The best of the west
By Daily Bruin Staff
June 28, 1998 9:00 p.m.
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.
