Words and Photos.Brice Lowe-White

DOB: 8-19-1991
Hometown: Palos Verdes, California
Local Spot: Burnout
Sponsors: Ferrara Surfboards, Hurley, Dragon, Globe, ET Surf shop

Growing up in the South of LA’s South Bay, we don’t have the same swell windows, beach breaks, or scenery that the other side of the South Bay has. Anthony Beukema grew up surfing our local beach break, Torrance Beach. Breaking close to shore, the sandbars don’t produce more than 1 hit waves very often. That’s why many times I wonder how Anthony got so much better than everyone else. I have known Anthony for years now and have seen him develop from little punk grom running around on the beach causing trouble and riding 4’ 8” boards; To now, a young polished surfer with a good attitude and equipped with turns that rarely stay below the lip. I don’t know if it’s the exclusive reef breaks Anthony charges in winter or the racy beach breaks that produced his talent, but he can shine in any condition thrown at him. Or maybe its because he has his dad as his own personal shaper who shapes him boards just for fun, but its definitely a mix of all that he has been given. Anytime Anthony gets in the water you know his surfing is right up there at the top with the best up and coming surfers in LA. With support from his sponsors Hurley, Dragon, Globe, and ET Surf shop, Anthony pushes his surfing everyday to a level above all the rest. After exploring the coast with him and dinner at my house, I sat him down for some questions about the past, present, and future.

BLW: So what the rest of your plans for 2007?

AB: Surf a lot, surf team (for Palos Verdes High), a few contests. Good waves in the winter here so I’m looking forward to that.

BLW: Where is your favorite place to travel on the West Coast? Away from home, but still here on the West Coast.

AB: Probably trips down to Trestles or up to Silver Strand.

What would you say has been your best West Coast surf session?

Probably Trestles, scoring it with nobody out and perfect waves. Perfect peaks, so rippable.

Who is your favorite surfer from the West Coast?

Hmm, favorite West Coast surfer…Rob Machado. He rips, he is super fluid, and he lays down good lines.

What was it like growing up as a grom in LA?

I like it; I like the waves in the winter. Summer is pretty slow, not a lot to do. We just have to travel down South to get some good waves.

What kind of boards do you ride here in LA? Do you ride different boards for winter and summer?

I ride the same boards all year long. I ride my dad’s boards, Ferrara Surfboards. He makes super sick boards for me all year.

Where do you get your favorite after surf grub in LA?

LBJ’s (El Burrito Junior)…so good. I didn’t even have to think about that one.