Brooks Street Laguna Beach, Calif. early 1960s... Hello, Laguna Beach is well known in the artist paintings and the world famous festival of arts during the summer season. But, it is right in the middle of a swath of tall cliffs that give the local residents a good protection from the wave action during high tides and winter storms. Also, when the all of the elements come together, we get great waves, but it is not an everyday surfing place like further down the coast in Dana Point or San Clemente. There are a few spots that pick up the various swells better than the others. But, most flock to the area around Thalia Street, Oak Street and of course the picture above shows Brooks Street. We have surfed all three places and our favorite is Brooks Street. There are two distinct reefs that usually break on the Summer or Southern Hemisphere swells. The closest to the shore does ok, but the second reef gives plenty of power to think about and while watching the shallow bottom as clear as bath water, it is a little imposing… shallow dives and surface falls are known to help. But, at low tide and big waves, the third reef or far outside break gives some hot waves that rival anywhere in the world. Add those steep, fast waves along with the kelp and clear bottom whizzing by makes one think why??? So, the waves rule your mind, although you may make it through a “section” or two, water always wins… Laguna Beach has a thing going to preserve as much of the original buildings as possible. Remodeling is favored over total destruction and haul away. So, that red old building is still there and just covered up with local growth. If that person wanted to rebuild, there is a huge process to go through with the city planners and city council, in addition to the coastal commission that can throw in some restrictions that make anyone question living along the shoreline. But, preservation is usually primary in decisions. Jnaki My recollection to Laguna Beach surfing were the fast waves. The clarity actually gives some contemplation. But it was well worth the effort. When we were hanging around with several friends, we were introduced to the motherlode of surfing girls/women from Laguna Beach. Three really good looking girls in 60s bikinis or two piece suits surfing as well as the guys in the water were a sight to behold. Impressive is instantly recorded. Their surfing skills were top notch and were considered some of the best along the OC coastline. One interesting fact. It was not just three good looking girls, but it was a mom and her two daughters. What??? Yes, the Calhoun family was well known in the surf world all over. Their skills were outstanding. But, the “third sister” was a young looking, well structured mom and her two daughters. Again, an impressive attention getting group of great people and good surfers. Being out in the water with them surfing wave after wave with skills most do not have is in a world by itself. You want to showcase your skills, but this was intense, trying to do well and still be awed by a couple of girls + their “mom” riding the same waves as you are doing. Leroy Grannis photo “The Calhouns were all beautiful and athletic.” “With sun-streaked hair and radiant smiles, they were often celebrated as the feminine surfing ideal,” “They were like Greek goddesses, each one beautiful, and together they were just overwhelming.” As daunting as the situation was, the sisters were not “up in the air, big head,” attitude. They were very friendly and were nice to us mere mortals. It was hard to not stare as we talked about surfing and other things. But, they were Laguna Beach locals in the true sense and had waves to themselves as the other surfers were probably impressed with their skills, too. Don James PHOTO with legend, Paul Strauch (white outfit) Marge Calhoun (purple) It was a sad day when the mom, Marge Calhoun left the world in 2017. History loses another icon. World Surfing Champion in 1958...
The Jalopy Journal
