Beach Clubs

Three members of local oceanside organizations tout their team spirit.

➜ Chubascos Bodysurfing Association  // Dylan Biggerstaff

The club // Based in Huntington Beach, it’s the biggest bodysurfing club in Orange County. They have an annual contest; everyone from little kids to older people can compete.

The sport // I got first place in my division (15‑ to 17-year-old men) the past two years at the world championships in Oceanside. You really do feel like you’re one with the wave, and it’s the best feeling in the world.

➜ Pier Club, Newport Beach  // Todd Masters

How he started // In 2012, my friends decided to swim around the pier just to be funny. And I was like, “That’s cool; when are you doing it again?” They said, “Next week?” Everyone started bringing friends. We’re still going, every Wednesday.

Membership // You don’t have to wear a Speedo (like most of us do) but you can’t wear a wetsuit. After you do it three times, you become a member.

➜ Surfrider Foundation, South O.C. Chapter // Kia Stora

Her role // I’m a volunteer chair, so I train new volunteers and oversee the beach cleanups, which we do at least three times a week.

The organization // I love that it acts on a legislative level as well. We have enacted bans on single-use plastics and smoking, and we fight against offshore drilling and look out for new development that would limit public access to the beach.

Water Wisdom

➜ Newport Beach and Corona del Mar allow leashed dogs before 10 a.m. and after 4:30 p.m.

➜ Irvine Cove, Emerald Bay, and Three Arch Bay offer no public beach access.

➜ O.C. water temps peak at the beginning of September at 64 to 72 degrees.

➜ You can check local water-quality levels at ocbeachinfo.com.

➜ You can tent camp at Crystal Cove, Doheny, San Clemente, and San Onofre beaches.

Read our picks for The Best Beaches in O.C. here!