The best of the west
Monday, June 29, 1998
The best of the west
PLACES: Whether you're looking to surf or play b-ball, there's plenty to do this summer on and around campus
By Evan Lovett
Daily Bruin Staff
Whether you're trying to escape the pressure of college life or just satisfying the testosterone need, the UCLA area provides students with a plethora of athletic activities to choose from.
Club sports, recreation classes and intramural sports are on-campus outlets for would-be athletes. The Wooden Center is the place to go if you need information or want to register for any of the various activities. Each year, more than 16,000 students participate in IM sports alone. Very popular and competitive, students form their own teams to take part in a variety of sports.
However, on-campus organized gaming is not the extent of the options for energetic Bruins.
From pickup basketball to picking up hot athletes, every recreational activity imaginable is available to those who are willing to explore the many exciting locales within the vicinity of UCLA.
Students know the best places to get your game on, sweat up a storm, or just watch, and there are many places on and off campus where one can expect to see Bruins spending their free time.
For instance, the hallowed courts at Venice Beach are laden with top notch competitors day in and day out. With the ocean breeze in the air, the four courts at Venice are constantly packed with fans. These courts are the ones featured in the film, "White Men Can't Jump," packed with basketball history. For the carless, the Santa Monica Big Blue Bus (Route 1) will drop you off in the heart of Venice Beach.
For the carless and the penniless - why go miles away when our campus plays host to some of the most competitive games - including the NBA - anywhere? Pauley Pavilion has often been cited by some of the biggest names in basketball as the place to see, be seen and get your butt kicked by famous basketball players. On a given day, one might see Magic Johnson practicing with his travelling team, Kobe Bryant fine-tuning his jump shot, Shaquille O'Neal practicing free throws, along with countless other NBA stars.
Contrary to popular belief, UCLA students don't just live and breathe basketball; there are a wide range of favorite activities on campus.
For all you water babies out there, Huntington Beach is Southern California's place to be to catch a wave. "Huntington has the girls, the waves and everything else you need to surf," raves third-year student Paul Saario, a Santa Monica native.
Huntington Beach is about 45 minutes away, but the UCLA Marina Aquatic Center is a great substitute for those who just need to be in the water. Lessons are available in kayaking and sailing; the center is also home to UCLA's formidable crew team. For more information, contact the Wooden Center.
Wishing roller disco was still in style? Venice Beach once again provides the best ambiance to have a relaxing rollerblade, as evidenced by the numbers of students seen there. Some just are content to skate down to the pier and back; others join in on the fierce games of roller hockey that are always taking place in the parking lots. With paths conveniently located right on the beach and frequent skate rental stands, Venice Beach is the spot to rollerblade, and also a great date.
Another romantic spot is beautiful Topanga State Park, the site of one of the most scenic hiking trails in the area. The park, located west of UCLA and off of Topanga Boulevard, overlooks the beach. "Topanga is beautiful. There is no other way to put it," claims fourth-year student Tamara Rudolph.
Non-athletes may just prefer to rub elbows with those who are. Maloney's on Gayley and Weyburn is the hot spot for all students, but Bruin athletes in particular. "Thursdays and Fridays are the nights to go," says fourth-year student Jared Klein.
"It seems that more athletes come each year."
DERRICK KUDO/Daily Bruin
Glenn Montez releases a shot during a pick-up game at the John Wooden Center.
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