If you want to learn what waves mean to surfers, go no farther than Huntington Beach, which proudly claims the title Surf City. Here, the water isn’t just a recreational pastime -- it’s a lifestyle. The day begins and ends with glorious sunlight and endless rides, which is why roughly 11 million visitors come each summer to watch the show.
The shadow of a fellow surfer falls across another surfer’s long board beneath the Huntington Beach Pier.
For more in this series exploring Southern California’s beaches, visit our Cruising the Coast page.(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
If you want to learn what waves mean to surfers, go no farther than Huntington Beach, which proudly claims the title Surf City. Here, the water isn’t just a recreational pastime -- it’s a lifestyle.
Dane McCrystal, 14, of Huntington Beach zips up his wetsuit as he heads out to surf 2- to 4-foot waves at sunrise near the Huntington Beach Pier. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
Santa Ana winds create a dramatic scene as they lift the spray off large breaking waves, much to the delight of surfers at the Huntington Beach Pier. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
Stepping into liquid at sunset as a surfer glides down the face of a wave at the Huntington Beach Pier. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
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A surfer takes off on a large wave during strong offshore winds at the Huntington Beach Pier. Sunset lights the spray blowing off the wave. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
A surfer raises his arms during a spectacular sunset at the Huntington Beach Pier.
For more in this series exploring Southern California’s beaches, visit our Cruising the Coast page.(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
