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If you're merely passing by Laguna Beach, chances are you'll take one look at the ocean and ask, "People surf in this town?" But that's what gives this artsy surf town -- full of oddball spots that require oddball conditions to break -- its unique charm. Not surprisingly, Laguna is adored by locals and ignored by the surrounding masses. If Laguna were to have one beacon, though, it'd certainly have to be Brooks Street. During large south and southwest swells, this shapeless clump of rocks and reef transforms into a 200-yard racetrack left.
When Brooks Street is on, your first challenge will be finding a parking spot. There are a handful of spaces located right in front of the break, but your chances of getting one of these are equivalent to winning the next WCT event at Teahupoo. Laguna Beach is notoriously bad for parking. Don't be surprised to drive the side streets for an hour on hot sunny days with swell -- and still not find a spot. Best bet is to arrive before the rooster crows.
Brooks is strictly a summer and autumn break. Southern hemisphere swells and hurricanes that drift into our swell window off Baja channel into Brooks Street with unfettered power. If you walk down the stairs to the beach and look south, you'll see the takeoff zone: a submerged reef some 30 yards out. Waves boil off this reef (mondo south swells move out to second and third reefs), create a foamy helping hand over the ledge and throw surfers into a mad dash down the line. As the wave hits the inside section, boils pop up like landmines. You better learn the boils quick, or you'll be replacing an FCS plug in no time. Obviously, local knowledge goes far here. Laguna Beach surfers know when and where the reef jacks, and they also know when to gas it and when to stall. For the first-timer, it's a good idea to watch it for a while before paddling out.
-- Blair Mathieson
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medium
S
double overhead
E
7
sharp rocks and little bit of sand
confident to expert
helmet, shortboard to mini-gun, tight leathers
summer
If you see a parking spot in Laguna, get it. Fast.
tough
serious
5
1
2
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Stand Natural Food Restaurant (238 Thalia St., Laguna Beach, 949-494-8101) is for the vegan with a truck driver's appetite. Excellent salads, burritos and smoothies. Try the Cauliflower soup. Taco Loco (640 South Pacific Coast Highway, 949-497-1635) is the local hangout and easily the best Mexican grub in town. Laguna Beach Brewing Company (422 South Coast Highway (949-499-2337) is a quaint restaurant, with pool and air hockey in the back. Beer gets 4/5 stars from this author.
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Surf and Sand Hotel (1555 South Coast Highway, 949-497-4477) is for the visitor who has the budget for the Ritz Carlton but wants something a little quainter. All rooms have massive ocean views. Prices start at $255 a night. The Crescent Bay Inn (1435 N. Coast Hwy, 949-494-2508) is reasonable and rooms start at a reasonable $45 a night and are only a quick walk from Sandy Beach-style shorepound at Crescent Beach. The Inn at Laguna Beach (211 N. Coast Hwy, 949-497-9722) is located at the heart of Laguna Beach. Rooms start at $165.
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Whereas San Clemente is an artist's Death Valley, Laguna is a cultural rain forest for all persuasions. Here are a few suggestions that are worth a look:
Laguna Beach Art Museum has a $5 admission. Hours are Tuesday to Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (307 Cliff Drive). Pageant of the Masters or Festival of Arts is where the art world's most famous works come to life -- literally. Check out www.foapom.com or call 800-487-3378 for tickets. Laguna Beach Sawdust Festival is arts and crafts, Laguna Beach style (949-494-3030). Skimboard Aliso Beach is hosted by Aliso Beach and is the unofficial World Skimboarding Championships each year. Powerful shorebreak with occasional side-wedges. Just south of Laguna Main, where the PCH dips to sea level. Volleyball and basketball at Main Beach is an option, and rumor has it that this used to be a favorite haunt for former Laker Michael Cooper.
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All in Laguna:
Costa Azul, 689 S. Coast Hwy, 949-497-1423
Laguna Surf and Sport, 1088 S. Coast Hwy, 949-497-7000
Second Reef Surf Shop, 1020 S. Coast Hwy, 949-497-6742
Toes On the Nose, 903 S. Coast Hwy, 949-497-3292
Victoria Skimboards, 2955 Laguna Canyon Rd., 949-494-0059
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