The gold-flecked Californian water is ice cold as we slowly submerge ourselves in it, wading out until we are forced to mount our boards and paddle through the breakers. Our dawn patrol pack finally makes it to the lineup, greeted by groomed 4-foot swells and a perfect offshore breeze. We start dissecting waves, each of us taking turns left and right down the line as the morning sun rises.
While this sounds like paradise to some, it’s a common weekend morning for any member of the UA’s coastal-minded club Arizona Surfers. Composed of curious adventurers and a smattering of Californian ex-pats, Arizona Surfers is one of the most eccentric official clubs on campus. There’s no formal structure or headquarters. Meetings are even less structured, when they occur.
While this sounds more like a social group than an 8-year-old organization, members of the club are likeminded in their active pursuit of waves.
Officially recognized in 2004, Arizona Surfers brought ocean-hungry students together to organize trips to various West Coast beaches. Initially made up of a small group of Californians, the club’s ranks have swelled considerably. While there’s a revolving core group of 10 to 15 students who plan trips, any one of its 100 Listserv members is welcome to join the camping trips that the club holds throughout the year.
Though most excursions are beach camping trips, Arizona Surfers maintains a close connection with Imperial Beach’s YMCA Camp Surf, usually making a trip each semester to stay at the camp while engaging in surf lessons. It’s the best way to get the most out of the club, and will better prepare the land-born member for the weekend trips to places like San Onofre and Jalama Beach.
While the idea of conquering an oceanic sport may seem daunting to some, it’s often a venture that leads to a newfound passion for club members.
“I went on the club’s spring break trip my sophomore year, kind of on a whim,” said Arizona Surfers president Kristen Williams, who is a senior studying Spanish and business management. “That trip ended up being one of the most incredible experiences I had in college.”
For more info
Contact Arizona Surfers president Kristen Williams at kristen7@email.arizona.edu or visit www.arizonasurfers.org
