ELTIPS PSP AV R T

The road signs are like miniature surfboards – and there is a lot more to love in this Southern California town lying on a stunning stretch of the Pacific coastline.

But surf comes first. So it’s only right that after a brief kickabout with a football on the huge beach in the afternoon sunshine, me and my son Ted decide to jump right in.

In April the sea hasn’t quite warmed up and the first tentative steps (him) and mad macho dash (me) are accompanied by squeals and yowls.

The water’s fine once you’ve been bashed about by those rollers as we’re spun and sideswiped on our bodyboards while experts fly across the surface on surfboards in the shadow of the pier.

The power of the water is terrifying, whipping your legs from under you as you battle to reach the point when you can zip back in on a wave. But boy it’s worth it.

We finally emerge s haken, stirred, salty and highfiving. No wonder they call this place Surf City – officially recognised after a 2004 battle with Californian rival Santa Cruz to trademark the name. But Huntington also JACK’S Surfboards on Main Street has heaps of hip and cheap gear to test those waves. UNUSUALLY for the US you could survive without a car for a few days here. Otherwise, plan your rental. SNEAK a peek at the parking lots east of the pier to see some jaw-dropping recreational vehicles, some the size of a small village.