JAMIE ON NIGHTLIFE

Born in Huntington Beach, Jamie has called Huntington Beach home since 2012. After moving here from Chicago, Jamie has fallen in love with Surf City USA’s culture, community, and the collection of nightlife options. Huntington Beach is home to a mixture of restaurants, bars, microbreweries, and wine bars. There’s something available for everyone from live entertainment and dancing, to specialty cocktails and local craft beer.

What does a typical night out look like for you and your girlfriends?

A typical night can be whatever you want it to be. My girlfriends and I really enjoy grabbing a coffee or a cocktail. Sometimes hitting up a local karaoke night at Perq’s or Gallaghers. But if you want to go out and shake it on the dance floor at Blackbull or Hurricane’s, you can do that too.

It sounds like there are a lot of options on Main Street. Can you describe the scene?

I love the nightlife here on Main Street because it’s super chill. You can have a really fun night and go out dancing but you still get that mellow vibe. Just throw on a dress and flip-flops and have an all around good time with your friends. You pretty much can get a taste of whatever you feel like whether that’s a casual beer with some friends or great music and high energy.

What if you’re looking for a glass of wine on date night or wine Wednesday with the girls?

One of my favorite places to grab a good glass of wine is at SeaLegs. They have a super awesome wine menu, great appetizers, and delicious food. I love the atmosphere there. They always have fun music and it’s a great crowd.

Does SeaLegs have any great happy hour specials? Or where can you find a deal in Huntington Beach after a long day?

Yes! SeaLegs has happy hour seven days a week with $5 drinks. It’s seriously unbeatable especially with their large selection of wine. There’s also Wine Wednesday, which is popular at SeaLegs and flights available at Main Street Wine Company. Duke’s is one of my favorites for happy hour with delicious food. And also Pizza Lounge if we’re looking for some great appetizers.

Let’s say your favorite team, the Chicago Bears, are playing, where do you grab a beer?

Well, coming from Chicago, I’m a huge Bears, Cubs and Blackhawks fan. It’s pretty easy to find a great beer and a fun crowd in Huntington Beach when games are on. Gallaghers is a Bears bar and they even serve Chicago style pizza. Slater’s 50/50 is always popular on game day along with Longboard's and Fred’s since they have a lot of TVs and drink and food deals, especially during football season.

Speaking of beer, we heard there is a local brewery scene developing in Huntington Beach. Have any recommendations for beer lovers?

Yeah a lot of awesome breweries have opened since I moved here a few years ago. Riip is the newest brewery and they just opened a tasting room up by Huntington Harbour. Four Sons is a really neat place with a super hospitable staff. Their Coconut Amber is one of my favorites and I heard it’s even award winning. They hosted an awards party for an environmental contest I surfed in last year, and everyone really enjoyed it! Beer Co on Main Street also has a fun atmosphere and offers a ton of beers on tap.

Pacific City is another new development in the area. Do you know what sort of nightlife they offer?

I’ve had a chance to visit Ola for lunch since the opening of Pacific City, and the view is EPIC. Plus they have a nice tequila menu and some awesome margaritas. The Bungalow is opening this summer, which I’m really excited about! It’s gonna add something new to Huntington Beach since it’s more of a fun lounge with a huge outdoor patio overlooking the ocean.

What makes going out for a night in Huntington Beach so unique?

There’s just so much going on here, from the art scene to the surf scene and just being out with your friends and having a great time. It basically has everything you could want and in walking distance. And the ocean is right there. Can’t beat that!

JON FROM DIRTY HEADS ON MUSICAL INSPIRATION

As lead percussionist for popular reggae band, the Dirty Heads, Jon Olazabal finds inspiration in his hometown, Huntington Beach. Music has been a large part of the artistic culture in Surf City USA as many popular bands and artists have had their start in this beach side community. Jon's unique sound is unmistakable and the band has had great success touring the world and selling out venues with hits such as "Lay Me Down" and "My Sweet Summer" and "Stand Tall". Known as "Jon Jon" to his fans, Olazabal shares his favorite parts of Huntington Beach and how he got his musical start.

Have you always wanted to be a drummer?

When I was young I always wanted to play a big drum set but I lived in an apartment and I couldn’t make that much noise. So my dad ended up getting me a bongo set and then my sister took me to this drum circle in Huntington Central Park and that’s when I first started playing with a big group of people. I guess that’s where I first learned how to play. I pretty much figured everything out from there. That’s what started it all.

Who were some of your favorite artists that influenced your music career at an early age?

I listened to and would try to play along with the early Santana records on my drums. I’d listen to a lot of the Grateful Dead - that was the hippie stage when I was much younger. My sister got me into a lot of the classic stuff but that’s where I learned a lot of the sound and a little of the technique. Of course I had no idea what I was doing in the beginning but throughout the years I guess I’ve kind of polished it. I felt good with it from the beginning.

How did The Dirty Heads get their start in Huntington Beach?

I’ve been playing percussion for maybe 15 years or so… maybe longer it seems now, but I’ve lived in Huntington Beach pretty much my whole life. I met Jared, one of the singers, when we were kids. We were neighbors and started skateboarding together. Eventually we were on the surf team together at Marina High School and it kind of went from there, playing music and hanging out.

We started playing music together as the Dirty Heads our junior year of high school in 1998 or so, and started playing shows right after that. We put our first record out in 2008. The record was called Any Port in a Storm and that was when things started picking up for us and we started touring the states and eventually the world.

How does Huntington Beach inspire your music career?

Growing up in Huntington Beach, we spent a lot of time at the beach as kids and we still do to this day. The beach always inspired the reggae feel of our music and we’ve always been moved by that vibe. I guess that’s what got us in the beginning, being big fans of Sublime and the Beastie Boys. There have been so many great bands that have come out of Huntington Beach and the Orange County area. That really pushed us a lot in the beginning, giving us the inspiration and motivation and seeing that if they could do it, we could do it. That kept us going. Its funny cause a lot of awesome local bands are completely different and very far away from what we do and our style of music. There are bands like No Doubt or us and then you have bands like Avenged Sevenfold that came out of Huntington Beach. It’s great to see the broad scope of people creating music and art in Huntington Beach.

What are you most passionate about and what sparks your creativity?

My biggest passion is music, most definitely. That takes up the majority of my time and the majority of my brain. But when I’m not doing that I definitely spend a lot of time down at the beach surfing. It’s great to be home during the week when we’re not on tour and when it’s a lot quieter down at the beach. I’m able to cruise around and have my own space and that’s where a lot of inspiration can come from, having a nice quiet beach all to yourself. It’s pretty nice. I’m lucky in that way.

Tell us how you spend your time in Huntington Beach when you’re not on tour.

Fall in Huntington Beach is the best time of year, or at least it’s my favorite. The surf is always the best and school is back in session so it’s great for us to be able to hang out at the beach and cruise around the boardwalk. That’s what I do almost every morning with my coffee, skate down the boardwalk, try and find some surf. It’s great down by the water and cruising up and down Pacific Coast Highway. I have a 1975 dark green Ford Bronco and it’s the perfect car to drive along the coast, have the top off and be able to check out the surf. It’s a great car and it’s perfect for here in Huntington Beach where the weather is always great.

What’s your favorite place to hang out in Huntington Beach?

To be honest, a lot of my free time is spent at the beach; it’s the best spot. As far as the rest of Huntington Beach, there are a lot of new great restaurants around here. My favorite is Sancho’s Tacos down on PCH. I’ll get a breakfast burrito and watch the surf and hang out. There are a lot of good spots and Huntington Beach is definitely coming up. I’m excited to see Pacific City and what’s going on over there with the restaurants, shops and bars.

Why do you live in Surf City USA?

We’re lucky to tour pretty much the whole world and we’re very fortunate to see a lot of really cool and beautiful places. But coming home, there’s nothing like Huntington Beach and I swear all of us say the same thing, maybe we’re biased, but Huntington Beach is by far the best. We have a mix of the ocean right here and the mountains nearby if you want to go snowboarding. We just have a little bit of everything and it’s by far the best. I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.

CASEY ON BEACH VOLLEYBALL

Born in Los Angeles, professional beach volleyball player Casey Patterson has resided in Huntington Beach for over a decade with his wife and three kids. After playing at Brigham Young University, Casey followed his beach volleyball dream and has since earned 15 first place finishes in his professional career. Patterson and his teammate Jake Gibb ended the year as the top US men’s team and hope to continue their success if chosen to be the American representatives in the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio. Noted as one of the most charismatic and energetic players in the AVP, Casey is widely known for his suave hawk and expressive style. “I always play with passion and fire because I was not born with natural athletic ability,” Patterson told AVP.com. “Just great hair and great hand-eye coordination.”

How did you decide that Huntington Beach was the place for you to pursue your goal of becoming a professional beach volleyball player?

I always dreamt of being a professional beach volleyball player and in 2001 when I was still in college, I walked down Main Street and there was Jack's and all the surf shops and people crossing Pacific Coast Highway to the beach. It was really cool seeing the drum circle by the Pier and the performers. Seeing all the volleyball courts, the rows and rows of volleyball courts, it was just a very magical experience for me. I felt like this is the place where you should live if you want to do anything in your life. No matter what you want to be, this is where you have to live because you have the opportunity to do anything you want. Especially being a beach volleyball player, I wanted to be in Huntington Beach for the rest of my life after that moment. That was it for me.

So you were sold on Huntington Beach after that moment?

It was so rad to see all those courts and everybody playing. Every day there’s people playing volleyball. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, it doesn’t matter. People are out there getting after it. And it was such a cool feeling for me that I could go and play my passion every day. That was a special day. Huntington Beach is just really cool. Now that I have a family with three children, we have so many activities and there are so many things to do for the kids. It’s a very special place and you can’t beat it anywhere else. I’ve lived a lot of places and this is where I want to live the rest of my life.

Tell us about your first experience playing volleyball in HB.

Court one, south side of the Pier, is where I started playing in Huntington Beach because every weekend it’s the pickup game court. You sign your name on the list and you wait in line for your turn. My first day I waited three hours and it took forever to get in on a game. It was frustrating. So as soon as I got on the court I made it worth it and won every match for the rest of the day because if you win, you stay. That atmosphere on court one by the pier is very special. There’s really nothing like that anywhere that I’ve seen and I’ve played in beach volleyball tournaments and events all over the world with thousands and thousands of people. But a Tuesday afternoon in HB with all that action, there’s nothing that beats it. It trumps all those other tournaments.

Do fans often stop and watch while you’re playing?

Court one is where Jake and I train every day and it’s almost like we’re performing during practice with people walking on the pier and stopping when they see us. We get so many different people, families, older couples, cheering us on, kids yelling, “nice play!” You have all the action on the boardwalk right there, kids on bikes and skateboards, driving by in front of Sandy’s and Duke's. It’s really cool because it’s almost like we’re in a movie. There’s so much going on around us and support by locals and our friends and families. A lot of people from out of state will stop and point us out saying, “there’s Jake and Casey.” They have kids that love watching volleyball and they know of us and it’s a really fun atmosphere.​

Describe the beach volleyball culture in Huntington Beach.

Beach volleyball in Huntington Beach is very different form most places I’ve ever played because there’s a family style aspect to the culture. Everyone’s always connected on social media and they’re setting up games and groups. We’ve even got some fun groups as pros where we play with a bunch of amateurs. And on the weekends it’s always crazy because there are pickup games. I have a lot of friends that I have met just playing pickup games and interacting during leagues. They have a Friday Night Lights league where you can play under the lights at Duke’s. Its really cool, my wife plays in it. There’s just opportunity for anyone at any level to play beach volleyball in Huntington Beach. It’s always going year round and I think that’s different than anywhere I’ve seen because usually they’ll play summer, maybe spring, then people take the rest of the time off. But everyone is such a hardcore lover of beach volleyball in Huntington Beach that it’s nonstop. There’s a big volleyball culture here. It feels like a family when you come play down by the pier, it’s a special thing.

What do your kids do while you’re playing and working at the beach?

What’s really cool is because it’s a family dynamic down by the beach at those courts its real easy to bring your kids. You’re not worried or paranoid because there are so many other kids and people that we know. My kids can run over to court 27 or wherever and they’re safe because everyone knows my family and my kids. It’s a cool thing for us to be able to have them kind of roam and be taken care of by all their aunts and uncles. It’s nice that the kids can come watch practice and help collect the balls for us and then of course they bail to the water as soon as possible and go play. For me, if I were a kid, it would be my dream scenario to have my dad play beach volleyball in Huntington Beach. Be able to go get an acai bowl at Banzai Bowl across the street and watch volley and play in the water. I can’t stress it enough that this is a really special place. There’s nothing like it.

How do you spend time with your family here at home?

Of course we like to go to the beach. We like to ride our bikes up and down the coast of Huntington Beach. We do bonfires all the time; my family loves being at the beach as much as possible. We live real close to the beach and city center so the kids do karate, swimming lessons, and soccer. You name it, we’ve been there and done that in Huntington Beach. Walking down the pier to Ruby’s is one of the most special things because the kids get to grab a hamburger, fries and shake. That’s something that you remember. You see the fishermen and get a nice view of the surfers from up high.

What do you enjoy doing besides playing beach volleyball?

Having three children, I have two boys and a daughter, weekends get real busy and even during the week its busy. If we have any free time we come down to Main Street. Tuesday nights they shut down Main Street for Surf City Nights and have a farmers market and stuff for kids like bounce houses, that’s always a go-to and it’s free. There’s always something new and you’re supporting your local business owners. There are also entertainers like singers or those guys that are balancing chairs on their chin. You get everything here… it’s crazy. As a family man, this is an ideal place because there is so much for my children to be a part of and see and do. Not only volleyball but any hobby or passion.

Are there other events that you like to attend? The AVP Tour stops in Huntington Beach, which must be fun for your family to watch.

There are always events going on. It seems like they always have classic cars in the parking lot by the pier and you feel like you’ve almost gone back in time. Almost like you’re living this 50s beach lifestyle where there’s rad hotrods. A cool event that happens every year is the US Open of Surfing. It’s a massive event and I take my kids to watch the skateboarding and surfing. There’s a surf competition probably every other weekend so you have an opportunity to see long boarders and stand up paddle boarding from the young kids to the highest level. Even throughout the rest of the year there’s the kite competition.

I love that AVP hosts a tour stop in Huntington Beach during the summer, this year it's May 5-8. It’s always the most exciting because I get to be home. Playing on my home beach on the sand that I love and around my community. No matter what time of the year, there’s something going on that your family can enjoy and you don’t get that anywhere else. I’ve gone to other beach cities and they’re like ghost towns. If you love being outside at the beach, this is the place to be.

What are some of your favorite spots in Huntington Beach?

Sugar Shack is a really cool place to go in the morning for breakfast. There’s Jan’s Health Bar, which has been here for the longest time. It’s this small restaurant that Jan started a long time ago just selling sandwiches and chips and guacamole to surfers. I probably eat there, no joke, 4 times a week since I’ve lived here and I’ve lived here for 10 years. There’s something for everybody.

What do you love most about playing in Huntington Beach?

There’s a different feeling playing volleyball here than anywhere else. I feel like I’m always playing in front of an audience. For an athlete, it’s easy to get bored with the basic routine of training and trying to improve yourself. There’s this cool feeling because there’s always someone you see every day or someone new that’s watching and supporting and helping us in our dream whether it be Olympic gold medals or world tour medals. As a pro beach volleyball player, I get the most enjoyment playing in Huntington Beach because of the constant audience. It’s always different. I play with the pier and ocean in the background knowing that Main Street is right there across PCH. Just knowing you’re in a place where you can do anything. It’s magical.

JAMIE ON SURFING

Jamie Heraver grew up in Chicago and fell in love with surfing the moment she stood up on her first wave. Today, you can find her surfing and catching the swell around iconic Huntington Beach surf spots. Surf City USA rests seaside bordering the Pacific Ocean and is known for its 10 miles of uninterrupted coastline. With two main breaks offering several miles of peaky fast waves year-round and a rich surfing history and culture dating back over 100 years, there's no doubt that Huntington Beach is a surfer's paradise!

How did you get introduced to surfing?

I got into surfing during a vacation to Maui when I was 13. It was one of my first trips to the ocean and I thought it would be so cool to get a surf lesson. I took my first lesson from Buzzy Kerbox there in Maui and stood up on the first wave. I’ll never forget that feeling. I instantly felt like I was meant to surf and ever since that moment I’ve done whatever I could to get to the ocean. And I found myself here in Huntington.

Did surfing bring you to Huntington Beach?

I’ve lived in Huntington Beach for a little over 3 years now. I think what drew me to the city was the vibe. It really felt like an instant family within the surf community. I always wanted to surf. It’s been a huge passion of mine for as long as I can remember. Growing up in Illinois it was impossible to surf and I had gone on a handful of trips to Huntington Beach. I just knew right away that I was meant to be here and this felt like home to me.

How did you manage learning to surf in Surf City USA, a very popular and competitive surf destination in the US?

One of the first people who felt like family to me after I moved to Huntington Beach was Rockin Fig over on Main Street. He instantly took me in and was super supportive of me following my passion. He’s probably a big reason why I ended up settling here. The guys at the Pier also gave me tips and taught me almost everything I know about surfing. They made sure I was safe paddling out on bigger days.

Do you have any tips or suggestions for groms or new surfers?

The best thing to do if you’re a new surfer is to get a lesson from one of the local spots like Zacks or the Huntington Beach Surf School. All the guys who teach there are super skilled and have really good tips to get you on your feet in your first lesson. Also, it includes everything you need like your wetsuit (the water can be really chilly depending on the time of year) and gear, and they can take you to a spot that is safest for you and everyone else in the water. The ocean should be respected for its power and so should the other surfers on the water. It’s money well spent to learn to surf safely, and best of all you’ll learn things that will progress your surfing 10 times faster than learning yourself!

What’s your daily surfing routine?

For me the coolest thing about living here is I can start my day on the water. Grab my coffee and walk to the waves and see what’s going on. I don’t really feel normal or balanced unless I start my day on the water. There’s nothing like feeling the sand on your toes and getting salty to start the day.

Describe the passion involved with surfing. How are you able to wake up every morning and dive into the cold ocean water?

My passion for surfing is about being on the water, there’s no other feeling like that. It’s basically out of this world. You know for me, the reason I gave up everything to come out here was so that I could feel that sensation every day.

There’s nothing like the rush of dropping in on a wave and I think that’s what inspires me the most. Basically just training and challenging myself to be the best surfer I can possibly be. Whether it’s going to new spots, paddling out on bigger waves, or all around surfing with more control. So I guess what keeps me going every day is my passion to be the best surfer I can possibly be for the rest of my life.

Why do you and many other surfers live in Huntington Beach?

It’s hard for me to think of a better place to live than here in Huntington Beach because of the family that I have within the local surf community. I can connect with a lot of the people here. We just kind of understand each other. You can look at another surfer and just know. We have that feeling on the water, that feeling of just getting lost out there and just becoming one with nature and being so separate from the world for that moment in time. It doesn’t get much better than that. Huntington Beach offers that.

What makes the city such a great Californian surf town?

One of the best things about being a surfer in Huntington Beach is that you can surf year round. It’s Surf City USA. I think that’s what I love the most about living here, that you can paddle out any day of the year. I’m pretty sure I’ve seen a surfer out there every single day since I’ve moved here which is pretty rad. You can technically wear a bikini every day if you want to. The weather and waves are always amazing.

How has living in Huntington Beach inspired you to become a better surfer?

Paddling out here at the Pier, just being around some of the best surfers in the world and local legends, that makes me want to be a better surfer. They have so much knowledge to pass down. Surfing is multifaceted in the sense that there are so many aspects to the life of a surfer. You can surf just for the pure feeling or enjoyment or you can surf in a competition to get that adrenaline rush and see how you measure up to everyone else. But to me, there is nothing like the adrenaline rush of paddling out on a bigger day. And that’s what I like to train for, pushing myself to get better and surf bigger. Huntington Beach is inspiring and makes that possible. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

SAM ON ARTIST INSPIRATION

Sam Bernal grew up in Southern California and studied Physics at Eastern Washington University before going into lighting engineering. Nearly five years ago, Sam was injured in a rock climbing accident. With a decreasing enthusiasm for engineering and an increase in spare time, Bernal began to pursue his passion for art in Huntington Beach. He has made over 60 paintings since his recovery and stand by his motto, “DREAM. FAIL. SUCCEED. REPEAT.” It is even tattooed on the inside of his right arm. His work can be viewed at his website, www.sambernal.com, and at his booth each weekend in Pier Plaza.

You have such a unique style, tell us about your artwork.

As an artist, I create to share. Every painting I made I consider a practice painting. I can always make another one if it I mess it up. I really started to develop my style once I let go of expectations and just allowed myself to have fun with what I was doing. There was no pressure, it was just for fun anyway. I use paint pens, acrylics, and spray paint to make psychedelic, trippy surf art. It has a lot of bright neon colors with fine black outlines in a graphic style. Each piece contains a lot of detail and geometry.

What brought you to Huntington Beach?

My grandmother has lived here in Huntington Beach for over 60 years so a lot of my family grew up here. I was born in Riverside, but my mom worked at a runaway teen shelter in Laguna Beach. I’d spend 2 days a week with my grandma here in Huntington Beach, and while she was watching me my uncles would teach me to surf. I’ve spent loads of time here at the Pier when I was a kid. I always just loved the smell of the ocean air and could never wait to come back here.

What about Huntington Beach inspires your artwork?

Whether it’s surfing at the beach, skating down the boardwalk, or hanging out at Surf City Nights, Huntington Beach always keeps me inspired. I use a lot of sunset imagery in all my paintings and Huntington Beach has some of the best, world-class sunsets. Nature’s putting on its own psychedelic show almost every night here in HB. And that is a huge inspiration for me in a lot of my paintings.

Where do you go to paint? Do you have any secret spots?

I do a lot of my painting at my house, but when I venture out, most of my work is taking place in my art booth. So when I have my booth set up in Pier Plaza on Fridays, I do a lot of painting there where people get to see it. People will watch my work as it comes along or visit me throughout the week and see the new paintings that I have started. If I’m looking for a quiet place, I love to go to Central Park and hang out by the lake. There are some really amazing gardens there. Or my favorite beach spots are the cliffs or at Warner Ave as you enter Sunset Beach. It’s always pretty chill there. There aren’t a lot of people so it’s really quiet and you can just enjoy nature and the scenery.

You often paint in public. How do you feel about people watching while you paint?

I totally enjoy that. I develop relationships with a lot of people in the community because they are always interested and keep coming by to see my new artwork. I love explaining how I make my artwork and showing people or young artists how I do certain things. I’m always happy to share any information with them about my process or what I’m thinking while I’m creating the art. It’s just a real fun way to connect with people and when they get to see the final piece all the way through, they have more of a connection with the artwork.

I have people come buy prints cause they saw me working on the original in my booth and they couldn’t wait for it to be done and see how it turned out. It’s amazing to get to share that connection with people versus them just seeing the finished piece in a gallery. They get to actually interact with me, the artist, and become part of the artwork and part of the inspiration as I’m making the piece.

A lot of your work is sold at the weekly street fair and farmers market held Downtown. How would you describe Surf City Nights and its reflection of the community?

If you’re visiting Huntington Beach for the first time and looking for something that’s family friendly, there’s no better place than Surf City Nights, which is held every Tuesday night. There’s awesome artwork, amazing food (you know, churros and other treats), the bounce house for the kids. All kinds of local businesses come together and you feel like you’re a part of the community when you’re walking down Main Street.

There’s an eclectic mixture of people. Like the older couples walking over from their houses Downtown and locals that have their favorite vendors, where they have to go get their candied nuts every week, or bring their dogs to get their homemade dog treats. One of my favorite things is the live entertainment with younger local artists. Their friends and family always show up for support. It’s just a really fun time with a great community.

Describe the artist culture in Huntington Beach and how Surf City Nights is helping local artists thrive.

Surf City Nights is a great venue for us local artists where we can all come together and show our work. There are really no feelings of competition between us because each artist has their own unique audience and the artwork speaks to each person independently. We’re always rooting for each other to succeed and do well. We’re always happy when someone makes a big sale. It’s a real close-knit artist community at Surf City Nights.

SHELBY ON FAMILY FUN

Shelby Barone runs OC Mom Media, the largest online publication for families in Orange County. She covers events, travel, and inspires people to visit her home, Huntington Beach, where she lives with her husband and three kids. Even though she’s busy running her website, she always stops to put her toes in the sand, letting Huntington Beach inspire her daily.

What about Huntington Beach makes you love living here?

I have three young children, and we love spending quality family time together in Huntington Beach, exploring outdoors and hiking. You can start your morning building a sand castle on the beach. Then spend your afternoon walking down Main Street, and end your day watching a beautiful sunset while dining on delicious cuisine in one of the amazing restaurants in HB.

Did you have any ties to Huntington Beach before living here?

Growing up in Orange County, Huntington Beach has always been one of my favorite places to spend time with my family. It is the place where my husband grew up, and the place where his family still lives today. Even with our busy schedule, we always try to find time to come play in the sand in Huntington Beach.

Why would you recommend Surf City USA to families?

When looking for the perfect place to travel with your family, Huntington Beach has everything. From beaches to parks to restaurants to amazing weather, it is the perfect place to create unforgettable memories with your family. If there was one thing I was to miss about Huntington Beach, it would be the overall sense of community. Everyone feels like family when they’re in Huntington Beach.

When would you say is the best time to visit Huntington Beach as a family?

Whether you are coming to go dine in one of the fantastic restaurants, surf on the waves, or just walk down the pier, it is never bad time to come to Huntington Beach. Writing the OC Mom Blog, I love exploring Orange County with my children, and sharing wonderful places that other moms can bring their children.

What do you think makes the perfect trip to Huntington Beach?

If you were to bring your kids to Huntington, I would definitely walk along the sand with them, build a sand castle, do a little shopping down Main Street, and have dinner at one of the restaurants in Pacific City. We’ve created so many unforgettable moments here. And one of our favorite things to do together as a family is to stand at the pier and watch the surfers on the waves. Watching my kids laugh and smile, all the stresses of life went away in those moments.

CANDACE ON PHOTOGRAPHY

Candace Rock specializes in “photography for rad people” as a lifestyle, family and wedding photographer based in Huntington Beach. Her enthusiasm and love of the city are made clear in her photography style and locations. Candace’s work has been featured in the OC Register, Locale Magazine, and Modern Luxury, along with Good Morning America and many Huntington Beach local’s holiday cards.

Tell us about yourself.

I live in Huntington Beach with my husband and two boys. We’re a family of surfers and long time Huntington Beach residents. Like most moms, coffee and red wine are staples in my life. On the weekends, you might find me hanging with my boys, running them to baseball practice, or shopping at vintage stores. And my passion is photography.

What sort of photography do you shoot in Huntington Beach?

I mostly do families, kids, and weddings. I’ve also worked with Sea Legs Wine Bar, OC Style Report, and many other clients. I love bright and vibrant images that are unique and filled with energy. For fun I also like to shoot nature.

Are there certain parks or nature preserves that you enjoy photographing?

The Bolsa Chica Wetlands is one of my favorite places to photograph. Especially in the morning, it’s just so quiet and peaceful. There’s something about standing on the bridge, watching the sun come up and seeing all of the beautiful birds flying around. It’s one of my favorite spots to de-stress and be one with nature.

What are some of your other favorite spots to photograph in Huntington Beach?

I have many favorite spots to photograph. There are so many places to shoot in Huntington Beach but my favorite is probably Huntington Central Park or down at the Pier. The lighting is amazing. I just love the way it shines through the Pier. It’s an almost magical place to photograph. There’s good people watching and lots of photo spots on the beach. Wide shot or close up, Huntington Beach always gives me that picture perfect frame.

Do you have any tips on the best time for a photo shoot?

My favorite times to photograph in Huntington Beach are sunrise and of course the golden hour, right before sunset. But I love a good sunrise session. There’s just something about that morning light coming up, everything’s fresh and new and so bright. As a photographer, light is your most important tool. There’s no lack of that in Huntington Beach. I’m constantly inspired by the sunlight here.

Have you worked with visitors or families on vacation for any shoots?

One of my favorite types of sessions is a travel session. A lot of people that are visiting Huntington Beach from out of state will book me for a family photo shoot while they’re here. They’ll meet me down at the beach near their hotel and we’ll just walk around. It’s always nice to see them enjoying Huntington Beach and taking fun family photos while they’re on vacation.

Why did you choose to start your photography business in Huntington Beach?

One of my favorite things to do is stop by the Sugar Shack, grab a cup of coffee, walk out to the beach and think about my next shoot. I keep coming back to Huntington Beach because it’s authentic and inspiring for someone in my line of work. The beautiful beaches, the weather, the parks, the awesome people, it’s an amazing place to raise kids. I love Huntington Beach. I was born here, I started my family here, and my business is here. My heart is in Huntington Beach and I want to live here forever.

PETE ON HAMBOARDS

It took eight years for Pete Hamborg and his family to perfect the Hamboard, a skateboard that has captured the feeling of surfing on a wave, or as they say, “Hamboards is Surf City on Wheels.” The project has since taken off and Pete even appeared on the popular ABC reality show, Shark Tank, to pitch the oversized skateboard to investors. “You're selling the California dream, baby,” shark investor Robert Herjavec told the Huntington Beach locals.

Tell us about yourself.

I grew up on the border of Illinois and Wisconsin on a family dairy farm and then moved out here to Southern California. I’m a fireman, happily married for over 30 years, and I’m the father of five boys who are all lifeguards here in the city of Huntington Beach. I’ve got a skateboard company called Hamboards that I’ve started with my sons and we market and sell those boards all over the world. A Hamboard is a big skateboard that rides like a surfboard. It’s really an outflow of our lifestyle and activities here in Huntington Beach.

When did you determine that your idea for the Hamboard could be successful?

So we were hearing about what was going on in Malibu a few years back, about how this big thing called stand up paddle surfing was being invented. People were really excited about it and it was even taking off in Hawaii. And at the same time, we’re riding our big skateboard around and realizing, this is really similar. So we ended up playing around with it, finding the right end and the right size, and soon enough we developed a land paddle. We realized this board is a way to enjoy all the fun of stand up paddle surfing but you’re able to do it on land, which is really more convenient.

Describe the sensation of riding a Hamboard and how it differs from a normal skateboard.

My favorite place to Hamboard is on the boardwalk in Huntington Beach. When I’m out for a cruise my sense of it is that I’m having more fun than anybody else. There’s such a unique flow and feel that its almost hard to describe. But it has this sense of speed and carve and it’s so much like being out on the water on a big wave that it’s almost addictive. It’s just such a blast.

What have you noticed from the success of Hamboards?

A fun aspect to the story of this family company that just grew out of a garage here in Huntington Beach, is how there is currently so much international attention for this little thing that we’ve developed. We get emails and contacts every day from Europe, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Canada. It’s just amazing how people are noticing what we’re doing here and they want to find out how they can connect with it. We could have started Hamboards anywhere, but we didn’t. We started it in Huntington Beach and we are passionate about our connection with the city.

How have Hamboards made a positive impact in the world?

We ran across someone in the stand up paddleboard industry and he was contacted by the Wounded Warriors project. They asked if they could do stand up paddle therapy. So these guys and gals that were coming back injured from war were getting out on these stand up paddleboards and it was amazing. The hospital said this was having such a positive healing impact on these desperately injured people, not only physically but also mentally - as surfing and Hamboarding and being out in nature does for all of us. But when you’re stuck in a hospital its tough to access that feeling. The hospital asked, “Is there any way we can get a stand up paddleboard in the hospital setting, maybe put wheels on it so they can ride it down our halls.”

So our friend drove up here to Huntington Beach from San Diego and bought one of our biggest boards, the classic model. He took it down there with a land paddle and they finally got one of the soldiers out on the Hamboard and he started cruising down the hallway with an ear to ear grin. The whole ward just awoke and they started sticking their heads out of their doors. And before long, practically everyone was trying the board and cruising up and down the hallway. He was like, “you wouldn’t believe the impact it had. Like it was this healing moment for everybody.” People all over the world have ridden Hamboards and they see how it connects you with nature. But to realize that this little idea that grew out of a garage from this family that doesn’t know any better than to spend their time surfing, to find out that our little creation that we feel god dropped in our lap is now having an impact in a place as dark and desperate as that is just profound.

Is Huntington Beach a source of inspiration for yourself and your company?

The flow or essence of the organic lifestyle in Huntington Beach is a huge source of inspiration. The ocean, the sunsets, the palm trees, and the authentic lifestyle here allows for a special creative connection between what we do and how we do it. Every time I’m out on the boardwalk carving a turn with a beautiful sunset in the background, I realize how Huntington Beach keeps me inspired. These are key components when I’m designing the next Hamboard.

How does Huntington Beach personify the California Dream?

The Huntington Beach lifestyle is unique, even within Southern California. The constant opportunity to connect with the Pacific Ocean, whether you’re in the water on a surfboard or walking along the sand, is a dynamic that makes Huntington Beach one of the most fun places to live. The convenience of the wide, beautiful beaches and amazing weather is just simply amazing. So for me, it’s a constant source of entertainment and relaxation when you need to just get centered.

What would you recommend to anyone visiting Huntington Beach?

If you plan on visiting Huntington Beach, don’t miss the sunrise on the pier. Start out by grabbing a coffee or a hot chocolate at Java Point on the corner of Main and PCH. Cruise by the statue of Duke and take a walk on the pier. Watch the sunrise, see the dolphins, and say hi to the fishermen out on the Pier. Then go spend some time in the ocean. You can also enjoy the boardwalk. There are skateboards and bicycles you can rent and you’ll have one of the most amazing, sun-filled and fun-filled days.

ROCKY ON STAND UP PADDLEBOARDING

Rocky McKinnon started McKinnon Shapes & Designs in the spring of 1997 after surfing for only a couple years. By 2002 he became a professional surfer and was quickly rated one of the top ten in the country. His custom surfboards also grew in popularity from Huntington Beach to Costa Rica and beyond. Rocky expanded his waterman abilities when he was introduced to stand up paddleboarding. He now offers surfing and stand up paddleboarding lessons in Huntington Beach from beginner levels to advanced wave riding technique.

Tell us about your business in Huntington Beach.

As a stand up paddleboard instructor I like to provide my professional surfing and stand up paddleboarding experience along with great equipment to ensure success. When you’re successful at stand up paddleboarding then you’re having fun. Whether I’m surfing, stand up paddleboarding or enjoying a beautiful day with my family, I can’t imagine being anywhere else.

Why do you like to paddleboard in Huntington Beach?

Huntington Beach is an amazing place to go paddleboarding whether you’re looking for an easy adventure in Huntington Harbour, paddling out in nature, or you’re looking for some fun waves to ride in the ocean. Huntington Beach has everything to offer for all levels.

What are the health benefits of stand up paddleboarding?

Stand up paddleboarding is such a unique and great workout because it provides you the opportunity to exercise your whole body in a low impact routine. You’re able to get a full isometric workout similar to pilates but you’re outdoors on the board in the water surrounded by nature. It’s definitely something that everybody can and should try.

What do you love most about Huntington Beach?

I’ve been fortunate in my professional career to travel around the world and what draws me back to Huntington Beach is the weather and the people. When I’m away from Huntington Beach, what I miss most is the accessibility to the waves and some of the great restaurants and food that Huntington has to offer. There are also great opportunities for business relationships and my friends and family are based here. Huntington Beach is an epicenter of anything and everything and that’s why I’m very lucky to call it home.

How does Huntington Beach motivate you from both a personal and professional standpoint?

Huntington Beach is an inspiring place because of its raw energy. From the people to the great weather to the surf, it is truly a place that energizes my soul. I have everything wrapped up here from my surfing career to professional stand up paddleboarding to my business making surfboards. When I’m getting ready for a competition on the south side of the Huntington Beach Pier, I can’t help but think back to all of the history that has taken place here. It really has made me a better person.

DAN ON CORGI BEACH DAY

Dan McLemore is a Southern California local and dog lover. Working in corporate retail, Dan takes every chance he can to head to the beach with his wife Kelly and their corgi Mr. Pickles. In 2012, the McLemore’s hosted the first Corgi Beach Day gathering at Huntington Dog Beach. Now an official non-profit, So Cal Corgi Nation hosts over 500 corgis at their seasonal beach day events and even sell corgi swag on their website.

Tell us about your dog.

I am a huge dog fan. My wife and I own Mr. Pickles, an eight year old Pembroke Welsh Corgi. He is part of the family.

Do you think Huntington Beach is dog friendly?

Huntington Beach is dog beach heaven. It’s a great destination if you are coming from out of town, because you can take your dog pretty much anywhere. Lots of hotels are pet-friendly, and most restaurants would love to have your dog on the patio. They have a great dog park in Central Park, but most of all the Dog Beach is the best place to take your dog. Fun surf, sand, and you can have a nice drink. It is a great day with your dog. So if you are coming from out of town, know that your dog is going to be well-cared for. From the hotels to the restaurants, and most of all – the beach. Huntington Beach is a dog lover’s paradise.

What inspired you to create Corgi Beach Day?

My dog Mr. Pickles was injured for about six months and missed a lot of the summer activities with all the other corgis. Corgis have a huge social media presence. So my wife and I wanted to hold an event where we can gather all his corgi friends and their owners, and what better place than Huntington Dog Beach!

Why did you think Huntington Dog Beach was perfect to host this event?

The reason we host Corgi Beach Day in Huntington Beach is because it’s got everything. The perfect surf, sand, sun, great views, amazing water – it’s the best. It’s the cleanest, safest dog beach in Southern California and has a great centralized location. Dogs love it, people love it, everybody loves it! It’s the perfect place for our event.

How has the event changed since you started it?

When we first met in the fall of 2012, there was about 20 corgis and 25 people. Everyone had a great time, lots of fun. Everyone wanted to do it again, so the next event we had about 75 people. Then three months later we had another event with about 150 corgis. Since then, the events keep doubling from two hundred to three hundred dogs. Now we are up to about 800 to 1,000 dogs at each event, and it continues to grow. Everybody loves corgis.

We do Corgi Beach Day three times a year, and we love Huntington Dog Beach. It’s the best, cleanest, safest dog beach in Southern California and everybody loves it. We look forward to keep having it here.