2008 Woodie Awards
Coasting beside western crests
Surfing: South Bay beaches entice the riding of crashing
By: Stanley Wu
Issue date: 5/13/04 Section: City News
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As the ocean glistens under the rays of the sun, the waves crash against the sandy crest, inviting surfers who dare ride them all the way through.
Besides going to the beach to swim or to sunbathe, surfing may be the sport to break the beach routine this summer.
Surfing is one of the most popular summer activities, and for many people in California, it is the most exciting outdoor sport.
"Surfing (makes) me feel comfortable during the hot summer," Hiroki Ito, business major, said. "I used to walk along the beach only, but now I can grab my surfboard and have fun in the beach."
Starting from the top
Like all sports, there are rules and fundamentals that a beginner must acquire before he or she surfs.
"The most important thing you need to know before you surf is (how to swim)," Ito said. "You might get into serious trouble if you can't swim."
Ito said that the preparation for surfing is similar to swimming; it is not good to eat too much before surfing and surfers need to remember to warm up and stretch their muscles.
Finding the right time and place
"Weather and timing are also concerns to consider before you go to a beach," Ito said. "Avoid going to surf when it's too dark or too rainy."
Ito said that the local weather forecast and water conditions are available on the Internet.
Finding a good spot is always an important key for beginners and it's really important for them to avoid surfing near rocky areas, Ito said.
Beginners should also try to surf in a beach with fewer crowds because they might get in the way of each other, Ito said.
In addition, Ito said that beginners should have someone who knows about surfing to accompany them because they can show them how to surf safely.
"Torrance Beach, Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach are the local, popular spots for surfing," Alonso Dargas, employee of Ocean Gear Surfboards in Manhattan Beach, said.
However, not every beach allows people to surf, Dargas said.
Besides going to the beach to swim or to sunbathe, surfing may be the sport to break the beach routine this summer.
Surfing is one of the most popular summer activities, and for many people in California, it is the most exciting outdoor sport.
"Surfing (makes) me feel comfortable during the hot summer," Hiroki Ito, business major, said. "I used to walk along the beach only, but now I can grab my surfboard and have fun in the beach."
Starting from the top
Like all sports, there are rules and fundamentals that a beginner must acquire before he or she surfs.
"The most important thing you need to know before you surf is (how to swim)," Ito said. "You might get into serious trouble if you can't swim."
Ito said that the preparation for surfing is similar to swimming; it is not good to eat too much before surfing and surfers need to remember to warm up and stretch their muscles.
Finding the right time and place
"Weather and timing are also concerns to consider before you go to a beach," Ito said. "Avoid going to surf when it's too dark or too rainy."
Ito said that the local weather forecast and water conditions are available on the Internet.
Finding a good spot is always an important key for beginners and it's really important for them to avoid surfing near rocky areas, Ito said.
Beginners should also try to surf in a beach with fewer crowds because they might get in the way of each other, Ito said.
In addition, Ito said that beginners should have someone who knows about surfing to accompany them because they can show them how to surf safely.
"Torrance Beach, Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach are the local, popular spots for surfing," Alonso Dargas, employee of Ocean Gear Surfboards in Manhattan Beach, said.
However, not every beach allows people to surf, Dargas said.