Stacy Peralta, legendary figure of the Dogtown skateboard scene, has shifted his focus to the quieter side of surfing, embracing lesser-known waves that often go unnoticed by the mainstream surf community. While iconic surf spots like Trestles, Pipeline, and Malibu are revered for their perfect conditions, Peralta’s approach is different—he seeks out waves that are “good enough” and often overlooked, offering a reprieve from the overcrowded lineups that dominate the sport.
Having grown up in the competitive, often gritty surf culture of Santa Monica and Pacific Ocean Park Pier, Peralta now lives along a more tranquil coastline. This change of pace allows him to surf at spots that may not boast world-class waves but offer solitude and freedom from the pressures of busy surf scenes. For him, the tradeoff is simple: fewer surfers and the opportunity for a more personal connection to the sport.
“I foil because I wanted to learn foiling, but what I love about it the most is that it got me completely away from crowds,” Peralta explains. “I can ride waves that surfers don’t want. And I can have the most epic time on waves surfers don’t want. That’s the best part about it.”
While many surfers, including myself, often look at foil boards with skepticism due to their bulky equipment and growing presence in the lineup, Peralta offers a refreshing perspective. He sees foiling as a way to carve out space where others aren’t. “If they’re out there in the lineup with me, I feel like I might as well paddle in,” I confess. Peralta quickly counters, emphasizing that he avoids crowding other surfers. “I don’t do that to surfers. That’s not cool. If they’re going in and hogging it all up for you, that’s not cool at all.”
His approach to surf etiquette extends beyond gear. Peralta admits that he purposely seeks out surf spots with low crowds, avoiding the bustling point breaks that draw large crowds. “One of the reasons I live where I live is because we don’t have any point breaks here,” he shares, pointing out that the lack of renowned surf spots in his area helps maintain a quieter, more intimate surf experience. “The surf’s not great, but it’s good enough. And there’s no crowds.”
Peralta’s philosophy of seeking “good-enough” waves resonates with surfers looking for peace rather than perfection. “Go to the place that maybe doesn’t have the best, but it has the fewest people,” he advises, reflecting on the idea that solitude often leads to a richer, more fulfilling surf experience.
This perspective on surfing aligns with the broader trend of surfers seeking less crowded and more accessible spots. Peralta’s story is a reminder that surfing isn’t always about chasing the perfect wave; sometimes it’s about finding a space where the sport can be enjoyed without the pressure of competition or overcrowding.
He shares a memorable story from fellow surfer Sam George, who experienced the overwhelming crowds during a massive swell in LA a few years ago. George recounted how he had to dodge surfers throughout the entire ride, which ultimately ruined what could have been the wave of his life. “He could have walked on surfers from the shore all the way outside,” Peralta recalls, “but he ended up dodging people on the wave, and by the end of it, he paddled in and went home.”
In the face of increasing surf innovations, including foiling, Peralta believes these changes will continue to shape the sport in new ways. “We can do it in a lot of unsuspecting places now,” he says, noting that the evolution of surf technology opens up new opportunities for those willing to seek out quieter waves.
Peralta’s advice is simple: embrace the less-than-perfect waves and take a step back from the crowded, competitive spots. Whether it’s a smaller, colder peak or a quieter stretch of coastline, sometimes the greatest joy in surfing comes from the solitude that allows surfers to truly connect with the sport in peace.
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