The undeviating rhythm of the waves almost drowns out the undesired audio buzz.
While the orange globe in the distance bestows warmth as the towering palm trees soak in the coastal breeze.
The rippling strands of Pacific blue roll on in synchronized bursts.
It’s a glorious landscape that invigorates the senses.
Observing and listening is sufficient.
Yet it’s not enough for everyone in Oceanside, a stunning city located 38 miles north of San Diego.
A courageous bunch prefer to take their chances on the water itself.
The clear aqua oscillates as a select few balance precariously on strips of plastic.
A booming beach side commentator provides unnecessary background noise.
It’s a serious surfing competition as the man on the microphone barks out the details.
The spectacle alone makes for spellbinding viewing.
I’m fortunate to have a magnificent vantage point on the historic Oceanside Pier.
First built in 1888 and ravaged by storms five times before a complete rebuild in 1987, its wooden panels stretch further than any other pier in California.
Most manage to maintain their equilibrium and navigate the sweeping water unscathed.
Maybe it fulfils an adrenaline rush, a need to show off in front of overseas gawkers or it could just be a hobby. Anything is better than super gluing your eyeballs to a phone screen.
I don’t share the same daredevil spirit. The coastguard would be alerted in seconds even if I managed to stay on the board for long enough.
For any poor swimmer the thought of flapping about helplessly in the water is a potent deterrent.
Despite an aversion to water sports I was persuaded to parasail in Okinawa, a slightly terrifying experience as the ball in the sky inched closer. Boiled and frazzled it took a while to calm down as images of a giant plunge into the liquid abyss subsided.
In Hawaii I came dangerously close to crashing an almost static jet ski, before eventually mastering the skill of steering the sensitive thing. Snorkelling in Oahu, if awkwardly flailing around on the surface even counts as snorkelling, I set a personal record of a few minutes underwater searching and thrillingly finding a multi-coloured fish.
Perhaps I’ll be convinced to attempt something equally daunting in the future.
The surfer dudes swish through the gathering foam as the torrent recedes and speed back out for another ride on the waves.
For now I’m content to remain a captivated spectator.
Stephen Kasiewicz 