I am a non-participant surfer. And I suppose I shouldn't be writing about something that I know almost nothing about. But other people do so why not give it a shot.
The inspiration, by the way, is the statue in the photo to the left. More on that later.
I know what a surfboard is, that there are long boards and short boards, and that you need waves in order to surf successfully, the bigger the better I think. That's about the extent of my formal knowledge.
Surfing has been around for many years (I wonder who the first person was to think about standing up on a piece of wood to "ride the waves?" but history suggests the mid 1700s was the beginning, around the time of Captain Cook), and has been immortalized by ultimate California band, The Beach Boys (see video below). Where I live you find people surfing at all hours (when do these folks work?) and it is a recreation and sport that cuts across all demographic and income brackets. There are surfing teams in the local high schools and colleges. And surfing schools and camps.
UPDATE: Don't forget about the Surf Museum located at 233 N. Coast Highway in Oceanside for a great overview of surfing in California!
Having been here for over 2 years now it is clear to me why people think of Southern California when surfing is mentioned, or of surfing when the topic is about our part of the country. Surfing really IS pervasive, a style of life, and probably the most popular pastime in this area (other than just being outdoors or enjoying the beaches).
It has played a significant role in the development of many communities, like Leucadia and Cardiff. And since I seem to mention surfing or surfers in the majority of my posts, it clearly has made an impression on me.
I suppose it is still a novelty, having not grown up here...so perhaps I notice it more. But the signs of how pervasive surfing are everywhere. And given the great waves (I've been told) and terrific weather you can surf year round, although surfers wear wetsuits much of the time. I can't tell you how many homes I have shown that had surfing gear in the garage, on the porch, hanging from hooks, and so on; I drove through an upscale neighborhood this morning (homes start around $900K and go up) and saw 2 wetsuits hanging from a tree in someone's front yard.
The new bronze statue just unveiled by the Cardiff Botanical Society on July 22 (the photo above) is just one example of how influential surfing has been, and still is, in Southern California (it's located on the west side of the coast highway right at the end of Chesterfield at the light). The sculptor was Matthew Antichevich.
Some other signs. Well, there are the surfing signs themselves (you know, like deer crossing signs?). And there are multiple surfing shops in every town I have been to. You can buy all the appropriate attire as well as a range of boards, or you can rent a board if you left yours at home or are on vacation (just like renting a bike).
All along the coast highway, in parking lots, and on neighborhood streets you will find parking cars, vans, SUVs, motorcycles and bikes belonging to surfing enthusiasts. I guess the deal is you park, run across the highway (in some cases), go surfing, then head back to the car and change by the side of the road (using a big towel, of course). There are always people crossing streets with surfboards under their arms (and occasionally tied to the side of a bike).
I already mentioned the athletic teams, the surfing schools, and the surfing camps. Local bars and restaurants (my favorite is Le Papagayo in Leucadia) show surfing contests on their TV rather than other sports, and there are multiple competitions along the coast - in my area Encinitas has some big ones. And of course there is the Surfrider Foundation, with chapters all over the place including the San Diego Surfrider Chapter.
Those of you who surf (seems to me Nick M. in Florida is a surfing aficionado - sorry Nick, don't want to take away from the surfing culture in Florida but...) likely find none of this to be a surprise, and probably wonder how, being here in Southern Cali, I haven't gotten on a board. Perhaps someday. Right now I prefer to just enjoy the surfing from a distance.
But of course, surfers buy and sell homes too. So I need to have some idea of what's going on. Could be a good networking possibility I suppose - with some risks...
OK Jeff, You need to get a stick and get out there. You can do it!!!! I surfed when I was younger but haven't done it in 35 years. I do think you need to try and have the wife make a YouTube of it. It'll be good for a laugh if nothing else:) You live in a great place except for the traffic.
LOL, Bryant. I think my wife would be laughing so hard she would NOT be able to take the video. It has, at least, crossed my mind that I should do this. Guess I can't pose for a business card shoot with a board unless I really try, right?
Hey I grew up in the area and remember all the songs.... half the guys I went to High School with were making boards..some are still surfing.. think about it Jeff
Kaye - thank you for your comments. It has been an interesting experience, since it is so different from back East (yep, they surf there too but not like out here). Maybe a class?
Jeff, I love the "nonparticipant surfer" phrase... I guess it would be me. Always wanted to surf, but am too much of a woos (sp?). I really enjoyed the YouTube Beach Boys video. That was fun!!!
Irina - thanks. I certainly didn't want to pretend I knew what I was talking about - I did enough of that any way! Thanks for your comments. Perhaps some day YOU will try!
Jeff... is that a shark out there in that one picture? Tell that guy to watch out... ;o) Hey, you all have bigger waves out there than we do on the east coast. In any case, nice post.
Jeff, My husband surfs almost everyday. As a matter of fact he woke up at 5:00 a.m. this morning to surf one of our Ventura beaches (there is a group of them, doctors, engineers, stuck brokers, you just name it). We live by Rincon beach, a very well known surfer's beach, and our community looks and sounds very much like your community.
Hey, Mana. Good to hear from you (BTW how was your vacation in Newport Beach?). Thanks for the comments. I know some professionals who go out surfing at lunch then back to the office. I have heard of Rincon Beach - perhaps because of my drive up through that area when i went to San Francisco.
Jef - /This is something that is so much a part of our culture in CA now. Back in the 60's when I was in High School it was just coming into it's own. In those days the surfers were the minority---now they're everywhere. Love the statue. What a great homage to the surfers of the area.
LOL Jeff, I definitely think I wanna see the video if you do this; it always intrigued me; I've water skied but surfing, well, no LOL. Must be fun to watch on a regular basis. Was in Hawaii on Oahu's North shore for one of the big competitions...well I was there but not participating :-) beautiful.
Ah the lifestyle of a surfer - stereotype or not?!?!? My brother lives in Carlsbad, surfs most days - has a room in his house for nothing but his boards - that my children (who are 3) are forbidden too!
I wish I could be as laid back as that, but I think it takes living near the water, where I grea up and miss dearly! For now, I'll stay apart of the concrete desert with nothing but a few puddles to swim in!
Leigh - thanks for your comments. Guess I couldn't be far from the ocean and beaches, even if I am NOT a surfer. The ones I know are totally committed to the sport.
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I am a non-participant surfer. And I suppose I shouldn't be writing about something that I know almost nothing about. But other people do so why not give it a shot.
I know what a surfboard is, that there are long boards and short boards, and that you need waves in order to surf successfully, the bigger the better I think. That's about the extent of my formal knowledge.
Having been here for over 2 years now it is clear to me why people think of Southern California when surfing is mentioned, or of surfing when the topic is about our part of the country. Surfing really IS pervasive, a style of life, and probably the most popular pastime in this area (other than just being outdoors or enjoying the beaches).
Some other signs. Well, there are the surfing signs themselves (you know, like deer crossing signs?). And there are multiple surfing shops in every town I have been to. You can buy all the appropriate attire as well as a range of boards, or you can rent a board if you left yours at home or are on vacation (just like renting a bike).
Okay, surfers, what do you think? Bet some of you remember this song!
Jeff