reek of it, so the proper mixture of indoor plants, circling ceiling fans and windows out to the world would help complete the mojo. What else could we envision? Perhaps a "pass through" window into the home, so the accommodating mate could make a timely yet discreet culinary deposit. Finally, any custom cultural temple of mine would come complete with a spiral staircase to a lookout tower on the roof. Barely discernible form the street, this vista point would be replete with real-time weather station and telescope for a visual on the ever-changing conditions up or down the coast, plus deck chairs for timely and well-deserved sunset ruminations.

Yes, while perhaps none of us may ever attain the perfect surf garage, the trail to it is interwoven in each of our journeys, as common to all practitioners as the simple application of wax. In the end, no matter how tricked out, any ultimate garage would serve a basic yet important function: to reflect, support and elevate the primal essence of one's surfing experience. But hey, what about the vehicles? The expensive SUVs, trucks, and Sunday drivin' sports cars? Keep 'em in the garage? Are you kidding me? They go out in the sun and rain, only the important stuff is kept inside.