During one of the many recent rainstorms we had here in Los Angeles—when the waters offshore have the consistency and smell of fresh toxic sludge—I found myself quenching my thirst for waves by flipping through this month’s issue of Surfer. There was an interesting article about the most crowded surf spots in the world, and lo and behold, my personal favorite surf spot (First Point) was listed as number two.
I felt a little pang of remorse as I read the article (since I have so many positive memories of surfing there) but unfortunately, Surfer was spot on. Despite its wonderful waves and historical significance to the surfing community, Malibu is extremely crowded. Often times, when the waves are pumping, Malibu mimics the DMV—long lines, bad attitudes, and of course, no matter how early you get up, you’re never the first one there.
To make matters worse, Zuma Jay is supposedly contemplating opening a shop at the Malibu Pier, so those flocks of tourist/kooks that visit Malibu beach every year have easier access to renting boards and gear. Absolutely no unintended consequences, right? Of course not! Well, other than the possible increase in the number of beheadings due to loose nine-foot logs, but that’s not a big deal at all. Putting a surf shop at the Malibu Pier is like opening a school crosswalk on a NASCAR Speedway—it will only create more speed bumps for apathetic locals that really don't have time to stop.
While it may be to late to save Malibu from being one of the most crowded surf spots in the world, it is important that the local surfing community properly educated beginners on surf etiquette, in order to save my beloved beach from becoming a literal death trap. I hope for a day when I can go to Malibu Beach, and not fear being knocked unconscious by a run away board. Will that happen? Maybe not in my lifetime.
But a man can dream.
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