Saturday, January 24, 2009

SMGallery


SMGallery
Originally uploaded by smgallery
Self Portrait of me last night at the Huntington Beach Pier, CA

Friday, January 23, 2009

Final Lap


Final Lap
Originally uploaded by smgallery
Long Beach Grand Prix, Long Beach, CA
www.gplb.com/index.php

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Good Morning!


Good morning!
Originally uploaded by smgallery
Surf Break Maps: Santa Ana River Jetties, Newport Beach, Orange County, California
The Santa Ana River Jetties is actually one large area…but it has several distinct sub-areas. Most people consider the zone that starts directly south of the Brookhurst Outflow and runs to a couple hundred feet south of the Santa Ana River Mouth to be the actual River Jetties surf spot. Personally, because the influence of the river mouth is so great, I feel that you should include all of the coast down to about Prospect St. (which is a couple of hundred yards north of the 56th street jetty).

The northern part of the SNA River Jetties is one of the most visible surf spots in Newport. You can see it as you drive over the PCH bridges that separate Huntington Beach from Newport. It is also sort of a weird no-mans land between the two cities. It is actually managed by the county and partially by the state beach. It has a separate lifeguard agency, from either Newport Guards or HB State Beach, and even the single tower doesn’t have a number on it…just the letter “R”, which I like to think stands for River Tower. What is really nice about this set-up is that they don’t blackball this area…it stays surfable all day even when the other beaches have banned hard surfboards.

socalforecast.blogspot.com/2008/03/surf-break-maps-santa-...

www.surfline.com/surf-report/santa-ana-river-jetties-sout...

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Home Sweet Home


Home Sweet Home
Originally uploaded by smgallery
Santa Ana River Jetties is the most consistent spot in Newport. If Huntington looks flat, go check River Jetties because there's almost always something to ride. River Jetties is, however, extremely varied in shape and depends on the contour of the sandbars. Lefts tend to be fast and predominant during south swells and can turn hollow on a light offshore wind. Westerly winds easily blow out the spot. In winter, the break is far peakier. Steep peaks are found on the right tide, but if you don't surf the spot regularly, the chances of a great day are slim.

Because River Jetties is a fast shortboard wave, you tend to get aggressive crowds. It's one of the few breaks in the city where you don't have hoards of beginners swarming the peaks. If you can lay down a solid turn, you're welcome out there.
-- Blair Mathieson

www.surfline.com/surf-report/santa-ana-river-jetties-sout...

Monday, January 19, 2009

Bolsa Chica


Bolsa Chica
Originally uploaded by smgallery
The Bolsa Chica Conservancy is a non-profit, non-political organization whose mission is to advocate the restoration and preservation of the Bolsa Chica Wetlands through public outreach, participation, education and leadership. We are a coalition of responsible community leaders from science, business, education, and government.

In summary: We restore. We educate. We advocate.

The Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve extends along the east side of Pacific Coast Highway in the city of Huntington Beach from Warner Avenue to Seapoint Avenue. It is open to the public daily from sunrise to sunset.

The Bolsa Chica Wetlands Interpretive Center is located at 3842 Warner Avenue, which is at the southeast corner of Warner Avenue and Pacific Coast Highway. A second parking lot is located on the east side of PCH, 1 mile south of Warner.


Interpretive Center Hours:

Tuesday-Friday 10 am - 4 pm
Saturday 9 am - noon
Sunday 12:30 pm - 3:30 pm

http://www.bolsachica.org/About/mission.html

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Follow Me


Follow Me
Originally uploaded by smgallery
A neighborhood in Newport Beach, this seaside village is located on the foot of the San Joaquin Hills and fronting the Pacific Ocean.
Restaurants and trendy shops are popular hangouts in Corona del Mar. On East Coast Highway, you'll find plenty of dog walkers and moms with strollers - getting their exercise while window shopping at the many studios, design shops, antique stores and galleries such as McKibben Studios a gallery of fine surf and island art.

The beaches and parks in Corona del Mar will also keep you active. You can swim, surf or go diving at Corona del Mar State Beach, or snorkel at Crystal Cove State Park.

http://www.orangecounty.net/cities/CoronaDelMar.html