(Photo Credit: Everett Hatch)
The mornings at Trancas are ripe with opportunity to take on the day ahead. The beach is calm and often overcast and you’ll find people from all walks of life waking up together practicing meditation and yoga, walking their dogs whilst enjoying their espressos, and jogging the beach in pairs. If you’re lucky, you’ll see pods of dolphins swimming and jumping just off the shoreline where surfers of all abilities sit and wait for the perfect wave.
Zuma Beach is a stretch that offers surf for all abilities. With a powerful wave at the South that the more advanced surfers can ride, and a long stretch heading North that is perfect for beginning and intermediate riders. Sprinkled along Zuma are surf camps and clubs, teaching budding surfers the ins and outs of it all, from beach etiquette and sun protection to posture, strength, and confidence.
Los Angeles County has a Junior Lifeguard Program offered for youth ages 9 to 17. Though not the only way to garner a lifeguarding certification, it’s an excellent program that offers additional programs to foster leadership, like the cadet program and the surf racing team.
“The mission of the Los Angeles County Junior Lifeguard Program is to educate youth in our community in ocean and beach safety, physical conditioning, basic first-aid, and environmental awareness, while developing the next generation of future lifeguards and leaders.” These lifeguards are a critical element to the success of the surf community, youth and adults alike. They’re an integral part in making the camps and clubs safe and reputable. Though surf camps and instructors often hire their own lifeguards for their programs, a lot of those guards receive their training through the county program as youth.
One camp we happened upon was Saucer Surf, run by Skylar Sausser. When speaking with him, he mentioned he has kids as young as 3.5 years old catching the surfing bug. There are a few ways to get them on a board that early, but one way is to start them out independently and once confident enough, they can participate in the larger group offerings.
Skylar keeps a watchful eye out over all of the surfers riding in and swimming out. The older ones trying it on their own with the younger ones being escorted the entire way with a coach guiding their tail. “Through Saucer Surf, Skylar hopes to promote environmental stewardship, improve water safety skills, and impact underserved communities across Southern California.” As mentioned on the Saucer Surf website, “In hopes of creating a lasting impact, a percentage of our proceeds are donated to organize opportunities that provide the most underserved communities with surfing experience.”
Continue walking and you’ll pass a handful of surf camps. But most notable is Malibu Makos Surf Club, a large surf camp that’s been around for 33 years. Located at the very end of Zuma, you’ll find the Makos Surf Club which “started in 1991 by Tom Corliss, Malibu Makos Surf Club is now widely known as Southern California’s premier kids’ surf camp.”
We had the pleasure of speaking with Tom during one of the camp sessions. The passion was apparent as he spoke of his campers, a lot of which have become staff. They consist of pro surfers, ocean lifeguards who are wonderful teachers that are experienced, positive and patient. They’ve seen over 25,000 kids over the years come from all over the country (and beyond) to learn to surf in Malibu. You walk along the path, you see dozens of wetsuits laid out on the wall, and even more umbrellas anchored in the sand, angled against the sun and wind to provide spots for campers to sit, snack and rest.
Tom also mentioned his involvement at Pepperdine. According to their website, “In 2003 Pepperdine University contracted Malibu Makos Surf Club to teach a one unit PE class in surfing. Introduction to Surfing became the “best class on campus!” Classes fill almost instantly when registration begins! The programs focuses on the fundamentals of surfing and ocean safety.”
Just beyond Makos Surf Club, you’ll see the Trancas Market, highlighted in our last post. The market provides the perfect post surf treat, with nourishing food and yummy treats. It’s also home to Drill Surf and Skate, a Malibu staple for the last 15 years.
As mentioned on their website, “We value both the strong connections we build with Malibu locals and the lasting relationships we form with travelers. We always appreciate our customers choosing to support small, local shops.” Here you’ll find a mix of surf boards and gear, along with skateboards and apparel. Don’t forget to stop by and check it out!
Artist Spotlight
Chase Voga, a Southern California native, has been surfing the coast since he was young! Inspired to see the world, he’s traveled near and far to find the ultimate waves “I love to surf, and I love the challenges that come with traveling to far-flung places to do it,” says Chase, who has ridden waves off five different continents. Most recently, he’s begun to weave his interests into surfing art with his electric surfboards, inspired by the surf and skate culture he grew up with. Check out his instagram page @electricsurfcollection.
