SurfGuitar101 convention first timer advice thread

bigtikidude

Joined: Feb 27, 2006
Posts: 25704
Anaheim(So.Cal.)U.S.A.
United States

Posted on May 22 2017 03:20 PM

Yes, it would be helpful to point to one place for promotional use in the future also.

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Jeff(bigtikidude)

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josheboy

Joined: Mar 13, 2009
Posts: 2367
Twin Cities, MN
United States

Posted on May 22 2017 03:27 PM

MadScientist wrote:

My best advice is kinda silly: make friends with some regulars and puppy dog them around. This is pretty much EXACTLY what I did my first couple of times.

THIS. Just walk up to folks and talk to them. 99% of the folks in this scene are super nice, so don't worry about it. The other 1% are just shy and not talking yet.

They usually hand out name labels at the font desk at the convention so people can see usernames to match faces. If you see me or MadScientist, be sure to introduce yourself. We can show you the ropes!

And as BTD said above, plan enough time for traveling to the venues and such. In other words: never underestimate SoCal traffic! True fact: Ask any native SoCal resident how far away something is and we'll tell you in time, not miles. That's because even a short 14 miles in SoCal can be an hour long (or more) affair depending on time of day and such. So plan accordingly.

If you can make the Fender tour, or if there is a BBQ at someone's pad again this year, try to get to that as well. That's a perfect spot for introductions.

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ElMonstroPorFavor

Joined: Sep 01, 2006
Posts: 2754
New Orleans, LA
4 Contributor Pins

Posted on May 22 2017 03:46 PM

Specific recommendation: it's a little on the pricey side but I stayed one night at the Miyako Hybrid hotel. Barely experienced it since I was out at 7am the next morning, but it had a neat Japanese breakfast and wacky Japanese toilets. And most importantly it's like 5 blocks away. That distance matters if it's 3am in your normal timezone.

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Storm Surge of Reverb: Surf & Instro Radio

Last edited: May 22, 2017 15:48:08

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bigtikidude

Joined: Feb 27, 2006
Posts: 25704
Anaheim(So.Cal.)U.S.A.
United States

Posted on May 22 2017 04:18 PM

Eddie of the El Caminos has stayed there before. He said it's very nice, and very expensive. And if you aren't there for long, maybe not the best choice. But if you plan on being here a few days before or after, it might be good then to expirience it then.

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Jeff(bigtikidude)

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ElMonstroPorFavor

Joined: Sep 01, 2006
Posts: 2754
New Orleans, LA
4 Contributor Pins

Posted on May 22 2017 04:42 PM

Yep, I just saw the prices today and thought "no way I paid that" but now that I remember I think my wife paid for it as most of the trip was an early birthday present. I'll probably be looking for something else for price reasons but it definitely was more unique than most hotels.

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Storm Surge of Reverb: Surf & Instro Radio

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stratdancer

Joined: Dec 11, 2013
Posts: 2537
Akron, Ohio
United States

Posted on May 22 2017 05:41 PM

Looking forward to meeting everyone although I hope I don't get beat up. "when I was a freshman I was so obnoxious that the seniors used to beat me up once a week".

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The Kahuna Kings

https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Kahuna-Kings/459752090818447

https://thekahunakings.bandcamp.com/releases

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Ric12string

Joined: Jan 29, 2017
Posts: 27
1 Map Pin

Posted on Jun 09 2017 06:44 PM

Is there a list of recommended hotels near the convention venue that exists? If not, can anyone recommend some hotels?

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The Sun Rays -- The Sierra's Surf Band

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JONPAUL

Joined: Apr 29, 2010
Posts: 2472
Venice, CA
United States

Posted on Jun 09 2017 07:06 PM

This is from last year's thread...

Looking at places in close proximity to Alpine Village...
1. Cali-Inn, Carson: 1 Star, $94
2. Holiday Inn, Los Angeles Gateway: 3 Stars, $158
3. Redac Gateway Hotel, Torrance: 2 Stars, $150
4. Miyako Hybrid Hotel, Torrance: 3 Stars, $137
5. Motel 6, Carson: 2 Stars, $91
6. Double Tree Hilton, Carson: 3 Stars, $229
7. Extended Stay America, LA: 2 Stars, $108
8. Travelodge Inn And Suites, Gardena: 2 Stars, $85
9. Courtyard Marriot, LA: 3 Stars, $169
10. Super 8 Torrance, LA Airport Area: 2 Stars, $64
11. Travelodge Torrance, Redondo Beach: 2 Stars, $95
12. Courtyard Marriot LA: 3 Stars, $169

As you can see, there's a bit of everything, quality and price-wise. Keep in mind, the farthest of the above is still within a 10 min. car ride.

FWIW, if I had to decide, I would stay at the Super 8 Torrance LAX Airport Area on Sepulveda (2360 Sepulveda Blvd., Torrance 310-534-4900) because it's super cheap, simple, close by and actually offers quite a few amenities for the dough: breakfast, wi-fi, parking. Oh, and it's AAA rated, if that's important to you. It also looks like there are several places quite close to eat/drink: a Japanese Curry House, Starbucks, a bakery, a Korean BBQ, a Mexican joint, and even a 7-Eleven.

I've never stepped foot in this place, so don't hold it against me if it's a dump, but it sounds like a really good option.

9 mins to Alpine Village
20 mins to Purple Orchid
42 mins to Huntington Beach Pier
33 mins to Surf Dogs

Hope this helps a bit. Cheers

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Insect Surfers
The Tikiyaki Orchestra
The Scimitars
Lords Of Atlantis
Fiberglass Jungle - Surf Radio

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Brian

Joined: Feb 25, 2006
Posts: 19351
Des Moines, Iowa, USA
United States

Posted on Jun 09 2017 07:23 PM

Thanks Jonpaul!

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Site dude - S3 Agent #202
Need help with the site? SG101 FAQ - Send me a private message - Email me

"It starts... when it begins" -- Ralf Kilauea

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kick_the_reverb

Joined: Feb 26, 2006
Posts: 1339
Escondido, CA
2 News Pins

Posted on Jun 10 2017 01:28 PM

We stayed at least two times at the Super 8 Torrance LAX Airport Area, and it was perfectly fine.
GEFWIF - Good Enough For Who It's For.
This year I looked and the deal I could get through Hotels.com was better at the Torrance Travelodge. 2 Nights for a total of $206.54. It's right down the street at 2448 Sepulveda Blvd, Torrance, CA 90501.
I hope it's GEFWIF as well

Ran

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The Scimitars

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tahitijack

Joined: Nov 03, 2006
Posts: 693
San Clemente, CA
United States

Posted on Jun 10 2017 01:36 PM

If you're thinking of staying at Courtyard by Marriott the two in Torrance are about the same in terms of proximity to SG101. Both are close to restaurants and retail. The one at Western and I 405 has the advantage of being adjacent to the freeway but the rooms are relatively quiet. The other is at Crenshaw and Sepulveda which is further from the freeway but an easy surface street drive to Alpine Village. As for prices put on your deal making hat and check the online reservation websites that advertise on TV every 10 minutes: Trivago, Travelocity, Priceline. Check the hotels website as well but also call the hotel directly to see what they can offer you on price. Time well spent to save some money. Obviously a $25/day savings for a three day stay is a good thing. Hope this is helpful.

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Happy Sunsets!

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bigtikidude

Joined: Feb 27, 2006
Posts: 25704
Anaheim(So.Cal.)U.S.A.
United States

Posted on Jun 13 2017 11:35 PM

Bump

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Jeff(bigtikidude)

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bigtikidude Joined: Feb 27, 2006 Posts: 25704 Anaheim(So.Cal.)U.S.A.	Posted on May 22 2017 03:20 PM Yes, it would be helpful to point to one place for promotional use in the future also. — Jeff(bigtikidude) Top
josheboy Joined: Mar 13, 2009 Posts: 2367 Twin Cities, MN	Posted on May 22 2017 03:27 PM MadScientist wrote: My best advice is kinda silly: make friends with some regulars and puppy dog them around. This is pretty much EXACTLY what I did my first couple of times. THIS. Just walk up to folks and talk to them. 99% of the folks in this scene are super nice, so don't worry about it. The other 1% are just shy and not talking yet. They usually hand out name labels at the font desk at the convention so people can see usernames to match faces. If you see me or MadScientist, be sure to introduce yourself. We can show you the ropes! And as BTD said above, plan enough time for traveling to the venues and such. In other words: never underestimate SoCal traffic! True fact: Ask any native SoCal resident how far away something is and we'll tell you in time, not miles. That's because even a short 14 miles in SoCal can be an hour long (or more) affair depending on time of day and such. So plan accordingly. If you can make the Fender tour, or if there is a BBQ at someone's pad again this year, try to get to that as well. That's a perfect spot for introductions. Top
ElMonstroPorFavor Joined: Sep 01, 2006 Posts: 2754 New Orleans, LA	Posted on May 22 2017 03:46 PM Specific recommendation: it's a little on the pricey side but I stayed one night at the Miyako Hybrid hotel. Barely experienced it since I was out at 7am the next morning, but it had a neat Japanese breakfast and wacky Japanese toilets. And most importantly it's like 5 blocks away. That distance matters if it's 3am in your normal timezone. — Storm Surge of Reverb: Surf & Instro Radio Last edited: May 22, 2017 15:48:08 Top
bigtikidude Joined: Feb 27, 2006 Posts: 25704 Anaheim(So.Cal.)U.S.A.	Posted on May 22 2017 04:18 PM Eddie of the El Caminos has stayed there before. He said it's very nice, and very expensive. And if you aren't there for long, maybe not the best choice. But if you plan on being here a few days before or after, it might be good then to expirience it then. — Jeff(bigtikidude) Top
ElMonstroPorFavor Joined: Sep 01, 2006 Posts: 2754 New Orleans, LA	Posted on May 22 2017 04:42 PM Yep, I just saw the prices today and thought "no way I paid that" but now that I remember I think my wife paid for it as most of the trip was an early birthday present. I'll probably be looking for something else for price reasons but it definitely was more unique than most hotels. — Storm Surge of Reverb: Surf & Instro Radio Top
stratdancer Joined: Dec 11, 2013 Posts: 2537 Akron, Ohio	Posted on May 22 2017 05:41 PM Looking forward to meeting everyone although I hope I don't get beat up. "when I was a freshman I was so obnoxious that the seniors used to beat me up once a week". — The Kahuna Kings https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Kahuna-Kings/459752090818447 https://thekahunakings.bandcamp.com/releases Top
Ric12string Joined: Jan 29, 2017 Posts: 27	Posted on Jun 09 2017 06:44 PM Is there a list of recommended hotels near the convention venue that exists? If not, can anyone recommend some hotels? — The Sun Rays -- The Sierra's Surf Band Top
JONPAUL Joined: Apr 29, 2010 Posts: 2472 Venice, CA	Posted on Jun 09 2017 07:06 PM This is from last year's thread... Looking at places in close proximity to Alpine Village... 1. Cali-Inn, Carson: 1 Star, $94 2. Holiday Inn, Los Angeles Gateway: 3 Stars, $158 3. Redac Gateway Hotel, Torrance: 2 Stars, $150 4. Miyako Hybrid Hotel, Torrance: 3 Stars, $137 5. Motel 6, Carson: 2 Stars, $91 6. Double Tree Hilton, Carson: 3 Stars, $229 7. Extended Stay America, LA: 2 Stars, $108 8. Travelodge Inn And Suites, Gardena: 2 Stars, $85 9. Courtyard Marriot, LA: 3 Stars, $169 10. Super 8 Torrance, LA Airport Area: 2 Stars, $64 11. Travelodge Torrance, Redondo Beach: 2 Stars, $95 12. Courtyard Marriot LA: 3 Stars, $169 As you can see, there's a bit of everything, quality and price-wise. Keep in mind, the farthest of the above is still within a 10 min. car ride. FWIW, if I had to decide, I would stay at the Super 8 Torrance LAX Airport Area on Sepulveda (2360 Sepulveda Blvd., Torrance 310-534-4900) because it's super cheap, simple, close by and actually offers quite a few amenities for the dough: breakfast, wi-fi, parking. Oh, and it's AAA rated, if that's important to you. It also looks like there are several places quite close to eat/drink: a Japanese Curry House, Starbucks, a bakery, a Korean BBQ, a Mexican joint, and even a 7-Eleven. I've never stepped foot in this place, so don't hold it against me if it's a dump, but it sounds like a really good option. 9 mins to Alpine Village 20 mins to Purple Orchid 42 mins to Huntington Beach Pier 33 mins to Surf Dogs Hope this helps a bit. Cheers — Insect Surfers The Tikiyaki Orchestra The Scimitars Lords Of Atlantis Fiberglass Jungle - Surf Radio Top
Brian Joined: Feb 25, 2006 Posts: 19351 Des Moines, Iowa, USA	Posted on Jun 09 2017 07:23 PM Thanks Jonpaul! — Site dude - S3 Agent #202 Need help with the site? SG101 FAQ - Send me a private message - Email me "It starts... when it begins" -- Ralf Kilauea Top
kick_the_reverb Joined: Feb 26, 2006 Posts: 1339 Escondido, CA	Posted on Jun 10 2017 01:28 PM We stayed at least two times at the Super 8 Torrance LAX Airport Area, and it was perfectly fine. GEFWIF - Good Enough For Who It's For. This year I looked and the deal I could get through Hotels.com was better at the Torrance Travelodge. 2 Nights for a total of $206.54. It's right down the street at 2448 Sepulveda Blvd, Torrance, CA 90501. I hope it's GEFWIF as well Ran — The Scimitars Top
tahitijack Joined: Nov 03, 2006 Posts: 693 San Clemente, CA	Posted on Jun 10 2017 01:36 PM If you're thinking of staying at Courtyard by Marriott the two in Torrance are about the same in terms of proximity to SG101. Both are close to restaurants and retail. The one at Western and I 405 has the advantage of being adjacent to the freeway but the rooms are relatively quiet. The other is at Crenshaw and Sepulveda which is further from the freeway but an easy surface street drive to Alpine Village. As for prices put on your deal making hat and check the online reservation websites that advertise on TV every 10 minutes: Trivago, Travelocity, Priceline. Check the hotels website as well but also call the hotel directly to see what they can offer you on price. Time well spent to save some money. Obviously a $25/day savings for a three day stay is a good thing. Hope this is helpful. — Happy Sunsets! Top
bigtikidude Joined: Feb 27, 2006 Posts: 25704 Anaheim(So.Cal.)U.S.A.	Posted on Jun 13 2017 11:35 PM Bump — Jeff(bigtikidude) Top

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