Q. I am the proud grandmother of a four-year-old boy. He is a terror, full of energy and into everything. How old should he be before we get him out there on a surfboard? We live in Newport Beach.

A. First thing is to make sure he becomes a good swimmer. Then, make sure he wants to. Start him off with a boogie board and let him get to know the ocean and waves. When he starts begging for a surfboard - you will know that it’s time. Surf schools are the way to go when that time comes.

Q. I used to surf in the sixties and became fond of a beautiful surf girl who used to ride tandem with Mike Doyle. Her name was Linda and she lived in San Clemente and used to surf at San Onofre all the time. Do you know who I am talking about and if you do, where is she now?

A. Yes I do. That would be Linda Merrill. Linda is the daughter of longtime surf great Benny Merrill, who was a San Onofre regular for decades. Linda is still beautiful and surfs and lives near Santa Barbara.

Q. Which has better surf for beginners, Doheny State Park or Bolsa Chica State Park?

A. Well, I think probably that depends on where you are. Doheny is in South Orange County and Bolsa Chica is to the north. Bolsa is a sand bottom and has much more surf. Doheny has a rock reef, and most of the time small and user- friendly surf. I would say Bolsa is better - but it is apples and oranges, really.

To ask Corky Carroll a question, hit him up at corkysurf@aol.com

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