Catch A Wave, Dana Point Surf Club Honors CA Surfing Day

DANA POINT, CA — Doheny State Beach was an ideal place for local kids to gather and pay tribute to the sport that made California culture what it is today. On Monday, the City of Dana Point, Dana Point Surf Club and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley gathered to experience an afternoon like no other.

Even living so close to the shore, many had never gone to the beach before, Patch was told.

Aaliyah, a 10-year-old Orange County girl from a single parent family, couldn't wait for the opportunity. The day started with a trolley ride out to the famed Doheny State Beach. Kids boarded the festive bus and disembarked at the famed surfing location.

Approximately 50 kids and adults were on hand to enjoy the sunny, warm afternoon. Kids received bags and goodies when they arrived, and each sat and listened while surfers explained the art of taking to the water.

The waves were low and steady at Doheny State Beach, ideal for young grommets to learn the ropes.

The Dana Point Surf Club, along with 30 volunteer professional class surfers, instructors, lifeguards, and local dignitaries guided the kids in the art of the paddle out, the pop-up and gliding safely to shore.

"This is the second time that the Surf Club has put together this volunteer event as a way to celebrate California Surfing Day," organizers said.

Though the statewide Surfing holiday was Sept. 20, no one seemed to mind.

"Those kids had a great time," James Littlejohn, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley told Patch. "I'd like to thank the City of Dana Point, Dana Point Surf Club, Dana Point Harbor Partners. There were so many smiles and a lot of firsts for a lot of the kids."

Though it was Aaliyah's first time on the beach, and on a surfboard, they taught her to stand up and surf.

"It was amazing," Littlejohn told Patch. "Giving that opportunity to her, and to the others out there, was a testament to the community. These kids are going to talk about this for the rest of their lives."