SURFIN' SAFARI SUMMER TWO - DAY SEVEN - July 13, 2020

 


It feels as if Surfin’ Safari Summer Two is, like American life, sputtering in fits and starts. Of course, the surfing schedule somewhat reflects the goings-on in larger society. The beaches were closed in and around July 4 as virus cases surged in Los Angeles County. That put a crimp in things and, having lost my wife the last time out, we both felt a little gun-shy when being gung-ho is a must. In fact, we are keeping up with last year’s pace while there is plenty of summer left. A hopeful sentiment. I already feel limited by the crowd size. We frequent Marina del Rey because it’s usually empty. A day-trip picnic up Malibu way is inviting, but when you get to these places they are packed. Moreso than during “normal” times, I suspect, because a lot of people aren’t working. Up to now I've been content to let others be the skeptics and get back to me on that. I am Covid negative and like it that way. Saturday’s outing was a solo affair as Anna had company. It was in the 90s, and there was no place to park except secret surfer spots, which saved the day,

but required a long hike through the Ballona Lagoon. At the estuary's edge there is a strip of about 30 parking spots with meters. State law requires beach parking be free on weekends, but the City, desperate for revenue, has posted no signs to that effect. I love hanging out there for about half an hour, approaching befuddled people emptying their pockets into unresponsive meters to inform them that there is no charge. When they ask if I’m sure, I point at the surfboard, and they smile. There were no waves to speak of, but I stayed in the chop to absorb a seawater-filtered tan and blonde highlights. I made a few runs at waves that were duds and could not take advantage of the one rogue that might have been rideable because, when I turned to paddle, two little kids were in my way. I gave up. Let the weekenders and summer visitors have it. The beaches this time of year are normally sparse with just a few European tourists. It’s clear a lot of staycations are going down in California 2020. The lucky ones. Some surfers get huffy when “inlanders” invade “their” territory. There are local groups that hassle waveriders from other places, cutting them off on the water or slashing their car tires. In Palos Verdes it got so extreme the federal government filed a racketeering lawsuit to break up the violent gang lording it over those gorgeous beaches for years. I’m for coastal access. Just because I go often doesn’t mean the beaches are mine. I wish more made the safari. It is ALWAYS a happy place where the old people become children and children become maniacs and everyone in the middle lays around doing solar recharge. Regular beach outings and insurance-covered massages would make us a happier nation.

 These shots are from the hike through the lagoon, which has a real Mediterranean feel, and from the homes in the “walk-around” area of Marina del Rey, a "lesser" beach option.

 


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