Sep 25 2008
Flat Surf Fun: Snorkeling in Laguna
The surf in Orange County has been spotty at best all summer long–a couple days of fun waves followed by a weeks-long flatspell seems to sum up the pattern pretty well–leaving many surfers bored and craving some water time. However, just because the surf’s flat doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the ocean. In fact, for scuba divers and snorkelers, small swell days are the perfect days to take a dip and explore the world beneath the waves (or in this case, lack of waves).
It’s so easy for us as surfers to overlook the aesthetic pleasures of the coast, the vibrant beauty of the ocean. For us, the beach is often simply seen as a stretch of sand that separates us from the water, the ocean merely a wave-generating machine; however, I have found that snorkeling (or free diving, or scuba diving) is the perfect way to reconnect with this body of water that so many of us call a second home.
As luck would have it, we Orange County locals live not only in a swell-blessed region (ok, sometimes-swell-blessed region), but also in an area of diverse and plentiful sea life. Laguna Beach, with its hidden coves and rocky outcroppings, is the perfect place to discover the hidden beauty that resides right beneath the water’s surface. So next time the surf’s flat (i.e. right now!), grab your mask and fins and head down to the beach!
A few tips for maximizing your flat-day fun:
When to go: The best time to go snorkeling is when the surf is small or non-existent. Not only is this the safest time to go, it’s also when we have the clearest water and best visibility. Check surfline.com or the Orange County Register for the local conditions.
Where to go: Laguna is filled with tiny, tucked away coves with plenty of underwater nooks and crannies to investigate; however, two of my favorite snorkeling spots are Shaw’s Cove and Crescent Bay. While these two North Laguna favorites are right next door to one another, there is enough to see at both beaches that you’ll want to spend some time exploring each of them separately.
What to bring: Thanks to the shallow nature of Laguna’s reefs and their close proximity to shore, you can forget the physical (as well as financial) burden of all that scuba gear. All you need are a decent pair of swim fins, a mask and snorkel, and (optional) a bag of frozen peas. No, the peas aren’t for an after-snorkel snack, they’re for the fish. Save money by buying the in-store brand–the fish don’t seem to notice the difference!
Be Safe: Be on the lookout for rip currents, as these can pose a serious threat to swimmers–even those wearing swim fins. Tell tale signs of a rip include brownish, foamy water and a deceptively calm break in the surf. Also, avoid getting too close to the rocks, as an unexpected wave or current can easily push even a strong swimmer into their jagged, often sea urchin-spotted walls.
For more information on snorkeling and scuba diving in Laguna, including current dive conditions, check out the Laguna Sea Sports website. Hope to see you guys out there!
