Sittin’ On Top of the World

It was 1963 when the Beach Boys reminded us that all we needed was the ocean and a surf board and we’d be riding high. Now, nearly 60 years later, California’s Encinitas Lions help those with vision impairment feel the thrill of catching a wave.

Every year for more than 25 years (with the exception of 2020) Lions act as chauffeurs, pay for state lifeguards, rent the beach, and partner with San Diego’s nonprofit Urban Surf 4 Kids to provide instructions and water safety to visually impaired and blind surfers ranging in age from 7 to 70.

The Lions all look forward to this once-a-year day at the beach. “It’s California,” says Event Chair Bob Mangini. And who has ever known a bad day surfing in California.