Surf Trestles - Stay Nomads

Have you ever heard of the expression ‘to have ones cake and eat it’, well it's what springs to mind when I look at staying in San Clemente, California, home to one of the most famously ‘playful’ waves in the world. Trestles.

More specifically I am talking about staying in a certain spot. Its name is the Nomads Hotel and it is the dream child of owners and founders Sean Rowland & Jeff Gourley. Along with Renee Gourley they run one of the coolest and most relaxed looking places to stay on the planet if you like surfing amazing waves.

Oh did I forget to mention the free beer on arrival, get this, there is a choice of 33 different beers from around the globe. The trio’s manifesto is to bring their own experience of global surf culture to San Clemente and how cool does it look?

Sean has agreed to spend some of his valuable time answering a question or two we have for him about his place, the surfing world and the perfect place to stay.

Surf Bunker: Hey Sean, thanks for you time, how has the surf been recently and how did that big whale being washed up effect things?

Sean: The surf has been great lately! Fortunately when the whale was beached at Lowers, the wind and weather weren’t the best, so if didn’t really affect us too much. They worked hard to get it removed quickly and we are all thankful for that.

SB: Your place looks like there has been no detail missed in creating the perfect place to stay. Was it difficult so set up and create, how long did it take?

Sean: It was a difficult process, for sure. The hardest part was getting the project through the planning phase and getting the building permits. That took a year and four months! Jeff and I did most of the work ourselves with help from construction buddies so it took us ten months to renovate the space. Hard work pays off!

SB: When is the best time of year to come and stay with you guys for waves?

Sean: Our area favors south swells so April- October are the best but we have amazing surf all year round. Trestles!!!

SB: How long does it take to walk down to Uppers or Lowers from Nomads?

Sean: 5 minute drive and a short walk down the trail. We provide transportation if needed!

SB: What made you guys want to set this place up and what is the best thing that you get out of it on a daily basis?

Sean: Jeff and I have over 30 years of world travel experience between us. After returning home we realized the type of hotel experiences that we have enjoyed in remote places like Central America, Fiji, Tahiti, and Indonesia were unavailable here in the United States. We decided that it was time to bring that experience here to the US. Definitely the best part of my job is meeting all the rad people that stay with us!

SB: Can people hire performance surfboards from you or nearby or would you say to bring your own?

Sean: We have a great rental selection of Lost Surfboards and there are tons of rental option in the area. I personally like to travel with my own boards but it can be costly. Either way you will be set up.

SB: Whats the food like, I have heard amazing things.

Sean: All the locals will agree that we have some of the best food in town! We call our grinds “Surfer Soul Food”. From poke bowls, to tacos or even our Belizian style San Pedro Stewed Chicken you will walk away full and stoked! Did I mention 33 craft beers on tap??

SB: Can you remember your first surfboard? Have you still got it?

Sean: Dude… that was so long ago! It was a Channel Islands Al Merrick for sure. Don’t remember the dimensions but I have a photo floating around somewhere… lol.

SB: Well thanks for your time Sean, your place looks amazing. After having spent surfing holidays in 'normal' hotels or apartments, the idea of staying with people that eat, sleep and live surf is very appealing indeed.

There is also the beer!