Photo DR
ERIK "SMELLY" SANDIN
Together On The Sand
To have fun.
This was the original idea of our SURF NIGHTS and the desire behind the creation of this site.
AROUND THE WAVES has been online for 3 months now and we wanted to thank you for your many visits and your support!
It's really cool.
So always to have fun: a new Focus on Smelly, drummer and founding member of NOFX.
If you grew up in the 90's and spent hours watching surf movies, you might not have missed the California Punk Rock scene of which NOFX was one of the pioneering bands.
The independent music scene of the time, very active and DIY, was strongly imbued with surf and skate cultures.
Even if everyone has their own idea of surf music, in all subjectivity the soundtrack of these videos made you want to go into the water and experience things to the full!
SMELLY, whose real name is ERIK SANDIN, started playing drums at the age of 15.
39 years later, he's still playing alongside his early friends, Eric Melvin, El Hefe and Fat Mike.
After 14 albums, a large number of EPs and 38 years of career, the band has evolved towards more political commitment and engaged in a reflection on the punk way of life, while keeping a great love for silly jokes.
Erik took advantage of the cancellation of their 2020 tour to fully embark on his 2nd passion:
the surfboards shaping.
He has been shaping at home in Huntington Beach for 13 years under the name PICKLE STIX.
Fish, mid length, longboard, twins ... with fairly comfortable dimensions, because, according to him, a good board should have an easy paddle and allow you to start early in the wave.
About music, SINGLE ALBUM, the band's last album was released at the end of February.
It's darker, more musically varied, and has received very good reviews.
Erik and NOFX have already gone back to the studio for a new record, waiting to return to Europe (hopefully) in the fall, for their traveling festival PUNK IN DRUBLIC.
We'll be there with the friends!
Happy reading and good fun.
- Hi Erik,
how long have you been surfing and where did you start ?
"I’ve been surfing close to 30 years.
And I started in Huntington Beach California.
When I was a kid I did it a few times, but that doesn’t count."
Photo ERIK "Smelly" Sandin
Then I was surfing, I discovered that there’s much more to it than just getting a surfboard.
Photo DR
- What made you want to shape and what kind of boards do you make ?
"Just like music, I’ve always been interested in the art of behind the scenes of what goes into things.
I wasn’t just happy listening to music, I had to learn how to play it.
And then I was surfing, I discovered that there’s much more to it than just getting a surfboard.
There’s a part in making the surfboard that is art.
And I was attracted to that."
Photo ERIK "Smelly" Sandin
- What is your home spot and your quiver ?
"My home spot is the Cliffs in Huntington Beach.
That’s where I go to pretty much every day.
My boards range from a
But usually every day I just take out my
It’s a board with a short board rocker, fish outline, with mid length length.
It pretty much works in any kind of wave."
- What are your favorite surf movies ?
"There’s only one Surf movie as far as I’m concerned…
Big Wednesday released in 1978 and directed by John Milius."
- What are your best songs to go surfing ?
"I don’t really have a Surfsong.
I’ve never really thought about that much.
But I do like the song "Hang
I’ve been all around the world surfing, and the best wave was 15 minutes from my house.
Photo DR
- Have you ever shared sessions with other musicians ?
"Yes I have!
With Noodles from THE OFFSPRING..
He’s good!
Jim from PENNYWISE,
Rory from NO USE FOR A NAME.
And...Eddie Vedder!!"
Photo DR
- What was your best wave and your best trip ?
"Honestly the best wave I ever got in my life was in Huntington Beach.
Just a long reeling left for a couple hundred yards chucking hollow barrel.
Once in a lifetime.
I’ve been all around the world surfing, and the best wave was 15 minutes from my house.
My best surf trip was to the Maldives.
That place is absolutely insane."
- Did surfing save your life as much as punk rock ?
"Surfing gave me a special reason to wake up in the morning.
It gave me a reason to appreciate mother nature more than I ever have.
It’s truly a magical thing and humbling"
Surfing gave me a special reason to wake up in the morning.
Photo DR
- So a new NOFX album just released and you have a new president ?
"Well our new record is pretty fucking good.
I don’t really know more of what more to say about it.
I worked really hard at coming up with cool drum stuff and Mike worked really hard on coming up with new style songs.
No touring and for seeable future.
Which really sucks.
O I am 100% unemployed.
And thank God, Donald Trump is out of office!"
Thank you Smelly!
Photo ERIK "Smelly" Sandin
Published on Sunday, April 4, 2021