Store

This one-stop surf shop in Ballard has become known to Pacific Northwest surfers and travelers alike as the ultimate place to go in Seattle for surfboard custom shaping and repairs, surf lessons and rentals, surf gear and equipment -- including long boards ($400-$1,000) and short boards ($350-$600) -- as well as proudly carrying the biggest collection of surfing DVDs in the region. Owner Jeff Abandonato has been surfing since he was 15 years old, and is more than willing to pass on his expertise: Personalized surfing lessons are offered at Cheka-Looka for $100 per person with a minimum of two per group - a fee that includes the gear, a one and a half hour dry lesson in the shop, and two hours of actual surfing.

Check out Cheka-Looka and you, too, will want to break for the nearest shores.

By Joann Natalia Aquino
Special to NWsource