The Chronicles receive email now and again (just click on the DogMan tag to send some of your own); the most common question asked is this:

"So where are all those surf breaks anyway?"

As described previously, surf breaks are referenced with pretend names in these columns. This is for several reasons:

1. First and foremost, out of respect to those that don't want any publicity for their favorite surf spots.

2. To personalize these accounts and stories.

3. To add a bit of mystery to the Chronicles.

Nonetheless, this week's feature column exposes a few of the spots typically mentioned:

) The Top Of The World

) Highlanders

) The Big D

Here are some pix and wordz for each of them:

The TOTW is an indicator, not a surf spot. It's a sweeping vista from which a huge expanse of the Pacific Ocean is visible. One can sample the overall weather, since it's exposed to all directions. From here the condition of the sea surface can be judged, whether bumpy, choppy, glassy, or anything in between. The presence, size, angle, and period of all NW, W, and S swells is apparent. I usually head here first on my quest for surf, as the TOTW indicates which spots are the best choices at the moment. The view of the recent Leonid meteor shower as seen from the TOTW was incredible, unbelievable.

When it's on, this surf spot is a place of high commitment. It's surfable up to triple O, maybe 4X O, but at those heights big brass cojones are required. Highlanders is characterized by steep hollow drops, sections that stay tall, critical and fast all the way down the line, and a really squirelly lineup. On the other hand, there's large chunks of the calendar during which Highlanders is totally flat.

Probably DogMan's single most favorite spot year in and year out. Lefts and rights, inside and outside, big and small, long and short, NW swell, W swell and S swell, Summer and Winter, fun waves and hero waves, all this and more can be found at the Big D. But wait, there's also a great white sharky reputation to add to the fun! Once or twice every year, you'll be driven deep into the Death Cove during a high tide, and have the paddle of your life trying to get back out again. Hope you make it! Cool eh?

CU Out There,

DogMan