On May 22,2020, LA County released this updated set on Beach Rules ALLOWED:

- Individual or family ocean activities (such as surfing, swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding and body surfing)
- Individual or family active recreation & exercise (such as walking, running and using the beach bike path)

NOT ALLOWED:

- Sunbathing, or sitting or lying on sand
- Picnicking
- Chairs, canopies or coolers
- Group or organized sports (such as volleyball)
- Gatherings or events
- Fishing

HEALTH & SAFETY REQUIREMENTS: - More than 6 feet physical distance from others at all times (except between members of same household)
- Face coverings, when out of the water AND around others (except for children under age 2 and those with breathing problems)
- Stay at home if you, or someone you live with, is sick

CLOSURES STILL IN EFFECT (until further notice):

- Piers – CLOSED
- Beach Accessways – CLOSED
- Beach Volleyball Courts – CLOSED





For more of our coverage of the Coronavirus lockdown, closures, and how our local surf community and businesses are doing, CLICK HERE

ZUMA & SURFRIDER PARKING LOTS OPENED AT LIMITED CAPACITY & ACCESSWAYS UNLOCKED
LA County Department of Beaches and Harbors announced the opening of parking lots for limited capacity at select beaches throughout the County, including Zuma Beach and Surfrider Beach in Malibu. County disaster service workers will be at the lots to advise beach patrons of the COVID-19 related rules. In addition, County-operated beach access ways throughout the City will be unlocked during posted hours to allow easier public access to beaches.


For more of our coverage of the Coronavirus lockdown, closures, and how our local surf community and businesses are doing, CLICK HERE

Travel along the California coast to surf Big Malibu as Dewey Weber, Miki Dora, Lance Carson and the local boyz strut their stuff on the wave they all claimed, that stretch of sand along Pacific Coast highway called Surfrider Beach. Hear a new original score that will take you back to a time when the beaches were pure and the waves were always breaking- surf music that makes you long for the Rendezvous’ Ballroom, laying down the line for the “Surfer’s Stomp!”

Surfing bioluminescent waves at Venice Beach during May 2020. Filmed By Cameron Chacker

Latest Update was 5:00 PM 5-18-2020.
As of now, this is an on-going story. Newest updates are added as they come in, scroll down for all the updates as they are posted in chronological order.




Around 3:40pm, LA County Lifeguards responded to a call, a large group of swimmers got pulled out by the strong rip current. Lifeguards made contact with a number of the swimmers, but one did submerge. They are searching for an adult male.

LA CO Fire Dept reports were that they evaluated a 10 year old boy after lifeguards rescued him from the water and are currently searching for his father who remained missing as of 5:30 p.m



Around 3:40 p.m, scanners picked up reports of "lifeguards responding to a reported missing swimmer in Venice Beach. Section 3, Area 23, LR200. Dive 1 also on scene."

Live footage of the search was posted to our Instagram Story as it was happening.


"Lifeguards are conducting Line Searches throughout the surf zone. Dive 1 is Conducting subsurface searches with support from Baywatch Del Rey. LA County Fire Air Ops Copter 12 is conducting an aerial search. Location is Ketch Tower in Venice Beach."

Statement from LA Fire Dept: (LA County Lifeguards) requested LAFD medical support in their search for two reported missing swimmers. One 10yo male was located, evaluated and did not require transport to the hospital. LA County Lifeguard is leading the continuing search for the 2nd swimmer, reported to be the adult father of the 1st patient. LAFD is on medical standby only. All further questions are referred to LA County Lifeguards ; FS 63; Batt 4; West Bureau; Council District 11; E63 RA63; CH4; Margaret Stewart

The Coast Guard stated they "are currently searching for missing 39-year-old man off the coast of Venice Beach."

SECT3 reports the search for the missing person continues from the air, surface, and underwater. Water is 15-30’ deep with a north facing lateral current at 4 mph. Swells still 5-6’

"There was a large rescue of 6+ people shortly before. I watched the whole thing, but still don’t understand exactly what happened. It happened so quickly." commented witness Rhiannon Dourado.

*Update* As of 7:30PM subsurface searches have been suspended for the evening.
Lifeguards will continue periodic land based patrols throughout the area. Dive and Sonar search operations will resume at 7:00AM tomorrow.




UPDATE 5-18-2020, 10:30 AM
Lifeguards resumed Sub-surface Dive operations at 7:00AM

#VeniceIC *Update* @LACoLifeguards and @SEBLASD
resumed Sub-surface Dive operations at 0700. @LACoLifeguards Marine Technical Search Team is working with Baywatch Del Rey to conduct side scanning sonar of the area. pic.twitter.com/MQfg3NFjQU

— LACoFD Lifeguards (@LACoLifeguards) May 18, 2020

The missing swimmer is said to be Former WWE star Shad Gaspard, who is 39 years old. Gaspard was swimming with his 10-year-old son who was rescued and unharmed.



Gaspard's wife posted this to her Instagram story:




UPDATE 5-18-2020, 1:30 PM
Reports came in that at approximately 12:30PM, the search has been stopped.

"We had one of our lifeguards go out to make a double rescue of a father and a son. The father unfortunately got pushed down by a wave as they were getting pulled out of the current. The lifeguard rescued and grabbed the boy, the son, and tried to grab the father as well. He ended up getting pushed down by a wave and we couldn't find him and we immediately started with our rescue boats, called in additional lifeguards to search that location of his dad." - Kenichi Haskett, Los Angeles County Fire Dept Lifeguard Division.


UPDATE 5-18-2020, 5:00 PM
“Every effort will be made to locate this gentleman, he is somebody's family member, and we all have family, so we will not rest until we feel that every effort has been made to locate him,” said Deputy Trina Schrader of the Los Angeles Sheriff Department Monday.

As we first reported via our Instagram Story, a bunch of people showed up today (Saturday, May 9th) at the entrance to the Santa Monica Pier to protest. Adults of all ages, a lot of kids, held signs and waved flags. And some girls who were there twerking for the cause.

Most were protesting California's quarantine closures, some were protesting the vaccine companies. And about three were there to sell hats and masks.

The lady on the bullhorn running the circus made it known to all that she is from San Diego and she is a big protester who is facing jail time down there.

For more of our coverage of the Coronavirus lockdown, closures, and how our local surf community and businesses are doing, CLICK HERE

Yet another change in the plans of reopening LA beaches.

Now Los Angeles County public health officials said that they will "use this weekend to test whether people can obey loosened stay-at-home directives before deciding whether to lift some coastal restrictions next week."

“We are going to pay a lot of attention to how well we all do this weekend in terms of being able to comply with the directives,” Barbara Ferrer, director of Los Angeles County’s Department of Public Health, said during her daily coronavirus briefing on Friday.

"If things go well," she added, "officials might relax more rules next week."

“We’re looking forward to hopefully getting there by next week.”

This damn lady is always giving vague answers about this.

Basically, they are going to see how well people on the reopened hiking trials follow the rules. The whole keeping six feet from others, no large groups, and that everyone wears a face covering.

For more of our coverage of the Coronavirus lockdown, closures, and how our local surf community and businesses are doing, CLICK HERE

Here's today update:

"We don't want a stampede to the beaches," said Nicole Mooradian, public information officer for L.A. County's Department of Beaches and Harbors, on Friday. "Right now we're planning for Wednesday."

What she really means is that the first phase of reopening the beaches might start next week.

There are 4 phases for reopening LA County beaches:

Phase one: gatherings beyond household members are prohibited. Surfing, running, walking and solo activities are allowed. No chairs, umbrellas or tents. Phase one lasts approximately six weeks and includes Memorial Day weekend.

Phase two: gatherings beyond household members are still prohibited, but chairs and umbrellas would be allowed. There’s a possibility, though, beaches would close for the Fourth of July weekend.

Phase three: small gatherings would be allowed, volleyball courts would open and film permits enabled.

Phase four: large gatherings would be permitted, with normal operation resumed.


She goes on to add that the first phase of the beaches reopening may last "about six weeks, but it could be shorter and it could be longer." She gives no clear reason for this, she just said, "It just depends on how many people come, and what the attendance looks like."

"We want people to wear masks when they're not in the water," Mooradian said.


But remember, mayors can cockblock the reopening.

For more of our coverage of the Coronavirus lockdown, closures, and how our local surf community and businesses are doing, CLICK HERE

Topanga - Photo: Six12 Media

It appears they are making changes daily about the reopening of beaches in LA. Here's today update:

Today, the Los Angeles County’s public health director Barbara Ferrer claims she is close to approving a phased plan for opening county beaches, paving the way for renewed public access to the coastline as early as next week. The Los Angeles Department of Beaches and Harbors is preparing for that possibility, with the most likely opening date being Friday, May 15.

Carol Baker, from the county Department of Beaches and Harbors said she she was “under the impression” the plan was close to complete. “As of now, we have not received a final word on when the beaches will open,” she added. “We’re preparing for as soon as next week.”

So basically, the Department of Beaches and Harbors and the Los Angeles County’s public health director are NOT working together, since neither knows what the other is actually doing.

Santa Monica officials have been getting ready for a potential early opening of beaches, but said they are doing everything in lockstep with the county.

“We have this limited reopening next week with all water sports involved,” said Manhattan Beach Mayor Richard Montgomery. All restrooms at beaches will be open and county staff will be in charge of frequent cleaning, Montgomery said. The concrete areas above the sand will also off limits. That means no pedestrians or cyclists on bike paths, the Strand or Esplanade.

Officials with Hermosa Beach, which also owns its beach, have said they will follow suit with whatever restrictions the county makes.

The draft plan that has been released (but still needs "additional tweaking") on reopening LA County beaches is as follows:

Phase one: gatherings beyond household members are prohibited. Surfing, running, walking and solo activities are allowed. No chairs, umbrellas or tents. Phase one lasts approximately six weeks and includes Memorial Day weekend.

Phase two: gatherings beyond household members are still prohibited, but chairs and umbrellas would be allowed. There’s a possibility, though, beaches would close for the Fourth of July weekend.

Phase three: small gatherings would be allowed, volleyball courts would open and film permits enabled.

Phase four: large gatherings would be permitted, with normal operation resumed.



For more of our coverage of the Coronavirus lockdown, closures, and how our local surf community and businesses are doing, CLICK HERE

As we reported two weeks ago , the renegade crew at Mt Baldy reopened their lifts for skiing and snowboarding, offering up some prime spring conditions. Slushy goodness. They did enforced some strict social distancing rules, and only allowing a limited amount of people on hill.

Sunday was their closing day, making it one of their latest closing days ever.

"That’s a wrap on the 2019/20 snow season. Needless to say it was one for the record books, opening day was November 30 after a big Thanksgiving Day storm followed up by another massive post Christmas Day dump. For the next 16 weeks we had great coverage on Thunder Mountain, a few weeks of snow to the parking lot and several laps on #4 before closing 3/20/2020 due to an escalating COVID-19 virus outbreak."

"On behalf of ‘The Most Solid Crew Any Mountain Has Ever Had’ I’d like to thank you all for treating our operating plan with the respect that it deserved. Those 11 days of lapping Thunder Mountain could not have happened if everyone didn’t do their part." - Mt Baldy

Hamboards' team rider, Frankie Seely wrote about her experience surfing the wave ranch and the story of her video: “Experience the Dream".

The Project
When I first spoke to Donnie about the project, I was driving back to class from a surf session at Seaside Reef, San Diego. I distinctly remember talking about how crowded the spot was and how we could use that as a way to showcase the surf skate product “Hamboards” and maybe an idea for a women's film festival. We spoke about having a surf session at the ranch, we wanted to emphasize the idea of my own “private wave”.

The premise would be about a California girl frustrated with the overcrowded beaches of California, after a frustrating surf session she drifts off to sleep. In her “dream” the girl goes into a trance where she surfs the wave pool trying out different equipment, different crafts, and maneuvers. She is having the time of her life surfing perfect waves at Kelly Slater's Wave pool, smiling from ear to ear until she wakes up. After she realizes that her experience was “just a dream” she goes outside to skate with her friends creating her own “ private wave”.

The Logistics
I didn’t know the logistics if this project would happen because Kelly Slater's Wave Pool is a very coveted location and only a select group of either wealthy people or pro surfers have access to. We confirmed our schedule time at Kelly Slater's wave pool only a couple months down the line after our first conversation. I was ecstatic, I couldn’t believe that I was going to a place that seemed out of my reach at the time. I have watched endless videos about this wave since Kelly documented his first ride on the wave machine. I did not contain my excitement when I found out I was going to the pool.

A couple weeks down the line, I had heard there was a chance that we could not go on the ranch or we might need to go next time. I was somewhat disappointed but miraculously we were able to figure out a new time to go to the ranch. Again all of the excited emotions came rushing back. I bragged to my friends about it after of course, r I found out that the appointment to the wave ranch was one hundred percent confirmed. I felt like the most blessed human, I felt like I could dance all night when I received the confirmation from the ranch. I can say without hesitation that surfing is an addiction. The Trip

I remember that it was only a couple weeks after my birthday when we got to the ranch. It took my dad and I around three hours to get there from my house in Topanga, California. I could not sleep the night before, it didn't seem like it was real or it felt like I was going on a remote trip. We drove inland which seemed like to be in the middle of nowhere. I could see small towns, country towns, and ranches as I went from county to county. The air was dry and cold, it almost felt like I was heading to snowboard in Mammoth instead of going surfing .

I fell asleep for most of the car ride because of my restless night and before I knew it we were driving into the town of Lemoore. As we checked into the hotel, I noticed that the hotel was also a “native american themed” casino. The hotel was decorated as if we were in a history museum mixed with a dave and busters, those two styles of decor and architecture do not mix well together in my opinion. I remember the smell in the casino, a potent mixture of cigarettes and booze.

My dad thought that we should explore the casino since we got to the hotel earlier than expected. We walked around and noticed that the meals were fairly cheap, there were a lot of people of hispanic descent, and the tension was extremely high. This casino wasn’t glamorous like Las Vegas in the Bellagio, this place looked like a place of desperation. I saw people clinging onto the slots as if they blew their last bit of their savings away .

The casino didn’t feel like entertainment instead the slots seemed like a necessity. I couldn't watch it anymore , I had to go to sleep because we had to be at the ranch at 6 am sharp the next morning. Somehow I fell fast asleep.

The Ranch
I woke up to a foggy morning, I got out of bed as fast as I could and I shook my dad to get up. We rushed out of the hotel as fast as we could down to the lobby, into the car, and on the road in a matter of minutes. We didn’t realize how close the surf ranch was to the hotel, we waited for twenty minutes in the car before we started to see more cars showing up. It felt like a dream, everything was very hazy and fog was hovering over the ground. The Surf Ranch looked like a small modern cabin like a country club and it felt like it too.

As we walked through the doors all I could see were rows of firewire surfboards from one side of the room to the other in between the lockers with our names on each one. We walked through the first room and into the second room which had a T.V and a catering set up on the side table. The table had the most elegant looking avocado toast I have ever seen, beautifully executed with other snacks like hummus, coffee, and fruit. It was one of the best hospitality I have ever experienced, better than the four seasons, the hilton, the estancia hotel, and the ritz carlton.

This hospitality was at one hundred percent, the staff told us what to expect while surfing, showed us the jacuzzi, jam room for playing music, and they were always around to answer questions. The curation of design at the Ranch was amazing, it had country vibes with mid century modern elements in the architecture. Everything seemed perfectly placed and everyone's stoke level was off the charts.

The Wave
The wave itself looked fake , it was something we would day dream about during class or when the waves are flat. I have never seen perfection in a wave like this, no ripples and completely glassy. During the first morning session the fog was starting to disappear which gave a luminous color from the sun peeking through the fog and glistening onto the water. It looked like we had just found paradise despite the extremely cold weather. I was grouped with three people on one side of the pool while the other three were located on the other side of the pool.

I was grouped with two frothy groms which wasn't ideal but fortunately I could keep up with them. We went back and forth for an hour, I switched off with as many boards as I could. I went from a shortboard, to a fish, to a longboard, to a fun board because I wanted to make the most out of this opportunity. I wanted to get the most footage and utilize my time at the ranch as best as I could hour to hour.


The way the wave is set up is that each person gets a chance to surf from one end of the pool starting at a colored flag to another colored flag then the next person goes or each person gets two waves per session all the way from one side to the other.Our group chose to split the waves so we all could have more time surfing and to have less risks of messing up a perfect wave at Kelly Slater's Wave Pool. I caught so many waves that day but my best session was my last when I got the wave more dialed in.



What people don’t understand when they first get on their first wave is that it is not like the ocean, every area is calculated like the tube section. Naturally, surfers are used to figuring out what type of section will be next in order to carry out a maneuver. When surfing the wave pool, each section is already there and there's no need to look for “the barrel section” or “ when to turn '' because it is the same every time just like a skate park.

After a long four hours of surfing the wave pool I felt one of the happiest I have felt in a long time with non stop waves for 4 hours to myself. I remember my smile going from ear to ear after I caught my last wave in during sunset hour. After the group left the pool, we had an amazing dinner to top off an amazing day. I played the guitar while eating some cookies with the group, we said our goodbyes, and we were off to a long three hour drive but this experience was something I’ll never forget.

Frankie has a new blog, check it out: the front half

L.A. County Director of Public Health Dr. Barbara Ferrer said at a news conference on Tuesday that L.A. County beaches, which have been closed since March 27, will reopen “soon.” She kept very vague about the reopening of the beaches. The existing health officer order closing the beaches expires on May 15.

Ferrer said her department has been “working hard” with the mayors of beach cities and L.A. County Beaches and Harbors.

“I think we’ll have a plan that will have our beaches reopen safe,” she said. Noting that the county’s beach city mayors have been working with beaches and harbors staff and have “created some documents that we are reviewing at the public health department. These are consensus documents and we think they look great.”

Ferrer said those documents “will give us the ability to have a road map for safely reopening county beaches here in L.A. County.” But Ferrer refuses to mention any timeline for the reopening L.A. County beaches.

San Diego was able to reopen their beaches. Orange County and Ventura were able to as well. Those beaches reopened with health guidelines in place, but looks like this Ferrer lady needs more time to come up with her own guidelines for LA beaches.



For more of our coverage of the Coronavirus lockdown, closures, and how our local surf community and businesses are doing, CLICK HERE

Yesterday, San Clemente and Laguna were allowed to re-open.

Today, the tantrum throwing governor of California is allowing 3 more cities to reopen their beaches.

The cities of Huntington Beach, Dana Point and Seal Beach can now reopen their respective beaches with modifications to protect public health and avoid crowding.

Huntington Beach outlined the following specific regulations for beachgoers:

- Local beaches will be open from 5 a.m. - 10 p.m.
- Only "active recreation activities" are allowed, including walking, running, hiking and bicycle riding
- Physical distancing must be practiced
- The ocean will be open to swimming, surfing and other water activities
- Huntington Beach Pier, beach playgrounds and picnic areas will remain off-limits
- The following Huntington Harbor beaches will remain closed: Davenport Beach, Humboldt Beach, Trinidad Beach, Seabridge Park Beach

Under the modifications, "passive games," loitering, sunbathing and any gathering of people, except when with those in your immediate household, are prohibited.

For more of our coverage of the Coronavirus lockdown, closures, and how our local surf community and businesses are doing, CLICK HERE

This is a photo take today over Huntington Beach. Photo: Chris Cristi from the ABC helicopter


Gov. Gavin Newsom closed beaches in Orange County on Thursday, overriding some local officials who had rejected his pleas to limit access as the coronavirurs continues to spread throughout the state.

Yesterday, news "leaked" that a memo to the state's police chiefs was sent indicating that Govenor Newsom was preparing to close all beaches in the state of California.

This was all because last weekend, images of large crowds at Newport and Huntington made global headlines and that made Newsom mad.


Newport Beach, Friday, April 24. Photo: Chris Cristi from the ABC helicopter
Newsom said those packed beaches were “disturbing" and makes it more difficult for him to consider relaxing the state's mandatory stay-at-home order.

“The only thing that will delay it is more weekends like last weekend," he roared. “Let's not see that happen.”

Both Newport and Huntington responded with statements via social media that the crowds were not what all the photos and videos depicted, claiming the images were shot with telephotos lens and other trickery. Newsome didn't buy it.

San Diego beaches opened this week, but with restrictions. Officials are allowing walking, jogging, swimming, single-person paddle boarding and kayaking, and of course, surfing. Stopping, sitting, or lying down on the beach is banned. Good thing SUP'ing is allowed, now the head of the WSL could go out and get some, instead of thinking up more lame ass WSL reality shows.

A statement from Newsom's office called restrictions like that “responsible strategies to allow residents to recreate in coastal areas.”


San Diego on April 27. Photo: K.C. Alfred

San Diego beaches were saved from the Gov's new closure order.

Kevin Faulconer, the mayor of San Diego, took to Twitter to announce the news: "Great news: the Governor heard us. San Diego beaches WILL STAY OPEN under our plan approved by lifeguards and health officials. In a time of great crisis we don't need knee-jerk policies. We need to keep a steady hand. It’s the only way to keep the public’s trust. Keep it up, SD!"

“We are hopeful that Orange County can work with us to apply a similar approach,” the Governor's Office said in a news release.

So around noon today, Newsom ended up limiting the new order to just Orange County beaches.

“Governor Newsom just doesn't seem to get it,” said Republican state Sen. John Moorlach, a former Orange County Supervisor who represents the area in the state Legislature. “We need to trust people. If our citizens exercise proper social distancing, then we should allow access to the beaches.”

“Every local law enforcement entity found last weekend’s beach usage in Orange County to be in compliance with social distancing. Yet King Gavin decided press stories were more worthy of trust than law enforcement. I guess we should not be surprised,” read a statement from OC GOP Chairman Fred Whitaker.

OC Sheriff Don Barnes said enforcing the beach closure is tricky, especially because officials didn’t have the written order Thursday afternoon.

Barnes said sheriff deputies will be looking for “voluntary compliance” on the beach closures, like they do with the existing stay home orders that shut down non-essential businesses like bars, nightclubs, concert halls, sports arenas and movie theaters.

“My responsibility, as the County Sheriff, is to protect lives and property and also while preserving the Constitutional rights of the residents of Orange County. And in that, there’s a balancing test,” Barnes said at the Thursday news conference.

He said the department will focus on educating residents about the beach closures in a light-handed approach to enforcement.

“From an enforcement component, I have no desire to enforce any aspect of that through arrest. We have various other aspects we are dealing with going forward.”

Tonight, the Huntington Beach City Council voted during an emergency session to seek an injunction against Gov. Gavin Newsom’s order to close Orange County beaches. The governor ordered Orange County beaches closed on Thursday despite opposition from local leaders who argue they should decide whether it’s safe to hit the sand.


And what about Ventura?


Photo: @CountyVentura

"Despite some of the headlines Ventura County beaches were not packed last weekend", the Ventura County Twitter account stated. "Shout out to our community for following the rules and for the hard work of all police agencies throughout coastal cities. VC you are helping stop the spread of COVID-19"

Ventura has “keep moving” guidelines at their beaches. If you head to the beach you can only walk, run, swim or surf. You cannot sit or sunbathe. Parking and bathrooms remain closed.

"Soft closures at County of Ventura, City of Port Hueneme, City of Oxnard and City of Ventura Beaches. Walking, running, swimming, surfing all good but hanging on the beach is not permitted. Basically, you must keep moving. No sunbathing, chairs, blankets, coolers, sun shade umbrellas. You must keep moving. Please follow social distancing guidance. Please enjoy the weekend safely. Our Deputies and law enforcement throughout the County are on watch."

Meanwhile, all of our Los Angeles beaches remain closed.



For more of our coverage of the Coronavirus lockdown, closures, and how our local surf community and businesses are doing, CLICK HERE

Back in October, a young, blonde powerhouse began showing up in the Venice lineup. The adorable goofy-foot with a backhand smack began turning heads up and down the beach prompting people to ask “Who’s that?!?”

We chatted with 17 year-old Rubiana (Rubi) Brownell to find out.

By Nicole Lynch

Where are you from and what brings you to Venice?

I was born in Santa Monica, and then my family moved to Costa Rica when I was four. I basically grew up there, so I consider myself to be from Costa Rica. I moved to Venice in October of last year. My dad works here and I do a lot of competing in Southern California and I needed to get used to the waves, so I used this as an opportunity to come here and train.

Photo: Six12 Media

When did you start competing? How long have you been competing on the QS?

When I was like 13 years old, so about four years ago. I started doing the QS like 2 years ago. When I first started on the national circuit in Costa Rica I was doing well, so moving on the QS was the next step. I got into it pretty smoothly and easily.

Rubiana is 5x Costa Rican National Champion.

So you like competing?

Yeah, for sure! For me more than anything just being a good surfer is my main goal, I care about that more than results. But competing really motivates me. Getting to travel around, you make the closest friendships with people from completely different parts of the world you would never go to. So it’s really cool at such a young age to have that experience while trying to make a career out of it.

When did you learn to surf?

I learned when I was 12. I have a brother who is six years older than me (Indy Brownell), and when my dad had kids his goal was to make sure his kids surfed. But me and my brother, neither of us wanted to – hahah! So he had to get my brother into it first, and that took a while, and then it was my turn. I didn’t want to but after like two months of hardcore surfing I fell in love with it and now I’m more grateful for that than anything.

Haha, so dad had to drag you to the beach?

Yep! It was easier for me than my brother, there was a part of me that just wanted to please him and make him happy. But it was a struggle at first, a lot of frustrating sessions. I was scared of the ocean even on an one foot day! A perfect little beach break and I was terrified of it, so it took a while. But I’m so so grateful for that. I wouldn’t be the same person if I didn’t surf.

You didn’t start surfing until you were 12, at what point did you realize you’ve got talent?

My dad could tell right away. It really helped having him and my older brother around, just catching white water, they would tell me exactly what I needed to do differently and were able to shape my style. So it happened within the first few months for sure.

Your dad (Trey Brownell) rips too.

He grew up in Florida with no waves, and at 15 he moved here to LA. He didn’t start competing until he was an adult. He competed for a few years, won some national contests, some WSA events and was even on US Team for two years. Then he had to find a different career to support his family.


"There's only one way to leave the beach. Tired, hungry, one shade tanner, two shades blonder and with Champ." Rubi and her father, Trey in Costa Rica. Photo: Avellanas Surf Photos

Who are your mentors/ heroes?

My older brother is definitely one of my mentors. He taught me as much as my dad and still pushes me every day. My favorite pros are Sally Fitzgibbons, her attitude towards everything and how motivated she is just being an athlete is super inspirational. Mick Fanning is my other favorite surfer. The bottom turn to front-side top-turn combos, it’s incredible. Even though they’re both regular foots I study their surfing more than anybody else.


"An unforgettable two months spent on double sessions, turning the little blonde thing into a ripper" - Indigo Brownell

I overheard one of the old timers saying you have one of the best backhands he has ever seen surfed at the pier.

Aww ☺

Do you prefer going front or backside?

Backside for sure! I mean, it depends on what kind of waves I’m surfing. I really struggle with barrels backside, but when it’s just turns then backside for sure! Caroline Marks is insane.

What does your quiver look like?

I’m riding a combination of Losts and boards from my local shaper in Costa Rica called Global Surfboards. 5’6” thrusters

Photo: Six12 Media

What other kinds of training are you doing?

I have a personal trainer who sends me workouts online. I do that three or four times a week. Weight training and being overall more in shape is one of my goals.

What about an air game? Is that something you’ll be looking to incorporate into your regimen?

Yeah, it’s something I’ve had a hard time with. When I’m back home my brother really gives me a hard time about that. We argue about it, but we’ve decided that he’s better at airs and barrels and I’m better at everything else. We push each other. Now that I’ve got some time off from contests it’s definitely something I want to focus on.

Photo: Six12 Media

What has it been like navigating sponsors?

It’s hard, especially being from Costa Rica, it’s a place where it’s really hard to get sponsors from the US. I’m super grateful for O’Neill and Monster. I’ve also had a ton of support from local sponsors in Costa Rica. Pimienta Verde Organic Market and Mermaids and Sailors in Tamarindo, I’m very grateful.

You were due to compete in a QS 3000 in Barbados before Coronavirus hit. What’s the plan now?

All the contests got cancelled through the end of May and potentially longer. The plan was to go home, but then the borders got closed so now we’re just chilling here. We’ll see.



Where are your favorite spots here in Cali?

That’s really tough. I honestly like the waves in Nor Cal, Pleasure Point and Morro Bay. In So Cal, I guess Lowers has to be my favorite wave. And the Venice Pier is definitely my favorite every day spot. Surfing here has helped me so much! Learning how to surf one peak with a crowd. I have to be more alert and position myself properly. Learning how to surf close-outs, surfing a wave where you have to make your own speed in a small section. It’s been a process, it’s been a frustrating five-months but feels really really good to finally be improving on it and I think it’s going to really help me when I travel. Yeah this place is special for sure!




Photos: Six12 Media