Southland Surfers Battle for the Best Summer Waves

I appreciate The Times taking the time to investigate the social well-being of the sport of surfing in Southern California (“Violence Among Surfers Swells During Summer,” Part I, July 5). The fact that violent behavior sometimes occurs among surfers is an indicator that our surfing beaches are overcrowded resources. As the crowds increase, competition for waves also increases. Those who ride waves without any common courtesy for their fellow surfers create problems in the water. And, those who resort to vandalism and assault are a sad, small-minded and insignificant minority.

Southern California has the most dense population of surfers on Earth--their numbers are approaching 2 million. Over the next dozen years this region will add another 2.5 million people to the overall population--including many more beach-goers. The recreational pressures on our beaches will continue to increase dramatically. At the same time, however, there are some outrageous development projects on the drawing boards that would ruin our beautiful beaches forever.

A proposal by Orange County to build a harbor entrance and breakwater at Bolsa Chica State Beach would wipe out a mile of surf recreation and shut down the Class I beach bike path. This beach is visited by over 4 million people annually with millions more using the bike path along the beach--these people come from all over the Southland. Marine habitats would be spoiled, and the whole boondoggle would be financed with public funds.

If we allow our existing beaches to be wrecked by irresponsible development, our remaining beaches will not be able to handle the overflow without serious social conflicts. This is not a “local issue.” Orange County has proposed the worst kind of vandalism for our irreplaceable coast.

THOMAS P. PRATTE

Executive Director

Surfrider Foundation

Huntington Beach