San Diego. California is not particularly known for surfing. The beaches mostly face the wrong direction, and the swell tend to be mild.
However, following a good storm in the Pacific, the surfers hit the beach.
Longboarders preparing to surf near Crystal Pier.
The waves off San Diego’s shores tend to be short and fast, so longboarding is not common. Still, San Diego has is share of diehard fans.
Surfers lined up, waiting for the perfect wave.
Much of surfing is waiting. And waiting.
Still waiting for that wave…
Waiting and waiting and waiting.
Sometimes the waves themselves can give a show!
Finally the waves come!
Tandem surfing.
Surfing with friends is a great way to spend the day.
Catchin’ the wave.
You can see there is more to it than just standing on a board. It’s a true sport.
A good bandholz beard adds a touch of class.
Even old guys surf.
Sometimes it’s easier on all-fours.
Ideally you want to stand on your board, but neophytes can get the feeling of it by staying low.
Proper styling is important, too.
“Staying on balance” is not always an option.
A good ride is sometimes followed by a good fall.
If you are going to fall (and you are going to fall), have fun.
This surfer is demonstrating a good dismount.
Some surfers jump back over the wave when they dismount.
Surfing and free-style dancing is a thing, I guess…
My guess is that this surfer took a lot of ballet lessons when he was young.
These surfers are demonstrating two different styles.
Laying on your board, Ironman-style, is a perfectly acceptable technique.
Surfers in the mist.
Sometimes the waves overtake you. Just ride it out.
A classic dismount.
Now this is a classic dismount: perfectly in control.
I don’t really know what’s happening here…
I’ve seen this more than once, and it is always surfer girls doing it. Don’t know why.
When conditions are right, you can take to the air.
Sometimes everything lines up perfectly and you can fly!
A picture-perfect day on the ocean.
Wow. This is why we live in San Diego.
Paddleboarders play in the surf, too.
Paddleboarders surf, and they use their paddle to better control the ride.
Posing with your board is a time-honored tradition.
I’ve created a gallery of surfer photographs I’ve taken over the years. Enjoy.
And next time you are in San Diego — or at any beach — take a few surf lessons and feel the spirit!