Follow @PartyinOC on Twitter for a chance to have your tweet show up here.
 
OrangeCounty.com is sponsored by
OC Beach Blog ~ The latest news on all things along the 42 miles of beach in Orange County, Calif.

Archive for 2008

Ask the expert: Who has the right of way on a wave?

December 22nd, 2008, 3:20 pm by Laylan Connelly, staff writer

Three-time international surf champ Corky Carroll gives us his surfing insight each week on the Beach Blog. Here’s what he wrote up this week:

Q.  Today I was almost run down by a surfer on a wave when I was paddling out.  Isn’t it the guy on the waves responsibility to go around people who are paddling out?

A.  A big NO on that one dude.  Think of it as riding a roller coaster.  You do the ride and then you walk around and get back on.  You do NOT walk in front of the oncoming cars.  Surfing is the same way.  Paddle around the break if you can.  Always give way to the person riding the wave.  The rider has the right of way.

Q.  I am thinking of picking up a friend’s long board and using it as a paddle board. I am 185/190 lbs(should be 175). The board is 10 ft or 10′ 6”. Will that work ? What is the difference in a long board and a paddle board?

Read the rest of this entry »

Big Wave Contest Will Go On!

December 22nd, 2008, 8:46 am by Jeff Malanca, contributing writer

If Mother Nature can provide a large enough swell, the West Coast’s largest big-wave paddle-in surf competition will take place next year after all.  The Maverick’s surfing contest was likely not going to happen due to the lack of sponsorship, but a large liquor company and a few other folks have stepped in to save the event.  Jim Beam bourbon and benefactors Moose Guen and Jane Sutherland of MVision Equity Partners.  Contest organizers have set a waiting period of January 1, 2009 through March 31, 2009.  Once the call that the swell has hit, the invited surfers will be given a 24-hour notice to arrive at the event at Half Moon Bay in Northern California.  Some of the notable names taking part in the Maverick’s contest include, Darryl “Flea” Virostko, South Africa’s Grant “Twiggy” Baker and last year’s Maverick’s Champion, Greg Long, who is from San Clemente.  For more info. check out maverickssurf.com.

Surf Report 12-22-08

December 22nd, 2008, 7:04 am by Jeff Malanca, contributing writer

Waking up with the waves on Monday.  Well it’s definitely not a day to call in sick for the surf.  Yep it’s looking pretty lousy out there.  We’ve got a stiff south wind which is putting some light to moderate chop on the water.

There’s a very minor mix of southwest energy and minimal northwest swell.  That recipe is making for some weak crumbly lines with not much to work with.

Most OC beaches are running about knee high with the top spots pulling thigh to waist high waves with maybe an occasional bigger one.

At 5:30 a.m the tide climbed up to a 5.6 high which still has some spots pretty full.  The tide then drops to a 0.2 low at 12:53 this afternoon.

If you’re feeling desperate, break out the 4/3 fullsuit and maybe the booties with the water temp at most spots hanging between 55 and 56 degrees.

For more surf info. check out surfline.com

Good luck!!

Lost Surfboards Movie Premiere

December 21st, 2008, 5:14 pm by Jeff Malanca, contributing writer

It was more than a decade ago that Lost Enterprises released the hit movie 5′5″ X 19 1/4″.  Now ten years later, the surfboard company is premiering the sequel 5′5″ X 19 1/4″ Redux.  The main stars in this new surf flick are Lost Team riders Chris Ward, Aaron Cormican and Mason Ho who put these small surfboards to the test.  Some of the other featured surfers include Jordy Smith, Dane Reynolds, Ryan Carlson, Shane Beschen and Kolohe Andino. 

If you’d like a chance to see the new surf flick, the next premiere in Orange County takes place on Tuesday Dec. 23 at Aloho Grill at 1749 Newport Boulevard in Costa Mesa.  All ages are welcome and there will be a ton of free giveaways and prizes.  The movie starts at 7 p.m.  For more info. check out alohagrill.com.

Surf Report 12-21-08

December 21st, 2008, 9:07 am by Jeff Malanca, contributing writer

Good Sunday morning surfers.  Well definitely don’t make it a priority to paddle.  Yep it’s looking like another day of very dismal waves.  It’s mostly clean with a micro mix of southwest swell and northwest energy.

That recipe is making for some weak little lines with not much to work with.  You’ll want to take out a log or maybe a fish is you’re gonna get wet.

Most OC beaches are running about ankle to knee high with the focal points pulling thigh to waist high waves with maybe a plus set on occasion.

At 4:51 a.m the tide climbed up to a 5.3 high and then drops to a 0.7 low at 12:05 this afternoon.  If you’re gonna grab a grovel session, it’s time for the 4/3 fullsuit and maybe the booties with the water temp hanging betweeen 55 and 57 degrees.

For more surf info. check out surfline.com

Good luck!!

HSS Holiday Sidewalk Sale

December 20th, 2008, 6:12 pm by Jeff Malanca, contributing writer

If you missed out on some of the surf company sample sales over the last few weeks then check this out.  Huntington Surf and Sport located on the corner of PCH and Main Street is having the largest sidewalk sale ever over the next week.  A ton of merchandise is being discounted 50 to 90 percent off.  Quiksilver, Hurley, Volcom, Billabong and O’neill are just a few of the brands you can find.  Besides a ton of clothing and shoes, you can also find lots of accessories including, leashes, board bags and traction pads.  New merchandise will be added every hour all day long.  The sidewalk sale starts at 8 a.m each day and runs until 9 p.m.  For more info. call HSS at 714 841-4000 or go to hss.com.

Surf Report 12-20-08

December 20th, 2008, 8:59 am by Jeff Malanca, contributing writer

Good Saturday morning surf addicts.  Well it’s looking like a good day to start your Christmas shopping.  Yep it’s still really small and weak up and down the coast.

It’s mostly clean with a tiny combination of northwest windswell and a touch of south southwest energy.  That recipe is making for some soft sectiony lines with a few workable ones, especially if you’re on a log.

Most OC beaches are running about knee high with the top spots pulling thigh to waist high waves with maybe a plus set if you’re lucky.

At 11:02 a.m the drops to a 1.3 low and then pushes back up to a 3.2 high at 4:42 this afternoon.  If you’re gonna grab a salt water bath, break out the 4/3 fullsuit and maybe the booties with the water temp hanging between 56 and 58 degrees.

For more surf info. check out surfline.com

Good luck!!

Major Hurdle in the Fight To Save Trestles

December 19th, 2008, 4:08 pm by Jeff Malanca, contributing writer

Surfers should be super stoked about the decision to save one of California’s best waves.  The Secretary of Commerce, Carlos M. Gutierrez, announced yesterday to uphold the California Coastal Commission’s ruling that found the Transportation Cooridor Agencies proposed extension of the 241 toll road inconsistent with the California Coastal Act. 

In a release issued from the Department of Commerce, they “determined that there is at least one reasonable alternative to the project and that the project is not necessary in the interest of national security.”  While this is a major hurdle for the Surfrider Foundation and the thousands of activists who voiced their opposition to the toll road extension, the fight is not over if the TCA decides to appeal the recent decision.

Newport’s boat parade firework show to go on

December 19th, 2008, 11:50 am by Laylan Connelly, staff writer

A planned fireworks show for the 100th anniversary of the Newport Boat Parade - which was nixed last Wednesday because of heavy rains - has been rescheduled for Sunday night.

The display will shoot off at 9 p.m. from the Balboa Pier on the last night of the boat parade. The fireworks show was a special this year to kick off the centennial celebration of the parade. The parade will continue through Sunday beginning at 6:30 p.m. each evening from Bay Island.

The harbor light parade started 100 years ago with a gondolier and a few canoes with a few lanterns that lit up the waters.

Today, there’s more than 100 boats and 1 million spectators.

To read about the history and to see maps with parking tips, click here.

Ew, storms bring out the gross stuff on the sand

December 19th, 2008, 8:58 am by Laylan Connelly, staff writer

All that water that dumped onto OC earlier this week flushed out the inland cities and brought it all straight down to the beach.

Seal Beach got hit especially hard when everything from shopping carts to dead fish washed up at the end of the San Gabriel River. Here’s what Reg reporter Jaimee Lynn Fletcher wrote:

“Nearly 50 dead fish, shopping carts, countless cans and a couch are just some examples of the debris that washed up on shore here by Monday’s storm.

A small group of volunteers from the Surfrider Foundation’s Huntington and Seal Beach Chapter today continue to sift through the mounds of trash left on the beach near the mouth of San Gabriel River and north of the municipal pier. ”

Click here to read more of the story, and to see photos of the nastiness.

Surf Report 12-19-08

December 19th, 2008, 7:42 am by Jeff Malanca, contributing writer

Good Friday morning surf addicts.  Well it’s looking like Lake Pacific.  Yep it’s super small out there.  It’s mostly clean or light offshore with a very minimal mix of northwest energy and southwest swell.

That recipe is offering us some really weak dribblers with not much to work with.  You’ll definitely want to break out a log if you’re planning on paddling.  Most OC beaches are running about ankle to knee high with the top spots pulling thigh to waist high waves with maybe a plus set.

At 9:39 a.m the tide drops to a 1.9 low and then climbs back up to a 3.6 high at three this afternoon.  If you’re really feeling desperate for a session, break out the 4/3 full and maybe the booties with the water temp at most breaks hanging between 55 and 57 degrees.

For more surf info. check out surfline.com

Good luck out there!!

Amazing snowboard conditions in big bear

December 18th, 2008, 4:42 pm by Laylan Connelly, staff writer

Just got off the mountain - fingers still frozen - and you need to cut out on work to check it out Friday if possible. Snow was super soft, and hardly anyone was on the mountain today. Skies were clear most of the day, but you’ll definitely need some layers . Route 18 was shut down by the lake, so we are expecting a long ride home, especially with rush-hour traffic. But it was so worth it! I’ll post some photos later tonight when I get home. SO happy fresh snow finally got here! Call in sick tomorrow!

Check out my story and more photos from the day.

*Finally got back home about 9ish - driving conditions were a mess with the snow, so if  you are headed up, go early. Also note that a small part of Route 18 will be closed through tomorrow night, so you have to go the long way around the lake or take the back road in. It’s going to be a busy weekend, with many of the schools letting out for the holidays. Here’s some photos from earlier today:

  Read the rest of this entry »

Heading up to big bear

December 18th, 2008, 10:59 am by Laylan Connelly, staff writer

Well, four hours up the windy road and still not boarding. Two friends and I are on our way up to get some of that amazing snowfall the past few days. Seems everyone had the same idea. There is snow everywhere, covering the trees and roads- so make sure you have chains. Traffic starts low on the hill, but mostly from people hooking up tires. Also, the
bridge normally taken near the lake is closed, so cars are bring detoured to the other side, which also makes the trip longer. ETA on arrival is another 20 minutes. Keep posted,if my new iPhone gets service up there I’ll give an update on conditions.

Surf Report 12-18-08

December 18th, 2008, 7:05 am by Jeff Malanca, contributing writer

Good Thursday morning surf addicts.  Well it’s looking like more of the same.  Yep it’s still stuck in small mode in this neck of the woods, but you can find a few rideable waves at some of the better combo beach breaks.

It’s mostly clean or light offshore with a mix of minor west northwest energy and leftover southwest swell.  That recipe is giving us some pretty soft broken up lines with a few workable ones.

Most OC beaches are running about knee to thigh high with the focal points seeing waist high waves with an occasional plus set.

At 8:02 a.m the tide drops to a 2.3 low and then climbs up to a 4.2 high at 1:29 this afternoon.  If you’re gonna get wet, do yourself a favor and dust off the 4/3 full and maybe the booties with the water temp taking a dip and hanging between 55 and 57 degrees.

For more surf info. check out surfline.com

Good luck!!

Tough times make surf giant pull out of major tradeshow

December 17th, 2008, 3:19 pm by Jeff Malanca, contributing writer

The clothing giant of the surf industry has decided to pull the plug on ASR next year. 

 Quiksilver announced today it won’t be attending the Action Sports Retailer tradeshow in San Diego in January due to the difficult economy. 

This is the first time the company has missed the show since it was held in Long Beach several years ago.  However, ASR is continuing to look for ways to work with Quiksilver and the industry as a whole during these hard times. 

 Several of the other large brands who plan on setting up shop at ASR next month include Billabong, Volcom, DC Shoes, O’neill, Rusty, Element, Vans, Reef, Rip Curl, Matix, and DVS.  Some of the smaller brands planning on making a showing include Factor 54, Atwater, Truth Soul Armor, and Tavik. 

For more info. check out asrbiz.com.

Newport harbor Christmas parade cancelled

December 17th, 2008, 11:34 am by Laylan Connelly, staff writer

A small-craft advisory has caused organizers to cancel tonight’s Newport Harbor Boat Parade.

Organizers also had to cancel the firework show, which was supposed to kick off the first night of the parade at 6:25 p.m tonight from the Balboa Pier.  They are in talks with the city to find out if the firework show can go on another night.

Jessica Quadra, spokeswoman for the Chamber of Commerce, said they got word about the cancellation at about 5:30 p.m. by the Harbor Patrol after the National Weather Service put out the advisory.

“We’ll resume tomorrow night as planned,” she said.

The boat parade draws about 1 million people through the five nights of lights, which kicks off at 6:30 tonight.

CLICK HERE  to read a story highlighting long-time residents’ memories about the parade’s evolution and to see a map of the route.  If you’re going tomorrow, remember to leave early, traffic gets tied up pretty bad along Newport Blvd. and Pacific Coast Highway.

More from the BEACH BLOG

 

:

Surf Report 12-17-08

December 17th, 2008, 6:58 am by Jeff Malanca, contributing writer

Good Wednesday morning surf addicts.  Well it’s looking pretty dismal out there.  Yep don’t make it a priority to paddle.  It’s fairly clean with a very minor amount of west northwest energy in the water.

That recipe is making for some weak crumbly broken up lines with not a whole lot to work with.  Most OC beaches are running about knee to thigh high with the top spots pulling waist high waves with not much more than that.

At 6:29 a.m the tide dropped to a 2.4 low and then pushes up to a 5.1 high at 12:15 this afternoon.  If you’re planning on paddling, break out at least a 3/2 full or maybe the 4/3 with the water temp hanging between 56 and 58 degrees.

For more surf info. check out surfline.com

Stay in bed!!

Slater’s Winning Pipeline Board

December 16th, 2008, 7:13 pm by Jeff Malanca, contributing writer

Many surfers are wondering the same thing, what the heck was Kelly Slater thinking when riding a 5′11 board when the surf at Pipeline was a solid 8 foot.  Well everyone knows the 9X World Champ is a complete super natural, so it’s really no surprise, but considering most of the competitors at the 2008 Billabong Pipeline Masters were on 6′6’s or 7′0’s it seems pretty crazy.  The board is called ”Kelly Slater’s “Deep Six” and was designed by Slater himself.  Basically he married an Al Merrick Channel Islands 7′0″ K-step and a 6′0″ K-board into a completely original 5′11 with the wide point of the board pushed forward.  The boards measurements are 5′11 x 18 1/2 x 2 1/2 rounded pin-tail.  If this sounds like a board you’d like to try, the ”Deep Six” can be custom ordered from Channel Islands surfboards at cisurfboards.com.

Local Ski Resorts Going Off!!!

December 16th, 2008, 5:11 pm by Jeff Malanca, contributing writer

If it has been a while since you’ve headed up to the local mountains, now is the time!!  The local ski resorts got dumped on over the last 24 hours and they’re expecting even more in the next day or so.  Snow Summit and Bear Mountain in Big Bear received more than two feet of the real deal, while down the hill at Snow Valley in Running Springs they also have some great conditions with nearly two feet of fresh coverage.  Mountain High in Wrightwood picked up two to three feet of powder in the last day, while Mt. Baldy is enjoying some killer conditions with a couple feet of new snow.  Chains are required on most vehicles, but you might want to call ahead of time and find out the latest on the mountain road conditions.

Surf Report 12-16-08

December 16th, 2008, 6:42 am by Jeff Malanca, contributing writer

Waking up with the waves on Tuesday.  Well it’s looking alright out there.  We’re seeing some texture or light bump on it at some spots.

We’ve got a mix of mostly south southwest windswell and some very minor northwest energy in the water.  That recipe is making for some crumbly broken up lines with a few workable ones.

Most OC beaches are running about knee to waist high with the focal points pulling stomach to chest high waves with a few plus sets.

At 5:11 a.m the tide dropped to a 2.4 low and then pushes back up to a 5.9 high at 11:14 later this morning.  The tide then drains out to a negative 0.7 low at 6:33 this evening.

If you’re gonna go for a paddle, break out at least the 3/2 full or possibly the 4/3 with the water temp at most spots hanging between 56 and 58 degrees.

For more surf info. check out surfline.com

Good luck out there!!

ADVERTISEMENT 
ADVERTISEMENT