Craig Anderson, rock-hop in Southern CA

Lowers has been firing. And, keen viewers will notice, that the above photograph was not taken at Lowers. Why do we even mention Lowers? ‘Cause  it’s been on, lit up by a swell that tracked across the Pacific. But, Lowers ain’t the only place that lights up. Southern California can be a hotbed if you know where to look. Add in a desire to escape crowds, and you’ve got the basis for a little strike mission. Photog Quinn Matthews knows where to look and took some talent to a less-populated spot. “Craig Anderson (pictured), Warren Smith, Kenny Hurtado and I have been shooting the past two days at a left reef break,” says Quinn. “We attempted to avoid the crowds of Lowers and find some waves that didn’t feel manufactured identically over and over like Lowers. Its been a battle against the tides, but there have been moments between the wind and clouds that came with that swell that tracked across the pacific.” All the clouds have silver linings!