Tag: surf

Photos of cool surfing action at 2015 Supergirl Pro!

Professional World Surf League (WSF) Supergirl Pro Women's Qualifying Series surfer rides the foam in Oceanside, California.
Professional World Surf League (WSL) Supergirl Pro Women’s Qualifying Series surfer rides the foam in Oceanside, California.

Today I headed up the coast from San Diego to watch the 2015 Supergirl Pro surfing competition, which is held every year just south of the pier in Oceanside, California. Wow! The event is bigger than ever and simply incredible!

Supergirl Pro is the only World Surf League 6-Star Female Surfing Competition in the United States. It’s the largest women’s surfing event of its kind in the entire world. And this year there were a record 108 contestants! The ones I saw today, during the Quarterfinals, were almost superhuman. Surfing must be their superpower!

I got so many photos, I’ll break things up into two blog posts. This first post is my modest camera’s photos of the cool surfing action. I had to sharpen and alter the contrast on most images, but I’m surprised how decently many came out. I kept notes on the names of the surfers competing in each heat, but once I looked at my photos I wasn’t too sure who was who. So please excuse the fact that I don’t include the names of contestants in most captions.

Each pairing of surfers is given 25 minutes. Whoever achieves the highest score moves on in the competition, avoiding elimination.
Each pairing of surfers is given 25 minutes. Whoever achieves the highest score moves on in the competition, avoiding elimination.
Amazing athlete in Sunday's competition at the 2015 Supergirl Pro, the largest female surfing event of its kind in the world.
Amazing athlete in Sunday’s competition at the 2015 Supergirl Pro, the largest female surfing event of its kind in the world.
Cool photo of superhuman surfing action at 2015 Supergirl Pro. This year a record 108 contestants entered the huge three day competitive event.
Cool photo of superhuman surfing action at 2015 Supergirl Pro. This year a record 108 contestants entered the huge three day competitive event.
Riding a wave, hoping for glory. Supergirl Pro is the only WSL 6-Star Female Surfing Competition in the U.S.
Riding a wave, hoping for glory. Supergirl Pro is the only WSL 6-Star Female Surfing Competition in the U.S.
Tatiana Weston-Webb, professional WSF surfer from the island of Kaua'i, competes at 2015 Supergirl Pro event in Oceanside, California. She eventually went on to win the final!
Tatiana Weston-Webb, professional WSL surfer from the island of Kaua’i, competes at 2015 Supergirl Pro event in Oceanside, California. She eventually went on to win the final!
Tatiana plunges down the face of a Pacific Ocean breaker like Supergirl!
Tatiana plunges down the face of a Pacific Ocean breaker like Supergirl!
Cool photo of today's surfing champion shredding the crest of a wave.
Cool photo of today’s surfing champion shredding the crest of a wave.
Tatiana has classic form on a relatively smooth curler in choppy conditions.
Tatiana has classic form on a relatively smooth curler in choppy conditions.
Two competitors duel, trying their best to advance in the 2015 Supergirl Pro in Oceanside, California.
Two competitors duel, trying their best to advance in the 2015 Supergirl Pro in the surfing-friendly Southern California city of Oceanside.
Supergirl is flying on a surfboard! (The Silver Surfer doesn't get to have all the fun!)
Supergirl is flying on a surfboard! (The Silver Surfer doesn’t get to have all the fun!)
2015 Supergirl Pro is a super cool competition where every competitor is an absolutely amazing world-class athlete.
2015 Supergirl Pro is a super cool event where every competitor is an absolutely amazing world-class athlete.

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An amazing walk from Point La Jolla to Cuvier Park.

Sea lions sun on a large rock in the Pacific Ocean off Point La Jolla.
Sea lions sun on a large rock in the Pacific Ocean off Point La Jolla.

This blog post resumes my walk from the prior post. Here I head south down a truly amazing stretch of coastline, from Point La Jolla at the edge of La Jolla Cove to Cuvier Park. A good argument can be made that this is the absolutely most beautiful spot in all of San Diego. I’ll let you decide…

The 6,000 acre San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park off the coast includes an Ecological Reserve and the Marine Life Refuge.
The 6,000 acre San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park off the coast includes an Ecological Reserve and the Marine Life Refuge.
Numerous seals and sea lions live on the rocks and beaches of La Jolla.
Numerous seals and sea lions live on the rocks and beaches of La Jolla.
People love to walk across this rocky landscape right up to the sea cliffs to watch the surf.
People love to walk across this water-sculpted landscape right up to the sea cliffs to watch the surf.
Over the years many have carved names and messages in the soft sandstone.
Over the years many have carved names and messages in the soft sandstone.
Sea lions enjoy La Jolla just as much as human visitors!
Sea lions enjoy La Jolla just as much as human visitors!
Some of those curious humans are grouped around a small tide pool in the rock looking for sea life.
Some of those curious humans are grouped around a small tide pool in the rock looking for sea life.
An unexpected wave crashes in. Scatter!
An unexpected wave crashes in. Run!  Scatter!
Looking south along the narrow beach from Point La Jolla. One of many lookout structures is visible up on the cliff.
Looking south along the narrow beach from Point La Jolla. One of many lookout structures is visible up on the cliff.
This cool lifeguard box is sculpted with many beach related words.
This lifeguard box features many barnacle-like beach-related words. The box is titled the David C. Freeman Memorial, by artist Paul Sibel. It marks the location of Boomer Beach.
These simple, open gazebo-like structures along the walking path are good places to gaze out at the ocean.
These simple, open gazebo-like structures along the walking path are fine places to gaze out at the broad ocean.
Or you can just relax on an outdoor seat provided by nature.
Or you can just relax on an outdoor seat provided by nature.
A major attraction along Coast Boulevard is large, grassy Scripps Park.
A major attraction along Coast Boulevard is spacious, grassy Scripps Park.
Gnarled old trees dot the picturesque park, which contains many picnic areas and places to recreate on the grass.
Gnarled old trees dot the picturesque park, which contains many picnic areas and places to recreate on the grass.
Ellen Browning Scripps Park is reported to be the most photographed spot in San Diego.
Ellen Browning Scripps Park is reported to be the most photographed spot in San Diego.
More trees growing slantwise, blown by the prevailing sea breeze over the course of many years.
More trees growing slantwise, blown by the prevailing sea breeze over the course of many years.
Scripps Park contains the Abraham Lincoln Centennial Memorial plaque dedicated in 1909.
Scripps Park contains the Abraham Lincoln Centennial Memorial plaque dedicated in 1909.
Continuing south, more views of a truly spectacular coastline.
Continuing south, more views looking back north of a truly spectacular coastline.
Guy takes a nap on bench beneath a lifeguard tower.
Guy takes a nap on bench beneath a lifeguard tower.
Shell Beach is one of many tiny sandy nooks that can be found among the rocky cliffs.
Shell Beach is one of many tiny sandy nooks that can be found among the rocky cliffs.
A lady lies on a flat rock reading a book, as waves crash nearby.
A lady lies on a flat rock reading a book, as waves crash nearby.
A beautiful walkway run down from the Cave Store along Coast Boulevard for about a mile along the ocean.
A beautiful walkway runs down from the Cave Store along Coast Boulevard for about a mile along the ocean.
An artist paints a beautiful scene in a cozy view point not far from Children's Pool.
An artist paints a beautiful scene from a view point not far from Children’s Pool.
I peer over the low wall and am greeted by a squirrel!
I peer over the low wall and am greeted by a funny squirrel!
One of these double-crested cormorants on a rock has its sun-drying wings spread dramatically.
One of these cormorants on a rock has its sun-drying wings spread dramatically.
Getting very close to Children's Pool, where many seals lie side by side on its wide, sunny beach.
Getting very close to Children’s Pool, where many seals lie side by side on its wide, sunny beach.
A quick turn back northward shows waves breaking against a vertical sandstone cliff!
A quick turn back northward shows waves breaking against a vertical sandstone face!
Legal disputes have entangled Children's Pool over the years. The facility was created in 1931 by benefactor Ellen Browning Scripps as a safe spot for children to swim.
Legal disputes have entangled Children’s Pool over the years. The facility was created in 1931 by benefactor Ellen Browning Scripps as a safe spot for children to swim.
People head down to see the many seals on the warm sand.
People head down to see the colony of seals on the warm sand.
At Children's Pool Beach, a rope now keeps people from disturbing the protected marine mammals.
At Children’s Pool Beach, a rope now keeps people from disturbing the protected marine mammals.
Fisherman on the protective sea wall have cast their lines into the blue Pacific Ocean.
Fisherman on the far sea wall have cast their lines into the blue Pacific Ocean.
Continuing to walk south along more beautiful coastline in La Jolla.
Continuing to walk south along more amazing coastline in La Jolla.
Some surfers on a beach and in the foaming water below.
Some surfers on a beach and in the foaming water below.
Sculpture at the rear of La Jolla's Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego called Pleasure Point is made of rowboats, canoes, jet skies, and surfboards.
Unusual sculpture at the rear of La Jolla’s Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego called Pleasure Point, by artist Nancy Rubins. It’s made of rowboats, canoes, jet skies, kayaks, surfboards…
A stretch of green grass at Cuvier Park is the perfect place to sit or lie on a glorious Southern California day.
A stretch of green grass at Cuvier Park is the perfect place to sit or lie on a glorious Southern California day.
Tide pools become visible at low tide along this easily accessible stretch of La Jolla.
Tide pools become visible at low tide along this easily accessible stretch of La Jolla.
A dog takes a happy rest by some flowers as the surf rolls in.
A dog takes a happy rest by some flowers as the surf rolls in.

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Dog athletes surf big waves at Imperial Beach!

Dogs and their human pals arrive at the big surfing competition.
Dogs and their human pals arrive at the big surfing competition.

I’d never seen a dog surf in my entire life. Not until today.

Now I’ve seen a whole pack of dogs surfing.

Yes, I have to admit it. I couldn’t resist heading down to the big Surfdog event at Imperial Beach today. This year it was sponsored by Unleashed by Petco. In the past it was called Loews Coronado Bay Surf Dog Competition.

What? Some of you have never seen a dog athlete mount a surfboard and skillfully ride mighty ocean breakers?

Seeing is believing…

It's the epic Surfdog event everyone has waited for!
It’s the epic Surfdog summer event everyone has waited for!
Finishing touches put on a sand sculpture at Imperial Beach.
Finishing touches are put on a sand sculpture at Imperial Beach.
This dog can hardly wait to watch the intense action!
This dog can hardly wait to watch the intense animal action!
Information boards outline the various heats in the surf contest.
Information boards outline the various heats in the big surf contest.
Announcer readies for incredible pooch performances.
Announcer readies for some incredible pooch performances.
The VIP section fills and so does the beach and pier.
The VIP section fills and so does the beach and pier.
Dogs and non-dogs at water's edge have a great spot to watch.
Dogs and non-dogs at water’s edge have a great place to watch.
These guys want a great spot on the pier to view the action.
These guys want a great spot on the pier to view the action.
Everyone is ready for the first freestyle heat!
Everyone is ready for the first exciting freestyle heat!
This fellow doesn't seem to know what's going on.
This little fellow doesn’t seem to know what’s going on.
Surfing contestants mount their surfboards waiting for the horn.
Surfing contestants mount their surfboards waiting for the starting horn.
The crowd favorite, a superstar, poses for my camera.
The crowd favorite, a genuine superstar, poses for my camera.
The horn blows and the first fifteen minute heat begins!
The horn blows and the first fifteen minute heat begins!
The crowd converges toward the water in disbelief.
The crowd converges on the ocean in disbelief.
One four-legged athlete is already out near the breakers.
One four-legged athlete is already out near the breakers.
Here come two canine athletes showing great form!
Here come two canine athletes showing great form!
Steady as she goes!
Steady as she goes!
Hot dogging it and hanging twenty!
Hot dogging it and hanging twenty!
Wow, those amazing surfers are absolutely inhuman!
Wow, those incredible, amazing surfers are absolutely inhuman!
Thousands enjoy Unleashed by Petco's surf dog event!
Thousands enjoy Unleashed by Petco’s surf dog event!

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Walking out on Crystal Pier in Pacific Beach.

Archway of Crystal Pier Hotel and Cottages at end of Garnet Avenue.
Archway of Crystal Pier Hotel and Cottages at end of Garnet Avenue.

Many years ago (decades actually), I used to occasionally go fishing from Crystal Pier. It’s located in Pacific Beach, at the west end of Garnet Avenue, which I strolled along in my last blog post.

While it isn’t a very long pier, it’s definitely one hundred percent cool. One reason is because fishing from Crystal Pier is both free and amazingly productive. While I never seemed to catch anything but mackerel, I remember seeing nice catches of bonito, rock fish, sea bass, barracuda, guitar fish, sharks and even halibut! (One nice thing about pier fishing in San Diego is you legally don’t need a fishing license.)

Why else is this pier super cool? Because there are small cottages built right on it! The historic Crystal Pier Hotel and Cottages was built in 1930. Once known as Pickering’s Pleasure Pier, for a short time the privately owned pier featured a Crystal Ballroom and carnival midway out at its end!

If I were a tourist visiting San Diego, I’d absolutely want to stay here. At night the pier is closed to the public, and you can lie in bed listening to the ocean waves below. During the day you have easy access to the famous Pacific Beach boardwalk, which I’ll show you in my next blog post!

One of the small, quaint cottages actually on the pier!
One of the small, quaint cottages actually on the pier!
Looking along the short pier past fishermen and visitors.
Looking along the short pier past fishermen and visitors.
Turning back eastward toward the cottages.
Turning back eastward toward the cottages.
Surfers below Crystal Pier floating and waiting on their surfboards.
Surfers below Crystal Pier floating and waiting on their surfboards.
This surfer caught a good ride on a nice wave.
This surfer caught a good ride on a nice wave.
This pic shows fishing, surfing and the beach.
This pic shows fishing, surfing and the beach.
Leaving Crystal Pier, to walk down the Pacific Beach boardwalk.
Leaving Crystal Pier, to walk down the Pacific Beach boardwalk.

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A crabby waiter serves a surf monkey!

surf monkey in hillcrest is served by a crab

A boring old utility box in Hillcrest was transformed by an inspired artist into a colorful canvas. This fun example of urban art depicts a meditating monkey sitting by the surf, with white clouds and a volcano in the background. He’s being served a beverage by a crab!