Tourmaline Surfing Park facts for kids
Tourmaline Surfing Park is a popular beach and surf spot in Pacific Beach, San Diego, California, USA. It's located at the northern end of Pacific Beach, right where the sandy beach meets the rocky cliffs of La Jolla. The park itself sits in a special valley called Tourmaline Canyon, which cuts through the cliffs down to the ocean.
Getting to the park is easy! You'll find it less than 1,000 feet west of where Tourmaline Street meets La Jolla Boulevard. A cool, palm-lined path leads you down through the canyon to a large parking lot. This lot is slightly raised but right next to the beach. The park also has handy showers and restrooms, plus railings and places to sit and relax.
A Special Place for Surfers
Tourmaline Surfing Park is famous for being a great spot for surfers. It's known for its gentle waves, which are perfect for longboard surfing. This makes it a favorite place for surfers of all ages and skill levels, especially those who enjoy a more relaxed ride.
The Surfer's Memorial
At Tourmaline Surfing Park, you'll find a special monument called the "Tourmaline Memorial." This memorial celebrates surfers who have loved and ridden the waves here, both in the past and today. It's a way to remember and honor the surfing community.
Surfers have been enjoying this area since the 1930s. Tourmaline Surfing Park officially opened in May 1963. The idea for the memorial came about in 2006, and it was finished in 2008. The motto of the memorial is a friendly message for all: "Surf Well, Spread Aloha, Share Waves Without Judgment." This means to surf safely, be kind to others, and share the waves fairly.
Honoring Surfing Legends
The memorial honors many individual surfers and surfing clubs who have been important to the Tourmaline community. Some of the famous surfers remembered here include Larry Gordon, Skip Frye, and Doc Paskowitz. Several well-known surfing clubs are also honored, such as the WindanSea Surf Club and the Pacific Beach Surf Club.
