By: Kelli Marie Koller – Easy Reader News
On November 13, 1938 our country’s first National Surfing Championships were postponed until December due to lack of waves. Where was this surf contest to be held? Long Beach, California. One might think, “What? Long Beach, Ca? Well of course there were no waves. Long Beach never has waves. Why would a surf contest be held there?” The answer is simple. The Long Beach Breakwater had not yet been constructed. Long Beach had waves.
Before the Southernmost third portion of the breakwater was constructed, Long Beach had waves much like the South Shore breaks of Honolulu perfect for pre-war surf equipment earning Long Beach the title, “Waikiki of the West Coast.” The Red Car catered to a thriving South California linking beach goers to the variety of hotels, on-shore entertainment, and attractions such as the Pike and the Plunge bathhouse.
