Surf’s Up In Laguna Beach

IMG_2174

Good surf conditions seemed likely today, so I threw on a pair of shorts and sweatshirt, packed my camera and lenses and headed to Laguna Beach. Laguna was a call of convenience. I was looking for a surf spot as close to home as possible. Google suggested Thalia Street Beach.

Thalia Street is a locals spot. The surfing is OK. No one goes out of their way to come here. The waves crest beautifully, but break quickly. Short rides.

Thalia Street itself is a dead end stub west of CA-1. Stairs built into the palisades take you about fifteen feet down to the beach. A parking spot opened up and I pulled in.

For a photographer, Thalia Street Beach is great. The surfers aren’t very far out. My 300mm lens was marginally too long! The beach is smooth sand.

Overcast skies. Temperatures in the upper 60s. With my sweatshirt on and shoes off, I waded in. The water was cool, but not enough to be a problem.

Just going calf deep in water got me fifteen feet closer to the action. Then one big waved ran up my thighs. I pulled the keys and cellphone from my pocket before they were injured and became a little less aggressive.

There were 15 to 20 surfers and an equal number of spectators on the beach this afternoon. The vibe is very casual. People don’t stumble onto this beach. It’s well hidden.

Now it’s my spot too.

All the photos are clickable for a larger view.

4 thoughts on “Surf’s Up In Laguna Beach”

  1. Great photos….especially when the thermometer currently reads 11* here in CT! So, the obvious question…,when are you going to start surfing??? 😀

  2. That’s my question, too! Also, your pictures bring back many memories, and are giving me the wander lust –to return. Problem is,while I do still have friends out there, they are dwindling.
    Years ago, there used to be great Outdoor Art shows along Laguna Hwy–and I continue to look for pictures of a pale green ocean with the waves you had today, and the sunlight shining through. Too bad it was cloudy today–there. Here it was sunny and around 9 or 10 deg. A sweat shirt and Shorts—not out in my back yard!

  3. I’ve never really cared to visit California, but after reading your blogs it does intrigue me. Thanks for giving us a slice of life on the other side of the U.S. It just may go on my bucket list 🙂

  4. cowabunga ho-daddy
    the question becomes when do you wax up your board and give us shots from the surfer’s POV. it’s bound to happen.
    hang loose, brah.

Leave a Reply to Wendy Copperthite Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *