We decided on Huntington Beach today, as it's the surfing capital of the USA. That is, ever since a Hawaiian Irishman by the name of George Freeth, a champion surfer, was imported by Henry Huntington in 1907 to attract people to the town he was developing!!
Plenty of surf dudes and surf shops on show, although we didn't explore beyond the beach. The first feature we noticed was the pier, so we walked up to it and then out along it. Lots of people fishing, but most were, like us, watching the surfers. I'm sure there have been more spectacular waves in the past, but these were pretty impressive, as were the surfers. I don't have the terminology to describe the moves, but there was plenty of swirling over and back along the wave, and we saw a few guys getting inside the tube!
Along the prom there are cafes, bike hire places and shops, as well as plenty of toilets and showers.
When we arrived at 12 there was a large group of kids all dressed in white T shirts & red shorts - aged 10 -14. On closer inspection we realised they were finishing a session of some sort of summer camp. Then we realised that the logo on their clothes said Huntington Beach Junior Lifeguard. At 2 o'clock another group arrived for their session (maybe 100 kids in each group). We reckon it's the local water safety classes, made cool by giving everyone a lifeguard status, of sorts. Good idea!
Later again I noticed older teenagers obviously involved in more serious training:
The sea was rough, as always, but I was determined to step into the Pacific before I went home!
On the way back we detoured to Newport Beach. Much nicer in terms of more family oriented with lots and lots of amenities right there within shouting distance of the sand. On first inspection, this is where we'd recommend anyone to base themselves for a holiday. Must take a closer look tomorrow or Thursday.
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