Page 415 - California Diving and Surfing

SURFSIDE CLOUDBREAK: Low- can be a great ride anywhere along times each decade and only if the
latitude NW swells over 8’ produce the beach here. Rating: Intermedia- swell is 12-15 feet plus and from the
a cloudbreak along the jetty at the teTOWER 33: On the north end of west. Experts only.OLD MAN’S: On
south end of Seal Beach. Optimal Bolsa Chica, this spot is named for the S end of Bolsa Chica is a favored
when the tide is low and the swell is adjacent lifeguard tower. It features by the older crowd. It is packed by
between 8’ & 12’. A big wave board is puny surf much of the year, but experienced surfers with their assort-
necessary. Advanced. excellent peaks during the big SW ment of classic wave-riding vehicles.
SURFSIDE: There are three named swells of summer & fall. Intermedi- CRESCENT BAY: This is much
breaks in Surfside: THE BOWL is ate. better diving territory than surfing,
right next to the jetty. The more BOLSA CHICA STATE BEACH: De- but the close-outs make for exciting
southerly the swell the better, as sireable series of beachbreak waves bodysurfing for a gazillion tourists, &
swells reflect off the jetty and com- in front of vast wetlands. The beach skimboarding is great for kids.
bine with the same swell to produce curves NW & the surf is smaller than ROCKPILE: Laguna is famous
one of the hollowest waves in South- the rest of Huntington during the amongst surfers for never break-
ern California. The main surfing area summer. However, during the winter ing, except for the shorebreaks that
in Surfside is called THE HOLE, and spring the main lifeguard tower bodyboarders & bodysurfers enjoy.
which implies that it’s a dredging, handles northwest swells very well However, when it is on, Rockpile at
sand-filled barrel with infinite pos- and is a favorite wintertime hangout Heisler Park creates a most scenic,
sibilities. Just beyond The Hole is for the graying crew, & a great learn- extraordinary heavy right with a
ANDERSON, a nice beachbreak at ing spot for school kids. Intermedi- take-off right in front of a protruding
Anderson St. (by the water tower ate. rock & a rocky slalom to add to the
house). Rating: Advanced EVERETT’S: Like boxcars, Everett’s challenge. Advanced.
SUNSET BEACH: Typical beach is a rare cloudbreak right in front of
break with puny, mushy waves, until the main lifeguard tower of Bolsa
a big NW or SW swell hits, then it Chica. This wave only breaks a few