Bucket List Series – 1. Enjoy California

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Bucket List Series Intro

If you’re on this website, you’re already intrigued by the possibility of going away somewhere and doing something rad (sorry for the use of ‘rad’. I know it’s the name of the company but it was too irresistible to use just then!). You’re also either proficient enough to go away and enjoy an action sports type holiday, or you’re bold enough to try it for the first time. Being either of those things puts you in good stead for this series.

Introducing, the Rad Season Bucket List – a fortnightly series that gives you an incredible thing you should go and do or have done already. We’re not going to write things like, ‘hey, you should go surfing’ because that’s a no-brainer. We’re going to give you more credit than that. So here’s the first one.

1. Enjoy California

Ok, we’ve already said I’m not going to make broad, genericisms for this series, but when it comes to California, it’s one of the best places in the world for any action sports enthusiast.

Hear us out.

Let’s say that you’re a surfer and you enjoy good waves, sunshine, and exceptional nightlife. Who wouldn’t, right? When it comes to California the amount of good surf spots there are is just crazy. You can head to San Diego, San Clemente, Malibu, Huntington Beach, Santa Cruz and so many more. And that’s just off the top of our heads.

The amount of good surf spots that we will know about are easily quantified by the word ‘plenty’, but there’s also many more that we don’t know about. So keeping that in mind, why would you not surf there? Iconic locations and extremely good weather = great surf.

Oh and did we mention that Huntington Beach is home to the Vans US Open of Surfing and the International Surfing Museum (strangely opened by someone who had never surfed in their lives!). A must for any surf nerd.

Taylor Clark Airing it Out. Freesurf prior to the Hurley Pro at Trestles. Photo: Flickr Steven Tyler PJs

Maybe surfing isn’t the only thing you want to do. If you’re more keen on staying on the concrete but a board is a must, then not skateboarding is pretty much a crime. It might not be an actual crime but with the history of skateboarding deep rooted into the Californian history (yes, we’ve all seen Dog Town and Z-Boys) you’ll soon feel your inner skater fighting to get out.

You could become your own Stacy Peralta and find an empty backyard swimming pool for a quick skate, or you could partake in the many, many skateparks available in California. Even the official VisitCalifornia website has an article on 8 great skate parks

Float, Venice Beach, California. Photo: Flickr Ryan Vaarsi

Now if you’re someone who likes both surfing and skateboarding but somehow you need something more in your life, then the only other choice you have is snowboarding. And California delivers in bucket loads.

With Heavenly, North Star, Squaw Valley, Mammoth, Big Bear and loads more hiding in California’s back pocket, you’d be hard pressed to turn down the opportunity of some West coast snow. Just think, you can drive to any of the main resorts in the morning, go shred for the day and be back for a decent party in the evening.

All signs to Mammoth Mountain. Photo: Flickr jcookfisher

Everything in one place. Why would you not want to have this on your bucket list?? With this amount of sporting enjoyment on offer in one state, it’s a bit crazy to dismiss the idea of visiting California. That said, don’t forget that California also offers an absurd amount of natural wonders, tourist attractions and interesting cultural locations. It’s not just an action sports haven.

What are you waiting for? Get number one crossed off of your bucket list!

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Kel Verbiest

Kel is a content manager and sports writer based on the south coast of England. When he's not typing away, you can find him in several super people watching spots.

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