Sometimes I wish I were born a surfer for then I’d think nothing of going to the beach. It would be a reflex, a habit ingrained to connect with the Earth, so necessary to maintaining our wellbeing. Feeling the sand between the toes, the waves crashing at my feet, I am instantly grounded, present in the moment. Nothing else matters, especially when it’s high tide and there’s just a wall of rocks standing between you and the water: To brave the surf or clamber up to safety?
Ordinarily, when I’m feeling so-so, I have to remind myself to take a time out with a barefoot beach walk. And there’s no better place than Malibu to get grounded and feel good.
West Carbon Beach, accessible from the Pacific Coast Highway, is a beautiful stretch of coastline within reach of Malibu Pier (its Malibu Farm café is open from 8am). This morning, we were there with the birds and the surfers, and even did a bit of rock climbing.
Marina Chetner 