How many of you guys actually see the ocean everyday? Does waking up to it get boring/not exciting after awhile?

[Matadora]

Originally Posted by BayAreaHillbilly

I've been on and in the ocean from the equator to the sub polar areas.
Everything is a unique experience. The tropics feature good visibility but are less rich in plankton and upwelling is less pronounced. It's a trade off. I can enjoy a kelp forest just like I can enjoy coral in 85 degree water.

Plankton? I would not go scuba diving to see plankton. I observed plenty of beautiful underwater life and plants when I scuba dived in Kauai and Belize. Some of the best you can see...no wet-suit required.

Originally Posted by BayAreaHillbilly

BTW - it is a big misconception that a wet suit is mandatory for all water activities in CA even in Nor Cal.

I guess you will have to take this up with the person who made that claim.

Originally Posted by BayAreaHillbilly

For diving, yeah, you need it, because you are below the mixed layer and at times below the thermocline. For surfing you need it because there are stretches where you are in the water (at least partially) and not moving all that much, waiting for a set. Also, the wet suit is protection in a wipe out. However, for open water swimming, a wet suit is definitely an individual thing. I've never used one for open water swimming, even in places north of the Bay Area.

Yep just as I was saying...you need one here in my neck of the woods when you scuba dive, jet ski or to just want enjoy a nice swim.

[Hawk J]

Originally Posted by Tulemutt

Yes! They also use if for relieving themselves!

Great Whites hate little brown logs (t**ds) in the water.....

[Matadora]

I could never get tired of this view!

[tikkasf]

I just have to walk to the street corner and look west and there is SF Ocean Beach not all that far away. Problem is, in northern half CA, living where you can see the ocean every day....means not being able to see the sun every day due to often overcast weather

[sav858]

Originally Posted by Ruth4Truth

But in the tropics, it's too warm to cool you off. The point is to relieve the heat of the day by swimming or splashing around.

Not really, I've always found the water in Hawaii refreshing and cooling. The water in NorCal just numbs you and puts you into a quasi-hypothermic shock lol.

[spoonman1]

I lived in San Diego and went years at a time without going to the beach. People seem to think everyone in California hangs out at the beach all the time, but it's not true for most people. The traffic, parking, and hordes of people deter many from going. That and there are tons of other things to do.

[radiolibre99]

When I first moved to LA I couldn't get enough of the ocean. It never got old, except for the traffic and congestion and the parking in Venice sucks. So while my passion for the beach waned, my passion for the inland grew. CA has some underrated inland countryside that's just as breathtaking as the oceans. Now I spend most of my time looking for less well known less trendy places in CA. Instead of Nappa, I go to Temecula. Amazing town. I go to Solvang or some of the wineries out in santa clarita. I go to Newhall where the cowboy festival is. I mean I just love it.

[T. Damon]

We are in a neighborhood a couple of miles from the bay and ocean, and while we can no longer see it from our house (used to have a peek view, but trees have grown- could still see it from the roof) but the ocean is easily seen from several streets adjacent to us down a view corridor to it and Mexico and I love the strong geographical context of the edge of the continent and the vastness of the largest ocean just down the hill from me.

I also work very close to the ocean and can see it from during my lunch break walks up in the hills just above it. I used to go rough water swimming very regularly in La Jolla Cove which I never took for granted- it is just freaking awesome and magical- sharks, seals, sea lions, dolphins, rays and schools of fish and the power of Mother Pacific all around you!- but I'm not much of a hang out at the beach for a whole day and rot in the sand kind of guy. More of a semi-regular visitor and swimmer, but I experience and appreciate the qualities of living next to the ocean every day. Just driving home from work and seeing the cruise ships, cargo ships and Navy ships cruise in in and out of the bay and out into the ocean as I loop into downtown and then into my neighborhood is a very cool thing.

[SandyCo]

I hardly ever go to the beach. I've driven along the coast a lot (I much prefer the 101 over the 5 even if it's a longer route), but I'm definitely more of a mountain person. I often wonder how I'd feel if I hadn't grown up here and lived in relatively close proximity to the ocean my entire life, but even going to the beach can be annoying - find a place to park, hope you don't burn your feet as sand gets into your sandals, lug your cooler, towels, umbrella, etc. across a long expanse of sand, choose a spot close to the ocean but not too close... And then for me, because I have very fair skin, slather on the sunscreen, wear a hat, and even then I still burn as my clothing shifts when I'm building a sand castle, etc. (I don't mean to be such a downer here, but obviously the beach isn't for everyone!)

However, I do have some lovely memories of my family and I enjoying Laguna Beach a long time ago. I went back a couple of years ago, and my favorite part of the day was sitting in quiet contemplation on a bench overlooking the beach and ocean from high above it all. I've been thinking of spending a vacation day there again later this summer.

[sourdough]

Originally Posted by I Love Buildings

Two different questions.

How many of you get to see the ocean everyday? and for those live in a coastal property with ocean views, does the magic ever wear off?

I do everyday I'm in town. Everyday is different. An ocean view is never boring. It's a mystery to me why we build structures blocking access and views. IMO one of the reasons we have become so disconnected to the oceans health. It puts it over there, behind all the manmade stuff. Which must be of greater value. A true shame as watching the sunset is priceless. BTW, sometimes I set on the porch and watch the sunset. I notice before sunset, groups of people walking toward the beach zombie like. I never see groups returning after the sunsets.
I just returned from several days in the Sierra's around Mono County. I admit enjoying the mountains more.
And if I wasn't where I am, I'd be where I was.