Surfers worry about future of famous
Trestles surf spot in Southern California
 
By PAUL CHAVEZ, November 27, 2006

It's known simply as Trestles, and to surfers around the world it's hallowed ground.

The slice of beach along the California coast has long waves that break in both directions, unlike other surfing hotspots nearby. So when transportation officials proposed a toll road cutting through the beach, surfers cried "bogus!"

"It's a wave that allows you to really surf at your peak," says surf legend Kelly Slater. "Orange County's already screwed up enough, man. I mean, give us a break. Let's preserve a little something here."

The beach, about 60 miles north of San Diego, is located within San Onofre State Beach and surfers have to take footpaths along marshy bluffs to get to it. It's the only stop in the mainland United States of the Association of Surfing Professionals' World Championship Tour.

Die-hard surfers believe the toll road extension would ruin the waves, but transportation officials say it won't. The toll road is designed to alleviate traffic in southern Orange County.

For more on the debate, listen to this PODCAST