A Day To Remember

Wanting to get in a surf before the late afternoon paddle out memorial for Hobie Alter here at Doheny State Beach, I finished the noon census and suited up. Set waves on a lowering tide provided some nice right slides. My Andreini Glider cut through the slight chop for some long rides in 60 degree water.

Upon returning to our campsite, I found a crying child in the arms of a woman who had discovered him at water's edge with a red face, loaded diaper and crying for mama. Pat had notified Ranger Red who arrived quickly. With years of experience, he turned on his vehicle's external loudspeaker and announced to the campground that a lost little boy could be retrieved at camp host site 96. Shortly after the announcement, a frantic woman arrived from the beach. She grabbed the kid and indicated he escaped from his nap. Ranger Red announced that the lost mother had been found and reunited with her child. A number of campers clapped as the reunion unfolded.

With 3000 persons expected for the paddle out, Pat and I were asked to do traffic control at the entrance of the campground. So, we parked the EZGO blocking one lane of ingress, and deployed a no day use parking sandwich board sign. Dressed in our official vests and polo shirts, Pat encouraged drivers to observe the 15 mph speed limit and proceed to the south overflow lot. I gestured just like the traffic cop I should have been. If only I had a whistle.

We each managed to sneak a peak at the ceremony. It was moving. Many boats and boards in the water with a large crowd on the beach. I imagine those who arrived late and had to park in the overflow lot were cursing having to carry their boards and kayaks such a long distance. We took many photos but probably didn't do justice to the event. Hoist a glass to Hobie, a pioneering figure in the surf and boating industry, and a Southern California legend.