California Beaches: Ventura

Double whammy: Parker, 2, left, and Dylan Marcum, 3, sidewalk surf (with a little help from mom, who’s not in the picture). The high rollers are the dots in the water--surfers waiting for a wave to roll in at Surfer’s Point where waves are large and consistent.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

A surfer starts into the waves at Surfer’s Point in Seaside Park as the sun creeps over the hills.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

The old man and the sea: Ray “Packy” Mahala, 69, of Ventura, watches his pole for a nibble as he fishes almost daily off the Ventura Pier. Packy has been wearing a Daniel Boone outfit since he was a kid and is a well-known fixture in this beach-side town.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

You’ve got a friend: After a surf session, Rob Woods of Ventura masages Jack, the surf dog, while the pet’s owner is out surfing at Surfer’s Point at Seaside Park in Ventura. Surfers line up their boards and vehicles along the park where they check the surf and share stories of riding some of the best waves in the area.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Both sides now: Early morning sun casts golden rays through a translucent kelp bed as a surfer awaits a wave at Surfer’s Point. Surfers like the underwater kelp forests because they help reduce the effects of onshore winds that can wreck the shape of a wave. Gas-filled bladders form at the base of kep blades and keep them buoyed on the surface.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Rock star: Surfer’s Point at low tide reveals its rocky nature. The point is known for surfing and windsurfing, and a small bike trail connects this beach to the Ventura Pier.

For more in this series exploring Southern California’s beaches, visit our Cruising the Coast page.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)