Massive South Swell hits San Diego 07042009 Surfing Photos by John Cocozza Photography
Out of Respect to the Locals this spot in San Diego will go un-named.
If You Don't Where It Is ? The Locals would say, " Thats cause you don't belong here? "
The reason being? Cause they don't need a kook paddling out somewhere they don't belong. Hence putting the guys who can actually ride this wave in danger or in a position they need to risk their lives to save some idiot who should of never paddled out.
To the select few who were out riding.. and were dodging solid 10 foot clean ups closing out for 100 to 150 yards.. You guys are truly the Waterman of our San Diego surf break
John Cocozza Photography Inc. / Cocophotos.com
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Comments
Tue, Jul 28 | 12:01pm
You need some lame punk soundtrack to go along with that description.
Tue, Jul 28 | 03:04pm
are we talking about Green Day lame punk? lol. thanks vayder1 - being someone that has shortboarder, longboarded, bodysurfed, and bodyboarded through 25 years of being in the ocean... i believe everyone who charges surf like this should get showcased.
Tue, Jul 28 | 04:49pm
Awesome Sequence shots bro. Hands down the best local pics i've seen on the site. Keep postin bro.
Wed, Jul 29 | 08:36am
this was one of the best swells in awhile, but i dont see any surfers up there... ?
Wed, Jul 29 | 08:37am
oops i stand (no pun intended) corrected theres like two or three... sup wit dat.
Wed, Jul 29 | 09:30am
1) Spot should not be shot/filmed but ty for disclosing the location coczza that is respect. 2) Most average surfers and bodyboarders can't make the drop. It's shallow, dangerous, and most people have horrible etiquette. ie. come with/call all their friends, take photos and post them everywhere, and most of all don't show any respect for the locals. If you do know or find out where this is please keep it to yourself and come alone. 3) Hope everyone got some waves!! Cheers!!!!!
Wed, Jul 29 | 10:33am
To the comment about coming alone... I usually always surf with someone I know. Are you a total loner and you just can't stand other people or what? Yes, I know spots get crowded, but heh so if you were in Hawaii or Australia do you think you would want to paddle out to THEIR line up? There is no SECRET spot anywhere. I have lived in San Diego and I surf where and when I want. However, respect to the locals is needed and should just go without saying anyhow. So, chill and try to have a better attitude about life.
Wed, Jul 29 | 01:08pm
Well said MHandel... These guys live, breath, eat, sleep, and train for riding this spot. They deserve the anonymity...
Wed, Jul 29 | 05:20pm
who's the kook on the bodyboard at your "secret spot"? is that YOU john?
Thu, Jul 30 | 12:00am
Yes thats right Asaluk.. I am omni-present like a deity. I was able to take the pictures and ride the waves at the same time on a bodyboard..
Thu, Jul 30 | 12:17pm
It definitely isn't a secret spot so don't worry about the footage.
Thu, Jul 30 | 01:10pm
coma ce dica - Big Rock! Let all people try and attempt to surf out there and 1 out of 1000 will actually make the drop, the rest will paddle back in. Doesnt matter if everyone knows the spot, only a limited few can handle it.
Thu, Jul 30 | 01:34pm
Surfers who hate on bodyboarders for the sole reason that we don't surf are weak. Bodyboarding is epic. These guys aren't riding 6-inch mushburgers full-on bus driver status at mission beach. The blonde bodyboarder may be one of the most innovative in our sport and he is my friend. P.S. this isn't big rock and you can see this break from numerous places... you just have to be able to ride the break. It's heavy and scary.
Thu, Jul 30 | 03:26pm
This isn't bodyboardings vs surfing. Ignorant people will never change, leave them to their opinions. Those people are less skilled than most hence the reason for the attitude. Yes it is a secret and i'm assuming you think it's big rock. As for you Josh your opinion means little to most, accept maybe yourself. More than likely don't even know where this is. Just because you "lived" here doesn't make your argument any stronger. The locals don't want YOU or anyone else there regardless of what you ride. Especially with your friends and video cameras. Put in your time, meet the right people (for those loners right) and you might get a wave with out taking a bunch of shit. PEACE
Thu, Jul 30 | 11:50pm
You should never show you face in La Jolla John.
Fri, Jul 31 | 11:38am
photowhore - i actually have been showing my face in La Jolla for over 10 years, documenting the surf, surfers, bodyboarders, contests, memorials, and culture and i still plan to do so.. Also considering i consistently go down to Big Rock, which ISN'T the wave in the photos, for 10 years to do personal beach clean ups. I think i have earned the right to go wherever i want to go. thanks for the suggestion though.. also keep in mind that i work for Surfshot, which means i have access to who YOU are. So if you want to threaten me, I know who you are...
Fri, Jul 31 | 02:11pm
10 yrs? Where you from? Go Home! Not very prefessional from an employee of the magazine. your so-called 10 years you think you earned just went down the toilet. The surfshot staff must be very proud of your attitude and how well you represent them. Remeber, you are wanted! By the way Fuck your Access! Fo now I can get in as often as I want!
Fri, Jul 31 | 03:32pm
love the account name you created johncocozzasuxass... too scared to put your own name ? let everyone see who you are.. doesn't matter though.. if you don't have the cojones to put your real name its pretty much guaranteed that you don't have any clout to tell someone about Access to the city of La Jolla! And yes i am sure the Surfshot staff has no problem with me defending myself when people throw threats my way. Just as any common sense person would do to give someone a warning about their actions. Surfshot's website is about surf & community... and obviously you don't know about either.
Fri, Jul 31 | 05:40pm
I am 80 years old lived here for the last 20 years across the street, what is the secret about Casas? great waves ridden by those youngsters I love the view right near the childerens pool or the main lifeguard tower that wave is great to watch for an oldtimer like me living a few hundred yards south of La Jolla Cove
Fri, Jul 31 | 05:48pm
by the way I used to ride this wave when most if not all of you on this board were still junk in your pops ballsacks so enough with the secret or local tension
Fri, Jul 31 | 06:11pm
good one zippie. I too am an old timer (you know that, don't you) I am sitting on your lap right now. Gay and proud of it... here at 849 Coast Blvd. finally feeling free after all of these years having to keep this spot and our love a secret.
Fri, Jul 31 | 06:18pm
Silly peoples! This swell was nothing more than an average day 50% of the year in Nor Cal. (Nor Cal transplant) Just enjoy the fact there were waves to be ridden that were taller than your waist!
Fri, Jul 31 | 07:40pm
I hope you understand the message you are sending the locals John. You are telling everyone who has spent the past 30+ years defending this spot to "F-OFF". I am sorry to say that an east coast transplant who has been here for a short time needs to take a step back and understand what you did. There have been plenty of us who have gone to jail, broken bones, and surfed under terrible conditions to keep this spot under control. Many a photographer (Aaron Chang) included have been chased off and out of the spot. Aaron Chang will not shoot this spot out of respect and previous events. Please understand that you are not immune because of who you are or who you work for. After every photo post on the web we are bombarded by the average surfer or boggie boarder making things tough in the line up. It becomes dangerous out there for everyone. So I say thank you to you in advance because in the near future I will have some weekend warrior trying his hand out there drop in on me or even worse, get me hurt. Have a soul, show some respect, and take these photos off this site. It's easy to take these shots. It's harder not to post them.
Sat, Aug 01 | 02:07am
Hey LJ1210 - that was absolutely the most sensible and well thought out explanation of the other side of the debate. you explained your case with rational thought and consideration to the other riders of this wave. I know a lot of you guys and seen you around the reefs and i do believe that you know me as someone of a non-malicious nature. if you read my Photo Session Non-Location Descriptive Title, props to the locals in all my text and responses, and way i shot this wave (which i have not told anyone where it is and could be numerous breaks in San Diego) i think you realize my true intentions. <P>
I invite you to give me a call, because it already sounds like you and i know each other and i will be more than happy to talk with you... <p>
The bottom line and undeniable reality though is that as each year passes the Word will get out. Considering Surfline also ran photos of this spot, that means that millions of surfers saw it. So consequently the end is approaching concerning near of total secrecy. If Surfline ran the photos then chances are that Surfer, Surfing, TransWorld will possibly too. <p>
It is true that i am a transplant, like 90% of SD. It is a way of life though. Every place you go in the world it is made up of transplants. There is no doubt in my mind and history that i don't understand true localism.. yes i am from Jersey.. which means for years of my life i surfed in 38 to 55 degree water, snow, sleet, wind, and rain the majority of the year. then during the summer months have to PAY a BEACH BADGE FEE to step on sand when i lived their year round. Also being able to surf any where, any beach in the Fall, Winter, Spring. But then in summer when water is warm only legally allowed to surf 1, YES 1, break. you think average surfers or boogie boarders are bad. Try Guidos from NYC and people who have never set foot in the ocean paddling out into your break of 20 in the cold and 120 in the summer. <P>
I know i am not immune to the anger & wrath that will befall me because of posting these photos. But that is the burden i understand and have chosen to deal with. It was my choice and my choice alone. True that 10 years is a short time in the grand scheme of things, but the locals of this area who know me, also know my dedication to these beaches and i would gladly risk my life to help any of them in the water, or help clean up the beaches, support their events & businesses, and mourn along with them when they lose someone. I also know that my love for the waves in the area will surpass any hatred that is thrown at me. <P>
As many of the guys who ride this spot know i have had the utmost respect for all of you. But that changed when i heard what THE LOCALS did to a fellow photographer and American who served this country for 20 years. he was harassed, punked, and assaulted not by just ONE but 12 on 1. 12 on 1 ??? you think that is justified? you think any of you guys have any right to tell a guy who grew up in SD, served 20 years in the Marine Corps. protecting the people/land/and waves you ride. Served as honor guard to President Reagan. He also went to 2 wars. Saw friends get killed protecting YOUR LOCALS... Do you think some 20 & early 30 year old surfers or bodyboarders have the right to punk and assault someone that sacrificed 20 years of his life for us.. <P>
When i heard that story... that is when i decided ultimately to post these photos.. that is when i decided that the actions of YOUR LOCALS have gone far enough... That is when i decided to take a stand and let you know YOU HAVE GONE TO FAR.. Telling Aaron Chang to take a hike is one thing but not a single person out at this spot has any right to disrespect, assault, harass, punk at odds of 6 - 1 then 12 -1 a man who gave such much to protect you and your families... <p>
If my stand means i have to deal with harassment, cowardly vandalism, vulgarities & threats hurled at me.. Then so be it. I would rather stand side by side with a US Veteran than people who would attack them. Any day.
John Cocozza
Sat, Aug 01 | 02:25pm
You know what, screw your crew and your local spot. I will surf where ever the hell I want. Try and do something about it.
Sat, Aug 01 | 03:11pm
mark you can't surf! Way to kiss as John and then blow it at the end. Keep digging your grave. IDIOT. Oh and go back to Jersey kook!
Sat, Aug 01 | 05:27pm
I'm 102 years old and I have lived in LJ for over 76 years. I live in a house submerged below this top secret spot, so I consider myself to be a true local. In fact, you might have seen me do a totally kick ass "spinner" while bodyboarding here back in '64. It was way gnarlier that stand-up surfing, especially since I was using a paddle with my bodyboard. Hard core stuff youngsters. These days I'm too old to walk, but I'm still pissed when more than 4 people are out at this top secret location (unless they are brazilian girls in thongs). No one deserves to surf here but me, me, me!
Sat, Aug 01 | 06:21pm
Wow depe you are much older than me and my lover who live at the retirement home across the street. I am sure we have crossed paths many decades ago at Casas because I used to do crazy turns on my Koa board back in the day out there. I get an old man hard on watching all the little dick draggers catch waves out there these days
Sat, Aug 01 | 07:42pm
This has never been a Secret Spot, none of the La Jolla reefs are since the 1930's. So, here's my idea for these so-called Locals. Every SoCal Surf Photographer should show up at the next big swell, and shoot away, then publish the images to every website and magazine jsut to kill this whole thing, and then we would move off to the next "Big Secret" spot. "There ARE NO SECRET SPOTS left in California"
Sat, Aug 01 | 07:44pm
By DAVID SHARP, Associated Press Writer David Sharp, Associated Press Writer – 2 hrs 21 mins ago BATH, Maine – In a solemn ceremony punctuated by talk of courage, service and sacrifice, the mother of a Marine corporal on Saturday christened a warship honoring her son, who died after covering an exploding grenade to protect his comrades in Iraq. After composing herself and taking a deep breath, Deb Dunham smashed a bottle of champagne over the bow of the 510-foot warship Jason Dunham, then held the bottle aloft before a cheering crowd of more than 1,500 people. She was joined by the Marines who served with her son, by her husband, Dan Dunham, and their daughter Katelyn Dunham. Two other Dunham boys also were in the audience. Retired Gen. Michael Hagee, a former Marine commandant who was with the Dunhams when their son died at Bethesda Naval Hospital days after the explosion, said Jason gave the "gift of valor." Hagee said the warship will serve as a reminder that freedom "is paid for by the men and women who wear the cloth of this nation." "They are willing to give up everything that is important: love, marriage, children, family, friends," Hagee said of the 22-year-old Marine. "I can tell you I've always stood in awe of that."
Sat, Aug 01 | 07:44pm
By DAVID SHARP, Associated Press Writer David Sharp, Associated Press Writer – 2 hrs 21 mins ago BATH, Maine – In a solemn ceremony punctuated by talk of courage, service and sacrifice, the mother of a Marine corporal on Saturday christened a warship honoring her son, who died after covering an exploding grenade to protect his comrades in Iraq. After composing herself and taking a deep breath, Deb Dunham smashed a bottle of champagne over the bow of the 510-foot warship Jason Dunham, then held the bottle aloft before a cheering crowd of more than 1,500 people. She was joined by the Marines who served with her son, by her husband, Dan Dunham, and their daughter Katelyn Dunham. Two other Dunham boys also were in the audience. Retired Gen. Michael Hagee, a former Marine commandant who was with the Dunhams when their son died at Bethesda Naval Hospital days after the explosion, said Jason gave the "gift of valor." Hagee said the warship will serve as a reminder that freedom "is paid for by the men and women who wear the cloth of this nation." "They are willing to give up everything that is important: love, marriage, children, family, friends," Hagee said of the 22-year-old Marine. "I can tell you I've always stood in awe of that."
Sun, Aug 02 | 08:15am
DaM John, i just returned from a SECRET spot in MEXICO & did,nt think there was a secret spot left in LJ, KEEP SHOOT'n BRO....from your photo compadre....MD..I Guess old habits die hard
Sun, Aug 02 | 10:54am
the funny thing is, not a single person ever mentioned this was a secret spot except for the people who never surf here.
Sun, Aug 02 | 10:58am
The reall arguement is not whether it is a secret spot, it is whether or not these images should have been taken and whether or not they should have been posted on such a website. No one has told anyone directly that they can't surf here, no one has claimed it to be secret, we are just asking for some courtesy. But John Cocoazza had shown that he has none and now we are all more aware of people like him.
Sun, Aug 02 | 11:05am
i understand not naming it but just by looking at the pics i cant tell where its at. Ive been surfing this place for a while and really only locals surf it. This past year though and this big south i saw about 15 people in the water on that saturday. Fuckin rediculous!!!! I know a lot of the core locals would be upset about this cause weve worked hard not to expose it to much and let it get out of hand, and esspecially with the hobgoods showin up it blew it up.. stop postin this spot
Sun, Aug 02 | 06:17pm
So its not a secret spot, and anyone can surf there? I prefer to keep it as secret as possible, since Its hard for me to paddle against the youngsters since I'm over 102 years old. Then again, last time I was out I feel asleep on my board, and someone thought I was a bodyboarder (see picture #7 above). It was very embarrassing to say the least, so I prefer no pictures are taken of me at this spot in the future. Plus, we all know pictures can steal your soul, as long as you haven't lost it already. Has anyone seen my medication?
Sun, Aug 02 | 11:54pm
Ya'll need to take some Micheal Jackson medicine, and chill out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mon, Aug 03 | 03:01am
This is starting to look like a wannasurf thead.
Mon, Aug 03 | 11:59am
Mweber said it best:mweber said Last Tuesday | 12:01pm You need some lame punk soundtrack to go along with that description. John and Mike don't get it. But they will! KOOKS!
Tue, Aug 04 | 05:16pm
Yuall better reup on your DIpROVAN DRIP
Tue, Aug 04 | 05:17pm
USMC -SEMPER FIDELIS
Tue, Aug 04 | 05:18pm
mweber is a threadin a chicks g-string
Tue, Aug 04 | 08:35pm
Wow, I couldn't find a little point to the whole argument.
Wed, Aug 05 | 05:37pm
Can someone please add Casa to Wannasurf?
Wed, Aug 05 | 05:38pm
I need to get more info on it. Also, can some of the locals add more info on Little Point? I just can't seem to get it on the right tide.
Thu, Aug 06 | 12:06am
those are some lofty ideals outlined there, john. From the promo links to the swimwear modeling I would've thought this job was more about building a resume and cross promotion. Definitely a couple nice shots though...
Thu, Aug 06 | 12:43am
this is way too funny.... looks like a bloody decks thread to me... kill fish at la jolla!!!!!!!!
Sun, Aug 09 | 04:17am
Casas is not a secret spot. If you train your whole life to ride here the 4 times a year it's any good, you're a moron. It's a stepping stone...nothing more. BTW - the cove to the south breaks like thousand steps / 10th st. on the right swell. Add that to your list of violated so called "secret spots".
Mon, Aug 10 | 02:44am
SD_tampoon, and SD DRIFTER, you guys..... and most the rest of you except John, are METROS, CASAS............ a secret..YA RIGHT...Come to the rock to get yor as' beat
Mon, Aug 10 | 02:47am
12 on 1 20 year Marine Corps Vet, You ALL will pay the KARMIC price for that, I WISH I WAS THERE......C AMP HORNO OVER..CHARLIE COMPANY
Mon, Aug 10 | 02:51am
I stand with John, you all a BUNCH OF FOOLS, EVEN THE "lifegaurds"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mon, Aug 10 | 02:56am
I am one-hundred and NEVERNEVERLAND years old, I need a Diprovan Drip to SLEEP, ther's a horse in the Hospital-----KOOL KIETH
Wed, Aug 12 | 10:37am
If Cocozza had respect for the spot, these photos would not have been posted.
Thu, Aug 13 | 12:06pm
Go back to where the MC took you from.
Mon, Aug 24 | 11:16am
this is Swami's right?
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