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Show V' It s a dangerous hobby, says one surfer. It s nothing like a beach party movie. SURFS UP in Santa Cruz, Calif., and surfers are out in force. After the drought of the last few years, the storms and resulting big waves are a welcome change for Kevin Reed of Sante surfers, according to whos been surfing since he was 4. An older friend took me out. I got so scared that I swam all the way back to shore. I had been swimming since I was 6 months old. But it didnt take the youngster long to get used to the waves, and within a year he was right out there with all the big guys. Now a photographer, he still manages to spend a great deal of his time in the water. The oceans like a brother to me. I feel comfortable with it. Santa Cruz offers some of the best surfing in California, he says, adding that surfing is permitted at all the public beaches. Average waves run from feet and thats pretty good, he says. In fact, some waves are as big and as hollow as those in Hawaii. ITS A GREAT winter sport, according to Kevin, explaining that the inclement weather produces more challenging waves. The water itself isnt much colder than in the summer, he says, adding that he wears a wet suit all year. To determine the best time of the day to surf, he prefers to go down to the beach and check for himself rather than rely on weather and tide reports. Usually, the waves are best when the tide is going out, he adds. California and surfing have become synonymous, and more people each year are taking up the hobby. "Almost everyone who comes around the water decides to take a turn at surfing. But increasing popularity is a problem for oldtimers. Etiquette ami safety limit one person to a wave, meaning that a surfer frequently has to stand in line to get a crack at a ride. THOUGH MANY do break the rules and double up, Kevin warns that it's a dangerous practice. To avoid the crowds, some surfers head for isolated beaches. But Kevin says this is dangerous, too, adding that it's important to have someone nearby in case of emergencies. Incidentally, he recommends attaching a special stretch cord to the surfboard at one end and to your ankle at the other. Then if you get into trouble, at least you wont be separated from your board. To limit the possibility of your board hitting you, make sure the cord is at least one foot longer than the board, Kevin warns. "Surfing is a dangerous hobby, he confirms, and he has the scars and bruises to prove it. In fact, he has had 700 stitches on his face the result of someone rise's surfboard hitting him. STILL, the fun outweighs any danger, he believes. "It s a challenging hobby that involves coordination. skill and style, he says. It's more than simply catching a wave and riding it Surfing is almost like a dance, including various turns and maneuvers. In fact, he often choreographs new sequences on paper before trying them in the water. Surfing really isnt very similar to the sport depicted in the old Frankie Avalon beach movies, he says, admitting that he never had the stomach to sit through any of them. His surfing friends haven't thrown a single beach party, and theyve yet to sit around a fire enjoying the sound of the surf. IN FACT, the common image of surfers is all wrong, he believes, adding that theyre not just a bunch of young beach bums. Many are professional minister who surfs people, including a regularly. And the women, too, are surfing. Theyre not sitting on the beach watching us. Cruz, 6-- California One good thing about the deluge the surfs up by Marslia Kay Seff Knight-Ridd- er Writer lake a summer wcatfom Ms ramtsrmSaini Ocssa San Diego's perfect year-rounweather is one reason why it's a great place to vacation. And some other great reasons are, miles of beaches, 67 golf courses, lovely La Jolla, Mexico and Sea World. There's Mission Bay, where water sports are always in season. You can visit historical Mission San Diego de Alcala, built in 1769. And Balboa Park where 8 museums, miles of garden walks, theatres, and the world famousSan Diego Zpo wait to be explored. So call a Travel Agent or Hughes Airwest for departure details. Oh, and don't forget to ask them about San Diego vacation packages. Then peel out for San Diego on the Top Banana. d .xy Ifws A super way to pay The American Express' Card Don't leave home without it ' Use the American Express Card to pay for almost everyth. ng from your Hughes Airwest ticket to iiir hcte's. mea's and car rental If you don't already have an American Express Card, get an application wherever the card is welcomed Or c; (8001 528 8000 him Top Banana in the West. Hughes Airwest. ii ir. I I M i |
