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Gear up with boards, wetsuits, and more from these local stores
Courtesy of The Board Source
San Diego is a surfer’s haven—but even our sunshine-filled paradise is occasionally subject to some bad breaks. On afternoons when the water’s no good, scratch your surf itch at one of the county’s locally owned surf shops. From classic stores dating back to the golden age of noseriders to newcomers re-inventing the board-shopping experience, here are the must-visit spots to explore and salivate over on your next waveless summer’s day.
Courtesy of Visit California
Located steps from one of San Diego’s most popular breaks (Swami’s), Hansen’s Surf Shop is possibly the largest board joint in San Diego. The outpost is a seemingly endless wonderland of new and used surfboards and beach apparel especially during their annual 4th of July and Back to School tent sales which are worth a visit. Hansen’s even offers snowboarders a chance to practice their carves on a revolving carpet.
1105 S Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas
Courtesy of Bird’s Surf Shed
Bird’s Surf Shed provides a 360-degree experience of surfing history, craftsmanship, and culture. Owned by Eric “Bird” Huffman, a lifelong surfer and San Diegan, the shop offers a plethora of watercraft (both new and pre-loved) produced by local shapers and moonlights as a museum featuring vintage surfboards you won’t find elsewhere. Bird is like an encyclopedia of surfing history–ask him anything and he’s sure to have an answer.
1091 W Morena Blvd, Bay Park
A staple of the San Diego surf scene since 1976, Clairemont Surf Shop has retained its charm throughout the years. The knowledgeable staff can set you up with the perfect wetsuit, surfboard, skateboard, or anything else you need to shred ocean or concrete waves. Sign up for the shop’s membership program to get yourself even more savings and perks from an already affordably priced shop.
6393 Balboa Ave, Clairemont Mesa
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An old-school gem, Mitch’s Surf Shop was established in 1967 making it one of the oldest shops in San Diego, plus original shop owner Mitch Hagio still manages it after all these years. Mitch’s is an ideal spot to pick up a classic noserider longboard, wheels for your skateboard, or rent snorkeling gear for flat wave days.
631 Pearl St, La Jolla & 363 N Hwy 101, Solana Beach
Courtesy of Coconut Peet’s
Coconut Peet’s is one of San Diego’s best-kept surf shop secrets. Owner Billy and shop friends like Kowabunga Dave are always happy to help surfers find the right board, fix the unfixable ding, and get you stoked for your next session. The shop has an amazing selection of pre-owned boards to choose from and will even give you 50 percent off on repairs for used boards bought from the shop—a win-win for your wallet and your wave count.
3231 India St, Little Italy
A beloved mom-and-pop shop established in 1986, The Surf Hut neighbors the Imperial Beach Pier and is a prime destination for South County surfers. The service at Surf Hut is always top notch. Beyond the racks full of surfboards and limitless selection of wetsuits, the Surf Hut also boasts an extensive collection of body boards, fins, and even handplanes for our body-surfing brethren. Pillar of the IB surf community and owner Jesus, makes the shop welcoming for surfers of all levels and always hands out free wax and stickers to the local groms.
710 Seacoast Dr, Imperial Beach
Courtesy of Yelp
Happy Battle, located on El Cajon Boulevard, is a feast for longboarders’ eyes and a burden to our wallets. Catering primarily to longboarders (although mid-lengths and shortboards are also available), their shop features an assortment of the most beautiful, handcrafted, and bespoke surfboards you’ll find in San Diego, all produced exclusively by local shapers. If you’re tired of the summer surfing blues and are looking for something a little more local, swing into Happy Battle for a handmade noserider that doubles as a fine art piece.
4958 El Cajon Blvd, College Area
Named after the mythical city of Oz, Emerald City is a one-stop-shop for the latest surf gear and rentals in South County. The store specifically has a great selection of brand new shortboards that hit the market like the Firewire Seaside and Beyond and the Pyzel Red Tiger. Beyond surfing gear, the shop has an impressive collection of cruiser skateboards, apparel, and even Impala roller skates. Good luck not spending your whole paycheck here.
1118 Orange Ave, Coronado
Courtesy of Ocean Beach Surf & Skate
The owners of OB Surf & Skate established the shop in the early 2000s after years of running the Ocean Experience surf school. The store offers gear for riders of all watercraft types (yes, even skimboarders), but is an especially great shop if you need an upgrade on your skateboard with a wide variety of sector 9 decks, double kingpin trucks, or sliding wheels. Today, the shop still operates several surf and skate camps, perfect for beginners looking to master their pop-up or practice dropping into their first skate ramp.
4940 Newport Ave, Ocean Beach
Courtesy of The Board Source
Tucked away in an unsuspecting warehouse building in Carlsbad, Board Source offers a killer collection of new, used, and repaired surfboards at competitive prices. Founded by local surfer Jon Faure in 2014, the shop gives new life to well-loved boards and offers competitive prices for customers wanting to sell or trade their boards in. Plus, the Board Source’s website features a comprehensive assortment of used boards and images you can explore and reserve (for 24 hours) before visiting the shop in-person.
1945 Camino Vida Roble Suite M, Carlsbad
Cole Novak is an award-winning writer with a passion for highlighting local figures, small businesses, and nonprofits. Born and raised in San Diego, Cole is passionate about photography, surfing, art, the local food scene, and the great outdoors.
These gym, studios and programs will help get your body moving so you can meet your fitness goals
New year, new fitness goals, right? Like many people, we’re starting the new year with a focus on health and staying active. No matter what your fitness objectives may be, there are plenty of activities around town prepared to help you achieve them. From more traditional gym settings to unique ways of getting your body moving, these nine San Diego studios, wellness programs, and activities will help you start the new year off right.
Start the year on the right foot with Activate House, the San Diego fitness studio and gym located in North Park offers spin, sculpt, and yoga classes. Calling themselves a “new-age fitness studio,” AH emphasizes intentional training through movement and encourages mental balance and well-being. The sense of community the studio cultivates is accentuated with eucalyptus towels, a juice bar, and highly trained staff.
2855 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA 92104
Hit the pavement with Black Girls Run, a community that’s working to tackle obesity and motivate women to get out and move their bodies. Created in 2009, Black Girls Run has served the San Diego fitness scene as a resource for those looking to practice a healthy lifestyle, whether you’re an avid gym-goer or looking to start a fitness regimen. With national meet-ups already planned throughout the year, this movement is determined to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the community.
Various locations
Regardless of your fitness level, Body University in La Mesa caters to individuals’ needs and goals. The boutique gym offers small group private training services (6-8 people at a time) and focuses solely on one-hour weight lifting sessions. Though open to all gender identities, you’ll most often find it packed with women only, which can be less intimidating for women who may be new to lifting. BU also offers body building competition services as well as customized nutrition programs and lifestyle guidance. With fitness equipment including free weights, cardio equipment, personal training, and highly trained staff, you’re sure to achieve your wellness goals.
6062 Lake Murray Blvd. #205, La Mesa, CA 91942
CorePower Yoga
A staple in the San Diego fitness scene, CorePower Yoga offers both yoga and high-intensity strength training classes. Their newest class, Strength X focuses on helping you build lean muscles via targeted weight circuits and invigorating breath work. Five San Diego studios are hosting Strength X classes currently, and the Point Loma studio also offers scholarships to the CorePower Yoga Teacher Training program for BIPOC.
Various locations
Wheelchair Dance Organization (WDO) Inclusive Dance is making dance more accessible for everyone. The nonprofit organization works to decrease feelings of isolation among those living with disabilities by building a community of dancers at any and all levels. The variety of dance classes offered—Latin jazz, samba reggae, hip hop, Bollywood—are free, taught by professionals, and include modifications for those in wheelchairs or other mobility devices.
When the Experience Fitness and Mobility Studio came onto the San Diego fitness scene, they were dedicated to creating a safe space for anyone wanting to reach their health and fitness goals, regardless of identity, race, age, sexual preference, or athletic ability. The openly LGBTQ, wife-owned gym offers a place to reach your fitness aspirations. With a variety of training styles and methodology, you’ll build muscle, improve your range of motion, and eliminate pain. Beyond physical fitness, studio recognizes the inclusion of mental and emotional well-being for overall health and wellness.
1264 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92103
Spice up your workouts with dance fitness classes at Madhouse Dance. The nightclub-inspired studio is a welcome place to try out fitness choreography and get your heart racing through movement. Daily classes include chair choreography, beginners heels, and the studio’s flagship dance cardio. These classes are only open to women, non-binary, and femme-identifying individuals. If you want to try out Madhouse Dance from home, their website also features on-demand dance workouts.
1189 Morena Blvd., San Diego, CA 92110
Jordyn Berg is a freelance writer whose favorite topics include food and travel. A Pacific Northwest native, she delights in exploring the best of San Diego, by searching for hidden gems, experiencing must-try restaurants, and soaking in the city’s amazing views.
Ditch the usual, tourist-heavy locales for these picturesque destinations across the city
Everyone knows the classic sunset spots in San Diego like La Jolla Cove and Sunset Cliffs, the tourist traps we both love and hate. But what about the hidden gems, the quiet corners where you can actually enjoy the view without a camera crew? Here are seven underrated spots that are not necessarily undiscovered, but where it feels like the sun sets just for you.
I’ll be honest, this spot isn’t exactly a secret—but it’s absolutely worth the semi-crowded parking. With Scripps Pier and La Jolla Cove as your stunning backdrop and gliders literally swooping right over you, it makes for a thrilling sunset. Everyone picks their favorite spot to take in the view, but if you’re looking for a little more solitude, just wander further out right. If you’re feeling unusually social, stick closer to the glider launch area where, if you’re lucky, you might catch a small DJ set as the sun dips.
2800 Torrey Pines Scenic Dr, La Jolla
Are locals gatekeeping this park? Maybe, but you can see why. Hermosa Park is a small spot with just a picnic table and a few benches, but that’s what makes the sunsets here feel personal. It’s a great alternative to Windansea Beach since it’s so close (if you do go to Windansea, hit up the far left corner at Neptune and Palomar). Plus, you might actually get to hear the waves and birds instead of just the crowd.
5780 Chelsea Ave, La Jolla
Right off Law Street in Pacific Beach, you’ll find a grass area dedicated to sunset yoga and picnic enthusiasts. Bring a blanket, relax, and take in the popular view of the Pacific Beach pier and surfers without it being shoulder to shoulder. Whether you’re practicing yoga poses, finally diving into that book on your nightstand, or sipping a glass of rosé, this spot welcomes your most laid-back self.
4960 Ocean Blvd, San Diego
With a 360-degree view of San Diego, it’s a guaranteed sunset lover’s dream. Drive to the top, blast your favorite sunset playlist, and take in the sparkling city lights. Mt. Helix exudes reflection and renewal, and there are even candlelight symphony concerts with a string quartet. It’s peaceful, and isn’t that what a sunset is all about?
4901 Mt Helix Dr, La Mesa
I know, just hear me out. I won’t deny that Sunset Cliffs has some of the most stunning sunsets in San Diego, but those cliffs can get jam-packed. Did you know Sunset Cliffs has its own beach? Right beneath those towering cliffs lies Garbage Beach. Despite the name, this beach offers the same breathtaking views as the cliffs, but with less than half the crowd. While the trek down can be steep, the best time to visit is at low tide when the tide pools are out. This spot is for all you mountain climbers, surfers, and swimmers.
705 Cornish Dr, San Diego (small parking lot near the corner of Ladera Street and Cornish Drive, with a stairwell going down to the shore)
Fuzzy dogs and small families with bubbles might just be the best part of a Calumet Park sunset. This cozy neighborhood gem in Bird Rock features a dirt trail at the north end that leads down for some low-tide exploring. And, just when you think it can’t get any better, you realize how close you are to the charming downtown area of Bird Rock, where you can pick up pizza and stroll along the mini stretch of La Jolla Boulevard that feels like a town straight out of a book.
5424 Calumet Rd, La Jolla
Need a break from the busyness at Hotel Del Coronado or Bayview Park? Harborview Park in Coronado is the spot to unwind. It’s a pocket with great views of the bay, the towering downtown skyline, and the waterfront. What more could you ask for? And, if you’re into photography (or just need a new profile picture), this is the perfect backdrop, complete with boats sailing under the Coronado Bridge against a pink and orange sky.
1st Street and East Avenue, Coronado
Isabella Dallas is a freelance writer for San Diego Magazine and the Arts and Culture Editor at The Daily Aztec in her final year at San Diego State University. She previously worked as an editorial intern for SDM, but when she’s not writing, you can find her trying the best coffee spots in SD, devouring the latest rom-coms, and indulging in anything and everything pop culture.
Check out these butt-busting treks that will leave you sweating and make your wearable fitness device happy
Sure, San Diego has its picturesque hikes. Its beautiful scenic hikes where you can contemplate the exquisiteness of our surroundings and remind yourself that this is why your rent or mortgage is so high. It also has fun hikes, social hikes, hikes where you can bring your parents, your kids, and your friends who don’t usually exercise.
But sometimes you just really want a challenge. A butt-busting workout that will leave you panting and make your wearable device very happy with your step count and heart rate.
Luckily, the San Diego region has plenty of these hikes, too. But there are some cautions. Before attempting any of them, make sure you are ready—that you’ve done some easier hikes in the region and have a good base of fitness. Also bring plenty of water, food, sun protection, and go early in the morning on days that will not be as hot.
For most hikers, the El Cajon Mountain Trail is really the epitome of challenging hikes in the region. Some like to call it El Capitain, or El Cap, not to be confused with the far taller mountain in Yosemite. But this hike still has lots of steep climbs, and it’s not just a steady uphill, but times where you climb down and then up again to make it to the summit. The trail is rocky at times as well, with big boulders to cover. But if you make it to the top, you’ll feel like you really accomplished something significant. And on a clear day, you can see all the way to the ocean.
Even if you don’t make it all the way, you can stop at any of the saddles on the trail and take in the panoramic views. But be prepared, you will definitely feel sore the next day.
Mount Gower Open Space Preserve is a massive space in Ramona, and has a few trails that are very challenging but with seriously stunning views. The open space covers 1,574 acres, and has the trail to Mount Gower summit. The summit itself does not actually fall in the preserve—that’s in Cleveland National Forest. But you can reach it on the trail that goes through the preserve. And the viewpoints along the way make the long journey worth it.
There are multiple routes to take to the top. If you follow the southern trail, you get the best views of the San Vicente Valley below.
Another very challenging but rewarding hike in Ramona is Black Mountain. This is not to be confused with the smaller Black Mountain near Rancho Peñasquitos, which is a far easier hike. Sometimes it’s called Big Black Mountain to make the distinction. The trail takes you past a variety of trees and plant life, including oak groves and chaparral, as well one of the biggest growths of Engelmann Oak, a threatened species.
You can start the climb from the Santa Ysabel Truck Trail, which is also open to off-road vehicles, but is always open for hiking. In the rainy months, this road can get very muddy, so be warned.
Claire Trageser has been writing for San Diego Magazine for 10 years. She also is a reporter at KPBS and writes for The New York Times, National Geographic, Marie Claire, Elle and Runner's World.
The annual event honors middle market companies creating jobs, scaling up, and investing in the region
San Diego is known for its startup culture and innovation economy, but what happens when the company moves beyond its early-stage years? The San Diego Business Impact Awards aim to answer that question, spotlighting the middle market businesses helping drive the region’s economy.
Hosted by San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and JPMorganChase, the second annual awards celebration takes place on Thursday, July 23, from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. at Scripps Research Auditorium. More than 200 executives, entrepreneurs, and business leaders are expected to attend the networking and cocktail event honoring some of San Diego County’s fastest-growing companies.
Businesses headquartered in San Diego County that have operated for at least two years are encouraged to submit their nomination by Thursday, June 18 at 4 p.m. Companies across industries—from technology and life sciences to tourism and consumer products, as well as pre-revenue startups—are eligible for recognition.
For EDC President and CEO Mark Cafferty, the event is as much about building connections as celebrating success. “We’ve had a longtime partnership with JPMorganChase; their work aligns with our efforts to support underserved communities and drive talent development,” says Cafferty. “And the networking was invaluable last year. I’m still in touch with people I met at last year’s awards.”
EDC is an independently-funded nonprofit that works directly with San Diego companies to help them grow the local economy, make the region as a whole more competitive, and attract and retain top-tier talent with quality jobs. Through EDC, companies can get help starting or expanding their business with support for things like site selection, permit navigation, and regulatory guidance, plus connections to local resources and potential business collaborators.
The San Diego Business Impact Awards began as an idea with one of EDC’s longtime strategic partners, JPMorganChase. The two organizations share a commitment to San Diego and are dedicated to bolstering middle market businesses.
“We’re blessed with a robust innovation economy and startup community,” says Aaron Ryan, San Diego Region Manager for JPMorgan’s Commercial and Investment Bank and vice chair of the firm’s’ San Diego Market Leadership Team. “But one of the segments of the business community we felt was overlooked was emerging middle market companies—the businesses that are no longer small but not yet large.”
Ryan says supporting those companies is critical as they scale and decide where to invest, hire, and grow.
San Diego’s high cost of living remains one of the region’s biggest business challenges, making talent recruitment and retention increasingly competitive. But local leaders point to the region’s quality of life, climate, and collaborative business community as advantages that continue to attract employers and workers.
“In order to support thriving households, there has to be enough high-quality jobs for people to be able to afford to live here,” Cafferty says. “Once a company grows and excels past that middle market point in their growth cycle, they become much more likely to pay higher wages and compete globally.”
Both Cafferty and Ryan proudly tout the unique collaboration that exists among San Diego County businesses. Bringing together top universities producing high-quality talent, cutting-edge research institutions, a robust military and defense presence, leading ocean science and environmental organizations, and a binational, cross-border identity creates a distinct business ecosystem that defines and strengthens the San Diego region.
Last year’s San Diego Business Impact Awards celebrated nearly 60 honorees from 49 industries, representing a total of 8,232 jobs across eight sectors, including: software and technology, healthcare and life sciences, consumer goods, professional services, finance, construction and manufacturing, defense, and hospitality and tourism. On average, honoree companies doubled their revenues over the previous year, employed more than 145 San Diegans each, and offered an average annual compensation of $192,415.
Top honorees included defense contractor Innoflight, environmental consulting firm Bancroft Construction Services, life sciences startup Element Biosciences, defense technology contractor GALT Aerospace, organic grocery store chain Jimbo’s, and biopharmaceutical company LENZ Therapeutics. During the event, Innoflight Founder and CEO Jeff Janicik held a fireside chat offering his insights on investing in the community and embracing San Diego culture.
This year, organizers hope to continue highlighting the middle market players driving economic impact across the region. Nominations are now open through June 18 at 4 p.m. Get your tickets to the San Diego Business Impact Awards celebration to enjoy drinks by Snake Oil Cocktail Co., light bites, live music, and networking.
With miles of coastal roadways, bike paths, and mountain bike trails, San Diego is home to a wealth of diverse clubs and meetups for bikers of all abilities
In spite of its reputation as a quintessential, laid-back southern California beach town, America’s Finest City is perpetually on the move, especially when powered by pedals. With miles of coastal roadways, bike paths, and mountain bike trails, it’s no surprise that San Diego is home to a diverse cycling community with clubs and meetups for bikers of all interests and abilities. Whether riding road, trail, or somewhere inbetween, these group rides are sure to help you find your peloton—or at least your two-wheeled wolfpack.
Featuring shop locations in Old Town and Carmel Valley, and group rides leaving from both throughout the week, Moment Bicycles is a good option for both novice and experience riders. Early bird roadies can check out Moment’s 6:30 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday morning rides which treat riders to gorgeous views of San Diego Bay, as they make their way through Point Loma to Cabrillo National Monument, culminating in hill repeats on Tide Pool Hill before returning to Old Town.
Those looking to get off the beaten path (or for a later start) can join Moment’s mountain bike rides, which take place at 8:30 a.m. on the fourth Saturday of every month. While the route each month will vary, the ride typically leaves from the Carmel Valley location and details will be communicated through Moment’s website in advance. Moment also hosts Sunday morning rides with different routes each week.
If skinny tires and spandex are your style, the San Diego Bicycle Club has just the peloton for you. Organizing events since 1976, SDBC continues to host Saturday morning meetups with seven different group and distance options for road riders at all stages in their cycling progression. Elite riders can push the pace with peers in the A Group, while hardcore roadies and weekend warriors will find their cadence in the B and C Groups. The Development Groups offer new riders the chance to build skills while focusing on safe group riding dynamics and techniques like paceline rotation. Each group leaves from UC Cyclery in La Jolla and riding starts at 8:30 a.m.
Beloved Normal Heights cycling establishment, Uptown Bicycles, may have recently closed shop, but that hasn’t stopped its former proprietors from continuing their No Spandex Saturday rides. As the name suggests, leave the lycra at home—this casual group ride is about the simple pleasures and camaraderie of enjoying the city on two wheels. Each week’s route is posted in advance on the group’s Instagram page and tends to feature a stop or two for refreshments at local favorites.
There’s enough asphalt in San Diego to keep even the most tenacious spinner satisfied, but sometimes the greatest thrills in life require taking the road less pedaled, which is where Gravelstoke comes in. An online hub for gravel riders, racers, bikepackers, and anyone else who enjoys adventure on two wheels, Gravelstoke hosts gravel rides and events on a monthly basis. Routes and locations are posted in advance on Gravelstoke’s event calendar and feature a mix of gravel, trail, and road riding conditions.
It’s often said that the simplest things in life are the best, and the best things in life are free—so why not apply that to biking, too? With no entry fees, no race numbers, and no registration, the Fiesta Island Tracklocross Association’s monthly Saturday race series has everything you want, and nothing you don’t. Starting at 9:30 a.m. the first Saturday of every month, a bike and the willingness to pedal for glory are all that is required to enter. Any type of bicycle is allowed, however “tracklocross” bikes—hybrid track/cyclocross bikes—are encouraged.
Adams Avenue Bicycles hosts multiple rides that are certain to keep even the heartiest velo fanatics busy. Drop bar banshees, gravel grinders and mountain mashers will all find something to suit their styles throughout the month. Roadie watt watchers can spin until their heart’s content each week on the Monday Smackdown road rides. Leaving from Adams Avenue Bicycles at 6:45 p.m., this ride is all about showing up and throwing down over the course of 26.88 miles before returning to the shop.
Mountain bikers and gravel riders seeking a midweek session will appreciate the DirTNR rides occurring each Tuesday night during the velodrome racing season. Riders link up at the velodrome at 5:15 p.m. before rolling out for a casual hour-long ride through Florida Canyon, returning to the velodrome in time to catch some track racing action.
Those who want to take their riding further afield will enjoy the monthly Sunday Field Trips, typically scheduled for the second Sunday of each month. Each trip will explore a different part of the county with locations and routes shared ahead of time on their website.
With the tagline, “We’re a pack. Not a mass,” Awarewolf is a collection of cyclists led by Charlie Sears and Ricardo Juarez, with the aim of increasing bicycling participation, safety and, of course, awareness, especially between riders and drivers in San Diego. In keeping with this mission, Awarewolf hosts a monthly Full Moon Bike Ride open to riders of all styles, from casual cruisers to fixed gear fanatics. The time, location and routes vary month-to-month and are posted in advance on Awarewolf’s website, but one thing is certain: when the Awarewolves are out, even the moon cycles.
The Awarewolves aren’t the only pack of pedalers in town; the SheWolves bring their own lycanthropic flair to biking. A cycling club for women, trans, femme, and gender nonconforming riders, the SheWolves focus on fostering inclusion and allyship in the San Diego cycling scene. Thursday night group rides leave from the Bea Evenson Fountain in Balboa Park at 7:15 p.m. and end at a different bar or brewery for post-ride libations each week.
Given its connections to cycling (its name is a French term for “having wheels,” and was later adopted by racers), it’s no surprise that North County beer staple and bike themed brewery, Rouleur, hosts a social ride every Thursday night from its North Park tap room. The ride begins at 6:00 p.m. and follows a 17-mile route, ending back at Rouleur for beer and refreshments.
The San Diego Bike Coalition does essential advocacy work to ensure the region’s bicycling culture continues to grow and thrive by championing projects to improve cycling infrastructure, access to bike lanes, and policies that benefit riders. While the Bike Coalition doesn’t host a dedicated weekly ride, they do publish a robust monthly calendar of biking events in the area, ranging from local races to classes on safe riding skills and bicycle maintenance.
The area between the Shores and the Cove is a protected marine area perfect for spotting wildlife
From the Marine Room, I paddle through the surf break, trying not to get knocked into the water. Once through, I stand on my stand-up paddleboard (SUP), navigating the next set of challenges: avoiding the groups of snorkelers directly in front of me, and then the flotilla of kayakers working their way from La Jolla Shores in the direction of the sea caves—each of us connecting with the ocean in our own way.
At a little over one square mile in size and reaching offshore depths of some 330 feet, the area between the shores and La Jolla Cove is technically a marine protected area called the Matlahuayl State Marine Reserve. Under the surface of the water, you might spot sea lions and seals, leopard sharks, garibaldi and other fishes, various kinds of rays, lobsters, and possibly even moray eels. Above water, winged creatures like brown pelicans and egrets dart through the skies. One of the joys of snorkeling here is when you spot a Brandt’s cormorant “flying” underwater, fishing for a meal.
Past most of the snorkelers and in front of the flotilla, I turn south and head over to where the water is more open and less hectic. After 10 minutes or so, with the leash wrapped around my ankle, I squat down and straddle my SUP. Then, I secure my paddle through the accompanying loops on the side of the board. Strapped under the SUP’s bungee webbing are my snorkel, mask, and fins. I put them on and drop into the water.
The visibility is okay, about 15 feet or so. Immediately, I see the territorial garibaldis protecting their watery turf. Juvenile ones, identifiable by the iridescent blue-purple spots on their backs, swim by. Snorkeling in the direction of the undulating grasses, I pass over a patch of sand. Down there, round stingrays hover. No bigger than a small dinner plate, they are in their element, fluttering with ease.
Above the grasses, I hover, emulating the rays. It is one of my favorite things to do while snorkeling: I simply float, using my fins only to maintain my position and avoid being pushed into the rocky underwater cliffs. As the waves roll in and back out, the green grasses shimmer in the sunlight, dancing to and fro.
Amidst it all, my body sways with the grasses, recalibrating my being for the days ahead.
James Murren is an award-winning adventure/travel writer, with nearly three decades of independent journalism experience. He's often having a good time in our local mountains, deserts and waters, when he's not teaching classes at SDSU.
Scripps study shows that some patients may be able to taper their dose and maintain results
While glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agents have been used to treat Type 2 diabetes for more than 20 years, their recent emergence as weight-loss wonder drugs marked a new frontier in medicine. But their effectiveness has left some patients wondering what to do once they’ve reached their goal. Stopping the medication could mean regaining some, if not all, of the weight. A Scripps Clinic internal medicine physician recently conducted a small study of whether GLP-1 patients who had reached their goal weight could maintain that weight by taking their regularly prescribed injection every other week instead of weekly. Spoiler alert: 30 of 34 patients did. Read more about the study here and what that may mean as pharmaceutical companies roll out oral GLP-1s.
For more nutrition, wellness, and healthy living tips, sign up for the San Diego Health newsletter here.
