Pepperdine Graphic

Students Squeeze in Surf Sesh Between Classes

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Students head out to surf Jan. 31, at Zuma Beach. They were four of many surfers out that morning. Photos by Kate Elise Norris
Students head out to surf Jan. 31, at Zuma Beach. They were four of many surfers out that morning. Photos by Kate Elise Norris

When students are not in class, many of them are surfing.

Sophomore JT Longoria said surfing in Malibu is very relaxing compared to where he normally surfs in the Bay Area.

“It’s like a way to ease your mind,” Longoria said.

Sophomore JT Longoria sides a wave Jan. 31, at Zuma Beach. This was just one of the many waves that Longoria caught.
Sophomore JT Longoria rides a wave Jan. 31, at Zuma Beach. Longoria said he tends to see his classmates while surfing in Malibu.

Malibu’s many beaches and great weather have people surfing year-round and at all times of the day. Longoria can be found at Zuma Beach most Wednesday mornings surfing with his friends, he said.

Sophomore JT Longoria and first-year Chris Dolan paddle out to surf on Jan. 31 at Zuma Beach. Longoria and Dolan became friends after they joined the same fraternity. Photo by Kate Elise Norris.
Longoria and first-year Chris Dolan paddle out to surf Jan. 31, at Zuma Beach. Longoria and Dolan became friends after they joined the same fraternity, Sigma Phi Epsilon, Longoria said.

Broad Beach is another popular beach for surfers of all ages and skill levels. Longoria, as well as many other Pepperdine students, utilize the Surfline app to check out the waves before going to the beach, he said.

A surfer catches a wave Jan. 27, at Broad Beach. Despite all the rocks, there were a lot of people out surfing.
A surfer catches a wave Jan. 27, at Broad Beach. Despite all the rocks, there were a lot of people surfing.

Longoria said he enjoys the adrenaline rush and thrill of surfing.

“I think it’s somewhat humbling to know that Mother Nature could just like throw you around and toss you,” Longoria said.

Longoria catches a wave, Jan. 31, at Zuma Beach. The surf was a bit flat this morning.
Longoria catches a wave Jan. 31, at Zuma Beach. The surf was flat that morning, Longoria said.

Longoria said the biggest wave he has ever surfed was at Steamer Lane in Santa Cruz, Calif., during a hurricane last year.

“It said that it [the size of the waves] was 10-15 on Surfline, but I swear it was probably like 20-foot waves out there,” Longoria said.

Longoria walks out of the ocean Jan. 31, at Zuma Beach. Longoria noticed there were fellow Pepperdine students out surfing, he said.
Longoria walks out of the ocean Jan. 31, at Zuma Beach. Longoria spent his spring break surfing in Hawaiʻi.

Longoria said he first discovered his passion for surfing three years ago in Hawaiʻi. Then he returned home, and after wake surfing on a lake for two weeks, he knew he had to start surfing more regularly.

“I eventually just went out to the Bay to Pacifica for my first time, and that was it,” Longoria said.

Longoria stands on the beach with his board Jan. 31, at Zuma Beach. Longoria enjoyed Howdy's after spending the morning surfing, he said.
Longoria stands on the beach with his board Jan. 31, at Zuma Beach. Longoria enjoyed a meal at Howdy's after spending the morning surfing, he said.

Longoria urges everyone to try surfing, he said.

“Getting out in the water is amazing, and surfing’s just fun,” Longoria said.

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Contact Kate Elise Norris via email: Kate.norris@pepperdine.edu