Pollution is a word that is synonymous with Los Angeles. From our brilliant brown skyline to our traffic-choked freeways, most people have come to associate our city with some form of nasty pollution. As a surfer and a diver, I have seen what Los Angeles County’s 5,000-mile storm drain system is capable of emptying into the Pacific Ocean, and trust me, it isn’t pretty. I have seen everything from beer cans, to tires, to clothes and yes, even a condom or two. Once, and I am still not sure how it got there, I had the distinct pleasure of swimming next to a headless chicken. For a while, I thought she might have died trying to escape from a KFC cargo ship, but alas, I will never know.
I thought I had seen it all, but during a recent surf session at El Porto Beach, I saw something that sparked my curiosity. It was a package floating in the water, and upon closer inspection, it turned out to be package of kitchen gloves – from Korea. Had that little piece of trash really floated across the entire Pacific Ocean? Or did a Korean fisherman get careless when he was doing the dishes? Either way, it reminded me once again that our oceans have been considered by many to be one giant refuse pile. In fact, according to the Surfrider Foundation, in some areas of the Pacific, plastic particles outnumber plankton by six to one.
How does this trash get in the ocean? Well, most of it comes from storm drains that are clogged with trash and organic waste. According to the L.A. County Department of Public Works, Los Angeles water treatment plants generally treat and clean 100 million gallons of contaminated water and debris each day from storm drains. But when it rains, the county’s storm drains can generate close to 10 billion gallons of polluted water, and most of the time the city’s treatment plants can’t handle the additional load. For instance, each month, it is estimated that one million cigarette butts are dropped on the ground, and each one of those will most likely end up in a storm drain, and later on, in the ocean. In fact, as of 2009, according to Heal the Bay (an organization that works for clean water), Los Angeles County has the worst water quality of any county in the state of California.
In addition, it was recently stated by Heal the Bay that the Scattergood and El Segundo power plants, which are adjacent to El Porto and are located only 15 minutes from LMU, are negatively affecting the surrounding waters. In order to keep their machinery from overheating, the power plants use a process known as OTC (once-through cooling). The plants suck in cold seawater to cool their equipment, and then expel the hot water into the nearby ocean. An unfortunate amount of animals tend to get sucked up into the plant (as of yet, no surfers have been sucked in), and the water that is expelled is believed to negatively affect the local ecosystem by raising the average ocean temperature.
The call for environmental concern has become particularly strong in these recent years, especially here on campus. However, the need to save polar bears and prevent global warming may seem rather distant to our everyday life here at LMU. Yet, if a student really wants to take time out of their day to enact environmental change, there is much that can be done to benefit the greatest natural resource closest to our campus: the Pacific Ocean. By doing something as simple as picking up your trash, you are preventing further pollution to our oceans, and thus saving some hapless surfer from sharing his surf session with the remnants of someone’s lunch – or afternoon delight.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Surfin' LA: The history of surfing in Los Angeles
One of the best features that LMU offers is that the beautiful Pacific Ocean lies only 15 minutes away. It is also key that LMU resides in the heart of the surfing world: Los Angeles. Aside from having access to substantial surf resources, surfers at LMU stand as a testament to the rich surfing history Los Angeles embodies. However, to best understand the surfing opportunities available at LMU, you have to start at the beginning, before the age of Bodhi and Johnny Utah, with a man named George Freeth.
Back in 1907, Los Angeles was having a bit of trouble. While the city was growing, public transportation couldn’t keep up. However, the railroad tycoon Henry Huntington came up with a way to boost ticket sales for his rail lines. After reading accounts by Jack London regarding the surfing exploits of Freeth and his buddies at Waikiki, he decided to invite the surfing legend to Los Angeles to put on a demonstration. Hundreds of people crowded the beach at Venice to watch Freeth ride waves, thus making him the first man to ever surf in L.A.
Following Freeth’s show, surfing started to grow in popularity in L.A., and the first surfing competition was held at Malibu beach in 1928. The first surfing club, the Palos Verdes Surf Club, was started in 1935. However, surfing didn’t really take hold in Los Angeles, or anywhere else for that matter, until after World War II. New materials such as fiberglass and polyurethane transformed the clumsy and heavy wooden surfboards of Freeth’s day into the longboards we see today. L.A. locals such as Bob Simmons and Matt Kivlin were some of the first to produce these boards. Later on, Dale Velzy is credited with opening the supposed first surf shop in Manhattan Beach in 1949.
Popular surf culture also got some help from Hollywood, as countless surf movies (such as Gidget) spread the concept of surfing as a lifestyle throughout the world.
Moving on from the history lesson, it should by now be pretty obvious that LMU has access to some decent surf. While there are plenty of spots to choose from, the ones I will list are all within a short drive of LMU, the closest one being El Porto.
Located at the beginning of El Segundo (right at 45th street), El Porto is a bit of a wave magnet. A deep undersea trench lying just off shore acts as a funnel for any swell pointing in the general direction of Southern California. While this place is small, the waves are generally smaller and mushy, and it serves as a great place for beginners to learn how to surf. However, with the right north swell, this spot can offer up some mean barrels and harsh closeouts. So, if you’re just learning, make sure to avoid the days when the waves look like they could sink an oil tanker. There is also a lot of parking available, and while crowds can be a negative factor, this break is one of the more consistent spots near LMU.
North of the 105 are a number of decent spots mostly similar to El Porto, such as Venice and Santa Monica, and it should be noted that the beach by the Santa Monica Pier does offer lessons for beginners. These spots are generally all beach breaks, so in order for them to be good, the swell must be a bit on the smaller side and crossed up, and the wind factor is only good when it is offshore.
Further north are the famous Malibu and Topanga beaches, and though they are often crowded, they offer world-class rights with a decent summer south swell (or occasional west or northwest swell). South of El Porto are mostly similar beach breaks, such as Manhattan and Redondo, and while they can be good, once they break over six feet they tend to close out.However, Manhattan is home to many surf contests and a surfing museum, so while the waves may not appear all that good, they can, in fact, break pretty nicely with the right swell (west, south or northwest). Los Angeles has a long history with the sport of surfing, and LMU is lucky to have access to a substantial amount of surf resources. So get out there and enjoy the water!
Best Beaches in North America
The beaches in North America are truly one of a kind. That’s because no other region on earth has beaches quite as famous or as popular. For example, the entire continent offers every kind of beach imaginable, ranging from the wild and dangerous Kodiak Island in Alaska, to the pounding surf of Playa Higuero in Puerto Rico, to the exhibitory lifestyle of Haulover Beach in Miami, and the excellent fishing and camping of the Outer Banks. On that note, this guide will point out some of the more well-known and pristine beaches in North America.
Off the beaten path…
If you’re looking for a little adventure, and don’t mind venturing into the wild, then Alaska’s Kodiak Island is definitely for you. The island has several wonderfully isolated beaches, like Buskin beach, where a camper can fish for salmon, watch Kodiak bears feeding, and go kayaking with whales all in the same day! However, if dealing with bears sounds a bit too dangerous, then Canada’s Vancouver Island might be just right for you. While the island is completely covered in lush pine forests and offers every sort of outdoor activity ranging from surfing, fishing, whale watching, and even skiing, the island does also have some very quaint coastal towns. For example, the small local town of Tofino has earned the nickname “Canada’s surf city”, for its proximity to beautiful beaches like Cox bay or Wickaninish and for its overall “laid back” vibe. The flora and fauna in the area are remarkable, and while the water is cold, the fishing is fantastic!
Surfs up!
North America as a whole has some of the best, and most crowded, surf in the world. If you are feeling the need to get barreled, then check out the Outer Banks in North Carolina, where the local beach breaks offer up epic waves for a hundred miles up and down the coast. Malibu beach, otherwise known as Surfrider state beach in Southern California, is an excellent right point break that has been at the center of surfing culture in the U.S. for decades. South of the border, the dangerous Puerto Escondido in Oaxaca, Mexico is commonly known as the “Mexican Pipeline”, and its deadly barrels have claimed countless boards and can easily reach heights of 20 feet or more! A more gentler wave, but equally as popular, is Playa Higuero in Puerto Rico, where surfers from around the world come to relax, immerse themselves in the local culture, and of course, surf.
The City Life
For those who want to soak up the sun and lay out on the sand, but don’t have much interest in surfing or hiking through the wild of Alaska, a beach closer to civilization might be perfect for you. Santa Monica is an excellent little getaway for a family vacation, as there is quite a bit to do. The local Santa Monica pier has a several bars and restaurants, and not to mention a theme park with a roller coaster and Ferris wheel. The local area, such as 3rd street, which is only a short distance away from the actual pier, offers great shopping, eating, and much more. It also goes without saying, that the local Santa Monica beach is great to just hang out, catch some rays, and watch some of the unique people that call Southern California home. However, if you want a little more racier atmosphere, Miami’s South Beach, is located right next to the famous Ocean drive, has a party reputation that is known throughout the world. Overall, while there are many beaches to visit in North America, these select few are some of the ones that can’t be missed.
Best Beaches in Florida
Florida has some of the most popular and untouched beaches in the United States. Of Florida’s 1,800 miles of coastline, 1,200 miles of it are beautiful sand beaches, and their overall unsullied and picturesque nature easily convey why Florida has earned the nickname: The Sunshine State. Some of the most famous beaches in the world, ranging from South Beach to Daytona Beach, can be found in Florida, and millions of tourists come to the state every year to visit them. This guide will point out some of most noted and exquisite beaches throughout the entire state.
Atlantic Coast Beaches
Home to several renowned beaches, the east coast of Florida is a top tourist destination. Beginning with the quaint and historic town of St. Augustine, the nearby Anastasia State park (which is located on a small island) is a rather remarkable beach that also serves as a 1,700-acre bird sanctuary. Fishing and beach volleyball are very popular there, as is camping and hiking. While the surf is pretty poor, visitors can try out kayaking and windsurfing instead. Of course, it’s impossible to mention the East coast of Florida and not talk about Daytona Beach! Nicknamed the “world’s most famous beach,” Daytona Beach stretches for 24 miles, and is a favorite for spring breakers and driving enthusiasts (the Daytona 500 takes place here). There is also a very popular boardwalk that has all sorts of distractions, ranging from shopping, eating, arcades, bars and more; you name it, the boardwalk has it. You can surf near the Main Street Pier, but watch out for people bungee jumping off the pier!
Gulf Coast Beaches
While Panama City gets pretty crowded with spring breakers, the rest of the panhandle is fairly quiet. Ft. Walton beach is part of the so-called “Emerald Coast”, and has dozens of quaint Victorian style beach cottages for rent; though keep in mind they are right along side several-million-dollar-homes! In addition, Pensacola beach, located on Santa Rosa Island, is an interesting beach community that has an abundance of restaurants, shops, and nightclubs. However, if you’re looking for little more peace and quiet, Gulf Islands National Seashore has sparkling white sand and is home to hundreds of species of marine birds. Finally, the infamous Panama City is being called the “new Miami”, and while the beaches are spectacular, be advised that it is a prime destination for wild and crazy party-seeking college kids during spring break.
Miami Beaches
The Miami area tends to speak for itself. This trendy city has some racy beaches, such as the notorious South Beach. Located alongside Ocean drive, the area is great for swimming, shopping, catching some sun, and of course, people watching. The surf can actually get very good here, but a word to the wise, when the waves are pumping, the line up can be a bit hostile. If you get sunburned, or you’re simply tired of looking at palm trees and supermodels, the surrounding area has some amazing architecture, and boasts an incredible nightlife and art scene. If you’re drawn to a beach that is a little more serene, check out Bill Baggs Cape Beach. Here you’ll find decent surf and a lower key atmosphere than you will in Miami (i.e. not topless). The beaches of the sunshine state are truly remarkable, and it would be a shame not to visit them.
Best Beaches in California
Tourists come from around the world to visit California’s beaches, and rightly so, because a majority of them are utterly beautiful. It is safe to say, that some of the best beaches in the United States can be found in the Golden State. Beginning with the rugged Lost Coast in Northern California, and traveling southward to the pounding surf of Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz, and finally concluding with the crowded beaches of Southern California, all of the 840 miles of coastline in California are worth a trip for any intrepid beach traveler. However, if you can only visit a few, this guide will point out some of the best beaches throughout the entire state.
Northern California Beaches
For those who feel the need to depart from civilization, the Lost Coast offers nearly 80 miles of breathtakingly pristine mountains, forests, cliffs, and of course, beaches. However, it’s called the Lost Coast for a reason, so don’t expect the comforts of home. This area was seen as undesirable to develop in the 1800’s, so the area was left entirely to nature. That being said, the region is located within the Kings Range National Conservation Range and the Sinkyone Wilderness State Park, and offers excellent hiking, fishing, kayaking, whale-watching, camping, and much more. Surfers heed this warning: while the waves can be epically gigantic during the wintertime (15-20 feet), the Lost Coast is home to more than a few great white sharks.
San Francisco and Santa Cruz Beaches
The City by the Bay is mostly known for its liberal culture, but it also has a few nice beaches. While the water is frigid, Rodeo Beach is a serves as a nice getaway for sun seeking San Francisco locals, and the nearby Ocean Beach offers excellent surf. South of the city, Half moon bay, home to Mavericks, is the biggest wave in California. However, if you don’t feel like surfing 20 footers, the region also has excellent hiking, camping and fishing, and even golfing. The beaches around Santa Cruz are fantastic for surfing (Steamer lane), and the local pier offers alternative forms of entertainment when the weather is a bit too wet and grey.
Central California Beaches
The beaches in this area are unique, in that while they are still fairly close to heavily populated areas, they are remarkably beautiful. For example, the majestic beauty of Big Sur and its beaches (like Point Lobos) have inspired such artists as Jack Kerouac and even Hunter S. Thompson. The area has dozens of hidden coves, lush kelp forests offshore, and even several spectacular waterfalls. Monterey Bay is also very beautiful, and has an abundant marine wildlife population. Despite the water being freezing, the diving in the area is incredible, as it is part of a national marine sanctuary. Santa Barbara and Ventura also offer countless beaches, from Jalama to Rincon, that are famously known for not only their surfing, but also their diving, camping, and fishing.
Southern California Beaches
What can be said about Southern California beaches that haven’t been said before? They have been visited by millions of people, been in scores of books and movies, and are known throughout the world. For example, Malibu beach has been at the center of the surfing world for well over half a century, and Venice and Santa Monica beach are home to such iconic California symbols as the Santa Monica pier and the Venice boardwalk. Windansea in San Diego is one of the first beaches to be surfed in California, and the near by Coronado Beach has been rated as one of the top family beaches in the entire country. Southern California Beaches offer every sort of activity, ranging from surfing, diving, shopping, eating, sight seeing, spying on celebrities, camping, hiking, volleyball, and much more. The beaches of California are truly one of a kind, and once you visit them, you will understand why they are so famous.
Best Beaches on the Mid-Atlantic coast
The beaches of the Mid-Atlantic coast of the USA span several states, and offer a bit of much needed sanctuary for those reeling from the hustle and bustle of life on the East Coast. From Staten Island to the Hamptons in New York, Bradley beach and Seaside heights in New Jersey, and the numerous other beaches along the Chesapeake Bay, the entire Mid-Atlantic coast has something for every kind of beach tourist. Whether you’re hoping to socialize with the rich and famous, catch a few waves, or just simply spend some time with loved ones, the beaches of the Mid-Atlantic coast offer it all. Therefore, if you’re planning a trip to the Mid-Atlantic coast, this guide will point out the beaches that have to be seen.
New York and New Jersey
If you are looking for a good family beach, Staten Island’s South Beach and the nearby Midland Beach is a perfect spot to bring the kids. The area has a large playground, an area for bands to perform, abundant snack stands, and the surrounding area hosts a very popular sand castle building competition a few times a year! In addition, if you’re looking to catch a few waves, Rockaway beach is a pounding beach break that is within the New York City limits. Outside of New York City, Main beach in East Hampton is very popular with the rich and famous, their many adoring fans, and of course, the beloved paparazzi. New Jersey tends to refer to their main stretch of beach as “the shore”, and there are a few nice beaches to be visited. Seaside heights has a very popular bar and nightclub scene, Stone Harbor has some great fishing, and the famous Wildwood beach has a legendary boardwalk that is home to a vast array of arcades, carnival games, restaurants, and antique shops.
Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware
Assateague Island in Maryland is a wonderful nature preserve, and it is home to nearly 300 wild ponies, whom can be seen wandering the near by sand dunes. Bethany beach in Delaware, nicknamed “the quiet resort”, is quite popular with families due to its overall relaxing atmosphere and access to amnesties and activities for every member of the family. Ocean City in Maryland is a favorite vacation sport for East coasters, due to its famous boardwalk (complete with carnival rides), great fishing and crabbing, shops, and bars. In addition, the area is perfect for a wide variety of water sports, such as parasailing, deep-sea fishing, and even surfing. Chincoteague Island, in Virginia, is a fantastic location for all sorts of outdoor sports, such as hiking, lighthouse tours, swimming, boating, and fishing. Finally, Sandy point state park, in Maryland, is the closest beach to Washington DC and offers everything from fishing, crabbing, and even windsurfing. The beaches along the mid-Atlantic coast have something for everybody, and being that they are some of the more popular tourists destinations in the U.S., they are a must to visit.
Best Beaches on the North Atlantic coast
Despite the water’s chilliness, the beaches on the North Atlantic Coast of the USA are quite marvelous. From the picturesque Long Sands beach in Maine, to the celebrated Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts, the Norman bird sanctuary in Rhode Island, and finally to the unspoiled sands of Misquamicut State Beach in Connecticut, the entire North Atlantic coast has a wide variety of flawless and unmarred beaches. This guide highlights some of the most spectacular beaches that can be found on the North Atlantic coast.
Maine and Massachusetts
While the Maine is famously known for its gorgeous rocky shores, towering lighthouses, and of course, lobster, the state also has some very nice beaches. Long Sands beach is around two-miles long, and is perfect for soaking up a few rays. The water is frigid, but there is some surf, so make sure to bring your 4.3 mm wetsuit! Short sands beach is a fun beach to take the family, as the area is perfect for picnics, building sandcastles, and even watching free concerts that are usually held during the summer. There is also a nearby boardwalk with all sorts of video arcades and restaurants.
Massachusetts, like Maine, retains a pristine coastline, and its many beaches are truly wonderful. Aquinnah beach in Martha’s Vineyard offers every sort of activity imaginable, from kayaking to seashell collecting. The local area is also home to many historic lighthouses and daunting seaside cliffs. Revere Beach is fairly close to Boston (about five miles north), and it was the first public beach established in the United States. Visitors can sunbath, swim, or visit the nearby Revere carousel or historic police station.
Rhode Island and Connecticut
Nicknamed “the ocean state”, Rhode Island has many high quality beaches from which to choose on your visit. Second Beach is a popular tourist destination, and it is also one of the more consistent summertime waves in the area. If surfing isn’t your thing, the region does have a historic trail known as “cliff walk”, which weaves in between several 19th century cottages, homes to the rich and famous of the period. Norman bird Sanctuary is close to Second Beach, and it offers the chance to hike along pristine coastline while glimpsing some of the state’s endangered waterfowl.
The beaches of Connecticut are also lovely. Lighthouse Point Park has year round social events and exhibits, a bird sanctuary, and hiking trails. Misquamicut State Beach stretches for seven miles and its isolated beauty is spectacular, and with parking for close to 3,000 people, there is no need to worry about sharing your beach blanket! In addition, Rocky Neck State Park has stunning white sand, and is ideal for swimming, picnicking, and hiking. The beauty of the North Atlantic coast is reflected in its beaches, and it is safe to say that any beach on the North Atlantic coast is perfect for a vacation.
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