If Southern Californians worship at the altars of youth, health, and beauty, then their churches are the beaches. Here, stunningly beautiful men and women parade with their surgically enhanced bodies under the ever-present sun. Favorite sports include skating and volleyball, but the ability to look good on a surfboard is the ultimate in fun. Surfing was originally practiced by the Hawaiian nobility as a religious ceremony. It was introduced to California by Hawaiian George Freeth in 1907 and popularized in the 1920s in Waikiki by Olympic swimmer Duke Kahanamoku. In 1961, the Beach Boys released “Surfin ‘”, and the sport took off around the world. Today, surf culture is part of the general consciousness. The loose clothing preferred by surfers is reproduced on the catwalk and surfing jargon is used. by many who have never been near the beach.
Where to learn to surf
Beginners are recommended to start body surfing without a board. Boogie boarding, with a half-length board, is also much easier to master than surfing. Beaches with waves that break parallel to the beach (a surf break) are best suited. The best beaches to learn to boogie board include Santa Monica, Carpentry, and Del Mar. Beginners should avoid famous surfing beaches, such as Surfrider, San Clemente, and Huntington, as conditions can overwhelm the inexperienced.
Lifeguards They are stationed on most California state and county beaches during the summer. Its distinctive gray cabins have been made famous around the world by the Baywatch television series. Always follow their instructions on the beach and ask if you have questions about the tide conditions.
The highlights of surfing
An exhilarating surfing experience is “hitting the tube”. The surfer rides below the crest, regulating his speed and position to stay just ahead of the falling wave. If you go too fast, you get out of the wave; too slow and they knock him down. The wave loses momentum as it approaches shore. At this point, the surfer will shoot out of the tube, standing upright.
Other activities on the beach
The spectacular beaches of Southern California are used by a wide variety of sports enthusiasts. Although beaches are more popular in summer, hardier people enjoy year-round activities. Boating is popular, with thousands of yachts of all sizes housed in a number of marinas along the coast. Windsurfing and kite flying also take advantage of the prevailing land winds. Sea kayakers often explore the rocky shores of the Channel Islands and the mainland. Volleyball, previously limited to friendly matches, is now a major professional sport with competitions held along the Southern California coastline each summer.